A/n Thank you all Dear Readers for the lovely reviews you left for the last chapter. I felt it was a very weak chapter. But I guess that happens from time to time and your lovely reviews assured me that it was still a nice chapter. Thank you.
On to the story!

Chapter 12

The girl was different. A strange sort of different that he was unsure what to call at the moment. Nothing negative, for she only seemed to bring strange but positive feelings to him. It was easy to see in Kenshin what the Lady Kaoru brought out in him. Anyone with Fire in their blood could see he was near chomping at the bit to get his hands on her after their training. They had been hard on the females, but they kept up. It was...impressive.

Aoshi turned to the small female sitting across from him. How much could he push her in training? Would she keep up as easily as she did that afternoon? The sight of her sweat-soaked tunic, damp hair sticking to her face, flushed skin. She didn't shy away from violence as he had seen other Water females do. Blue eyes always seemed to follow him. He felt them always. When he was working and when he was training. She was always watching him. And though she kept her distance, never speaking to him or getting in his way, he had felt her. And now, having spoken with the girl because of their secret gathering with the Lord Kenshin, he enjoyed her. And because he had Fire in his veins, he too had been entranced. But not by Kaoru, but by the little Water Fae sitting across from him.

Right at that moment, she felt his gaze on her and she struggled not to fidget. But he caught her every moment, no matter how slight. The way she sat on her hands to keep them from fluttering, her braced feet on the floor to keep from rocking side to side. The only thing she could do was abuse her lips with her teeth.

"I think we should have aliases," Aoshi said finally, taking pity on her.

"Eh?" Misao glanced around the room. It was Lord Kenshin's study, but he was at dinner right now, allowing them to use it for their meeting.

"Nicknames." Aoshi clarified.

"Why would we need that?"

"In case we have to contact each other when dealing with sensitive information. It wouldn't do for others to know that we know each other well or that we are sharing information."

"Oh, Yeah that's a good idea." She said softly. She risked looking him in the eyes for only a moment before looking back down. "Um, what should I call you?"

"Whatever you wish."

She seemed to take this into serious account.

"I will call you Coral." Aoshi declared.

Misao looked surprised. No, he hadn't been mulling over names, it just suddenly came to him.

"Why Coral?"

"I hear it's colorful, you are also colorful," Aoshi claimed simply. He watched in near enthrallment as color crept up her neck, to her ears and around to her face. He tried to remain stone-faced, he didn't want to frighten the girl.

"I-I see." Misao nodded and thought silently for a long stretch. "Ingot." She finally said. "Because of your metal work."

Aoshi simply bowed his head. "Thank you for not picking Slag."

Misao gasped and covered her mouth. Though she made no sound, her trembling shoulders proved she was laughing. His normal flat face twitched, and his lips turned upward just slightly. But it worked. Misao smiled at him, her eyes lighting up. "Why Aoshi, was that a joke?"

"No, I really am grateful you didn't name me Slag," He said honestly and this time was rewarded with peals of laughter.

… . . …

"What are you going to do?" Nori watched as Shishio counted the swords going into the wagon.

"If you make me lose count again, I'm taking one of these swords and cutting you from belly to neck." Shishio threatened. He sent the bundle off to get loaded and walked to another.

"But why did they send you to deliver these?" Nori continued.

Shishio smiled. "You think they would trust the most precious weapons with just anyone?"

"You don't think their just trying to get rid of you?" Nori countered.

"Yes, you damn fool." Shishio sneered. "I'm not daft." He waved his hand indifferently. "I couldn't care less that they are sending me. I'm actually looking forward to getting out of this rock and back home for a bit." Nori didn't look convinced but Shisho didn't give a damn.

After the Red Banner brought nothing but proof the female was pure and following the ways of the Fire, Shishio became bored with this whole place. He could stick around and try to cause trouble, but he knew they were watching him now that he had been caught by that damn Earth Fae on the steps. He thought perhaps he'd get a chance to plant a seed of doubt in her, or even better... his own seed. But never mind that now. Now he had bigger plans.

"So you're giving up?" Nori wondered.

"No, idiot." Shishio snapped. "Now get out of here. I've work to do."

… . . …

"Kaoru I'm so excited for you!" Misao was nearly bouncing on her arm. "You finally get to travel just like you've always wanted." Kaoru patted Misao's hand on her arm and smiled at her. The two girls were coming back from church. They left her Lord Husband and Sano behind. Watching her Lord stick his hand on the ball of flame to take in energy was amazing to watch, it made her uneasy. Just like Water fae can't drown, Fire Fae can't be burned. But the sight of her husband's body in the fire was distressing. She and Misao had excused themselves. Now they were making their way to Kaoru's reading room.

"I'm surprised you remembered. I haven't talked about traveling in years."

"Yeah, I remember when you finally caved into your fate of being married," Misao muttered. "You used to talk about going to the sea almost every day."

"I still think about it all the time," Kaoru confessed.

"Now you'll finally see it, Oh I wish I could be there to see your True Form." Misao pouted.

"I'll tell you all about it," Kaoru promised as they entered the room. Kaoru went right to her desk and pulled out a map of the Four Kingdoms and rolled it out.

"You better," Misao said in a threatening tone as she helped Kaoru.

Kaoru put a finger on the mountain range and the rut of rock between them that represented the Keep. "We start here and will follow the river." Kaoru traced the vein of blue. "Kenshin said it will be faster and easier that way. We won't have to worry about water and there are many towns on the way. He said this way we should reach the Sea in a fortnight, maybe sixteen days."

"Amazing" Misao breathed. As she looked at the large castle that represented the Water King's home. "Who would have though sixteen short days was all that stood between us and the sea?"

Kaoru shrugged. "Kenshin and his men are used to traveling, being soldiers and all. And we're on a mission, not a vacation. I'm sure any normal troupe would need at least twice the time." She turned to the branching rivers that cut down and into the Fire Realm. "Kenshin told me the real test is entering the Dry Lands. We won't take the rivers, as it would add weeks to our time. Instead, we're just going to cut through. There are two rivers we will cross but then a large expanse of desert before we reach the Fire King."

"How long will that take?"

Kaoru winced. "From Castle to Castle, over a month."

"A month!" Misao gasped. "But Kaoru it'll be the middle of summer by then. You can't be out there without water." Suddenly her cousin looked worried. "Can't that trip wait until winter?"

Kaoru shook her head. "Kenshin want's to be well seated back here when winter hits. Winter is when the Drow move. It's possible a large amount of them will make it this far down."

This had been the first time Misao had heard anything of this sort. "Really?" She said in a hushed tone, her eyes turning back to the map. "This far? Are we in danger?"

Kaoru shook her head firmly. "No, we have many more men than ever and Kenshin is skilled in warfare and assassination. We're safe for now, I'm sure of it."

Misao sighed softly and then pouted. "A month and a half there and back. Three whole months without you. What am I going to do without you for the whole season?"

"You'll be in charge of the Keep." Kaoru smiled brightly.

"What!"

"Yep." Kaoru rolled up the map and moved to put it away.

"Are you sure, I don't know if I can do that." Misao looked unsure as she twisted her fingers.

"Don't worry, I have faith in you Misao. The Keep practically runs itself. Besides, Kenshin is attaching Aoshi to you as a bodyguard, he'll take care of the Fire, you just have to worry about the books and keeping the Healing side of the Keep running smoothly."

Misao blinked. "He's assigning Shinomori to me?" What about keeping their knowing each other a secret?

"Yes, we talked about it the other night in fact." Kaoru turned back to her cousin. "I know you like him so I didn't think you would mind any." She winked.

"Oh, Gawddess." Misao gasped, her hands over her mouth. It was hard enough being around Aoshi the few time they had to meet to share information, now the man was going to be with her all hours of the day? Eating meals together, worship together...she didn't have the strength for that.

Kaoru smiled knowingly at her cousin. "I hear Metal faes can be amazingly lustful."

"Kao-ru!" Misao shrieked.

Kaoru shrugged. "Kenshin told me himself, Fire gives him passion and Earth gives him desire."

"Why are you telling me this Kaoru?" Misao felt her face turn many shades of red. "Why would your husband attach a lusty man to me?" She accused.

Kaoru grinned. "Because I told him you lusted after the metal fae and he wanted to torment you."

Misao's mouth fell open. "You did not!"

"I did." Kaoru quickly made her way to the door before Misao could pounce on her. "You're welcome." Kaoru ducked out just as throw pillow hit the door.

… . . …

"Is that...a good idea, my Lord?" Aoshi blinked down at the smaller man.

Kenshin scribbled furiously on a sheet of parchment before lifting it away and scribbled on the one under it. How was it that planning for a trip would require him to sign so many letters? Orders for traveling provisions, reservations at inns, even a count, and name of every man he planned to take with him. On the field he just pointed and said 'You, you and you come with me.' and that was it. He glanced up at the Metal fae. "Yes, I do think it's a good idea."

"We sent Shishio away the day after yesterday." He informed.

"I know, but that doesn't mean the problem is gone. My men gave Kaoru little respect while she ruled, I do not think they will give Misao any. She is Lady of the Keep while we are gone. I spoke to my men about this but I do not trust them to behave. I will not bring Kaoru back to find our men killing each other and worse, Misao harmed or Gods forbid it, killed.

Aoshi's eyes glittered like crystal in dark rocks. "I wouldn't let any harm reach her."

Kenshin pointed at Aoshi with his quill."There, see. You're going to protect her anyways, you may as well make it official, that you should." He turned back to his papers. "You are a Knight, pledge yourself to her."

Kenshin thought nothing could bother his friend. Aoshi had been the best in everything he did. He was a Knight, as loyal as anyone could hope to have. He wasn't afraid of hard work. His time in the foundries proved that being a half-breed had its advantages. He forged the beast weapons, wielded them with incredible skill. He had all the good traits of Fire and Earth and as far as Kenshin had seen, none of their bad ones. He was not short tempered or lofty headed. He was violent when necessary, and yet he handled a wild young female like Misao as if she were a tiny kitten.

Kenshin hid a smirk by shuffling his papers in front of him. "Unless" he set the papers down. "Unless you do not want to bother with the wild female?"

Aoshi had been standing there, nearly fidgeting with his thoughts. At this, he snapped back. "I will do it!" He hissed.

Kenshin smiled. "Are you sure, you seem upset about agreeing to this?"

The stoic stone statue that Aoshi always seemed to be, cracked away as the man rubbed at his face with one hand and then combed his finger through his hair. "May I be honest with you?"

Kenshin blinked. "Aoshi you are always honest with me. Spit it out, man."

He set his hands on Kenshin's desk and braced himself, leaning heavily on them. "That girl is wild, stubborn, undisciplined, crass and near uncontrollable. She is unfit to be a Lady of anything."

Kenshin had to agree, but there was something else Aoshi wanted to say, he could see it in his eyes and the way he held his breath. "However….?"

"However…She tries hard, is passionate about everything she does, she smiles all the time. She's fierce about life and yet afraid of it. And every time I feel her eyes on me I near lose myself." He turned away for a moment and then beat one fist on Kenshin desk. It caused all the items upon it to bounce slightly. "I lose myself, Kenshin…She is not safe with me."

Oh yes,...the great Metal Fae was only a man after all. "You lust after her?" He asked calmly. Shutting the lid on his inkwell before Aoshi upset it and spilled it everywhere.

Shockingly the giant man fell to his knees in front of his desk and bowed his head. "I heard the whispers and jokes of the little Water female poking her head where it didn't belong. I didn't know what the men were talking about until I saw her one day. The Water Lord was still alive, but extremely sick at this point. The tensions were high because the men wondered when you would show. We worked hard, wanting to make quota and one day I saw her. Black hair, blue eyes much too large to be real. That's all I would ever see of her for the longest time. She would peek through windows and around doors, just the top of her head, and maybe her hands as she pulled herself up on the higher windows."

Kenshin leaned back in his chair as Aoshi got to his feet and near collapsed in his seat. His eyes turned away, as though gazing off into his memory or just refusing to look at Kenshin.

"The men commented, thought it was funny. Thought she was a child. We all did. Until one day a few of the workers and myself were making our way out of the foundry and we bumped into the Lady Kaoru. We paid our respects to her, wished her father well. She was a shy woman at the time, not used to having to deal with us. There was another female with her. A little thing ducked and hid behind the Lady Kaoru as soon as we appeared. Kaoru, trying to be polite, pulled the female from behind her and presented her as her cousin, the Lady Misao. She was not a child, just a small woman. After that, I saw her everywhere. Training with the Water soldiers. Glued to Kaoru's side, or, as always peeking into the foundry."

"She was curious." Kenshin offered.

"Oh, I'm sure at first she was simply curious. We were some of the first Fires in the area. I'm sure she had never seen one until we came. We caught her more than once inside the foundry looking over the weapons. She was wild, and bratty once she worked up the courage to talk."

Kenshin leaned forward, smiling to himself. "Seems you had eyes for her just as much as she had eyes for you."

Aoshi nodded. "I felt her eyes on me all the time, at first it was distracting, then annoying. But it seemed the colder I was to her, the more she followed me around. Meal times, training days, working days, at worship. She was always there with her too big eyes and constant questions to anyone nearby. Then one day it stopped. Everything stopped. The Lord had died and the Ladies were in mourning. I didn't see her for weeks. Life for us Fire's went on as always but it was odd not having her around underfoot. Weeks later I saw her in passing. Dressed in black, Hair pulled away and covered, eyes full of worry. I hated seeing her like that. The Lady Kaoru was in worse shape." Aoshi made it a point to glare as Kenshin.

Kenshin took the glare and the pain that came with it. It was a terrible thing that he was not here when Kaoru's father was failing. She endured his sickness and death all alone. For that, he would always regret, but that was in the past.

"Slowly she came back around. But never as before. The men were slowly pushing back against Kaoru. You never showed and they didn't like being under the rule of a female, unbedded and by their thoughts, too free. Misao returned to just peeking through windows and doors. She would scamper away whenever one of us even turned to look. Curiosity turned to fear. I realized how much I missed having her underfoot, her question, her eyes. She only ever gave me her long gazes and I missed them and wanted them back."

Again Kenshin smiled to himself. "You are only a man after all." He voiced.

Aoshi moaned, but it seemed to turn into a roar of frustration instead. "I realize this too late. I thought I could be professional when you teamed us up to be spies, but I feel myself coming undone around her."

"Is that bad?"

Aoshi leveled his hard eyes at his Lord. "If I'm to be her bodyguard, I will have her eventually."

Kenshin shrugged. "Then have her." This time he focused his eyes on Aoshi emphasized his next words. "But only if she will have you, do you understand?"

"Gods and Goddesses Kenshin!" Aoshi nearly jumped from his seat but he held himself. "I would never." He rumbled. His Earth blood curdled at the thought of rape and left him feeling disgusted.

"I believe she would have you anyways, from what my Lady wife tells me."

"But she is your family now."

Kenshin looked bemused. "You are a good man, that you are." Kenshin sighed and stood up "She is Water and you are half Earth. Two elements that are strong matches since the beginning of time. Have her if you wish. She was not raised with the rules of Fire's like Kaoru was, she is free to have any man she so wishes without the fear of being stuck with him forever. But...If you put a babe in her belly I expect you to marry her. That is my only rule." he turned to lead Aoshi out but paused and turned back to his friend. "And for God's sake, be careful with her, you're twice her size and three times her weight."

For such a large man, he looked thoroughly and completely mortified. He didn't even look at Kenshin as he left.

… . . …

"Aoshi wants Misao," Kenshin said simply as the two of them rested together under the covers of their bed.

Kaoru pressed her body up against Kenshin to keep warm. One large hand roamed her bare back as she settled against him. "Oh? I knew Misao liked the Metal fae, but you really think he likes her in return?"

"Oh, I'm certain, Kiga." Kenshin laughed softly. "He's a knight and will pledge himself to Misao and keep her safe while we are gone. I told him I'm going to attach him to her as a personal guard. He didn't like that idea."

"Why not? If he likes her."

"That's why, because he likes her. He's certain he'll have her before we return and I think that stings the Fire side of him that has Honor."

At this Kaoru pulled away slightly to look at him. "What do you mean? That it's un-honorable to-"

"Hush Lady Wife." Kenshin pulled her back to him. "I mean simply that although Aoshi is part Earth, he was raised with Fires and isn't used to the idea of men and women laying together so easily. I believe he sees himself as lower than her. That by laying with a simple Knight she will lower her own worth."

"But Water Fae don't believe that sort of thing."

"But Fire's do."

Somewhere in the deepest parts of her memory was something her father had said when he told her that she was to get married. That she should be happy. She was marrying above her station. Was that what he meant? She pulled away again. "Do you feel you've married below yourself?"

"Oro?"

"You gave me permission to lay with a man if I had to. Would you be upset if I chose a simple farm hand over a Knight?"

"Kaoru, I don't care who you are with as long as you are safe, that I don't. I know that like Earth you need contact for your mental and physical health. I can't hold your nature against you. As long as you are safe that's all I care about. And no I don't think I married below myself. I never expected to have any sort of marriage being that I had devoted myself to being a warrior. I was shocked that I was betrothed to a Lady."

"You are the King's nephew. I am hardly a cousin to my King. Misao is more closely related to me than I am to the King."

"Enough," Kenshin said firmly, pressing Kaoru close again. "I do not want you to worry about it." He added. "I couldn't have asked for a better wife."

"Hmph." Kaoru huffed. "I'm certain I wouldn't have been your first choice."

"Then I'm glad you were chosen for me." He returned. "Now sleep, we have a long day tomorrow."

Kaoru felt a warm sensation curl around her heart and settle there. It left her feeling breathless. Was he truly glad to be married to her? She was certainly glad to be married to him. Before she hated the man. But now, after having time with him. Seeing his side of things, knowing he was kind and just….well she was happy. They did have a long day tomorrow, her eyes were already stuck shut and she felt herself drifting away.

… . . …

Kaoru had never been one to be fancy. She hated it in fact, almost as much as Misao did. She'd rather be in a tunic and pants, wandering about her lands. Or in a simple Kimono for visiting the sick and injured in the Keep. But with the Bannermen here, she had to play the part of the Lady of the Keep. She had her handmaidens help her for the first time. The Kimono was four layers each a contrasting color from the next, each with its own floral pattern. All peeked out from the main Kimono that went over them all. It was red with a gilded arching and sweeping design of gold. The outcome looked like large butterfly wings overlapping. The obi was also red with gold and the bow was so large it covered the whole of her back and gave the impression of butterfly wings on her back. Her hair was styled up and away from her face. It was held in place at the top of her head with many pins and large jeweled combs adorned with even more butterflies.

She nearly gave herself a shock when she looked in the mirror. She had forgotten the maids had put face paint on her. She was milky white with blood red lips and red at the eyes and brows. She looked like a doll. Perfect and smooth. Just the opposite of how she felt. She stepped into gold slippers and her maids helped her out of her rooms and into the Main Hall. The tables had been pushed to the back with only a few set up on each side for the men. The great table at the top had been removed and their chairs left there. Kaoru walked as smoothly and as calm as she could. It was difficult with so many layers of clothing. But she pretended she was gliding on the air like a butterfly. Perhaps if she pretended she was actually an Air fae she could be graceful. But she was sure she didn't look it at all.

Her Lord Husband had also chosen to wear the traditional clothes of the area. He still wore hakama pants, but instead of a gi, he wore a Haori and Haori jacket. His hakama were blue and silver striped, the Haori was deep blue while the jacket was black. That with his shock of red hair pulled severely tight to a knot at the top of his head made him look imposing, evil even. It did not escape Kaoru that she was wearing Fire colors while Kenshin wore Water.

The men rose and bowed deeply as she walked by. She caught Kenshin watching her as she made her way to his side. She watched him too. If she looked anywhere else, she was sure to trip or do something to embarrass herself. Finally, she was at his side and she turned and the two of them sat in their large wooden chairs.

In the back, she caught sight of Sano in white. He was behind all the men with the other guards and he flashed her a smile and thumbs-up. Which made her lips twitch upward and she immediately felt better.

One by one, powerful men stood and approached them. They gave their name and House name. They stated how long they had been serving Aiga Keep and where their House and lands were located. They pledged themselves and gave their number of warriors.

Then one Water Fae stood and made his way to the front. He bent to one knee and addressed, not Kenshin, but Kaoru instead.

"My Lady Kaoru." He rumbled, looking up at her. He was of average height and classic Water looks of black hair and storm gray eyes. He had a black beard neatly trimmed with just a touch of white. Putting his age greater than five decades. But far less than ten. He had a handsome face with sun-touched skin. On his back he wore a blue-green cape and on his chest was a flower sigil. A water lily.

"I'm Lord Robbert of House Rossen of the Riverlands." He bowed his head and looked up at her again. "My Lady Kaoru, how you've grown so. You look the very image of your mother."

Kaoru smiled. "I remember calling you Lord of the Pretty Flowers," Kaoru said softly.

The older man laugh. "Yes, you always enjoyed the lilies I brought you. I would have brought some, but it's not the right season."

"I understand my Lord. I look forward to seeing them again."

"Yes, I understand you will be staying at my house for a day on your travels to the sea."

"Yes, that's correct, My Lord."

With this Lord Rossen turn to Kenshin and bowed his head. "I hope you do not mind my addressing your Lady first. She struck me so. I thought it must have been her mother I was seeing."

Kenshin waved the apology away. "I admit that I feel like a plain fuzzy moth compared to my Lady Wife." Kenshin gave her a sidelong glance and smiled. "Her mother must have been a beauty."

"Most beautiful creature I ever did see. Don't go tellin' my wife that."

Both Kenshin and Kaoru laughed gently. The Lord gave his pledge and welcomed them for their future visit. The rest of the men stated their pledges and Kaoru offered them food and drink and a place to sleep for the night if they wished to rest. They all agreed to a quick meal but it was accepted that they needed to return to their homes. Kaoru understood it was spring, the busy time for most, especially those in the farmlands.

By the evening meal, everyone had left and the tables were being returned to the workers to have their meals. The Lord and Lady requested their meals brought to their rooms. Kaoru didn't know how Ladies of the past got around wearing clothing like this most of their lives. It was exhausting and all they did was sit. Kenshin slowed his steps so that she could keep up with him.

"You really do look wonderful," Kenshin said, giving her a sidelong glance.

Kaoru gave an unladylike snort. "I'm waddling in all this cloth."

"But you still look beautiful."

Kaoru was glad for the face paint, at least now he wouldn't notice her blushing. "Thank you. I'm sure this is not the type of clothing you expect on your women, but I admit you look dashing in our local clothes." She smiled over at him.

"True, So I can't wait to see you at my King's court. I'm sure you'll turn heads and harden others."

"Crass!" Kaoru barked before laughing. Once in their rooms, Kaoru had the handmaidens remove three of the layers, leaving her just one simple blue Kimono with white flowers. Her hair was taken down and brushed. Kaoru then shooed the girls out the door as another round of servants came in with trays of food and placed them on the table by the balcony.

"I really don't like being fussed over." Kaoru sighed as she turned to the bathing chamber to wash her face. A bowl of warm water, soap and a towel sat waiting for her. But before she could bend over the washing bowl, Kenshin caught her by the Kimono and spun her around.

"Ah, you think you're going to wash that perfect face paint off before I could ruin it?"

Kaoru blinked, regaining her balance. "Ruin it?"

And with that Kenshin crushed his lips against hers. Kaoru melted instantly, opening her mouth to let him plunder all he wished. He thrust his tongue as he thrust his hips against her. He pushed her against the wall again and this time took her by the wrists and held her arms up over her head. He held her there with one hand as he held her by the throat with the other. His thumb brushed against her frantic pulse over and over until she thought she would burst. Until finally he slowly let her go and pulled away. Kaoru took one look at the white paint smeared on his cheeks and chin and the blood red of her lip paint on his own lips and she wanted to attack him for more.

"There, I've been looking to ruin those lips for hours, that I have." He said with a smirk and turned to leave her to her washing.

Kaoru was gasping for air, her legs trembling as she turned back to her washbowl. She didn't need a looking glass to see that her face paint had been completely ruined. She was sure she looked a sight.

She quickly scrubbed it off.

Kenshin, on the other hand, seemed content on leaving on what he took off of her. He smiled with his smeared red lips as she returned.

"Here." she held up a damp cloth and ignored his pouting as she rubbed the paint off his face.

"Aw, that was my reward."

"I didn't think My Lord Husband found wearing ladies face paint a reward." Kaoru arched an eyebrow.

Kenshin sat back and popped a grape into his mouth. "It is when I take it from the woman." He muttered not too quietly.

Kaoru hid her grin and sat down to their meal. They ate in relative silence, sending each other amused glances.

"I don't think I've ever seen you with your hair down like that." Kenshin mused once they had finished.

"Oh!" Kaoru reached up and found that her hair still hung down about her shoulder and down her back. She almost always had it held back. "I suppose it's childish of me to use ribbons."

Kenshin reached over and took a lock of her hair and let it slip through his fingers. "I like your hair in ribbons." He sat back and looked at her. "It is childish, but that what makes you, you. You are sweet and still very young."

Kaoru looked down at her hands in her lap. "You tell me such nice things." She said softly. How did she end up with a man like this? He seemed nothing of the man she remembered being married to as a child.

"You rather I was more conservative with sweet words?" He asked.

Kaoru yanked her head up but saw that he was smiling at her. "N-no. I was just talking out loud to myself. I'm sorry."

"We should get to bed" Kenshin sighed getting up from the table to change. "We have to be on the road in two days. We'll need rest."

Kaoru nodded. Two days. She had never been away from home for more than a few days, it was somewhat frightening to think she would be gone for the rest of spring and most all of summer.

Two more days.

A/n Oh, the excitement for the trip is mounting! Poor Misao is going to be left in charge for such a long time. I can't imagine running a place like that for three months. At least she's got Aoshi at her side to keep her safe and hopefully a little sane.

Kaoru, on the other hand, gets to go see the ocean for the very first time and finally take her True Form. What a sight she will be. But I worry about the hard trip in the fire lands. Kenshin better take extra care of our hard-headed girl.
Thank you for reading! Reviews are much loved.