Chapter 11
During the past visits, Asa only made tea for her company, so obviously it was a surprise to Rin when she found a full course meal.
Rice, a creamy broth, along with carbs and fresh green vegetables (a rarity during the harsh winter they were in) were all set neatly on top of a golden table Asa made them kneel by. Asa, Rin learned as she ate, had access to such fine foods due to her happy customers.
"Lady Asa," Rin said placing her bowl down, "you'll have to get me the recipe for this broth. I'd love to make it one day for my friends."
The petite demon smiled, picking up her teacup. "I could always show you how to prepare it one day. It's quite simple."
"I could"? As in, Lady Asa cooked this meal herself?
Nevertheless, Rin glanced over to the head of the table where Sesshomaru sat. "Perhaps Lord Sesshomaru and I could plan a visit soon?" she asked aloud.
Sesshomaru only nodded, silently enjoying his tea while he crossed out notes on a map Asa had given him as soon as they had entered the hut.
"Looks like it's a yes," Asa crinkled her nose happily. "I'll have to obtain a scroll to write down a few recipes my dear husband gave me. That way you won't have to memorize everything, beautiful."
Rin knew she hadn't heard wrong.
She did cook all of this, cinnamon eyes scanned the empty plates of food. A demon cooking human food? I've never heard of such thing…
"Was this a recipe of your husband as well, Lady Asa?"
"Yes!" she beamed, "Hiro taught how to prepare his favorite dishes right after we got married. It came in handy when our Dan was born and later grew up."
The beauty giggled, feeling the joy radiating from Asa. "How wonderful! I hope you didn't have many cooking accidents!"
"Maybe a few vegetables felt my wrath," Asa crinkled her nose playfully again, "but I remember—vividly—when Hiro tried to impress me with his ultra fast cutting skills and ended up slicing his forearm."
"Good God!"
Asa laughed. "No, he was fine," she wiped a tear away, "but he felt quite foolish for a while. My husband looked hilarious wearing pink bandages for weeks."
"Ah! You added onto his shame!" Rin teased.
"Hehe, not intentionally! Which reminds me," she pulled out the gift box from her floor, taking out the pink cloth inside. "Thank you for the gift, Rin. It reminds me so much of my Hiro," Asa said, nuzzling the cloth.
Rin gave her soft smile, admiring how Asa's whole aura changed whenever she spoke of her family.
Such happiness, such love, such fulfillment. I hope to have the same as her one day, she glanced back at Sesshomaru lovingly. He met her eyes for a second and after clearing his throat, passed the map to Asa.
"It appears that the southern border is vacant now that no troublesome kinsmen abide there," he spoke as Asa looked over the notes. "There needs to be monitoring done in that region however, so Dan will be placed there until further notice."
"And what is the notice we'll be waiting for?" Asa knitted her brows in confusion.
"Kohaku suffered a few injuries up in the North," Rin traced the annoyance in his voice, causing her to flinch lightly. "Once he gathers his strength, he will be placed in the South."
Asa frowned, folding her black sleeves. "While I agree with you, I don't understand what Kohaku was doing up north. He told my Dan his beloved lives in the South, and both you and I know he's been living there for quite some time."
There was an awkward silence as Rin shakily drank her tea, fearing Sesshomaru's real wrath will sputter out.
While he was angry at home, my lord was also loving—
"Ask Rin," the annoyed demon said, "she knows."
Fuck.
Asa raised a curious brow, ready for a response.
"Kohaku and I traveled up there to find a friend we believed had perished, but on the way, a group of soldiers attacked us," she answered quickly.
"Oh," Asa wafted the air, "this explains the smell of medicine on you. You were hurt as well?"
"Not as much as Kohaku," Rin mumbled, looking away. She heard Sesshomaru scoff, feeling his glare on her.
"Do not lie, Rin. You were basically in the afterlife when I found you."
"Good God," Asa held her chest, all cheerfulness gone from her face.
"Well fine," she confessed uneasily, "I had a struggle with a soldier as I was trying to leave the base. He ended up," Rin looked over at Sesshomaru who nodded at her, wanting her to continue, "stabbing me."
"And yet you're alive."
"Lord Sesshomaru found a stone in the fire demon's lair that sealed the wound, my lady."
Asa looked impressed. "Perhaps that's why the fire demon's kin didn't want to leave the area. They knew they had such a valuable possession with them."
"That was my assumption as well. One had entered the lair to retrieve it, but he was stabbed with Bakusaiga. That pathetic scum died before reaching it, and I noticed the stone once entering the lair."
"A suitable trophy, Lord Sesshomaru," Asa acknowledged, returning back to her tea. Sesshomaru said nothing as he stood up.
"We shall be leaving now, Asa," he glanced at Rin, a sign she took to stand beside him. "Travel arrangements will be made for Rin to visit once I return from the Southern border."
The petite demon stood as well, her head barely reaching Rin's nose. "Say hello to Dan for me," she smiled at Sesshomaru, leading the couple to the bamboo mat entrance. "And once again, thank you for the cloth, beautiful. My heart is overwhelmed with happiness."
"It's the least I could do for you. Your hospitality is simply the best," Rin complimented, hugging her. She made her way towards Sesshomaru while Asa stayed back at the entrance of her hut, embracing her gift.
—- — —
She misses him.
It was an undeniable truth Rin confirmed while looking into Asa's longing eyes before leaving.
Perhaps Lord Sesshomaru knows as well, yet doesn't want to trigger Lady Asa any further…
Within the clouds, Rin's eyes searched for Asa. She could see the adamants sparkling against the moonlight, one hand still waving, the other still clutching onto the cloth.
— — —
"Lady Kaede seemed very pleased to share breakfast with us," Rin said as she balanced her basket on her hips. Morning had arrived, already proving to be a very busy one as more children became sick.
The basket tipped over after she misplaced it, this being the sixth time in a matter of ten minutes and four houses.
She could tell Sesshomaru wasn't too happy about it, so it didn't surprise her when he finally reached over and carried the basket himself as they walked to deliver herbs.
Once they finally made it to a hut, Rin handed a few herbs to the family there, and walked out to find Sesshomaru already heading toward another hut.
"I assume seeing you alive has relieved her," Sesshomaru finally responded, after Rin caught up.
"Well, you didn't let anyone see me for quite sometime my lord."
"It was unnecessary to have company when I was and am perfectly capable of looking after you."
Rin blushed, hiding her smile as a villager bowed in their presence.
He's so bold nowadays!
"You're quite right, my lord. After delivering this last set of herbs, would you like to take a stroll around the village?" she asked, beaming a smile.
"No," Sesshomaru shook his head, "there are duties I need to perform. Fret not, however. I shall be returning before you realize I am gone."
Rin raised her brow, stopping in front of a small hut that stood by the river. "Is everything alright my lord?"
"Duties, Rin," he sighed.
Right.
She gathered the last batch of herbs, quickly delivering them so she could be in Sesshomaru's presence once more.
This time, he waited outside for her, and they started walking back in direction of her home.
Not in the mood to talk?
She took a peek of him, noting the annoyed look plastered on his face.
Oh no, he's angry that I've been so clumsy today!
"Lord Sesshomaru," Rin spoke, causing him to stop suddenly, "please forgive me for being too much to handle lately. I know it hasn't been easy looking over me, but I appreciate your generosity greatly," she closed her eyes, bowing lowly before him.
"Rin," his voice was soft and she looked up to meet his golden gaze, "fret not. Everything is fine between us. Let's carry on," he turned towards her home again, leading the way while Rin trailed behind.
If he says nothing is wrong between us, then nothing is wrong. Who am I to worry?
Once they reached the home, Sesshomaru slid the doors, standing by them while Rin placed her basket on top of a mat in the main room.
"I will miss my lord dearly," Rin sighed, walking slowly to him, "I've been so accustomed to his presence that I fear this little break will pierce my heart."
Of course, she was only playing around with him, but when she stopped in front of him, Rin noticed how stiff he had become, almost paralyzed.
Concerned, she placed her hand on his cheek, trying to feel any temperature change, but instead it brought him back to his senses. Sesshomaru, trying to act like nothing happened, leaned against her palm.
"I'm fine, Rin," he assured her. He gathered her hand in his, placing a gentle kiss on it before walking outside to the steps.
"See you at sunset?" Rin asked, earning a nod from him.
In the blink of an eye, he was gone, leaving her to ponder what happened moments earlier.
What caused him to be like that?
Rin slid the main door and walked across the walkway to enter her dressing room, pulling out a purple kimono she wanted to wear for tea time with Sayo. She dressed swiftly, brushing her hair before reaching for a thick fur shawl she had laying about.
"Was it the cold?" she asked herself foolishly, knowing weather didn't bother Sesshomaru in the slightest. She pouted when she noticed the knots in the shawl, and kneeled to brushed them out before heading out.
It couldn't be what I said, Rin frowned. Haven't I said it a thousand times before?
She continued to brush the shawl in silence and after a while, heard the familiar "tap-tap" of Kaede's sandals that were making their way to her dressing room.
Kaede slid the door open, smiling brightly at the kneeling beauty. "Why hello, Rin. I'm surprised you're still here."
"Greetings my lady! I was actually about to leave, but I wanted to perfect this shawl before gifting it to Sayo."
"How generous of you," Kaede praised, coming to her and kneeling. She looked over the shawl, running her hands through it. "Is this a new one?"
"Yes, my lady. Milord had it delivered while I was in his care."
"Ah, explains why I didn't recognize it."
That's right. Lord Sesshomaru didn't even let Lady Kaede inside our home until this morning.
Rin lowered her gaze as she brushed. "I'm sorry you could not aide me, Lady Kaede."
"Do not be sorry, child. Lord Sesshomaru had much greater vision for caring for you than I could ever had. When he brought you here, you were covered in blood and scratches. But now," Kaede smiled softly, "you are healed. It is thanks to him you are here."
They shared a sweet hug before talking for a few moments about the shortage of herbs they would soon run into thanks to the sick kids, and decided one of them had to brace the cold and gather some herbs.
They carried that conversation as they walked into the main room, Rin ready to depart.
"Will Lord Sesshomaru be joining us for supper?" Kaede asked at the main door.
"We should be expecting him, but I'm sure if he changes his mind Master Jaken will be sent with a note," Rin replied.
Kaede nodded as Rin bowed, turning to leave in contentment.
— — —
Unlike Asa's hut, which was shabby due to age and not quality, Rin found herself sipping pretty (and way over dressed) in Sayo's much shabbier, poorer hut.
The tea was as delicious as the gossip they shared: stories about things that happened at the hot springs when no one was looking, an unwed village woman giving birth, and even how Rin was starting to become part of some gossip too.
Rin stopped herself from spitting, her eyes wide as the moon. "That's insane! I've never done anything to have my name in their mouths."
Sayo raised her brow and averted her gaze, causing Rin to shove her. "Come on, tell me!" she pleaded.
"Well," Sayo began, picking at her plain kimono, "you've been quite clumsy lately. First the fall in the forest and now your 'hiking trip' with Kohaku. While the villagers didn't care too much about your first misfortune, there was an outcry this time. According to the honorable monk, your injuries were very serious."
Rin let out a nervous laugh, opting to finish her tea before meeting Sayo's questioning eyes. "Well as you can see, the injuries weren't that serious."
"You've been locked inside your castle for days, Lady Rin."
"I wouldn't call it a castle, Sayo. It's more like a large hu— "
"Don't change the subject," Sayo interrupted fed up, folding her arms, "what happened during this hiking trip?"
Rin sighed. "I heard Taro was in an area where a huge landslide occurred, and I assumed he was caught in it. Kohaku and I went to search for him, only to be caught and beaten by soldiers."
"Holy shit."
"No, that's not even half of it," she sighed again, folding her arms as well. "Once the soldiers took us to their base, one recognized me as 'Princess Rin', meaning he was a fellow villager, meaning these were Taro's men. Frankly at that moment, I wasn't even thinking of Taro, but of Kohaku, who I found fucked up. But that's when Taro appeared. His hospitality was great, or at least," Rin rolled her eyes pissed, "until the next day came."
Sayo leaned forward. "Continue, please!"
Not wanting to tell her about waking up cuddled by Taro, Rin skipped over it, instead telling her about Taro's persistent attitude with getting married to her, their argument, and the finale when Taro stormed off pissed.
She also told her about the armored man incident, informing Sayo that was the reason why she was half-dead.
Sayo shifted awkwardly in her plain kimono, clearly disturbed with the new information. "So," she began, "that's what happened. Have you thought about how things will be once Taro retu—", she stopped herself, a panicked look spreading across her face.
"What is it!?" Concerned, Rin poured leftover tea onto a rag, patting her with it.
"I-I j-just," she stuttered for a bit before locking her stare with Rin's, "I was wondering: Did you ever get a good look at the warrior you killed?" she asked softly.
Rin frowned. "Of course not. I was fighting for my life."
"I ask because you said Taro left the tent before you did."
"Well, yes, he was angry at me after I rejected him."
"But you never found out where he left to, right?"
"No, I never returned to the base. Taro probably went to drink some more or find himself a woman for the night," Rin snorted, remembering his suggestiveness that evening.
"Or maybe he went into the forest to clear his mind."
Rin shrugged, unamused. "Maybe so."
"Maybe, in his drunken state, he ventured off too far, stopping to rest," Sayo ended, giving Rin a concerned look.
Rin continued to hold her gaze, only then realizing Sayo was connecting the dots.
That man resting at the river… that man could have been Taro—!
Rin shook her head furiously. "No, no," she gritted, "it just cannot—"
"My lady, please listen to me," she interrupted, placing her hand on Rin's purple kimono. "When you mentioned the warrior calling you 'princess', I just couldn't help to think of Taro. He's called you that since we both can remember. Plus, Taro left base wearing a full suit of armor—"
"But they all do," Rin interjected. "I don't recall seeing soldiers wander off without their uniform."
"Wearing their helmet too? So should we just believe that these similarities are coincidences?" Sayo questioned.
Ugh.
Initially, she thought the man was Taro too, but after having to struggle against him, she couldn't think of anything but defending herself.
"Damnit Sayo," she huffed, noticing the shakiness in her hands, "I hadn't thought about that."
And even worse, the fate of Taro directly affects our village men too…
Rin exchanged a worried look with Sayo, the latter shaking her head in response, as if reading her mind. "Should anything happen to our other men, it will be greeted with acceptance. The headmaster already warned us that some may not return."
Rin nodded sadly and they shared a quiet moment before Sayo pulled out the shawl she gifted earlier to her.
"Anyways, on a happier note, I want to thank you again for this. My husband has been complaining about the cold nights, and I know this will brighten his day."
The beauty giggled, relieved to change the subject.
"My lord had it delivered earlier in the week, but I already own one that's still in mint condition. Either way, can't imagine Nakamoro complaining about the cold, all snuggled up at night with you," Rin shot a teasing smile.
Sayo rolled her eyes, slapping her arm. "I'm certain he uses the cold as an excuse. Maybe this will stop him from squeezing the life out of me."
They laughed together, continuing to carry easy conversation, avoiding anymore dramatic events that would ruin their peace.
— — —
Once the evening arrived, the two women heard a few horses directly outside the poor hut, signaling a visitor.
Immediately, the two women stood, and Nakamoro, Sayo's husband, lifted the bamboo flap, greeting them with a warm smile.
"Wife, Lady Rin, glad to see you two enjoying yourselves" he said as he came to his wife's side.
Sayo happily took off his traveler's hat and snowy shawl, dusting him off quickly. "Dear husband, our generous friend has gifted us a brand new shawl!" she exclaimed, presenting it to him. Nakamoro looked as excited as she did, and he embraced her, placing a kiss on her forehead.
"Good. Now I won't have to show off my manly skills by killing a bear," he said, earning an roll eye from Sayo and hearty laugh from Rin.
"Did you have a good trip, sir?" Rin asked between giggles.
He nodded, face brightening up some more. "My sister sent a note saying she was sick, but when I finally had time to visit, we found out she was pregnant," he turned to face his wife who he was still squeezing, "and guess what? The herbs worked. She got pregnant right after taking them!"
That's right, she thought, watching the couple, they've been having trouble conceiving too.
Sayo blushed as she placed her hands on his face. "Well, good thing I've been taking them for a week straight," she laughed before being interrupted with a kiss.
"We need the honorable monk's blessing in the morning. But first," Nakamoro kissed her again, picking her up. "We'll have to ask you to leave, Lady Rin. We appreciate and respect you—"
"Sheesh," Rin laughed as she walked toward the bamboo flap, "I understand, lovebirds! May kami bless you both in abundance," she bowed, looking up to see Nakamoro's wide grin and Sayo's red face.
"Sorry, my lady. See you around," Sayo called out as Rin walked out the hut.
How wrong was I to question their marriage in the beginning. Their class difference meant nothing when they fell in love, she sighed, walking down a snowy path.
And how shallow was I to think a farmer couldn't make her happy. Sayo has so little in that hut, but so much with him.
Is that what marriage is?
Truly, sometimes, she pondered if agreeing to no marriage was the right decision.
— — —
After supper was finished, the dishes washed, and Kaede snoring aloud, Rin angrily pulled up her blanket, pissed Sesshomaru hadn't shown up.
"Why the fuck would you agree to sunset and never come back?" she bitched quietly, only then to feel a malevolent aura in the room.
Great, now he shows up.
"Loose the attitude," he barked, and she turned to find him sitting against a box in the room.
"My lord never used to be a tardy man," Rin responded annoyed, noticing his golden stare narrowing.
"As expected, a human doesn't understand the duties demons face."
Neither of them said anything more, opting to stare at each other, Rin knowing eventually Sesshomaru would break and speak.
Instead, he remained quiet, and when she noticed she couldn't see the reflection of his golden eyes anymore, Rin got out of her futon, walking to the spot where he sat.
An arm grasped her leg, and she let out a startled cry.
"Sleep, Rin." Ah! Still here!
"No," Rin pouted, shaking her head, "let me apologize for my words from earlier."
She kneeled where she assumed was in front of him and bowed. A clawed hand ran through her raven locks, causing her tremble.
"Forgiven," Sesshomaru replied. Rin looked up to search for his eyes.
"Why aren't you looking at me, my lord?"
"It's been a troublesome day. Sleep," he said again.
Feeling like she could get him to open up to her, Rin took advantage of the hand he hadn't removed from her hand and held it to her face.
"Speak to me, my lord," she whispered. A pair of golden eyes opened up, locking with hers.
"There are things humans should not concern themselves with," he answered.
Rin sulked, returning to her futon and gathering the blanket to face the opposite side.
Fine, don't talk to me then.
She remained quiet, determined not to say anything to him until she felt his warmth on the other side of her, turning to see him sitting next to her.
"Before the day ends," Sesshomaru said, caressing her face, "tell me about it."
He'd been doing this while Rin recovered, always wanting to hear how her day was through her eyes.
Rin relaxed against him, realizing his mood wasn't completely sour and directed towards her.
"After you left, I decided to head to Sayo's early. We spent the entire afternoon together, but once her husband arrived, I left."
"Hmm."
"Also, I gave them the shawl you had delivered earlier, milord. Hope that's okay," she chirped.
"Generosity is good, Rin."
A praise! She smiled at him, sitting up. "Apparently it was much needed since Sayo lives off very little nowadays."
"Because she married that poor farmer," Sesshomaru inferred.
"Yes. But even so, she loves him more than any treasure on this earth."
"They're wealthy then," Rin looked at him in confusion, "because their love is more than enough," he continued.
"Ah," she nodded, "guess I haven't thought about it like that."
"Now," Sesshomaru pushed her softly onto her back, "rest. I'll be here in the morning."
"But before I do, tell me about earl—"
"No," he responded blankly.
"At least let me finish," Rin huffed. The night wasn't very visible, but she caught a quick smirk on his face. "Were you upset earlier with me? You know, before you left?"
"No, I was not."
"So…"
"It was," he hesitated, and Rin could almost hear him argue with himself. The demon lord coughed, mumbling something, and Rin sat back up, leaning closer.
"Uh? Didn't catch that."
He said something under his breath again, and she nudged him playful, trying to get it out of him. "Lord Sesshomaru," she sighed, grabbing his arm, "come on."
"That," he groaned, "that tone exactly."
Rin gave him a curious look. "But my tone isn't angry, my lord."
"Not angry, no, Rin. But quite," he stopped himself again, and she squeezed his striped arm. "Suggestive," he finally answered annoyed.
Between the sighs and longing her voice held, she could see how that would make him think that.
Rin blushed from embarrassment, laughing nervously.
After all, she, an unwed woman, didn't want to be 'suggestive' to demon late at night while she laid in her futon.
"Forg—"
"Forgiven," Sesshomaru said, pushing her back to the futon. "If you continue to talk, morning will arrive before you know it."
Laying back down, she held his gaze for a bit, silently asking for a kiss.
Probably didn't feel comfortable kissing me earlier, but how about now?
She blinked prettily, knowing his demonic eyes could see better in the low visibility.
Responding, Sesshomaru placed a claw on her lips, parting them slightly.
"Just one," he whispered, leaning in to give her a chaste kiss. Rin pushed back, opening her mouth to draw him in for another.
And another.
But as much as he was an eager participant, Sesshomaru pulled back far too soon for her liking.
"My lord doesn't know it, but he's quite 'suggestive' as well," Rin teased as she squeezed his arm again.
Sesshomaru chuckled lightly, and even after she fallen asleep, she could feel the touch of his lips on hers.
.oOo.
A/N: Life is sometimes too hectic to update, but alas!
In case you've been reading older chapters, I've poofreaded and edited 1-8 during my free time.
Thank you all for commenting and reading this love story. You guys are amazing.
Next update will be soon, but first..why was Lord Sesshomaru angry when he returned? Hmm.
Topic to be explored in chapter 12.
