There are not many women with chivalrous spirits matching those of men…"
-Chiyo to Sakura Chapter 279 page 10 of "Naruto"
A/N: And this story has reached over a hundred thousand words with this chapter. The second story I've ever written to do so. I guess that just means I'm long-winded? As always I look forward to your reviews. Also wapiti means elk.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of the characters there in. I just borrow them to torture them for my own amusement from time to time.
Summery: There once was a pink haired woman who was nothing more than a simple blacksmith's daughter. Yet none could match the ferocity of her spirit once the hilt of a blade was held within her grasp. An arrogant, cocky, self-assured dragon prince was certainly no exception.
- Sakura/Neji - -AU –
Rated -M- Because there will be lots of blood, violence, gore, and swearing. Ect. Ect. And possibly some erotic scenes here and there.
Chapter 16
Neji tapped his foot impatiently. He didn't think Sakura would be the type of woman that would spend much time getting ready. It must be a trait inherent to all females, he thought wryly. His breath caught in his throat when she finally exited her room. She had dressed in plum hued soft leathers, the v at her neck left open revealing the milky soft skin of her collarbone. She'd left her hair down, but several small, thin braids hung against the soft tresses. Her swords hung on her hips and her cheeks were streaked with a slash of purple paint on each side. When she turned to go to the sink to wash the purple residue from the oils off of her hands, he got a good look at her backside and he decided that her penchant of wearing pants wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
He found his voice, "You took quite a long while..."
Flicking her hands dry she glanced over at her mate throwing him an apologetic look, "I'm sorry. I just want to make certain I'm properly attired when I meet with Chief Jiro."
Neji crossed his arms over his black tunic, "Do you think it's necessary to meet with him?"
"He is the leader that connects all the tribes. If anyone will know anything it would be him," she went to the front door and then, "if you do not wish to come..."
The prince smiled a fang toothed grin at the small woman, "I'm not of the mind to let you out of my sight."
She opened the entrance and stepped out, the boards of the small porch creaking under her feet. Lifting her chin she shut her eyes breathing in the crisp autumn air, enjoying it while she had the chance. Her eyes shot open when the sound of the door shutting echoed behind her. The black gelding lifted his head to look at the two of them. Sakura grabbed the reigns, bridle and bit off of the railing of the porch. She went to the animal and quickly slipped the bit into his mouth and fastened the bridle.
A gasp left her when she felt her mate's hands go to her waist, quickly lifting her onto the back of the animal. He mounted behind her, taking the reigns between well shaped fingers. Deftly he set the horse into motion and he asked her, "I take it you know the way."
Reaching over she took the worn leather from his grip and she guided the gelding east of her father's house. Neji realized as they rode through the rolling and rugged grass crowned hills that he'd paid little attention to the country when he had come to it bent on winning a war. A greater appreciation for the land that had gifted him with his mate filled him. The puffy clouds rolled lazily across the deeply blue expanse of the sky. The breeze was crisp and clean, the start of the autumn chill nipping at his nose.
It wasn't long until they arrived at a small village. The houses were simple and the streets merely hard packed dirt. Yet, it was brimming with cheerful life. Children dressed in leathers played in the streets, dodging the hooves of their horse as the beast strode past at an ambling place. He could feel the curious eyes on them. Then, men and women started to wave at Sakura cheerfully when the recognized her. The young woman had to pull up the reigns when a small crowd of humans surged forward to greet them.
A woman said, "Captain Haruno. It's been a long time..."
"Is Chief Jiro home?" Sakura queried softly after nodding in greeting.
"Yes he is," a young man on the left replied, "Do you want me to go on ahead to the guards and inform them of your arrival?"
"No that won't be necessary," she replied smiling, "But thank you."
The crowd of people stepped aside respectfully as dismounted the horse and waited for her mate to do the same. She led the animal towards the biggest home, sitting at the back edge of the small village. Coming to a halt, she looped the reigns loosely over a pole before striding up to a guard who was ignoring the world, his nose buried in a book.
Sakura said, "I would like to speak with Chief Jiro."
The guard didn't bother to look up from his novel, "He's busy. Come back later..."
The young woman startled both males when she hauled forward and grabbed the guard by the scruff of his collar forcing his startled brown eyes to look into her sharp orbs, "Is that any way to address a superior officer? Go inform him of my arrival. Now." She shoved him back and watched grimly as he slammed against the wall with a pitiful yelp.
His adams apple bobbed nervously, "Captain Haruno. My apologies I didn't realize..."
"Now," Sakura waved a dismissive hand at the guard, "Iwate. Don't make me repeat myself."
The prince raised a brow at his irritated mate. He realized that the castle must have been quite a culture shock for the woman. Here, she obviously held not only respect from the locals but from those in the military as well. It was probable that once they earned rank out here in the Grassland's it would always stand. The Tribes had dissolved most of their military after they lost the war. He had heard her refer to herself as an ex-captain a few times, but that was the first time since the war that he'd heard her use her title.
A red-faced Iwate returned, his book held limply in his hand, "Chief will see you now Captain."
"Thank you," she nodded stiffly before striding past.
Neji raised a brow at the young man when he ignored his presence. The sound of Sakura's polished black booted heels echoed in the empty entry way. He followed Sakura silently, taking it all in. He watched as the young woman knocked on the door and a gruff, irritated command to enter reached their ears.
The pinkette stepped over the thresshold, a pink brow furling when she saw the chief sitting cross-legged on the floor, his fist beneath his wizened chin. He was apparently playing a shoji board game with a young man she didn't know. The prince's voice rumbled behind her, "Oh Lord Shikamaru. You being here will make this all that much easier."
The raven haired male stiffened slightly, turning dull brown eyes in the direction of the two visiters. When he realized who it was he stood to his feet and bowed politely at the waist, "My prince... this is... surely unexpected."
"Oh Captain Haruno. It's been quite a long time. How are you my dear?" Chief Jiro's fingers went to his gray beard, stroking it thoughtfully.
"Yes it's been a long time. I've come to speak to you of a matter of great importance. If you could possibly spare the time," she started and then added as an after thought, "Omriggor val'kem.."
His wise gray eyes lifted to meet her stern green. Then the watery orbs flicked between the two dragons. His bones creaked as he stood to his feet, "I'm sorry gentlemen but I will have to ask you to leave..."
The prince immediately bristled at the command, the old man's blatant disrespect immediately irking him. The pinkette interjected, "Please my liege do not take offense to this request. It is simply a custom."
"Fine, we will wait in the next room," the prince inclined his head, his eyes boring into his mate's.
"No... you will wait outside..." Sakura's hands went to her hips, "You can clearly hear everything that's being said if you wait outside the room..."
His lip lifted in a snarl but Sakura folded her arms tellingly against her chest.
Lord Shikamaru put a placating hand on the other male dragon's broad shoulder, "That's fine. I've something to speak with you about anyways my liege..."
A sigh of relief left the young woman when the two dragons left the room. A smile touched her lips when they were finally alone. She said sincerely, "It's been too long chief. How are things?"
Chief Jiro grinned at her, "I could ask you the same thing," his gnarled hand continued to stroke his beard, "Your face has softened Captain. My opinion of the Konoha prince has just been elevated."
A blush colored her cheeks, "I did not come here to speak to you about such ridiculous things."
"No. I would imagine not. What's this I hear about you will be fighting in the arena in the Konoha capital against the Suna Champion?" he queried, his eyes piercing.
"It is as you heard," sighing softly, Sakura began to speak of the events that had unfolded during her time in Konoha leaving out the fact that she was now the mate of the crown prince, although it was obvious the chief obviously suspected that she was.
When she finished, the old man placed a hand on her shoulder, "The spirits of the ancestors will hold much pride in you, young one," he removed his hand and then said, "I do know that the strife has picked up again between the giants and the ogres. I imagine the half giant was speaking about the head chief of all the giant tribes, Chief Bruknet. But to seek him out during this time would be dangerous. I know it will take time, but if you could talk the prince into staying for a few more days, then I could have a message sent to him through one of my informants of that land. Besides, you do recall that the festival is nearly upon us."
"The Feast of the Harvest Moon," Sakura replied softly, "I have not forgotten. Autumn is already upon us."
"Please invite the men back," he gestured in her direction.
Nodding politely, she went to the entrance of the house and opened the door glancing out at the two males who looked up at her appearance. Her voice was cool and clipped when she announced to the two men, "Thank you for your patience. Please join us."
She stepped aside to allow them passage. The prince's assessing silvery eyes paused on her hawkish expression before turning to head back to the chief's room. Following behind them, she shut the door and crossed her arms. Chief Jiro began with, "Captain Haruno has informed me of the situation you face my liege. I would understand certainly if you feel the need for haste however, I can arrange a meeting between you and Chief Bruknet, King of the Giants if you could wait for a reply patiently for a couple days. If you can, then I would like to extend an invitation to you and your servant Captain Haruno, and of course you as well Lord Shikamaru to attend the Feast of the Harvest Moon. It is something that my people celebrate each season."
Though no expression appeared on Neji's face, Sakura could see a muscle jump in his mandible. She realized he was seriously thinking it over. Finally the prince spoke, "I accept your invitation with honor Chief Jiro. It is time that I experience the culture of the Grasslands."
"Excellent," then the chief smiled at the dragon, "I then but have one more request..."
The prince nodded his head, "I will see to it if I can."
"I've heard rumors, that have now just been verified by Captain Haruno. If she is to fight the champion of Suna, I would like to request that the people of her homeland to be allowed to attend the event," he ignored the shocked look the prince sent him, "Just the tribe leaders of course. Despite our loss in the war, we hold great pride in our people. I believe that she deserves the support of her kin."
Lord Shikamaru sent a surprised and suddenly sharp assessing glance in the young woman's direction, "You are the one?"
The green-eyed woman inclined her head in the lord's direction, "Yes."
"I will speak to my uncle to see if seating cannot be arranged for your request," the prince replied stiffly.
"Thank you, my liege," the Chief dipped his chin respectfully, "That is all I can ask of you."
Sakura couldn't help the smile that adorned her face. She was excited that she wouldn't have to miss this year's festival. She spoke up, "Thank you for your aid Chief Jiro."
He waved a dismissive hand at her, "It is of little matter. But now, I am concerned about the conflict between the giants and ogres. We may have to deal with it before it gets out of control. If their battles get too close to the border, it can become too destructive."
Then she lowered her eyes and added softly, "And... I thank you," a smile adorned her face, "I see that the house of my father has been taken care of in my place."
"Of course," the old man waved her gratefulness aside, "We are Grasslanders. It is our way."
She only dipped her head in response and then asked on an after thought, "Where are the preparations being done for the festival this year?"
"Chief Osamu is leading them this year. I'm certain if you desire to go and lend a hand they will accept your help gratefully," the elderly man smiled, the wrinkles crinkling around the edges his mouth.
"May the spirits of the ancestors bless your home for your hospitality," Sakura's voice was soft as she spoke the proper words of respect before leaving the house.
The chief only nodded, his gray eyes following the young woman as she strode away. He pinned a surprisingly stern eye on the prince. Neji lifted his chin when he realized he was under the old human's scrutiny. The elderly man said to him, "Know your fortune dragon."
The prince merely nodded at the old human disregarding his lack of respect before following in the wake of his mate. Lord Shikamaru's spiky ponytail bobbed as he tilted his head thoughtfully at the chief, his sharp mind going over all that he had just witnessed. Chief Jiro let out a small groan as he reseated himself. He gestured towards the board with a gnarled hand, "Shall we resume?"
Lord Shikamaru merely nodded as he sat down crosslegged, the cogs in his brain immediately switching to strategy.
-o-
The young woman asked the prince as soon as they were outside, "Would you mind if I went to help out with the preparations?"
Neji unraveled the reigns of the ebony gelding, "We will go together. I meant what I said. I would like to become more knowledgeable about the culture of the Grasslands."
Sakura smiled at him not realizing she was under the scrutiny of the populace. They were looking between her and the male she was with curiously. The novel in Iwate's hands went slightly slack, as he peered at the pair over the brim of the book thoughtfully. Sakura mounted first, peering down at her liege, the sudden softness in her eyes almost made the guard drop his novel in shock. The pink haired woman was actually very attractive when her face wasn't pinched with stern reprimand. He watched as the prince got up onto the horse behind her. Iwate shook his head, well if that wasn't interesting. Once the pair had left the village, he buried his nose back into his book.
The pinkette said softly, "Chief Osamu's village is north of Iknaat. I need to stop by the house before heading up that way."
"Oh?" Neji queried curiously.
The young woman was silent as they rode through the grassy knolls. He suddenly realized with a start that he was finding the openness of the land around him rather refreshing. It must have been difficult on Sakura to be cooped up in a castle all the time. He felt somewhat guilty for caging her like a bird. A gilded cage was still a cage after all.
"What's the matter?" Sakura queried softly pulling him from his train of thought as they stopped infront of her home.
"I think I will head into the village to see if I can't get a second horse," he replied curtly brushing her concern aside.
"Alright," she eyed him thoughtfully, watching as he dismounted and walked in the direction of the village.
The pinkette went into the small house and went directly to her father's room. She stopped just outside and peered into the dim interior. Sakura almost felt like she was invading, but still she stepped into the bedroom, listening absently to the sound of her footsteps. Her eyes alighted on what she was looking for. Her hands lifted the maple carved bow and quiver still stocked with arrows. Slinging them over her shoulders, she shut the door behind her and headed back out to the porch. She sat down on the steps, waiting for the prince's return.
The sun had risen high in the sky casting the shadows deeper as the day wore on. The woman stood when she spotted him returning, riding a stocky chestnut. Sakura strode over to the gelding and stroked the length of his face with gentle fingers. Vaulting onto his back, she was finding that she rather liked riding bareback. Without bothering to greet him, she squeezed her horse's side and he surged forward into a ground eating gallop. The rocking motion, coupled with the wind pushing her hair away her face, the large expanse laid out before her felt wonderful to all of her senses.
The echo of thundering hooves broke the silence, she glanced to the side, as Neji started to catch up to her. She grinned and then leaned forward speaking to the horse beneath her, "You're not going to let that stocky horse beat you are ya?"
She laughed when the gelding snorted at her, shook his head, and then she felt his muscles strain beneath her as his long legs ate the ground beneath him leaving the other pair behind. Sakura could imagine that this might be how flying felt. When they reached Chief Osamu's village, she slid off the horse and patted his flanks leading him to a water trough, rubbing his neck as he drank.
Neji muttered darkly when he finally caught up with her, "Were you trying to ditch me woman?"
Her lips trembled with amusement, "Perhaps..."
His brow arched in response but his lip quirked giving away his amusement. They led the animals to the center of the village, where plenty of activity was taking place. The women were decorating the streets and the men were clearing away debris and materials to leave the center of the small town completely open for the celebration.
Sakura's head went to the side when she heard a familiar voice call her name. A smile touched her lips when she seen Hiroshi, the son of the chief of the village came jogging towards her. She lifted a hand, "Hiroshi, it's been a long time..."
He was flanked by a pair of men who proceeded to take the reigns of their mounts from her and Neji, leading the beasts to the town stable. Hiroshi's earnest brown eyes met hers and then flicked to the prince who was eyeing him coldly. The human male could see the aggressive and possessive lines in the dragon's body. He turned his gaze back to the young woman and frowned, "So you brought him with you hmm? That's too bad but... I suppose it can't be helped."
The pinkette quickly changed the subject, "So how have you been?"
His hand went to the back of his head, threading through sweaty black hair, "I've been good. I was hoping that you'd make it to the festival. This will be the second season since..." he broke off.
"Since my father died," green eyes softened as she finished for him, "Yes. I'm glad that I could make it this year, despite the pressing circumstances."
"I've heard a rumor that you will be fighting in a tournament," the concern in his voice was unmistakable.
"Yes, but that's not important. Let us not discuss such things during a celebration. I..." Sakura pulled the bow off of her should, "I brought my father's bow. I would like to take his place again this year..."
Hiroshi's brown eyes gentled and his lips curved into a smile, "Of course. I would expect no less. The hunters are still out," he turned and pointed, "They've gone east. Apparently the herds are migrating through... and," chocolate orbs hardened as he glanced at the stiff male standing behind the pink haired woman, "I suppose he will... go with you."
Neji growled at the human for his impudence. If it weren't for Sakura, he would have already put a clawed fist through the annoying human's scrawny neck.
Sakura lifted her hands placanting, she could sense the bloodlust in her mate and the last thing she wanted was violence, "Absolutely. He is here to enjoy the festival as well after all. I am honored to share the pride and culture of the Grasslands with my liege."
Hiroshi arched a brow at her, "I'm as much of your master as he is. Haruno do I look like an idiot to you?" he jabbed a thumb at the fuming dragon male, "he looks like he's about ready to claw my face off... anyhow," he changed the subject ignoring the now irate prince, "good luck... although I'm sure you won't need it."
She smirked at the male, "It's been awhile since I handled a bow," she started to walk away with a hearty wave, "I'll try not to disappoint you."
Once they were well away from the village, Neji finally spoke after having gotten a firm reign on his temper, "So what is this thing that we are supposed to be doing?"
"Each year, a different village with an acting chief is put in charge of the festivities. Iknaat has no chief so, we participate if we wish to do so. This is the season for wapiti. The male head of each household is in charge of bringing in at least one stag from the migrating herds. It is symbolic of sharing the harvest. You provide for your family, and give to another respectively. My father always participated no matter the village in charge, and he passed away before the previous season so I took the responsibility for bringing in a stag in his place," Sakura explained as she weaved through the tall grass.
She stopped when she felt Neji's hand on her shoulder and she craned her head to glance back at his solemn face. She jumped with a small start when he pulled the quiver off of her, and took the bow from slackening hands. She whispered wide eyed, "What are you...?"
"Then the task should fall to me..." he whispered softly.
Sakura murmured gruffly hiding the fact that she was touched, even though she knew he could sense it, "Do you even know how to use a bow?"
An aristocratic brow arched arrogantly, his lips quirking in irritation, "Woman... you believe me incapable of such a simple task..."
The pinkette merely turned and started to walk away. It wasn't long until they found the herd. A dragon's sense of smell was a neat thing, and Sakura didn't have to bother with tracking. She murmured when Neji got into position to take down a wapiti, "Make sure you take down a stag. It is not the season for hinds."
The green eyed woman watched her mate, admiring the way his muscles flexed beneath his cream hued tunic as he drew the pull taut. She admired his patience as he waited for whatever beast he had his eye on. After about a minute he released the arrow. It struck a good sized stag. The animal dropped and the rest of the herd scattered as they emerged from their hiding spot to retrieve the kill. Sakura put a hand to her chin, "Dammit, I should have brought a horse to take it back. I wasn't thinking..."
Wordlessly the male handed her the bow and quiver saying, "This will not be a problem. But I will need a change of clothes by the time we return..."
"We'll head back to the house then so I can clean the kill. I can always take the meat over later," she smiled at him as he hoisted the huge animal on his shoulders. It looked some what ridiculous as even the most robust human male couldn't do what he was doing.
They walked in silence side by side for a good while and Neji suddenly asked her, "How do you stand it?"
"Stand it?" she turned her head to the side, "What are you talking about?"
"Being housed in such a small vicinity for so many months. I didn't realize," he glanced at her puzzled features, "the lands here are so open..."
"It was hard at first. It was harder when I was injured and I didn't have the chance to go outside as much but," Sakura replied honestly her face smoothing out as understanding dawned, "But I wouldn't give up the experience for anything."
The dragon prince looked at her peaceful features. Sakura was not by nature a romantic female, and he knew that she was just being her blunt self. By the time they got back to her home, she directed him to put the corpse on a small wooden platform. He watched curiously as she bled the animal out. Dragons didn't bother with that sort of thing. He'd never cleaned an animal before, so he sat on the porch and observed. She had gone inside the house a moment to retrieve a skinning knife and several large bowls.
She made quick work of the kill, setting the skin aside, being careful not to damage it. Then she carved away the meat from the bone, removed the antlers, and he quirked a brow when she even set the brains aside. He asked pointing to the bowl, "What are you going to use that for? I didn't think humans ate that..."
"Tanning the hide later," she shrugged, still working away, "I will also take the antlers into town. The healers grind them into dust and use them for salves and medicines. We use all that we can, and try not to waste anything."
She took the bowls filled with the innards, and went out far into the field and dumped them. When she came back Neji asked her with a fang toothed grin, "Isn't that wasteful?"
"No. The coyotes will get it, along with the scavengers. It all returns to the earth," she explained while gathering up the hide and dumping it into a water solution, so that she could work on them later. Then she glanced down at her clothes and grimaced, "It's been a long time since I've done such a task."
"You look good in blood," he teased her watching amused as she gave him a sharp glance.
Blushing she put her hands on her hips, "If you weren't a dragon, that would be a rather strange remark."
Taking up the freshly carved flesh, she went into the house with it, before packing it away neatly. Neji asked her, "So when does this festival take place."
"Tomorrow evening, when the sun goes down," she explained walking away, "The giants also celebrate similarly. Hopefully it will put Chief Bruknat in a good mood."
"Hn," he responded as he contemplated the small female. He didn't think he'd ever seen her in such good spirits. She was normally so controlled, disciplined, and proper. Well proper to her way of thinking, she still drew the servants' eyes with her strange customs even after all these months.
Suddenly she startled him when she clapped her hands together happily, her cheeks flushing with excitement, "I don't think they'd mind if we used a little of the meat. Would you like to do at outside roast tonight after the sun goes down?"
She looked so happy, that he didn't bother to remind her that he was a dragon and he would prefer to consume it as is. Neji slowly dipped his head, a smile tugging at the edges of his lips at her almost child-like behavior. Sakura waved a hand at him, "I'll just got get cleaned up. Oh and if you'd like a change of clothes. Feel free to use some of my father's. They should fit you well enough, since he liked to wear them loose."
He watched as she darted from the room. Despite being a dragon, he was a royal. Hunting was something that he hadn't ever bothered with. Although a dragon would definitely go about it differently than a human would he enjoyed the time he spent with his unusual mate. Neji was startled to realize that he was actually enjoying himself and his time away from home even though it had been induced by his mate's foolish behavior. It something that his usually stress-filled position rarely allowed. He also contemplated the fact that even though he was basically the ruler of this land through a war of conquest, the locals hadn't treated him too rudely, or had acted with fake smiles or a thin veneer of badly disguised false respect layered with resentment like he expected they would.
It seems they had gone on with their daily life, paying their taxes without complaint. Hell, Lord Shikamaru was idling away playing a board game with the head chief. They still treated him like an outsider, and guessing from the way his mate behaved, he concluded that they were a people that believed that respect had to be earned on an individual basis. He still wouldn't mind throttling that pathetic human male who looked at his mate a little too closely for his liking earlier that afternoon. His lips thinned, it wouldn't be a half bad idea to send over half of the court nobles to learn from these people. It was no wonder Sakura couldn't stand the hollow niceties and the false interactions of the court. He finally understood why she viewed it as a punishment.
He probably would as well after experiencing a taste of life out in the open plains and the life of the down to earth humans. Sakura exited the bathroom, steam trailing in her wake. She was dressed in a green tunic and loose black pants, "Neji... um..." she tilted her head to the side, when she seen him still standing in the same spot she left him, stained with blood and his eyes glazed over.
When he didn't answer, she went to her father's room, and got him a change of clothes. She grabbed his sleeve and shook her head when he finally noticed she was there. Wrapping her fingers around his wrist she led him to the bathroom, "I'll wait for you. You'll feel better after you get clean."
Neji suddenly found himself thrust into the bathroom and the door clicked shut behind him. He looked down at the coal colored garments in his arms, the smell of cedar making his nose twitch.
Outside the door Sakura let out a sigh and went to the kitchen. Skewering the meat and sprinkling it with spices still in the cabinet. She hoped that spices didn't go stale. She sniffed a few times to make certain. Figuring it would be alright, she placed the meat on the sticks in a bowl and by the time she was finished Neji exited the bathroom. A hand went to her mouth to smother a laugh, when she realized the pants were a good three inches above his ankles and the shirt was a little too tight, every time he breathed the stitches went taut.
"Your father was a small man," he said slowly, frowning when she started to laugh at him.
"I'll clean your clothes tonight, so you can wear them tomorrow for the festival," She said, walking past him with the bowl on her hip.
He watched his brows drawing together as she exited the house barefoot, not bothering with her boots waiting at the door. She set the bowl down next to what looked like a make shift fire-pit, and then she turned to order him, "Help me look for wood."
Neji humored her, and by the time the sky was darkening they had enough to start a small bonfire. He watched as she struck flat stones together to start a fire. After about five minutes of this, he lifted a hand and sent a fire ball into the wood. Sakura stumbled back as an orange flash whooshed by her eyes. She turned to glare at him, "You could have warned me that you were going to do that you know..."
Once the fire was blazing a healthily bright flame, Sakura handed him a skewer and took one for herself. She sat down cross-legged and listened to the meat crackle as it started to cook. Neji made a show of doing the same, but as soon as the outside was browned, he went ahead and ate it. Sakura saw the ruby redness of the meat he was chewing quietly and made a face, "That's just gross..."
"So you think human," he teased her before taking another bloody bite.
She made a show of sighing but then winked at him. The prince almost choked on his food. He'd never seen her behave so playfully, nor so openly. He rather liked this side of her. After finishing his portion and grabbing another skewer laden with flesh, he said to her, "You should have told me that you desired to attend this human festival..."
Swallowing, she wiped her lips, enjoying the feel of the cooling breeze against her skin and damp hair coupled with the warmth of the fire. She wriggled her toes in the dirt and then replied, "The timing wasn't right and I had forgotten about it honestly until Chief Jiro mentioned it. Time seemed to pass by in Konoha so quickly... well for the most part," her hand absently went to rub the scar on her shoulder, "but even though the circumstances of why we're here aren't that great... it's pleasant to be away from it all..."
"I will be certain to insure that you are able to attend this festival every season," he said softly.
She turned her face towards him, the flicker of flames dancing in her malachite orbs, "Only if you attend with me."
Sakura watched with amusement as the prideful male stiffened. If he'd had a tail at the moment, she was certain it would be twitching like a feline's, she smothered a smile and waited for him to respond. When he did, his cheeks had twin pools of red in them, "I would believe that you would have concluded the obvious..." he stopped mid sentence when he was suddenly tackled to the ground by a suddenly very rambunctious pink haired tribe woman.
The green eyed female laughed at the incredulous and shocked look on the normally stoic dragon's face. She leveled a stern gaze at him, "I'm glad you understand your position, my liege..."
She chuckled when he gaped at her audacity but let out a squeal when he flipped their positions, pinning her beneath him, "And I'm thankful you understand yours..."
For a few seconds Sakura gazed up into his smug features, and smiled deviously before kissing the dragon breathless. It wasn't long until they lost themselves in each other.
-o-
A/N:Well here ya go! I enjoyed fleshing out more of the culture of the Grasslands. It was not only fun but I think Sakura deserves a break. It's probably odd to admit this but you know, I would like to attend such a festival. Roasting corn, meat, drinks and dancing around a big bonfire. And lots of kissing! Next time on Blacksmith's Daughter; festivals, giants, and dragons... oh my!