A/N: On with the show! :3
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28.
"Kagome-sama, a word if you will?" Takamaru inquired. Kagome blinked but nodded.
Following him some distance away from the group Kagome wondered what the crane had to say that needed to be spoken of away from the children.
Once a certain distance away Takamaru turned to her and spoke seriously, "Kagome-sama, while I believe your actions are noble to take in Hinoko-chan and Sekitanko-chan, have you realized what that entitles?"
Kagome tensed, if Takamaru was implying what she thought he was…
"Such as?" she asked coldly. Takamaru blinked in surprise at her sudden shift.
"Those with fire yokai in their blood are more susceptible to the change in seasons then most Kagome-sama, especially when young. All things considering, it is my belief that only their human blood allowed them to survive the winter." He continued, slightly hesitant.
Kagome's cold aura vanished as she berated herself for even doubting Takamaru's intentions. She knew he was a good person at heart, something like one's origins meant nothing to him.
"As their caretaker Kagome-sama, you will need shelter to raise them during the winter months. In fact all of us, you, Shippo-kun, Koyuki, and myself, need to stop migrating and find a place to rest. Even the freest bird needs a nest to roost in." he finished wisely.
Kagome paused, thinking about his words. She then asked, "What would you suggest then?"
29.
Kagome stared at the modest but pristine house Takamaru had brought them to. It was a traditional home like any other, but unlike the ones in the village farther down the valley this one was obviously meant for a noble family. The sight of the bowing transparent spirits in front of the door, welcoming the return of their master, further gave it away.
Turning her head slowly to the blushing cranes she pointed to the house aka mansion. "Alright you two, spill."
30.
Kagome had to stop from jumping out of her seat when the shoji slide open and a tea set floated inside by itself. The tea was place on the table and distributed among all three of them before the shoji closed.
The room was silent for a few moments.
"Were those the 'house-spirits' you spoke of in your lessons? The one's whose sole duty is to keep the home in prime condition and to follow the orders of the clan as living servants would?" Kagome asked with a bland look. Koyuki had the nerve to not look sheepish for the obvious connection.
Takamaru cleared his throat, obviously a little uncomfortable with the look Kagome was giving them. Glancing to his mate, he nearly winced when he saw the look in her eyes, 'you started this, you end it'. Returning his stare to Kagome he began.
"Koyuki and I are the last of a minor noble family Kagome-sama. So minor that while my family were nobles, we did not even have a place at any court. Most of our lands now belong to other yokai clans and no officials from any court sent notice of our presence for over a few decades. Thus when my grandfather, the only other member of the clan, died Koyuki and myself chose to travel the lands."
Kagome nodded, "That explains the mansion, it also explains why you both know so much about yokai court, but still…"
"You are curious as to why we, as nobles, would give our alliance and nobility status to you?" Koyuki added. Kagome nodded her agreement. "Because as my mate told you long ago Kagome-sama, we cranes can see a person's base nature easily. And we knew from the start that you were a person worth serving." She told her mistress proudly.
Kagome lightly blushed at that.
Koyuki suddenly smiled gleefully. "Besides, now that we are home we can begin with lessons on how to be an active noble without the worries of survival."
Kagome groaned and banged her head against the table.
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Next Chapter: The destined meeting!