InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sedition of Will ❯ The Turtle Lord ( Chapter 10 )

Sedition of Will

“The Turtle Lord”

 

 

Rin tugged at the drawstrings of her traveling satchel, which stubbornly resisted and remained knotted shut. This evening was turning out to have more of a chore-like feel to it than she could have ever imagined. One doesn't realize how dependent they are on their limbs until suddenly one of them goes out of service. Rin discovered it was no easy task trying to take a bath with one leg suspended in the air. Then once out of the bath, drying was more or less holding a towel to her leg while the brisk air slowly dried her pruned skin, all the while her teeth clattering together. Finally the draw string of her pack gave way leaving Rin with the next thorny trial of the evening. She unfolded the beautiful cherry blossom kimono Kuniko had given her and spread it out over the bed. Even by noble standards it was a striking robe and would be most suitable for meeting her host, supposing she could first get into it. She hopped to the bedside in a one footed dance and nabbed the robe from the covers. Leaning against the wall with one arm and supporting the robe in the other, Rin hobbled along the room to the full length mirror. Finally she reached her destination and shrugged the inner robe over her shoulders. She wobbled this way and that trying to get the angle on her collar just right so it would fit neatly inside the elaborate outer kimono. Rin couldn't quite get the outer rim of the collar at her back to fold correctly. Huffing in frustration she snatched up a brush and teetered around in a small circle in front of the mirror, whacking at her collar with the handle.

 

Michiyo strolled in just as Rin was making a final lunge with the brush and the two women froze, staring at one another. Rin's eyebrow twitched as Michiyo burst out laughing. The mouse youkai laughed until her sides ached and Rin finally yielded a sheepish grin. She had to admit it must have been a funny sight to see a girl hopping around on one leg with a clutter of activity going on with the other limbs. They shared in a good natured laugh while Michiyo helped Rin into her kimono and secured her obi. She folded the collar so it hung down in a neat dip a few inches above Rin's shoulder blades.

 

“Thank you. I never learned to endure injury with elegance.” Rin groaned. Michiyo grinned and picked up the brush Rin had discarded. She stroked it through Rin's long hair, smoothing the black tresses until it shone like well polished ebony.

 

“You know, perhaps I ought to stop treating your wound with the elderbrone leaves. Ishimaru's court has lacked an entertainer for centuries.” Michiyo teased. Rin rolled her eyes with mock vexation.

 

“Annnyway, tell me about those `elderbrone' leaves.” Rin inquired as she checked her appearance in the looking glass. “I don't really know when Lord Sesshoumaru is returning. Will I be healed soon?”

 

“Oh, I should imagine so. Or at least well on your way. Humans are especially inclined to feel the medicinal properties of the leaves. I harvest them every ten years from a special orchard in the mountains. Does my Lady Rin have an interest in plants?” Michiyo asked. Rin grinned impishly at Michiyo's reflection.

“I don't know this lady you speak of but I love flowers and plants.” Rin said with a grin.

 

The two women chatted for awhile longer, leisurely preparing for dinner. Rin found that the mouse handmaiden reminded her very much Kuniko. It was nice to have someone to talk to again. Jakken and Ah-Un didn't make very for very good chatter, and Lord Sesshoumaru certainly wasn't going to. Rin also discovered that Michiyo was quite an accomplished dancer. This was both delightful and exasperating. Rin had always wanted to expand her skills in dance but of course when she finally met a master dancer she had a mild case of youkai attack.

 

“I'd love it if you could teach me a few pieces. I've always wanted to learn. Kuniko, my teacher, mostly focuses on shamisen.”

 

“Oh that's wonderful! We can play for each other. I'd be honored to have you learn! The castle can get a bit dull. You're quite a welcome change you know.” Michiyo replied with a wide smile.

 

“I don't know exactly when Lord Sesshoumaru will return. But I'd love a few lessons.”

 

“Well you'll just have to stay with us a long time.” Michiyo tittered as she arranged the pair of crutches under Rin's arms.

 

The mouse youkai hovered next to her as she took her first tentative limps forward. Rin's hips felt like a potato stuck between two chopsticks, swinging to and fro, about to slip out any second. After a few minutes of practice Rin felt comfortable enough to finally venture out. Michiyo opened the door for her and they made their way down the hallway side by side.

 

“Michiyo? I don't know anything about your lord. What is he like?” Rin asked as they shuffled along.

 

“Oh he's a very kind and wise youkai. He's been Lord of the Turtles for thousands of years. He and Lord Sesshoumaru's father were allies long ago. Ours was always a humble province compared to the Inutaisho's but they regarded each other with great respect. Lord Ishimaru was eager to support the Inu banner when the Dog Clan and the Cat Clan were at war. I was just a mouseling when Lord Toga died….” Michiyo's voice trailed off. She took a deep breath and continued. “Lord Ishimaru has long been a patron of my family. Like my mother before me I serve as the castle healer. He has ever been kind to my family.” Michiyo said with a smile.

 

“Well good. I'll be glad to meet him.” Rin replied.

 

They reached the end of the long hallway and Michiyo led her into a spacious room with a high ceiling. In the center of the room was a low table with cushions situated neatly around it. Kneeling on one of the cushions was the oldest looking man Rin had ever seen. He was completely bald and covered in so many wrinkles it looked like his skin was several times too large for his knobby body. For what he lacked in head hair he made up for in two bushy white eyebrows that sagged over his wise old eyes like umbrellas. When he saw Rin he opened his mouth in a wide toothless grin.

 

“Ahhh! Our little guest is has awoken!” He crackled. “As you can guess I am Ishimaru. Welcome to my household.”

 

He had a genuine and friendly tone. Rin liked him immediately. She smiled and bowed as low as she could with her crutches.

 

“Pleased to meet you Lord Ishimaru. I am Rin. Thank you so much for allowing me to stay here. I know you probably only invited Lord Sesshoumaru so I hope I am not a burden.” Rin replied earnestly.

 

“Nonsense girl! Please come sit. We are pleased to have you. Though I must say I was surprised when Lord Sesshoumaru stormed the castle gates demanding we tend his unconscious ward!” He chuckled.

 

He motioned a boney hand at Rin to join him. Rin hid a smile that tugged at her lips at the thought of Lord Sesshoumaru throwing the castle into upheaval over her. Michiyo helped settle on the cushion across the table from Ishimaru. When she was sure Rin was comfortable the mouse youkai patted Rin's shoulder reassuringly and excused herself, leaving Rin and the Turtle Lord alone.

 

“I trust you're finding everything you need?” Ishimaru asked.

 

“Oh yes! Michiyo has been a wonderful help. You have a beautiful castle.” Rin replied vibrantly.

 

“Well thank you for saying so. You'll get to see more of it soon as that wolf nip heals up. How is it?”

 

“Its not as bad as I thought it would be. Michiyo has these wonderful herbs she's been treating it with. She says I'll be almost entirely recovered in a few days.” Rin chirped.

 

“Michiyo is a very capable healer. Best in all the land if you ask me. Takes good care of these old bones of mine.” He said, smacking a hand against his bony knee for emphasis causing Rin to giggle. The door slid open and three uniformed youkai strolled in carrying plates of steaming food. Rin's mouth began to water immediately at the smell of the delicious meal being arranged in front of them. She had to resist the urge to snatch up the chopsticks at her place setting and shovel it directly into her mouth. Ishimaru gave a snorting laughter at her obvious enthusiasm.

 

“Don't be shy girl! Go ahead!” He urged. He picked up his bowl of rice and began adding morsels of the fine dishes to it. That was all the encouragement Rin needed and she eagerly did the same. The food was delicious. Rin wondered how long it had been since she'd had a real meal. Ishimaru chuckled in approval.

 

“A healthy appetite for a healthy soul I always say.”

 

Rin grinned back at him. Several grains of rice stuck to his face and the trivial humor of it made Rin feel all the more comfortable in the foreign castle.

 

“So tell me girl. How does a young human woman end up with the great Inu Taisho?” Ishimaru asked in between bites.

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru revived me from death when I was very young. I was attacked and killed by wolf demons in the forest. He raised me up with Tenseiga from the land of the dead.” Rin replied softly. She always felt a mix of hesitation and obligation of gratitude when recalling her first encounter with Lord Sesshoumaru.

 

“Did he now? Seems he took to his father's sword after all. But still, you did not return to your people?” Ishimaru prodded curiously.

 

“My family was killed by bandits when I was barely old enough to walk. None of the villagers wanted to take in a girl with such bad luck. Before the wolves I had met Lord Sesshoumaru in the woods after he was wounded in battle with his brother. I tried to bring him food. Of course he didn't want anything to do with that.” She said with an embarrassed laugh.

 

“Well Lord Sesshoumaru has always been a fastidious youkai.” Ishimaru replied casually.

 

“Oh no! Lord Sesshoumaru has always been very kind to me! He treated me better than anyone in my life!” Rin countered truthfully.

 

“Is that so?” Ishimaru asked, sounding quite amused.

 

“Yes! After he revived me he let me stay with him at his castle. He looked after me when no one else would. I owe him everything.”

 

“So you think Lord Sesshoumaru took pity on you?” Ishimaru inquired, lifting his sagging eyebrows to her.

 

Rin hesitated.

 

“I…I don't really know.”

 

“Ahhh. Well, I suspect pity had little, if nothing to do with it.” He said with a wink. “You seem like a charming girl.” Ishimaru replied with a chuckle. Rin laughed nervously.

 

“No…not really. I don't know why Lord Sesshoumaru has been so nice to me. I'm just glad he lets me stay. I wouldn't trade my life for the world.” She said softly. A knowing grin pulled at Ishimaru's wizened old face.

 

“It's not exactly conventional for a human to live among demons. Don't you ever wonder what its like to live a normal life? Don't you ever want to get married and have the life other humans are entitled to?” He asked sincerely. Rin blushed and her chopsticks halted halfway to her mouth.

 

“Well..” she started slowly. “To be honest, I do think about things like that. A lot actually. But…” Rin struggled to find the words to match the thoughts that passed through her mind daily. “I would never…I could never leave Lord Sesshoumaru. He's been everything to me.”

 

Ishimaru peered over his bowl at the girl across from him. She was only poking at her food now. He clucked his tongue from side to side in his toothless maw.

 

“Do you think given the chance at a regular human life you would take it?”

 

Rin set down her chopsticks now and gazed levelly back at the old turtle lord.

 

“I have grown up at my Lord's side. Even if I wanted to, I could never live among people again. I would rather die than have Lord Sesshoumaru cast me off.” She replied with quiet austerity.

 

 

“Brave girl. Perhaps not the wisest, but very courageous.” Ishimaru chuckled. “Myoga was quite right.”

 

Rin blinked.

 

“You've spoken with Myoga?” Rin asked, quite surprised.

 

“Oh yes! Old coot came by just before you arrived. Said quite nice things about you. Ever since you started hanging out around Lord Sesshoumaru he's curbed that rash streak of his. Said you're `a good influence on him.' And I'm inclined to believe it.” Ishimaru recited. He waved his hand dismissively as if it were only a trivial matter, though he stole a sly glance at Rin.

 

Rin blushed and folded her hands in her lap. She couldn't imagine Lord Sesshoumaru acting rashly over anything. He just wasn't that type of demon. And what could that possibly have to do with her? These old men must really be getting up in years, she concluded.

 

“Either way, seems the Inu youkai lineage was destined to find companionship in humans. Fate has a funny way of humbling us. You just be careful girl. Demons and humans are as different as birds and fish. The world is enemy to such pairings.”

 

“Lord Ishimaru I think there has been some sort of misunderstanding. To Lord Sesshoumaru I am…exactly what I am. A human. He would never compromise his beliefs. Especially over some silly girl.” She replied softly.

 

“Mmm, I suppose you must be right.” Ishimaru shrugged dismissively. Rin peeked up at him. The aged demon's eyes were twinkling with some inward amusement. Rin felt like she should object but had no idea why. Of course Lord Sesshoumaru had no special deference for her. Why did he seem to be needling the subject? Before she could think further he changed the subject.

 

“So had your Lord made any plans to see his brother's whelp? Myoga says it won't be long now.”

 

“I don't know really. Myoga just told us as well. Lord Sesshoumaru hasn't really gotten along with his brother. I don't think the idea excited him very much, though I would love to see how Kagome is doing. I haven't seen her in a long time. I remember her being a very sweet and caring miko.” Rin replied, pushing the other thoughts aside.

 

Ishimaru nodded thoughtfully. He gathered a napkin up and wiped the clinging rice grains from his face, though a few still remained. He reached into the sleeve of his loose kimono and procured a small pipe. He packed the bowl with a pinch of tobacco. He raised a craggy finger and Rin watched in amazement as a candle sized flame sparked up from nothingness. Ishimaru held the end of his pipe to the small fire and inhaled deeply. The pinch of tobacco ignited and glowed in the bowl and he waved out the small flame with his hand.

 

“Well I do so hope you get to see them.” He said finally. “Though…I suspect after your leg heals you'll be finding yourself quite busied. In any case, anything you need in this castle, consider it yours. Any friend of the Inutaisho is a most welcome guest in my household.” He settled back with his pipe and puffed contentedly.

 

Rin pushed herself back from the table and made a low bow.

 

“Thank you so much Lord Ishimaru. You are very kind. I won't make a nuisance of myself.” She replied earnestly.

 

“Oh nonsense. This castle could use some excitement. Make all the trouble you want!” He cackled, waving the tip of is pipe at Rin.

 

She grinned widely. `Yes,' she thought `I like it here very much.'

 

A desert of sweet rice cakes was served and they enjoyed them in comfortable silence. After the meal was finished Ishimaru bid her good-night and excused himself. Michiyo appeared again and helped Rin back to her room. Michiyo changed he bandages and helped her out of her kimono. When Rin laid her head down on the pillow of her bed she found herself unable to sleep. She had never lived a typical life, but recently it seemed even more fraught with confusion than usual.

 

She sighed and rolled over, brushing her fingertips on the fresh bandages. That wolf had really intended to kill her…and much more…

 

Rin shuddered. There was no question in Rin's mind what the wolf youkai had been after. He tore her robe open with hungry carnal eyes. Looking to conquer and lay waste. Rin didn't want to die a virgin, but that was far from how she imagined it. Rin spent long nights tilling her thoughts on the subject. Rin desired physical affection. That had started many years ago around the time of her first menstruation. Much like the shock of the sight of her first blood, she was baffled by the foreign longing. If she ran her fingertips on the underside of her wrist she found herself wishing it was someone else's fingertips. Someone like Lord Sesshoumaru. An unconscious flush rose to her cheeks. She was sure anyone who looked at her would see right through to her thoughts.

 

Yes, Rin did want affection. But it was also in complete opposition to everything else she wanted. Rin couldn't imagine leaving Lord Sesshoumaru's castle. No longer able to tend his gardens or take lessons from Kumiko, and most importantly, not able to see Lord Sesshoumaru. Though Lord Sesshoumaru laid no official claims over her, she sensed he would not allow her to stay if she commiserated with another male. Not that she wanted to do that anyway. Lord Sesshoumaru had made no secret about what he thought of her kind but she always felt exempt from that harsh judgment. In her more thoughtful moments she realized it was probably because she came to him so young. Innocent of the aspects Sesshoumaru so deplored in mankind. Now that she no longer had the excuse of being a child it was perhaps only her enduring purity that permitted her to stay. So if no one else could love her….couldn't perhaps Lord Sesshoumaru?

 

When did her adoration for Sesshoumaru turn so heated? Rin raised her arms upward and gazed at them. Just a few nights ago Sesshoumaru had held them close and caressed them as never before. It made her feel so entirely indescribable. And so fully wonderful. A small flicker of warmth resonated low in her belly. Just being near him elicited feelings both physical and emotional that Rin didn't know she had the capacity to feel. And she somehow knew there was still more she was missing. But what? Would she ever know? Sesshoumaru had pushed her away and she knew it must have been because she was unsatisfactory. She was after all, a human. And an inexperienced one at that. Someone as great as Lord Sesshoumaru would expect more than what some silly fawning girl could offer. Rin sighed hopelessly and flopped over in her bed. Ishimaru was right. Humans were fools.