Farewells

"I can't ignore Ryuukotsusei My Love; his encroachment and disturbance to our lands is a challenge and our people look to me for aid."

"I understand My Mate, but I don't understand why is he doing this? I remember him from some of the occasions we have to endure and the creature is such a boor. I'm surprised he found the energy to get out of his or whose bed he found that night."

"He was not the first and he won't be the last to proposition you my darling; you know how I keep my eyes on no one but you when we have to socialise, I would not wish you to be stolen away from me."

"Of course My Love, I have no chance to cuckold you with any of the other guests at those functions; but at least most out of all the rogues and charlatans I have to be gracious to, have some wit or other pleasing attributes. The dragon has none. He is such a dandy and preens far too much; it is an insult to be so honoured by someone who thinks he is more beautiful than your Lady."

"It would be impossible to find any to compare to you my love; but dandy or not, he is on the prowl and dangerous. I must show force now, as he has rejected my written demands to leave the people alone."

"It is hard sometimes to be Lady to a Lord; so many things wish to keep us apart."

"Unfortunately it is our lot in life; we have immense power and wealth, a good life and this is the cost. I would like nothing more than to picnic and holiday with you and my son...sons soon, but it can't be so, not yet."

"Sesshoumaru misses you whenever you are away."

"I know and it troubles me. Our son is so very mature in many ways, but he is still only a young pup in others, typical of adolescents I am assured. But he is more and I see danger for him, he has inherited your brains and beauty, a combination of our powers and is incredibly strong. It worries me that one day I may not be around to help him come to understand his strength.

"Should anything ever happen to me I shall require you to keep strict watch on him. There will be many who will try to usurp his power by subtle means; Sesshoumaru is not yet immune to flattery. He is a passionate pup like me, but his control is greater, far more like you; I do not wish him ruined, his potential is very great."

"I will not fail our son My Mate, and speak not of your failure, for it is you our son adores and you alone he will listen to ultimately. We are sometimes too alike for my influence to sway him but you he still abides, even though he thinks he knows all and far more than either of us."

"Such is his age, he needs his parents far more at this stage of his life and yet he does not realise this, thinking he is nearly grown. I remember your mother saying the same thing of us when I came to stay one time."

"I too remember and I look back on our arrogance with something akin to shame when I think on how we spoke to her and Papa."

"She spoke of 'retribution' last time we visited and it made her laugh, but I know what she meant."

"We will have to hope that our son is more respectful next time we visit. Let it be soon My Mate; do not be long putting the dragon in his place."

"I will not, I could never stay away from you for too long my sweet; now, before I have to say farewell to my son, I would bid you a different farewell and give you something to remember me by, and to take your mind away from your other suitors."

"There will never be anyone I take to my futon but you, My Lord Mate; but I would welcome a reminder of what I will miss while you are away and to give you something to make you hurry home."

Outside in the corridor the young Prince was kept waiting; the guards who were trusted with keeping unwanted guests from disturbing the Lord and Lady while they were in their suite, also knew that at this moment even the beloved son was unwelcome. Sesshoumaru was far from ignorant and his disgusted expression made the guards smile when the boy wasn't looking.

In his imperious way, Sesshoumaru asked the guards to let his parents know that he was looking for them and that he would wait in his own suite until they had finished. The guards bowed and assured the Prince that they would do so, ignoring the disdain that had been obvious in Sesshoumaru's tone and once again finding the sensibilities of the adolescent amusing.

Of course once the message was relayed to the parents, Inu no Taishou roared with laughter; the guards having made certain to warn the couple of their son's indignant and derisive mood. Neither of course were going to worry about that, and both together went to greet their son, the Lady hanging off her mate's arm in a provocative pose that made him laugh again.

Sesshoumaru was the source of much private amusement as they appeared before him; neither were they embarrassed that he knew they had been enjoying intimacy while he waited, but his face was pink tinged and that made him angry.

"Father I demand to know what is going on, no one tells me and yet I can see preparations are being made for war."

"You demand Sesshoumaru?"

"I am Prince; I have a right to know where and who we fight."

"You may ask My Son, but you may only demand when you have beaten my in contest. Remember who you are to me, my Princeling." Inu no Taishou waited patiently, maintaining eye contact with Sesshoumaru until his son looked away and down, exposing his throat in submission. He accepted the pup's apology with a smile at his mate and then put his arm around his son's shoulders.

"I am sorry my son, I am prepared for war but you are not to come, you must remain here to guard your mother and keep the Western Lands safe should the dragon Ryuukotsusei break through my defences. You are well versed in the ways this land is run and the generals here will advise you if needed. But first I shall go myself and see whether or not diplomacy has run its course, or whether I can make him see sense and go back home."

Sesshoumaru was not pleased with the decision but recognised it had been made. Thankfully he was still young enough not to realise that his father had made sure he was safe at home with his mother; as it should be for a few more years yet, Sesshoumaru was too young to go to war. So with a fond farewell on all sides, mother and son watched as their Lord took to the skies in his imposing natural youkai.

August 2009 Week IYQ#3:

One good thing at least about some
Of these junkies was
They had some character

-Iggy Pop, Character