From the diary of Princess Higurashi Kagome of Musashi
Date: eighth day of the first month of summer. Year XXXX. Before midnight

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I cannot stand this anymore. If the light comes back tonight, I will follow it. I have a dagger that I will stick in my sleeve and I will keep a good luck charm to my heart. I cannot stand the suspense anymore and I want to be able to relax.

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Addendum

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I did follow the blue light. It led me to the courtyard where the inhabitants of the castle were gathering to go to a festival. Lord Inuyasha was among them and I was found spying on the gathering. I was peering at the group from behind the corner of a stone wall, bewildered and speechless at their pecuuliar appearances and exotic shapes they had. So distracted I was that I didn't realize that the boy with orange hair and fox paws and tail was telling Lord Inuyasha about me following him when he went around the keep lighting lanterns and torches with the ball of blue fire he was tosssing between his hands like one would a ball.

I was scared at first, but Inuyasha was so honest and fierce in his assurances of my safety. I cannot deny him anything and when he asked me to go with them to the nearby village to enjoy the festivities, I trusted him and went with him and his merry parade of peculiar individuals, with little Shippou lighting the way before us.

The forest resounded with laughter and songs from the people gathering from every direction to go to the village that is hidden in the hills and trees quite near the keep. I walked with my hand in Inuyasha's grip and looked around with wide eyes, fear not stealing my heart even for a moment.

I had the most wonderful time in the village, enjoying the music and lights that adorned every tree and stall around the village square. Inuyasha laughed and I fell in love with the sound of his laughter. I do believe that he is as fond of me as I am of him. He acted way warmer than he had been acting towards me until now and was the most pleasant companion. He introduced me to some of his friends in the village and they were truly endearing. I was timid at first, hiding in the shadow of the young lord, but they were so kind, so welcoming, that I soon relaxed and laughed with them.

It is dawn now and I am very tired, but also very happy. I saw a different side of Inuyasha and I long to learn more. The world I glimpsed tonight is so vibrant and full of wonders. It may be dangerous, but not when one has a fierce protector at their side.

Letter from Lady Higurashi Aiko of Musashi to Princess Higurashi Kagome

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Dearest Kagome!

I was so worried when I got the letter from Lord Shiroinu and the one from you! I was so anxious to read them, but luckily I found courage to learn their contents.

And they soothed me greatly. I am so relieved that you and Rin are well and safe. I grieve for the poor men who died protecting you and I have already taken steps to ensure the well-being of their close ones.

Oh, it is such a relief that you are alive and unharmed. I wouldn't live another day knowing that I sent you to death, and thinking about sweet Rin suffering as well would surely chase away warmth from my body. I will forever be thankful to the two noble lords who took you in and avenged our faithful servants.

Two peculiar men brought the messages. One was Master Royakan, a burly man of middle age, brown of hair and eye, his broad frame muscular, but also somewhat fat under leather armor. He spoke in a booming, jovial voice. The other was Master Myouga, a man tiny in comparison to his companion, with gray whiskers and wrinkled face, most cordial in manner and well-spoken.

They retold to us the adventure that had befallen you. They spoke of your kindness and grace even in the situation you were in. They assured us that you are safe now and enjoy a welcoming stay at the castle of the Shiroinu lords. They told us about the honor and wisdom of the lords they serve, soothing our anxiety for you.

The letter from Lord Shiroinu Sesshomarumade it perfectly clear that we have no reason to fret. He wrote a most elegant and formal letter to me, assuring me that you are well and that once the weather permits it, you will either go on your journey or return back home.

I truly hope that you will come back and I know that part of my heart will worry until I see you both with my own eyes. I am sure Princess Tsuyu will understand and not hold offense at this old woman's fretting heart longing to embrace the two sweet girls I have raised with all my love.

Master Myouga also proposed an alliance between our families. He augmented it by the auspicious meeting between you and outlined how our families can benefit from the alliance. The Shiroinu clan is most noble and wealthy, having vast lands to the west of Musashi. It is not a very populated area, forested and with mountains rich with coal and precious gemstones. While, as you know, Musashi is mostly an agricultural land, with little natural wealth.

From what I gathered from Master Myouga's words, you and Rin are most delightful company and you brought light and laughter to the old keep of the Shiroinu. He spoke of the fondness that the lords exhibit for you and how well-respected they are.

And, darling Kagome, if it is all true, if you can find no fault in either of the lords, nor any flaw, know that I am not opposed to this merger of families. I know that you are a good judge of character and your heart is practical, even in your young age. I know that if you find love in yourself for one of the lords, you would accept no other as your husband. So, my daughter, if you wish to marry into the Shiroinu clan, know that I and your family will accept and rejoice in your choice. The same goes for Rin, if she finds love in the place where fate brought you.

Please, be safe, my beloved children. Be wise and daring, as you always were, my sweet girls. And, please, write to me as often as a messenger can bring a letter to me. I and the rest of our family love and wait for a word from you.