Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from Inuyasha.
Tribe
Kagome sat at the table, slumped over tired. Rin had taken Katsurou to bed an hour before, but Kagome remained wide awake. A maid knelt at the table, and Kagome slowly looked up to see her. She was surprised to find a very kind looking, older woman. Her hair was very red, with small triangle shaped ears on top of her head. It only took her a moment to realize, the maid was a kitsune. Kagome's heart faintly longed for her Shippo.
"My lady, you look exhausted. May I help you to bed?"
Kagome smiled. "No, it's alright. I'm tired, but my mind is very much awake."
The maid placed a paw over her hand. "Perhaps, I could bring you some mild tea?"
"I would like that very much."
The maid rose to leave, when Kagome stopped her.
"You have been very kind to me. May I ask what your name is?"
The maid smiled gently. "I am Maiko." She knelt down once more. "I have heard many great things about you."
Kagome raised an eyebrow. "Eh? From who?"
"Shippo-chan." Maiko leaned closer. "He obviously loves you very much."
Kagome's heart swelled with happiness.
"Is he doing alright? I haven't seen him in a while. He's been so busy with his exams."
Maiko smiled. "Yes, he is doing quite well. He is quickly working his way through the ranks, and he is now the youngest ranking kitsune in our tribe."
"Oh! So that's how you know him!"
"Yes, he officially joined our tribe last year."
"Maiko-san, would you mind letting him know that I am here now, the next time you see him?"
"Anything for you, My Lady." She paused and considered her next words. "I do not mean to speak so plainly with you, I mean no disrespect." Maiko bowed her head.
"Oh Maiko-san, it is alright. I am rather unused to this...environment anyway."
"I must say, thank you. It is not many, be it youkai, human, or miko, who would stop to help a small kitsune kit. You have my gratitude and upmost respect."
Kagome blushed. "I..uh..thank you. It's really..."
The large oak doors to the den swung open.
"Miko! Miko!" Jaken squawked annoyingly.
Kagome and Maiko both rose from the table.
"What is it?" Kagome asked, holding her forehead. His yelling was making her head hurt.
"Sesshoumaru demands that you attend a meeting in the courtyard."
Kagome groaned. "Right now?"
"Yes, right now! You insolent girl!"
Kagome's eyebrow twitched in irritation.
She grabbed him by the lapel of his haori, and pulled him close to eye level.
"My name is Kagome. Use it!" Reiki crawled across Jaken's skin and slightly burned him.
"ACK! LET ME GO!" He flailed in her grasp. Kagome dropped him promptly.
"We mustn't make Sesshoumaru-sama wait. Lead the way, Jaken-san." Kagome said sweetly.