CHAPTER 17
Rin was pleased with the sight that met her as she entered the banquet hall. Everyone was relaxed and it was immediately apparent, that no troubles had been experienced.
Hontu had everyone's attention as all seemed engrossed by some "juicy" tale that was being told.
"I hope that I am not interrupting anything important." Rin said smiling.
At the sound of her voice, everyone snapped to attention and made way for her to be seated at the head of a long table. Hontu blushed slightly. "No Milady, you are by no means interrupting anything. In fact, the men and I have something with us that we hope will amuse you!" All then bowed respectfully as Rin took her place at the head of the group. "And what might that amusement be Master Hontu?" Rin asked quirking an eye at the demon before her.
Hontu and about ten others started laughing almost uncontrollably. "We will show you from a distance Milady! chirped a voice at the hall entrance. A foot soldier then ran out and returned quickly with a bit of cloth at the end of a long pole.
Rin looked at the item and then turned her gaze to Hontu. "What is that thing Master Hontu?" Rin then went to wrinkle her nose. "It smells bad enough!" With that observation, everyone present started laughing uproariously. Rin maintained a confused expression as Hontu composed himself first.
"Your orders Milady.." he began, "Your orders were to leave the humans in their underwear correct?" Rin gave a slow and steady nod in response.
"Well, we took the liberty of leaving that pig Zobu completely naked! Behold his loincloth!" Hontu offered up his hand to the cloth on the pole triumphantly.
Rin's face first blanched white at this sight.
Hontu had momentarily thought he had offended his mistress. But, suddenly Rin grinned. Then a small "keh" was heard. Followed by a snicker before she started laughing outright.
"You all left him naked?!" Rin inquired through giggles.
"It was a greater kindness than he deserved Milady!" came the response from the voice of another soldier.
By now both Jaken and Toru then took their places at either side of Rin. While Jaken seemed annoyed by the display, Toru was highly entertained.
Toru then shouted in good humor to the soldier still holding the pole and garment. "What are you waiting for man! Burn the damned thing!" Rin started laughing again. "Please do! It smells as if he soiled himself again!"
Once again, everyone roared with laughter as the foot soldier exited with the item in question. As the laughter died down, Rin took up a cup of sake and stood to speak. All fell silent.
"I thank you all. Our effort today will keep peace in our lord's lands for some time to come. I could not have done it without you." Rin then lifted her glass. "I salute you all."
"No Milady!" Toru interrupted before a drink could be taken, It is we who salute you and your bravery. Without your efforts, our lord may have had a war on his hands!" It is we who thank you." The voice of every soldier cheered in agreement. "Aye! Cheers to Lady Rin!"
Rin smiled as she lifted her glass with the others and took a very small sip of its contents. Rin had never developed a taste for sake, but she knew she had to at least taste what was offered to her. Rin then put down her drink, and waited for everyone's attention. The hall slowly fell silent.
"Now then. I have one last gift for you all, then I'm afraid, I must leave your company." Rin stated with some authority.
"Why must you leave us Milady? You just got here!" whined a voice from a far away table. "Wait and see." Rin said laughing.
Rin then stretched her arms and clapped three times.
Suddenly, a parade of some of the most beautiful demoness that the palace had to offer, filed into the room. The men sat wide eyed at the display that unfurled before them. Rin smiled as she took in the various degrees of shock that now filled the room.
"Now you see why I leave you to your evening." she said smiling. "Please do not let me regret this kindness and be on your best behavior." Rin then turned to leave.
Before any male addressed any of the females that had entered,
every demon present then stood and bowed to Rin again in the face of such graciousness.
"Thank you Lady Rin!" they all chorused in unison. Rin smiled, and turned to leave. Only Hontu was not taken in by the parade of beauty before him. As Rin made her way back to the hall entrance, he jumped up to follow.
"Please allow me to escort you to your rooms Milady!" he stated. Jaken then gave Toru a stern look that he in turn flashed to Hontu.
Hontu smiled at his superior. "My intentions are honorable my lord." Toru gave a growl and a reluctant nod as Hontu caught up with Rin.
The pair exited and appeared to be un noticed by all … almost.
If anyone had paid attention, they might have heard Sesshomaru's low growl.
"He was a good lad." Toru commented in defeat. "Good and stubborn!" chimed Jaken. While the couple's exit was not missed by anyone, all were wise enough no to comment. Hontu was about to try to tread on forbidden territory. Everyone knew that the lord's ward was off limits.
"Our lady was kind enough to leave us with a bounty of beauty." one soldier dared to comment. "Yes." said another. "But no matter how great the bounty, if you've a taste for one thing, it is never enough." Toru snapped his head in the direction of the conversation. "If you both value your lives, you will now discuss the weather!" "Yes lord!" they said in unison.
Sesshomaru was livid.
"So they both Toru and Jaken knew of the intentions of this upstart? Let that fool touch so much as a hair on Rin's head, and I will take great pleasure in torturing him before I end his miserable life!" Sesshomaru mumbled to himself as he tried to quell the poisons that were even now dripping to the ground around him.
Sesshomaru then followed the couple.
Once Hontu was a safe distance from the banquet hall, he took hold of Rin's hand. "You are not fond of crowds are you beloved?" he said softly. Rin drew in a sharp breath and turned to face the demon before her.
"I am not your 'beloved' Hontu, please stop calling me that." she said firmly.
Rin had been stressed for some time now about the whole effort of being 'ambassador'. But now that the task was over and successful, she simply wanted to be left alone. All of the good that happened this day meant nothing to her.
Sesshomaru was not here to see any of it, and that truth hurt more than she would have imagined. The attentions of the demon before her only served to remind her of how much she missedher lord at this moment. Hontu however, was determined.
"If you will just give me the name of the fool who marked you, I can be your beloved!" he growled. Rin did not like Hontu's tone of voice. Her youkai began to flare as she snatched her hand away from his. Rin's eyes began to turn red, but Hontu took no notice.
"Do you not yet understand that I cannot give you that which belongs to someone else?" Rin began to cry as she clutched her now clawed hands together into fists so tightly that they began to bleed.
Again, Hontu took no notice. Unfortunately for Hontu, Sesshomaru did.
Sesshomaru was more than ready to tear this demon to shreds, but he wanted, no needed to hear the full conversation. He fought with himself to remain calm.
"Why is it so difficult for you to understand that I love him?" Rin shouted through her sobs. " My heart is his! His to build up, and his to break!" Rin began to tremble as she cried.
Hontu could not bear to see Rin in such pain. He shook his head as he advanced and took a firm hold of her shoulders. Hontu himself was almost in tears. "Do you not understand that he does not deserve you?" he shouted. "Please Rin, please let me free you," he pleaded. "Allow me to prove myself to you."
Rin hung her head defeated. "I cannot." she whispered. " No, I must not." she then whimpered. "To do so would mean that I had no faith in him or his love for me" she said weakly. Hontu growled with disgust.
"Is this what you think it is to be loved?" Hontu practically demanded an answer. "To be alone, living in uncertainty? I refuse to believe it!" Hontu softened his tone, but only slightly. "A name beloved. Give me the bastard's name and I swear I will show you what it is to be loved!"
Suddenly, Hontu took Rin into his arms holding her to him desperately. She was unable to move away from him. He held her close for what seemed like an eternity, trembling the whole time. Rin tried to struggle, but slowly, her efforts became less insistent.
"I can feel your heartbeat." Hontu said almost lovingly, as he dared to nuzzle at Rin's cheek slightly, "You are undecided." He then growled a low and possessive growl.
"If I were to simply hold you long enough, you would break down and tell me what I need to know to free you!"
Hontu would never know how close he had come to realizing his desires that evening. Indeed Rin truly was about to break.
Had He been just a bit more humble, he may have won both his argument, and Rin's heart.
Unfortunately for him, Rin was raised far too independent for any demon to ever dare to assume that simply "holding " her would be sufficient for them to receive anything more than a rousing beating.
Just as suddenly, Rin then summoned a demonic blast that sent the warrior flying across the hall and crashing into a near by pillar. She then approached him slowly with an almost deadly intent.
"You assume too much Hontu." she said with a growl.
"I belong body and soul to the one who has left his mark. Thank you for reminding me of that. I'd almost forgotten. And, should that demon see fit to cast me aside, Then I will acquaint myself with solitude and loneliness. Because, for me, there is no other that could replace him… Not even you."
Hontu struggled to get up from the floor only to have Rin pin him once again with another blast of power. She shook her head sadly at the demon that lay before her. "Leave me to my misery Hontu," she pleaded tearfully. " If you care for me as you claim, Just leave me to my misery!"
With those words, Rin ran off. Hontu struggled to his feet. This was not over. If Rin chose solitude, then so be it. But he was determined for her to be 'free' in her solitude. This conversation was by no means not over.
Hontu squared his shoulders, and prepared to give chase.
Sesshomaru had fought hard with himself to remain hidden as he watched and listened to the conversation between Rin and Hontu, but he needed to know Rin's heart. He was not disappointed. After three years of crushing loneliness, she loved him still. While this news was comforting, it was still painful to witness.
"Never again will I leave you alone beloved." he vowed to himself. "Now, to attend to your would be suitor!" Sesshomaru said with a snarl.
Within seconds, Sesshomaru had pounced upon Hontu.
He hoisted him up by his neck and pressed his body firmly against the same pillar that Rin had thrown him into only moments ago.
"Do you have anything to say to me before I kill you?" Sesshoamru said with a deadly growl.
Hontu's eyes went wide. "My Lord! It's not what you think!" Sesshomaru cracked the knuckles of his free hand as he called upon his poisons.
"So you now presume to think for me eh?"
Sesshomaru drew back his hand slowly so that Hontu could see death coming.
"I love her!" Hontu blurted out.
Sesshomaru stopped mid swing.
Hontu knew he had his lord's attention only for the briefest of moments, so he chose to speak his mind. "This is not how I wished to present myself to you my lord but please hear me!" he pleaded. "I love Rin. I want her as my mate."
Sesshomaru relinquished his hold on the warrior allowing him to fall unceremoniously to the floor.
"And what does she say?" he asked coldly. "From where I stand, I believe "No" to be the accurate assessment!" Sesshomaru glared down upon the warrior before him.
"That's just it my Lord," Hontu choked out between coughs, "She has already been marked!"
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed. " I see. Then why do you chase after what has already been claimed by another?"
"I do so because, I believe that she has been abandoned!" Hontu stated nervously. Sesshomaru stepped closer to the warrior that remained slumped before him.
"And how did you come to this conclusion?" he asked sarcastically. Hontu gulped as he grabbed at his neck.
"You have been away my Lord. There is no way that you could possibly know of all that she has done for this house in your absence. She is strong and vibrant, witty and smart. Only a fool would leave such a treasure unguarded!" Sesshomaru winced inwardly. While it pained him to hear it, this demon was correct. Rin was a treasure, his treasure that had to be reclaimed - if he was not too late.
Hontu just barely was able to sit up as he continued.
"There are many in your court that would love to have her. But not for the right reasons, not for love or her happiness even. But for what they can get from you!
I know that I am not a lord, but a lowly soldier. But know that I would work hard to insure her happiness! And, if my death were to bring a smile to her face, even for a moment, I would go to hell gladly."
While Sesshomaru maintained his mask of neutrality, he was in fact impressed by the bravery of the soldier before him. Not even a high lord would dare to speak so candidly. Sesshomaru quelled his poisons and cracked his knuckles once more for effect.
"Very well. I will speak to Rin. If what you say is true, I will attend to the one who marked her and give you both a wedding that will be talked about for centuries!" Hontu sighed with relief. "Thank you my Lord." he said softly.
"Do not thank me just yet Hontu." Sesshoamru snapped. "Because if any of what you say turns out to be falsehood, your death will be both slow and very painful." Hontu gulped audibly. "Yes my Lord."
Sesshomaru slowly walked away from the demon before him making certain that his foot falls were in sync with that demon's heartbeat. It was time to clear the air and speak to Rin himself. Slowly, he headed to Rin's rooms. And, for the first time in a long time, Sesshomaru was frightened.
Reu had just brought Rin's meal to her room. It was her intention to help her lady out of her armor, then leave her to her solitude. Hitome had already told the old woman about their lady's present state of melancholy, but unlike her fox demon assistant, Reu better understood the need for privacy.
Once Rin arrived, her presence would be short and sweet.
The old demoness was not prepared for the sight that met her as Rin burst through her chamber doors.
Rin came through the door gasping for breath. The scant amount of makeup she wore, was running off of her face and it was clear that she had been crying. Her ponytail had come undone and her hair was a disheveled mess. For all intents and purposes, Rin looked like a beaten animal.
Reu looked at her mistress wide eyed. "Muh.. my lady?" she inquired tentatively. Rin sighed and looked as if she were about to faint.
The old demoness instinctively did what any mother seeing a daughter in pain would do… She held out her arms to the girl. Rin ran into those offered arms and buried her face in the old woman's chest crying bitterly.
"There now little one." Reu said softly. Gently, she guided Rin over to her futon and sat her down resting Rin's head in her lap. "Just let it all out."
Rin had held her 'demonic' decorum long enough. She was tired of pretending to be strong, tired of being formal, and very tired of being alone.
As Rin continued to cry, Reu just sat quietly stroking Rin's head lovingly. "It will be alright", she whispered, "It will be alright."
After a time, Rin slowly began to compose herself. "I'm just a weak human Reu," Rin whimpered, "A simple weak human. I can't do this alone any more." Reu continued stroking Rin's head.
"You are neither simple nor are you weak Milady. And as for being human, I believe that the entire court has forgotten that little detail some time ago!" The old demoness chuckled. Rin sat up and looked into the black eyes of the demoness before her. "Thank you Reu, you are a true friend."
Reu smiled broadly before wiping away the tears on Rin's face with her kimono sleeve. "I'll tell you what," Reu said cheerfully, "If only for this evening, allow yourself to just be human. Let being the 'strong' demoness wait until tomorrow."
Reu then rose from the futon.
"There is a full moon tonight. I recall that you love moonlight most of all. Rin gave a weak giggle. "Yes my friend, indeed I do." "You have both a hot meal and a hot bath waiting." Reu said cheerfully. "All that remains, is for me to help you out of your armor."
Rin rose from her futon smiling once again. "Thank you dear one, but I believe that I will remove my armor myself a bit later. Once I have eaten, I wish sit in the gardens for a while before my bath."
Reu smiled and bowed. "By your command my lady." Reu then smiled broadly as she left the room.
The closer that Sesshomaru came to Rin's rooms, the more upset he was becoming. The scent of her tears seemed to intensify with each step he took and it seemed as if he could actually feel her pain. It was his knowledge of her suffering that had slowed his pace. He wanted to give Rin time to compose herself, but that didn't make him feel any better for it.
It took what felt like forever to get to her doors. Reu was leaving as he approached.
In all the many centuries of service to her lord, Reu had always been the ideal subordinate - until now. Once Reu saw her sovereign lord, She blocked the entrance to Rin's rooms. Swallowing hard, she looked Sesshomaru in his eyes directly.
Sesshomaru's eyes widened only slightly at this act of defiance, but he was in no mood to be subtle.
"Move or die where you stand old woman." he growled in warning. Reu surprised her lord for a second time.
"Then strike me down if it will make you feel better my Lord. I would gladly give up my life for this child. She has suffered much in your absence. If you have come with no kind word, or encouragement, if you bring no reason with you for her to smile again, then it is you who should leave!" The old demoness only briefly showed her fangs, but she stood her ground.
Sesshomaru's eyes went red, but only for a moment. Quickly and quietly, he checked to see that there was no one else close by. He then gave the old demoness the slightest of bows.
"You are right old one. Know now, that I have come to correct a grievous wrong. Please allow me entrance."
Reu gave a stern look to her lord, but she bowed, and stepped aside.
As Sesshomaru was about to pass, he gently took hold of Reu's kimono sleeve. Not making a move to look at Reu directly, he spoke. "I am glad that she means so much to you." he said softly, "But, never defy me again, or your life is forfeit."
Reu gave a small smile and bowed. "I understand my lord." With that, Reu left Sesshomaru standing at the threshold of Rin's rooms.
Rin had not long finished her meal and was beginning to feel better. "My eyes may be a bit puffy, but who would have thought crying would leave one feeling so relieved?" She mused.
Rin was about to pull the shades to her bedroom open for a better view of the moon, when she heard what she could only dismiss as a dream.
"Rin."
Rin froze in her tracks. She slowly turned in the direction of the baritone voice that had just called her name.
Rin's eyes flashed golden as she took on a defensive stance. "Who are you and how dare you come to me impersonating my lord? I am not in the best of humor at this moment. Leave me now and I may yet show you some mercy!" she growled.
Sesshoamru's eyes went visibly wide.
"Rin, I am Sesshomaru. I have returned." It took every bit of his practiced neutrality to hide exactly how much Rin's words had hurt him just now.
"Is this some sick enchantment left behind by my mother? Does Rin truly not remember me? - No! I will MAKE her remember!"
Rin remained unmoved and still in need of convincing.
"If you truly are my lord," she said with some caution, "tell me something that only he would know about me. But be warned, if you wear an enchantment of any kind, I will kill you where you stand!"
Sesshomaru was shocked yet again. To know that his Rin was even capable of uttering the words "I will kill you", made his heart sink further. His Rin, his morning star, his reason for life and breath itself had all but lost her brightness. Had he come too late? Could he help her to retrieve any of her former joy at all?
"Rin," Sesshoamru began softly, " I will prove to you who I am. Allow me show you my greatest treasure. It is a gift that you yourself gave to me so long ago. It has been this gift that has granted me the strength to return to you. I hope that you will believe me once you have seen it."
Rin dropped her stance, and began to cry anew.
"I know not of what 'gift' you speak of apparition, I only know that I have little strength left with which to fight you. Do as you wish." Rin then hung her head and waited. Sesshomaru could not bear to see his Rin so beaten.
"Rin, Please look at me," he pleaded softly. Slowly, the tai youkai came to stand before the girl that was the center of his universe.
"Let me show you."
Sesshomaru stood mere inches in front of Rin before he unhooked his armor. Never once taking his eyes off of her, he unhooked the many fasteners and ties that held the item to his body. Not once did Rin even look up.
He then casually tossed it to a corner where it fell with a clunk. Slowly, Rin looked up into his face. A mixture of both uncertainty, and the slightest glimpse of hope were seen in eyes that did not once blink at him.
"Behold, the greatest gift you have given me so far." Sesshomaru said softly. He then tugged at the collar of his haori to reveal the mark that Rin had given him so long ago.
Rin's hands trembled as she lightly fingered over the mark on Sesshoamru's neck. "Forever" she barely whispered as she tentatively touched the mark before her.
Sesshomaru smiled as Rin returned a tired smile. This was indeed her beloved who stood before her, but she was still too defeated to really have this truth register with her quite yet.
"I would greet you properly my Lord, but to do so, I must be rid of my own armor." Rin let her hand drop listlessly to her side as she once again turned her gaze away from Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru took a step back to better see what Rin was wearing. Suddenly, his expression changed to one of great sadness. Sesshomaru berated himself openly.
"Look what I have brought you to."
His words came choked and filled with pain.
"The light in your eyes has all but gone. You seem almost afraid to smile. You have been brought to wear armor, and I've no doubt that you have been driven to battle.
Sesshomaru sniffed at Rin's armor and found the tassels that belonged to Toru and Hontu. Sesshomaru then pulled those tassels into plain sight. Slowly, he shook his head.
"It is no wonder that you have no greeting for me, you've had to find your strength elsewhere.
Sesshomaru then turned away from Rin.
He went to the chamber door and locked it. He then went to the windows of her room s and closed the shades. Finally, he focused his hearing on the area surrounding them both. No one was close by. There was none but the one present who needed hear what he was about to say, or see what he was about to do.
Once again, Sesshomaru turned to face Rin. He rested his hands gently on her shoulders in an effort to gain her attention. Rin did not so much as tremble beneath his touch. She still seemed afraid to believe that he was truly with her.
"I am home Beloved, and I swear to you by the spirit of my father that I know watches us even now, that I will never leave you again."
Sesshomaru let his hands wander to the tassels of Rin's armor.
"I will be your strength."
Sharp claws skillfully sliced through both Toru and Hontu's tassels. With a small flare of his youkai, Sesshomaru disintegrated the offending items.
"I will never again leave you to depend upon others.
You will never have to wear armor ever again."
Those same sharp claws made short work of the remaining straps and hooks that held Rin's armor to her body. Sesshomaru then casually pulled Rin's armor over her head and flung it along side of his in the same corner near by.
All the while, Rin remained passive.
Sesshomaru was heartbroken by Rin's continued neutrality. Even if it were not intentionally his fault, it fell upon his shoulders to correct the situation. With that knowledge, Sesshomaru did something that no one would have ever believed he would do.
He was not sure if he could do it himself.
Slowly….very slowly, Sesshomaru got down on his knees and laid his face at Rin's feet.
"Please….please forgive me." he said softly.
This action made Rin go wide eyed and speechless.
The great lord of the Western Lands, was down on his knees begging her forgiveness. A shaking hand then gently touched his head.
"Please,… please get up." Rin said, her voice trembling.
Sesshomaru rose, but only enough to wrap his arms around Rins waist. He rested his head to one side in the valley of her cleavage.
"No." Came the raspy reply.
"I will not get off of my knees, until I have your forgiveness." he said desperately clutching her closer.
"I will not get off of my knees, until you are sure of who it is who kneels before you now."
Sesshomaru nuzzled his face into Rin's chest, breathing in her scent until his breathing started to hitch.
"I will not get off of my knees, until you remember that I love you and you alone forever and always.
And, I will not get off of my knees until you agree to become my mate, my love, and the mother of my pups."
"Please Rin,…Please." Sesshomaru pleaded once more as his body trembled waiting on her response.
A small hand tentatively stroked at the side of the tai youkai's face.
"You've …returned to me….Beloved." Rin whispered.
Slowly, Rin went to kneel down with the great demon before her.
Tear filled eyes met his steely gaze. Rin blinked for a moment. Were Sesshomaru's eyes glazed over with tears as well? or was she just imagining it? Rin decided that she did not care. If they were in fact tears, she would keep both his tears and his supplication their secret.
Rin placed a hesitant kiss upon Sesshomaru's lips. Sesshomaru returned this kiss with almost as much hesitancy. More kisses ensued each becoming deeper than the last. In no time at all, they were locked in a true lovers embrace, holding each other as if their very lives depended on it.
As kisses became hungrier, Sesshomaru slowly brought Rin to the floor covering her body with his completely.
Instinctively, Rin wrapped her legs around Sesshomaru's waist as she clung to his neck. Sesshomaru growled approvingly as his hands gently went to cup her buttocks. His length pressed against the hindrance of clothing that limited its movement and entrance into Rin's warmth. Vehemently, it demanded to be set free as it twitched between their two bodies.
Sesshomaru began grinding himself against Rin's heat.
The scent of Rin's arousal, and the way she moaned in his arms were bringing on the most blissful euphoria that he had ever experienced. Sesshomaru struggled to maintain his calm.
Given another moment, he would have shred Rin's clothing from her body. But Rin broke their kisses as gentle hands reached to take hold of his.
"Beloved, I have missed you so," she said breathily, "But, I am unfit to be touched right now." Sesshomaru gave a ragged breath as he fought to quiet his raging need of her. "Why is that?" he asked as evenly as he was able.
Rin then reached up to hold Sesshomaru's face with both hands. "I wear the dirt of the day, and no doubt the scents of others on my body right now. I wish to bathe and be clean for you.
Sesshomaru could not help but bark out a laugh.
"I have been away from you for three years, I can all but taste your body right now, and you are concerned about bathing?"
Rin laughed heartily. "Let me be clean for you." she said lovingly as she smiled the smile that Sesshomaru thought he might never see again.
Sesshomaru's purred with amusement as his eyes all but sparkled with joy. His Rin laughed once again! She laughed!
"Very well, I understand your concern. However, I wish to inspect you first, and decide if a bath is truly necessary." Rin giggled as she stroked the side of Sesshomaru's face. " As you wish my Lor.. oooh!…."
Rin could not finish her sentence as Sesshomaru already had begun his 'inspection' giving open mouthed kisses along her neck and collar bone. Rin's moans and mewls only served to encourage him further.
Sesshomaru then reached and pulled at the sash that was holding Rin's clothing together. The "V" of Rin's haori deepened and fell back to partially reveal her breasts.
"Nnngh, you are filthy!" he growled in confirmation, "But I must inspect further. He said into her ear.
Through Rin's staggered breathing, Sesshomaru swirled his tongue between her cleavage butting his way at the fabric of her kimono with his nose, until both of her breasts were exposed to him. Rin's breath heaved as her body blushed a bright pink in anticipation of what was to come.
Smiling a predatory smile, Sesshomaru then ran his lips between Rins breasts enjoying the taste of her sweat and texture of her flesh as her nipples hardened in response to his touches.
Sesshomaru then latched his mouth to one the milky globes before him and proceeded to suckle at it like a hungry child. Rin drew in a deep gasp in response, as she arched her back pushing up to his mouth for his better access.
"More… more Beloved!" she breathlessly pleaded, as she pulled at Sesshomaru's head in an effort to hold him where he was.
Sesshomaru responded by gracing Rin with more suckling before relinquishing his hold of that one breast, and latching himself to the other sucking at it just as hungrily as he had the first.
Once Sesshomaru was satisfied with Rin's breasts, he tried to move his weight off of her. Rin however, was so aroused by his actions, that she did not release her legs, from around his waist, nor her arm from around his neck.
Amused and further aroused, Sesshomaru brought his body to a kneeling position that pressed his length even more against Rin's entrance. Rin smiled as she released Sesshomaru's neck, and shrugged her haori off of her shoulders letting the fabric fall to the floor.
Sesshomaru began to pant heavily. "I must continue my inspection." Rin wrapped her arms around Sesshomaru's neck once again and smiled as she shifted her hips grinding herself even more against his length.
Sesshomaru was near madness as he breathed in the spike in Rin's arousal. Once again, he lay Rin to the floor and gently pulled her legs from around his waist.
"There is one more area to inspect." he growled. Gently, he peeled Rin's hakama from her lower extremities.
Rin now lay naked before him, the moisture from her core clearly visible within the tight curls of her bounty now exposed.
"By Kami, you are beautiful." he said reverently.
Rin smiled at him with hooded eyes, and gave her curls a stroke that left her nectar on her fingers. Slowly, she took those fingers to her mouth and licked. "Please continue beloved," she purred, "I believe that I may still be…"
Rin did not get to finish her sentence before Sesshomaru had claimed her lips once more. He leisurely dragged his hand across her body until his fingers had found the heat of her entrance.
Slowly, he parted her wet folds in search of her jewel.
Having found Rin's sensitive spot, he began to stroke at it lovingly. Swirling his fingers in a slow circular motion, bringing out even more wondrous sounds form the woman he loved.
Sesshoamru broke their kiss and purred possessively as he watched his love's face animate in pleasure with each stroke of his hand. Rin was very close. Her body trembled as she gasped grasping desperately at the air around her.
Sesshomaru found Rin's responsiveness to him highly arousing, but he wanted more. Slowly, he inserted his longest finger into Rin's inviting warmth.
The walls of her heat seemed to wrap securely around his digit as he moved slowly in… then out…increasing his pace steadily as he enjoyed the wet sounds his efforts were producing. Rin became almost incoherent, lost within the waves of her rising heat.
Sesshomaru inserted a second finger, granting her some of the thickness her body instinctively craved for as he kissed his way down to her core.
He gave one final look at his beloved before dipping his face between Rin's legs. Securing his mouth around her bud, Sesshomaru thrust his fingers further into her while flicking his tongue as he brought his Rin, screaming his name, to her very first climax.
As Rin came down from her erotic euphoria, Sesshomaru simply sat back and smiled.
Rin appeared to be utterly spent. She could only see Sesshomaru leisurely licking her juices from his fingers. Smiling, she slowly hoisted herself up on her elbows.
"You are indeed filthy." Sesshomaru commented smiling all the while as he continued licking at her luscious fluids.
Rins smiled as her eyes went from chocolate brown to a glowing amber. Slowly she crawled to where Sesshomaru presently sat.
"Well then Beloved, I have surely soiled your clothing with my filth. It will have to be removed to be cleaned." she said in a "matter of fact' tone.
Rin then pulled herself up to Sesshomaru's shoulders and quietly untied the sash to his garment. Sesshomaru looked on contentedly as Rin pulled his haori from around his shoulders to reveal his toned and muscular chest and abs.
"This will have to be washed as well." Rin purred as she pointed to Sesshoamru's hakama. The demon lord then obligingly shifted his body so that Rin was able to remove the offending garment.
Rin's eyes went wide when she saw the size of Sesshomaru's erection. Curiosity having gotten the better of her, she decided to give a closer inspection.
Sesshomaru leaned back obligingly as Rin took his length into her hands. Clever fingers first gently ran up his shaft, then down to his heavy testes. His flesh felt so soft… so very kissably soft.
Rin brought her face to Sesshomaru's loin, breathing in the earthy scent that she found there. Slowly she ran the side of her face up one side of his length, then down the other. Sesshomaru began to tremble from Rin's gentle touches. He had to try stay focused, or he would release himself at any moment.
Sesshomaru held his head back almost casually, as he enjoyed Rin's explorations… until she dragged her tongue along his length.
At the touch of her tongue, Sesshomaru's head snapped up with a gasp. Rin liked the flavor of him, so she licked again. Sesshomaru strained as he tried to stay calm.
"Rin,…" he pleaded, Rin…"
Rin smiled as she licked at the head of his erection which elicited a staggered whine out of her lord. With no further prompting, she eased her mouth onto his length surprising them both with the amount she was able to comfortably take in.
Sesshoamru hissed as he slowly began to gouge his nails into the floor around him. Permanently damaging the wood, in an effort not to thrash wildly in Rin's mouth. Rin gave a contented purr of her own as she began to bob her head.
Slowly, she began to increase her speed. The faster she went, the more Sesshomaru whined as more of him seemed to fit within her mouth.
Sesshomaru now sat gasping and trembling. "Rin….no… I can't…stop!" He managed to blurt out. Rin paid no heed as she continued her oral assault on his body. Sesshomaru could take the torture no longer. His breathing became erratic and his body practically convulsed.
With an almost deafening roar, he released himself into Rin's waiting mouth. She smiled to herself as she swallowed every drop of what was offered, and proceeded to suck him dry.
Now it was Sesshomaru who sat panting and soaked in his own
perspiration as Rin looked up and smiled at him mischievously licking his sticky white offering from her lips.
"Now we are both filthy and in need of a bath." she said with a half smile. Sesshomaru was barely able to focus on the woman before him. But he smiled and quirked an eye anyway.
"And where did you learn that?" he inquired as he tried to maintain a dignified front. Rin giggled. "The idol chatter of maids Beloved." Rin said with a smile, "The idol chatter of maids."
Sesshomaru gave a half smile of his own as he slowly rose from the floor. "Let us see what else you have learned from 'idol chatter."
Sesshomaru then stood up and scooped Rin into his arms as he carried her to her bathing chamber.
Rin's quarters were a good distance from the banquet hall. None there were able to hear Sesshoamru's roar. Unfortunately, Hontu was close by and heard it clearly.
Suddenly fearful for Rin's safety, he headed in the direction or her rooms. He did not get very far before running into Reu.
"Can I help you with something young lord?" She inquired good naturedly. "No good woman." Hontu said as he hurried by. Suddenly Hontu recognized who it was he was speaking to. The young demon turned on his heels and came back to the old demoness.
"Forgive me Lady!" He offered as he caught his breath. "I had no idea who it was that was addressing me!" The old demoness quirked an eye at the soldier. "While I have never been called 'Lady' before now, I do thank you for the compliment - young 'Lord'. Reu answered almost sarcastically.
Hontu bowed nervously. "You are one of Lady Rin's maid servants correct?" Reu looked at the soldier before her sternly before crossing her arms. "I am one of many. How may I help you?"
Hontu blushed. "I thought I heard our lord's roar." he said sheepishly. "I am concerned that he may have hurt Rin." Reu could not help but laugh. "I too heard his roar. But do not concern yourself over Rin. While her relationship with our lord is unique, I do not believe that he would harm her in any way."
Hontu gave the demoness before him a sigh, accompanied by a small 'tisk'. " You don't know what I know about her." he said with some pride. "Otherwise you might show some concern." He then shook his head and made to leave. "It was foolish of me to ask you anything! Thank you for your time though." Hontu then took three steps before Reu laughed again.
"You mean about her being marked?"
Hontu froze in his steps.
"You mean you know about that?" he said, somewhat shocked.
Reu smiled triumphantly. "I do not have to tell you anything about my lady. But yes, I know that." Hontu realized his mistake too late.
"I realize now, that I have more than likely ruined any opportunity that I may have had for you to tell me anything." he commented softly,
Reu smiled warmly at the lad in front of her.
"Lady Rin is my mistress. It is my duty to know all things about her. It is even my duty to know of a certain soldier who keeps his heart on his sleeve whenever he is around her." Hontu hung his head in embarrassment.
Reu then stepped up to the warrior and placed her hand on one of his shoulders.
"While I can answer honestly when I say I do not know who marked my lady, I can say that Sesshomaru will not harm her. While their relationship is not my business, I do know that they are close. Better to be fearful of the fool who is responsible for marking her."
Reu pat Hontu's shoulder and prepared to leave. "Now there is one demon who's life will not be worth dragon dung, once our lord gets a hold of him!"
Hontu could not help but laugh.
"Wait until my lady has rested young one." Reu advised.
"I have no doubt that her humor will be much improved come tomorrow morning."
Hontu smiled warmly. "I will do that. Thank you Lady." Reu smiled and gave a side glance to Hontu. "Hmmm. I have been called 'lady' twice in an evening, Would that I were younger!" Both demons chuckled as they went their separate ways.
Sesshomaru remained true to his word. And, while bathing did take some time due to various 'distractions,' Rin was washed squeaky clean. Once she was clean enough to his satisfaction, Sesshomaru then carried her out of the tub dripping wet.
Rin giggled as she slithered slightly in Sesshomaru's arms. "Beloved, while I'm glad that you are satisfied with my cleanliness, I do need to dry myself!" Sesshomaru gave the slightest of smiles to the woman in his arms. "I will dry you."
He responded flatly.
Rin gave a sarcastic look to the demon who carried her now. "And how will you manage that with no towel my lord?" Sesshoamru gave a toothy grin as he lay Rin on her futon. "I will dry you exactly the same way that I inspected you - but far more thorough!" he purred.
Rin smiled lovingly into eyes that reflected that love in turn. "I love you." She whispered. Sesshomaru continued to purr as he nuzzled around her neck. "And I love you, my Rin."
Rin shivered slightly. "I'm cold, Beloved." she said as she huddled close to Sesshomaru's body. "But not for long." Sesshomaru smiled as he once again, went to giving open mouthed kisses to Rin's neck.
Sunrise came all too quickly. But the new day held so many wonderful beginnings. The threat of war had been averted, The house of the West was still the reigning power. Rin had returned to the palace unharmed, and Sesshomaru had claimed his beloved as his mate.
Yes, the day was starting off well indeed.
Breakfast time soon rolled around. And with it, the official start of the day around the palace.
Hitome had not seen her mistress since she had restyled her hair the evening before. And, as far as this demoness was concerned, her mistress had held on to her melancholy long enough!
Hitome rose with the determination. She had every intention of being the reason for lifting Rin out from under what ever 'silly notion' that had gotten her upset the night before.
With a song in her heart, the fox demoness tried to enter her mistresses chambers. Unfortunately, the door remained locked from the night before.
"Oh no young lady," Hitome mumbled as she went to pick the lock, "We are not having another day of you in ill humor!"
With a quiet 'click' Hitome had the lock picked and opened.
"I do not know why you would lock your door Milady, but I have entered!" She heartily announced as she approached the bedchamber.
"And I will tell you right now, we will be having no more of your foul….."
Hitome's next words never left her mouth. The fox demoness was not prepared for the sight that awaited her as she entered into the modest room.
Rin was where she should be, comfortably curled up in her bed. Unfortunately for Hitome… so was Sesshomaru.
Rin lay to her side facing the room's entrance, contentedly sleeping in her beloved's protective embrace. She did not move so much as an inch when Hitome burst in. Sesshoamru however, slowly brought up his head from behind her.
Red eyes and bared fangs greeted the stunned fox demoness.
"If this is the normal way that you enter your lady's quarters Hitome, you will force me to re think your place here in this palace!" he hissed. Hitome blanched.
Suddenly, Rin began to stir. Both demons went silent as she stretched and rolled onto her belly. Turning her face in the direction of the demoness before her, Rin spoke. "Hitome?" she called sweetly.
Hitome answered out of reflex. "Yes Milady?"
"Would you please be a dear and bring my lord and myself something to eat?"
"Right away Milady!" Hitome said as she tried to exit the room, still shocked by the sight before her. "Wait a moment please." Rin commented. Hitome froze in her tracks. "Don't bring anything right away, return in about .. Two.. No.. make that three hours."
Rin then leisurely reached over and gently pulled at one of Sesshomaru's legs. "My lord and I are going to be very busy for a while yet."
Sesshomaru growled low as he took Rin's hint and draped his leg over her hips. "Again Beloved?" He inquired as he began to kiss his way up her back. Rin sighed as she began to roll her bottom into Sesshomaru's groin. "And again." she whispered lovingly.
Sesshomaru responded by reaching for her hips, and matching Rin's grind. The scent of Rin's arousal once again, began to fill the room.
Neither Sesshomaru nor Rin seemed concerned by the presence of the hand maiden still left standing in shock at the sight of them. It was not until Rin raised up on her elbow that she took notice.
"You may leave now Hitome," Rin said flatly as she gave a side glance. "This Rin does not share!". Sesshomaru was about to remove the blankets that barely covered them both when he turned in Hitome's direction firing only the smallest blast of his poisons so that they just missed her eyes. "The next one will leave you blind." he hissed.
This time, Hitome did not waist a moment. "Right away My lord!… My lady!" The poor demoness turned to run not paying attention to her surroundings when she accidentally smashed her face into the door frame giving herself a nosebleed.
Hitome wasted no time worrying with her wound. As she hurriedly closed the door behind her, she could not help but hear her lord and lady's joined moans and the sounds of flesh furiously meeting flesh.