Her
Kagome sat slumped over a low table in the common dining hall. Her mouth felt dry as she stared at her lunch with no enthusiasm. Mackeral and rice, again. Her stomach rolled at the thought. Sighing, she sat down her chop sticks and pushed her bowl away. She missed eating with friends and family; having bubbly conversation while enjoying good food. Here, she just felt...lonely. Other youkai roamed about the hall, laughing as they shared stories over their meals. For the most part, youkai tended to stay away from her. She supposed it was out of fear of Sesshoumaru, or perhaps her own reputation kept others away.
Oh, what she would give to have a home cooked meal surrounded by her family. Her mother would love to see Katsurou.
Kagome swallowed a large lump in her throat.
"Kagome-sama!"
Her head whipped around to find who was calling for her.
Rin tore into the room in an uncoordinated sprint, her feet sliding across the floorboards.
Kagome stood quickly. "What is it? What's the matter?"
Rin ran into Kagome and grabbed her arm to keep steady. "She's here! You gotta hurry, we -" Rin started.
Maiko slammed open the dining room door with a loud snap. Her maid dashed around, looking back and forth, eyes searching for Kagome.
"Kagome-sama?!" Maiko's eyes alighted on her charge's bewildered form. "Thank goodness I found you, we must -" Maiko exclaimed shuffling up to them.
"What the hell? Who's here?" Kagome looked between Maiko and Rin. They both opened their mouths to speak, but stopped and turned their attention to the entry way.
Jaken parted the crowd, squawking as he went. "Move out of my way, you idiots!" He waved his staff around, threatening to hit anyone in his way.
The few youkai in the dining hall sneered at him as he passed.
The small obnoxious youkai wasted no time approaching them.
"Miko, you've been summoned to the throne room. I would advise you to not keep her waiting." With that he turned around quickly disappeared out of the hall.
Kagome looked between Rin and her maid. "Who is she?"
"Sesshoumaru's mother." Rin said softly.
"The honorable Lady, Manako." Maiko finished.