Author's Note:

Before I begin, I must extend a deep and heartfelt apology to all of my readers. I know you must all be terribly upset with me for taking such a ridiculous amount of time to update on this fanfic. It has been over 8 MONTHS! Good Lord! In my defense, time certainly flies when you're dealing with all the shit life deals you! An update on me: I've graduated from university (March) with my bachelors' degree in Computer Animation. I got a job three months ago doing graphics for a great company. (Yay, me!) My Thesis went well and got me this job so I am terribly happy about that, but not happier than I am about the fact that it's over! NO MORE SCHOOL! (until I get my masters') It's so great to be out of school and make REAL money!  (No more Starbucks… No more Frappucinos!) I have much more time on my hands now (my boyfriend of two years and I broke up. I'm not sad. In fact, it was the best thing, I think  He doesn't see it that way…) and I'm really dedicated to picking this story back up and riding it out. I think it's worth it  Plus the response is STILL so positive so I owe it to you guys  Yume-chan loves you! So Gomen, minna-san. I'm gonna do better! And now… Without further adieu…

The Concubine

By Saku-Yume

Chapter Six: Prescience

"Good day, Tama-san," the diminutive, plump woman bowed after bustling into the seamstress' small shop.

"Good day, Yamato-dono." Tama-san smiled over her piles of fine fabrics. "What news have you today?"

Yamato-dono sat down on the other side of the pile and reached out to feel the fine onyx silk. "I have something for you. I know we have all been waiting anxiously to hear from our dear Kaoru and I wanted to share the news with you first."

Tama-san's eyes lit up. "What word of our girl? Is she well? Is she happy? Heavens, it's been nearly a month!"

Yamato-dono nodded, a small smile upon her lips. "Even by imperial messenger, news travels slowly these days. This was dated nearly two weeks ago," Yamato pulled a folded parchment from her sleeve. "She says she is doing well and wants me to send her regards to everyone. She thanks you for your assistance with her garments and sends this for you…"

Tama-san took the small envelope and opened it. She gasped. "There is surely more here than I requested! And I certainly did not expect it all at once, or so soon!"

Yamato-dono's smile softened a bit sadly. "That is the life of a Concubine. Many privileges…"

Tama-san detected the sadness in Yamato-dono's voice. "As well as much melancholy." There was a silence full of understanding between the two long time friends and care-givers of the girl, Kaoru. "How is she… really?"

"I can feel the sorrow in her chosen words. She must feel lonely… and not a little bit trapped. But I do believe that Kami-sama will smile upon her. It is a noble thing she does."

Tama-san nodded. "Yes there are few among us who would practically sacrifice one's life for the greater good of another." She took the money from the envelope and carefully put aside the amount that would cover the costs of Kaoru's garments. There was more than enough left over…

"Yamato-dono, remind me again which of these silks was Kaoru's favorite. I will use this extra money to make her a lovely garment… fit for an empress."

Yamato-dono smiled. She lifted the silk she had admired earlier and smoothed a hand over the fine sapphire dragon embroidery on the hem. "Our lady dragon will find this one most excellent."

Kaoru was bent over her parchment intently. She had found that rendering all of the beautiful sights that the Emperor's summer retreat had to offer was calming. She had to keep her hands busy as they had begun to itch for the weight of the sword since the day she watched Kenshin practice. She discovered that the weight of a piece of charcoal or a paintbrush did just nicely for the time being.

Her new hobby also kept her mind occupied and offered a kind of privacy and seclusion that she welcomed. The estates were large but the Lady Taki always found her at least once a day, if only to make a snide comment. But the deeper she emerged herself in her drawings and paintings, the les she noticed Taki and soon, the Empress stopped seeking her out as often. Only when she happened upon her by coincidence did she volunteer her remarks. And most of the time Kaoru blocked them out. She had become increasingly skilled at that in the past few weeks.

Her only other form of peace and diversion she found in Kenshin. She smiled when she thought of him. He always found something nice or funny to say to brighten her day. He always made a little time just for her. He made her feel special. She loved just sitting with him. He had a calm spirit. Most of the time, anyway. There were times when he would seem far away and she could never bring herself to ask why. She knew he would tell her, but she felt it wasn't her place to inquire. If he wanted her to know, surely one day, when he was ready, he would.

Kaoru admired her finished work. The charcoal rendering of the lake and pomegranate trees was lovely. She had apprehensively taken the Emperor's offer and requested a set of charcoals. She hadn't expected any so fine. Not only were they of top quality but the set had more colors than she knew existed. And they weren't even as messy as regular charcoal.

Taki was jealous of the gift, presented to her the night they arrived in Osaka at the formal dinner to celebrate the end of spring and the beginning of summer. Kaoru sat eating in her customary position next to Kenshin. They were all watching a funny mini-drama that the local geisha were performing at the request of his majesty. It was a story about a young female artist who had fallen in love with a young man, who, unknown to her, was blind. She continually sent him drawings in hopes that their message would portray her true feeling to him. At the end, after all the confusion was straightened out and she told him outright of her feelings they were wed. At the end of the play, one of the geisha brought the lacquered box of charcoals the 'artist' used in the play, and presented them to Kaoru, in front of everyone, on behalf of the Emperor. Everyone applauded, save for Taki, who glared at her malevolently. Since that night every time she saw Kaoru with the charcoals she said something unkind about whatever she was working on.

It was only Kenshin's kind words and encouragement that gave her a reason to continue with her hobby. And she was glad she did. She was getting even better at it…

"My Lady,"

Kaoru smiled. That smooth voice could only belong to one person. She looked up from her position on the grass and her smile brightened. "Kenshin, you've kept me waiting far too long!" she needled playfully.

Kenshin grinned and joined her on her satin quilt. "I am sorry, Kaoru. I had to defend our fortress from a rather despicable invasion…"

Kaoru gave a mock look of being impressed. "How very brave of you, my lord."

Kenshin played along. He smoothed his hair valiantly. "Yes it was, wasn't it?" he asked with pseudo arrogance.

"Wood spiders in the ladies' bath again, huh?" Kaoru tried not to laugh.

Kenshin dropped the act. "Yep" He grinned.

The both laughed finally. The two found each other's company calming and relaxing. There was no need for formalities when they were alone. They could just be themselves. Of course, each of them found themselves falling deeper for the other day by day. Neither showed it. Neither was aware of the other's true feelings.

Kenshin noticed the drawing and mused, "this is very well done, Kaoru. You are becoming quite the expert at manipulating the charcoal."

"Why, thank you, Kenshin. I'm glad you like it. You may have it." Kaoru smiled.

Kenshin laughed. If you give me everything you do, you will have nothing left for yourself!"

"It is okay. I have it all here," she tapped her temple with her index finger. "I will always know what I see. But you will only know what I see if you keep a physical record of it. I am certain that if we sat in the exact same place with the exact same tools we would inevitably come up with two very different depictions of the exact same scenery. I want you to have my visions. For I will have them always."

Kenshin always found her even more intriguing when she spoke this way. It was as if she was giving him a part of her soul. Little did he know that she did it as a way of sharing something that was exclusively hers with him and only him. It wasn't just about the pictures…

Kenshin smiled gently. "You have a little charcoal…" He reached forward and wiped gently at the place on her temple where she had smudged a bit of purple.

Kaoru tried her best not to blush at the contact. She was becoming better at controlling that as well. Which was a good thing, because she found more and more reasons to blush as Kenshin discovered more and more ways to engage in any sort of physical contact with her, no matter how minute.

"So what really kept you today?" Kaoru asked quietly.

Kenshin lightened. "Oh, yes. I have news for you. The physician who was sent to care for your father is arriving today to see you."

Kaoru brightened. "Really? That's wonderful. I hope the news is good. How was he able to reach here so soon?"

"She traveled as soon as she could and will be returning as soon as you deem her report satisfactory."

Kaoru's eyes widened. "His majesty's top physician is a woman?"

"Indeed. The best in all of Japan, Takani Megumi-san."

"I have heard of such a woman doctor. Surely she can help my father!" Kaoru was excited. She was so glad that her father would be receiving the proper care. The BEST care. Her efforts would not be in vain.

Kenshin was happy to see Kaoru so pleased. "She arrives for dinner tonight. Then after she will have her audience with you." He rose gracefully and offered a hand. "Until then, walk with me and tell me more about your Kamiya Kasshin-budo. I am intrigues with this way of the 'sword that protects'. It is a peculiar notion but one that I find fascinating."

Kaoru smiled and took his hand. She rose and collected her parchment and box of charcoals. Kenshin took the load from her and offered his arm for her. She took it coyly and let him lead her along the path that would through the gardens of the estate.

Taki glared at the girl from her window. She could not hear what the two had said the entire time but she loathed the girl. However, she found the growing friendship between the two might be something she could use to her advantage in the near future. A deviant smile touched her sensuous lips. "I will have my way, girl. If it is that last thing I do."

Post:

WHOOOOO-HOOOOOOO! Finally! Forgive me if this is too short for you but I am short on time right at this moment. But TRUST ME I am setting up for something fabulous!  I hope you likee. I've had too many reviews in the past 8 months to respond to them all individually but I do appreciate every bit of support and advice from you all! Let me know what you think, okay? Jan ne!

-Saku-chan