The sun was high at peak now, beating relentlessly down on them. Kuronue was laying a little ways off, sun tanning of all things, and Kagome had finally wandered back to find an actual pair of clothes ––black was far too hot right now. Even though her regular clothing was barely better, jeans and a t-shirt, it felt more comfortable to take a piece of her past with her.
"So not all kitsunes live in clans, but the ones who do get to learn trade secrets…." She looked up at Youko, whose eyes were closed but whose ears told her he was still listening. He was leaning against the base of a tree, and Kagome had quickly realized that neither Youko nor Kuronue came here to accomplish much.
He nodded. "And depending on the size of the clan, they usually mate and grow up there as well, after a suitable number of years spent learning elsewhere."
"Is it possible for outsiders to join a clan? After they've finished exploring?"
"It is not traditional…neither is it unheard of. It depends on the kitsune and the clan in question."
"Depends on what?"
Youko opened half-lidded eyes. "Power, prestige…personal favour."
Kagome understood with a small blush warming her face ––of course it would be possible to marry into the family.
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