Her ability to improvise knew no bounds.

After her third story, the miko faked a yawn, claiming she was tired and telling the children it was time they turned in.

"You could just tell them 'no'."

She smiled as she sat down beside him, her hand brushing against his mokomoko. Sesshoumaru sat up a little straighter.

"I could, but then I'd have to deal with them whining for the next fifteen minutes instead of just going to sleep."

"The kit should respect his elders. I have never had that problem with Rin."

Sapphire eyes sparkled in the fading firelight. "You're different."