1 A Time To Mature
When I was 11, my Lord left me in the care of the Priestess Kaede. Her village welcomed me, and tried hard to help me adjust to living among humans again. I had spent too long away from humans, and the experiences I had with them before my Lord rescued me were not pleasant.
Lord Sesshomaru had given me no option but to remain here, and the villagers no option but to accept and care for me as their own. Priestess Kaede insisted that after a time I would find comfort being with my own kind, and following the traditional paths that all women should look forward to.
It took many months of running away only to be found and drug back before I finally decided to stay put and await my Lord's return. The Priestess would hear me call out for him every night and remind me that he has chosen to leave me there, and that he would not come back for a weak human. She was only trying to prevent heartache for me, although her words set my mind alight. 'My Lord will come for me!' I would cry. The old woman would shake her head at me, dismissing my childish hopes.
It has been thirteen years since he left. Ten years have passed without me mentioning him to another soul. Even though life has gone on without him present it feels as though he is forever watching me. Oftentimes I dream of him, sitting by my bedside, stroking my hair. Whispering words that I cannot seem to decipher, but the dreams are always comforting.
The Priestess had taught me to care for the villagers and of the life I was expected to lead. Before her passing she entrusted her hut and the few things she owned to me, after I told her I wanted to leave the village.
"Do not waste anymore of your life pining after the demon. He is more honorable than most, and I assure you he would not allow you to accompany him once more. Your Lord would see it as much of a loss as I do. Please, child. Give another your heart." she spoke softly as she held my hand. Kohaku had appeared behind me, quietly listening to our private conversation and provided no support to either side.
"Let me speak to Kohaku before I must go." tears slid down his cheeks as he kneeled beside her. Unlike Kohaku, I left them to their conversation and walked outside the hut. Whatever was being said was none of my business, but I was curious as to what she would have to tell him. He had volunteered to protect the village of demons, and would often report to her. Though I would never imagine him doing that at a time such as this.
