XXX.

Smoke Signals

The sound of unseasonable thunder woke Kagome in the early afternoon. Startled, she sat bolt upright in bed and flailed for a moment, then sank back against her pillow and pressed her palms against her eyes. She lay still that way for a full minute, trying to calm her breathing and slow her heartbeat, taming a sudden but not inexplicable fear.

Today. Tonight, in a few hours -

A shudder ran through her, from the tips of her toes to the ends of her hair. So far, she had met only a few of Sesshomaru's kin; Akira and Katsu, who had been summoned to meet her all those days ago...and Kimitsukiko.

The mother of my mate –

Slowly, Kagome dropped her hands away from her face and sat up. It was the fifty-odd Inu she had yet to see that worried her, not the three she knew, but then again...

They can't be any worse than her.

Reaching towards the ends of the bed, Kagome stretched and turned. She was alone now, though when she had gone to sleep Sesshomaru had come to lay beside her.

"I wonder how long he's...been up."

Her words were interrupted by a yawn, but she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood, stretching more thoroughly. With her fingers, she inspected the smooth surface of the skin over her ribs; no tenderness, not even a scar remained where the previous day's injuries had been.

There was a click, the sound of the door opening and closing, and Kagome felt the now-familiar presence of her unseen helper slide into the room. She was surprised when the wardrobe stayed shut; firm hands gripped her shoulders immediately and turned her towards a door in the corner of the room that she had never used.

"What's in there?"

The door opened in front of her; dampness wafted out of the dimness and Kagome stepped forward, saw stairs. She could smell steam; invisible fingers wrapped around her hands and tugged her gently down the first few steps. It got hotter the further they went; the stairs became obscured in mist, and at the bottom she stumbled. Only the fingers at her wrist kept her from falling forward into a pool of water and for the first time in many days she sensed laughter.

She had come to these springs before to bathe, but never down those particular stairs, and she was at the opposite end of the basement chamber that housed the maze of pools. Quickly, Kagome stripped out of her sleeping robe and made her way through. She let out a long sigh as she slid into her favorite, all the way underwater until she was completely covered. After a few moments she surfaced and wiped the water away from her eyes with her hands; another sigh escaped her as dexterous fingers began to wash her hair. There were some things about this place she really liked.

Time's almost up. A few hours...

Just as the thought crossed her mind, there was a grinding, scraping noise overhead. She jumped up and almost leapt out of her bath, but the one washing her hair restrained her. Water splashed noisily but Kagome was distracted from her sudden worry by the sight of the fingers that held her back. Though visible in outline only, there was a delicate, clawed hand on her shoulder, revealed by the soapsuds and drops of water.

"You – you're someone, not something - "

Again, the laughter; but the grinding sound shuddered over them again and Kagome was again distracted. She could place that sound, knew it well.

The gate!

"Oh no...no, no, no, I'm not ready, not ready for this, not ready for them! What if they don't like me – what if they try to fight me, and I can't do it? What if -"

In her head she pictured dozens of Inu streaming in over her head and her muscles tensed; she was filled with an overwhelming desire to flee, to run from here and not look back. What did she care for youkai Councils, for ceremonies and rituals she didn't understand? Sesshomaru had not seen fit to explain; these were not her rites!

In that moment, Kagome confronted the thing that Kinawai had seen, that Kimitsukiko had seen, and that both of them had told Sesshomaru; there was no way around it. The one behind her resumed the washing of her hair, but Kagome didn't notice. She sat very still, staring straight ahead.

The truth was that despite the great changes that had been wrought on her flesh, despite the visible alteration, she was not youkai. Her heart and everything she believed in was still human. Only under the undeniable pressure of her instincts, only when violence possessed her did she come close to touching the real truth of her youkai nature.

She could see it, but she could not understand it; not yet.

What she saw helped to her to recognize the thing that had made Sesshomaru so uncomfortable, the thing that he had such difficulty putting into words. "Forever is longer than you think"; he had said it and Kagome felt that she was only just beginning to understand.

He wants to make me like him; he wants me to become whatever it is that I am becoming, but he is afraid...that I will hate him when it is done. And he thinks that – that – he thinks his feelings are -

But she couldn't deal with that yet, couldn't face it. She was grateful that he had refrained from using the word she knew she wouldn't have been able to ignore – ;that he had not said he loved her. She wasn't sure what she would do if he said that; what she would say. As it was, things were difficult enough.

I know he cares, I know it. There's no other reason for everything he's done, he's gone far beyond what that urge required. He could have had me and killed me; he could have taken me and tossed me out, anything he wanted...it's not like I could fight him! But that's still – still different from -

Love. What was it, anyway? She had thought she loved Inuyasha; she had sacrificed everything that had once made up her life to come back to this time, to travel, to fight...

It was selfish, but she had known even in the beginning that she wasn't coming back for the sake of the shikon no tama or the people of feudal Japan; she had come back for him.

But love had failed her; love had not been enough.

Sinking down in the water until only her eyes peered out over the surface, Kagome compared what she had felt then with what she felt now. Were the two feelings so dissimilar? Was one stronger than the other? Did she know, really know, that it was love she was thinking of? Love, and Sesshomaru; did they even belong in the same thought?

No, yes, and maybe. And...yes.

With a start, she shook her head and then stood, sluicing herself off quickly.

"A towel, please! Let's get back upstairs so I can get dressed; I want to see what's going on!"

Anything to keep her from thinking those thoughts; anything to keep her distracted. Even her presentation and the thought of a hundred youkai wasn't as intimidating as her current emotional dilemma. Frustrated, Kagome stomped an angry foot and nearly tore her towel as she wrapped it around herself.

"Damn him! Why'd he have to say all that stuff now?"

In the dark of the early morning hours Sesshomaru had walked the grounds, checking that everything was in order, the pavilions swept and well lit, the blood washed from the Challenge ground. Now, as the sun was setting, the space between the gate and the door to the main hall was being covered in bolts of fine damask, embroidered with a pattern of falling leaves. It seemed unnecessary; the grass was littered with the real thing, a glory of autumn reds and oranges, but there was no arguing with ceremony or precedent.

Piles of furs and cushions were built up, fires laid out and left unlit, and between the pavilions and courtyards many long, low tables stood in easily reached but inconspicuous places. Lights were hung along the Wall while he watched and in the first flush of twilight the stars were invisible, blinded by bright lamps.

Casually, as he had been doing all day, Sesshomaru tested the air. The many scents converging on this place came to him on the wind from all directions, some familiar and some not. The closest scents made him scowl; it was early yet, too early to deal with nonsense...but the air from inside brought him Kagome's scent as well, her drowsy awakening and the moment of panic that came with it, followed by her slow relaxation. The inner awareness told him of her continued tension, but he was pleasantly surprised by the mildness of her reaction.

She is gaining knowledge and control every day.

He thought of going to her, of bringing her the gifts that he had hidden away for this evening, but as he was turning away the gate began to open and he was forced to turn back. His mother's entourage had arrived early in the morning, much to his displeasure; no one was else was due until nightfall. Before his guest had taken ten steps Kinawai's scent betrayed him and Sesshomaru let out a long-suffering sigh.

I didn't realize he was this close.

"Kinawai -"

"Sesshomaru, I greet you! On this the night of your mate's presentation may all your strength be with you!"

The formal greeting was completely unexpected, totally out of character - and one night too early - but Kasuka and her entourage chose to follow Kinawai through the gate at that moment. Sesshomaru's eyes widened for only a moment.

I see.

Formality in public might avoid private complications. Kinawai's expression cautioned wariness before relaxing back into a congratulatory smile, but there was no need for such warnings where this particular female was concerned. Sesshomaru was already on his guard, had planned for her presence. There had been no way to escape it; Kasuka would have come with the Council if not with Kinawai...and better to have her here sooner; much better.

Sesshomaru was looking forward to observing the unraveling of her plotting and plans and it would be easier and more fun to watch if she had no time to warn anyone or make excuses.

For her part, Kasuka stood quietly beside her mate, her features composed. Her nostrils widened almost imperceptibly, seeking a human scent, the odor of the woman she had seen. For a moment she was distracted by Rin, the smell of human girl, and then she found what she was looking for. Fainter than she had expected, to be sure, but more than strong enough. It was unfortunate for her that Sango had so recently visited...and that she could not conceive of other humans visiting this place.

Both of them smiled, Sesshomaru and Kasuka, meeting each other's eyes for a flickering moment. Both of them believed they knew what was about to happen...but only one of them was right.

Sesshomaru turned away abruptly and indicated the fortress behind him with a careless gesture.

"Rooms have been prepared for you in the north wing; Kinawai, before you settle in I would request your presence. Lady, I'm sure you know the way?"

Kasuka barely inclined her head in answer, but Sesshomaru swept away without a second thought. Kinawai followed behind him and left his mate at the threshold surrounded by a surprised and confused group of attendants.

Kasuka's smile had a cynical edge.

"Well? You heard him; I do, in fact, know the way. Come."

She ignored the whispers ignited by her statement and led the little group up towards the stairs.

Know the way! That – dog!

Long ago, before rebellion and mayhem, before the Inu no Taisho, this fortress had been the home of Dragons, not Inu. Centuries of occupation by tasteless dogs had changed many things, but the stones themselves could not be moved. She was not amused by the appointment of rooms Sesshomaru had bestowed, the northernmost suite in the north wing.

Banished even when visiting!

Still...she had been left alone here, and there were benefits to that.

Perhaps it is time to see if I can find this woman, the new mate of Sesshomaru.

Kasuka left her retainers and the females who served her to unpack and settle things in, and stepped out into the hallway. She was met, almost immediately – too immediately – by someone who she had not expected to see.

The mother!

"Ah...Kasuka, is it? The mate of Kinawai?"

"...Yes. And you would be Kimitsukiko?"

And, crafty, cunning as always, Kasuka flashed a brief and brilliant smile intended to disconcert.

"Or should I call you Honored Mother on this day?"

Kimitsukiko's lips curved slowly.

"Oh, not today; tomorrow is the appropriate time, but I thank you for the thought. Please, come with me. My son does not think of such things, but I have provided some entertainment for the evening until the rest of our guests have arrived."

Kasuka found herself without any sort of response; this was like nothing she had expected.

"I...of course. How could I refuse?"

How could she refuse? Silently, she fumed, but Kasuka had been outmaneuvered, and she knew it. Her eyes widened as Kimitsukiko turned away down the hallway and the empty sleeve of her robe flapped at her side. The sight made her eyes narrow, and then she could not restrain a gasp.

Sesshomaru – his arm!

She had known there was something off about him since she had come in sight of him, but it had not occurred to her until this moment that he was, once again, whole.

And more dangerous. But – how?

And Kimitsukiko – when had she suffered such an injury? If Kasuka had not so recently been to visit Sesshomaru, had not seen himthen with the wound she remembered, she might have thought she had gotten the two of them confused.

Ah, well. What has she been up to that ended so badly, I wonder?

As she proceeded down the hallway behind Kimitsukiko, Kasuka allowed herself a small smile. There were few things she found as enjoyable as baiting an Inu. Kimitsukiko led her into the east wing before she could form her questions, and then down an open hall lined with screens. Kasuka felt her breath tighten in her chest as she took slow steps down that corridor, each one heavier than the last.

The screens were painted with violence; they showed the failure of the last Dragonlord, the death of the days of her family's supremacy...the victory and the glory of the Inu no Taisho. Kasuka stopped, weighted by her past, weighted by anger and her hopes for vengeance and hate, unadulterated hate, heaviest of all...hate.

She stood still; she trembled. Kimitsukiko turned to look at her, and Kasuka saw the glimmer of a crafty smile and knew that this arrangement had been set out particularly for her.

"Aren't you coming, Kasuka?"

Anger bubbled in Kasuka's veins and she struck at what she thought would be vulnerable spot.

"Of course. I was distracted; what happened to your arm?"

She forced herself to begin taking steps forward again, and watched the expression on Kimitsukiko's face flicker from irritation to amusement as she slid open a door and gestured for Kasuka to walk through.

"My arm...hmm. I tested the mate my son has chosen; she is indeed worthy. I expected nothing less from my son."

Nothing else she might have said could have stumped Kasuka so completely. How was it possible that the mother of Sesshomaru, the mate of the Inu no Taisho herself, had been defeated by a mere human?

Impossible!

Carefully, Kasuka passed by her opponent and entered into a room full of Inu. A few cups of sweet-smelling wine were scattered here and there on low tables; there was a rich and subtle scent of incense, and she saw books and stringed instruments in the hands of some of those around her. Every eye in the room had turned toward her as she entered; gold, blue or ocean-green they were all Inu, and hostility was bright in more than a few faces. With a sinking feeling Kasuka realized that all of her plans would have to be put away for later.

This room was a dangerous place for a Dragon, and she had come without a single one of her own females. Behind her, Kimitsukiko took three steps into the room and slid the door shut. To Kasuka, the sound was like the closing of a trap.

Sesshomaru brought Kinawai with him upstairs and stopped on his way to his room to show his friend the robes and ornaments he intended as a gift for Kagome. There were layers of silk as thin as gauze, but heavy with gold; the white brocade that would layer beneath them had a luster like wet pearls. Kinawai grinned and folded his arms across his chest, tapping the claws of the his right hand thoughtfully on his left arm.

"Exquisite, of course."

He turned his amused expression on Sesshomaru.

"Does she know what you're doing?"

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and gestured for a waiting presence to gather up the layers of robes and follow him.

"These are gifts, Kinawai. Keep your thoughts to yourself and wait here while I bring them to her."

"And you are not worried about Kasuka?"

A thin smile crept across Sesshomaru's face.

"My mother will have her well in hand by now. I doubt she will try anything tonight, surrounded by Inu, but I intend to leave nothing to chance."

Without another word Kinawai stayed and watched the line of garments and accessories make their way out the door behind Sesshomaru. He could not help but lift an eyebrow at some of the things he saw go past him – a belt of rose-hued rubies, carved into blossoms; combs and hair ornaments of heavy gold, studded with gemstones; even an elaborate veil hung with dark red gems and gold beads that had once belonged to Sesshomaru's mother.

Sesshomaru was turning his mate into a display of all the wealth his House possessed; not just material riches, but the debts those objects represented, services rendered and favors owed. Some among those arriving tonight would remember certain of these items just as Kinawai himself did. The treasures would call to mind the days of this House in its greatest glory and splendor, the days of the Inu no Taisho at the height of his strength.

"Clever, Sesshomaru..."

But no one was there to hear his murmured words, and Kinawai settled back to wait.

At the other end of the hall, still damp and flushed from her bath, Kagome received her gift with wide eyes. She was surprised when Sesshomaru dismissed the hands that had helped him carry the robes, as well as the female presence that usually dressed her. Instead, with deft hands, he wound the thin silks and heavy brocade around her himself; first the white, then the heavy gold, and finally four layers of gauze, as fine and light as demon hands could weave. The belt of flowering gemstones he wrapped around her waist, over her obi, and then he sat her before him and began to brush her hair.

"Sesshomaru -"

"It is my right as your mate, on this day when you are presented to my kin, to ensure that you are at your most beautiful."

She couldn't think of anything to say to that, so she sat quietly, enjoying the warm glow of his affection. It was so rare, though becoming more frequent; perhaps he had guessed at how fragile her suspension of disbelief was. Eventually, he stopped and lay the brush aside. She leaned back then, claiming a moment of closeness, but he lifted her away after a very short while and stood, came to stand in front of her.

"I will leave you for now, Kagome. As much as I would like, there are some things I cannot do for you. Hold these carefully; someone will be in to take care of them."

He deposited a wealth of gold and jeweled hair ornaments into her lap, and she felt his fingers under her chin, lifting her eyes so he could look at her.

"I will return in a few minutes; my mother will want to look at you. You are my treasure, Kagome."

She heard his admonition, and nodded, but she was all smiles, warm inside now. His eyes had dismissed a glittering hoard, heirlooms and precious artifacts; she was his treasure. Why did it feel so good to hear that?

When he had gone, she still sat in the same place, smiling, and barely noticed when the familiar hands began to part and roll and pin her hair. One by the one the ornaments disappeared from her lap; finally, a shimmering veil dropped across her vision, strung beads of gold and red gems that hung like drops of suspended liquid from an elaborate headdress.

"Pretty..."

Her head was heavy, though, and she wondered how long she was going to have to sit with all this on, and if youkai could get headaches.

Probably. Probably really bad headaches.

After a few minutes of trying to sit really still and see if she could get the beads to stop swinging, Kagome did her best to hold them all with one hand and push herself up to a standing position with the other. The robes settled around her shoulders, and she tilted alarmingly to one side before she was able to right herself and balance correctly between hair, robes, and not being able to see properly.

"This is harder than I thought..."

Hands appeared on her shoulders, steadying her, and then gave careful tugs to the long robes, straightening folds and drape and arranging her skirt so she wouldn't step on anything.

"Thank you -"

The door opened behind her then, and Kagome turned swiftly; this presence was fast growing familiar.

"Kimitsukiko-sama -"

"Quiet, and let me look at you. We haven't much time. Hmm..."

Kagome stood very still, and looked straight down. She watched the feet prowling around her and realized that there was actually group of youkai gathered outside her door; she could hardly see anything through the swinging beads but she could feel the eyes on her, hear the faint rustling of silk and whispers. Finally, Kimitsukiko stepped back and nodded sharply.

"You will do."

Kagome restrained herself from letting out an enormous sigh but could not help relaxing a little. There was a startled shuffling at the door and Kagome was relieved by Sesshomaru's familiar presence. He scowled at his mother and ran his eye over the crowd still waiting outside the door.

"I told you I would bring her to you-"

"And I wanted to be sure I would not be disgraced by her presence. Thankfully, I know she is at least capable of simple introductions, as...mystifying as they may be to certain others."

An amused smirk twisted Kimitsukiko's lips for a moment, and Sesshomaru fixed her with a warning glare.

"Mother - "

"Yes, yes, I know, no interfering..."

She turned back to Kagome then and gestured toward the door with significant impatience.

"Shall we?"

"Not yet, mother. Go; I will bring her. You have enough to see to, yes?"

She scowled at his reminder silently – she disliked being used as a distraction - but retreated through her entourage and back down the hall towards the east wing where she had taken up residence.

Sesshomaru turned back and took a good look at Kagome then; he was uncertain whether to be pleased by her appearance or not. Certainly, she showed the wealth of his House, the prestige of his family, and she was very beautiful, elegant and ethereal despite the heavy ornaments. But she looked like a golden doll - faceless, without identity.

"Kagome, you will be accompanied for your introductions by my mother and her retainers. This will show her support of you, and disguise the fact that you have no females of your own. There is much that my servants can do, but there are times when invisibility has its drawbacks."

He turned and took a few steps into the room behind her, stopped to stare out the window. The last of the twilight's glow was fading, leaving the horizon a dark and misty purple. Outside, the gates had been flung wide and the bobbing of lights told him that the rest of his guests were already beginning to arrive.

"There is very little time left. Kagome, listen carefully. One of the females with my mother is Kasuka; she is Kinawai's mate, but she is a very dangerous individual. I cannot tell you now the long history of distrust between us, but suffice it to say that she and her kin played a large part in bringing about the circumstances that killed my father. She is Dragon, and there is something...something wrong about her."

Sesshomaru paused and his expression became calculating as he decided what to tell her, what was most important considering their current situation.

"At one time, thinking herself very secretive and cunning, she sought to place herself as my mate. I am no fool, which I would have to be to ally myself with a female I suspect of such dangerous...activities. I would kill her, but for her claim as Kinawai's mate and the fact that she seems to be of some use to him."

Kagome was confused.

"But...if she is Kinawai's mate – I don't understand. How can he be trustworthy, such a close friend of yours, and she -"

"There are complications which I cannot discuss now. It is enough for you to know that Kasuka is a daughter of the House of Fire...just as you are. I am telling you these things so that you will be on on your guard against her, for she is surely no friend of yours. She is the one who was spreading rumors about my mate being human."

Kagome's mouth opened in a silent oh.

"Once she learns that you were Dragon, she may attempt to sway you to work against me...and when that does not work, she will turn her considerable malice against you. Regardless of anything else, she will see you as a threat once she learns you are miko. The Dragon-miko have always commanded great respect, especially among their own kin. There is a chance, however slight, that some among the Dragon clans might be persuaded to follow your lead, rather than hers. She will be thinking of all these things as soon as you are introduced; you must be on your guard. Do you understand?"

She took a deep breath and nodded slowly, and Sesshomaru seemed to relax slightly.

"Good. I must leave you now and attend to my own attire and the greeting of guests. Remember what I have told you, Kagome...and that you are mine."

He disappeared through the door.

Invisible hands appeared to lead Kagome down the hallway, carefully supporting her weighted steps. She was not yet comfortable enough with the new and unconscious grace of her body to attempt a more energetic approach, but the side-effect of her discomfort was a stately and elegant walk.

She could hear voices as she approached the east wing, the low murmur of casual conversation and gossip. When the door that was finally pushed open stood wide and Kagome's presence was visible from all corners of the room, there was silence. Kimitsukiko made her way over to stand at Kagome's side.

"I present to you the mate of my son. Her name is Kagome; she is a daughter of the House of Fire and the guardian of the shikon no tama. She has submitted to the power of my son; she stands before you now as one of us, an Inu and the lady of the House of Blades."

The silence grew, if anything, and then broke all at once with a rush of whispers, canceled rumors and relieved suspicions and speculations made suddenly irrelevant. The revelation that Kagome was, after all, youkai, immediately took second place to the revelation of her bloodline and suspicions that she was miko. Why else would she be the protector of such precious power?

Kasuka alone sat very still and said nothing, unwilling to believe and at the same time unable to deny the evidence of her senses. The mate of the Inu was standing in front of her, and she was obviously not human. That she bore the shikon no tama was no proof that she was miko, but the jewel troubled Kasuka. Such was her obsession with her chosen enemy that few things escaped her where the last two sons of the House of Blades were concerned. She had been aware of the quest of the hanyou Inuyasha, his search for the sacred jewel; it had amused her to see him struggling in vain. Certain reports had surprised her, however: the death of the one called Naraku, the successful reformation of the shattered shikon, and then its disappearance.

For it to reappear here, though...had Sesshomaru confronted his brother and taken it? Why had she heard no rumor of such a thing? Reports about the hanyou had been very quiet lately, but last she had heard he had still been traveling with a woman, a priestess...

Kasuka stared across the room with narrowed eyes. Who was this Kagome? Where had she come from, with her bloodline and her sacred jewel and her apparent ability to influence the Inu?

Even I failed at seducing Sesshomaru. How did she succeed?

More dangerous questions occurred to her then, and she leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. Why was more threatening than how. How could be only a matter of preference, of detail, but motives were often mischief...or worse. And where, where did she find the shikon no tama; how did it come into her grasp?

Kasuka sat in silence, thinking, listening to the formal introductions and waiting for her turn. When it came she swept across the room with all the presence she could gather, masking all her surprise, covering the curl of her lip with a friendly expression.

"I am Kasuka, mate of Kinawai; I greet you in the name of the North and the House of Fire. I must say, lady, I am surprised that we have not met before."

Kagome could not help but raise an eyebrow at that; she looked, if only she knew it, very much like her mate.

"Really? Why?"

A cunning glimmer came into Kasuka's eyes.

"We are kin. I, too, am born of the House of Fire."

Kagome stared at Kasuka and felt a tingle of unease. Kin, to her? But she was saved from a situation that might have become precarious very quickly by a series of embarrassing questions, begun by Kimitsukiko and continued by the females she had brought with her. All of them were interested to know how Kagome had managed to catch Sesshomaru's attention; they wanted a detailed description of her courtship and the Chase that had followed it.

Kagome's stuttering answers amused the whole group. As mortified as she was to be having such a discussion, Kagome reflected that, in any event, laughter was definitely better than snarls. Carefully, she told her story, leaving out certain details that she was sure Sesshomaru would not want her to share...and moments that belonged to her alone.

Eldest had come south following dim pathways and old tracks no longer remembered even by youkai. Along the way, drawn to her as if to a lodestone, Dragons came and offered their services, surprised and awed to find her presence moving among them once more. It had been generations since she had traveled openly beyond the borders she had set for herself; now, almost silently, her kin came crowding around her footsteps, hovering in her shadow and waiting to be addressed.

Eldest was amused by their solicitous behavior, their unbridled interest. None of them had ever seen her before, but they all knew who she was. Very soon she was turning followers back, ordering them into silence when they complained, terrifying them into obedience when they raised argumentative eyes in her direction. She chose the highest ranked from among those who had come, the leaders of families who were least likely to cause problems and a dozen females she knew were quiet by nature.

Those she had not selected dispersed almost as quickly as they had come. Awed and eager hands reached for the bundles she had brought with her, and she allowed them to be taken. Out of respect or fear, none of them dared to ask questions about her destination or the reason for this journey, but questioning murmurs grew the further she went into the Inu's domain.

As the sun was setting, she entered the edge of the wood that drew up against the eastern side of the Wall bounding Sesshomaru's fortress, and stopped. There was a rustle of leaves and voices, and Eldest waited for the whispers to finally become words. It did not take as long as she had expected.

"Honored Eldest, why have we come here? The Inu lord will not be pleased..."

She smiled.

"But the presentation of his mate is tomorrow night, and I see no reason why her kin should not be with her as custom requires."

"Her kin!"

Shock moved outward from Eldest's position, but her smile did not waver.

"Of course. Did you not know? The mate of the Inu is a daughter of the House of Fire. The match was negotiated by Kinawai at my instruction."

Eldest laughed silently, observing the consternation of those clustered around her. Negotiated was not, perhaps, the right word – but she had sent Kinawai with a message and it appeared to have accomplished what she intended.

"Come; sit, all of you. We will wait here until after it is dark. I am sure the young Inu does not expect me, and his own kin should have time to get settled. I should not have to tell any of you that this meeting could be difficult. You will restrain yourselves in his presence, and you will show her the same respect you show me!"

Many eyes were suddenly focused on her, bright in their intensity. The whispers faded away into agreement and an obsequious retreat. Sesshomaru's strength was nearly legendary, as was his temper and his dislike of Dragons. The fact that he had taken one from among them as his mate could be a sign of better days, more influence and greater potential for their Houses.

Eldest saw their ambitious thoughts, and kept her laughter to herself. When the stars came out, bright in the near-moonless night, she stood slowly and smoothed her robe and hair. Within a minute, her entourage had returned; they waited for her to begin moving, and then followed her southwest, around the curve of forest and wall toward the open plain and Sesshomaru's Gate.

A/N: Well, another long hiatus unfortunately, I hate taking a month to do these...arg. Too many classes, too much work, and it's honestly sad how much less I care about that stuff than this. Ha! At any rate, thanks for waiting and many apologies! Next Chapter: The Unexpected Meets Sesshomaru! And now...reviews!

MissTessa: No worries, I have no plans for killing Kagome off any time soon!

Ginnie177: Thanks very much! Answering all those questions would be a lot of spoilers, and I'm pretty sure most of them will be answered in the next two chapters, so I will say only this: Rin is not going to become youkai, or invincible; in fact, I intend her humanity to be her 'saving grace' so to speak. After all, Kagome's already become youkai; anything more than that gets a little ridiculous and hard to explain plausibly :P

T-shirt: Much thanks! Reviews are much appreciated and love is great!

Wlfhund: Extra special thanks for your thoughtful and descriptive review! It's always nice to know that I've succeeded in my intentions and captured your imagination in such a compelling way. Again, thank you!

kouga's older woman: of course! After all, even Sesshomaru isn't perfect...and Kagome is an excellent antifreeze for him.

Angel of Blood: Thanks for your review! Another chapter, not as fast as I'd like, but...sooner rather than later, and later rather than never, as they say :D

AMUTOLOVER09: Thanks for reading! I've considered posting on Dokuga, especially after a forum there recently helped me get my work unplagiarized, but it seems very complicated and apparently requires a livejournal, which I haven't got. Ah, well. At any rate, as far as Sesshomaru goes...he's complicated :P; also yes, his mother has somewhat screwed with him, as has his general lack of any kind of companion...and therefore any kind of ability to trust other people. He has no choice but to trust Kagome...slowly and eventually. But it certainly isn't something that will happen all at once. And of course Kagome has her own issues – but she is a more trusting and open person by nature.

lunarcat12: Ah yes...but remember, Sesshomaru knows his mother is only approving of Kagome because she has no choice, and he doesn't know what to expect from her. It's only to be expected that he not want her to hear his confession to Kagome, which contains much about his growing feelings and not only what he's refrained from telling about the presentation. Sesshomaru definitely doesn't want his mother hearing about his uncertainty and using it later to manipulate him.

Lara5170: Ah, my mistake! That's me forgetting to not use the plural, because its really awkward writing "hand" and "arm" all the time; "hands" and "arms" come naturally and I often miss them in editing. Hopefully I've caught most of that now! :D

AliceAnthem: Much thanks! More soon (I hope!)

redhead36a: Glad that you like it so much! Part of the reason I wrote this story is because I got tired of bad fanfictions...also because I hated Inuyasha's enormous, gaping plotholes. I can't STAND plotholes!

WiccanMethusaleh: I must thank you again for your efforts on my behalf at Dokuga, and also for your excellent review! You know, I'm actually not sure if there's anyone who has reviewed who's read both versions, so I was particularly happy that the improvement I thought I saw wasn't a hallucination :D Thanks again!

White Ivy: Your review came one minute after I posted this chapter - but I'm speedy! Woo! Much thanks :D