AUTHOR'S CORNER:
I'm leaving for the weekend early tomorrow morning, so I'm posting a little early. Let me know what you all think! Remember, reviews bring out my better writing:)
Chapter 25
The next few days flew by way too quickly for Kagome. Preparations for the northern lord's arrival were going well, though the poor little miko felt like she was in a constant whirlwind of activity. By the second day there were no more complaints and most of the staff had begun to think of her with respect. Not one of them had expected her to be able to hold onto the responsibility of preparing for a lord's visit, but Kagome was performing better than anyone could have imagined.
Sesshomaru had gone out for the day to survey his lands and patrol the outlying villages, leaving Kagome in control of his palace and the state of affairs while he was gone. Kagome was miffed at first that he would shove so much responsibility on her while she was already swamped, but it gave her an excuse to skip training for the day. Too bad it's my day to practice with Daichi, she thought sarcastically. It was only two more days, well one and some morning preparations, before the northern lord was due to arrive and the miko wanted everything to be flawless.
A servant came running into the kitchens where Kagome was detailing the lists and making sure everything was ready for the dinner and the celebration the next day, waiting nervously until she was finished and gave him her full attention.
"Kagome-sama, there is a messenger in the courtyard who would speak with Sesshomaru-sama," he said bowing low. The little woman was pleased with the change in attitude toward her and nodded back, though was rather nervous about speaking to a messenger in Sesshomaru's stead. Leaving her head servant in charge, she and Akiko made their way to the courtyard, Akiko settling the girl's hair and sprucing her appearance before they stepped out into the sunshine.
A demon stood in the middle of the courtyard as she entered, his bright blue hair shimmered in the golden light of the afternoon and he appraised her in surprise and a hint of disgust before bowing as was customary. Kagome returned the bow and pretended she didn't see the look of disgust.
"I am Higurashi Kagome and I am standing in for his lordship in his absence," she said, leveling the man with an authoritative and somewhat cold expression, keeping her eyes carefully bored.
The man appraised her for a few moments longer before stepping forward with a sealed scroll.
"My mistress and lady wishes to congratulate his lordship on the success of his campaign against the south. News of the Northern lord's visit to the western kingdom has reached her ears and she has desired to join their lordships here on this celebratory occasion. States of affairs must be discussed and she feels it an appropriate time for a meeting of lords and ladies for such a discussion," he bowed low and stood to wait for an answer.
Kagome glanced at the scroll in her hands and resisted the urge to fidget or bite her lip. Akiko had been training her on how to act the part of a lady and the little miko found it harder than she had originally anticipated.
This was a disturbing announcement. Coming to a decision quickly, she decided she couldn't exactly deny the eastern lady the right to come and visit at the same time as the northern lord. Bowing slightly as was due her station her eyes met with sea green eyes and she nodded slightly.
"The western kingdom welcomes the eastern lady. We will eagerly await her safe arrival," she said in dismissal. The messenger bowed low before turning to leave.
This was bad. Now not only would she have to prepare for the northern lord's arrival in two days time, but now she would have the eastern lady here as well. What else could go wrong?
Turns out there was a lot that could. Before the sun had set Kagome received a missive from the northern lord saying he was bringing his wife, son and general to the celebration and all of them looked forward to attending. So now instead of one lord and some vassals, she had an entire noble family including his most trusted advisor and a second noble lady with her vassals and her missive included her own trusted advisor. That put her count at six important people and all their entourage. Groaning quietly to herself, she turned to the servant wing to break the bad news to everyone.
Sesshomaru arrived back at the palace to absolute chaos. Servants were running as fast as their legs could carry them, many gathering or buying extra food, preparing and cleaning an entire guest wing of the palace, cleaning the dining hall and entertaining rooms and leaving nothing untouched in their hurricane like endeavors. Bewildered, the taiyoukai filtered out all the other intense smells of cleaning materials, food cooking and being prepared and dust to hone in on the smell of his miko. He discovered she was in the guest wing and headed in that direction.
Arriving in the master bedroom of the wing of the palace reserved for guests, which hadn't been used in quite some time mind you, he found Kagome in the middle of all the chaos, somehow managing to keep track of almost everyone she spoke to and sending each one off, with Akiko working just as hard to keep the rest of things organized and keep track of their tasks.
He stood for a minute just taking in everything before she finally turned around and noticed him standing there. For a moment he could only stare at her, she looked like she'd been working hard all day long; whisps of hair slipped out of her ponytail and framed her face and neck, curling appealingly against her lightly tan skin, her miko outfit was clean, though rumpled from working all day and she had the rosy look of someone in the middle of a difficult job.
"Oh, Sesshomaru-sama, I'm so glad you've returned. I was afraid you might not be back until tomorrow," she said bowing slightly to him since she was in front of the servants before handing her lists off to Akiko who continued to direct the staff since her lady was in more than capable hands now.
"What exactly is going on here?" he asked in a colder voice than he had meant to use and Kagome had to work hard not to flinch, her hands picking at the threading in her sleeves nervously and stared at his boots.
"Well, I got two messages today while you were gone. One was from the eastern lady, Yoko-sama. She said she had heard that the northern lord Takehiko-sama was visiting and requested to be able to come at the same time so a meeting of lords and ladies could take place as well as to celebrate with the other lords your victory in the battle against the south," taking a deep breath since she hadn't breathed at all during her monologue she then rushed on. "The second was from Takehiko-sama himself saying that he now wished to bring his wife Hoshiko-sama and his son Toshi-san and his general Kisho-san as well. They all said they were looking forward to attending," she finally finished. Sesshomaru had kept a mental tally in his head of everyone who was now attending and suppressed a groan. This was not going to be fun.
"You accepted then?" he asked and Kagome bit her lower lip nodding, still staring at Sesshomaru's boots. Though he greatly appreciated the miko putting forth the effort to act appropriately in front of his servants, she was making him incredibly uncomfortable and that realization startled him. He didn't want this respectful form of Kagome that was in front of him now; he wanted the fiery, challenging girl back.
Suddenly, he realized what was wrong. She was killing herself trying to keep up with a task that a demoness would be able to handle though barely better than she was herself. His little miko was trying to prove herself and she didn't care the cost to her body or mind. She was exhausted and it had drained her of her usual attitude.
"I wasn't sure I could turn them away without starting a war and I was pretty sure you'd be fairly angry if I did something like that," she said, a hint of humor creeping into her voice and he wanted to smile.
"Except for the fact that you have indeed condemned me to a war," he responded and Kagome's head came up at the tone in his voice. Her eyes slightly wide, she hadn't heard him speak like that since he'd visited her time.
"It is definitely going to be much worse than a war zone in this castle with three noble families attempting to reside under the same roof for any period of time," he said and Kagome bit her lip again, only this time she was biting back a smile and he got the sudden urge to remove the abused flesh from between her teeth with his own…. oh not again.
"I thought you feared nothing, Sesshomaru-sama," she said, humor glistening in her beautiful blue eyes and the taiyoukai wanted to sigh in satisfaction. That was much better.
"Then perhaps you do not know this Sesshomaru very well," he said, a challenge lighting up in his amber eyes and an answering flicker in her own. "I take it the preparations are going well then?" he asked suddenly and pride suddenly flared up in the oceans of her eyes.
"Oh yes!" she exclaimed, "I mean, at first it was quite a shock to have so much more to prepare for, but I am confident that everything will be done with time to spare," she said, turning slightly to survey all her work and glance at Akiko who turned to smile at her lady before turning back to her work.
"Make sure you rest enough," he commanded, his tone no nonsense now, "it will do you no good to make everything perfect and then offend them by becoming ill and not being able to make an appearance. Believe it or not, they are all here to see you," he warned and Kagome nodded with wide eyes.
Turning, he exited the room leaving a baffled Kagome behind him. All this time I've been here he hasn't said so much as one kind word to me, then he comes back after being gone today and he teases me and speaks to me with consideration. Kami, he's worse than a woman! Turning back to her tasks, she set out to give her staff their instructions for the night before she and Akiko retired back to her rooms. After taking a soak in the hot springs of course.
The day flew by quickly and all too soon, a servant was informing both Sesshomaru and Kagome of the imminent arrival of both the lord of the north and his family as well as the lady of the east and her entourage.
Kagome had been dressed that morning in a beautiful kimono and her hair had been dressed appropriately by Akiko. The kimono was light and dark greens that accentuated beautifully her lightly tanned skin and brought out the deep blues in her eyes and her hair.
Akiko nodded with a big smile at her lady's appearance and Kagome regarded herself nervously in the mirror. Akiko had insisted that Fubuki not be worn at her hip, but the miko would not go without him and since it seemed inappropriate that he follow her around in cat form, the servant girl finally gave in and secured him at her waist with a beautiful ribbon decorated with blue and green beads.
Sesshomaru was waiting for her outside and Akiko hurried her lady to the door. Stepping out into the hallway, she looked up to find him staring at her in his usual bored manner, though a small spark of life flitted through his amber eyes before disappearing. He was dressed as usual, his white hakama with the red embroidery was pristine as usual, his armor glistening softly in the light of the hallway and Tenseiga and Tōkijin hung comfortably at his hip. One eyebrow raised as his eye fell on Fubuki then returning to her face, but she just shrugged silently before falling into step one step behind him and to his left. Appearances had to be made, at least for first impressions, so Kagome bit the bullet and took her appropriate place with Akiko walking demurely a few paces behind.
Fubuki exuded waves of comfort from her hip and she took a deep breath before following the taiyoukai into the sunshine. They had only a few moments to wait before the gates were swung open to admit the northern lord and his family. The eastern lady and her entourage were due to arrive a little later that night.
A tall man lean man approximately the same height as Sesshomaru strode purposefully into the courtyard. The most noticeable features were his amazingly bright shock of red hair that stood straight out in many different directions, a long lock falling crossways in front of his forehead and the other pieces sticking out all over the place complete with a feather of the same color woven into the hair every now and then. The second most noticeable were his bright yellow eyes. They weren't the soft amber gold color that made the miko's heart melt; they were a bright yellow that rivaled that of a street sign. He was wearing hakamas of different red hues with bright gold embroidery which made the goldness of his tan skin all the more striking looking. A swirling orange sun adorned his forehead thought he rest of his skin was unmarked.
A young man and a woman walked each a pace behind and on each side of him. The woman had moon kissed grey and white hair, her eyes were a bluish silver, though not the icy blue of Fubuki, these were a soft pearly grey blue that looked almost velvety. One silver stripe adorned her left cheek, running from her hear to her chin and a light blue almost too pale to see sun adorned her brow. Her robes were of flowing silvers and light blues accentuating her pale complexion.
The young man was obviously the northern lord's son because he was the spitting image of his father, though paler and with more orangish hair. He was a few inches shorter and wore more elaborate hakamas than his father with loads of gold and silver embroidery. His lightly tanned skin had no marks except for a stripe exactly like his mother's though as red as his father's hair and no mark at all on his brow.
Finally behind the family walked a man who was taller than the northern lord and Sesshomaru by a good inch or so. The first thing that Kagome noticed was he had a single oddly shaped horn protruding an inch or two from the very center of his forehead. It slightly curved upward and was a light yellow color. All around his face and on the tops of his hands were maroon colored scales and his hair was a mop of unruly pure white hair that could only be described as a mane in appearance because it was thick and ran down his neck to drape halfway down his back. He wore no nonsense clothing that looked appropriate for fighting though he wore no armor. A long thin tail swished behind him as he walked and the very end of it sported a tuft of hair the same color as his mane. The hands hanging lightly at his sides were three fingered and his feet sported cloven hooves, though his legs bent the correct way. Large brown eyes took everything in and she was sure he knew everything there was to know about his surroundings moments after he had entered.
"Sesshomaru," the northern lord finally spoke, bringing the miko's attention back to him, "we wish to congratulate you on your victory on the battlefield and would like to thank you for your generous hospitality in sharing your home with my family," the whole family bowed at the waist then and the man behind them bowed more deeply as fitting his station.
"I would like to introduce my family," gesturing to the woman who stepped forward and took his hand, "this is my wife Lady Hoshiko," turning to his other side and gesturing to the young man who stepped forward, "and this is my son and heir, Toshi." The young man bowed low to the western lord, though when his eyes rested on Kagome they sparked with something akin to disgust and bewilderment that a ningen would stand in a place of honor with one of the ruling lords. "Behind the family is my most trusted advisor and the general of my armies, Kisho," the general bowed low once again, lowering his eyes in respect before returning to his former position.
Sesshomaru watched boredly while the introductions were made wishing briefly that it was time for everyone to leave and not arrive. Turning slightly he gestured to Kagome who took a step forward, though remained still slightly behind him since she wasn't the western lady and had no right to take a place at his side. The little miko managed not to tremble and she regarded them with a convincingly cool expression.
"This is the Lady miko Kagome," all eyes fell on her and she was hard pressed not to fidget or tremble, "she is the miko responsible for the death of the hanyou Naraku and is now the head priestess in my employ," he dropped his hand and went back to looking bored.
"Ah, we have heard much about you, little one," Takehiko spoke up staring at the miko with the intensity of a hawk, "rumors of your powers have reached the four corners of the lands. Perhaps if you are willing you will give us a demonstration later this evening?" he asked and Kagome was certain there was more behind his suggestion than mere interest. Toshi sneered slightly and she ignored them both in preference to bowing to the red headed demon.
"I would be honored if it pleases my lord," she said respectfully, though inwardly she was trembling like a leaf. Give a demonstration! Hopefully Sesshomaru would decline, though at the moment he seemed neither inclined to accept nor deny… or do anything at all for that matter. He simply stood there looking bored.
Inside the taiyoukai's head however, there was much going on. His beast was purring madly at the miko's performance, especially since somehow he was able to pick up on the intense feelings of annoyance and indignation rolling off the woman. She was not enjoying her role at all and he was secretly taking much amusement at her expense.
"My servants will escort you to your rooms and you will be free to spend your time as you wish before dinner is served. The eastern lady should be arrive in a matter of hours," turning he walked smoothly back into the palace, followed by Kagome and her handmaiden. Servants rushed forward to take care of the northern family and once out of sight and hearing distance, Kagome allowed herself a small sigh. Turning briefly, the taiyoukai nodded curtly to her in dismissal and headed off to his study, no doubt to hide from all the chaos. Great. Sighing more heavily this time, she and Akiko made their way to the kitchens to make sure all was in order.
When they arrived, Akiko took over the preparations and was overseeing the cooking of dinner to make sure everything would be ready on time. Kagome laid a small hand on her friend's arm.
"Akiko, I'm going to run quickly to the guest wing to check in with the one you left in charge to make sure the northern family is comfortable. Akiko nodded slowly, though she didn't like the idea of the miko being out of her sight even for a moment. Glancing down at the sword on the girl's hip as she exited though, she knew the girl would be safe enough.
Kagome quickly made her way to the guest wing, using the servant passages and met up with the servant in charge. Speaking with him briefly, he assured her that all was in hand and that she could just relax. Right, she thought sarcastically. Stepping into the hall, she was met with a flurry of servants carrying the northern family's belongings and wondered briefly if they were moving in or just staying for a few days. Skirting the chaos, she quickly made her way down the hallway, heading back to the kitchens.
Suddenly the girl felt a strange tingling along her neck and through natural instinct, before she could blink or even consider what it was a bright pink barrier flew up around her and she was rewarded with a sharp yelp and the sound of burning flesh. Instincts still in place, she dove forward slightly and came up with one of her daggers that had been hidden in her obi and whirled around to face her attacker.
Takehiko's son, Toshi stood there holding his burnt hand and glaring yellow daggers at the tiny miko. Though he was shorter than Sesshomaru, she found it disconcerting to find him standing there looking down at her with such a look of disdain on his young though handsome features.
"Toshi-san, my apologies, I did not realize it was you there," she said with a small bow at the waist, "was there something you needed my assistance with?" she asked using the politest tone she could muster and smiling up at him despite her trepidation. She was positive he had been up to no good and had desired ill for her.
The nobleman glanced down at his burnt fingers before his eyes slid back to the woman's face, his expression hiding none of the disdain or contempt he felt for her.
"A ningen woman stands at the side of the lord of the western lands," he stated in none to kind of a voice making Kagome want to shiver.
"I do not stand at his side, that would imply courtship or a relationship. I merely serve him as a miko to the best of my abilities," she returned gently wishing she could purify his disgusted little face off. He let out an ungentlemanly snort.
"As if a ningen whore would be of any use to a taiyoukai," he sneered.
"Well if your nose is that bad that you cannot tell the difference between someone who is pure and someone who is a whore then one would have to wonder about your own useful skills, Toshi-san," she retorted, her temper beginning to shimmer in her blue eyes and her aura beginning to surface around her.
Toshi was slightly taken aback by the wave of rather uncomfortable power he felt pulse from the girl, but he sneered down at her, convinced she knew nothing about controlling them.
A servant hurried up just then and interrupted them, informing Kagome that the eastern lady had arrived early and that her presence was requested immediately. Nodding briefly, she turned back to the arrogant young man and bowed only slightly.
"Well, Toshi-san, perhaps if it pleases Sesshomaru-sama, I can give you a demonstration. However, right now it will have to wait," giving him a cold look, she turned on her heel and followed the servant out.
Toshi was completely baffled by the human's attitude toward him. She had been exceedingly polite, however he'd had a small glimpse of the fiery woman beneath and he wasn't too sure he liked that. Frowning to himself before turning back to his rooms, he realized she had the attitude of a demoness.
Kagome hurried out into the courtyard, she had been informed that Sesshomaru and Takehiko were currently closed up in his study talking something over and that she alone was to greet the eastern lady. Grumbling silently to herself she waited for the eastern lady to arrive.
She was waiting a bare few minutes before the gates opened to admit the lady from the ocean kingdom. A lady, barely as tall as she herself came walking in and Kagome had to resist the urge to stare. The woman looked nothing like a ruling lady. Her small frame was adorned with a simple hakama instead of an ornate kimono, her hair in a simple, though decorated ponytail, the extraordinarily long teal hair waving gently with her short strides. The hakama was all the colors of the ocean and complimented her deep ocean green eyes perfectly. A katana rested on each hip and she walked with a purposeful step instead of small ladylike choppy steps.
A tall woman stood behind her, her yellow green hair was also pulled into a ponytail and her own hakama was of a similar green, her light blue green eyes were large, though guarded.
The small woman stopped inside the gate, her entourage halting behind her and she bowed deeply and respectfully to the miko, though staring at her appraisingly at the same time, obviously having expected something completely different.
"I am Lady Yoko, current ruler of the eastern kingdom since my husband's unfortunate demise. This is my former husband's general and trusted advisor, Kameko," the taller woman bowed deeply, her eyes never leaving the dark haired woman. Kagome bowed to them both as befitting her station and spread her arms in welcome, almost immediately warming up to the ocean ruler.
"Welcome to the western lands, Yoko-sama, I would like to apologize for Sesshomaru-sama's absence, he is currently in a meeting with Takehiko-sama who arrived earlier today with his family," Yoko nodded politely and Kagome gestured for the woman and her group to follow her.
Yoko fell into step beside the woman and Kagome politely inquired about their trip to which Yoko was more than willing to share the details and chat politely. Kagome couldn't help but feel kinship with the young ruler and knew that the two of them would get along just fine. Too bad things weren't quite so simple with the northern family.
Leaving them in the capable hands of her army of servants, she excused herself and retired to her rooms. It felt weird to walk around so much without Akiko shadowing her every step, but she was relieved to have some time to herself.
Thoughts about the upcoming evening were most prevalent in her thoughts as she flopped onto her futon. How was she ever going to survive? Too bad she was indeed a mere ningen… she could use demon stamina about now.