A/N So sorry for the late chapter. It's only late a day but I still like to stick to a schedule. Things have been busy around here for a bit and the time got away from me. I tried to proof this chapter one last time but rushed a bit so I can get this out there.
Please forgive any typos that slip by.

Chapter 13

"I swear upon my head that from this day forward I will be faithful to you, My Lady. That I will protect you from those that would cause you harm. I will give you counsel when needed. I do this of my own will and faith and without deceit."

Misao was shocked and stood looking at Aoshi. Even down on one knee, the man was as tall as she. The fool ambushed her in front of the church. Kaoru and Kenshin whom she had been walking with quickly moved away and Aoshi formed from the shadows and fell to his knee in front of her. Misao's feet were rooted to the ground or else she would have ran. Her tongue felt stuck to the top of her mouth and she turned to her cousin in near panic.

Kaoru gave her a gentle smile and slightly inclined her head to Aoshi. She needed to accept him. She had seen how much Sanosuke was around Kaoru, and now Aoshi was supposed to be like that? What of his work? Quickly, before any more eyes could turn to them she unstuck her tongue.

"T-thank you, S-sir Shinomori. I-I'll try to be the Lady that d-deserves your services." Or something along those lines, she couldn't remember. She jumped back as he rose in a surge of movement. Kaoru and Kenshin turned to head into the church and Aoshi indicated with a hand that she should follow. The girl darted after them with Aoshi and Sanosuke behind her.

The sermon at the church had been about...something….Misao didn't pay any attention to it. All she could think about was Aoshi's large body looming on the bench behind her. Everyone broke apart near the end. With Kenshin and Aoshi headed over to the ball of lava and fire and Sano to the tree. She glued herself to Kaoru as they headed for the water.

"I thought it was supposed to be a private thing" Misao hissed. "He got on his knees in front of half the Keep." Kaoru cupped her hands under the water.

"I think he did that so that there was no doubt about who would be watching over you while we are gone. I don't think you'll get any trouble from anyone now." Kaoru smiled and moved on, allowing other Water's to reach the fountain. Misao rushed and cupped her hands under the water. She allowed the Energy to build up and only just start to enter her body before she pulled from the water and rushed after her cousin.

"But I didn't know Aoshi was a Knight, what about his work making swords? How's he supposed to do that if he's my guard?"

"I don't know." Kaoru shrugged. "You're going to have to ask him yourself."

"Damn it!" Misao nearly pulled at her hair. "You're leaving tomorrow." She clutched at her cousin. "I don't think I can do this."

Kaoru turned and hushed Misao. "Don't panic, you cry when you panic."

She could already feel the tears in her eyes and she cursed again.

"You'll be fine. You have so many friends here, they will make sure the keep runs smoothly, and as I said. Aoshi is going to deal with the Fire's and the foundry work so you don't even have to worry about that. All you have to do is make sure the Healers have what they need and there's food in the stores. Milinda will be sure to show you what to do."

At the name of the trusted friend, Misao seemed to relax a little. She glanced back at the church and noted the three men standing yards away looking as though they were holding a conversation when Misao knew well enough that they were giving her privacy with her meltdown.

"Aoshi seems like a nice man," Kaoru said in a hushed whisper. "You still think so?"

Misao nodded.

"Do you doubt he will take care of you?"

Misao shook her head.

"Then everything will be fine. And if you take the Metal fae to your bed, I will be happy for you."

Misao felt the wave of red wash over her face and down both arms and nearly shrieked but was able to hold it in. "Kaoru!" She hissed, squeezing her eyes shut.

Kaoru looked amused. "You berate me for waiting so long and never taking a man in bed and here you are about my age and doing the same thing. It's not healthy for you."

She was right. Already in a few short weeks with Kenshin, Kaoru's health had improved rapidly. She seemed full of energy, glowing, putting on weight, she looked wonderful. Not tired, stressed with bags under her eyes and too thin frame. Misao knew she was quickly on that path. She had come of age over a year ago, and she chalked up her lusty thoughts on Aoshi were due to her needing to bed a man. If he was willing, why shouldn't she?

She glanced over at the imposing man and felt shivers run down her body and both legs. He was so wonderful to look at. It hurt to look at him, he was so beautiful to her. She glanced up at her cousin and gave a curt nod. "Perhaps." Was all she said and thankfully that was good enough for Kaoru. She took her hand and continued on their way.

… . . …

Early the next morning there was a whirl of activity. They had packed the night before but now everything had to be loaded, they ate and dressed for travel. Kaoru enjoyed the idea of wearing tunics and pants most all of the time. Kenshin had new ones made for her, they were of soft leather and the tunic of light and breathable cotton. She braided her hair and secured it tightly as did her husband. By mid-morning Kaoru found herself squeezing Misao one last time.

"Don't get hurt or lost," Misao said.

"Thanks for the sage advice." Kaoru returned. "Don't burn down the Keep."

"I'll try hard not too."

Kenshin had words with Aoshi out of earshot and Kaoru took the moment to wave goodbye to the small group of servants who had gathered to see them off. "Goodbye everyone!" they called out their goodbyes as Kenshin took her by the arm and helped her up on her horse before mounting his own. It was a pretty bay mare with a white face. One Kaoru had not seen before, she wondered if it was from the Earth stables as the Fire's seemed to only have high strung war horses.

With one last wave, Kaoru turned her horse to follow.

This was it. She thought as she looked forward at the winding road disappearing into the woods. She was finally traveling, and finally going to see the ocean.

… . . …

By the time night fell, Kaoru's excitement had dimmed a little. She had never been on a horse this long and her thighs felt abused. They traveled at a good clip and the mountains were in the distance by the time they stopped to make camp. As her horse wandered up to the rest of the group, she was surprised to see that the men had already set up one tent and were working on a second. She took her eyes off of them for only a moment and yet they built a small camp.

"Hey Missy, need a hand?"

Kaoru looked down to find Sanosuke at her side. A second man slid up and took the reins from her. "Yes please." She hissed as she moved. In the end, Sano practically had to drag Kaoru off the horse. Her legs too numb to move effectively. She stood there with Sano as the man took the horse away. But the longer she stood there the more and more pain she felt. Horrified, she felt tears in her eyes.

"Gods Sano." She whimpered. "I'm gonna start crying." She admitted. "I don't want to...in front of everyone."

"Ah, Hell." Sano moved to block her from the other men and two of her handmaidens rushed over. "It's alright Missy. You're just a bit saddle sore." He said in a soothing tone that made her want to cry all the more. The three of them slowly helped Kaoru into the first tent. She hardly noticed anything about it because her legs gave her the worst pain. She felt that this must be was torture felt like. It was as if the muscles were being ripped from her bones. Once under the cover of the tent, Kaoru let the tears come, but she kept silent.

"Ah, Hell Missy." Sano protested, unsure what to do or say. "Cuss if you want to, don't just make those little sounds, it hurts me." He admitted.

Kaoru looked up at him with her stained cheeks and puffy eyes. "Y-you're t-too s-sweet." She whimpered between silent hiccups.

"Hurts me too." Said a voice from the front of the tent. Sano moved to find Kenshin with a young healer at his side. "I knew you were going to hurt so I had him make a drink for you, it will ease the pain."

The handmaidens slowly lowered Kaoru onto a cot, sitting caused her almost as much pain as standing. She smiled weakly at Kenshin as he pressed the cup into her hands. He held her steady as she drank the contents down. It was water, with a slightly off taste. Kenshin took the cup when it was empty and dismissed the healer.

"I'm s-sorry." She sighed, tears welling up anew.

Kenshin shook his head. "Don't be sorry. I knew travel would be hard on you. You are not used to it. I wished you had ridden in the caravan, that I did."

Kaoru winced. "I feel spoiled riding in a covered wagon."

"I know. He gently petted her hair. "You want to do so much."

But his words were too soft for her to hear and fading away fast. Her pain was lifting, and she felt as though her body were floating in the air.

… . . …

Kenshin carefully stretched Kaoru out on the cot. He turned to the maids. "Undress her and get her in her nightclothes."

"Yes, M'lord," the pair said in unison. Kenshin turned to Sano and the two of them left the tent.

"Shit man." Sano kicked a rock away from the tent. "Fuck that. How do you deal with tears? I felt useless."

"You let them come," Kenshin said softly. "Sometimes it's for the best."

"What was in that drink?"

"The healer called it a soporific sponge. Basically a sea sponge that's been soaked in Milk of the poppy, hemlock and other herbs and allowed to dry. He soaked a tiny bit of it in the cup of water." He turned to Sano. "She'll sleep good and hard and wake up with only some soreness. It's an amazing idea, that it is. I wish we had this on the war field." Dry, portable painkillers that could be dosed out in small amounts or large amounts enough to render one unconscious for surgery. Leave it up to the Water healers to think of such an ingenious thing.

"Think she'll ride in the caravan tomorrow?"

"Doubt it." The red-head smiled when Sano snorted with laughter.

… . . …

Kaoru woke, feeling somewhat off balance. Almost as if she were drunk. She sat up and winced slightly at the tug of pain in her legs. Kaoru glanced around at her surroundings and found Kenshin asleep in the cot with her. It was very early morning, but already she could hear activity going on outside.

Oh, how embarrassing. She didn't even last one whole day without breaking down. She never thought she would be that weak. Kaoru sighed and set her jaw. No matter, today was a new day, she would just have to deal with it. She would get stronger, tougher.

The tent was rather large for just the two of them, Kaoru observed. Circular with a large pole in the center to hold it up. The top was open near the pole to draw up the smoke from the fire. The fire was built in a small metal bowl it was large enough to heat the tent, but not so large that flames would risk the canvas or the wooden pole. It had long died in the night and the tent was rather cool. So much so that she almost wiggled her way back under the warm covers but right at that moment her handmaidens silently entered.

Time to start the day.

… . . …

Kaoru had slept through dinner and was starving for the morning meal. However the eggs and a gruel made of oats and nuts sat like a rock in her stomach as she climbed up on her horse. Sitting in the saddle brought back the dull ache in her thighs and calves and she winced, wondering if she would even make it to midday.

Kenshin, on his big black stallion, eased up alongside her. "I wish my Lady Wife would rest in the caravan with her maids, that I do."

Kaoru gripped the reins and refused to look away from him. "She is already on the horse, she will stay there, that she will." She returned.

She saw a flash in his eyes. Amusement? Surprise? A challenge? She didn't know nor did she care. She was going to prove to him and to Sano that she was more than just a Lady of the Keep. With everything loaded, Kaoru turned her horse forward and the group set off. She watched as a boy of perhaps ten rushed forward on a young bay gelding. Quick and surefooted he vanished far ahead of them. The scout Kaoru realized, shocked that she never saw him at all the day before. Kenshin and two guards moved up front, followed by two more guards and then Kaoru with Sano beside her. Two more guards behind them then the caravan and wagons with guards posted beside them and more following in the rear.

It seemed like a few too many guards, really. They were traveling on well-used roads with little threat of robbery. But Kenshin had been firm in his number. He was still cautious as a result from the encounter with the Drow. Kaoru looked down at the thick white line on her wrist.

They ate their midday meal in the saddle, they wanted to make up the miles from the late start the day before. Kaoru didn't have much of an appetite, the morning meal was still stuck to her ribs. She only took a piece cheese and sneaked Sano her strip of dried beef. He obliged her, taking it without question and hardly a thought. But Kaoru knew better. His watchful eyes were always scanning, roaming and she caught him looking at her, calculating what her needs might be. For the second time he knew she needed to stop to relieve her bladder before even she knew. Kaoru smiled to herself. He was a good Earth man.

"I'll be right back, Missy." She heard Sano say. Turning she noticed him pull his horse out of the formation and fall to the back. He returned almost right away, holding something. "Here, drink this."

Kaoru blinked and took the cup from him. A glance inside showed only water and so she drank it. There was a slightly bitter aftertaste and she arched her eyebrows at him in question as she handed the small cup back. "What is that?"

"The same stuff they gave ya yesterday. Much weaker. Obviously we wouldn't want ya fallin' off the horse. But enough to keep the pain at bay."

He left again. Kaoru assumed it was to return the cup to the healer. Kaoru huffed. She didn't like being fussed over, but as she felt the wash of relaxation hit her muscles, she was suddenly glad for it. She didn't know she had been riding with such tense muscles. Sano returned and grinned at the slightly loopy smile on her face. "That's better, Missy."

"Tell me, Sano." She blurted. Realizing that it wasn't just her muscles that relaxed but her tongue too.

He gave her a quizzical look. "Tell ya what?"

"About you...I don't know anything about you. What's it like being an Earth Fae, where are you from? Do you have any family? What's your Goddess like?"

"Ah Shit. I see now why you don't drink Missy. You're a chatterbox." He chuckled. "Tell ya what. I'll tell you one story a day, this is a long trip"

Kaoru nodded. "Sure."

… . . …

Kenshin could hear Sano's low voice behind him. It was interrupted every now and then by Kaoru's chirping tones. He was glad that his Wife and best friend got along. Sanosuke was the most loyal man he had ever meet. He was still young at nineteen. Even so, he had seen battle and those brown eyes that never seemed to stop laughing knew pain and suffering. He had saved his life more than once and there was no one he trusted more with Kaoru.

At first he loathed the thought of attaching his friend to his wife. That was before he had ever met her. He figured he was condemning the man to watch over a spoiled, simpering female with a princess complex. Sano didn't seem to mind though. Kenshin, however, had made up his mind after realizing it was the little Water fae in the forest who was his wife. They already seemed to be fast friends. That was good for Kaoru, he didn't want to hear about her being lonely ever again.

He glanced over his shoulder at them. His Wife nearly glowed under the sunlight. No doubt having regular...relations in bed with him helped. Not that he felt all important about it. He still felt the weight of guilt remembering her drawn look and whispers of her being sickly. He hoped he would be able to make it up to her someday.

… . . ….

"So after a certain amount of time, Earth men have no trouble beddin' other men. And the same goes for the women."

Kaoru swallowed loudly and turned to Sano. Even the two Fire guards in front of them were stealing glances over their shoulder. "Men with men and women with women?"

"Oh yeah." Sano nodded, his eyes turned skyward in thought. "After an extended time or intense action like battle or seriously ill or wounded, Earth fae need to couple with others to replenish their energy or to heal. The power of Earth is remarkable in that way."

Kaoru smiled widely, "I like how you use the word "Couple" Sano. You won't offend my delicate Lady sensibilities. I told you to talk to me like a friend."

"Ah, I know." He scratched the back of his head. "I don't feel comfortable using the word fuck around you. Damn it!" he put his hand over his mouth.

"See that wasn't so hard."

"It's too harsh a word for what it is." Sano admitted.

"Well, what would you call it?" Kaoru tipped her head to the side.

There was a long pause where Sano's brows knit together. "Sacred." He said in a soft whisper.

Surprised Kaoru turned in her saddle. "But I thought Earth fae bedded freely?"

"We do." He looked back up. "But every..coupling… is sacred. Power is exchanged and generated. Healin' happens, life happens." He ended in the softest of tones.

"I understand, I think. Being Water."

Sano nodded thoughtfully. "It's not as powerful for you as it is for us. But it's the same idea." He wiggled his brows and leaned in. "Speakn' of, my Lady is looking far better than when I first saw her."

Kaoru leaned to slap him playfully across the arm. "None of your business, everyone has to comment about how much healthier I look."

Sano sat back straight and dropped his smile. "Seriously though, ya shouldn't have waited so long to bed a man."

"Sano." Kaoru hissed. "I was raised to respect my Husband." she glanced over at the guards in front of them.

"Fuck 'em" He said simply. "Ya shouldn't go against your nature no matter what."

Kaoru looked down at the tangle of reins wrapped around her hands and fingers. "Kenshin said that too."

"Ken-man will always want you to do whats best for you."

"But I want to respect him." How could she do that if she felt like it was a betrayal to him and his culture?

He turned his brown eyes to her. "You show him respect by taking care of yourself. You need to carry his children and birth them, you need to be strong and healthy for that, Missy."

Kaoru nodded softly, lost in thought. What Sanosuke said was true. Kenshin needed heirs, if she wasn't up to the task then she was doing him no favors. She looked over at Sano. "Kenshin said something about it being difficult for our two elements to make children. Is this true?"

Sano nodded solemnly. "It's the same for Earth and Air. The two elements are too contrasting. It's not impossible, but may take time and time is not on Kenshin's side."

Kaoru blinked "What do you mean, not on his side."

"Ah Hell. I said too much."

"Uh-uh, spit it out, Sano."

The Earth man sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "You didn't hear it from me." He said so softly Kaoru almost couldn't hear him. "If Kenshin knew I told you this, he'd gut me." He looked up then, second-guessing if he really should say anything. But it was obvious from the stubborn set of her jaw that she would only bother him until he spilled. "Kenshin's expected to have a child within two years."

"Said who!" Kaoru's horse snorted at the shrillness of her voice and the two guards in front of them glanced over their shoulders.

Sano looked over at the guards behind them and determined that no one was close enough to really hear anything if they kept their voices down. He turned back to find Kaoru cursing at herself.

"Sorry." She whispered. She pulled on her reins, moving her horse closer to Sano. "Said who?" She asked again.

"His own men," Sano said softly, keeping his eyes forward. "Fire's will only be led by those who are strong. Kenshin has proven to be strong. But the Keep is important, They want a Fire heir as soon as possible. This is common in the Fire culture and normally a Fire couple will be with child before the year is out. I overheard some men talkin' that they are giving Kenshin two years because you are Water and it's difficult."

Kaoru was shaken as she glanced up at the red banner of Kenshin's hair. "What happens if we don't?"

Sano shrugged, "It was a royal order he marry you, really there is nothing the men can do. But in the past it was not uncommon for the men to rebel and replace their leader with one they thought more...able to do the job."

"That's horrible."

Sano nodded. "It was understandable way back in the day when houses had to stake their claim. Getting married hand having an heir to carry on was the best way. It's fallen out now that we no longer fight among ourselves. But, the Keep is so precious to the Fires..." He trailed off and glanced of at Kaoru. "No pressure, Missy."

Kaoru swallowed and nodded. The pair fell silent after that. It didn't seem fair. The Keep was important to Water's as well. Why were the Fire's so determined to claim it all for themselves in every way? Kenshin was the Lord, why was that not enough?

… . . …

There was one more push before they set up camp. The horses picked up speed just enough to bounce Kaoru in her saddle. By the time they stopped for camp, her legs were numb. The men rushed to set up camp and Sano dismounted and went to tie his horse on the line with the others. Kaoru looked for Kenshin's red hair and found him at the supply wagon speaking with the young healer.

"Alright, Missy, down you come." Sano said, his large hands wrapped around her waist and suddenly Kaoru found herself on the ground. Again her handmaidens were at her side. "Does it hurt, Missy?"

Kaoru looked up and shook her head. "Just a little, not like yesterday. Just numb." With jerky movements, Kaoru was able to make it to the tent with only the help of her maids. Sano and Kenshin followed right behind her. Again Kenshin had a cup but Kaoru stubbornly shook her head. "It's not bad today, I promise."

"It's not as strong as yesterday." Kenshin offered her the cup. "It's the same strength Sano gave you this afternoon. Just enough to take the edge off, that is is."

Kaoru sighed and down the contents of the cup.

"That'a girl." Sano took the cup from her. "Hey Man, I'll look over the camp, you look like you could rest."

At this, Kaoru swung her eyes to her husband and really looked. Sano was right. He looked worn and tired.

"Thanks, Sano," Kenshin muttered as he plopped on the cot beside her.

Once the maids excused themselves to fetch their meal Kaoru turned to her Husband. "You look worse than me, that's pretty bad."

Kenshin gave a weak laugh. "I'm normally better at traveling."

"What's going on?" Kaoru pressed.

Kenshin set his hand on her knee. "I've never traveled with a wife before. I'm constantly on alert for danger."

Kaoru fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Do you think anyone is stupid enough to attack a group made up of over a dozen guards, a fist fighter and a manslayer who is a well-known warlord?"

"It's possible. More so if they are Drow."

"Do you think they will be this far down?"

"I'll just say that once we hit the desert, I'll feel better."

That didn't make her feel better. Perhaps it was because the Drow would never make it that far down into the Four Kingdoms. Perhaps because it's hot and dry and the Drow tend to avoid that. Or maybe because it's further into summer and again the Drow hate the heat. But Kaoru didn't ask any of this. Instead she gave her husband what she hoped was a sweet smile and stroked his pride. "I'm sure they will regret attacking this troupe the moment they see you."

It worked.

"I'm certain they will." His hand on her knee moved so that he could wrap his arm around her back.

"No one will touch you."

A/n I feel for Kaoru. She's never really traveled much and not by horse. Saddle soreness sucks. eck I can only imagine an all day hard ride for someone not used to it.
And Sano, runnin' his mouth and telling her things she didn't need to know. Shame Sano…shame.
Again, so sorry for getting this chapter out late. I feel I need to take a bit of a break, but I can't do that to you dear readers. Camp Nanowrimo is in a few months, I'll break then.
Until next time! Thanks for reading! Reviews are loved!