"There, finally, it's finished." Rin stated from her spot on the floor. Sitting beside the warmth of the hearth that was in the bedroom she shared with Sesshomaru she stood.
Holding up the fabric she had embroidered with Izumi and Kohakus symbol she looked it over. "It didn't come out as nice as the one Izumi made for us. What do you think of it Lord Sesshomaru? Do you think Izumi and Kohaku will like it?"
"Yes, I am sure they will." Sesshomaru said from his position on the futon. The next day he was set to travel to appeal to other clans, packs, and herds that had pledged their allegiance to Hisashi and seek their aide if in fact Zero was planning an attack against their compound.
"Good." Rin nodded pleased with her work. Folding it she placed it on an empty wall shelf. "I will present them with it tomorrow before you leave."
Walking to their bed she sat beside him resting her head against his shoulder. "I am glad that Haruki will be accompanying you."
"It is unnecessary." Sesshomaru remarked.
"I suppose but it is good to have an elder member of our pack go with you as a show of support." Rin replied.
"Is he a member of our pack now too?" Sesshomaru mused glancing at her.
"Of course he is. He is the son of Iku and Riku, he is familiar with Nen and Jiro; even if it is not on good terms." Rin sighed out. "He came to us, just the same as the others have."
"Then by extension would that include his mate and pups as well?" Sesshomaru questioned.
"Absolutely." Rin sat up to meet his gaze. "Oh,
I do hope they come visit and we can meet them."
"Perhaps in time." Sesshomaru shifted himself to face her. "For now I don't wish to talk about others, I only want to spend the night with you."
"You have me my lord." Rin smiled at him igniting the warmth in his heart he held for her. "And I will be here when you return."
"Rin, my sweet Rin." Extending his hand he cupped her cheek. Closing her eyes she leaned into his touch and hummed contently.
"I will miss you, terribly Lord Sesshomaru." She admitted. "Don't think for a moment that I want you to go but it is necessary."
"Every moment spent away from you feels like an eternity. I abhor the thought of leaving you behind." Sesshomaru said.
"It does." Rin agreed. Reopening her eyes she leaned forward placing her lips against his in a soft kiss. "My dear lord husband, my mate…all will be well. The pack will look after me and I will look after them."
"I know but still, with the information we have received I don't feel as if seeking out others is protecting you or defending you." Sesshomaru stated.
"But going off to fight would." Rin smirked as he nodded his head once. "I can understand your reasoning but this is just as important."
Wrapping his arms around her to take her into his lap he fiddled at the necklace he had given her that she wore.
"You are the roots thst ground me and make me realize what is important." He said softly. Blushing slightly Rin cuddled against him.
"And you are the moon, always there to protect me and give me strength I never knew I had." Rin added. Nuzzling the top of her head Sesshomaru wanted nothing more than to stop time to remain in that moment with her.
Rin awoke, upset that she had fallen asleep and lost the night time hours with Sesshomaru. Stretching she placed her hand on his side of the futon finding it empty. Sitting up quickly her eyes shot open to find him finishing to put his armor on.
"Are you alright?" He asked casting his eye to her sideways as he tied the pieces into place.
"Yes. I worried I had overslept and you were gone already." Rin admitted stepping down from the platform and crossing the floor to where he stood.
"Since when have I forgotten to tell you I was leaving?" He questioned smirking at her. Thinking for a moment Rin felt his mock look of disapproval cast on her. "The answer is, never."
"I don't know. There are many things I have forgotten since I was small. Perhaps you say that but there was once or twice you left without telling me." Rin teased. "Oh! I do remember once."
"Please enlighten me." Sesshomaru ventured as no such instance came to mind.
"You were fighting Moryomaru. Tokijin broke and you rushed away, when Jaken and I found you you were leaving a field that was covered in feathers floating on the wind." Rin replied. "I don't think you ever told me what had happened or why you abandoned the fight so quickly."
"Kagura was dying. I went to her aid but there was no way to assist her." He said his mouth turning down slightly.
"Oh." Rin slumped slightly. "I'm sorry. That is not a good memory and a bad way for us to say our goodbyes."
"Kaguras death instilled in me a deeper sense of needing to protect those who could not defend themselves." Sesshomaru said. "I should have helped her when she sought me out but I was arrogant and felt she had to prove to me she was capable."
"For her to be your mate?" Rin queried curiously.
"Yes." He confirmed.
"I knew she had feelings for you but I had never realized you held affection for her as well." Rin replied. "If in fact Kagura had lived than maybe she would be here, in Izumis place."
"We would not be here at all. This compound would not exist." Sesshomaru stated.
"I am sorry that you lost Kagura, Lord Sesshomaru, but I am not sorry for how things have turned out for all of us, our pack." Rin sighed out.
"Neither am I." Drawing his arms around her shoulders he pulled her closer to him. Wrapping her arms around his middle she wished he hadn't put his chest plate on yet so she could be closer to him. "I will hurry back to you."
"Please do." Rin answered softly.