Waiting. It seemed like she was always waiting. Waiting to grow up. Waiting to ride in the sky again. Waiting for him to return. She tried to be patient as her legs grew long and her waist grew narrow, and her hands grew skilled at sewing, cooking, building, and shooting. But it was a long agony of watching the clouds, longing to be up there.
He had promised to give her the choice. Once she was old enough. Every time he returned, it brought her joy. And every time he left, she grew more determined. She WOULD grow up! She WOULD learn to take care of herself! She would not be a burden, or slow Lord Sesshoumaru down. She could prove that her choices were not to be questioned.
Rin watched her own body change with interest. Her clothes got short, and she made new ones. Her hair got long, and she brushed it out every day, experimenting with new styles, finding ones that were appealing, but also practical. It was easier once Lord Sesshoumary brought her a gilded mirror, which was the envy of the village. Sometimes she would catch him watching her from the forest edge, as she gathered flowers or helped in the rice fields. Every time she ignored him, as if she wasn't aware of his gaze. But the heat in her face would not leave until he was hours gone.
She learned from Sango, from Kaede, and from Kagome. She learned from the village farmers and craftsmen. She learned hunting and gathering. She took trips into the forest with her bow. She learned how to ride on the mare Lord Sesshoumaru had brought for her when she turned sixteen. She was accomplished in everything she put her mind to. The only thing she consistently failed at was weaving and embroidery, the finer arts of a lady. That was fine, though. She wouldnt need those when she traveled.
Finally the day came. Somehow she knew it was the day. She had been packed for weeks. She was old enough and strong enough, and this time when Lord Sesshoumaru left, she would be going with him. Kagome had watched her preparations with little comment. Instead she packed an herbal satchel with extra bandages and everything she would need. Rin loved Kagome, and would miss her thoughtfulness. Sango placed her own gifts in the bags, some poison bombs and charms to repel demons. Each of Sango's daughters put a dried flower in the bag for perfume.
When Lord Sesshoumaru strode into the village and stopped before the house, Rin had her travel clothes on and a stubborn look on her face. He looked her up and down, without any flicker of emotion. Rin waited. She wouldnt need to argue her case. He glanced at her bags and bow, leaning against the wall.
"You have made up your mind?"
"Is traveling with me what your heart desires?"
"Only if you desire it in return, my lord."
That had been her burning question over the years. She had made her decision long ago to be by his side. But did he want her there?
After a long pause of consideration, Sesshoumaru nodded. He turned and whistled at the sky and Ah-Un descended, much to Rin's delight and happiness. That waa the signal. The others poured out from behind the house where they had been watching. Sango and Kagome folded Rin into a hug while the children clung to her knees and cried. The men stood by and glared threateningly at Sesshoumaru, who ignored them, his eyes only on Rin and the farewell. Miroku and Inuyasha spoke to each other in loud tones about how they would hunt down any man who mistreated or dishonored Rin. They were only silenced by Sesshoumaru's offended glare. Sango and Kagome helped tie the bags onto the demon's bag, and then gave one more hug.
"Coming Lord Sesshoumaru!"
She grabbed her bow and hopped onto Ah-Un's back. She would be leaving her mare behind, but the horse couldn't follow her into the sky. It would be her mode of transport when she needed to be on the ground. She clucked at the reigns and Ah-Un lifted off the ground. She was back! At last! Rin laughed as she sailed through the clouds, waving at those she left behind. She was back where she belonged, at Lord Sesshoumaru's side. He flew beside her, his white fur streaming behind him. Where they were going did not matter. She was free to do as she pleased! The thought made her laugh again, her hair blowing in the wind.
She glanced over and caught the smallest of smiles on Sesshoumaru's face. Wherever he went, she would follow. Wherever they slept, she would keep him warm. Rin's heart beat fast, frantic at the thought. But she was ready. Sango and Kagome had prepared her. For now she enjoyed the wind and the sky, and daydreamed of when they would land.
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