InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Ghost of Love ❯ Chapter 23 ( Chapter 23 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

'You've got to be kidding me!' Kagome thought to herself as she stared down the man in front of her. Never in her wildest dreams had she seen this one coming. She had meant for her morning walk to be calming and relaxing but it was ending in a climactic fire. The gardens had been everything she had been waiting for and now she was wishing she had remained there, rather than trudging reluctantly back inside. Here, by the main doors that led out into the rest of the fortress, she had been shocked at who had greeted her.

Brilliant jade eyes sparkled in intrigue and interest as she stared into them. “Asahara Daichi?” His name unconsciously fell from her lips as her body refused to move from where it had come to stop. Her confusion was paramount as she suddenly found herself face to face with him. A quick look around only served to clear up one uncertainty. He hadn't snuck in. In fact, he was waiting with the main guard. The same way a guest would.

“Greetings my wild flower. I hope you can forgive me for my abrupt departure last time.” His smile dripped with well practiced charisma. Handsome as he was, Kagome was certain many a female had fallen victim to that smile.

Her eyes narrowed as she tried to process just what was going on. So lost in her own rapid thoughts she barely had time to step back when he moved towards her. “What are you doing here?” Her words were rushed as she felt the raise of panic inside. The Southern General had managed to breach their sanctuary. Her thoughts instantly went to Sumire and she prayed that the girl was tucked safely in Sesshoumaru's room at the moment.

“Diplomatic matters really. There seems to be many matters to attend to these days. Since I am here, how would you like to take me on a tour? I am most anxious to be reunited with my precious Sumire.” His last sentence came out as a whisper, no doubt meant to only be heard by her ears. Without thought of propriety he picked a piece of hair from her shoulder, drawing the glistening lock to his mouth for a chaste kiss. His calculating eyes never once leaving hers.

“She has no time for such trivial matters.” A warning growl came from behind her and Kagome suddenly found herself being drawn backwards and out of reach of the dragon youkai. To her surprise, the wall of white hair that suddenly obstructed her vision did not belong to Inuyasha. Rather it was that of the Taiyoukai's. Sesshoumaru had been the one to grasp her waist and pull her from harm. He had even gone so far as tuck her safely behind him. She was struck at how the idea of pack law had suddenly came to mind. If she hadn't been so rattled by the current predicament she would have been glowing blissfully at the thoughts of a forming family group. Unfortunately there was no time to muster the image of a caring brother in law. She was simply grateful for his interference.

“Sesshoumaru-sama, ” Daichi bowed formally to the Western Lord. “You've kept me waiting for quite some time now.”

“Hn.” Sesshoumaru regarded the man before him with cold eyes. His attention shifting to the guard at the door. “Show the Southern General to the study.”

Kagome breathed a sigh of relief when Sesshoumaru remained planted firmly before her as she watched the guard lead the dragon youkai down the hallway. She didn't miss the wink those jade eyes shot her before he had left. Right now it was difficult to give the man the same charitable thoughts she had the night before. He may not mean her harm but his eyes certainly were suggesting something that made her equally as uncomfortable. There was no doubt in her mind now that he meant to have Sumire and herself in his control and in his bed. There would be no forcing of either of them in his mind but he would stake his claim. That terrified her. His body had a way of captivating a woman and she understood that he had mastered every tool to bring a sane and resisting woman to her knees with nothing more than flattering words and searingly seductive looks.

She was shaking with new fear of the thought of her betraying Inuyasha, of being hyptnotized by that man and manipulated to his own desires. Her heart was steadfast in loyalty, she need not worry about that but the encounter had somehow put the image of Daichi's seduction in her mind. She drew a deep breath to calm herself. That man's presence was unnerving but once she had slowed her racing heart she knew there was no way he could ever work his magic on her. Kagome realized that it wasn't the knowledge of possibly betraying Inuyasha in that manner that bothered her, rather it was the understanding that the Southern General had that kind of power over women.

If they proved that he wasn't responsible for the death of Sumire's people, just what implications did that have on her friend? The strained and practically non existent relationship between Sesshoumaru and Sumire could provide a perfect opportunity for the General to stir up trouble. Before today, Kagome had been certain that Sumire would despise Daichi until the day of his death. Kagome was almost positive the man wasn't responsible for those murders. After the encounter she just had, she was even beginning to doubt whether her naive friend would be unaffected by that calculating seduction she assumed he was more than capable off.

Sesshoumaru finally turned towards her, his icy gaze reflecting a slightest speck of concern for her. “I would advise you to return to my quarters now. Should you need to leave you will not do so without my brother or me by your side. Sumire will not leave that room at any cost. Inuyasha is with her now. If I require him, my most trusted guards will be in the room with you. They are already posted outside.”

Kagome nodded in complete understanding. Now was not the time to be cutting corners as far as their safety was concerned. The Taiyoukai began to turn to leave but she quickly reached out, catching his sleeve to prevent him from disappearing down that hallway.

“Thank you Sesshoumaru-sama.” She quickly added before dropping his sleeve. His eyes widened fractionally as if astonished when she finished with, “and be careful.”

“Hn”

Kagome waited for his back to fade from her view before she fled for the sanctuary of his private rooms and into the arms of her most beloved hanyou.

Finding herself taken from her friend and placed within Sesshoumaru's walls had been quite a shock on her system. The beast had threatened to tie her up if she hadn't ceased her panicked cries for immediate release. She may be tied to him as wife in title but she had never dreamed of sharing his personal quarters.

Sesshoumaru had made it very clear that her punishment from running away would be his constant supervision. The only reprieve she had found was that he had also made it clear that they would not be sharing the bed. He had slept on a separate futon near the door, blocking any chance of escape. It had been in the his bed, that had been ingrained with his scent, where she had succumbed to sleep.

How she had craved the company of her friend through the morning. Chaos had struck shortly after she had woken. Two heavily armed guards had come to the door and from that moment on Sesshoumaru had been in a horrible mood. Inuyasha had been summoned and the pair had held a secret meeting in the sitting room while she had been left guarded in the bedroom. That's where she was now, sitting on the futon, straining to hear what was going on in the room next to her.

When Sesshoumaru burst though the doors, she stood up hastily, unsure of what was going on. In the next moment she found herself pulled roughly against the Taiyoukai. One arm had wrapped around her, holding her to him. The other came up to hold her head as his own dipped to whisper a warning.

“Take one footstep outside of my rooms and you will find yourself regretting your actions instantly.” Sesshoumaru's throaty growl warning her that he would not accept anything other than complete obedience.

Her mind was in a daze as he continued to crush her to his side, barking out orders to the guards and Inuyasha. Then suddenly she was pushed away into Inuyasha and he departed in regal fashion. Inuyasha laughed heartily at her shocked expression and once the guards had left them alone in the bedroom he began to explain the situation.

“He's been working hard at this I see.” Inuyasha grinned as he surveyed the room, noting the two beds.

“What do you mean? What's going on?” Sumire was still struggling with making sense of what had just happened.

“Sesshoumaru and I decided on the way back that you girls would be safest with us. He wasn't too happy that you had run off when the stakes where so high.” Inuyasha gave the girl a disapproving glare of his own. “Can't say I was too thrilled over it either.”

He waited until Sumire frowned herself and gave him an apologetic smile. When she sunk back down on the futon he sighed, running clawed fingers through his hair. “I don't think you realize what danger you put yourself and Kagome in.”

She knew that he was upset over what had happened over the past few days. But, after Kagome's talk with her at her Obaasan's, Sumire had had ample opportunity to do some of her own thinking. The speedy return to the Western citadel in almost complete silence had allowed her some mulling time of her own. Granted, meeting with the spy the night before had once again wreaked havoc on her emotions but her thoughts on many things had begun to change. Her pride had taken quite a hit in the process but she had forced herself past it to take a better look at everything that had happened. The results of that analysis still shocked her.

“Inuyasha,” Sumire began an attempt to explain herself but was quickly silenced by the irritated hanyou.

“Sumire, I may care for you like a sister, but I cannot forgive you if your actions cause harm to Kagome. You understand that right?”

She cringed when those amber orbs reflected so much pain back at her. She had been foolish in her actions and she realized that now. Inuyasha had waited so long to be reunited with Kagome and she knew that she could have been the reason for all of that to end. Kagome's words had been burning holes in her very soul and now she felt guilty for the childish tantrums she had thrown and the total lack of control over her own emotions. That had become very clear when they had crossed back into the west. Sesshoumaru wasn't just a youkai. He was a Taiyoukai and one that was primarily responsible for land and lives. Why hadn't she realized that his actions had greater impact than she had first considered? Inuyasha and Kagome had both tried to explain that to her but she had been so tied up in her own self pity and pain that she had ignored everything.

She was nothing more than a naïve and foolish girl. She had let rumors of the terrifying Lord of the West warp her image of her intended. Delusional and childish fantasies of a warm and caring husband had made her hate that she was chained to such a terrible beast. Ignoring the fact that her wonderful and caring parents had themselves chosen him for her, she had become engrossed with the image of a monster in her mind.

It was Kagome's tale of how Inuyasha had tried to kill the miko that had caused such reflection. If Inuyasha was capable of such change and their love had flourished, perhaps her own situation wasn't so bad. After Kagome had drifted to sleep that night, Sumire had stayed up for hours trying to work out the truths and what her warped mind had conjured up. Then the memory came to her. A warm hand, comforting words and a feeling of being safe. She could remember that feeling after Kagome had broken her seal and her body had been mangled. Protected. She had felt so secure then and she was finally able to fall asleep. Kagome had told her when she had woke that it had been Sesshoumaru to take her from that chamber and lay her to bed. It had to have been him that held her and comforted her as she came out of that living hell.

Sesshoumaru had been the one to rescue her from Daichi. It was him that wrapped her up safely that night in the cave and watched over her while she slept. Kagome had also been right about the clothing. Despite her dislike for his choice in fashion, he had made sure that both Kagome and herself had garments that would protect.

He still was a very intimidating man and she was terrified of his cold demeanor but she was finding it harder and harder to fault the man for his actions.

“Inuyasha, I am so sorry for what I did. I let my own pain and suffering consume me. I never thought one second about how my actions would cause so much trouble for everyone else. I'm truly grateful that you came to find us.” Sumire paused as she waited for those amber eyes to give her some indication of his response. He smiled slightly at her, an obvious acceptance of her apology. “Kagome is an amazing woman Inuyasha. One the way home she gave me good cause to reconsider a great many of things. The easiest way I can say this is that I have been far too naïve.”

“Baka!” Inuyasha barked roughly before giving her a big lopsided grin.

She returned his grin but she knew her face also reflected much of the sorrow and disgust she was feeling over her actions.

“Well that's good. At least you're smart enough to see your error. As praise for your recent change in attitude I'm going to give you some Inu training. Otherwise you are going to hate Sesshoumaru even more and I would hate to see that happen.”

Sumire could only look at him in confusion. What the heck did this have to do with anything?

Inuyasha was smiling to himself in self praise. Lucky for his idiot brother Sumire was finally through her emotions and being rational again. If you can't teach an old dog new tricks, then work at it from another angle. Sesshoumaru was as dense as ever when it came to women, so maybe he should try getting Sumire to like the cold critter he called brother.

“Expect a lot of closeness in the next few days Sumire.” His grin widened when she blushed hard. She was obviously thinking of the usual coarse of action between a husband and wife. He found that amusing because currently there was no way his brother would be touching her in such a fashion. That man still thought her to be nothing more than a child he was stuck with.

“The bed, the room and everything in here is in doing one thing to you. Sesshoumaru is scent marking you. That overly possessive hold earlier was the same thing.”

Sumire's eyes widened in dawning realization and Inuyasha could see the relief on her face when she understood sex was not what he was getting at. That however brought them to the next issue and he instantly felt his ire growing. “The reason he is ensuring you positively stink of him, is because we received a message this morning from the guards. Sumire,...” Inuyasha did not want to be the one to always bring her bad news but no one else was going to. “Daichi arrived early this morning and demanded a meeting with Sesshoumaru.”

He cringed as her face fell in terror. Her violet eyes flashed with anger before settling back on fear. He was upset as well. That damn General had the balls to show up on their doorstep and act like nothing had happened. Both Sesshoumaru and himself were regretting their decision of keeping their interaction with him quiet. The guards at the main gate had no knowledge of what had transpired on that southern island and thus no reason to deny him access. To them he was simply seeking diplomatic intervention. That bastard had made it all the way to Sesshoumaru's doorstep and was actually waiting at the entrance. The only good news he had was that the General was acting alone and not one man of his army was on Western soil as of yet.

“That's impossible!” Sumire stuttered, trying to wrap her mind around it. He was here, in this house and speaking with her husband right now. The thought was terrifying in itself. Inuyasha had reluctantly informed her that the Southern General had come to the citadel for diplomatic discussion and was currently under the very same roof. That knowledge shook her to her core and suddenly Sesshoumaru's embrace did not seem intimidating at all. Despite her wanting to hate the man, when it came to Asahara Daichi, the only place she felt safe was with Sesshoumaru. She hated to admit it but the moment she discovered Daichi was here,  she was actually thankful to be caged in his room and wished that it was her husband in place of the guards in the sitting room.

Then Kagome had burst through the door and more craziness had ensued. Inuyasha had met her half way and upon reaching her had burst into demonic rage. His hand had wrapped around her hair and his eyes burned like the fires of hell. A string of curses followed as he had crushed her to his chest. The miko had seemed alarmed at the change in his eyes but had quickly buried her face in him and greedily sought the comfort of his arms. He held her tightly and Sumire couldn't take her eyes of the pair the whole time.

As if lost in each other, an intimate moment had been witnessed by her. She could feel his youki pulsing in rage and Kagome's reiki wrapping around the pair of them as if seeking to calm his inner beast. She watched in silent awe as the splendor of their moment played out before her. The pair seemed to be connected in a manner that she had never seen two souls united. Minutes passed before Inuyasha's eyes returned to their normal amber and he released the miko, though he kept her tucked close to him under one arm.

“That bastard,” Inuyasha growled again, his hand still wrapped around the lock of hair that wreaked of dragon youkai. He held it tightly trying to force the stench out. Kagome still quivered in his embrace likely frightened from her encounter with Daichi and the immense change in him when he had allowed his youki to fully surface. He couldn't help it though, the thought of another man touching what was his, set him into a rage.
When they noticed they had an audience, Kagome jumped quickly into an explanation. Sumire was even more unsettled when Kagome spoke in detail of her encounter only a few minutes before. Inuyasha again fumed over the fact that Daichi had been close enough to touch his miko. Judging by the lack of distance he was keeping Kagome at, Sumire assumed he was preforming his own scent marking. Apparently inu youkai must think it an effective deterrent to other males. At least she thought as much. She didn't inherit her father's keen nose that would have rivaled theirs, though it was common knowledge that many youkai possessed a highly developed sense of smell. Her human retainers hadn't the ability to teach her on the mannerisms of youkai, especially the inu variety. This was all a bit of a learning curve for her.

“Sumire, you need to step out for awhile.” Inuyasha tried to keep his voice steady but he knew his demand came out as menacing growl. Sumire only nodded in understanding before leaving them alone in the bedroom.

“Inuyasha?” Kagome whispered, still unsure of the angrily pulsing youki rolling off her hanyou in waves.

“He touched you Kagome! He was close enough to touch you. Dammit!” He growled again, wrapping her in both arms once again. His muscles quivered as they fought the need to tear something apart.

“He was but Sesshoumaru was there before anything could happen.”

Inuyasha made a mental note to thank his brother before he gave into his need. Lifting Kagome up he crushed his mouth against hers, ignoring the startled cry she gave. All he wanted to do was erase any trace of the General from her. To imprint his very being on her skin. Before she had time to resist, he had let her feet touch ground and in another instant laid out on the futon beneath him. Sesshoumaru likely wasn't going to like the scent in his room when he returned but be damned if Inuyasha was waiting any longer.

He continued his assault on her mouth, only breaking contact to draw in a ragged breath when he felt they both could take no more. Kagome's face was flushed as she looked up at him in curious awe. He expected to see a frightened miko lying beneath him not this sweet seductress. With renewed vigor he battled with her mouth once more.

With his weighted balanced on one arm he used his other hand to fight the confines of her clothing. Successful, his clawed hand was soon sprawled across the warm, flat expanse of her stomach. Spurred on by the soft moans from Kagome his hand worked faster until it was settled over one breast. He stopped when Kagome tensed under him.

“Sorry Kagome, I can't stop though. I have to make you mine.” He tried to apologize but he knew there would be no stopping him now. His voice was coarse and sounding more like a beast with each passing breath. The youkai pulsing through him was just too strong. He cringed inwardly when he could see red eyes reflecting in Kagome's blue orbs.

“It's fine Inuyasha. I'm just nervous and this is all new to me. I understand.” Kagome shyly smiled up at him. “I want this just as much as you.”

Growling in frustration he forced himself to slow. Kagome deserved as much. Hell, this was all new to him too. He focused on her eyes, her voice and her heart beat. Tried to match her speed as much as he could. She wouldn't resist him, that was certain but he wanted to make this as much his moment as hers. He would claim her now for all to know who she belonged to and in her own right, she would claim him.

“Kami, I love you.” He whispered as his hands finished their work of disrobing the both of them. Those doe eyes that stared back at him with complete trust would be the death of him. How had he been so lucky to find a woman as wonderful as she?

“I love you too Inuyasha.” Kagome reached up to pull him back down for an intense kiss. “I love you with all my heart.”

Sumire had passed an awkward hour, as Kagome and Inuyasha were alone in Sesshoumaru's bedroom. Her face blushed intense crimson with every noise that came from behind those doors. It didn't take a genius to figure out what was going on in the room beside her. She was just thankful that the guards had remained outside Sesshoumaru's private quarters and not in the room with her. If she had to sit through this with other men in the room she would have died in embarrassment.

Curse them! She knew that she was going to think of that 'act' every time she was in that room now and that was the one place she was guaranteed to be alone with Sesshoumaru. Inuyasha was going to pay when everything settled down. She blocked out the noise with evilly playful plans against the hanyou. She imagined skillfully placed water buckets, curry flavoured food and a whole host of other tricks to play on him.

A knock came from the main door and a guard bowed respectfully as he entered. “I must speak with Inuyasha my Lady.”

Sumire was none to anxious to go break up the two lovers, but thankfully she didn't have to. Inuyasha emerged from the bedroom, striding past her like nothing had happened. He spoke quietly with the guards before turning back towards her. It was then she noted Kagome had emerged from the bedroom as well.

“I have to go. The guards will stay in the room with you. Neither one of you is to leave here without Sesshoumaru or me.” He didn't even wait for a response as he turned and left.

“I hope this goes alright.” Sumire heard Kagome say. She wanted to respond but when she turned to Kagome all she could do was blush furiously and trip over her words. Nothing understandable even came out.

“Oh dear.” Kagome suddenly blushed herself when it dawned at her the source of Sumire's awkwardness.

“How about we just skip this topic all together?” Sumire finally suggested once she got past her own bashfulness.

“Thank you.” Kagome's humiliation would take some time to fade, she was sure of that. She was thankful that her friend understood and was quick to get past that stage. Not once during her amazing love making with Inuyasha had she considered that her friend might bear witness to the session, even if it was just though hearing. She was mortified to think that Sesshoumaru would know as soon as he stepped foot in his room. Oh Kami, they had done it in the Taiyoukai's room! What the hell had they been thinking?

They hadn't been thinking. Both were so caught up in the moment that it wouldn't have mattered where they were. Oh, this was just getting worse and worse. She drew her hand up to her face, massage the bridge of her nose and sighing deeply. Not much she could do about it now.

“Let's move back into the bedroom so we have some privacy.” Sumire suggested, motioning to the guards that had moved into the sitting room.

“Agreed.” Kagome entered first, and made a bee line for the futon she had just shared a very intimate moment with Inuyasha on. Ripping the bedding from it, she balled up the mess and tossed it aside. Then she raced to the window, throwing it open in an attempt to air out their 'scent'. If she was staying  in here for the time being she could at least try to limit her mortification before Sesshoumaru returned.

Sumire picked up on what she was doing and jumped in to assist her friend. Kagome notice her grab a bottle of strong smelling perfume and shake an ample amount on the sheets. She took another sheet and tossed the balled up mass into it. Tying it into a neat parcel, she proceeded to take it out and asked one of the guards to throw it out. Smiling brightly at them she said she had accidentally spilled the contents of one of her perfumes and the strong smelling liquid would most certainly offend Sesshoumaru's nose. Requesting them to throw away the sheets and bring a clean set, they were most happy to rid the room of the rank smelling perfume.

“I'm guessing we couldn't salvage those sheets anyhow.” Sumire grinned, quickly getting over the awkwardness and finding the humour in their situation.

“Probably not!” Kagome finally smiled, giving way to a fit of giggles. Sumire joined her until they were laughing heartily in the room.

“Incense?” Sumire quirked an eyebrow, adding fuel to their laughter once more.

Kagome finally began to calm herself. Wiping a tear from her eye she grasped the hand of her friend and pulled her down on the futon with her. With a hearty sigh she smiled brightly. “I think we both needed that. My mother always told me that laughter was the best cure for anything.”

“Hmmmm.” Sumire mused with similar feelings and leaned against the miko. “What do we do now Kagome-chan?”

“Wait I guess. That is the only thing we can do.” Kagome might have just had the ultimate stress reliever but that didn't change their situation any. Daichi was under the same roof as them, both had been through a hell of a trip in the last few days and their relationship status had both changed drastically in the last few days. Hers especially.

Kagome couldn't help but let her mind get lost in images of what had transpired just an few moments ago. The heat. The passion. Their heartbeats joined as if one. His red eyes had been terrifying but he had held her with such care that she couldn't fear them. His words of endearment had been so loving. His hands rough and his touch satin all in the same moment. His voice. His scent. His kiss. All amazing.

“You were right.” Sumire sighed beside her, bringing her out of her trance. Kagome had to focus to understand the words that were spoke beside her.

“About what?”

“Rethinking my situation. It's not as bad as I thought it was.” Sumire could thank the woman beside her for making her life a little easier. Had it not been for Kagome, she was certain that she would still be harbouring an unrealistic hatred for a man who did not deserve it. “My parents chose Sesshoumaru-sama for a reason. They trusted him to protect me and I should try to place my trust in him as well.”

Kagome smiled brightly at the young youkai beside her. Finally! Progress was being made. Sumire may not regard Sesshoumaru as a prospect in love but at least she was trying to make peace with him and herself. That was a giant obstacle that had just been overcome.

“Good things come to those who wait. You're just starting to work though things Sumire-chan. Give yourself time to adjust to all these new realizations. Keep an open mind and above all, trust your heart. Only it can give you that answers you seek.”

Sumire nodded in silence. She had many adjustments to make and Kagome was right. She needed to keep an open mind and allow herself to work through the many stereotypes she had developed. Trusting Sesshoumaru was something that she could work on. First thing first. Asahara Daichi.

“About what was said about Daichi. Is it really possible that he wasn't the one who killed my people? Sesshoumaru-sama's spy mentioned this Asahara Ren and Yuuji person. Who do you think did it Kagome?”

“I'm still going with my gut on this Sumire-chan. I don't think Daichi killed them. However, he still is somewhat responsible as he ordered the deaths of anyone who had harmed you. I think we still need to be very cautious of him. He may not be guilty of their deaths entirely but his mind has been twisted by his elder brother. I think it prudent  for you to watch your actions around Sesshoumaru-sama. Daichi doesn't know you are married to him. I'm guessing that he won't like it when he does find out. If you give him any reason to suspect that Sesshoumaru is mistreating you, your husband will become his next target.”

Kagome took stock of the emotions that crossed over her friends face. It was evident that she hadn't considered such a possibility. However, Kagome had spent a great deal of time going over the subsequent scenarios that could happen in the next few days. Sumire and Sesshoumaru weren't the only ones who had to worry. The way Daichi's eyes had raked over her could only mean that Inuyasha was going to have to watch his actions.

Despite wanting to give Daichi the benefit of a doubt, she wasn't all that sure that he wasn't just as dangerous as they had initially thought. True, he had been severely psychologically manipulated and unknowingly forced into his roll. That didn't change the fact that he was a trained killer, and all too able to create a whole heap of trouble for them. The only way this would all turn in their favor was to be able to convince him of the wrong that had been done against him.

How did one go about trying to convince a man that everything he thought he knew was wrong? All that he trusted was not as it seemed. Kagome knew it wasn't going to be a walk in the park. To Daichi they were the enemy. Enemies were not trustworthy and usually weren't on a mission to aid you. They were going to be telling him the brother he thought he knew was actually the source of all his woes. That his brother, whom had taken him under his wing, was the one responsible for his mother's death and Risa's abuse and violation.

Her mother had been a strong advocate of the saying, 'things are not always as they seem.' Kagome just hoped Daichi was as receptive to the idea as her mother had been.