He watched her walk, or rather, being pushed inside the barricaded walls. She didn't like and when she tried to fight off the guards escorting her, the man shoved her roughly and she glared daggers at him. He swiftly grabbed the back of her head and drew her head close. Soon her eyes widened and he let her go, a smile was twisted on his face. He pulled her closer to him by her kimono front and roughly kissed her. He smirked and turned around. Something was obviously not right about those two. Yet he found her to be an interesting mortal woman. He liked her, her fiery personality, and the way she spoke to men. Even demon females honored their male counterparts. They were quiet, much like mortal women and did what needed to be done in silence. Unless spoken to, they didn't inquire much about a man's life; they were smart to stay out of affairs that didn't concern them in anyways. Strange as those women led so different lives, but their morals were the same. But her eyes were truly stunning. He'd never seen eyes like that before, and still the ones he had seen, looked muddy and unclean compared to hers. Still his mate's eyes had been truly beautiful as well. He bowed his head at the thought of her. But there no time to morn, it was over and done with, and so many years had passed since then. Maybe it was time to move on. Yet some how he couldn't. He loved her like no other. He stopped and looked behind him, and smirked. After so many years, he was still loud when he wasn't trying.

"There you are, couldn't find you after the battle. How'd you fair?" he asked and leaned against a near by tree. He felt the blood work it's way up into his throat again and he fought the urge to cough it out. Now was not the time to show weakness like this. The stranger stood, unflinching and closed his eyes, which he reopened when he began to speak.

"Those demons were weak. The only pleasure I took was battling his son."

"Ya? Bloody family. Well hopefully that seal will hold them off, at least for a while yet." He answered and looked at the stranger who remained unemotional. It was strange; how one can remain so calm, so unemotional…he certainly didn't get that from him. He tried to remember if Madoko was like that. Only when she was beyond anger. But that was rare occasions…

"A mortal woman? What are you thinking?" he asked with out concern, yet his golden eyes revealed a small hint of annoyance.

He shrugged. "I don't know. She was in trouble and she was near me so… I dunno I helped." And shrugged again. "Why? What is wrong with mortals?" He got the feeling that he was the child, and not the one in charge.

"They are filth. Petty creatures, and as demons, we have every right to kill them off. We are higher then they are. Why else would they be so terrified of us?" Said the stranger answered and walked past him.

"Sesshoumaru, you know that's not true." He answered and looked at him. He merely gave a small half smile and shook his head.

"No father, it is true." And with that said he disappeared. He shook his head. That wasn't the answer he had been hoping for. Sure humans were weaker, but there were some with a generous nature…they didn't deserve death…He looked up at the sky and sighed. The moon's half smile was the brightest thing in the sky.

"Ah Milord, I see you fancy the young ebony haired maiden?" an old voice on his shoulder made him look down. A small flea was there grinning, what did he mean fancy? He pondered what the flea had said then felt his cheeks flare red.

"No, no." he shook his head all while being defensive. He wouldn't betray Madoko…

"Right Milord, what ever you say." The flea smirked evilly and then sighed.

"No way Myoga, she's a mortal girl, she's, she's…" he tried to find the right words to describe her. But none came to mind.

"Quite beautiful, her eyes are utterly startling." Myoga answered hoping for a reaction form him.

"Yes, I mean no, I, we'd better go." He mumbled and walked back into the forest. Myoga had that affect to make him stumble like he was still young. He could still feel the flea on his shoulder, and then it struck him.

"Hey Myoga…" he started and looked at him.

"Yes Milord?"

"Where'd you get to anyway?" he asked and referred the battle scene in his head. Myoga was nowhere to been seen.

"Excuse me?" Myoga hopped onto his nose.

"Well one minute you were telling me where Hyoga was planning to attack, then the next, you were gone." He sighed and looked at the flea stumbling for an answer. He was starting to stutter. He rolled his eyes.

"You ran again, didn't you?" he smiled evilly. It wasn't like it was that dangerous…

"No, no Milord, okay maybe I did, I only did it because you are really so reckless." Myoga cried and shook his head. " But come on, let's get back to the palace." Myoga tried and hopped onto his shoulder.

"Actually Myoga, I'm gunna stay here for the night." He answered and looked at the gates again. He heard Myoga sigh and his golden eyes searched the cool night air for an answer. The almost moonless night revealed nothing, and when he looked back at his shoulder, Myoga was gone. He found a near by tree very inviting and jumped up into it. He got comfortable and knew that dawn's light would not be far away; he would be patient and wait for his opportunity.

He pushed her into the wall of their room. He put his hands on her shoulders and held her tightly against the wall. Was he drunk? He didn't seem himself. He was forcing himself on her. She was trying to push him off, but it wasn't working. She wanted to be left alone. How could her savior abandon her? She wanted him back, she felt safe with him, secure, like he would always protect her. He was a strange man… well demon. She wanted to get to know him better. She really did. Izayoi was brought out of her head when she felt Takemaru's cold hands on her cheek.

"What's the matter with you? He asked and brushed his hand against her rosy cheek.

"You are funny. You insult me in front of everyone; embarrass me and then demand my body? Where is Hazuki?" Izayoi bitterly answered. How dare that wench take advantage of her hospitality? These thoughts were not those befitting to a lady, but she couldn't draw them out of her head.

"Hazuki has been in her quarters the whole night," He answered. Izayoi knew better. Lies. "Now." He began again as he kissed her lips. She was disgusted. She pulled back and started towards the bed.

"What the hell are you doing?" Izayoi felt his presence behind her instantly behind her and she grew nervous. However she turned around and looked him straight in the eye.

"I am going to sleep. How can you even think about that after what happened to me. No." Izayoi climbed into the bed and drew the covers around her. She felt her eyes close and was instantly asleep, which she knew would be dreamless.

"Izayoi. Izayoi. Wake up." A voice drew her out of her wonderful peaceful sleep. Her dream world was shattered. Her eyes slowly drifted open and she cursed the early dawn light. Her eyes fell upon brown pools staring at her. She murmured silently. "Get up. We're going out, to the market." He kissed her cheek and then began towards the door. Moments after he left a woman with hair in a simple braid entered the room. Her eyes were on the floor and she looked a little nervous.

"Ah Cho, I'm glad it's you." Izayoi smiled and took her hand. She was taken back but she smiled a bit. "I would love for you to style my hair. Doing it myself, didn't seem to work very well. I am not as skilled with my hands as you are."

"Milady, you flatter me." Cho answered modestly and blushed at the comment. "I will do my best. Tell me, what kimono will you wear and I will try my best to select a style to suit it."

"Hum, that is a good question." Izayoi put her index finger to her lips. "Any suggestions?" She was a sweet girl. A pity her family had sold her to such a place.

"Milady? You ask that of me?" Izayoi nodded. "Perhaps your white kimono. Ah Milady."

"Please Cho, I ask of you to call me Izayoi." She smiled at Cho "And yes, the white one will be perfect."

"Yes Milady. Why don't I get that for you." Cho began to walk towards the wardrobe, when Izayoi stepped in her way. Chu looked a bit confused and Izayoi merely shook her head

"I will do it. I only ask that you astound me with one of your styles." Cho nodded in agreement and Izayoi went to change.

A while later, Chu stepped back from Izayoi and smiled. She put the mirror in Izayoi's hand and she smiled warmly. Her hair sat in a tight bun at the top of her hair with a few wisps falling out the back. A small flower was placed in the side, pure white. Izayoi pushed her bangs out of her eyes and smiled.

"Cho, you have done a wonderful job, once more," Izayoi stood up. "Tell me is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"

"No Milady, there is nothing." Cho bowed deeply. But she felt Izayoi's hand under her chin and her eyes were forced to meet hers.

"Cho, please there must be something."

"Well," Cho stared and thought. "If it wouldn't be to much trouble, I'd like some apricots. Only if it's-…"

"That will be fine!" Izayoi grinned and let go of Cho's chin. Izayoi heard the door slide open and she glared at Takemaru. He was oblivious to her. Her cheeks tinged of anger and she forced herself to keep it cool. Cho remained in a deep bow and Takemaru grabbed Izayoi's hand. He crossed the room so fast that she didn't even see him until there was pressure on her wrist. He began to drag her out of their room and into the halls.

"I always liked that kimono on you, Izayoi." Takemaru smiled lustfully. She gave a small smile back. They walked in silence towards the doors that led to the market. Once outside Izayoi narrowed her eyes in disgust. She watched him leave her and walked along side Hazuki. She was left behind yet again, second best. She was the first wife. As anything, she was the head of any women that were in this household. But apparently, the rules didn't apply. Was that all she was to him? She was nothing more then his mere object he used to get his way? Izayoi pondered that as she followed angrily behind them

Okay so maybe that damn tree wasn't as comfortable as I first thought. He jumped down and stretched. Great a sore neck, perfect. A small yawn was next as he tried to rub some sleep from his eyes. A rather restless sleep. He suddenly heard quiet muttering. It was fairly close to the gates and he jumped up so he could see inside. He saw the ebony maiden from last night. She was in white and her fists were balled at her side. The man she was with had another woman at his side. But he thought that she was his woman. He was confused. He watched them disappear behind the stonewall and he edged from the tree and forest. He ran to the gate and jumped up and in.

"Did you feel that?" a guard on patrol asked his partner.

"Ya it got really windy all of a sudden. But now it stopped. Almost like something blew past us."

"It was probably nothing. Don't worry." The first one answered. Below them, he smirked, now he had to fine the ebony maiden.

She knew she was pouting and she knew that she was being all sulky, yet she couldn't help it. He was still flirting with her. She crossed her arms and turned her head to the side with loathing. Those thoughts don't flatter you Izayoi. Remember, obey your husband and don't question him…banish them Izayoi… She watched as Hazuki went over to the fabric and placed in her hands. Takemaru went right up beside her and moved hair away from her eyes and tucked it around her ear. He smiled and she giggled. He pointed to the fabric and she smiled. Her face burned with anger. Then she saw a fruits stall. She smiled then glanced back. Takemaru had obviously told a joke and Hazuki was laughing. Whether out of politeness or of humor, Izayoi wasn't sure. She shrugged and went over to the stall. Strange the man that she had met earlier was gone. Instead was a younger looking woman with her light black hair in a tight bun. It was very glossy. She looked stunned to see a higher lady at her shabby stall. She bowed deeply and never looked her straight in the eyes.

"M-milady, w-what is it you are looking for?" Izayoi watched as she fiddled with her stained white apron.

Where is she? It wouldn't be so bad if I could pick out her scent. He groaned. Easier said then done. He looked around a corner, trying to shrug off the strange looks he was receiving from the village dwellers. Okay so I'm a stranger. Damn, they way they are lookin' at me you'd think I'm here to murder something. Wait. There she is! He saw her as she accepted a rather large amount of fruits from a local girl. She couldn't handle that much weight by herself. Though, She did smiled and the local girl smiled at the ground. He watched her drop her head and sigh. She was upset over something. Her hands tried to grip the basket, but they were slipping. She kept turning around looking for something to happen. Strange. He didn't know whether to approach her now or later. But he could smell the irritation emitting off of her. He decided to help. Would she be happy to see him again, or would she be indifferent? He slowly began to walk over to her.

May be I shouldn't have bought so many. This is very heavy. Well I hope this will keep Cho happy. Now where is my cheating husband and his new w-… oh no! The basket handle! It broke! Oh now all the apricots are… damn. I must have angered the gods…

Izayoi set the basket down and began to pick up the fallen apricots. She sighed angrily and felt the watchful eye of the crowd upon her. Full of awkwardness, she heard that they began their normal murmur around her. She hurried her pace and soon found that another hand was helping her. Claws. She looked up and smiled. Relief washed over her.

"Looks like you need some more help there." He smiled and held an apricot and grinned.

"It's so good to see you again, and yes, looks like I do need more help!" Izayoi returned his smile. Soon the whisper of the crowd grew and he saw her look at the ground. She was embarrassed. Her face was red and her eyes began to tear up.

"What's the matter?" he asked and lifted her chin. The tears didn't fall down her face but she worked hard to blink them away.

"I'm sorry, but can we not talk about it hear? There is a small garden a few alleyways from here. Might we go there?" she whispered and reached down for the basket. However, Izayoi stopped when he picked it up.

"What?" he asked then shrugged. "I'll carry it." He was glad when she relaxed and smiled. She was always tense around him or these people.

"I am most grateful. Come it's this way." He followed her and watched as the crowd instantly part. As soon as she was out of their earshot, they began to insult her. She glanced back a bit and then looked forward again. Soon he smelt the salt of her tears forming once more.

She looked behind her at him and smiled. She pushed open a small gate on the side that was old and rusty. He followed her inside and she quickly shut the gate again. Small trees littered each side of the path that was scattered in round, cracked brick. She walked fast and he watched her disappear behind a small hedge. When he rounded the corner he widened his eyes as the rows and rows of different kinds of flowers. Beyond them he saw her palace. It was fairly close, yet far away for privacy. He set the basket down on the grass and let his eyes wonder. When he came upon her, she was looking at the ground and twisting the bottom of her kimono sleeve. She seemed to catch her self and she stopped. She glanced up and smiled an awkward smile.

"Please, sit, I know it might not be most comfortable but-…"

"No, hey, it's fine with me." He answered and sat down. She remained standing for a bit, but soon sat down herself.

"Thank you, so much. For helping me again."

"My pleasure." He smiled. If she was going to be formal with him then he was going to have to be with her. Even though he hated it.

"What was going on back there?" he asked. He saw her flinch, but then relax.

"I have been here for two years. I was sent as a peace prize for my now husband for our two tribes to cease a war." She gave a sad smile. "I was his prize. Anyway. I am from the south, a noblewoman I suppose. People didn't take a shine to me. I know they hate me, probably because I am an outsider. Not one of them I guess. They like to intimidate me. I keep telling myself that I wont let it get to me, but it always does. I don't understand what I did wrong, I guess I'm too sensitive. But he does nothing to stop it. Oh, listen to me, I have rambled on, please forgive me."

"No, its okay, I don't mind." She was twisting her kimono sleeve again. "Please don't be so formal with me."

"I have to be. It's the way I am…" she smiled as though it didn't bother her.

"Where do you come from? What's your name?" she asked. Still her curiosity was getting a hold of her.

"It's Inutaishou."

"Lord of the West?" Her eyes widened at the possibility.

"Uh…how do you know?" he asked. A human know of a demon lord?

"I'm smarter then you might believe." She left it at that. "Why are you here in a small village Milord?" she inquired

"Just Inutaishou is fine. I'm not one for titles. Well, I've been waiting you to mention your name Lady."

"My name? It's Izayoi. And I welcome you to the Northern Kingdom." She stood and looked as if she was going to bow, but he held up a hand that stopped her. She looked confused until he said

"I don't need that. Please sit. He motioned for her and she did. "So, it's Izayoi," he repeated. "It's a pretty name."

"You flatter me Milord." When she realized her mistake she widened her eyes and her hand went to her mouth. "Oh, I'm sorry…I didn't mean to say that"

"Why don't we change the subject huh?" She nodded. "Did you, do you tend to this garden yourself?" he tried.

"Yes. Planted it all myself." She gave another small smile. Though her eyes were locked on his, her mind seemed far, far away.

"Are you alright?" he asked and she shook her head and remained quiet. "I-…" Inutaishou stood up. Someone was coming. She looked confused. She looked up a young woman with a simple braid came bounding from the house in the distance. He heard himself growling and forced himself to stop. Izayoi was standing near him and he was rather glad. She was so small.

"Mi-… milady." The young girl huffed.

"Cho!" Izayoi went to her side. "What is it?"

"Takemaru is back. He is demanding to know where you are and he sent me to fetch you. He is not happy." Her whole sentence seemed rushed and unclear. But Izayoi saddened at her comment and looked up to him. He searched her eyes for truth.

"Cho, tell Takemaru I will be there momentarily." Izayoi went up to him. Inutaishou watched the servant girl leave and his gold eyes went down to hers.

"I'm sorry, I am being summoned once again. I thank you for all your help Inutaishou."

"You're welcome." She turned to leave but he extended his hand to grab her wrist. She looked up at him with a puzzled look in her eyes. He let her go.

"Enjoy the rest of your stay in the North Milord…" She bowed deeply and respectfully.

"I would like to continue this conversation Izayoi." He stated simply.

"I can't. It would be forbidden by my husband…"

"Then in secret, tonight." Conversations that were interrupted, was something that bothered him.

"I don't know if I can…" she turned her back to him.

"Try…" he urged her.

"Alright." She turned and went back to the palace. He watched her walk slowly and her once close presence seem far away.