Chapter 11 Dinner for two.

written by Shaun witt

Mai had finished getting dressed and came down to the dinning hall for dinner. When she had gotten there, no one was around.

"Lady Mai?" Maechen called.

"Where is Ryu?" she asked.

"Lord Ryu is in the courtyard waiting for you." he replied.

Mai walked oput the back of the Kitchen and into the court yard. In front of her was a small table and two lit candles. Ryu was standing beyond one of the chairs waiting for her.

"Have a seat?" He motioned to the seat he ahd just pulled out for her.

"Thank you." she said taking her seat.

"How did you find my sister's old room?" He asked taking his seat.

"She had a lot of nice stuff. I can't believe her dresses fit me." Mai replied.

"Well you do look lovely in that pink kimono you are wearing." Ryu told her.

Out the back door came Maechen pushing a cart with two covered trays on it. He placed one tray in front of each of them and said, "Dinner is served."

Mai looked at the food and asked, "What is this?"

"Curry and rice. It is very good." Ryu answered.

Mai took a small bite and she loved it. As the two of them continued to eat the food they were given they continued to talk.

"Ryu can you tell me about your family?" Mai asked.

"Well, my father was a demon fox and lord of this land. My sister was from his first marriage but her mother died in child birth. My mother was a human priestess which my father fell in love with." Ryu said.

"You mean you were born a hanyou?" Mai asked and sniffed him, "You smell like a youkai though."

"The shikon jewel inside of me has made me a full blooded youkai." Ryu told her.

"Oh. What was she like?" she asked.

"My mother?" He asked and she nodded, "Well she was a very sweet person that everyone could get along with. She was willing to help anyone who needed it and she do anything to protect those she loved."

"She sounds very nice. I can't remember anything about my mother. The lady who took care of me whenI was a pup said my mother wanted me to be safe and so she gave me to her." Mai replied.

Ryu fished his meal and wiped his mouth. Seeing that she was done as well he asked, "How about we take a walk?"

"Ok." Mai replied.

They got up together and walked thorough the court yard. Ryu looked at her and asked, "Did that lady ever teach you about your kitsune abilities?"

"Yes. She may have been a raccoon dog demon but she did know enough to teach me." she replied.

"That is good to know."

"Ryu, how does the barrier stay up like this?" she asked looking up at it.

"The spirits of my father along with my other ancestors keep it up. The barrier will not let those with a dark heart enter it. Any who would try would get purified instanly." Ryu answered.

They walked down a small path to a cave with two torches lit. They both entered the cave together walking up to a small alter with a large fox demon statue sitting there.

"What is this place?" Mai asked.

"The shrine which honors my family. Some of the villagers come here at times to pray to them for long health or to give there thanks for the barrier. This is also a place where some get married as well." he answered her.

Ryu over at her and noticed she was getting a little tired, "lets go back to the house. it been a long day and you like your ready to pass out."

"I am getting a little tired." she replied.

The two walked back to the house and went inside. Ryu escorted her to the bedroom she was staying in and said goodnight. He then went off to his room also to get some rest.

Soon after getting ready for bed someone knocked on his door. "Lord Ryu, MayI enter?"

"Of course Maechen." he replied.

Maechen walked into the room and said, "That young lady you brought home seem very nice and sweet. Your father would be proud of you finding such a mate."

"Were not mates. We are just very good friends. But there might be more there." Ryu answered.

"So better to wait and see how things go?" Maechen asked.

"Correct. Now if you do not mind I need some sleep." Ryu said.

"Goodnight my lord, sleep well." Maechen said as he left the room adn closed the door.

To be continued...