THE BODY OF ONE
It's been a few year's…. Since the last time that I walked these woods with my bare feet, the cold summer morning and the feeling of the morning crisp air signaling that winter would soon be upon us.. The morning moist soft yet squishy dirt felt amazing as I soon would see a small imp like creature named master jacken squalling and yelling my name if I had not known any better it seemed like he was more then yelling, it seemed like he was saying something along the the lines of a sentence but I could not understand nor make out what he was saying, but that's when I saw it… I noticed a banner of embedded and elaborate beautiful gold trimming as the white banner flowed through the wind as if it had a mind of its own, I saw the insignia of what I feared the most for the last four seasons, it was the insignia of the Dog Demon Clan, or as others would call it, Lycanthropy Clan. It wasn't as usual per say that the Lord of the Dog Demon Clan, Lord Inu-taisho of the Western Lands would visit my fathers kingdom of the Southern, would visit our home, but I feared this visit would not be as others, it would more of a very unusual visit that I myself was not ready for and I could not understand why my father would agree to this agreement without hearing what I had to say about this.
I soon came back to my senses when I felt a small hand grabbing upon my dress and jumped slight as I kicked whatever had a hold of me, but the moment I realized who it was I felt slightly embarrassed and began to giggle as I noticed master jacken laid out on the ground unconscious, I soon realized the little imp looked to be more asleep and unconscious and that's when I felt it.. I could feel eyes staring at me but I could not tell from where. It felt cold and unwelcoming, I shivered slightly and placed my arms around me as I began to walk towards the castle as I noticed my maids come my way with hast and what looked to be worry in there eyes. I walked towards them, as if I was surrendering my will to live and made my way within the walls of the castle as they followed quickly behind me preparing me for morning bath routine as I did everyday since I was born, being born into Royalty isn't as many would seem to think, but who was I to say such things let alone think such things as well. If master jacken would as so much hear me say such unethical and unladylike rude words, why, it would be the end of his life as my father would no doubt kick him from the castle for such upbringing to the kings only daughter and heiress of his kingdom, but I could not help the small smile that appeared upon my face at the thought of master jackens reaction if he did hear me, he would most likely faint and fall the ground wishing to die fearing the worst, but I could not do such a thing as that, to hurt him in anyway. Master jacken was more then a servant to my Lord and to me, I saw him as family like the annoying big brother I never had or the annoying sister I never had but in the end he was family to me either way since he and my servant akira were the ones to raise me since I was but a infant at birth. Not much is known to me of my mother Queen Aleyah and of her reign with my father but from what the servants tell me, she was of the purest hearts and souls, she held the highest of purity that any kingdom has ever seen, as I was told my mother was sought by many men, kingdom's and Aristocrat's of higher ranks alike, she was kind and sweet more importantly she was beautiful as many would say, her beauty was unmatched as her wisdom and intelligence were the same, many believed that my mother had fallen from the heavens as an angel or nymph of ethereal features but none could not forget the raw power she possessed and many feared her for it but she chose not to lead our people with savagery nor brutality, she chose peace and harmony to which, why I had previously thought that was the main reason why she chose my father as her life mate. But in the end she chose my father for love and I could also agree to that as well if given the opportunity to do so, if I had been in my mothers position, but as it would seem now, I am not and for that it's why I am here now in my private bathing chambers being bathe as to prepare for the welcoming of the Western Lord and his eldest son.
Many say that I am the exact image of my late mother, as if she had been reborn in me, but I never would never compare myself to such a beauty like my mother. My mother held the most whiteish skin color that held no mark, her skin was fare soft to the touch that held a faint glow, her hair was black as midnight that held a shine of blue and purple that trailed behind her flowing like a waterfall as she would walk the floors our castle with elegance and poise, but what many if not all would say the most striking feature of my mother were her eyes, many say they glowed with a slight mist of many colors but mainly gray above all and many would say her eyes were the windows of the earth we live on today, my mother had pointed ears like elf or a nymph like features, my mothers height also played a part to her ethereal features because she was not near the same height as many nobility woman of her ranks, my mother was slightly smaller then most woman with curved and full length legs and a flat and smooth waist, my mothers body as many would say was carved by the gods of our world to put it in short terms. Beauty that was unmatched and power that was beyond reasoning, and now, here I stand as the exact image or replica as my mother as many would say, which is why my father never wanted me to marry or leave our kingdom to which I was perfectly fine with, I could agree with such an agreement, but when knowledge of my ethereal beauty that seemingly matched my mothers if not rivaled my mothers leaked out into the many surrounding kingdoms and further, heard of it, many began to flock to witness such beauty, soon my father was receiving many invitations that Lords all over would be seeking a hand in marriage or would be seeking an alliance with us but with terms of agreements of course, many no doubt would think or had thought as well that I myself possessed the raw power that my mother had inherited from her lineage and they were right, I had, but my father had noted that I was stronger then mother and others before her, so my father had thought with every new lineage that was born, was stronger then there predecessor and he may have been correct with this knowledge, I was aware of my lineage and what my mother and father were. I knew they were not human but my mother and father ruled over human and demons alike among other creatures and species that roamed our world.
As I soon finished my bathing, the servants came around to help me out of the water, my servant akira who I trusted with my life and more then anyone brought a towel around my the top of my head as three other servants came around her with towels to follow her exact movements in drying the rest of my hair that flowed and glowed behind me, I could feel akira patting the top of my head in a means to dry my hair, her touch was more like a motherly touch then a servant, I closed my eyes reminiscing the times that I was a child and akira would always scold me for moving away as she tried to dry my hair as I would try and wiggle away from her, many times I did manage to escape from her hold and I would run around my private chambers in the nude giggling and laughing as akira would chase me scolding me as a mother would do to her child. Akira was the closet thing I had to a mother figure and I loved her and I appreciated her for it so much that at night I would always thank her for it and she would just sway her hand as if it were nothing and smile at me waving off the silent words spoken between us before she would lay me down to sleep, but today was different and I knew it and akira knew it as well and she worried for me in her own way as mother would do for there child. Today I was to wear the best royal attire that our seamstress could provide with the most beautiful and elaborate silk, the silkiest silk only royalty can provide. These types of silk came from all over the world and are of the best quality for royalties therefore my father paid no mind to having such fine silk made for his heiress his only daughter that was born from the only woman he ever loved, kimono's and gowns of the highest caliber had been sent to my father for days since the knowledge of my beauty was known for me as gifts from other Lord's in hopefulness that my father would choose one of them in having my hand in marriage for an alliance but my father seemingly had one in mind already, even when I was just an infant still in my mothers womb, it would have been talked about with my mother and father and with the Lord of the west, although it seemed that they had spoken amongst themselves that it would be best if or when the Lord and Lady of the Western lands would produce en heir or pup as they call it, if it were male he would be the chosen one that I would be married to or mated to for life and if that were the case as it is now, the courting process would begin shortly as my father would have approve for the young Lord to court me through out the winter festival leading into the summer festival of the lunar mating ceremonies, meaning if I accepted such courting from the young Lord himself I would be taken to his lands, the Western lands to finalize the courting ceremony and begin the mating ceremony as well as other ceremonies for those of his kind that would also be participating in finding their true mate's to be bonded together for life, the thought of two body's combining into one in a dance of for dominance and loyalty, and love… Seemed fitting at the thought but I doubt some mated for love but yet again here I am judging his kind without even knowing there true nature.
It was then that I noticed all previous preparations were finalized and I was ready to be seated next to my father for the arrival of the Lord of the Western lands and his eldest son, who was to be my future mate for life. Yet my stomach opposed to such a thought for I had not had anything to eat yet since I had decided to make my early morning adventure through the forest behind the castle grounds into the forest for some fun and to see the early morning arisen of the sun as it appeared and the moon disappear behind the beautiful rays of the sun, I felt blessed I was given the chance to witness such a site and I would never forget it, it was in that moment I heard my servant akira speak behind me as to let me know my Lord and father was seated and awaiting my arrival before the guest would make it to the entrance gates of our kingdom, I raised my head to look at myself in the mirror the makeup applied was soft yet elegant, my lips were painted a soft gloss as they were naturally pink hunted with a stain of red and my eyes as always looked to be described as my mothers as such only liner was applied to add more depth which I feel like I didn't need such but as far as my thoughts for now it didn't count at the moment. My father wanted the best and here I was, the best given but I would have preferred to be all natural and free as I longed to be for some time now, my thoughts were once again were interrupted as I heard a a soft knock at the door and my servant akira allowed them to come in as I waved my hand to allow her such intrusion, it was none other then one of my Lord fathers leading guards Akito that had come to retrieve me to take me to my father, I could see the slight blush that adorned akiras face as she watched him speak to me and if I hadn't known any better I would say something was amiss between these two and in that moment I wished nothing of the best for them, akira had always been like a mother to me but I had forgotten our kind stop aging when we reach our sixteen summer so she was more then a few thousands years old as I was nearly half that age, akira was one of my mothers main servants as her mother was my mothers head servant and trusted friend as well, so it truly worked out that when I was born, akira became my head servant and best friend as well as motherly figure to me. I momentarily stood up not realizing that would I was wearing were the clan colors of the Lord of the West, my kimono was a blood red with gold and white embroidery, the sash alone held white and purple embroidery, it was simple yet elegant but mostly importantly it was a sign that I had accepted the courting of the young Heir of the Western land and that would appease him as well as his Lord and father of the the western lands. I walked past the blushing akira and the bashful akito as the two conversed amongst themselves, I cleared my throat as to let akito know I was ready to be taken to my Lord and father and I could tell the conversation must have been heated between the two since I had never seen akira blush as deeply as she was now, akito had bowed to akira and placed a kiss on the back of her hand upon her knuckles and spoke softly to her bidding her a farewell. As began to walk away looked towards akito and spoke.
" I see you've taken a liking to my servant akira, but let it be known. She is more then a servant to me. She is like the mother I never had and therefore I will protect her as such akito. You hurt her in anyway, I will see to it you're life is forfeit. "
I could see from the parallel of my vision that akito was visibly frightened at my statement and I couldn't help but smirk knowing that after all this time akito would actually think I would hurt him knowing that would visibly hurt akira and that is something I would never do, it's been some time that I've known about the feeling akira held for akito and that was something that I couldn't wait for the day akito would announce his intentions for akira and mate with her for life.
" My lady, if I may speak without transgressions, I would never dream of hurting akira. My only intentions is to be mated with her for life on the day of the lunar ceremony, I have loved her since I met her the first day she started as a servant working for our Lady, Queen Aleyah. I have plans of announcing my intentions with akira, if she would have me as her future mate. "
" Akito, you're intentions for akira from what I have seen are pure and her happiness is because of you, I am great full for that, just be sure it stays that way. "
I walked with poise and elegance down the halls of the castle as I made my way towards the grand hall, my hair swayed behind me with every turn as it flowed like a river, with every turn I made I could feel eyes upon me as I heard whispering from the servants, they bowed and smiled at the sight of me as I smiled back. Everyone knew of my features and how I mirrored my mothers looks as if I were her copy, so them it was as if they were once again seeing my mother, the Lady Of our home and lands Queen Aleyah, I was proud of what my mother and father had built, but now, I felt as though I had no words or say so about what was to become of my life, akito walked behind me with no emotion shown. Akito was known for his duty and service to my father and late mother, therefore I knew he would never bring harm to my family or anyone treated as such. In honesty akito was more like the brother I never had, always watching my surroundings and giving akira updates when I was out of the kingdom and akito had accompanied me as my personal guard. There was yet one turn I had to do to finally reach the grand hall as the guards by the door were given the signal by akito to open upon arrival, but in that moment I could feel my heart begin to race, I had placed both my hands in front of me to calm myself yet I dreaded every moment every footstep I had taken and that's when I had seen the doors opening at the sight of me. I noticed as I made my way past the doors everyone held there breath at the sight of me, my Lord and father stood up from where he was seated at the crown thrown room upon his chair, he was slightly smiling but his features did not show it he held out his hand to help guide upon the stairs to reach my seat as he whispered lowly so as no could hear.
" Rin, cutting it close are we now. "
I bowed slightly as I held my fathers hand and smiled to myself as I made my way to sit next to him by his side, yet I failed to notice the two figures that also stood there watching the scene unfold between me and my Lord father, it was only then that when I turned fully towards them that I noticed the two figures that held such regale and stiff oppositions, they both could have been passed as twins but I knew the one who faced my father was none other then the Lord of the Western lands, his Lord Inu-taisho himself, many had spoken about the Lord of the western lands, that held power and a strong demeanor that demanded anyones full attention, he was well built and head strong but I could see he was also beyond comparing to any other, he was also one of the many suitors that sought for my mothers hand but soon realized it was to no avail against the affections that my father held for my mother, their was no competition nor competitor against my fathers love for my mother. I had noticed he features had softened the moment he laid his eyes upon me, they were bright as the sun but held back the warmth that he would only show his life mate, he was slightly tanned that would look to be due to the centuries of ruling and battling for his kingdom I had noticed he held such wisdom and I felt greatly honored to be in his presence, I noticed he slightly nodded his head as in a way of greeting, I smiled and did the same as well, it was then that I noticed the second figure that stood right next to Lord Inu-taisho, he could definitely pass as his twin but I soon realized that he was the young heir to Lord Inu-taishos kingdom the western kingdom, Lord Sesshomaru, the killing perfection as many called him, he was lethal, groomed to be the very image of the meaning of his name and that he was. We both made contact as our eyes what seem to do was a dance for dominance but neither of us gave in, for the moment my breath hitched as I noticed his beauty, his pale skin that held no markings of battle yet held marking of his lineage, his eyes were pool of molten gold that drew me in the more as I looked into them, his build was lean and cut and tall, his hair was the total complete opposite of my own, white as snow but held a sliver glow to it and long, but what mostly caught my attention was the markings upon his face, he had two magenta stripes on both cheeks and a purple crescent moon that adorned the middle of his forehead, I had noticed Lord Inu-taisho held no crescent moon, so I assumed it was from his mother's lineage Lady Inu-Kimi, Lady Inu-Kimis beauty was well known around the kingdoms and clans, she as my late my mother was forced to be reckoned with, all that opposed her heir opposed her, therefore there were very few that would ever go against Lord Sesshomaru.
My father had cleared his throat in that moment and let go of my hand as we stood there, I turned my gaze towards my father as he spoke, I soon felt the same feeling as before, I felt as though someone was watching me so I glanced toward the person and I noticed it was no other then the western heir himself, Lord Sesshomaru with a smirk.
" Lord Inu-taisho, it is an honor to have you and you're heir, the young Lord Sesshomaru, here in the southern kingdom, I hope you're travels were safe, you all must be hungry and tired, I shall have the servants guide yous to you're quarters in the northern part of the castle to settle in and freshen up as the chefs prepare dinner, we will begin all other pleasantries tomorrow morning in my office. Please, make yourself at home. We shall all see each other at dinner in the western hall. "
At this point everyone was dismissed as it was late in the evening and the servants were preparing the western hall for dinner, I watched as my father and Lord Inu-taisho spoke a few more words amongst themselves and I could see Lord Inu-taisho laughing as what seemed as a joke my father had told him, he genuinely seemed like someone my father trusted and therefore I had decided I would place my trust in him as well, I sighed softly as I felt something soft light touch my hand but when I went to look to see what is was, nothing was there… and that's when I noticed the young heir's mokemoke, it was rather long and fully, it looked like a pelt of sorts to keep him warm through the cold, I looked longingly at it as if I wanted to touch it, pet it. But I dared not to, I was familiar with the knowledge and body parts of the Inu clan and I knew that it's was something you should never touch, unless given permission but that was unless you were mated to said person, then again I felt it once again and I saw it move away from me slightly and I watched once again as it grazed my hand softly one more time, I flexed my hand slowly in hopes to get a feel of it underneath my hand and it was amazingly soft, softer then silk and warm, I looked up daring a glance at the young Lord, but I was shocked to see that his eyes were momentarily closed, once again I heard someone clear there throat, I blushed at that moment as I had been caught by both Lords, my father and Lord Inu-taisho himself, I quickly removed my hand and stepped back and bowed slightly as spoke softly.
" Father, Lord Inu-taisho, Lord Sesshomaru, I will see you all at dinner. "
Without thinking I quickly rushed out of the throne room blushing and thinking to myself how much of an idiot I was to do that, walking through the halls with haste I had hoped to find akira, I could not believe I had dared to touch him, the Lord of the west the soon to be king, heir to the throne of the western lord. What was I thinking, I had my way back to my chambers that above the guest quarters, I slipped into my chambers and sat at my desk and placed my hands onto my desk grabbing a piece of parchment paper and feather, I dipped the feather into the black ink and began writing my thoughts of today and what was expected of me. I was so in thought I failed to realize the figure that stood outside on the balcony of my chambers, his golden molten eyes watched intently as his white silver hair swayed with the breeze. I looked toward the door of my chambers as I heard a soft knock as a servant spoke.
" My Lady, Lady Rin, dinner is being served and our Lord request that you arrive before the guest do, my Lady. "
I looked towards the balcony as I thought I had seen a silhouette and raised from my desk as I placed the feather down… I walked towards the balcony and looked out noting no one was there, the wind was slightly harsh as the first days of winter were soon to be upon us, I closed the doors to the balcony and sighed as I walked to my chambers doors and opened them, seeing nanami standing there with a look of awe upon her features she smiled and spoke.
" My Lady, are you ready to be taken down to dinner. "
I couldn't help in that moment to drag nanami into my chambers and hug her so tightly, what seemed like en eternity I thought I would never see another friendly face that helped raise me from infant to now, I closed my eyes and sighed happily as I held her in my embrace for a moment, nanami had been sent to the western lands in preparations for the lunar ceremonies, she was in charge to ready my chambers for my arrival if I was to accept the young lords courting, what felt like years had only been a few months since the knowledge of the young western lords courting of the southern heiress, nanami had been short in height but as it may seem now, she grow and Rin could not believe it, I was happy beyond compare and felt relieved that nanami was alright and doing well. There was so much I wanted to tell her but right now I was need for dinner.
" Nanami,you've grown so much! It's been forever since I last saw you! We need to catch up and talk about how it's like over in the western kingdom. "
" Of course my Lady, but right now you are needed for dinner, I shall accompany you there and then I will come up after dinner to tell you everything about the western kingdom my Lady. "
Authors note, Thanks everyone for taking the to read this. reviews are welcomed so let me know what yous think! ciao