Hello everyone. Thank you so much for supporting this RP! It means alot to me.I am so glad to be writing it in fact. I have tons of ideas for it. Also...a mystery has come up for how to spell Jakken's name a.k.a (XD) (Jaken). I was trying to figure it would cause it doesn't look right to me. I also have some really DRAMATIC ideas for this story. So hint hint if you want a preview to know what it is. Email me .I shall give you a small preview. But if you wait it out. Then by all means. Go for it! Enjoy! Things haven't even begun yet. Heh heh.
The night sky greeted them as the stars twinkled brightly. As if they were little shinny pebbles in the sky. Millions of them coating the sky like a dazzling blanket of stars. Though thousands of miles away. Still manging to bring a smile to a girl's lips. The sky, a hue of purple, blue, and black. Setting with the last rays of the late sun. How beautiful it looked. How pretty. Jaken had never seen much a better sky. Of course, it changed. Having Rin around made the natural things in life turn different. As if the earth sensed her presence yet again. It had been a long walk. Walking and walking across meadows. In valleys and around rivers. In deep forest that seemed too stubborn to clear up anytime soon. They even went past the western ocean. Something Jakken had come fond off. Ignoring the fact that it was hours from the palace it'self. Then..they came to the familiar forest that Jaken knew belonged to his lord.
The place smelled of Lord Sesshomaru. A light scent. One that just seemed to tickle the senses of your noise. Yet letting you know who's territory you were in. The animals seemed to feel it too. For they cleared path the moment Ah-Un's scent hit the area. The ground below them was dry. Giving a light crackle after every step. Jaken looked up as he wobbled beside Ah-Un. Not riding anymore since Sesshomaru had told him to get off. Only because Rin needed to lay down. Honestly. He was fed up with it. How much sleep did one human need? It was so annoying to him. But with no back talk he did it. Not before grabbing a small clipboard and ink brush to write something down on a piece of paper with.
Rin on the other hand was lazily leaning on Ah-Un's neck. Her hand skimming the rough, dull yellow scales they had. Fingertips just hardly tracing the pattern. Her hair fanned out behind her back. Legs swinging back and forth slowly in time with the step the dragon beast made. A smile still on her face as her eyes looked up at the stars. Stars weren't as pretty as this back at the village. At the village, they were slow and dull. Full of no use to look at at all. So when May had always claimed to see a wishing star. Rin didn't always believe her. She had given that hope up a long time ago,
Leaning back abit on Ah-Un, she was just able to see something Jaken was writing. Something about how many bed spreads and rice pepper they had in the storage rooms? She didn't get why he would be writing about rice pepper. Rice pepper only made this spicy. It only took the little things in life to make Rin curious. So in this case, she was. Looking at the list from her spot on Ah-Un, she managed to make out a few more things. Like different spices and maps. Charts and number of things. A pause in Jaken's scribbling made her realize that he knew she was watching.
", Do you mind child! I'm doing important business for Lord Sesshomaru here!", he snapped. She leaned back in her spot abit and sighed lightly. Tapping her fingers on Ah-Un's neck.
", What kind of business? Does he need to refill his castle or something?", asked Rin as Jaken grumbled.
", Err...no. He wants to order pink frilly flowers with rainbows as a plus ... ...oh what'do you think he wants to do stupid girl! He's ordering more supplies to help the castle through winter. So it's my job to see to that!", snapped back Jaken quickly. Rin mocked him and sighed. Rolling her eyes.
", Fine. Thanks for telling me...", she mumbled as his ear pricked. But he kept to himself since he knew Sesshomaru could here their entire conversation from walking up front. They soon reached the main lands. The center of the western lands after walking for a few more hours. Passing human, and even demon villages alike. Sesshomaru stopping at none of them since he wanted to return home.
Rin's thoughts slowly traveled back to her best friend May. Wondering if she made it out the village alive. If her parents even made it. Even if they had found their own people again. She figured that May was safe. She had a feeling. Then again, no one could ever be sure of something like that. The thought of her never seeing her again troubled her. Bothered her even. May wasn't her real name though. She had told her that once. But yet, she never revealed her real name.
Since that day she had helped her escape the village. She wondered. As she looked up, she gasped abit. The trees had turned into thinner versions as the castle came into view. Willow trees lined the long dirt driveway as a few benches sat under them. Brown carved exactly straight. Looking as if they had been wiped down. The dirt road thinned into a fine surface. It looked like hard clay from Rin's viewpoint.
When she looked up, she saw the castle in all it's glory. The white bricks seemed to be made of some stone Rin knew couldn't be found anywhere around here. The fields around it seemed to be filled with ponds and fountains. Statues of famous demons and artwork. Flags of the dog demon hung here and there. Once they reached a garden with a opening, Jaken stopped Ah-Un. Rin slid off, but still looked at the entrance. Steps seemed to go high up. Many of steps. Leading to wards a large door with about four demons standing guard their. The dog demon symbol on the door. A dome like arch went over the steps Providing shelter if rain or snow were to come. As she looked around, she also noticed that the guards had on dark gold and black armor. With the dog paw and the crest stamped on it. The servants had on uniforms of black and white. Some all black. She smiled. They seemed happy with what they were doing. As she looked up, she saw the towers and floors of the castle that seemed to go up and up. No doubt this place could be seen from a distance.
The servants all stopped when they saw Sesshomaru come up the steps. All four guards stood at attention as they bowed. Each of them tense. Ready to hear a harsh order or see there lives get chopped. Rin followed Sesshomaru slowly. Her feet walked along the grasses and stone pathways as she looked up at the guards. Not saying anything as she held the parch bag to her waist. The thing that had the items May had given her.
", Welcome back Lord Sesshomaru!", the guards all said together as Sesshomaru paid them little mind. The doors opening to the massive archway. Showing a center staircase and hallways all around. Rin looked around in awe. So happy was she that she didn't notice she had bumped into Sesshomaru. He turned around and she gulped.
", I will show you your room Rin. For I have work to attend to.", Sesshomaru said simply as he turned. Heading up a set of steps as Rin followed quickly after him. So that she wouldn't get lost. A million thoughts raced in her head though. She had to shake her head to get rid of some. Walking into the white hallways, she was careful not to bump into anything. He lead her up another set of stairs as he arrived at a doorway. His nose familiar with the smell of lavender and roses coming from the room.
Rin peeked around him to see what was so interesting. When she saw the room, she said nothing as he opened the door. For her. She was greeted by an amazing sight. Her room had bamboo colored walls. With scrolls of sayings and her name written across them. Shelves of books lined her walls and a vanity table was right next to the patio doors that led out to her huge balcony. A sliding door was opened to reveal the little bathroom that was made for her. A bathtub like one from the bathhouse they had out near the horse stables. A mirror. Racks for clothes and towels. As well as many different items of bathing use. In another closet was empty trunks and bags for carrying clothes in. Just so that she wouldn't have to use a sack next time. The floor was a smooth wood that seemed to fit perfectly in the floor. Smooth to the touch when you ran your hand along it.
", Wow...", she let out in a low breath. Her earth brown eyes scanned around the room. Never had she seen such a beautiful place before. I mean, it was just breathtaking. She inhaled abit. He did this? Gave her a room that belonged just to her. When he could have easily given her something like a guest room. Turning to expect to thank him, she saw no one. She was about confused about that, yet said nothing. Walking into the room, she decided to get to know the place abit more. Make herself comfortable so that she would be able to live peacefully. She had her bag with her food and clothes in it. Now just noticing it as she took the stuff out. A few of May's kimono's, the cheese, bread, and, meat. Her hair brush and the washcloth with the goo that she used for soap that seemed to be now gone. She sighed, the food still looked fresh. She decided to have it as her dinner.Taking out a slice of the thick brown bread. Getting out a thick slice of the yellow cheddar cheese before she put it on top. Having that with the rest of the dried meat she had managed to save. Chewing slowly, she began to look around the room at all of the tiny things.
A desk that she hadn't noticed before was sitting by one of the bookshelves that lined the wall. A perfect place to write or make pictures with. There was also a stack of paper, ink, and a few books about literature on the desk. Cherry oak wood it was. As she observed it, she swallowed the remainder of the bread and cheese. Biting off some of the dried jerky and chewing abit before swallowing that too. She figured with time that she would get use to it. Looking down at what she had left, she blinked in surprise. Only a few loaves of bread and cheese were left. But she wasn't surprised by it. She took a large bite of the bread and cheese. Settling for finishing it as she wiped the crumbs off of her kimono once she was done. Running a hand across her throat, she knew that she was thirsty.
", I knew I should have gotten a cup of water.", she muttered to herself as she got up. Her kimono rustling as she headed for the bathroom. Sliding open the door, she saw the empty stone tub a good feet away from her. The floor was wood though, looking as if it would be warm in winter. The walls were simple brown wood. A mirror and wooden stool sat to wards her left. Stacks of towels and washcloths sat on the bathroom floor of the small room. To complete it all of, a tiny room in the back made up for the bathroom. That was good news, she wouldn't have to go outside. She peaked into one of the cabinets, finding a cup there much to her luck. Giving a small ah of notice, she took the cup off the shelf. Running it under the wooden sink that had both cold and warm water pumped from outdoors, she managed to get herself some water. Taking a long sip of it before she sighed. ", That's better...", she said. Clearing her throat, she stepped back outside into her room.
Later that night, she found herself laying on her bed. Staring at the ceiling as she tapped on the empty brush that she held in her hands. So boring. Already. There was at least things for her to do back at the village. Now she was very grateful that Lord Sesshomaru had come to rescue her. I mean, without him. She didn't know where she would have wound up. The bag with the few things she had within it lay crumpled in a corner. The kimonos and items inside already packed neatly away in some drawers.
Rolling over to lay on her back, she looked up at the top of her canopy bed. The white silk making it match the different shades of green in the walls. Humming a small tune to herself, she decided to venture around the castle. It was much better then staying in the room for hours on end. She got up and stretched all of the kinks out of her arms and torso. Letting out a moan of happiness as she smiled. Much better. She brushed her fingers through her hair a couple of times. Slipping on her inside shoes. Which were nothing but black slippers. Walking to wards the door, she slid it open. Revealing the large hallway with flags of the dog symbol hanging on the wall. A red carpet coated the floor with gold designs. Candles that were on were a few feet away from each other on stands that sat on the wall. Small hallway tables held a small stack of books and a vase of flowers. As she leaned her head back to look at the ceiling, she found that beams made rafters on the ceiling. Glass windows along some ways as it looked out into the night sky that seemed filled with many stars.
", You could never see that many stars in the village...", she said to herself as she began to walk in the first direction her feet stepped her in to. Which happened to be the direction to the stairs. Careful not to bump into any statues or hallway tables, she walked on. Grabbing one of the candle holders from the table. Using the glowing candle as light to lead her way. She soon found herself out of the maze of hallways and into the large area that seemed to have stairs going up and down in different places. She gulped and looked around some. Three went down, and the other six went up and down. A few doors were locked on this floor. But she didn't dare try to open them. Instead she settled for going down a set of stairs. They had bends and turns that finally lead out into what looked like an open room. Brown mats laided on the floor and lots of sliding doors were on both sides.
", It looks like a practice room...", she observed as she looked at the swords and candles that hung on the walls. A mess of pillows was towards the front of the room. Looking as if a squad of men had just took a seat there. She began to walk forward. ", Amazing...", she said to herself as she turned around in a full circle to get a good 360 view of the ceiling.
", Thank you very much.", a deep voice replied that seem abit light on some words. As if he was a middle aged prince out of a storybook. She gasped and turned quickly to see a tall demon standing a few feet away from her by one of the sliding doors. The man had to have been around 7'2. About a few inches taller then Sesshomaru, but now that she thought about it. They both looked evenly matched if they were ever to battle. He had a strong build that complemented his body. Long dark red hair went down to his waist. Bangs falling towards his shoulders. Orange tips lined the edges of his hair. His eyes were a fire-like red. Seeming to blaze into her soul. A sword hung by a hilt on his hips. Black gloves covered his hands. He wore black pants and a black shirt. Red armor with spikes and the dog symbol on the back of his cape. His dark red hair was tied into a long braid tied by a black string. He gave a soft smile at her.
", I'm very sorry to have scared you. But you have seemed to find your way to this room. Not that it is a bad thing in the least. But I never excepted to smell such a creature like you in the soilder's trainning area.", he said as Rin blinked. She looked around. Now feeling abit stupid.
", Ohhhh...", she said scratching the back of her head. But then she bowed deeply as she felt a light blush of embarrasment come to her face. ", I'm sorry. I didn't mean to step into a room like this. I got bored, so I decided to walk around. And I found myself here...", she said.
", It's alright. It happens often to people who have little interest in things. My name is General Hitoshia Yamake. Lead general and head charge for Lord Sesshomaru's army. Nice to meet you...", he said as he trailed off.
", Rin. I mean...my name is Rin...", she said as she glanced for a minute before nodding. Giving a slight grin as he chuckled.
", Well..", he said taking a bow. ", An honor to meet you Miss.Rin. You must be Sesshomaru's new guest. It is a pleasure to have you here with us in the palace tonight.", he said as Rin nodded. ", I was currently going to stock up some of the mats that are in here. Since the soilders are out camping tonight..", he said.
Rin let her head nod again, suddenly feeling as if she was getting in the way. ", Ummm, I can leave if you want me to..", she began. Hitoshia quickly shook his head.
", Oh no. You don't have to Rin-san. I'm just tidying up in here. Do you care to help me? Or do you have better things to get done? I know it's late and all...", he said as Rin looked at him before looking at the stacks of mats sitting in the corner. They look like they were collecting dust. And she didn't want to be rude by leaving him to clean it up all by himself. So the best thing was to help out.
", N-No. I don't mind. I want to help. They seem like alot of mats...", she said as Hitoshia chuckled. ", Oh, you'd be suprised.", he said as he walked over with a light stride towards the mats. Picking up half of the mats as he carried them inside the storage room. Rin paused a moment before walking over to them. Bending down as she attempted to pick up some of the red mats. Giving a loud grunt of suprise as the muscles in her arms began to hurt from lifting the heavy piece of matt. There were only two mats in her hands! How could they be this heavy? She slowly moved over towards her left as she tried to drag the mats up off the floor. Her arms shaking abit as she tried to pull them, a look of determination on her face. Hitoshima came back out to get the rest when he stopped. Watching her for a moment as she tried to lift the small mats off of the floor.
", I know. They are heavy, so I wasn't suprised that you would have a hard time. They are specially designed for the demons that train here. So they won't break the floor when they land during wrestling or matches.", he said as he picked some more up, including Rin's, as she let go of the edge and watched him carry them off into the room.
", I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make extra work for you...", she said as he poked his head out. Red bangs in his face as he gave a soft smile. ", Don't worry about it. You tried and that's what counts. At least your not like the servant girls that complain about the smallest of things.", he said as she nodded.
", Thank you Hitoshia-sama. I am fairly new to this place...", she said as he nodded.
", I know. You just came today. The soilders were talking about your arrival in the armor rooms.", he said as Rin's face lightened up abit in shock and suprise.
", About...me?", she asked as he nodded. His clawed hand tightening the hilt on his torso belt.
", Yes, of course I would never allow them to disrespect you. It is not fair to you anyway...", he said as she nodded.
", Thank you very much. That's very nice of you.", she said with a smile. He nodded quickly, his hair bouncing slightly as a small look of amusement came on his face.
", A smile. Good, you seemed tense and nervous when you first stepped on theses grounds.", he said as Rin looked down. Now abit embarrased that so many people seemed to know about her arrival.
", I don't mean to make you feel even worse then you already were. Just trying to make you feel welcome.", he said as she nodded. He walked back towards the storage room. Locking it up as he closed the door and put the lock on it. Turning back to her.
", So, are you planning to roam the castle for tonight? Or retire to bed soon?", asked Hitoshia as Rin thought for a moment. Lookning around the trainning arena for a moment.
", Ummm, I might decided to walk back to my room. Since it is getting late. Though not before saying good night to Sesshomaru-sama.", she said as Hitoshima nodded.
", Then allow me to walk you to the main hallway.", he said as Rin nodded in a thank you. He smiled before beginning to walk to the steps that lead up towards the staircase and hallway. Once they climbed the staircase and walked down the under hallway, they arrived at the main one. He turned to her, giving a waist bow and looking at her as he dipped up.
", Have a blessed night Rin-san. I really do hope you come to enjoy your time here.", he said as Rin nodded. This time abit more happy.
", I will enjoy my time here. Thank you very much! Goodnight!", she said as Hitoshia nodded as they went their seperate ways. Rin once again began to walk down a hallway. Figuring she was coming back the way she came, until she caught the faint scent of green tea in the air. She walked towards the scent. Coming to what looked like the doors of a kitchen as she slowly opened the wooden door with the window. Seeing a short, chubby woman that had little legs and wore a blue dress. A white apron curved around her body as black shoes were on her feet. Her gray hair was tied in a loose braid as she took a sniff in the air. When she turned, she saw Rin and blinked. Her eyes were a misty hue of purple. Her face was also abit chubby but not as much. Wrinkles showed under her eyes. She leaned her head to the side. Rin was about to take a step back and leave, when the woman spoke.
", Couldn't sleep child?", she asked as Rin moved her head first up and down. But then she wasn't sure, so she just shook it again. ", Uh...umm..I..I..you see...I...really...couldn't...", she began as the woman gave out a dry chuckle. Showing perfect white teeth. Her voice was dry, yet toned with the sound of old age. Pointy ears were on either side of her face and strips lined her nose, forhead, and cheeks. Her hands were bony and claws made up her fingernails.
", I take it not. Well...how could have you seemed to make your way to this kitchen?", asked he woman as Rin shruged.
", I was just wandering around until I arrived here. I came here from the trainning room.", she said as the woman clapped her wrinkled and bony hands once. A grin coming onto her features.
", Checking out all the young lads, eh? Ah, young girls have been into that these days. Very much so the servant lassys...", she said as Rin looked towards the steaming kettle. The woman turned as she gave a grumble of words to herself about tea steaming. She grabbed the mit. Putting it on as she took the kettle off the stove. Turning to glance at Rin she set it on the long kitchen counter. The tea cups on the island table. ", Would you like some tea dear child? To warm you on such a cold night?", asked the woman as Rin looked at her. Nodding as she stepped forward abit. Rubbing her arms as she glanced around the kitchen. Shelves were filled to the ceiling with spices, jars, and small bags. A line of frying pans were on one end of the wall. Five stoves sat towards the right of the kitchen. Two large ones sat under the long oak counters. As she looked over a door that was closed she figured must have been the storage room. Baskets of potatoes and corn also sat in a bundle by the back door. The sink was clean of dishes and the cabinets looked full of them. Drawers and cabinets under the counters and sink must have been full of utensils and pots. A few chairs stood stacked apon one another in the far corner.
The woman got out two white teacups. Being careful as she poured the steaming green tea into cups. ", Ah, I dunno what goes on these days. Young folk run so fast, it's hard for an old lady like me to keep up. The young master has come home today I heard. It's been over a year since he last showed up around these parts. Ohhhh, what days. And to think chores begin earily tomorrow mornin.", she said as Rin grabbed an extra stool from the corner. Setting it by the island counter as she sat down. The woman brought over the two cups of tea and set one down in front of Rin. Rin thanked her and took her cup. Blowing the steam away from it. The woman brought over a loaf of bread and began cutting it up into slightly thick slices.
", Do you have chores tomorrow?", Rin asked simply out of curiosity as the woman looked up. Settling for standing up as she took a sip of the still hot tea. Rin took a moment to observe her. She seemed as if she had been in this place for a very long time. The woman then looked up at her.
", Why of course? Did ya think I got off because I'm old? Oh no, I have work here just like everybody else...", said the woman as Rin nodded. The woman looked up again as she took another sip of her tea.
", Would you like something light to eat? Maybe some beef and rice? Or jerky with the leftover rice from lunch?", asked the woman as Rin nodded. ", Yes!", she blurted out but then clamped her hand on her mouth. That had been rather rude. She blushed and looked away. ", I'm sorry...", she said. The lady chuckled as she hopped down. Getting a small pot out as she went towards the baskets. Opening one as she took a small scoop of rice out. Walking back over towards the stove, she poured a cup of water into the pot. A few minutes later it began to boil as she poured the rice in the pot. The rice began to cook as she walked her way to the pantry as she spoke again.
", It's fine. I don't blame you. Traveling almost all day and having little to eat would make me hungry too.", she said as she came back with a few slabs of beef strips. Turning on the other knob on the stove, she set the frying pan on the stove. Letting it get warmed up first before setting the slabs of beef onto the pan. Watching it sizzle as she flipped and moved it around with a fork.
", So, tell me about yourself. Does young master take a fancy to you?", asked the woman as Rin blushed. Looking up from taking a sip of her tea.
", Oh no! Never, I wouldn't do something like that...", she said as the woman chuckled.
", Like a lost duckie. You shouldn't get nervous so much child. Mi'lord is a very wise person. Just like his father. When he wants to be.", she said as Rin nodded. Simply looking back down at her tea cup. The woman laughed as she flipped over the three beef strips. Waiting for them to finish cooking before she took them out. Chopping them up in slices before she got the rice in a bowl. Layering the beef on top, she also got a bowl for herself. Walking over towards Rin, she set it down in front of her with some chopsticks.
", Enjoy miss...", she said as Rin smiled in thanks before she digged the chopsticks into the food. Taking a bite as her eyes brightened. ", Ohhh! It's wonderful! Thank you!", she said as she began to eat some more. The woman used a spoon as she took small bites. Chewing slowly as she swallowed, watching Rin eat up her food.
", Your welcome. It's the least I could do for you wandering in here.", she said as Rin nodded. Pausing to take a sip of her tea and wipe her mouth. The woman watched her until she was down to the last scrap of beef. Putting it to her lips as she chewed with happiness. Swallowing it as she looked up at the woman.
", Mmmm. I love this! Thank you...umm...", she said trailing off.
", Akuya. That's my name...", she said as Rin nodded. Clasping her hands together and bowing.
", Thank you Akuya-san. The food was good. I am thankful that you took time to make some for me. I am Rin.", she said as Akuya got up. Nodding as Akuya took the dishes towards the sink.
", Well Rin, you welcome. Shouldn't you be heading on to be right about now? The moon's nearly full in the sky.", Akuya said looking out the window above the sink. Rin looked along with her as her eyes widened. She scrambled off the stool. Wiping off her area and quickly putting it back.
", Your right, I should be going. Thanks for everything Akuya-san. I hope to see you tomorrow!", she said as Akuya nodded.
", Get some sleep Rin.", she said with a soft smile as Rin nodded. Flashing a warm smile and a quick goodnight before she dashed out the room and into the hallway. Making her way in the dinning room as she crossed the room, heading out into the hallway. Walking down the halls, she found her way back towards the bedroom chambers. But as she walked, she saw a large door towards the end of the hallway. The doors were all black, with gold handles for doorknobs. She slowly walked towards it. Peaking in to see a flash of sliver hair.
", Rin. Can you not sleep?", Sesshomaru's voice replied as Rin jumped abit. But she slowly entered the room. Instantly amazed to see how large Sesshomaru's bed was. He looked so small within the large thing. Black sheets coated the bed as black drapes hung around the canopy bed. He glanced over at her from sitting on his bed. He appeared to be reading a book of somekind, but she wasn't going to ask what it was. She looked at him.
", I...met the general of your army, and one of the cooks. But that's about it. I was abit restless, so I decided to go for a walk.", said Rin as Sesshomaru looked over towards her. His golden eyes shinning in the dim darkness. His silver hair shining as the moon poured on it. She could drown in his hair. Wanting to feel how soft it felt between her fingers. She secretly wanted to see his eyes flashed with a different shade of emotion. One, just for her.
", I see. And you are going to bed now?", he asked, although it was more like a demand. She nodded.
", Yes Lord Sesshomaru-sama", said Rin as he nodded. Looking back towards his book. She seemed to get use to this place rather quickly. He wasn't suprised though, Rin was an easy person to get along with. Her scent filled his room again. Making an odd tingle twitch in his nose. It smelt heavenly, great even. A scent he could get use too smelling every day. But he waved those thoughts off. He didn't want to begin thinking about that right now.
", Then goodnight Rin.", he said as Rin bowed and nodded. She looked at him one last time before she turned. Leaving the room without another word. Today had gone by rather quickly, but all in all she had enjoyed it. She entered her room again. Suprised to see that three vases of fresh flowers had been put in it. She took a sniff of the wild lilys. Giving a soft smile as she turned and went over to her dresser. Taking out a night kimono, she changed into it. Brushing her hair out and pulling it into a braid. She collasped on her bed as she closed her eyes. Snuggling into the covers, she was suprised at how soft it was. Putting a hand on her pillow, she finally rested. It felt really good to be in a soft bed for once. Though her thoughts couldn't help but wander back to her friend May. She was worried if her family had made it out alive. If they even had returned to their tribe. She hoped they did and didn't get captured or sick. Well, there was only so much you could do.