A/N Hello Readers!
I wanted to drop this chapter in real quick to let everyone know I'm still here! I'm just taking an unexpected break. I did Nanowrimo in April and then had some unexpected things happen all at once. My man needed surgery. He's fine, I just had to help him out for a while and then I had a small surgery, which was nothing, but is still causing me a bit of pain as I heal. School here will be ending in about 2 weeks and then I have some visiting relatives.
Needless to say, I've only been writing in fits and starts and not nearly enough for me to be happy with. I think once this all blows over, I'll be back with a vengeance! But I thought I would leave this here for you to let you know I haven't forgotten my stories.

Kenshin had come to the conclusion that Kaoru had lost trust in him at some point. The thought stung him and he was surprised that it hurt. He liked Kaoru, cared for her more than he thought he would, given their circumstances. Her cool demeanor, eyes swirling with questions and unease reminded him of the first day they officially met. That nervous woman in the church cove, praying. She refused to met his eyes for more than necessary and she questioned him on his every choice until she must have realized her mistake and decided to remain silent.

He wanted to take her and shake her. Why didn't she believe him when he swore he wouldn't harm the Keep. Or maybe she did believe him but just didn't agree with his method? Either way, her disapproval hurt and that annoyed him. In the few days when they talked about the Keep at the Inn, she had remained cool towards him. That coolness included their bed. A break from coupling was normal, but Kenshin thought it was odd, considering her determination to give him a child.

On his horse, Kenshin shrugged to himself. Women were women and as he well knew, were prone to moods. Maybe her moon blood was flowing and she didn't feel comfortable during that time. He could understand that well enough. He decided not to worry about it. Besides, he had more important things to think about at this time.

They reached the top of a large grassy hill and off in the distance, perhaps only an hour ride away was the ocean.

… . . …

The ocean! Kaoru shouted when she first saw the line of blue on the horizon. The Water guards started talking and gesturing excitedly. Even her handmaidens tumbled out of the caravan and stood with Kaoru to look out at the sight. Kenshin's horse ambled up beside hers and he smiled.

"There it is." He said.

Kaoru forgot all about her suspicions for the moment and smiled ear to ear and she clapped her hands like a small child. "Oh, I can't wait I want to swim in it so badly."

"Soon, Lady Wife. Soon." Kenshin said as he motioned everyone back into formation.

They trotted down a smooth dirt road but to Kaoru, the pace was agonizingly slow. She stood in her stirrups to look over the head of her mare.

"Easy Missy," Sano muttered from beside her.

Kaoru sat with a pout. "Why can't we go any faster?"

Sano smiled around the stem of tall grass he was chewing on. "We're going at a good pace as it is, we'll be there before midday." He shrugged.

Kaoru huffed. How could he not be as excited as she? "Have you ever seen the ocean before?" She wondered.

Sano nodded. "A few years back."He didn't elaborate more so Kaoru didn't ask. Perhaps it was a battle or he had to see someone off on a journey. Or perhaps the great body of water didn't hold any appeal to an Earth fae.

… . . …

Finally

Finally the sea.

Closer and closer they moved. The ocean called to the Water fae like a sweet lover, or perhaps an adoring parent. Kaoru couldn't figure out what it felt like, just that it called and with tears in her eyes she wanted to answer. The air was clean and smelled of the salt water. Seabirds called loudly as if beckoning them to continue forward. They stumbled out of the trees and on to the beach almost unexpectedly. Instantly, Kaoru was off her horse and was running. She paused only long enough to kick off her shoes. She abandoned them behind her as she rushed for the waves gently caressing the earth. The first foam covered wave washed over her feet and went only as high as her ankles but the power surge rooted Kaoru in the shifting sand. It felt warm, like a gentle touch from one made of sunbeams.

Slowly she moved further, ignoring the fact her leather pants were getting wet. Around her, all the Water Fae in their troop were doing the same. But for Kaoru, it was just her in her own little world. Further, she went until the waves reached her knees and there she felt the warm power of the water wrap around her. Hugging her like a parent embracing a child. Deep love so powerful that Kaoru wept openly.

Spirits more powerful than little water sprites rolled in with each wave. They looked them over before retreating back with the waves. And then returned again. Closer and closer each time until their foam and seawater bodies reached out to caress the newcomers, those who had never once stepped home. They looked like various Sea creatures. Schools of tiny fish, jellies, even a great and giant ray slowly moved by them, invisible to all but the Water folk. They seemed curious of the newcomers and welcomed them with soft sea foam touches.

… . . …

Both Kenshin and Sano sat on their horses and watched the spectacle. That vibrant blue light of power pulsed within each Water fae. They were all weeping, even the men. They didn't bother to smother their cries or wipe away tears. The Fire faes didn't know what to do about such a display. Only a few could relate. Kenshin being one of them. He knew what it felt like to go home and be wrapped in the love of the gods and goddesses there. He shed his share of tears. Like a humble child with a much-loved parent...he never wanted to let go. Already his heart ached for Kaoru when they would have to leave the sea.

"Hey look at that huge boat." Sano pointed out onto the water.

Appearing on the waves, as if by magic was a small ship. It was decorated with vibrant seaweed and Massive shells. The sails were sky blue and standing out on the front of it was a man in sea green robes.

"Bet it's the welcome wagon," Sano added.

"Pretty sure you're right." With a sigh, Kenshin slipped off his horse and waited at the shore for the vessel to drop a smaller boat with the robed man inside. A wave carefully pushed the smaller boat to shore. The Water Fae, having composed themselves, slowly walked back to the shore where they were meeting.

"Greetings, Duke Kenshin Himura." the man said with a smile and tip of his head. He was of average height, tan skin and classic Water features just slightly younger than middle age. "I'm Minori." The man bowed low now. "King Nernus has sent me to offer you warm welcomes and to ferry you across the sea to the royal castle."

Both Kenshin and Sanosuke froze.

"Across the sea?" Kenshin repeated. What did he mean across the sea? His maps showed the royal home sitting on the coast line.

Minori didn't notice Kenshin's distress, or if he did he ignored it. Instead, he simply smiled and turned to the ocean and pointed outward.

Both men followed the pointing finger to a cluster of islands in the distance. They were not far away. Kenshin could see the trees, houses and even the color of decorations that were strung from one tree to the next. Atop a large rocky hill on the largest island was the castle. It loomed high, bright white with many twisting spires. It looked more like a formation of bleached coral than a castle. "I see." Was all he said.

Minori nodded, ever smiling. He clasped his hands in front of him. "Where is your lovely Lady Wife?"

Kenshin inclined his head in the direction of the water. "Right there, that she is."

Minori turned to find Kaoru walking toward him. She was dripping wet and glowing brightly and yet looked a right mess with her dusty traveling clothes now half soaked and tangled hair. When she realized the stranger was staring at her she smiled as waved. Finally, she climbed to the sand and bowed to the man.

"I'm Lady Kaoru Ka-...Himura of Iaga Keep." She stated, still breathless from emotion."

Minori blinked a few times before reaching out and taking her hands in his. "Lady Kaoru, My name is Minori. Is this the first time you've visited the ocean?" He seemed dismayed.

Kenshin was shocked at the amount of annoyance he felt upon seeing the man touch her in such a familiar way.

"It is! I apologize for my state." She looked down at herself.

"Oh, no need my Lady, no need. Why I'm surprised you didn't throw yourself into the waves and swam over to the castle. Many do."

Kaoru flushed and struggled to compose herself as gracefully as she could with dripping wet clothes. "I wish to arrive with my husband." She moved just a bit to stand closer to Kenshin. "It would be unladylike for me to not do so."

The aqua eyed man glanced over at Kenshin and the Fire could have sworn he saw a hint of some emotion in his eyes but it was gone just as fast.

"Well then, let's get everyone aboard, his Majesty is waiting.

Kenshin stepped forward and cleared his throat. "If you don't mind. Many of my men will refuse this last leg of the trip, we passed a town down the road and I will send my men there. Give me a moment to speak with them."

… . . …

Kenshin didn't wait for Minor to answer, he simply turned on his heel and marched over to where the guards were waiting.

Kaoru turned back to the man. "Forgive my Husband, he's used to giving orders to soldiers." But the Water fae waved her worries away.

"No need. Fire's are very upfront. I've learned this. They don't like crossing water, so I'm not surprised he will not force them to."

Kaoru nodded and turned to watch Kenshin speak with the men. The Water fae broke away and ambled over to where she and Sano stood. Obviously, they were willing to come. Her handmaids also joined them. Their trunks of clothing were unloaded from the caravan and the Fires took the wagons and every horse with them. Kenshin returned with only a single Fire guard in tow. The one he rode in front with. "We're ready." He said with a huff.

… . . …

Kaoru leaned over the wooden edge of the boat to watch how the vessel cut through the water. Dolphins glided with ease at their side. She was so excited when she first saw them that she almost threw herself off the ship. Only the firm hand of her husband on her arm kept her from doing so. The sails snapped overhead as she turned to look at her husband. He looked gray, like death. Beside him, Sano was sprawled on the floor with his arms wrapped around the wooden railing.

"Sano, are you alright?" She asked, alarmed at seeing the drawn look on his face.

"Never better Missy." He grunted before going back to moaning softly.

She turned a worried eye to Kenshin. The red-head offered her a smile, but it quickly turned into a grimace.

"Are you sea-sick?" She wondered.

Kenshin shook his head but then changed his mind and nodded. "Earth fae do not do well when they are disconnected with the earth. Sano is feeling disoriented and I guess you could say he's very sea-sick."

That was easy to understand. Sanosuke drew his life force from the ground and now he has dozens of feet of water between him and the ground. "And what about you, Lord Husband. You don't look much different than Sano." She winced as Sano gave another wail.

Kenshin shrugged and didn't answer right away. Kaoru figured the shrug was his answer but then. "If I fall into the sea. I'll die. So I'm a bit worried." He said with brutal honesty.

Kaoru gasped. "You'll die?"

"Not right away."He turned his purple eyes to her. "First the sea with drain me of my Fire power and then leave me weak, and lacking any life force, then I'll simply drown."

Kaoru made a strangled noise in her throat. "I...I didn't know it worked like that." Suddenly she too felt nervous. Their linked arms were suddenly not enough as if a force would tip the ship and send Kenshin over the rail and into the water. Kaoru grasped him with both hands and moved near the center railing where Sano hung on for dear life.

Kenshin smirked and let his wife drag him. "This is why I sent my men to the inn in the coastal village. I do not want to put any of them at risk. Most of them refused anyway."

"But that one." Kaoru inclined her head to the one Fire guard standing unsteadily on his feet with his hand resting on his sword. Like most Fire's he was stocky and muscular, his hair was golden-red which matched his eyes. In the sunlight, his hair was like bronze.

"Jun," Kenshin stated. "He used to fight with me back in the day. He decided he would follow me when I moved to the Keep. In all honesty, I didn't want him to come, he's too good a fighter to have cooped up under a rock."

Kaoru wondered if Kenshin felt that way as well. But she didn't dare ask.

"Now I see that I was a fool. I'm lucky Jun is with me, lucky still that he wants to watch my back." He turned those eyes back to her, somewhat amused. "He has little trust for Water fae, that he does."

"Well, At least you know that he has your back." Kaoru returned softly. "It's nice to know you've someone watching you who won't stab you." Kenshin tipped his head, curious of what she said but Kaoru found herself far more interested in the islands. It took hardly half an hour to reach the docks. Sano all but bolted off the wooden structure and threw himself onto the sand. Kenshin too seemed at ease once his feet touched the solid earth.

The city surrounding the castle was massive. Easily the largest Kaoru had ever seen. They had come across larger villages and then towns the closer they got to the coast. But this city was the largest yet. The coast was lined with large vessels that traveled from the islands to the mainland and back again. Fishermen unloaded their catch, and merchants in their small boats docked near the marketplace. The voices of dozens of workers, the creak of wooden ships, boats and docks, the call of sea birds. Water spirits bobbed to and fro. All the while the soft soothing sound of waves on the sand lulled Kaoru into a feeling of being home. Each sound of the waves washed a bit more of the weight of her shoulder. As if her burdens were beach sand pulled away from the water. She felt herself growing lighter, happier with each passing minute.

"If you will follow me." Minori motioned to them. They followed him off the beach to a cobblestone street where a carriage was waiting for them. Behind that was a large empty carriage The troop spilled into the second carriage. Kaoru made sure her handmaidens were safe with their newly formed partners before letting Kenshin lead her to the first carriage. It was a large, thankfully, as Kaoru found herself wedged between Kenshin and Sano, and Minori sat on the other side with Jun in full armor. Kaoru mused that the Water fae was uncomfortable being next to a fully armed Fire warrior, but he possessed the skill to hide it. Perhaps this was why he was the one assigned this job.

There was no cover on the carriage so she, as well as Sano and even Kenshin, looked somewhat foolish with their heads swiveling in all directions to take in the sights. The city was a pallet of color. Blues of every shade. Pinks, corals, oranges, yellows, and greens. Homes were built right next to each other, their colorful roofs nearly touching. Larger buildings were bone white with painted murals on them. Most were of various Water spirits and gods, goddesses and religious symbols. Blue and silver banners hung on every street corner. Everyone paused in their everyday lives to watch the carriage and wagon pass by. No one seemed to know who they were but they did notice Kenshin's Fire red hair and the royal sigil on the side of the carriage so everyone was curious. Children in bright kimonos waved and Kaoru waved back just as enthusiastic as they were.

The cobblestone street slowly wound it's way around the island, climbing higher and higher as it did so. The homes and shops fell away and larger estates with their clean white houses, lush green lawns and palms and ferns became more and more popular. Then finally, the road straightened out and began to climb toward the castle. The closer they grew, the taller the building seem to loom. Even with blinding white walls and banners if all brilliant colors, Kaoru felt herself grow nervous. She took Kenshin's hand, hoping to draw on his strength. He did not disappoint her. He took her hand tightly in his own and his power burned just under his skin. She took a breath and pulled on that power, letting it flow into her. It hurt, her body rejected the Fire power but even so, it's traits trickled in. She felt her face slide into a mask of calm. She could do this.

… . . …

Nernus looked grand sitting on his coral throne. His long flowing white hair, bushy beard along with the trident in his hand gave him the look of the old water gods. Beside him sat the Queen, Nadia. She was pale, lithe with eyes a startling turquoise. She wore a kimono of silver water horses dancing on a sapphire background. Around her head sat a simple silver crown.

Nemus wore a formal kimono of blue and black. His hair was let down, however, not in the customary top knot. His trident was of silver and gold, studded with sapphires and pearls. It was as tall as him with the three prongs ending in wicked looking fishhook spikes. Kaoru and Kenshin were also in formal wear. Nothing as grand as what they wore when the bannermen came to visit, but nice regardless.

The throne room was a spectacle of light and color. Sunlight filtering down from the skylights took on the look of light dancing on water as it lit up the grand room. The walls were painted with massive murals with larger than life depictions of Gods and Goddesses of the Sea. Some with legs, others with fish tails, other still with tentacles and flippers. All surrounded by spirits, demons and guardians of the deep. The very walls glittered with gems and pearls and various other treasures.

Kaoru had instructed Kenshin on the proper way to bow before the royals. They got on their knees and then placed their hands on the floor in front of them before bowing their heads until they touched the ground.

Kenshin didn't like this much, as it looked and felt like a position one would be in before execution. But he performed it without argue. Kaoru performed it with poise and grace that made the Fire feel like a rutting bull in fancy clothes. Both Kenshin and Kaoru recited the pledge in turn. Swearing to be loyal to him and aid him when needed. Once this was done the King surged from his throne.

"Up, the two of you. Now that this bit of pomp is over with." His voice was deep yet flowing, soothing. Like the waves.

Kenshin and Kaoru got to their feet and the King and Queen descended upon them. Nernus took Kaoru by the hands.

"My dear, I never got to personally thank you for marrying this one here." He looked over at Kenshin. "I know it's never nice to have to be forced into these things but…By the Goddess, you look radiant and happy." The King left Kaoru blushing and stuttering her thanks when he turned to Kenshin. "I also want to thank you for marrying a child. I know in the height of your teenage years that couldn't have been what you saw for yourself."

Kenshin bowed his head. "No, your Grace I did not. I found my bride to be…." He looked over at Kaoru who was in deep conversation with the lovely queen. "Lacking. A brat covered in mud."

Nernus threw his head back and laughed. The sound of it boomed across the stone throne room and attracted the eyes of everyone who had come to witness the pledge. "Well, my boy it looked like you got lucky. The ugly little duckling is now a graceful swan." The two men turned to look at the women.

"Rest up today. Tomorrow we shall feast! And I'm personally going to take Kaoru out to the center of the islands where she can swim to her hearts content, since she was denied it today."

At the sound of her name, Kaoru turned, her blue eyes sparkling. "Oh." she gasped. "You don't have to take me personally, your Grace"

"No, I insist. I hear that you've never taken your true form. I for one would love to see it."

"Oh yes." Said the Queen, clapping her hands. "I will come too."

Kaoru flushed but nodded. "I can hardly wait till tomorrow." She confessed.

"Now's the time to rest. I'm sure this long journey has been ghastly. You'll need all your energy for the swim tomorrow..." The queen's voice faded away as she took Kaoru from the throne room to vanish down the halls.

"I thank your for coming right away. I know you hardly had a chance to settle before I asked this of you." Nernus confessed, turning back to Kenshin.

Kenshin was suddenly struck by the differences in Kings. His uncle was hardly a man to apologize for anything, and if he did, showed no real emotion towards it. Kenshin knew the Water King, by his nature, could not hold back the flow of emotions, nor was it expected of any Water fae to do so. Even so, Kenshin was caught off guard by such a statement.

"It had to be done." He finally settled on saying. "Besides, I promised Kaoru she would see the Ocean and it was the perfect excuse."

Again the King laughed and slapped Kenshin on the back.

"I had my doubts about you, But you hardly seem like any sort of Fire I've ever known."

Kenshin shrugged. "I spent much of my life with the Air clan, and Earth more than my own Fire's. Perhaps that is why."

The great man nodded. "Yes, yes, I see many Air mannerisms in you. Not that it matters, come! Lets get you settled and rested."

… . . …

Kenshin found Kaoru asleep, curled up on the large lavish bed. He excused the servant who had shown him the room and considered asking for Kaoru's handmaidens, but decided against it. She didn't like being fussed over and Kenshin didn't blame her. He shut the door tight and rested easy knowing that Sano was standing guard and that Jun would be watching over them at night. He turned to his wife. Kaoru appeared to have forgiven him for whatever it was he must have done to earn her ire. He was pretty confident now that it was just women's moods that struck her. He counted himself lucky then as he had known women to turn into hellcats at the drop of a hat. A little bit of attitude was nothing to deal with.

He sat next to her, frowning slightly at the extreme cushion of the bed. Damn did this thing have five mattresses? He was used to the ground, cots and even tree limbs, not this luxury. He went to the wardrobe and found that all their clothes had been put away. He dug around for a moment before finding the smooth sip of fabric that was her nightgown. He rolled the girl over and started working the ties and folds of cloth from her body. He moved slowly but figured that she would wake anyways.

Yet Kaoru remained asleep. Travel was hard for those not used to it. She must be exhausted, he thought as he took the liberty of trailing his fingers down her throat and between the valley of her breasts before slipping her nightgown over her head. She muttered as he lifted her to pull the nightgown down. Her eyes fluttered open and muttered nonsense before sighing and rolling over to fall back asleep.

Kenshin smirked. She really was still very young. And very trusting to just let random hands remove her clothes. But then Kenshin had to remember that she was a Water fae and she was now home in the heart of Water Territory. Removing clothes would just be a friendly invitation to pleasure and not a threat like in his lands. In that way, he envied the Water fae. They might not love as quickly or as easily as the Earth but they trusted so deeply. As a Fire, it was so hard for him to understand. Perhaps it was because his life had been that of a warrior.

Kenshin sat on the bed and set a hand on Kaoru's head and gently petted her hair. The girl knew he wanted to change the Keep. And she was worried. He couldn't blame her and he didn't blame her. The healing aspects of the water and the quality of weapons made from this water were far too important to ruin just to house an army. But Kenshin was first and foremost a warrior, an army would save the Keep, not healers. Kenshin felt terrible for thinking that way, but it was the truth of the matter. They were there to help fight the Drow. That's what his King had commanded him to do when he married the brat.

He looked down at Kaoru as he pulled the covers over her. Their relationship had gone well thus far. He really didn't want to ruin it with talk of the change she feared so much. She might hate him later for it but for now, he wanted her to enjoy her travels. He knew he was being soft. And he knew that he was simply putting off her hatred for him for the time being. But he would deal with it later. It might be perhaps a whole year before actual action towards change. He would worry about it then. Not now. Right now he worried for his people stuck between the river lands and the coast. His soldiers were growing weaker by the day. Moisture was everywhere slowly wicking away their power. Kenshin himself could feel it. Even in the large stone castle set high in the middle of a large island. It was still an island, and death swirled all around.

Soon the tables would be turned and the slow seeping away of life would be felt by the Water fae. The threat of death would be far more real in the middle of the desert. He didn't look forward to seeing Kaoru suffer the heat and the dry.

But just the very idea of the heat radiating up off the sandy ground was enough to warm him down to his bones.

He missed the heat.

A/n
Notes: This chapter was originally twice as long. Since I don't have a lot of time at the moment, I cut it in half. So sorry, but at least I got something out.

I had fun writing a sea-sick Sano, poor guy. And I'm excited for Kaoru's true form!
Reviews are much loved! Thank you for reading.