Hello Everyone! Thank you for all the lovely reviews. Yes things are going to start heating up. The mature content in this story will start in a slow burn kind of way. I'm keeping the rating at M from here on out even though there will be stretches of chapters where nothing "Mature" happens or is spoken about. I just wanted to give a good warning to my readers. I don't like to blindside all of you.

Anyways! I know you are all ready to jump back into the story, so enough of my chatter.

Chapter 5

It was not a shy fluttering kiss this time and Kenshin took advantage of that. His hand that had combed her hair while she cried now moved to cup the back of her head to hold her to him as he parted his lips. At this she stiffened for just an instant before opening her mouth and accepting him. She pressed against him, one hand held his hair tightly and she kissed him with as much passion as he was kissing her. If she wanted some companionship after nearly leaving this world Kenshin would not, could not deny her. Already he could feel the force of Water energy trickle in from the surrounding forest to gather inside her.

His broken heart still stung, his forced marriage waited for him ahead. But right now he wanted nothing more than this brave spitfire who battled alongside him. She pulled at his clothes, exposing battle scared skin. As her hands ran over him steam started to rise from their bodies and his control slipped away.

"Gods." He gasped as he finally pulled himself away. But only long enough to nearly rip his tunic from his pants and with force, wrenched her sleep-rumpled travel tunic from hers. Their bodies came back together, arms held each other tightly and Kenshin's lips immediately went for the irresistible white column of her neck. Her soft yet heavy breathing only stoked the fire that was growing within him. And when his hands found the two mounds of flesh and their pebble hard nipples she nearly cried out and she surrendered whatever reservations that was holding her back.

… . . …

Flushed, and breathing hard, Kenshin eased himself off the lovely Water fae and stretched out alongside her body. They had taken shelter in the lean-to and had the blanket under them. He watched her closely as she slowly came down from the waves of pleasure he had just given her. The glittering blue wisps of light died away from her body. The healing power of water that was evoked whenever a Water had sex. He hoped it would help her. The smear of blood on her thighs and his hips proved that he had just taken her innocence. Kenshin was unsure how to feel. At first he was shocked at having entered her and feeling her tear and seeing her pain. He was thankful that he was smart enough to make sure she was well and truly ready for him before…or the encounter could have been much more painful for her. However, after that initial shock their passions soon overtook them both and it was quickly forgotten.

… . . …

Kaoru caught her breath and slowly let her mind ease back into her body, a body relaxed and languid. The warm sun filtered through the canopy and it seemed as if she could see the dust motes as they danced across the shafts of light. She suddenly realized the canopy from the trees around them were rowan, which was why they had been safe from harassment during the night. She slowly turned her head and found the Fire fae watching her closely.

"Yes?" she asked, surprised at how breathless she was.

"I'm sorry." He said.

Kaoru blinked. And turned her body and propped her head up with one hand. "For what?"

"I didn't know you were innocent. I wouldn't of…I mean I'm not making excuses but I wouldn't of done…what I did."

Kaoru smiled. "It had to happen sooner or later." Although, if her husband ever found out…would that be grounds for a divorce? What would that mean for the treaty? Could she maybe fake her innocence if the time ever came that her husband would finally want to consummate their marriage? She was sure she could.

He must have seen her thoughts because he reached out and brushed the side of her cheek with his fingertips. "I didn't cause you trouble, did I? I tried to make sure it was what your truly wanted. I know rape isn't something common in these parts."

Again Kaoru couldn't help but smile at him. How sweet that he worried so for her. Locked away in her memory was his beautiful features and how those lavender eyes look at her when he reached the peak of his pleasure and the fierce determination in his voice as he coaxed her into her own climax over and over again. The trail of strange tattoos that was along his spin and wrapped around his side. Hard slashing marks that must have been a language danced down his ribs to trail away at his abdomen. Much of the markings were interrupted by scars, but that didn't take away from them. She would keep these memories, because she knew she must never see him again. And strangely it hurt, but Kaoru figured it was only normal to feel as such for one's first lover. And his words did bring a startling fact to the front of her mind. Fire's could rape, while Water and Earth were unable to. It wasn't safe or smart to tempt a Fire. But she shoved the thought away. She wanted this just as much as he did.

"No you didn't." Kaoru answered as she curled up to the heat of his body. He wrapped one arm around her in welcome as she pressed against him. It was still a marvel at the heat that radiated from his body. "I wouldn't have started it if it would have." Oh what a lie. If she was found out, she would be in a mess of trouble. "Water fae have a rather relaxed views on sexual relations. I just wanted to kiss you, as a thank you for taking care of me." She felt herself blushing. "I got carried away."

The Fire shook his head. "A man who came that close to his death suddenly finds himself eager for the pleasure only a woman can give him. Something basic, primal to know they are indeed still alive…I've seen it at every battle, even for us uptight Fires."

Kaoru laughed. "I'm not a soldier….or a man."

He smiled too. "Yes but you had your first brush with death, that you have. And I've seen countless warrior women do the same." His eyes took their time roaming her naked body curled next to his. He chuckled softly. "I admit I'm glad I was here to make sure you felt alive again. And to help you heal."

Kaoru laughed with him and stretched back on the ground and looked up at the sky, completely comfortable letting him see her. "Well you certainly did that."

Kenshin's face twisted into a cringe and he suddenly looked shamed. "You are not too terribly young? Are you?"

Kaoru blinked. "What do you mean?"

"I know Water females take their bed-mates a year after their first bleeding."

Kaoru laughed once she realized his worry. He thought she was a youth who was not yet a year after her first moon-blood. "No, no. I am not that young."

Relief flooded his features and he relaxed. "A late bloomer?"

"No, it has been many years since my first moon-blood." She could see that he was perplexed by her answer. She didn't didn't want to say that she had been forced to remain celibate because she was married to a Fire and had to obey their laws. So she added, "I was just waiting for the right man."

… . . …

It was getting on in the day and the two strangers found it hard to part ways. Kenshin found it rather difficult to walk away from such a magical creature. This Water fae had made him feel more this past day than he had all year. Surly she was a Selkie, a sea temptress and all he would have to do is find and hide her seal skin and keep her forever.

Kaoru would have given anything to just wander off with this red-headed Fire. But she had responsibilities back at the Keep. She must do her father proud. And though she felt such crushing loneliness she realized that she had many friends back at the Keep who would miss her terribly if she vanished without a word. Besides, she didn't know anything about this man, not even his name. And that was for the best. She didn't want to know his name. She didn't want to constantly think about him and how he made her feel wanted, even if it was only for a few hours during their tryst. Besides, he could be married with a family somewhere. That made her feel a bit guilty as she re-arranged her traveling pack while the Fire dressed. He must live close by as well, as he was wearing the traditional clothing of the region. She suddenly hoped that they wouldn't run into each other again.

She was married. And though it was common for married people to have lovers in such arranged marriages, she had yet to consummate her marriage. And though her people didn't view sex as anything more than fun and a way to replenish energy, they were expected to respect their spouse. If she'd been unmarried, this coupling wouldn't have mattered much, but she was married, and to a high member of the Royal family. She lost her innocence to a man who was not her husband. Kaoru froze, her mouth slightly open in shock.

Gods, what if she were to become with child? She glanced at the handsome Fire as he tucked and folded his traveling gi around his body. Though he had red hair like her Fire Husband it would be quite obvious infidelity being that her husband had yet to ever show up at the Keep. It would be treasonous for sure. She covered her eyes with one hand and took a breath. She would have to keep a close eye on herself. It made her sick but something like this could lose her the Keep and she would find herself homeless at the very best, in prison or at the end of a noose at the very worst. Maybe it would be better to take precautions before his seed could take too deep a root in her. She had been careless.

"Are you going to be alright?"

Kaoru jumped at the voice right beside her and she dropped her hand from her eyes and made sure she had her best smile on. He looked worried still. "I'll be fine."

"Are you sure? You're still a bit weak. I don't feel comfortable letting you go off on your own. Especially with Drow obviously pressing in."

"I know this area well. I don't live far from here." Half lie, she didn't know the area that well at all, that was what half this journey was about, to learn the area. But he seemed to believe her.

"Will you promise me something?" He asked as she shouldered her pack. She turned and blinked at him and nodded. "Will you go straight home?"

Kaoru still wanted to explore. But with the pack on her back she suddenly realized just how weak she had become from the poison. Perhaps it would be a smart idea to save exploring for another day. "I will." She promised. And she was rewarded with a smile that made his lavender eyes sparkle.

"I wish you the best of luck then, that I do." He turned.

"Are you looking for the main road?" Kaoru asked.

He paused and turned to face her again with a sheepish smile. "I am."

Kaoru grinned. "Then you want to go that way." She pointed to her right.

"That way…right, thank you." And he walked past her he paused. "Goodbye Water fae." He whispered as he ducked his head and stole a kiss before vanishing into the woods.

He was gone just like that. He was silent and swift and in seconds Kaoru felt as if she was the only one in the forest for miles.

"Goodbye Fire." She said softly.

… . . …

Kaoru located one of the streams that flowed away from the Keep and followed it for the rest of the day. She paused more than once to dip her hands in the water and let the power and energy flow into her. A scale pattern appeared on her skin as the water flowed over it. At one point a group of water sprites the size of her hand carefully approached and watched her from the splash of a tiny waterfall. She acknowledged them but basically ignored them. They rewarded her respect by returning to their play. To any passerby they might look like the splashing of water over the rocks or from the small waterfall. But to a Water fae, it was easy to spot the watery shapes dancing and playing.

Rejuvenated from the power of her element she made good time and reached the Keep just before nightfall. The tall mountain of rock loomed up over the trees and the heat suddenly washed over her. The vegetation grew thick here, with the Water and Fire fae in the same spot. A gentle cloud of steam often rolled across the clearing of the Keep and into the forest. The constant moisture caused an explosion of life. A thick carpet of bright green moss grew on every rock and tree. It was a sight to behold the wildlife that now congregated around this tropical-like place. A dozen tiny frogs sprang away from her as Kaoru emerged from the trees. The fires were just going up as the sun was setting behind the distant mountain.

She entered in through one of the many side entrances and was greeted heartily by the guards. She made a beeline to the kitchens. Dinner was over but she was nearly attacked by the cooks and she found herself with clean hands and sitting at the servant's table with a hot plate of food sitting in front of her. A bowl of crisp greens and a plate of steaming root vegetables made her feel almost human again.

"My Lady, I'm glad to see you didn't stay out there for too long." Milinda said. The matronly old cook slid her round form onto the bench across from her. "Look at you, you look pale. Are you well?"

Kaoru swallowed her mouthful of sweet glazed carrots and smiled at the old woman. She had been almost like a mother to her for all these years which was why she almost always took her meals in here with her and the staff instead of formal meals in the Hall. "Don't worry Milinda." She took her old wrinkled hand in hers. "Just a bit of adventure."

"How's the Snow People, my dear?"

"Well. On patrol. We don't have to worry about Drow coming from that direction. But they are coming from somewhere."

"Oh dear." Milinda weaved a holy water symbol across her chest. "Don't let them come here."

Kaoru patted her hand before returning to her meal. "The Keep is a target to be sure. Even more so now that the Fire's set up their forges here. The Drow would love to have this place. But it would be suicide for them to try and take it without a massive army. And a massive army can't sneak into the valley."

"Still." The head cook gave a shiver. "Makes me quake just thinkin' about it." She gave a scowl. "Those foolish Fire Fae…They've been causing nothing but trouble."

"They are not for you to worry about, Milinda."

… . . …

The Keep was blissfully cool deep inside but right now Kaoru found herself in the sweltering foundries of the Fire's. The heat here was almost oppressive. It was dark, the stone ceiling and part of the walls were covered in black soot. The wall sconces were eclipsed by the searing light of the foundries. The constant banging and beating of metal into weapons was deafening. Why was she even here?

Because she was hunting for her younger cousin Misao. The Water fae had become enamored with the foundries as of late and Kaoru had a suspicion as to why. After a few more minutes of hunting the maze of tunnels, dodging massive Fire Men she finally found the Water Fae peaking around a doorway.

"There you are!" Kaoru marched up behind her and yanked on her braid.

Misao yelped and scrambled back from the door. "Kaoru? What are you doing back already? I thought you were going to be gone all week? Gezz don't sneak up on me like that, by the Gods."

Kaoru eyed her cousin. "You're looking at him again, aren't you?"

Misao blushed as red as her kimono.

Kaoru moved to glance around the doorway and quickly found what had attracted her cousin's attention so. A massive man, a hybrid fae that failed to take after his mother or his father but took after both. He was an Earth and Fire fae like many of the blacksmiths here. He was naked from the waist up and was a wall of muscles from the constant hard work. At the moment he was working the bellows with one hand while he turned a sword in the making with the other. The metal was glowing white hot before he took a hammer to it. His face was stern, his skin bronzed and his eyes hard.

"What was his name again?" Kaoru asked.

"Aoshi Shinomori." Misao whispered as if in a dream.

"He…looks a bit mean." Kaoru confessed.

"I know." Misao sighed with a smile. "He makes such beautiful weapons."

"Well, Earth and Fire…" Kaoru said with a shrug. She couldn't lie, the hybrid was stunning to look at but she meant it when she said he looked scary and mean. His jaw was set, his mouth a hard line and his eyes far too intense. "So what's been going on in the few days I've been gone?"

Misao finally forced herself to walk away from the door and the two cousins linked arms and made their way out of the foundries. "Chou is stirring the pot again. Now he's teamed up with a high position Fire named Shishio and Nori."

Kaoru paused, earning them a smothered curse from a blacksmith that almost slammed into the back of them.

"My Ladies." The blacksmith hardly managed to sound authentic as he slid past them.

"You mean Chou, the brat who hated me all this time for being married to a Fire and allowing them to come into the Keep is pairing up with a Fire himself?"

"I don't know what's going on with him." Misao said with a wave of her hand and they continued out of the Fire's territory.

… . . …

Kaoru worked into the night to make her rounds through the keep. A chat with the guards told that there were no sight of any Drow but that a new group of Fire and Earth Fae had come that afternoon. They were running out of room in the Keep…and Kaoru knew the Fire were pressing to expand the foundries to help keep the ever growing army armed. Kaoru crawled into bed with her mind swirling with thoughts. She didn't want the Fire's to take over the Keep. Their water was pure and it helped create the most wonderful weapons, but it was coming at a price the way the Water fae saw it. Pollution and so many trees being cut to feed the foundries. But Fire's were destroyers by nature. With the Earth Fae here it helped to keep the forest strong with new trees to quickly grow and replace those being cut.

But this place was a place for Water Fae first and foremost. Many came here to heal. They had their own special part of the Keep where they could be kept calm and quite as they took as much time as they needed to heal. They didn't need to be surrounded by blacksmiths making weapons of war. She wasn't sure what to do. The run in with the Drow yesterday only proved that they were coming, and Kaoru wanted to make sure they were well armed for battle as much as the next Fire…but the Keep was the pride and joy of her father. Heaving a sigh at her troubled thoughts, she turned her mind to her prayers.

"As the land fills with darkness
And those around me sleep
May angels and faeries watch over me
And The Lady bring me peace…."

She then listed all her blessings that day and thanked the Forest God for sheltering her from harm for the rest of her travels. But still her spirit wouldn't rest.

Kaoru tossed and turned and finally settled on thinking about the Fire that had suddenly changed her life. There was still soreness in her hips and thighs from their joining. Kaoru closed her eyes and pictured his large purple eyes and that wild mane of crazy red hair. She tried to recall his voice and the strange way he had of talking. Why couldn't the other Fire's be like him?

True he was just as devastating as the rest of them. That battle with the Drow proved that he was extremely deadly. He said he was in the military so the weapons they made here could go to other men just like him. Kaoru growled and flipped violently in her bed. It was going to be a long night.

… . . …

"You look like Hell." Misao said.

Kaoru glared over at her cousin. "Thanks…I didn't sleep much." She didn't sleep at all. Not with all things she had to deal with churning in her mind. She finally dozed off early in the morning. She would have given anything to sleep in, but as Mistress of the Keep she had to get up and get to work. In such a state she could feel the effects of the poison still in her body. She felt dizzy and lethargic but she had to stay in control. If she showed any sort of weakness now with the Fire's pressing to move further into the Keep, they could see it as their chance.

She dragged herself up with the sun and went to see the healers. She didn't talk about the wound on her wrist, which was becoming slightly painful, but instead requested treatment to prevent pregnancy. She didn't worry about judgment or word getting out, the healers were professionals, they cared less about drama and more about caring for their charges. The healer nodded and promised to have the mixture ready in a few hours.

An hour later Kaoru found herself in the kitchens. She picked at her food, too lost in thought and tired to really want to eat. A group of white clad servers rushed back in from delivering breakfast to the Keep for everyone to take part in. Milinda rushed in with them and hurried over to them.

"M'lady." She said in a hushed and breathless voice. "M'Lady, you need to go to the dining room, there's trouble starting."

Kaoru scrambled up from the bench and thanked the old woman before she and Misao lifted their Kimonos and rushed from the kitchen. They rushed down one long hallway that opened up to a massive dinning room. There were enough tables and benches here to feed a few hundred people at a time and at the moment it was quite full, but many seemed to be ignoring the breakfast that was set up for them. Kaoru slowed and smoothed her kimono and gave her hair a reassuring pat. The room was glowing from the morning light streaming in from the massive windows on the east wall.

"It's high time the rightful owners of the Keep take over!" said a thunderous voice in the middle of the crowd. A cheer went up from much of the crowd while many others hissed in spite. Kaoru knew her own people were mingled within and they were dangerously outnumbered. Kaoru had to get this under control before a fight broke out. A simple treaty written ten years ago wouldn't stop this group, they were far too different.

"And just who would that be?" Kaoru asked in a loud voice. The men in front of her instantly parted and Kaoru made her way into the dining room. She was greeted with a great many 'Morning, Lady Kaoru' and a few too many condescending half bows. But she ignored them until she reached the center of the room where she found a tall thin Fire Fae standing on one of the many benches.

"My Lady." The man said with a deep bow and a grin on his face. "I see you've returned from your explorations."

"That's Shishio." Misao hissed in a bare whisper at her side.

"And just who would that be?" Kaoru repeated, her hand clasped in front of her, looking much like the stern yet lovely young Mistress she needed to be.

"The Fires." Shishio said, his smile growing as the crowed agreed.

There was movement and Kaoru spied a few of her guards pressing forward. "Why would you think the Keep rightfully belongs to the Fire Clan?" Kaoru asked, keeping her voice calm as she moved closer.

"Because our Master is a Fire and being that he is not here, we should have a fellow Fire take his place!" At this the crowd exploded in agreement swords unsheathed and waved in the air. The heat in the room was quickly elevating and Kaoru fought to keep from rubbing the sweat from her forehead.

"There's no need for that." Said a voice. Kaoru, Shishio and the crowd turned to find a tall Earth fae lounging on one of the benches enjoying his breakfast.

"Oh, why is that?" Shishio asked.

"Because the Master of the Keep is on his way as we speak." He said as he took a bite out of a chunk of bread.

Rage erupted from more of the crowd and Kaoru saw that it was coming from more of her people who had pressed in to help protect her. She was shocked to hear that her husband was finally on his way and the horror that she might have to face her sudden lack of virginity much, much sooner than she had thought. But if she didn't settle this down now, her husband would arrive to find the Keep at war and she would be damned if she would let him think she couldn't control without a man. She held her face in careful indifference so she would show no outward sign of her fear.

… . . …

Kenshin made his way through the well-guarded entrance of the Keep. They were surprised to see their Master come in on foot but said nothing except to welcome him. But Kenshin could easily see the Water guards were not pleased to see him. Sano, or someone else in his group must have described him on the way in, as they knew who he was immediately. They were of average height and build, their armor was enameled with ocean blue and silver colors. It appeared to be many overlapping scales of metal, like the scales of a fish. When they moved, the blues hues shimmered in the light, like the reflection of sunlight on the water.

His own guards were among them. Though their numbers were far smaller. It was easy to pick them out. They were slightly shorter, but of a far larger build. Over their red and orange uniform was mat gray metal armor. They held crossbows and swords while the Water carried swords and spears. House banners hung across the rock of the Keep were of icy white-blue fields with the Keep outline in deep blue. The guards wore this symbol on their armor. However, Kenshin noted, that the Fire guards wore many different kinds of symbols from the many various houses they had been sent from. He didn't know if he liked this separation.

With a sigh Kenshin made his way deeper into the rocky Keep. It was more like a castle, than a cave, thankfully. Yet even so Kenshin could feel the tons of rock over his head. He thought to catch the next guard for directions but it wasn't long before a great deal of noise lead him to a large room where it seemed half the Keep's occupants were gathering. A hand reached out at grabbed him roughly and Kenshin jerked around to find Aoshi beside him.

"It's about time you decided to show yourself here." He said.

"Nice to see you again too." Kenshin returned. "What's going on?"

"Someone is challenging your wife." He said simply.

Although he didn't much care for his child-bride the fact that someone would dare go against his wife and Mistress of the Keep made him bristle. But around him Water and Fire fae were starting to clash, Kenshin had to get it under control. But just as he was about to announce his arrival, a voice as clear as a bell rang out over the shouts.

"My people! Calm down." She cried and almost at once the crowed hushed. "Yes you are my people, all of you. Don't be deceived that we are still divided, for though we are different, we are kin and we cannot fight among ourselves if we want this Keep to run smoothly."

Kenshin slowly pushed forward, the people around him were too distracted by the woman to notice him.

"I ain't gonna let a Water Female tell me what to do!" cried a random voice in the crowd and soon a few more joined in.

Kenshin reached the edge of the clearing and found himself gazing up at the little Water creature he had saved a day ago standing on the table beside a Fire who was standing on a bench. Yes her hair was perfect, her Kimono rich and immaculate but it was her,…it was her.

"You won't have to!" Kenshin called. "Your Lord is here."

… . . …

Kaoru turned to the call and nearly staggered as she saw the blood-red hair of the Fire Stranger. Him! At first her mind went reeling that her husband had finally arrived but she was blindsided by the fact that her stranger walked from the crowd. He was Kenshin Himura? Her husband? But how could that be? He gazed at her with hard narrow eyes full of suspicion. He was obviously not happy with her at all. Obviously. The room started to spin and her carefully constructed mask slipped.

"And I do not approve of anyone challenging my wife for this Keep. She is your Mistress and while I'm gone you answer and obey her, do you all understand?" he barked as if he were speaking to troops. A wave of 'Yes sir's' went up and the crowd slowly started to disperse. Shishio stepped down from the bench and vanished with the rest of Fires as they turned back to their meal.

Kaoru's brain refused to work. How could this happen? Her Husband had yellow eyes, not purple and he was taller…wasn't he? But many men were already greeting him, they knew him…he was Kenshin Himura. His piercing eyes never wavered from her, as if he was tacking her to the spot till he reached her. Finally he made it to the table she was standing on.

"Greetings, my dear wife."

Kaoru opened her mouth to answer, but the heat and the shock and the weakness was just too much for her body and her vision tunneled and went black.

A/n oh dear. Both of them and found themselves in a bit of a pickle. I wonder how they will sort this out.
I admit I didn't like writing Kenshin as suspicious, angry and judging of Kaoru. But he is from a different culture than her. Don't worry, It shouldn't last long.
I also figure now is the time to let everyone know that yes the content will start to get far more mature from here on out. there will be sex and talk of sex, talk of rape, talk of religions, customs and traditions and other sensitive subject matter. If you feel this isn't something you can't handle, perhaps this isn't the story for you. I try to write it in as delicate a way as I can but some characters are just not the delicate type. If you would like a list of what this story will contain as far as needing a trigger warning, please let me know and I'll message you with a list so you can decide if you like to keep reading. I don't want to list everything here as that might spoil it for some.
I know it seems over the top, but again I don't want to blindside my readers. I decided not to hold myself back when it comes to subject matter with this story. Words will be crude, characters will be hurt.

Well with that out of the way. I'm really looking forward to hearing from everybody. I'm so sorry I seem to be the queen of ending each chapter in a cliffhanger. I guess it's what bringing the readers back each week? Right? I love you guys, and saying your suffering makes it worth it makes me feel evil. hehe. Thank you for reading! Reviews are loved.