The walls of the palace were adorned with a rich tapestry of paintings and portraits, featuring the family and close friends of the House of the Moon. To my surprise and amusement, I spotted my own portrait more than once. A wry smile played on my lips. Toga, it seemed, had secretly commissioned these paintings, a testament to his enduring fondness for preserving memories of the past.

The baths were a comforting oasis, much as I had remembered them. The water was invitingly warm, and the air was filled with the soothing scents of wild grass and pine. The natural spring water, comfortably warm, embraced me as I stepped in, offering a soothing contrast to the world outside. As I immersed myself in the water, I felt the accumulated dirt and grime melt away, leaving my skin refreshed and invigorated.

The room was adorned with exquisite details, from the wooden panels that lined the walls, exuding a warm, golden hue, to the delicate etchings of the moon's insignia meticulously crafted around the chamber. The soft, ambient lighting cast a gentle glow over the tranquil space, enhancing its serene atmosphere.

With great care, I unbound my hair, allowing it to flow freely like liquid ebony in the warm embrace of the spring. Time seemed to stand still as I savored the moment, fully appreciating the luxury of a proper bath in this beautifully crafted oasis, where tradition and elegance converged in harmonious splendor. The warmth seeped into my bones, washing away the fatigue of the journey and the weight of time that had passed since my last indulgence in such luxury.

After luxuriating in the tranquil bath, I emerged from the warm waters feeling rejuvenated and invigorated. I slipped into a fresh set of training clothes, my movements deft and efficient, opting for comfort and ease of movement. After all, I anticipated assisting Shippo with his training, and there was little point in getting all dressed up for such endeavors.

I took a moment to meticulously survey the contents of my pack. It housed a diverse array of weapons, each a trusted tool of the trade I had carried with me for years. I understood the vital importance of remaining armed, even within the supposed sanctuary of the castle's walls.

Among the weapons, I carefully selected my trusted sword, a blade that had accompanied me on countless journeys and battles. With practiced skill, I tucked it safely into my belt after invoking a subtle glamour, concealing its true nature and the latent power it held. The sword itself was not merely a weapon but a symbol of my own hidden abilities, a force to be reckoned with when the time was right.

Before leaving the room, I ran my fingers across the curved surface of my mirror. It was originally an artifact of great significance, adorned with moonstone accents and intricate engravings, a treasured heirloom that carried with it the weight of generations. But in the years I had carried it, beside me, it grew to become so much more. I carefully picked it up and added it to my sash alongside my blade, carrying with me not only the legacy of my clan's honor and strength but also the spirits of my forebears who had wielded it before me. With that in mind, I left the room and retraced my steps back to the grand entrance hall, my senses sharp and alert to the world around me.

From there, I ventured deeper into the palace, making my way to the more secluded and private areas. My destination was clear in my mind—a sanctuary of sorts, hidden away from the prying eyes of the world. I continued on my path until I reached the very back of the hall, where I knew the entrance to the sanctuary awaited me.

The sanctuary was a room of reverence, a sacred space where the portraits of the venerable ancestors of the House of the Moon were enshrined. It was a place meant exclusively for the members of the house, a haven where one could seek guidance, inner peace, or, in my case, pay homage to the founding figures of our esteemed clan.

With a measured and deliberate pace, I entered the sanctuary, closing the door gently behind me. As I entered the sanctuary, the air seemed to grow still, imbued with an aura of solemnity and history. The portraits of the ancestors gazed down from the walls, their eyes seeming to follow me as I moved through the chamber. It was a place that held the echoes of countless stories, a sanctuary where I could offer my respects to those who had come before, laying the foundation upon which the House of the Moon stood today.

My eyes were drawn to the portraits that adorned the walls, each a testament to the lords and ladies of the House of the Moon who had come before. As I gazed upon the portraits, I noticed a conspicuous absence—the image of Toga, my old friend, was conspicuously absent from the wall. A wry smile touched my lips as I considered the implications. "Still going strong," I whispered to myself, a silent acknowledgment of the indomitable spirit that had always defined him. Toga had never been one to easily submit to the passage of time, and the fact that his portrait had not yet graced these hallowed walls was a testament to his enduring vitality.

Kneeling before the altar, I lowered my head in a profound and solemn gesture of reverence. My hands gently touched the cool, polished floor before me, and then I rested my forehead on the back of my hands. In this silent communion, I offered my blessings to the household, acknowledging all that they had achieved to reach this point and all that lay ahead, shrouded in the veils of destiny and time.

I summoned forth my artifact, my mirror adorned in shimmering moonstones. With great care, I placed it on the altar dedicated to the ancestors, many of whom I had once known. Bowing my head in solemn acknowledgment, I then withdrew from the room, sliding the door back into place, leaving the treasured item as an offering to the spirits who watched over the House of the Moon.

As I stood in the secluded chamber, a voice, at once familiar and unexpected, sliced through the air like a blade. "This part of the castle is out of bounds to strangers," the voice intoned, its tone laced with an air of authority and mystery. A shiver of suspense rippled through me as I turned slowly to greet the visitor, my senses heightened by the surprise.

A wry smile tugged at my lips as I turned to face the speaker. My voice, when I replied, was tinged with a mixture of surprise, intrigue, and just a hint of amusement. "Long time no see, Sesshomaru."

Thanks for reading. Please let me know what you think as feedback is very encouraging.

For those of you who have been with me for a while, thank you for all of the support and for those who have just started, I look forward to hearing from you.

Don't forget to follow, favourite and respond to the story.

Till next time,

Katie