Okay, here is the second entry, as I promised. Would I lie to you, my loyal and lovable readers? No… surely not I.
I have been referred to as Chaotic-sama in some of my reviews, and I must say that it feels quite wonderful. I have always enjoyed writing, and it does my soul good to know that apparently I do have some skill. Don't get me wrong, I'm no Piers Anthony, but heck; we've all got to start somewhere. For those of you who don't know who Piers Anthony is, I suggest you look up some of his works. He's a marvelous author, and one of my favorites.
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, so get off my back!
Eve of Celebration
Brow lifting inquisitively, Kagome scanned the expanse of the dining hall once more before leaving. Where was everyone? Sesshomaru was usually there to greet her when it came to for supper, as were the servants. At the moment, there wasn't a single soul in the room.
"What are you doing all the way over here, koi?" Sesshomaru inquired as he approached the young miko, noting that her aura was awash with confusion.
"Well its supper, I came to eat," she replied in a sardonic tone.
"Dinner will be served in the ballroom tonight, love. The dining hall is far to small to house the guests," he clarified, taking her gently by the hand and turning her toward him.
Eyes greedily drinking up the sight of her in her sheer silver kimono, he breathed in amazement, "You look like a tenshi." She wore little to no makeup that night, which only succeeded in further enhancing her beauty. The only color that painted her face was the gentle white hue that had been used to accent her eyes. Her hair had been left down, the soft waves pooling down her back like black, silk ribbons. He half expected wings to sprout from her delicate little shoulders.
Blushing, she waved her hand modestly and muttered, "You're just saying that. I look like a mess. I couldn't get my hair to work and I didn't have time to put on makeup."
"Kagome," Sesshomaru assured her, "you look marvelous; the epitome of feminine beauty. I love it when you leave your hair down, and your amazing features look all the more astounding when they are not hindered by things such as 'makeup'." He wrapped an arm around her slender waist and drew her near, kissing her soft, plump lips in reassurance.
Smiling shyly, Kagome inquired, "We have guests tonight?"
"Indeed," Sesshomaru explained. "You remember that I informed you of Naraku's arrival on the morrow?" When she nodded, he went on, "Tonight a great feast is being held to honor the soldiers and myself. The Lords of the north and east have been invited. Rika also received an invitation, but he was unable to attend."
"Good," Kagome mumbled while rolling her eyes.
Giving her a displeased look, Sesshomaru tightened his grip around her waist and shook his head.
"What," she exclaimed, "that guy is a drag! You know it, I know it, everyone knows it! It isn't like I'm making a scene at the moment; it's only the two of us!"
Sighing, the tall, golden eyed demon turned and lead his future mate toward the ballroom. He could sense her nervousness, as was to be expected. She had been to dinners with him before, but never to one of such magnitude.
She was a shy little woman when it came to being the center of attention, an attribute that was very rare in the female sex now a days. The majority of the time, it was quite the opposite. He was glad that she wasn't an attention seeking hussy, like the demon wenches that followed him around. It was insufferable, having a woman latched onto one's arm so that she could have her fifteen minutes of fame. Revolting.
Kagome chewed her lower lip agitatedly. She wasn't certain how this night would turn out. Would she be expected to speak or dance or… or… something? The more she thought about it, the more nervous she became, and apparently her demon other had noticed, for her gave her a quick, yet comforting pat on the hand.
"Sesshomaru, is there some kind of routine I need to know about?" she asked quietly as they neared a set of humungous mahogany doors.
"When we enter," he enlightened, "they will announce our arrival. Simply follow my lead and don't do anything brash."
Nodding timidly, Kagome straightened herself out and took a deep breath. When her mate to be gave her side a reassuring squeeze, she looked up at him and smiled halfheartedly. She certainly hoped she didn't make a fool of herself or Sesshomaru.
When the large, mahogany doors were swung open, she gulped and bunched her hand tightly into the sleeve of his haori. As they stepped into the light of the ballroom, she nearly fainted on the spot. Hundreds upon hundreds of youkai warriors stood crowding the vast space, and at the moment, all eyes were on them.
A small, yet distinguished looking water youkai stepped forth from his spot next to the door, clearing his throat slightly before announcing, "May I present to you, the great and honorable Lord Sesshomaru of the western lands and the Lady Kagome."
She felt as though she could hear a pin drop in that instant as all sound faded away.
From his place at her side, Sesshomaru whispered, "You are the most powerful human known to mankind, Kagome, hold your head high."
Sighing, she inhaled slowly and did just that. Straightening her back, she tilted her chin upward slightly, her free hand lifting the silk material of her kimono. The flight of stairs they began to descend was a little too long for her liking. 'It's like they want you to trip,' she mused bitterly.
As they made their way down the column of stairs, she noted that every new room she was introduced to seemed more beautiful than the last. The large, almost entirely ivory colored room was trimmed with gold; large, stone pillars lining the walls to the right and left of her. Flourishing green fern like plants sprouted from pots across the room, where a large, half circle balcony expanded. The doors were currently opened, ivory curtains drawn aside with gold rope.
Even the railing on the stairway was magnificently crafted. The entire length of the rail was decorated by superbly sculpted figures of demons and humans.
The floor appeared to be white marble, the rug that trailed down the stairs a deep amber, much like the shade of her demon lover's eyes.
However, the highlight of the room, in her own opinion, was the massive crystal chandelier that hung from the ceiling. The lights caught and reflected the shimmering stones, casting small rainbow figures across the room. It was magnificent, like a naked tree in the winter whose bows had been sprinkled with frost.
Thankfully, she managed to make it down the flight of stairs without falling. In fact, she felt as though she had done it rather gracefully. She could only pray that everyone else thought so as well.
Yet, even as they made their way into the crowd, the majority of beings were still staring at them, and she couldn't help but feel somewhat self-conscious. The demon Lord, of course, looked marvelous, in his signature white and red kimono. The Tenseiga and Toukijin hung at his left hip, his armor shining. His face was, as always, flawless, and she silently envied him.
"Ah, Lord Sesshomaru," Takura greeted as he approached, a small, orange haired woman at his side. "It is good to see you again. Your men have been training, I can see. As have mine. Perhaps we will defeat this Naraku character with less trouble than we hoped!"
Staring into the over joyous face of the taller demon before him, Sesshomaru warned, "Do not underestimate the scum, Takura, he is not to be taken so lightly. If you allow your haughtiness to rule you, you may be one of the first to die in battle."
Chuckling in his deep, full voice, the ginger haired demon replied, "You just worry about yourself, youngster, this demon has had his fair share of battles."
Sniffing lightly, Sesshomaru turned to Kagome and inquired, "Have you met lord Takura's mate?"
When she shook her head, Takura hollered, "How rude of me! Lady Kagome, this is my mate, Keiko."
Smiling brightly at the pretty, brown eyed demoness, Kagome bowed and offered, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Keiko."
Bowing back, Keiko replied, "And you as well, Lady Kagome. I hope you don't mind me asking, but are you Sesshomaru's mistress?"
"No," Sesshomaru answered before Kagome had a chance to reply, "She is to be my mate."
"My apologies," the female demon excused herself. In a moment, a sly smile spread across her lips and she added, "So, after all of these years the sought after Lord Sesshomaru has been captured and thawed, and by a human, no less. You," she continued, turning to Kagome, "must be one extraordinary woman. My highest esteem to you, miko-sama."
Grinning shyly, Kagome giggled as she felt a spur of agitation rise in Sesshomaru's aura. Standing on her tiptoes, she kissed him on the chin and whispered, "I love you."
"As I you, koi," he whispered back, bestowing a quick kiss to her nose.
Laughter thundering through the ballroom, Takura slapped the silver haired demon on the back and proposed, "Come lad, this deserves a toast. Let us get some sake and celebrate."
The two males walked off together, leaving the females to converse. Keiko was the first to speak.
"Well my dear, any woman who can break through his emotional barrier and tolerate him deserves to be given a medal. However, my opinion will not be shared by all. The other women who sought his hand will more than likely attempt to deter or discourage you. Do not allow them to belittle you, miko-sama, you are far above them."
Sighing, Kagome replied, "Though I appreciate you saying so, I don't believe that I am above anyone here. It is not my station to place others below me. I am but a miko, and it is my duty to serve those in need."
Nodding in acceptance and approval, Keiko responded, "Wise choice of words, Lady Kagome. It seems to me that you will make a fine Lady to the western lands."
Beaming with pride, Kagome smiled at the demoness and turned her head to scan her surroundings.
She had never seen such a wide variety of youkai before. Near the back of the room, she thought she spotted Kouga and his pack. Deciding to check into it later, she turned her attention back to Keiko.
"Perhaps you would like to get something to drink?" the young miko suggested.
"A splendid notion," the orange haired demoness affirmed, strolling toward the table where the beverages were being served.
Falling in stride with Keiko, Kagome asked shyly, "Will there be something other than sake? It isn't that I don't like it, but apparently I can't handle it that well."
Laughing softly, the chestnut eyed female exclaimed, "You are absolutely delightful, Kagome. I do hope we get other opportunities to visit."
Smiling at the fact that she had made a friend, the priestess agreed, "I would like that. If I survive this war, we'll definitely have tea some time."
Pausing in her walk, Keiko inquired in a surprised manner, "You're fighting?"
"Yes," Kagome answered in a confused tone. "Sesshomaru didn't want me to, but I go where he goes. Besides, the Shikon-no-tama is mine to protect. I must collect the final shard and destroy all who pose a threat to the peace of this world… even if it means giving my life. If I can complete the jewel and destroy Naraku, it would be worth it."
For a moment, the chocolate eyed demoness stood in silence. Then, after several seconds of quiet, she straightened herself and bowed. When she stood, she looked her newly acquired acquaintance in the eye and informed her, "You are most courageous, miko-sama. I respect you beyond words."
Blushing, Kagome continued her walk to the table, Keiko by her side. "I don't deserve your respect. I'm only doing what I have to. I broke the jewel, so it's my responsibility to put it back together again."
A light hand rested on her shoulder, and Kagome gazed into Keiko's soft, russet eyes.
"Miko-sama, do not be so hard on yourself. You made a mistake, correct?"
Kagome nodded.
"You are also trying to reconcile what has been done, correct?"
Again, the priestess nodded.
Smiling, the pretty, ginger haired demoness explained, "Then you deserve all the more respect."
Kagome shook her head. "I don't understand," she admitted sullenly.
"Lady Kagome, anyone can fight for honor, but few can face up to their own fears and mistakes. You have done so, and you are righting things. By doing so, you are more of a hero then most of the men in this room."
A ghost of a smile lighted Kagome's lips then. She had never looked at the situation in such a manner. Either way, she knew that what was done needed to be fixed, and fix it she would.
Back straightening, the young miko suggested, "We have yet to get to get our drinks. Shall we?"
"Indeed," Keiko affirmed.
More friends for Kagome! Woot! Well I'm tired so I'm not going to put much. Just this. And that's it. No more… except this…
Review.