The Third
What brought young Sesshomaru to the mystical well in the clearing, he couldn't quite name.
Drawn toward it like a beacon, he'd simply allowed his senses to guide him. As he mourned the loss of his grandmother, he ran from his great and terrible father, his stoic mother.
They allowed him his space, and he wondered if they felt as he did.
"Why do you sit here alone?" He asked the dark-haired woman beside him. "It is dangerous for a human."
His spirit snorted within the confines of his mind, but he ignored it in favor of watching the woman.
Something strange overcame her features, just for a moment but he caught it. She sighed softly. Smiled wanly.
"I'll be okay, Sesshomaru-sama. Thanks for your concern, though. It's very sweet."
How quaint. You worry for the woman?
His beast laughed heartily, and alabaster cheeks colored softly as he turned away.
"I do not ask out of concern. Merely curiosity," he mumbled sourly to hide his embarrassment.
Her hand fell gently on his shoulder, and he allowed it if only to see what she meant to do.
"It's hard…losing someone you love. You're so strong, Sesshomaru-sama. I know you'll be okay."
The change of subject left him feeling slightly bereft, and he blinked at her. More than that, he could tell that she meant what she said.
Hn. Perhaps she is not so bad.
How did she know of his loss? How did she know of him?
A simple coincidence?
Ask her?
"Where did you come upon that information?"
She smiled again, her hand squeezing his shoulder before falling away.
"What games do you like to play?" She asked instead, and he frowned.
She evades.
I am aware.
"You did not answer my question."
She paused in thought before her lips parted to speak.
"I'll make you a deal." Rising to stand, she offered him her hand. "Play a game with me, and I'll answer your question."
He stared at her blankly, unable to comprehend this odd human. Drawing his lip into his mouth, dark brows pulled together in a slight frown before he allowed her to pull him up with her.
"I will allow it, then," he agreed, amber eyes straying to his hand still held securely within hers.
And the loss of his grandmother seemed slightly more manageable.