CHAPTER 18
Midori flew through the clouds to her encampment, lost in thought. Her best laid plans had fallen to ruin. Further more, she knewthat any futureefforts were slated to failure as well. The present Lady Of the West was not at all happy.
"No!" she thought, I will not accept defeat! That cow Rin may have won thisround, but there will be another time and another place. I will have both my kingdom and my revenge! Yes Rin, victory will be mine!"
And, with those words, somewhere, in the deepest and most darkest regions of hell, The Supreme Evil One smiles.
Many miles away, Xanchi had finished his breakfast and was leisurely sipping at his morning tea. Ever since his return from the signing of the peace treaty, he could not sleep. His mind was filled with visions of Rin.
A gentle morning breeze blew the fragrance of cherry blossoms to his breakfast table. Smiling to himself, Xanchi remembered Rin smelling of flowers when he'd first met her. "Shin and Sota are right," he thought. "There truly is nothing wrong with wanting a wife."
He had decided. He would return to the western lands as soon as possible and ask Lord Sesshomaru for Rin's hand in marriage.
Hontu was a nervous wreck. Between Rin's rebuff and Sesshomaru's possible reassurance, the poor demon could barely sleep.
The mere fact that he was still breathing gave him some small hope. "If any of what I had said were false, I'd have been killed by now!" he thought. "I may yet have my beloved Rin."
Unable to wait any longer, Hontu slowly made his way to Rin's rooms. Rin had had her rest. Hopefully, her mood would be much improved and she would be glad to see him. Hontu had barely gotten half way there when he had stumbled upon Hitome.
Poor Hitome had no idea just how badly she had hurt herself when leaving Rin's quarters. Her breathing was staggered and she appeared to be disorientated. Her wound had not yet stopped bleeding, and she looked as if she were about to faint. Hontu was by her side in seconds.
"Are you alright?" he inquired with some concern. Hitome was glad for a strong arm to lean on. Quietly, she sighed and attempted to compose herself.
"I will be in a moment good lord." she said smiling weakly.
Hontu recognized the woman before him as another of Rin's hand maidens. He tore a length of cloth from his clothing and assisted Hitome with stopping the flow of blood from her nose.
"How did you come upon a wound of this nature?"
Hitome flushed red afraid to answer truthfully. "It happened because of my own foolishness my lord." Hontu smiled warmly at the demoness before him.
"Then please allow me to help you." Before Hitome could offer any objection, Hontu had his arm around the girl as they headed off to the kitchens.
While he was almost desperate to see her, Rin would have to wait for him to perform this small act of kindness.
Maybe this handmaiden would speak kindly of him when she returned to her mistress. As the pair walked together, Hontu could not help but notice how similar in stature Hitome was to "his" Rin.
For a moment, he allowed himself the fantasy of having Rin on his arm. In the midst of that fantasy, he found himself hugged a bit too closely to Hitome. All the while, Hitome noticed his actions and enjoyed every minute of his attentions.
It took every last ounce of Sesshomaru's strength to leave Rin's rooms that afternoon. For each time he'd get half dressed, Rin would either stretch, or moan, or bend, or give him a 'hungry' look, and he'd find himself in her arms yet again.
It finally took Hitome's nervous return with their meal to separate the pair long enough for Sesshomaru to compose himself enough to leave.
Rin was making it difficult for him. She remained naked as she ate. If a bit of food spilled onto her, she would leisurely lick it off. The sight of that wondrous tongue swirling round her body was enough to drive the great tai youkai wild with desire for her.
"If she drops another scrap of food in her lap, I will spend the day here using her as my dinner plate!" he mused at one point.
But, once they had finished their meal, Sesshomaru knew that he would have to leave her. There were other matters to attend to. There would be time enough to lick his 'dinner plate' clean later that evening.
As far as Sesshomaru was concerned, Rin was now the new Lady of The West. But he knew that their union had to be made 'official'. There would be no time wasted. A celebration of their bond would be held in one month's time. He would need to speak to both Toru and Jaken to work out the particulars.
He would also need to know the particulars of the signed treaty. While he had no doubt that the lion's share of any arrangements were to his advantage, he still needed to know what those arrangements actually were.
And finally, there was the little matter of what to do with Hontu.
Sesshomaru doubted that Hontu felt anything more for Rin beyond a strong infatuation. If the young lad's 'amorous' attentions could be shifted elsewhere, he might yet live to serve in his household.
However, if Hontu remained steadfast to his declaration of love, he would have to be killed.
In spite of any help he may have been to Rin in the past, Sesshomaru had no qualm about ending the life of anyone who he thought may have intentions of coming between him and hismate.
But for now, Toru and Jaken would be spoken to first.
After yet another bath (by herself this time), and a change of clothing, Rin once again became her bubbly and jubilant self.
It pleased her to know that in spite of a thorough cleaning, even Rin's untrained nose could still smell Sesshoamru's scent on her body. Smiling, she hugged herself as she had dried off. "You are with me always. Aren't you beloved?" she mused happily.
Reu busied herself by putting order to Rin's sleeping area as Hitome went to style her hair. And, while the scent of lovemaking still hung in the air of the room, both demoness knew better than to pass comment.
Rin chose to break the ice for them.
Once Hitome had finished styling her hair, Rin called for Reu to join the pair.
"Alright you two, I've had about enough of you both scurrying around me like frightened mice. If you have something to say, speak now!"
"It is not our place to say anything Milady!" Hitome piped up quickly. While Reu had no idea of what had transpired earlier, Rin understood Hitome's nervousness.
Smiling, she took both women by their hands and sat them down on the mats before her.
"While it is true that you are my servants, you are also my trusted friends." Rin looked to Reu first.
"It was Lord Sesshomaru who marked me so long ago, and claimed me last night." Reu's eyes went wide, but she remained silent. Hitome blanched slightly at the memory of earlier that morning.
Rin looked at Hitome specifically.
" While I understand the reasons behind your actions earlier this morning, you had but to respect a locked door dear one. Your introduction to this news would have otherwise come to you just as painlessly as it has Reu."
Hitome gulped nervously.
Rin gave a mischievous smile to the fox demoness. "There is no need to be afraid or embarrassed. Just remember to respect a closed door in future."
Hitome blushed a bit and bowed. "Yes Milady." she said meekly.
Rin clasped her hands together in a small 'clap'. "Well, Now that the air has been cleared, let's get on with life shall we?" While all then rose breathing a bit easier, Hitome hesitated for a moment.
"Milady, what of Hontu?" she asked nervously.
Rin sighed softly. She had hoped that Hontu would just accept her refusal and that would be the end of it. But she knew better. Secretly, she admired his determination, but that was all.
"When I see him, I will thank him for his help, and wish him well." she said evenly. "Should this prove itself to be insufficient, I will send him to Lord Sesshomaru. He too will no doubt thank him and wish him well. But, should this still prove itself insufficient, I have no doubt that he will die."
Hitome fell at Rin's feet crying.
"Please Milady! Please find it in your heart to spare his life! He was kind to me earlier today, and I feel as if I owe him a debt."
Rin smiled as she stroked at the head of the demon at her feet. "Do you care for him?" she asked lovingly. "No Milady,… But I believe that I could." she whispered softly.
"Then I will speak to my lord and see what can be done."
Hitome was elated. "Oh thank you Milady! Thank you!"
Rin smiled as she helped the demoness up to stand. "Thank me after I have spoken to my lord. If Hontu speaks to him first and things end badly, that will be the end of any promise I could have made to you."
Hitome bowed deeply. "I understand Milady."
Neither Jaken nor Toru seemed all that surprised when Sesshomaru broke the news of his taking Rin as the new Lady of the lands. In fact, Toru seemed especially pleased.
"By the gods your pups will be a force to be reckoned with!"
Before Sesshomaru could pass comment to Toru's remark, Toru had blurted out the whole "Uden Incident" in graphic detail.
Sesshomaru could only look on in mild amusement before commenting.
"And you left her to do battle alone?"
Toru 'huffed' with pride. "The fool was dead long before I could even consider bringing my weapon to bear!" Toru chuckled a bit before he suddenly realized what all he had just given an account to.
Sesshomaru seemed not to be upset with the information, so he left well enough alone. After having been brought up to current affairs, Sesshomaru dismissed the two demons before him.
While Jaken turned to leave, Toru hesitated.
"Is there something further that you wish to say Toru?" Sesshomaru said with a touch of irritation to his voice.
Toru cleared his throat.
"Yes my lord, its about one of my men."
"Hontu." Sesshomaru growled.
"Yes my lord." came the meek reply.
Sesshomaru took a deep breath. "I will speak with him. If we can come to an understanding, all will be well. If we do not come to an understanding, you will have a corpse to be rid of."
Toru bowed before leaving. "Yes my lord."
The remainder of the day went without incident.
Jaken was in his glory making preparations for Sesshomaru and Rin's 'joining' ceremony. Toru went about his duties seeing to the troops that guard the palace grounds and surrounding areas.
And Hontu?
Poor Hontu spent his day 'just missing' either Lord Sesshomaru or Lady Rin. It was not until nearly dusk that he'd finally found Hitome again.
Both demons seemed overjoyed to see one another. Hitome gave a broad smile as she all but jumped into Hontu's arms. Hontu happily caught the fox demoness and spun her around for good measure.
They both laughed heartily as Hontu rested Hitome to the ground.
"Have you seen Lady Rin?" they chorused.
"No!"
"Have you seen Lord Sesshomaru then?"
"No!"
Both laughed all the more at their joined inquiries before suddenly becoming very serious.
"Lady Rin wishes to speak to you Hontu." Hitome said softly. While he was elated with this news, Hontu took notice to the sadness in Hitome's eyes. He gently took Hitome's cheek in his hand. "Do not fear lady, once Rin and I are mated, I will ask our lord not to separate you from her."
Hitome's heart sank just a little bit. "Would that you would think of me so kindly." she thought. Hitome smiled brightly at the warrior before her hiding her sadness. "Let us look for them together!" she offered. Hontu gave a quick nod. "I would greatly appreciate your help lady." With that, they both went to continue their search.
Unknown to all, Rin had decided to spend the remainder of her afternoon in her private garden. Rin's garden was similar to Sesshomaru's in so much as it was also gated.
Actually, both Rin and Sesshomaru's private gardens were connected. Sesshomaru just never showed Rin the private path that joined the two.
When she was younger, Sesshomaru would take the hidden path and stroll through Rin's gardens just to take in her scent at the end of the day when she slept. No day passed without her spending some time there, so the garden always carried her scent. She never knew of her lords visits for years.
Rin's gardens came with one distinct difference. Unlike with Sessnomaru's gardens, Rin allowed others to enter, but only with her permission.
Even as a child Sesshomaru thought that she was entitled to a place that was "hers" alone. It was quickly established that punishment awaited any who did not seek her permission before they entered. Sesshomaru himself would check. His keen nose would sniff out any who dared to enter behind Rin's back.
Today, with no permission granted to anyone, she could be left alone with her thoughts without interruption.
At this moment, Rin was extremely happy An immense sense of relief had washed over her. She sat smiling facing into the sun's rays as she began to take stock of her life.
She was no longer alone. Her heart's desire had returned and claimed her, and for the first time in a very long time, she was at peace.
After some time of simply sitting beneath a well placed cherry blossom tree, Rin opened her eyes and took notice of the time.
"It will be sunset soon enough. Perhaps Sesshomaru might have the time, and we can watch it together." Rin smiled to herself as she rose to leave.
It was not until she brought her sight into focus that she realized that she was not alone. There, just a few feet before her, stood The Oracle.
Having never met The Oracle before, Rin was a bit surprised by her sudden company, but she remained calm. After all, she had no reason to expect a visitor, so there had to be a good reason for this woman to be in her gardens at this moment.
Still clad in her resplendent white gown, eyes covered, with her scales in tow, The Oracle smiled as she slowly approached.
"Greetings to you Lady Rin." She said sweetly. Rin approached the woman slowly. Somehow, she felt in her heart that there was no need to fear her.
"How is it you know my name and I've no idea who you are good Lady?" Rin asked with a touch of caution. The Oracle stopped in her tracks and did not move from where she stood. "I mean you no harm Rin. I simply wished to meet you for myself."
Rin tried to smile, but she was still uncertain of the being before her. "Should I know you Lady? Have we met before?"
The Oracle smiled a sad smile. "I have been watching you almost all of your life. Only now have I been able to gather the courage to actually speak to you."
Rin's face was the reflection of mild confusion, as she ventured close enough to be able to touch the woman before her. "I am honored Lady, I am just sorry that I cannot seem to remember you. Do you know Lord Sesshomaru?"
The Oracle smiled warmly.
"Yes I do. But I know his father much better."
Rin smiled brightly. "You do? Please tell me of him." she said softly. "There are times when my lord would mention him in passing and suddenly appear so sad."
The oracle chuckled.
Before Rin could either comment or react, The Oracle cupped her face with her free hand. "You do love Sesshomaru, don't you?" she inquired.
Rin answered brightly and without hesitation. "With all my heart Lady!"
The Oracle beamed with pride. "Well said."
"You are the true source of both Sesshomaru's strength and power. Love him and keep him strong. Never doubt either your worth or your import in all matters with him. And remember, while he may never admit it to you… you are his foundation."
Rin smiled as her eyes filled with unshed tears. "I'll remember." she said softly.
The Oracle gave another small giggle. "And as for Taisho, don't worry about him. Just know that he is happy, and very pleased with you. He only asks that you take care of his son."
Rin still did not fully understand the woman before her, but she smiled graciously. "He is my life."
The Oracle then stepped back without releasing Rin's face. "We will meet again." Rin looked into the face of the woman who held her.
Even with her face blindfolded, it was evident that The Oracle's eyes were filled with tears.
"You're crying." Rin said somewhat surprised.
"Tears of joy." The Oracle responded.
Slowly releasing Rin's face, The Oracle took a step back. "I am glad that The Creator granted me this moment to meet you…. Daughter of my heart."
Before Rin could speak, there was a bright flash of light, and the being before her was gone.
"Forget." Came a voice on the wind.
Rin blinked, and shook her head briefly as she wiped her eyes.
"I really must pay better attention to the winds when I'm out here. Obviously, my eyes have become affected." she mused to herself.
Rin 'huffed' as she straightened her kimono. "I've dawdled in this garden long enough. Its time I behave more like a mate, and see if there is anything that I can help Sesshomaru with."
One last sigh was given for good measure, before Rin turned to leave her garden. Suddenly, she found herself about to collide with the object of her pending search. Sesshoamru caught her as she was about to plow head first, into his breast plate. He gave a low chuckle at Rin's momentary shock and lack of balance.
Rin giggled as his arms encircled her waist protectively.
"Beloved, you really must make a bit more noise in future." she said smiling up at him. Sesshomaru's eyes twinkled in amusement. "No Rin, it is you that must use those youkai ears of yours better!"
Both laughed softly.
Rin suddenly became very serious. "I have a problem my Lord." she said gravely. Sesshomaru stood silent.
"There is a soldier of the palace who…"
Sesshomaru placed a clawed finger over Rin's lips. "Hontu." he said evenly.
Rin sighed as she bent to kiss the finger before her.
"He thinks that he loves me." she sighed.
"I understand how he could." Sesshomaru said as he gently ran his knuckles across Rin's cheek. Sesshomaru then pulled Rin into his embrace. He stroked her hair and kissed her brow.
"I will have to kill him you know."
Rin sighed again sadly. "I know. But Hitome asked me to spare his life."
Rin was about to rest her head on the breast plate of Sesshoamru's armor, when an idea came to her. Suddenly her face sprung up and she smiled brightly.
"That's it!" Sesshomaru gave Rin an inquiring look.
"I believe that I have a solution to the dilemma! We will need to speak to both Hontu and Hitome together. If my plan works, all will be well."
Sesshomaru quirked an eye. "And if not?"
"If not, then I know that I tried my best, and any remaining differences must be settled between men." she said softly.
"Come then. I will have Jaken send them both to my study now." Sesshomaru said as he guided his mate away from their gardens.
For all the searching that Hontu and Hitome had done that afternoon, it took only minutes for Jaken to find them both.
It took even less time for the pair to find themselves in Sesshoamru's study standing nervously before The lord of the Western Lands and his new Lady. Of course, neither of them were aware of the change in Rin's status yet.
Sesshoamru sat behind his desk and did little more than glare at the couple before him. Rin stood quietly at his side. And while her smile was warm, all knew that this was to be a life or death conversation.
Hontu cleared his throat and dared to speak first. "My lord…Lady Rin, We have been looking.. I have been looking…"
Hontu was too nervous to continue.
Rin sighed softly.
"Hontu, I will always be grateful to you and the kindness that you've shown me in my lord's absence but…"
Before Rin could continue, Sesshomaru spoke with a low and deadly growl.
"Rin is now Lady of The Western Lands."
Hontu's eyes went wide as his mouth went dry.
"Am I to die then?" he asked with what little bravery he still had.
"No Hontu." Rin said flatly.
"Hitome came to me earlier and begged for your life.
To me, it is only fair, that if you are allowed to live, your life should belong to her. Hontu stared at Rin obviously confused.
Sesshomaru spoke again. "Your choice is clear Hontu, take Hitome as your mate,… or die."
Hontu dared to look Rin in the eye. "Is this your wish Milady?" he asked as evenly as he was able.
Rin matched his look.
" While I would rather that you not die Hontu, I already have all that I could wish for."
Hontu gave a slow nod before facing Hitome.
"Would you have me lady?"
"Yes lord." came the soft reply.
"Then it is settled." Sesshomaru said with finality.
"I wish to speak with Hontu alone now.
Wait outside for your future mate Hitome."
Silently, the fox demoness left the study. Not once did Sesshomaru take his gaze from Hontu.
"Rin, wait in the garden for me. I will not be here long."
"Yes Lord." Rin said as she bowed before exiting the room.
Once Rin had gone, Sesshomaru stepped from behind his desk. He continued to stare Hontu down with eyes that had now gone red. It was all that Hontu could do to match his piercing gaze.
"Know now that it is Rin who has spared your life. Left to me, you would have been dead long ago." He said with a deep growl. Hontu gulped in response.
"You will have your grand wedding as promised, but be warned: If I should ever hear the conversation you had with Rin repeated, or if you should ever be fool enough to repeat our conversation, I will kill you. And I will not care when or where I do it.
Be it on your wedding night, or during the birth of your first pup, whenever you are fool enough to think that I have forgotten that a lowly soldier ever deigned to try to take what was mine, or call me 'bastard' and 'fool' during the process. Make no mistake Hontu, I will kill you in the slowest and most painful way imaginable.
Do I make myself crystal clear?"
"Y..yes my Lord." came the shaking reply.
"Now leave."
Hontu bowed nervously, and was gone in an instant.
Hitome paced the floor nervously as she waited outside for someone, anyone to join her. At the site of Hontu, she sighed with relief.
Slowly she approached the demon before her and hung her head.
Dropping her eyes, she spoke softly. "I am sorry it has come to this lord. I know that I am not your heart's desire."
Hontu sighed as he took Hitome's face in his hands.
"It will be alright, just as we will be alright.
Do you not see the gift our lady has given us both?"
Tear filled eyes met his as Hitome finally looked up. "No lord, I do not." Hontu smiled. "Rin has given us our lives. No, she has given us both better lives." Hontu wiped the tears away from Hitome's face as Hitome snuffled trying to understand.
"Once joined, we both will rise in rank in the palace. And, while I know we will never be a 'true' Lord or Lady, we will be better treated." Hitome lowered her eyes again. "But I am not the one you wanted to share that life with."
Hontu then nudged at Hitome's chin with his finger until she was looking at him once more. He smiled lovingly at the woman who's face he held in his hands.
"I will not lie and say that what you say is not true. There will always be a small part of me that will belong to Rin alone regardless of who she is mated to." Hontu could feel Hitome's countenance sink slightly.
"But..," he continued, " I will gladly offer you the rest of me if you will have it. There is quite a bit left" he said softly.
Hitome looked up with a radiant smile. "I would be honored "my lord". Hontu then took Hitome into his arms properly, and kissed her deeply.
Hontu gave Rin one final thought as he held Hitome. "If this is how I am to show my love for you Rin, then so be it. I will spend my life making this woman happy, knowing that her happiness is your happiness. I thank you …. Beloved."
Hontu then broke the kiss. "Beloved." he said softly. Hitome's eyes widened slightly at the endearment. Hontu smiled. "I wanted to see your face when I called you that." he said smiling. Htome was visibly overjoyed.
"Farewell Rin." Hontu thought.
Sesshomaru found Rin waiting for him in the garden as he had asked. She seemed particularly beautiful to him in the backdrop of the pending sunset. Once she'd caught sight of her beloved, Rin rushed into his waiting arms.
"Did all go well my lord?"
Sesshomau pulled her close. " It did."
Rin's hands slipped past Sesshomaru's waist to cup his buttocks making slow circles as she looked up into his eyes. "Do you have time to watch the sun set with me?" she asked sweetly.
Sesshoomaru purred softly as he gave Rin a mischievous look. "Are you certain that it is a sunset that you wish to see?"
Rin smiled back with amorous intent.
"Well,…" she began. "We could watch the sun set. And then, I could make something else rise. Then that something else could be allowed to sink slowly into somewhere else."
Rin ended with a small purr of her own, as she pulled her heat close to Sesshomaru's loins.
Sesshomaru laughed softly. "Woman, you are insatiable!" Rin allowed a hand to stray to Sesshomaru's groin as she gave a teasing stroke to his blossoming erection. "No less than you Beloved." she said smiling. "We will have our best vantage point for viewing the sunset from the hills to the east of the palace walls."
Needing no further prompt, Sesshoamru scooped his mate into his arms, flared up his youkai, and the couple were enveloped in a ball of light that headed in the desired direction.
Hontu and Hitome were given a fairly lavish affair to celebrate their joining in only a matter of days. Only members of court were invited, and Sesshomaru himself presided over the affair.
The couple were sent off for a week to a small cottage at the edge of the palace grounds. It became immediately evident when they returned, that this union was to be a lasting one.
Rin was happy. Hontu had been happily mated, her maid was also happy, and best of all, no one had to die. Sesshomaru was simply content not to have to be concerned about Hontu any longer.
Days passed without incident as Rin learned of her new duties as Lady Of The West, and Sesshoamru began to attend to the various aspects of the new peace treaty that required his immediate attention.
It was not until a week before their ceremony, that a battalion of human soldiers were sighted coming from the north. Sesshomaru was in his study the morning that this information had reached him. Immediately, he called for Toru.
When Toru entered Sesshomaru's study, he found his lord with his back facing him as he stared out of a window.
"What news do you have Toru?"
Toru nervously cleared his throat. "It is Lord Xanchi of your northernmost lands my Lord. While he has a considerable amount of men with him, they are not heavily armed and….." Toru hesitated.
"And?" Sesshoamru said with some irritation.
" And he comes bearing .. Gifts."
As a gesture of solidarity, it had been suggested that Sesshoamru invite the four lords that had attended the signing of the present treaty to the upcoming celebration. Xanchi's arrival while expected, came an entire week too early.
"This is about something else." Sesshoamru thought.
"Inform me when they are two days journey closer to the palace. I will met him and find out what he wants."
As Toru left Sesshomaru's study, Rin came in. Toru gave her a quick smile as he hurried off. Quietly, she came behind her mate and slipped her arms around his waist. Sesshomaru purred contentedly as he pulled Rin closer to him seeking her warmth through his armor.
"What is troubling you my lord?"
Sesshomaru sighed slightly. "The human lord of the north comes too early. I believe that he is looking for something other than to bring gifts to us." Sesshomaru turned in the circle of Rin's arms to face her. "I intend to meet him when he and his men are not far from the palace, just to be sure of his intentions."
Rin could see some concern etched in Sesshomaru's normally stoic features. "Let me come with you my lord." she said evenly. Sesshomaru looked lovingly into Rin's eyes.
"No beloved, This may not go well and I will not have you in harms way."
Rin smiled. "I am your mate. And, while I suspect that there will be many instances that will come where I must stay here and await your safe return, I do not believe this to be one of them. I am not sure what it is that Master Xanchi may want, but I beg that you allow me to be with you when you see him."
Sesshomaru could deny Rin nothing. Besides, she looked so blessed cute when was determined! He gave a ghost of a smile as he acquiesced to her wishes. "As you wish Beloved."
Rin smiled brightly. "Thank you my lord."
The closer that Xanchi came to the palace of the west, the more nervous he was becoming. He had postponed this trip until he was certain that Sesshomaru was indeed at the palace. No messenger was necessary. It seemed that once the tai youkai had returned, the whole land seemed to rejoice.
Xanchi wasted no time with his preparations. He brought with him bolts of rich fabric, foreign spices and many precious metals and stones. In truth, Xanchi was ready to be left nearly penniless in order to claim his prize. He didn't care. He was sure that Rin was worth every penny. "You will be The Lady of the Northern lands Rin, this is my promise to you." Xanchi thought to himself as his horse trotted along the well traveled path.
Two days had passed. And true o his word, Sesshomaru prepared himself to meet this northern lord….personally. Sesshomaru's concern for Rin's safety was at a minimum.
Both elite guard were given specific instructions with regard for her safety. Even Hontu had been allowed to accompany the armada that went to meet Xanchi.
Hontu practically begged Sesshomaru to come. He had seen this lord and knew that he should be no threat. In truth, he was curious. Close scrutiny of Hontu's heartbeat and breathing showed this to be true. Hontu remained true to his mate, he just wanted to know what was going on.
Rin was dressed in the colors of the clan looking every inch a noblewoman. Sesshomaru had a tough time hiding his pride in his mate. Both her appearance and visible determination were awe inspiring.
Sesshomaru carefully placed Rin on Ah-Un's back, as he lead his troops forward. They had traveled for little over two hours before keen youkai eyes finally caught sight of Xanchi's troops.
Left to human legs, Xanchi's troops would take half the day to reach were Sesshomaru and his troops presently sat. It was then decided, that in the interest of time, Sesshomaru and Rin would fly to meet the group while the elite guard would circle around unseen close by in the event of trouble. In an instant, Ah-Un was airborne as Sesshomaru led the way.
Xanchi's best scouts did not see Sesshomaru until he was practically upon the group. Xanchi himself gave the command to stand down and bow before the demon that they all served. As Rin and Sesshomaru touched ground, Xanchi dismounted his horse, and approached respectfully. Once close enough, he bowed deeply before the couple before him.
"Greetings Lord Sesshomaru. I am glad that the rumors of your return were true. I wish to speak to you."
"That much is evident Xanchi, what is it that you want?" Sesshomaru said darkening the tone of his voice just a bit.
Xanchi rose trying his best to look 'official'. I have come to ask for the hand of the Lady Rin in marriage." he said nervously looking to Rin. "That is why you brought her with you.. Is it not?
Surly she has mentioned me to you."
For the first time that anyone could ever recall, Sesshomaru laughed. It was not a kind laugh. Not a laugh one would share with a comrade.
His laugh was sinister and fearful. Every human in Xanchi's group cringed in fear. "Do you hear this man Rin? He wants you as his wife!" Sesshomaru spoke with punctuated sarcasm as his eyes went red.
While not truly angry with the human before him, Xanchi's actions simply served as a reminder of Sesshomaru's own good fortune in having Rin as his mate. His mate, by his side. Once again, Sesshomaru quietly pledged to love and protect her with his very life if necessary.
Rin climbed off of Ah-Un and stood tall beside Sesshomaru. She smiled at Xanchi before speaking.
"Master Xanchi, Did you not receive your invitation?"
Xanchi's face turned in inquiry. "Invitation my lady?"
"Yes Xanchi, your invitation…. To my wedding… to Lord Sesshomaru… in a few days time."
Xanchi fell to his knees in shock. "No, my lady. I did not." came the almost whispered reply. "I'll wager that I left before a messenger had arrived."
Rin cocked her head to the side as she regarded the warrior before her. "I have no doubt that you are a good man Xanchi, and I wish for you the best. But as I'd told you before, I am where I belong and am very happy to be here. Do you understand?"
Xanchi looked up, his eyes filled with tears. "Are you sure my lady?" came his choked response.
Rin smiled. "Very sure, and very happy. So now. Will you come to my wedding?" Xanchi wiped his eyes and composed himself.
"I would be honored." he said softly. Xanchi seemed almost broken. He could not remember ever wanting anyone this much in his life. But, he knew better than to try and challenge the tai youkai standing protectively beside her. No, his actions came too late, if he ever had a chance from the beginning.
Rin continued smiling as she looked to the wealth that Xanchi had brought with him. " Instead of giving all of these riches, let The House of The West have your undying loyalty instead."
Sesshomaru was quietly impressed. "You have become a tactician now eh Beloved? Indeed Kami has blessed me with you!"
"That is easily and gladly done.. Lady Rin." Rin bowed graciously.
"Thank you 'Lord' Xanchi."
Sesshomaru continued his 'red eyed' glare at the human before him. As his arm draped possessively around Rin's shoulders, he guided her to Ah-Un. He then helped Rin up onto the dragon's back before climbing on behind her.
"We will see you at the palace….Xanchi." Sesshomaru said with a low growl.
Sesshomaru took hold of Ah-Un's reigns, and gave a small authoritative 'snap' to the leather. The dragon immediately obeyed and was gone in a gust of wind.
Within minutes, Sesshomaru and Rin were back among their troops. Ah-Un did not even bother to land.
"Our business here is done." barked Sesshomaru. "Let us return home." All stood momentarily dazed until Hontu repeated his lord's command. "Did you all not hear our lord? We return home!" The troops then turned silently back to the palace.
The entire effort of speaking to Xanchi did not take any more than thirty minutes.
While the flight to the palace was relatively short, Rin could tell that something was bothering Sesshomaru. Her suspicions were confirmed when Ah-Un flew past the palace, only to land once again by the small waterfall that Rin had enjoyed with Sesshomaru three years ago.
Sesshomaru silently dismounted and then helped Rin to the ground. A glance and a low growl were all that Ah-Un needed to know to leave the pair to their privacy.
Sesshomaru stepped to a large boulder that sat at the edge of the small pond facing the falls. For the first time, he was at a loss for words.
Rin stood her ground. She knew her mate well enough to discern that he wanted to tell her something of great importance, but he was struggling for words. Unsure of what had brought this mood on, she patiently waited for him to make the next move.
Finally, Sesshomaru leaned against the stone and extended his hand. Rin gave a small smile as she approached her lord.
"What is troubling you Beloved?" she said softly as she took his hand and entangled her fingers in his.
Sesshomaru did not look at his mate. He almost seemed ashamed to. Instead, he pulled her close and wrapped an arm around her small waist.
"I must apologize to you." he said softly. Rin gave a small chuckle. "What on earth for my lord?" Sesshomaru finally turned to face her, his eyes reflecting a deep concern.
"I have done you a serious disservice." Rin simply wrinkled her brow. Sesshomaru cleared his throat slightly. "Let this one try to explain."
"I have been home little over a month after a three year absence. And, it was not until I saw how Hontu tried to woo you that I came to realize how much you love me." Sesshomaru sighed as he released his grip around Rins waist.
"That truth was highlighted again with Xanchi's proposal just now." Stepping away from Rin, Sesshomaru clasped his hands, and hung his head.
"Please answer one question for me.
You had every reason and opportunity to leave me or mate with another. Why did you stay? Rin breathed softly as she faced Sesshomaru and placed her hands over his.
"I cried a lot the first year." she said softly. "There were times that I thought my heart would simply break for wanting you to be near." Sesshomaru's clawed hands gently lifted Rins hands to his face as he nuzzled gently into them. He could smell her tears, but still did not look into her face.
"At the end of that year, I had decided that I had wasted enough time crying. I decided that when you returned, I needed to be ready for whatever challenges that may accompany you. So, I studied more and trained harder. I found that I had a talent for diplomacy. The squabbles that I corrected started off small enough, then got larger in size. Before I knew it, I had gained the respect of the entire court. But all was done in preparation for your return."
Rin slowly moved her hands to take hold of Sesshomaru's face. She brought his gaze to match hers. With tear filled eyes, she continued.
"You ask me why would I stay? I ask you, how could I go? I love you Sesshomaru. You are the air that I breathe, the blood that flows through me, the reason that my heart beats. You are my beginning and my end. I would be lost without you."
Sesshomaru reached to wipe the tears from Rin's eyes. "I love you so much Rin." he whispered. Sesshomaru took Rin's hands away from his face and pulled her to him.
"Never doubt my love for you Beloved." she whispered in turn. Sesshomaru then pulled Rin even closer to him as he kissed her passionately.
"I promise." he said after breaking the kiss.
The day of the wedding had finally arrived and Jaken was in his squawking glory! The palace seemed to burst with all of the Lords both demon and human that had come to attend.
Toru and Hontu seemed to have more than enough soldiers to see to everyone's safety, but they too were at wits end trying to maintain order. Two priests were called upon to officiate over the joining. One demon, and the other human. Each priest seemed amused that their races would have 'priests' to begin with!
At Rin's insistence, even Sesshomaru's mother had been invited. Sesshomaru quietly came to his mother's quarters early that day.
"You are here at Rin's request. Do NOT make me regret this kindness!" Midori, former Lady of The Western Lands, simply bowed quietly. "Yes my lord."
A grand procession preceded Sesshomaru and Rin's entrance into the shrine to be wed. The sun shone brightly upon the pair as heavy doors closed, and the private ceremony began.
The two exchanged vows as old as the earth itself as they bound each to the other for life. All too soon, the formalities were over. As both priests went to open the shrine doors, Sesshomaru himself stopped the pair.
"Give us a moment good priests." Sesshomaru then turned to his bride smiling at him brightly in a kimono of the purest white.
"Is there something wrong my husband?" Sesshomaru smiled broadly for his mate. "No Beloved, there is nothing wrong. When the shrine doors open, you will officially be The lady of The West and I will have to learn to share you with the court. I wanted one moment more when we are 'just' Sesshomaru and his mate Rin.
Rin smiled her brightest smile. "We will always be that!"
Sesshomaru quirked an eye "Promise?"
Rin laughed heartily as she shook her head in agreement. "Promise!"
Sesshomaru then gave a side glance to the waiting priests who nodded their ascent as they slowly pulled open the shrine doors.
The couple stepped out onto a landing before their enormous crowd. Jaken had stood on a pedestal just a few paces before them. The proud little kappa squared his shoulders, and in his best 'booming' voice he announced:
"Lords and Ladies of the court, it is my honor to introduce to you all, The Lord and new Lady of the Western Lands!"
The cheers were near deafening.
Sesshomaru and his beloved Rin, then slowly made their way to the main dining hall with much cheering and tossing of cherry blossoms.
THE END?
(No, not quite)