Authers note: Arg! I have leaving a month between postings...Sorry AGAIN for the delay. I had to move last month and didn't have theinternet until now. : (

HyperFerret

Chapter 38

Emerging back into the main hall Shura was the last to rejoin her kin when the call for dinner was sounded. Following the flow of royalty and guests the group eventually found themselves in Matyeo's expansive dining hall. A large, rectangular table spanning over two thirds of the room was the centerpiece of the hall, sporting elaborate decorations and what looked to be very comfortable pillow-esque cushions to sit on. Smaller tables were dotted throughout for the subordinates and other guests, but none could compare to the main attraction. The very look of it cried aristocracy, and so it was no surprise that it was at this table that Matyeo's most distinguished guests were assigned seats.

Following the dragon King's cushy spot at the far end were his closest clan allies, those of Water and Wind who had served loyally during his father's rain. The Sun, Moon, and Shadow Tribes were placed next, mainly for political clout. They were the teetering bunch when it came to providing support and it was no doubt that Matyeo hoped the opportunity for a positive rapport could be further nursed with a kind gesture and good food. Kagome and Sango were placed next, each beside a handsome Sun brother on one side, followed by Inuyasha and Miroku respectfully on the other. Kayolin, meanwhile, though originally assigned to a seat on Matyeo's right, kindly declined the spot so that he could sit beside Miroku and offer the monk and his four human companions tips on which dishes were safe for them to partake in, and which were solely meant for demons. The three Sky tribe members were placed near the end beside the Earth dragon. Finally, the Fire clan representatives was seated precariously across from their long time rivals— one of Matyeo's final efforts to get the two clans to concede or at least tolerate one another.

Naturally, Shura and her father were assigned spaces near Inuyasha and his crew, a fact that didn't please either brother one bit. The wary glares began the instant both siblings sat and realized they were spaced on cushions next to one another. However, their building intolerances for each other's company didn't have a chance to escalate. With a rather abrupt shove of the hips, Shura wedged herself between the two brothers and with surprising force nudged her father over a cushion, almost making him spill ungracefully to the floor.

"Shura what…" the dog lord started to scold between clenched fangs as he regained his balance, but a quick glance to his right stopped his protest. Watching curiously from the cushion beside him was the Fire clan's young batcher, Falcon. The youth had a suspicious look of disappointment on his face when he saw Shura would not be sitting by his side, but even more discomforting to the dog lord was the large, red, slap mark of his daughters paw visible on the boy's cheek. Falcon offered a nervous grin and quickly lowered his posture once Sesshomaru straightened up and fixed him in an unnervingly close scowl.

A gruff snort sounded and Sesshomaru's eyes fell past the boy to its source, a dragon that indubitably was the Fire clan leader. He was a stern looking gentlemen with a battle warn face and fierce amber eyes. Wild, garnet colored hair spilled over his shoulders and arched horns, hiding an impressive assortment of scars. His garments mimicked the colors of smoke and charcoal.

The beast looked up momentarily to leer at Sesshomaru in disgust. Then one of his well-muscled hands came up and sank sharp hooked claws into Falcon's right ear.

"You've disgraced this family enough already," the elder dragon hissed under his breath. "I won't have you cavorting with dogs."

"Yes father," Falcon murmured pathetically. It was the last comment Sesshomaru was able to follow before a familiar arm wrapped round his shoulder and pulled him close. Shura's other arm was hugging around Inuyasha and he was yanked over with a similar insistence. It seemed like a kind gesture to those watching—Shura smiling happily, her kin snuggled near—but the mood was swiftly broken when Shura rumbled out with stern emphasis. "You two had better be nice and not embarrass me!"

Food arrived promptly thereafter and there was no shortage of it. Assorted platters of roasted game teased the carnivores noses, as did fish, mollusks, and fowl. There were even some more exotic beasties up for grabs, the most memorable of which had to be the live scorpions, which Sesshomaru had apparently acquired a taste for during his youth spent among the dragons.

There were lots of fresh goods for the vegetable lovers too. Huge bowls of tossed greens ornamented with all sorts of colored morsels garnished the table, as did pots of live herbs and brilliant fruit platters. Then of course there was the Sake, and with Kayolin's talent in herbology and excellent taste in blends there was no shortage of choices there either.

The meal carried on for the better part of two hours and between Miroku's efforts to sample every type of Sake, Shura and Inuyasha's strikingly similar poses when gobbling up a bowl of rice, and Kayolin's near constant jokes at Sesshomaru's expense, the venture was, for the most part, and enjoyable one.

It was only after the food was beginning to get cleared away that the cheery atmosphere took a sharp turn. Without warning the ripe scent of a youngster's blood reached Shura's nose making her jolt with sudden alarm. At the same instant, Sesshomaru caught wind of something else, a motion behind one of the dining halls, large, decorative plants.

"Rin," Sesshomaru barked, drawing several sets of eyes upon him. There was an audible rustle of leaves and seconds later Rin hopped out into view.

"Yes Lord Sesshomaru…" the girl started to answer while scampering forward. But at the last instant she tripped over her long garments and fell flat on her face. "Ow…" Rin grumbled. "That hurt…" The girl flushed when there was a murmured chorus of remarks from the surrounding tables.

"Why were you sneaking about?" Sesshomaru inquired of the girl once he saw she wasn't hurt. Rin got to her feet and dusted herself off with her hands.

"I didn't want to interrupt," she admitted innocently. The scent of blood picked up again and Rin gestured to the door with her eyes. Shiori was standing in the doorframe, a young dragon boy of five leaning against her. The younger child was whimpering softly, teary amber eyes hidden under his unkempt orange bangs. A ragged cut on his right knee was leaving small crimson trails down his leg. The boy sniffled loudly, then in a small voice announced.

"I scwaped my knee."

A throb of pity circulated through the room, but Falcon's resonated strongest of all.

"Finch…" the young male muttered, his tone laden with concern. Across from him, the reception from Phoenix wasn't nearly as open.

"What's he doing here?" the she-dragon demanded with a harsh whisper. Her retort was followed by an equally displeased, "I told you not to bring him," from Falcon's father. Dipping his posture in shame Falcon rose from the table and bent down to greet the boy who eagerly hobbled into his arms.

"It's alright son," the dragon tried to sound reassuring. But the hurt in his voice was more then obvious.

Shura meanwhile watched the pair of dragons with growing disbelief. Beyond the fact that Falcon was the last one she expected to be a family type the scent of the boy's blood brought up even more questions. The child may have looked strikingly like his father, but his blood was anything but pure.

Shura looked to Kayolin if only to confirm what her senses were telling her. The Earth dragon nodded heavily at her cue. Not only had Falcon disobeyed the royal credo that dragons of noble birth were to pair only once, and for life. He had selected a mortal lover—a forbidden act since the soul-bonding ceremony proved so dangerous with bloods of such varying strengths. Both offenses were outrageous enough on their own, but for the only son of the unyielding Firestorm and his clan, they were no doubt the lesser of two evils. As distasteful as it was to think about, Falcon's illegitimate heir was most likely an unforgivable blow to his close-minded, egocentric, father. And there was no telling how often both Falcon and his son suffered for it.

Shura turned once more to watch the young boy clamoring tightly in his father's silks. The distress and sorrow she felt in her heart for the child must have leaked onto her face as well, because she felt a reassuring pat from Inuyasha.

"Don't fret lad," Kayolin spoke up unexpectedly making Falcon glance over his shoulder. "Lady Shura is a skilled healer. She'll tend to your boy."

Shura glanced at Kayolin again and after an approving nod got to her feet and slowly approached father and son. The boy was still cowering in Falcon's arms and despite his father's comforting praises he only seemed to shrink further away when Shura came close. Dipping down to one knee so that she was eye-level with the youngster she spoke gently and in the best dragon-speech she could manage.

"Don't be afraid," she rumbled softly at the same time trying to offer the boy a friendly pat on the head. Finch winced hard at the touch, an instinctual reaction, the she-demon noted with growing distress. Frowning, Shura glared momentarily over her shoulder at Phoenix before letting out a long sigh.

"I see. We'll try something else then." Shura next looked over to Rin. "Rin, would you please fetch Ukuri for me," she requested. The girl nodded eagerly and scampered from the room. Moments later she returned, the wolf-dragon kit trotting alongside with Shura's medicine bag round his neck. Ukuri skidded to a halt beside Shura, allowing her to remove her bag. Then after a nod from the she-demon the kit started to chortle playfully in the boy's direction.

"I think he wants you to scratch him behind the ears," Shura noted softly to Finch. The boy sheepishly looked over and seemed to cheer at the sight. Reaching out small hands Finch dug his claws behind Ukuri's left ear.

"Like this?" he asked shyly. The dragon kit took the cue and mewed happily. Then he nestled his doggish nose in the boy's shirt and snuffled. Finch giggled wildly.

"He likes you," Shura praised. The boy didn't notice the small vile she had extracted from her bag, or that she was gradually leaning closer to his injured leg. She could see the wound, a shallow cut just below the kneecap. There was also a large patch of reddened skin, raw but otherwise fine. It would be a simple mending made even simpler of Finch would hold still long enough for a bit of sorcery.

"Alright buddy now that you're feeling better I'm going to fix your knee okay?" Finch looked back at Shura. His expression was worried but no longer afraid.

"Will it hurt?" he questioned. Shura measured out a small dusting of a white, metallic powder from the vile onto her palm. Then with her other hand she sprinkled the granules on the boy's injury.

"It will feel a little funny for a second, that's all," she assured. Then closing her eyes and probing lightly for the energy she murmured a swift incantation. The powder on Finch's leg ignited for a brief instant making the boy coo with wonder. Then when the light faded his scrape and the pain were both completely gone. The boy tested his leg timidly, then with more confidence.

"Kooooool!" Finch at last exclaimed, eyes wide. "Howd you do dat?" Shura smiled and plopped the vial back in her bag.

"Magic," she replied simply. A giggle sounded from Rin and seconds later she had tackled Shura and was clinging affectionately round her neck.

"Isn't my sister the best?" the girl bragged shamelessly. The question left Finch suddenly bewildered.

"Pappa?" the boy questioned, gazing up at his father uncertainly, "How comes its ok for miss Shura to have a human sister but auntie says its nots ok for me to have a human mother?" Falcon hesitated uncomfortably at the remark.

"Well," he tried to begin. But Shura quickly took charge.

"Sometimes grown-ups say mean things like that because they don't understand or are afraid. But that still doesn't make it right." Once again Shura set a critical eye on Phoenix and went on with emphasis. "There's nothing wrong with who you are."

At the table Shura heard Phoenix scoff loudly.

"This coming from a forsaken witch cross with a half-demon uncle." The she-demon narrowed her eyes at the comment but quickly turned her gaze back to the kit when he looked to her innocently.

"So, you're a mixed-blood too?" the youngster questioned. Shura let out a small sigh and nodded. The boy's eyes grew large.

"But…you're so pretty…" Finch exclaimed innocently. That one got a chuckle out of Falcon and a small blush from Shura.

Smiling sweetly in return the demoness playfully ruffled the kit's hair.

"I'm sure you say that to all the girls, don't you little spitfire?" the she-demon teased. Falcon hugged his boy closer and smiled fondly at Shura.

"No, only the ones who deserve it."

Shura rolled her eyes and shook her head in what could only be classified as a "you're hopeless" gesture. Rin meanwhile took a few bold steps forward and smiled at the fire-dragon's boy.

"Finch, now that you're better, want to come back and play with me and the others?" The boy did an anxious little jig.

"Yeahyeahyeah!" he babbled. And with that he was off, sprinting full speed towards the door with Rin and Ukuri close on his heels.

The young boy didn't see one of Matyeo's servants step in his path, nor did he stop running even after the woman had to swerve awkwardly to avoid him. Gasping with alarm the woman strained to keep her balance, but it was no use. A large bowl of stew flew from her armload of dishes and landed with a splat directly on top of Phoenix's head. The fire lady was outraged.

"You wretched human! How dare you!" Phoenix hissed fiercely as she rose and stomped towards the cowering servant. The terrified girl could barely squeak out an apology before Phoenix grabbed the front of her shirt and with a single, well muscled, arm lifted her clear off her feet. Shura meanwhile, along with Falcon an many other dragons at the table had practically turned red from having to stifle their laughter at Phoenix's expense.

"I don't know, I think it's an improvement," Shura finally remarked boldly. It was rude, she knew, but also well worth any scolding she might get later if only to see the fire diva's face. Phoenix turned, her eyes fixing on Shura. With a rough shove she dropped the girl and in a single, powerful, movement leapt over the table to face her ridiculer. She stormed over to Shura and stuck her snarling face precariously close, but the she-dog held her ground.

"You have something to say to me, you illegitimate, witch-spawned, waste of space? Then say it now before I cut out your mongrel tongue!" A deep growl rumbled in Shura's chest. She could practically feel the stares of her kin and companions. All of them were silently fuming, burning for her, half hoping she would strike even if it meant risking the wrath of the dragon clans. Shura's hands coiled to tight fists and she parted her jaws just enough to bare the tips of her fangs in a hateful grimace.

"I dare you to try it!" Now Phoenix was snarling. A low, threatening, hiss escaped her parted fangs and wrapped unpleasantly against Shura's ears. The fire dragon raised a fist. The motion was slow, precise. Not at all a rash act of a clueless hatchling. Phoenix was confident in herself, convinced even, that she would win.

The sight sent a jolt of demonic energy searing through the she-dog's veins like liquid fire. Shura's pupils constricted and her eyes shaded crimson. She could have transformed, she wanted to desperately. But a loud, fierce, hiss rang out suddenly breaking her concentration. Seconds later a familiar-scented, green, blur wedged between her and the fire female, and a strong push to the shoulder put a sizable distance between their sneering faces.

"That is quite enough!" Matyeo's raised, stern, voice suddenly registered and Shura found herself staring into her friend's highly aggravated expression. Phoenix seemed especially startled by the sight, though it was not so much out of fear, but rather concern for her status.

"Oh…lord Matyeo…I," The female tried to blurt out a rather subdued and innocent apology, but Matyeo not only ignored the gesture, he cut off her sentence entirely.

"Rika," the dragon addressed the trembling human servant in a gentle tone, "you may return home for the evening." The woman stood and bowed unsteadily.

"Yes Milord," she squeaked then swiftly departed. Next Matyeo turned his focus to the fire lady. Despite her sweet expression the dragon King was anything but pleased.

"Phoenix, I've tried hard to tolerate your attitude towards my guests and human allies but you've worn my patience to its limit," Matyeo warned sternly. His voice was practically a growl. "One more disrespectful outburst from you and you will find yourself promptly dismissed from my palace. Is that understood?" Phoenix's eyes widened a little in anger but she didn't dare argue. Dipping her head in submission the female stepped away from Matyeo in defeat.

"Yes…forgive me. It won't happen again," she assured quietly. Then with a final bow of respect the dragoness started towards the exit so that she could find clean garments and rinse the stew from her hair.

Shura meanwhile was still tensed with fury.

"Don't you leave…." She growled through clenched fangs the instant Phoenix turned her back. "We're not finished!" Matyeo stepped suddenly in front of her, blotting out the departing fire dragon with his armored frame. Then, he rested both hands on her trembling shoulders in a stern, yet comforting gesture.

"Shura, let it go."

His words made Shura scowl bitterly.

"But…" the she-dog tried to protest, but a gentle coo from the dragon stopped her progress.

"It's not worth your energy," Matyeo pointed out softly. "Now take a deep breath…"

A growl rumbled in Shura's chest and her body twitched restlessly in place. Then, reluctantly, the she demon closed her eyes and tried very hard to steady her breathing. After a dozen or so very deep chest-fulls of air Shura was able to open her eyes. The crimson color of her irises managed to fade, however, the clench in her jaw remained.

"I need air," the she-demon finally hissed out when she couldn't bring herself to settle. The anxious stares of the diplomats made concentrating on anything else near impossible. Matyeo just nodded his head in understanding.

"Come on," he instructed, offering a guiding arm round Shura's shoulders. It was a bit embarrassing for Shura at first, having to be escorted out of the room because she couldn't regain control of her temper. But Matyeo, kind soul, had nothing but compassion for her. He blatantly ignored his comrades raised eyebrows and curious stares as the pair of them walked to the door. And once they were beyond it he tightened his hold on her into an even more comforting squeeze that never wavered even as they reached the fresh evening air.

Shura and Matyeo continued to walk until they reached the edge of the outer terrace, the flat, T-shaped, landing space they had first arrived on. The boarder they stood near teetered precariously close to a sheer drop down the mountain face. But nonetheless, neither demon was afraid of the height. For as dangerous as the spot might have seemed it was one of the few that offered an unobstructed view of Matyeo's mountainous home core. The still setting sun left the sky vibrant with its trail of colors. And the distant mountains' large, jagged peeks cut up into the fading pastels like ebony fangs. Even the cozy human settlements in the valley below warmed the encroaching dark—the tiny, fire lit homes glittering like dozens of fireflies. But it was not the view that drove out Shura's temper, but rather the warmth of the dragon at her side.

"Feeling any better?" the she dog heard Matyeo ask concerned. His warm breath fluttered lightly against the tip of her right ear making it twitch reflexively.

"Yeah," she muttered in return. Shura's voice went even quieter with shame. "I'm sorry…I shouldn't have acted up like that. Handling the clans is a hard enough job, and I'm probably just throwing fuel on the fire."

Shura dipped her head as her words faded. Proud as she was, even the she-demon was more then a little ashamed knowing she had done her friend such a disservice. What right-minded king, after all, would willingly associate himself with a short-tempered mutt?

Matyeo must have sensed her distress because he shifted suddenly and with his strong arms turned Shura so that their gazes met. Matyeo's golden eyes were soft and filled with kindness.

"Don't apologize, and don't ever say things like that," he instructed with a gentle shake for emphasis. "You're my best friend and I'm glad you're here especially now with all the clan's breathing down my neck." Matyeo let out a heavy sigh. A nervous tension was beginning to work its way across his face. It was a strain Shura had seen before, the kind he always seemed to get when his duty as King was bearing down to heavily on his young mind.

"You nervous about your council meeting tonight?" Shura inquired gently even though she already knew the answer. Matyeo seemed hesitant to reply but after a pause he nodded shamefully.

Shura leaned her head forward and rested a cheek against Matyeo's chest in a comforting gesture. All things considered, hard-nosed Phoenix and her attitude was probably just a petty annoyance when compared to the temper the fire clan's leader had waiting for Matyeo in his council meeting. The thought settled uncomfortably in her stomach, as she was sure it had in her friend's as well.

"I don't blame you," she admitted. But you're smart and patient and you've got a strong will," Shura went on to assure softly. "I know you'll find a balance with them, eventually." Shura felt one of Matyeo's hands rest softly on her head. She snuggled closer and wrapped her arms loosely round the dragon's waist when that same palm started to massage delicately for the tender points just behind her ears.

"You're too good to me, you know that?" she heard Matyeo remark sweetly. The appreciation in his voice sent warm tingles of happiness up Shura's spine.

"Yeah. But I don't mind." she whispered.

"Me neither."

Shura felt her eyes close and her chest rumble lightly with satisfaction when the familiar clawtips found their mark. The scale armor her friend wore was surprisingly smooth and warm against her face. She could vaguely hear her friend's powerful heart pulsing beneath it. It had a smooth, steady rhythm—calmed into dormant regularity by her presence.

Shura exhaled slowly, feeling her own stress melt away just as easily Matyeo's had. She wished they could have stayed like that—alone in the beckoning night free of enemies, quests and politics, kept warm by one another's energy and calm through their kindred spirits. But it was not to be. The chilly northern air was just beginning to settle in for the evening and a sharp gust whipped past Shura's face and ears making her shiver heavily.

"We should probably head back inside," Matyeo observed gently, releasing her. His expression had lightened significantly but the invisible burden of what awaited him was still evident in his eyes. "The clan heads will be wanting to get in their last minute bribes… I mean favors," Matyeo corrected lightheartedly, "before we gather for council."

Shura smiled at her friend's joke and giggled.

"Right. Now this I have to see."