Most of the servants in Sesshomaru's castle could agree that Rin was a pleasure to serve and be around. She was bright in many senses, kind, pleasant, altruistic, empathetic, and helpful even though she didn't need to be. Many liked her because of how different she was to their master and how different she made their master. Mozukai adored her and he wasn't the only one. Even Lady Akino started to feel like when Rin was entangled with her children it was like she was just another one. She was like a woodland spirit and not at all a human woman, and her curiosity towards the world around her made her intriguing. Yet all was not coming up roses for Rin in terms of people liking her. There were those that seethed with secret hatred of her, those who were prejudiced against all mortal kind. A lot of them just wanted to leave the service of the lord entirely even though they had come to admire him even.

That admiration and respect vanished as soon as they saw what company he kept and not only that but he treated her like one of their own. He treated her like she was on par with other demon nobles. They wondered why when he used to be just like them, loathing humanity, or at least finding them inferior. If he even felt a twinge of that anymore it was not obvious to them with how he was bent to her every whim and they were meant to do the same. It was unheard of! Perhaps if she was a human princess then maybe just maybe they could understand a tiny bit and that was really stretching it but no. She was a peasant girl and that was even more of an insult to them. It was almost as if he was enamored with her, a slave for her, and it sickened them even more that the other servants were okay with this. It was beyond duty to them, they liked her!

They all called her Lady Rin even though she was not even close and they all smiled around her, calling her a joy to be around. To some of them she was just like any other mortal but some of them thought of her as obnoxious. In the dark recesses of the manor away from prying eyes and listening ears they would talk about her and discuss what they should do. Staying would be an afront to their principals but where would they go instead? It seemed they wouldn't have to ask that question because as careful as they tried to be with their gossiping it appeared Sesshomaru had suspicions of them and had his most trusted servants listening in. They were all too glad to rat their fellow worker out if it meant bonus points with the prince. Once he found out he promptly dispatched them and made sure they did not return, not that a lot of them even wanted to at this point.

There were those that learned their lesson and no longer vocalized how they felt but kept it inside. If they spoke out anymore they'd lose their jobs and some of them valued it too much to let their opinions or morals get in the way. That didn't mean they liked her but as long as they never made a peep their lordship would never know. Of course, this wasn't true, he was aware that many of his staff still did not appreciate a human being there. However, they knew their place now and he could not dispatch them if he didn't know which disliked her. He didn't like having her stay in an area where she was constantly being judged or looked down upon or hated. Though, he had a lot to reflect on his self when thinking about it. He was no different not so long ago, she had changed that, she had morphed him into someone who though didn't care for all humans much did care for at least this one.

Could he blame them for years of hard encoded morals taught to them over eons? He supposed he could not change their minds but as long as they stayed quiet and did nothing about it he would let them stay. Rin seemed not to mind, she was very understanding as per usual. She explained that she knew before she even stepped onto the grass here that there would be many who did not approve of her and that was fine. She would rather have real hatred than fake kindness. She was just glad none of them were mean to her at all but even if they were so she didn't mind it as much as Sesshomaru seemed to assume she would. Rin said it was like trying to force someone who is allergic to sesame to eat a sesame roll. You can't do that, if they can't eat it or don't like the taste then you have to live with that. Perhaps one day the flavor would grow on them. Jaken never would tell her but he thought that the smartest thing she had ever said and very philosophical too.

She did notice the lack of some of the servants and didn't think it was right to send them away but her lord could do as he wished. It was his palace, his land, his rules, and he owned them anyways. Rin sat on her knees with Aseru, watching her small sharp nailed hands working with a needle and thread. She was fixing up a tear in one of her kimonos with diligence. Rin could sew some herself but she was not as good as Aseru. Rin could make some things but she worked with basic fabrics and never dyed anything. She remembered how the women would be out in the field all day under the hot sun picking the bits of cotton fluff and then they would work on their looms, weaving up blankets and clothing. Rin was taught by Kaede and some of the village women how to make things.

For Kaede it was difficult with her shaky knobby hands and as she aged her eyesight got poor, thankfully Rin caught on fast and was able to weave all on her own. Nothing fantastic but that was fine. Rin had fond memories of Kagome and Kaede, who taught her so many things from reading to what Kagome called math. Rin smiled as she recalled how frustrating math was and how no one in the village besides Kagome could do it, so Kagome was hailed as the smartest woman on top of a priestess that rivaled the once pure Kikyo. A lot of people went to Kagome for advice on everything from their love lives to illnesses as she had such strange advanced medication from her era. Rin asked a lot of questions about Kagome's time period and Kagome, having the patience of a saint when it came to those who weren't Inuyasha it seemed, told her all there was to know.

It seemed a fascinating place and Rin wished she could travel through time too, just so she could see these things Kagome described. Rin still liked to go outside and enjoy the night sky and in the stars she would use her finger to draw Sesshomaru and each time she would smile. She was elated to be here with him at last and wanted to be nowhere else in her entire life but that did not mean she did not miss the others. After about four years they had all become close to her, never did they fill the same role in her life Sesshomaru did and none of them could ever replace him but she liked them very much. She thought today she would go back there and see how things were, she was certain he would let her. He seemed to not want her in the cherry blossom village for whatever reason but surely he would not bar her from going back to where she had made her home prior.

"I wish I could sew like you, Aseru."

"That takes a long time to learn, milady. There, it's all fixed."

"Oh, you did it so well. The seam is so fine I can hardly see it. Thank you so much."

"It was no trouble for you. Now then let's get you ready and downstairs for breakfast."

"Please pick something modest for me today. After I eat I'm going to visit my friends and I don't want to be too richly dressed."

"Of course, my lady."

Her outfit was picked and put on, her hair was left natural with a side ponytail just like she used to wear as a child only vastly longer, and the only thing she wore in that hair was a ribbon. She wanted to be understated and simplistic and that's just how she looked. Rin enjoyed her meal as she always did, this time they added eggs to the platter and a cup of energy boosting tea, the leaves were courtesy of Mozukai. She did feel energetic after drinking it. With that energy she sought to seek out her lord. He sometimes wasn't around at all, not coming back until night fall or even a day later. He tried not to leave for so long but he had a strong sense of duty, besides she was left in Jaken's care and that man knew if he valued his life he would protect hers no matter the cost. Luckily for Rin she had caught him just as he was heading out.

"My Lord Sesshomaru please wait," she called out, running after him.

"What is it, Rin?" He calmly questioned, turning himself towards her. Her hair was out today and he for some reason wanted to caress each strand of it.

"I have to ask you a question before you leave. Can I take A-Un and visit Kagome and the others? I won't be spending all day there, I'll be back in the early afternoon. Please?"

"You may go. Just be careful."

"I will! Thank you so much, my lord, and please have a wonderful day today!"

She bowed to him then giddily ran off. Jaken, beside Sesshomaru, shook his head at her. She grew up in form and in some respects in her mind but she still often acted just like a child. Sesshomaru watched her fleeting figure then was off. Rin went to the fields and found her dragon munching on grasses, then upon hearing her coming instantly went to her side and rubbed his face against hers. Rin hopped on and made her way based on memory back to that village. She wondered if they had missed her too, even just a little, but she knew they did. They seemed a little upset when she left. She didn't want them to be that way but she also wanted to be with him, they accepted that. She landed and swiftly dismounted, hurriedly going over to Kaede first who was warming herself up by a fire in her home. She looked so pleased to see her there and they talked for a while before Rin excused herself to go say hello to everyone else. Kagome was first on her list. She was given a warm welcome back with open arms, Kagome squeezing her so hard it almost hurt.

"I missed you so much, Rin! Come inside and let's talk."

Kagome's place was roomy, it had to be because of the children they had and she was a priestess, she should live somewhere a bit better than the rest. Plus she was also a hero, she had helped save the whole feudal era from the wrath of Naraku. Inuyasha was inside trying to dislodge one of his younger children from himself but once it saw that Rin was there it popped off of him in a hurry and went to her instead. All of his children did, since they all knew her well. Kagome made some snacks and drinks then sat down, inviting Rin with her, and the children all followed like she was a magnet for them.

"So tell me how things are over there."

"Wonderful! His castle is huge, there's so much there that even now I'm sure I haven't seen yet. He gave me the biggest bed and the finest clothes, I eat very lavish meals and get to roam his forest. It's so tranquil there and most of his staff are nice."

"A castle huh? I didn't know he even lived anywhere. That's exciting then! He treats you well I see. He spoils you actually but I know why. You mean everything to him, even if he's too stubborn to say it."

"Oh Kagome...I don't think I'm so important. He cares for sure but..."

"But nothing, Rin. You're his life and he's yours. That's just how it is and everyone can see that. So tell me, has anything else happened...?"

"I met some new friends! A kitsune named Lady Akino and her kits, there's a village of lower class demons and half breeds too where I met the leader and his three children. The gardener there and one of my handmaids I would call them friends too."

"And has…Sesshomaru said anything about how you look now?" Kagome inquired with a sly look in her eyes.

"Oh not at all. Why would he?"

"Sesshomaru is such a quiet man, it's no wonder he hasn't vocalized anything about your appearance. It has been three years since he last saw you. I bet he was stunned though because you grew up to be so pretty."

Rin blushed, touching her cheek. "You think so?"

"Of course. You're a lovely girl, Rin. Don't you think so Inuyasha?"

He was sitting on the floor with his legs and arms crossed, yawning. His ear twitched. "What? I wasn't paying attention."

"Never mind," Kagome sighed, annoyed at him. "Anyways, I bet even someone as haughty as he is can't deny you are good looking."

"I...me? Really?"

Miroku and Sango had dropped by after a mission, it appeared they had left some of their own children here too, their littlest was almost four. They all went to their parents and hugged them tightly, then told them that Rin was there.

"Hello Rin," Sango called out, still in her demon slaying gear with her heraikotsu on her back. "How have you been?"

"Fine and you?"

"Busy but good. I should tell Kohaku you're here. He was just talking about you the other day. You know our offer will always stand to become a demon slayer."

"It's just...not my thing but thank you anyways."

"Miroku, you're a man who has always had an eye for women," Kagome stated shamelessly as she sipped her juice. "What do you think of Rin?

"That's easy. Even as a married man I can still see the beauty in a person and though to me no one will be as beautiful as Sango, you are still very lovely. You left behind a few broken hearts when you went back with Sesshomaru."

"I did?"

Miroku nodded his head and made Rin blush again. She had never thought of herself as some great beauty, not when compared to the demonesses and princesses she had seen. She wondered briefly if her lord saw her as such but then again how could he? His mother was supremely gorgeous, flawless, graceful, poised, proud. How could she compare to something like that? Or what about the northern empress? She had a dark haunting beauty. In comparison Rin was ordinary. She thanked him for his compliment and after they got their children they were on their way. The thought lingered in her head and if she was so bold she'd ask Sesshomaru just what he thought but he might feel offended for some reason. She'd rather just not ask at all and assume he saw her not as hideous but not pretty either. Just there.

"I didn't know so many people thought I was attractive."

"I bet they're not the only ones," Kagome eluded with a wink.

"Wha...what? You don't mean...? Come on Kagome...don't joke around like that...be serious. My lord would never see me the way you all do. He's not human and he had no perception of human beauty either. There was a woman who came over who was striking but even she didn't meet his fancy. If a beauty like that could not shake him then little plain me had no chance. Nor do I want to have one. I'm happy just being what I am to him, a faithful companion."

"Are you really, though Rin? Are you? Is that truly all you want from your life is to just follow him around until you die? I know better. Besides perhaps the reason he did not like that woman is because Sesshomaru has seen so much of that kind of woman, he's been around for so dang long. Perhaps he prefers something a bit more...modest. Someone different than himself, than all the other demon ladies he had seen."

"Even if that was so...I could never...Oh what am I even saying? I don't want to be-"

"Rin," Kagome softly spoke, placing her hand on Rin's. "You don't have to lie to me. I know how you feel about him. I think, honestly...we all do."

"Yeah I mean you don't hide it very well," Inuyasha commented, scratching behind his ear. "you're lucky that guy is blind to that kind of thing."

"...I guess...if you all could see it then I'm glad he can't. It would ruin everything. He might send me away forever."

"He would regret that the moment the thought came into his head. You underestimate how much you mean to him."

"I'm nothing more than Rin to him...and that's fine."

Kagome huffed out a large breath of air. In her heart she felt that this was not the truth at all but Rin seemed to think otherwise. She let the idea rest for now and instead just chatted with Rin over juice and cookies. She did as she said and left there in the early afternoon having seen everyone she needed to see. She waved goodbye to them as she flew into the sky, watching the people becoming dots on the ground. Rin made it home to see her lord outside waiting for her, making sure of her safe arrival. She beamed widely at him then went over to him immediately, bowing before him.

"I'm home! Even though I wasn't gone long I missed you."

"Hm. How was it?"

"Fun! Oh Kagome said hello and that she hopes you are doing well and that you are always allowed to visit too if you want."

Sesshomaru would never just make a social calling to that village ever if he could help it. Here is where he belonged and he didn't care much for Kagome or his half brother, he only was somewhat thankful they had taken care of Rin. As Rin was walking with the two headed dragon she heard a sound up over head and looked skyward. Sesshomaru heard it too and recognized it. Rin was suddenly watching her lord in all his full demon glory swirling around in the sky with a much slender feminine dog demon who she knew was her ladyship. They both landed on the ground and transformed back into their normal selves, Lady Tsuki making her way towards Rin. She was holding a fan near her lips and then used that fan to lift Rin's head up.

"Good evening Lady Tsuki. An honor to see you again."

"Hmm," She hummed in thought, looking at Rin's neck for whatever reason then put her fan away. "You always show such respect towards me. I like that. It's been a long while since I've had the pleasure of a human tremble before me. Tell me what do you think about me?"

"You're very much like the lord Sesshomaru only unlike him I find you more terrifying."

"As you should, dear. That's only right that you should fear me. You don't fear my son though?"

"No your majesty. I could never."

"Even though he could kill you with just a swipe of his claws?"

"My lord would never harm me, so I have nothing to fear."

"But what if he had no choice? What if he was being controlled? Would you still stay with him even if he turned into a savage beast who couldn't control his base animal urges?"

"Mother...stop."

"I would not turn away from him unless he told me to...and even then...it wouldn't be easy for me. I would try to find some way to calm him down...I remember once Kagome telling me about when Inuyasha went into a blood thirsty full demon mode but she was able to wrangle him."

"He's but a hanyou, it's easier to control him," she dismissed, now grabbing her chin again but with her hand. She lifted up her face and looked into those eyes of hers. They were just brown like any other but there was a soft glow to them that made them seem more auburn or amber mixed with brown. She tightened her hand on her chin making Rin wince because of her nails. While she wasn't exactly frightened, she was a little scared to be honest, only her ladyship could do that to her. She commanded every room she walked into with just her presence alone. Everyone said that Inutaisho must have had a death wish when he besmirched their family name by not just leaving her for a human but being even more indecent by being with both of them at the same time. Still, Tsuki was not going to get revenge or anything. She just told him to leave and never come back and from that day forward Sesshomaru never saw his father unless he sought him out.

Most just considered him fortunate or else her ladyship was forgiving. Perhaps it wasn't either, perhaps she just cared about him too much to kill him and if he wanted to be with the mortal then so be it. He was only shaming himself, not her. She still retained her image and most felt sorry for her. She had suitors after that but none could recapture her heart that she had locked away. Never again would she let herself get hurt, never again would she trust another man. This woman in front of her, by right she should hate her, but she didn't. It was not Izayoi's fault that her husband left her, no matter how she tried to convince herself the woman was a treacherous snake who lured him into her bed chambers. No, it was her husband's weakness that did it. Now she was standing here thinking to herself that her son shared that same weakness but instead of loathing either of them she felt something different. Sesshomaru was not like his father in one way, he was single and he was not harming another woman by doing this. The only person he would be damming if he dared covet this human was himself. He was her only son and it seemed he would be the end of the era if he did this, their dynasty would die out.

Sesshomaru tensed hearing Rin make the sharp noise of pain. "Let her go. You're hurting her."

"Am I now?" She coolly coldly questioned, still staring down the woman. "And just what are you going to do about it, my son? Are you going to strike your own mother down? Do you care for this mortal that much?"

"Stop. Now."

The lady slowly removed her hand then used her nail to tap Rin's nose. "I hope you can forgive me, Rin. Just a little test to see the resolve of my son. You were never in any harm."

"Of course, your highness. I could never question you."

"That's a good girl. She's been raised well. Tell me did you train her this way or was she always like this?"

Sesshomaru gave her a vacant stare but it had ice in it because of what she had just done. He did not like to be tested and she had done it. She had hurt Rin just to prove a point. If his mother activated her poison claws as sick and dark as it was he would have killed her. He knew that he would without thinking about it. It was his mother and he loved her, he admired her, he thought nothing but the best of her, he was a true mother's boy but if she tried to harm Rin anymore...it didn't matter. He could not forgive that. At the bare minimum he would have struck her with his hand. That was the least she deserved and honestly right now he still thought about it because he could see the indent of her nails on Rin's skin and it made anger rise in him.

"What's the matter, Sesshomaru? Why are you looking at me like I did something wrong?"

"I think you should leave."

"Perhaps I shall but I'm leaving with the girl. We have training to do and a lot to discuss."

"No. She stays here where I can see her."

"You do not tell me what I can and cannot do," she smoothly replied back, in tone placid and even without raising an octave of aggression. "She's coming with me and that's that."

"I won't let you."

"Oh? Is that so? And why are you trying to stop me so, dearest son? Do you think I will harm her in some way? Are you afraid I'll lay hand on your precious Rin?"

"...You're trying my patience."

Lady Tsuki laughed high in her throat as if he amused her in some way. She walked her way over to him and pat his cheek.

"It's sickeningly adorable how much you cherish this meager ningen. Fine fine, how about I make you feel better by swearing on our inuyokkai bloodline I won't harm her. It's not my intention and nor would I take much pleasure from it. Killing innocent mortals was never something I did."

Sesshomaru looked at Rin who had stayed calm as he would be under pressure, just standing there with her hands folded at her lap with a straight face. No fear, just understanding. She cracked a sincere smile at him and bowed.

"I don't mind Lord Sesshomaru, if I accompany her ladyship. I know I am in no danger with her."

"See? There you have it. If she trusts me then surely you should. I am your mother and you shouldn't question me."

"Are you sure of your decision?" He inquired, trying to gauge her emotions to see if she was just doing this out of duty or if she truly didn't mind.

"I am certain of it without a doubt in my heart."

"Then so be it," he complied, nodding his head towards her. He fixated his attention of his mother, whispering low to her. "You better keep to your word."

"Your threats have no sway over me so I'd suggest retracting them into your mouth. You forget, beloved son of mine, of which of us is the higher in rank and authority so you'd best stop talking down to me like I'm beneath you."

She turned from him swiftly to the young woman who still wore her gentle smile. The lady told her to gather her transport quickly because the day was going on and they were wasting it standing here. Rin promptly did as she was told and came back with record timing, A-Un's reigns in her hand. She got on top of the dragon and sat there waiting for Lady Tsuki to show her the way.

"Don't worry Sesshomaru," his mother said in what was meant to be a comforting voice, "She'll be back in your care by nightfall."

Then they were gone and he kept his eyes on the sky until she was out of his sight. Now he had to wait and trust in his mother. She was right, she did not receive pleasure from murdering people who were innocent. She was a calculating, cold, and ruthless fighter just as he was with a delicate quick hand and never got a drop of blood on her. Yet he could not recall a single time where she had gone out of her way to attack anyone unprovoked. It wasn't her style nor his father's. Of the three of them it was once more his thing, killing for the sake of it when he was much younger or deriving any sort of pleasant feeling from the kill. That faded with the passage of time and outright was gone after being with Rin.

What ticked him off was that she wasn't the type to do such things and yet she had dug her claws into Rin's face without a second though and for what? Just to screw with him. His mother was an elegant, refined, noble woman but sometimes she did things to him just to get a rise out of him and sometimes she had less sympathy than he did. She most likely didn't care that she was hurting her, she would have pushed her luck and done it harder if it meant he would react to it. There was no animosity between the two, in fact he was sure his mother even kind of liked Rin a little. Not for her optimism and laughter but for her always being so reverential to the core of those she knew were higher up than her and her fierce loyalty. Still that did not mean she was off limits to his mother's unusual ways.

She was toying with the both of them, him more than her. Seeing how far she could go before he literally lost it and did something irrational. He would disgrace himself if he actually killed her but in a haze of anger he could not be blamed for what he might do. He even had tried to kill Kohaku, a mere child, because he thought he was going to end Rin's life. It did not matter who it was, what they were, not even how old they were. He would have carelessly lopped off the boys head if not for Kagome's swift actions. He did have some rationality in him because of Rin and because of how long he had come to grips with his own self. He also had taken a step back that night after he retrieved her and thought of how Rin would have seen him. Would she mark him as nothing but a monster if he killed a human child, much like her? To this day he was glad he had not done it especially because the boy ended up being a great ally and someone he could depend on protecting Rin.

It was the same with Sango, his sister, who almost killed Rin and Kohaku had to literally beg for her life. What piece of humanity was inside of Sesshomaru compelled him not to and besides it would be another human life he might have taken with Rin present. At the moment though he did not think about all that. His only thought, his first initial reaction, was to end her existence. Once he was quelled by the boys pitiful begging he left and they never spoke of it again. What did Rin see in that flash of a moment where he scarcely hesitated to end someone who was by all accounts unaccountable for her actions? Did she see behind the veil he put up in front of her? This man who she no doubt adored...a murderer? He had killed demons in front of her before, to both of them that was nothing, but a human...? She would not forgive him and he would not forgive himself.

Yet today the thought arose again and with it the ignorance of how Rin would feel. While she did not at all feel the same way about his mother as she did about him in terms of affection she did have a profound amount of admiration. She didn't have to save her life, she could have let her die. There was no reason to even do so. Yet she did not want her son to be so shattered, she could see it in his eyes. He was devastated, almost on the verge of crying. She had never seen him cry past infancy and even then he rarely did it. It was, combined with what Jaken had told her, enough to persuade her. Still given the fact that he owed her an insurmountable debt for doing this, he thought of destroying her today, if but for a moment. Reflecting on it some part of him wished he didn't do that.

He wished he didn't immediately jump to that but it couldn't be helped. It was his gut reaction to it and it appeared no one was safe from his tyranny. Even his own kind he seemed to turn his back on in favor of her. He let his mind dive into unknown territory to ask himself what mattered more- family or Rin. Rin was his family, it wasn't a choice. Everything he held before himself as an option against her was nothing. It was always Rin. Rin was a human, he could try to fake that she was somehow different but she was still a human. He was literally willing to severe his own family tree for a human. As much as he degraded his father, berated him, outright felt like he was disowned by him it could not be blocked from his mind. In some small way he was becoming exactly like him and as to how far that went Sesshomaru dared not think about it that question. He was terrified of the answer and even more so that it could be the truth.