Chapter Three-Preparing for the Future

Her time with Shippou was short lived because by the time the fox demon got her to the edge of the village where his hut rested, it was time for them to go to Kaede's for dinner. But he did show her around quickly. There was even a sort of guest room for her. "Wow. Shippou, this is fantastic."

"Thanks. Inuyasha and Miroku helped me make it." He beamed proudly. "Does Sesshoumaru let you build?"

"Nah....although, he did let me have a garden last year. Then it died." Sara sighed, fingering her locket. "I wish I could remember my mother..."

"I don't remember mine too well anymore either. Kagome's the closest I have to one." Shippou said softly. His ears pricked up now. "I think Inuyasha's calling us. Come on!" The two old friends ran towards Inuyasha's voice.

"There you two are. Kaede wanted to see you, Saraku."

"Lady Kaede?" Sara's eyes shone with curiosity,as she went to visit her elderly friend. "Lady Kaede? Did you want to see me?"

"Yes,Dear One. Come in and sit, please." Kaede's voice held a note of formality that made Saraku shiver. "I have asked you to come because of a dream I have had recently." The old woman sat down in front of Saraku, crossing her legs slowly. "It has to do with your past, Saraku. Does the name FireGrove mean anything to you?"

"No, I'm afraid it doesn't. Why?" Saraku's eyes lit up in interest. "Do I come from them?"

"I'm not certain. How about the name Moiraine?" Kaede questioned. She studied the growing child silently. She could see that none of these things held any meaning for her. She has dwelled among the demons too long. Even if she has made visits to Sango,Miroku and Kagome. "There is a lady who comes to me in my dreams. She claims that you are a princess and priestess that was forbidden her rightful training."

"A princess? I am Lord Sesshoumaru's princess, of course,but I don't know anything about priestesses. My father never mentioned them that I recall. Nor did Mother." Saraku was astounded. Lady Kaede's dreams were just like her own sometimes. "I too have dreamed of being in another time..but I don't understand any of it."

"Perhaps things will become clearer for you if you learn to meditate." Kaede suggested. "Are you familiar with that?"

"I see Miroku do it all the time...but it looks so boring!"

Kaede chuckled now. "I remember thinking that at your age. My sister Kikyo insisted I learned it though. Thanks to her insistence, it has become a very useful tool. Perhaps you will allow me to begin your training as my apprentice?" She smiled, but it was more of a statement. If her dreams were true, then the girl very well had the gift for healing and other things.

"I'd like to, Lady Kaede, but Lord Sesshoumaru wouldn't be too happy with me if I suddenly decided to take up priestess work. Rin just left to do that a few months ago."

"It's time to begin thinking of your future,Child. These dreams we share are not coincidental. They are signs that something significant is about to happen to you. Would it not be wise to be prepared? Didn't Prince Kouga tell you that being prepared is half the battle?"

"Yes....I suppose you're right..." Saraku sighed, looking out of the priestess' hut, to the moon. "I just hope Lord Sesshoumaru won't reject me if I learn a few things."

"And if he does, we'll be right here to look out for you." Inuyasha spoke up from the entrance.

"That's right...." Kaede put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Your work begins tomorrow."

"Yes, Lady Kaede. I am ready."

"She's going to begin training with the old priestess tomorrow. " Cecily reported to her mistress. "Should we intervene?"

"No. Let her do as she will. We will have time to reveal ourselves eventually. Sara must figure out her gifts herself. She outmatches that lady more than they realize. Moiraine paced in her hiding camp. "I would give it a few months. When it's time, I'll let you know. "

"Yes Ma'm."