Disclaimer: Although they'll probably be tweaked and twiddled(perhaps badly), the characters of Inuyasha do not, in fact, belong to me(Oh, gaspshock! Surprise and consternation! And sarcasm, don't forget that...). Don't worry, I have more confidence in my work than I pretend. I suppose that's all, so on with the sh- ... fic... thing...
It was a dark, windy night. Kagome sighed and looked out through the window from the chair, where she was sitting while her maid fussed over her formal kimono and arranged her long black hair in "the latest style from the capital." Something in the back of her mind told her that the wind's moaning was for her, because tonight she was meeting her betrothed.
She sighed again. She knew that Baron Miroku had as good of a reputation as could be expected in this day and age, and that he was young and, many would say, handsome, as well. However, his excessive amount of concubines and his rumored lechery made the Kagome's skin crawl. Plus, there were other rumors circulating that he aspired to become a traveling monk, and this young girl did not want to be left on her own with his debts and his household to take care of. the idea made her fragile temper boil, and her fist clenched from even the thought of being abandoned.
"Now, now, Miss Kagome. You don't want your temper showing to the lovely young Baron. The marriage date has not been set formally, as of yet, and your dear grandfather desperately wants to close this deal. You know he only wants what's best for you, Mistress."
Kagome sighed, yet again. Although she felt that her maid was right, she couldn't help but feel like a fish being sold at the market.
Her grandfather had been so kind, up till now. He was the only family she had left, since the war took her parents and her brother was sent off to fight. They were a humble family, and it was her grandfather's dream to get her settled down in a nice household that could provide for her when he was gone. And if the husband was gone as well, she could run things her own way and not have to worry about impressing anyone at court, because if she was abandoned or a widow, no one could blame her for any outbursts or moodiness.
She still didn't like the idea, but there was no help for it. The maid placed a last golden pin in her hair and glowed with pride as Kagome stood in her splendid yellow, gold, and orange kimono. It was time, and Kagome could see no way around it. The maid opened the door and she stepped out into the hall. All she could do was make the best impression possible, for her grandfather's sake.
The Baron Miroku was sitting in a padded velvet chair , the only one this family owned, from the looks of the place. Shabby designs and color schemes that had been popular about five years ago littered the place, and the old man was prattling on about his war stories. Not that one shouldn't respect one's elders, but he was tired and he hadn't come to hear this man's tales of woe. It was hard to believe that a lady with as much rumored beauty as this Kagome had come from as humble a household as this. No doubt they had only a handful of servants and a paltry number of maids for the lady. He would fix that, of course, as soon as he made her his lady.
Finally, there was a scuffling of slippers on stone floors and the lady Kagome appeared in all her rumored magnificence. Miroku could find nothing wrong with her, at first glance. Her kimono matched her beautifully, her skin was suitably pale, her hair was done in the latest style with expensive accessories, and her mouth was in a girlish pout that fitted her face quite fetchingly. Slim form and round face blended to make quite an astonishing young lady. Miroku definitely wanted this one. And he smirked slightly, knowing that the old man would be only too willing to comply.
Even as she drifted towards him, the young Baron could find few flaws with her. She had suitable womanly grace, but her fists were clenched at her sides, probably in anticipation to meet her proposed husband. Miroku smiled a bit more at that thought. Yes, this one would be a fine catch.
These delightful thoughts were interrupted when Miroku caught one of his servants, Inuyasha was his name, gaping at his young beauty. He frowned, quietly ordering one of his guards to rouse him none too gently. He found no gratification at the servant's quiet apology and withdrawal from the room. This only meant that someone else had an eye on one of his women, and he did not like that thought.
Inuyasha sighed as he quietly eased the door shut. He had not expected his master to catch him, but he had not even been thinking of the consequences as he gaped openly at that... wonderful girl.
He sighed again, this time in bliss, and leaned back against the closed door as he remembered her appearance. She had been like an eagle, gliding gracefully towards him, or a firebird, lofting high in the heavens with its glorious plumage, or even the sun itself! Yes, she could definitely rival the sun.
About an hour later, the faint sound of footsteps approaching wasn't enough to shock him out of his daydreaming about this wondrous girl. The door opened, and Inuyasha went tumbling backwards, coming up in a fighting stance, then looked around and cringed at his master's stormy expression. There were definitely going to be consequences. The one who had opened the door to fetch their master's cloak snickered in passing, and continued on his errand. Inuyasha groaned inwardly. He was definitely not going to live this one down for a long time...
End Chapter 1.
I would absolutely love comments, praise, and suggestions on this bit, since it happens to be my first fanfiction on this oh-so-lovely website. Chapter 2 should be on its way at some point.
