Sumiyo found it hard to function as she walked behind Lord Sesshomaru. The morning came and went uneventfully, and she did her best to hide any discomfort she had from both her lord and his imp. She had to admit that walking in this sort of weather did get to her. Something about trudging through a snow blizzard was certainly off putting and rather inconvenient for her. Sesshomaru, as expected, was paying no mind to the harsh winds bellowing around the group of three. With the way she was raised, this was something no lady should ever have to endure. However, here she was, her teeth chattering and her hanten pulled tightly around herself. This weather was a bother to demons of her standard, but to humans and lesser demons, it would be impossible to even step foot through the storm.
"Sesshomaru," Sumiyo spoke, noticing how far behind she'd gotten. His keen ears caught her voice through the howling wind and he turned his head slightly to the side. "Perhaps you could slow down. It wouldn't kill you." She finished saying, and his lip twitched up in amusement. Jaken looked nervously between the both of them, hoping Sumi wouldn't erupt with anger. He knew very well how she could be when she didn't get her way. "We are almost there, Sumi." Sesshomaru said, his voice emotionless. She didn't move, and merely looked at him with a look of surprise. They hadn't spent enough time together for her to realize he wouldn't stop at her beckon. Jaken waited for her response, hiding his face behind the staff of two heads.
Sumiyo looked as if she was going to say something, her lightly painted lips opening before immediately shutting. What an interesting turn of events. Surely the demoness must have known something was up with the situation. Why else would Sesshomaru's mother summon her for company? Begrudgingly, Sumi continued walking, and the lord of the west waited until she walked a little bit past him until he started moving again. A sigh of relief escaped Jaken's breath, and he couldn't help but to chuckle and mutter to himself. "Lady Sumi didn't throw one of her famous tantrums this time. What a shock." He barely finished speaking when he looked up and noticed Sesshomaru's warning glare. The bottom of his lords' foot was the last thing Jaken saw before flying a few feet away. "I-I-I'm so sorry milord!" He cried out, his head still in a daze. The imp struggled to walk after the other two. Sumiyo turned around at the sudden outburst, wondering what just happened. A look of curiosity painted her features, and Sesshomaru side glanced over at Jaken before back at his wife. His simple gesture was all she needed to know, and Sumi did her best not to show a smile.
The rest of the trip went somewhat alright, other than Jaken's stumbling behind the two demons. A large barrier (unseen to the human eye) surrounded Inukimi's castle. Sumiyo eyed the structure with awe, her eyes roaming over the powerful wall surrounding it. It was similar to the one around their own castle, but a bit more intricate than she'd seen. It was almost shimmery to look at, mesmerizing her a bit before Sesshomaru stood before her. "I will not have you act a fool while visiting my mother." He stated, warning her. "Do not space off or lose your temper." With that, Sumiyo's cheeks were a bright red, and she opened her mouth as if to say something when what appeared to be extravagantly robed servants popped up. "Welcome, Lord Sesshomaru and Lady Sumiyo. We appreciate the tiresome trip to our lady's castle." They both said simultaneously , and Jaken peered up at them with distaste.
"Come right this way, Lady Sumiyo." One of them said, bowing and graciously leading the demoness into the castle. Sesshomaru watched knowingly, and proceeded to enter with the other servant. He'd come to know her as Satomi, a simple dog demoness. Of course, knowing his mother, she wouldn't want anyone differently working for her. A sort of pure blooded desire, he noticed. Some of her beliefs had been instilled into him, so he couldn't help but to agree. Still, he found it useless picking out his servants' bloodline. They were all beneath him. It's just the way it was.
"You've such a lovely kimono, my lady." The servant who'd been leading Sumi had commented, offering a polite smile. Sumiyo thanked her, and looked at the impressive ceiling above them as they walked. "This area is where you and your husbands' bed chambers are located." Wait - hers and Sesshomaru's bed chambers? There had to have been a mistake! Her eyes scanned the hallway, searching frantically to see if there was anywhere else she would be able to sleep. She hadn't shared a room with her husband in fifty years at this point, and she was (for the most part) perfectly fine with that. Sesshomaru wasn't even supposed to be here, but insisted on escorting her. Not that Sumiyo was about to complain - she certainly didn't want to be alone in this castle.
"Oh, come now, Sumiyo, don't be so modest!" A voice chuckled behind her, and the servant had immediately stopped walking. "I can tell you are feeling uncomfortable sharing a room with my son, no?" Lady Inukimi commented, and Sumiyo turned to bow carefully. A blush was creeping onto her cheeks, and she simply replied with a small hum. "You'll have to forgive me, my lady." Sumiyo began to say as she stood up straight. "But this is not a normal occurance back home." Sesshomaru's mother didn't bother hiding her mischievous smile. "If I hadn't known any better, I would say you two haven't already laid together!" The silver haired demoness laughed out, the sound bouncing off of the walls. The servant beside Sumi bowed her head, but she could still tell that she was laughing. At this, Sumiyo felt her face get hot, and she kept her gaze on the floor.
This woman meant no harm, but at times she could certainly be insufferable. Sesshomaru's words echoed in her mind, and she made sure she kept her mouth shut. "Have you eaten yet, my pet?" Inukimi asked, and Sumiyo shook her head. "Ah, just your luck, then~! I've had the finest demon chefs prepare a savory meal. It will be served in the dining hall." Inukimi seemed excited to have guests over. After Sesshomaru's father chose to be with a human, Inukimi had become the laughing stock of the century. Many of the high ranking demon lords and ladies did not want to be associated with such a fool. She'd heard gossip about Inukimi's friends visiting in secret to avoid any embarrassment. Sumiyo watched as Inukimi sauntered away, followed by her servant. "I will be awaiting your presence." She called back to Sumi, and waved gracefully.
Sumiyo stood in silence for a moment, watching as Inukimi grew smaller and smaller before disappearing around the corner altogether. She didn't know as much as she would have liked about Sesshomaru, she realized, and turned around to prepare herself for dinner. Sesshomaru's father was one of the strongest demons for their time, he however fell in love with a human woman and together they both had their half demon child, Inuyasha. Sumiyo had no idea of what the fate of the child had become, and had no intentions of finding out. Her husband disliked the topic of family, understandably so, so she avoided it at all costs. She sighed softly to herself, and walked a little further down the hall. So much for being shown the way, she supposed. However, the silence was indeed enjoyable for the time being. The young lady slid the door open gently, stepping into her bed chambers for the night.
The room she was staying in was stunning to say the very least. The walls were a soft white, with royal blue fabrics hanging from the ceiling. Two bed sets were in the center of the room, both with gold colored silk coverings. They did look quite soft from where she stood, and for a moment she felt excitement just to go to sleep. A small table was placed next to the window, which stretched tall enough for anyone to walk through. A balcony waited for her outside, and Sumiyo couldn't resist stepping out for a moment. Naturally, her arms rested on the railing, and she watched as snow gently fell from the sky. Out beyond the castle were the gardens, where there were beautiful flowers and plants she had no names for. Anyone could get lost in those gardens, for it was almost maze-like. The trip here was tiring, she could not deny that. It made her feel restless, though, knowing she would have to sleep in the same room as her husband. That statement alone may have sounded strange to others, but for her, this was something quite new. Sesshomaru was different. He had become her new normal.
Sumiyo had been too deep in her own thoughts to notice his entrance to the room. He came in quietly, noting how the lamps weren't lit. His golden eyes were immediately drawn to his wife, resting herself against the balcony. Sesshomaru watched her with a look of curiosity on his face, wondering how air-headed this woman could be. He couldn't complain at this, however, since his mother was nowhere in sight. They were in the privacy of their own space for the time being, so scolding her would be unnecessary. The demon lord of the West knew Sumi wouldn't be too keen on sharing a room with him. She was easy to embarrass, and somewhat of a prude. It was endearing in its own way. He was able to appreciate this, considering sex and things similar didn't strike him as important. Sesshomaru was able to do as he pleased with Sumiyo, be it travelling or study work. Things that were interesting to him. Still, he didn't mind sharing with her. She was pleasant to look at, and her personality was entertaining for the most part.
Jaken was waiting for them outside the door, and Sesshomaru knew he would most likely fall asleep if they took longer than they should. "You do not need to worry about silly things." He stated, and she jumped in surprise at the sound of his voice. Sumiyo turned around, clutching her chest with a shocked expression. "Don't startle me like that!" She gasped, and Sesshomaru merely raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps you shouldn't allow yourself to be such an air headed girl." To this, she puffed her cheeks in irritation, and let her arms rest at her sides. "Well-" He knew she couldn't say anything back. It was rather amusing watching her struggle on figuring out what to say. "I suppose you're right. You're a pain." Her face was red. How typical. He watched as she adjusted her kimono, and he realized she was still in her travel clothing. She must have caught him staring, since she said; "Don't you worry, I will change into proper attire."
"We mustn't dawdle too long." Sesshomaru commented, as Sumiyo went behind an elegant looking partition. It was made of paper, so he could only see her shadow as she moved. He didn't bother to hide his intriguement, and simply watched as she undressed herself. Sumi usually had a servant disrobe and dress her back at their castle. She was capable of doing so herself, as he could see now, he just knew that she was lazy. He met her gaze as soon as she stepped out, and the blush from earlier had returned, only darker. "I hope you weren't doing anything un-lord-like." Sumi huffed out, and he merely shook his head. "Come." Was all he said to her, and opened the sliding door. He held his arm out for her to take, which she did so out of instinct. While visiting his mother, the two had to act a proper way for her sake. Sesshomaru walked slower for his wife, who seemed to be enjoying this. (Though she would never admit it.) The demon lord's mind returned to why they were here in the first place.
What did his mother want?