Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Daughter of the Forest RK Style ❯ In Good Company ( Chapter 11 )

Full Summary: Kaoru, the only daughter of an Irish King, must save her six brothers from an enchantment placed on them by an evil sorceress. What will happen when she falls in love with a Britain? Story is based off of Juliet Marillier’s book Daughter of the Forest. KK
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or Daughter of the Forest. As much as I’d love to take credit for Nobuhiro Watsuki's and Juliet Marillier’s creations, I’d rather keep what little money I have.
This story is a work of fiction and should not be taken as a serious era piece. Sevenwaters, Harrowfield, Northwoods and the Three Sacred Islands are made up places.
A/N:
Italics mean mental conversations.
Daughter of the Forest RK Style
Chapter 11: In Good Company

The very next day, I sought out Kiyoshi and picked Figwort. Neither Kiyoshi nor Mine were thrilled when they learned of my task. When they failed to talk me out of collecting Figwort, they immediately offered to assist me. Not willing to take any chances, I declined. When the Tuatha De Danann command something of you, you follow their orders to the letter. They told me that this was my task and that no one was allowed knowledge of its purpose. I must bare this burden on my own.
The next few days of gathering and preparing Figwort went well. For a while I thought I might be able to finish my work without incident until Sakura and her seamstresses caught me working on the spindle. They were appalled at my task and banned me from my needed supplies. All Sakura would tell me was that it was unladylike and barbaric.
I had planned to hide my work in my room, but that would not be. When Kenshin saw me constructing a spindle he immediately questioned Mine. He became furious when he found out about his mother's attitude and asked to speak with her privately in his chambers the following day.
I don't know what Kenshin told her, but relations between Sakura and I have become more tense. She now allows me free reign to the sewing equipment, but I can sense her hatred and resentment. She never goes out of her way to make me feel comfortable and doesn't hide the fact from her son. No matter how many times Kenshin spoke to Sakura, her attitude never lightened. After a month Kenshin gave up and now I am constantly being watched by Mine. I enjoy her company and thus I do not complain.
As horrible as Sakura treats me, I cannot blame her for her actions. What I am doing is highly unusual and suspicious. I'm sure that the rumors of me being a Sorceress out to ensnare Kenshin have also not helped support my cause.
I can't really be angry with her for trying to protect her son. It's only natural for a mother to try to eliminate any possible threat towards her family. If I were in her situation, I would be cautious as well. Did I not once agree with my brothers that it is best to remain cautious when dealing with Lady Yumi?
If only people would realize that nothing is going on between Kenshin and I. I admit that the man is handsome and pleasant enough, but what we have is a strictly business like relationship. He wants what little information I have on Akira and I need a place to fulfill my task.
Plus, Kenshin is a man of his word. He is to be wed to Tomoe and I highly doubt anything will change his mind. From everything that I have heard, Tomoe and Kenshin are meant for one another. Not only are they childhood friends, but she also has both beauty and brains. How could anyone imagine a slip of a girl like me to be any sort of threat towards someone as perfect as her?
Not only that, I highly doubt Kenshin could be so easily swayed by the likes of a sorceress. Kenshin is much too cunning and strong willed to fall for such petty tricks. People highly underestimate his abilities.
“Marina, are you well? You seem rather distracted,” Mine comments while softly placing a hand on my shoulder.
I look back at Mine whose face is filled with concern. Two months have past since I first met the woman, yet I have never seen her so worried. I suddenly feel guilty for getting caught up in my thoughts. How can I be so thoughtless as to forget that she has been sitting beside me the entire time? Not to mention, I forgot about the thread and needle in my hands. I really need to pay more attention.
“You've been working far too hard lately. Let me at least tend to your wounds,” Mine softly replies while gently placing my hands into hers.
With silent tears rolling down her checks, she replies in a faint voice, “I know that there is a purpose behind these shirts you are making, but I can't stand to see one of my good friends suffering like this. I will not ask you to stop your task, since I know Kenshin has already tried, but I will not allow you to continue abusing yourself. If you must insist on creating these shirts, at least allow me to treat your hands. It's the least I can do to relieve your pain.”
Using the back of my hand, I slowly drag my hand across her check in an attempt to dry her tears. I can't stand the thought of Mine crying at my expense. Tears do not befit this woman. She should be ever smiling and joyful, especially with a child on the way.
Smiling back, Mine continues, “Plus I'd hate to see the woman who's going to help deliver my baby unable to do so because she fails to take care of her health.”
My eyes widen in disbelief. Why would this woman trust me with the delivery of her first-born child? She would trust an enemy to deliver her child without prior knowledge of their ability? I know that we have become friends, but I'm still Irish. Her people hate me!
“Kenshin told me what you did for him back in the cave. If it were not for you, he would be dead. You are a very skilled healer to be able to improvise like you did. Kenshin trusts you with his life, so why wouldn't I trust you with my child's. I would be honored if you would help bring my child into this world,” Mine replies with a heart felt smile graced upon her face.
For the first time in what feels like ages, my heart bursts with joy as I hug the woman in front of me. The fact that she trusts me with what will become the most important person in her life makes me feel important. Never have I felt so excepted in my entire life.
“I'm happy to see the two of you in higher spirits. I think this is the first time that I have seen you truly smile Marina. I was starting to worry that I wasn't taking proper care of my two favorite ladies,” Kenshin remarks with a wink.
“I swear, you can be worse than Jiro when it comes to sweet talking the ladies. You should know better than to show your affections towards a happily married woman,” Mine retorts playful.
“As you should know better than to take the word of a man who's already taken,” Kenshin replies back in an equally playful tone.
“I've seen the glances you've made in my direction. Do not deny it. You may be promised to another, but your heart is all mine. I wonder how my husband will feel about your affections?” Mine retorts amusedly.
“I come in here to find out what's taking Kenshin so long only to find my wife speaking of another man's affections towards her. I hope you have a good explanation for this Kenshin,” Kiyoshi says with annoyance.
“Oro? It's nothing like that, I promise. I was just...” Kenshin manages to stumble out with wide eyes.
“Do you really think I would accuse you of trying to steal my wife?” Kiyoshi chuckles, “How I enjoy catching you off guard. The 'oro' never fails to amuse me.”
Scratching the back of his head Kenshin replies, “You enjoy making me suffer don't you?”
“What kind of friend would I be if I did not?” Kiyoshi replies with a wicked grin upon his face.
“A much kinder one,” Kenshin says under his breath.
“Things would be dull without me. Do not pretend that you do not find my antics amusing,” Kiyoshi says with a goofy grin.
Kenshin smiles back at Kiyoshi before uttering, “I almost forgot why I came up here. Word has been sent that Tomoe will be arriving for dinner and will remain in the house for a short visit. I was given rather short notice, or otherwise I would have alerted the household sooner.”
Kenshin judges Mine and my reaction before continuing, “Sadly, Gohei will also be making an appearance. Unlike last time, I will not allow him to get out of line. You will remain safe as long as you're within my house Marina. Just to be safe, I ask that you remain with Jiro, Kiyoshi, Mine or myself for the entirety of the visit. I don't want to take any chances with your safety.”
I nod back in understanding. I would have done what he suggests whether or not he commanded it. There is no way that I would suffer Kenshin's uncle alone. I am not foolish enough to believe that his attitude towards my people has changed in the past two months.
“We will leave the two of you to prepare for dinner. I'm sure that you will want to look your best for our guests. We will come back to escort you two ladies before dinner starts,” Kenshin states with a bow.
“We shall eagerly await our escorts,” Mine replies with a wink in my direction.
I nod my head slowly in agreement before looking towards Kenshin. He smiles back happily before making his way towards the door. Kiyoshi smiles wickedly towards his wife before following in Kenshin's lead.
As soon as the men’s' footsteps are out of hearing range, Mine gently grabs my wrist and leads me towards a chair in the center of the room. Searching through the drawers she takes out a container of some strange cream and a pair of tweezers. With both items in hand, she pulls up a chair and sets herself directly in front of me.
Placing my hands in her own, she critically examines them. Without so much as a sound, she picks up the tweezers and begins to pick out the tiny thistles still implanted in my skin. With a serious look etched on her face, she fully emerges herself into the task.
Minutes pass by in silence before Mine smiles up at me and remarks, “This isn't so bad is it? Not only will your hands be feeling better in no time, but they will also look better. I'm sure in a couple of weeks Kenshin will be thanking me.”
I do not quite understand the meaning behind Mine's last statement, but knowing her I don't care to find out. In situations like these, it's better to ignore her statements all together.
Reaching for the cream beside her, Mine continues, “My mother used to treat my wounds with this cream back home. If it could reduce the swelling of bee stings, I'm sure it will treat you hands nicely.”
I look back at Mine in confusion. What would she be doing with a cream such as this and why would she need to deal with bee stings?
Mine laughs merrily before replying, “I see that Kenshin hasn't told you my story. I don't know if I should be insulted or feel relieved.”
I just look back at her questioningly. Does she plan to tell me or is she going to laugh at me the entire evening?
“You have quite a temper Marina. One minute you're hugging me; the next you look like your plotting my demise. You're quite a strange girl,” Mine teases.
For some reason, everyone has been saying that lately. I never thought I was all that strange, but I guess it must be. The message has obviously been received, so people can stop informing me!
“Now, now. I'm sorry if I angered you. Sometimes I don't know when to stop teasing,” Mine says with an apologetic smile, “As for the story behind the cream, I came from a small village to the south. My family is known in those parts for our mastery in beekeeping. I had planned to remain on the farm and continue helping my parents, but everything changed once I met Kiyoshi.”
With a far away look in her eyes she continues, “It will have been three years come August since I first met Kiyoshi. I had been working all day collecting honey and had just taken a break. I was tired and less than presentable when he rode up to the house. There I was in front of one of the most beautiful men I had ever seen and I was covered in honey!”
Chuckling Mine looks back at me before continuing, “You can only imagine the relief I felt when he was unconcerned by my appearance. The longer I talked to Kiyoshi, the easier it was for me to let go and enjoy myself. It's amazing how easy conversation between the two of us came. After thirty minutes or so, we both made our farewells. Kiyoshi had errands to attend to, while my mother desperately needed me in the back.”
Recollecting her thoughts, Mine states, “Every week he would make such a visit. He would say that the Queen fancied a jar of honey, but I knew better than that. What woman can finish off a jar all by herself? Thinking back on it now, it's quite romantic. I often wonder what he actually did with all that honey?”
Mine says after laughing full heartedly, “Two months passed in such a fashion until one day Kenshin accompanied Kiyoshi in bidding my father a visit. That night, Kiyoshi formally asked my father for my hand in marriage. I knew that Kiyoshi was planning to eventually propose, but I never would have imagined it happening so soon or that the King would accompany him. The whole time I just speculated that he was part of Kenshin's royal guard. It never occurred to me that he might be kin.”
I nod my head in understanding. Did I not speculate the same? Worse, I thought Kenshin was a captain!
“My parents didn't even ask my opinion on the matter. Kenshin and my father had the entire wedding arranged by the time Kiyoshi was able to tell me the good news. Luckily, I had already fallen in love with the man or else I might have been angered by my parent's actions. I love my parents without question, but I still wish that they had consulted me before selling me off. What if I had only been pretending to enjoy his company? He was a customer after all!”
I just looked at Mine in sympathy. My father probably would have done the same had I remained in his care. In fact, I doubt he would have given me the honor of choosing a man I had already met. Whoever has the fattest purse or larger share of land would no doubt be chosen as my husband. I'm sure my father is angry right now that he lost such a valuable tool for his campaign.
“I hold no grudge against my parents though. They were good people and were well meaning. They wanted to see me better off and I can't say they were wrong,” Mine states with a sad smile on her face.
I would inquire more details about her parents, but I don't know how to express my question. How does one ask if someone's parents are still alive in a sensitive manner through gestures? I've gotten good at communicating, but not nearly that good. Plus, I don't want to be digging up unwanted memories, in the eve of entertaining important guests. Instead I decide to give her an apologetic look.
“It's alright. My parents lived good lives and I'm happy that they are now in a better place. Where ever they are, I'm sure they are together,” Mine replies with her cheerful demeanor back intact.
Hastily rising from her seat she grabs my wrist and directs me towards her closet. Letting go of my arm she eagerly looks through her dresses with a critical eye. Every once in a while she glances back and forth between the garments and myself.
Eventually she pulls out a midnight blue dress and remarks, “It might be a little big on you, but it will have to do. Put it on so I can see what alterations are needed.”
With little time to register her words, I am being pushed behind a curtain on the opposite side of the room. After the initial shock of being thrown around the room like a rag doll, I begin to change into the provided dress.
In excitement Mine states, “I haven't done anything like this in years. Rarely do I get the chance to dress up for a formal dinner with a friend. There's nothing more enjoyable than dressing someone else. I enjoy Sakura's company, but it's so nice to have a female closer to my age.”
As much as I hate the idea of dressing up, Mine's excitement is infectious. Even the prospect of getting prepared for a formal dinner with Gohei and Tomoe cannot stop me from enjoying myself right now. I seriously don't know what I would do without the woman's company. Life in this house would be harder, that's quite obvious.
As I am walking from behind the curtain Mine smiles at me with pride.
Facing me towards the mirror on the wall she comments, “That color looks absolutely lovely on you. From now on, you are going to wear more blue. It brings out the color of your eyes.”
Playing with the fabric, Mine replies, “You're still much too skinny, but I have to admit that you're filling out nicely. In a couple more months, you should be able to wear one of my dresses with little alterations.”
Smiling back at me she continues, “After I finish with the alterations, I'm sure you will turn heads.”
I smile back at Mine while taking in my appearance. I highly doubt I will be turning heads, but I have to agree that I have been gaining weight quickly. I could stand gaining a few more pounds, but at least my ribs aren't as noticeable as they once were.
Grabbing some pins, thread, needle and a leather belt, Mine begins working on the dress.
While watching me through the mirror Mine remarks, “I'm sure you're looking forward to meeting the famous Tomoe.”
I nod my head yes nervously. I don't know why the prospect of meeting Tomoe is so scary, but I guess it's because I don't know what to expect. Will she be kind to me or will she see me as a threat?
I'm sure that Kenshin would never agree to marry her if she were anything like her father, but I can't help but worry that she'll share her father's sentiments towards my people. I don't need another enemy, especially one who will soon be Kenshin's wife!
“You seem nervous,” Mine replies in concern. “Tomoe is a sweet girl. I'm sure you two will get along well.”
“If you are worried about Kenshin losing interest in you, I wouldn't concern myself over that. If anything, Tomoe's presence will remind him just how dull and dreary she can be!” Mine states with a sigh. “I can't blame the girl though. I would probably act the same if I had a father like hers. You have to possess patience and temperance in abundance to deal with a man like that, even to the point of becoming an overly polite and a seemingly empty void. I love the girl to death, but entertaining her is exhausting. You'll soon see what I mean.”
I am too shocked over the fact that someone said something negative about the angelic Tomoe to gesture any response. Everyone in the household, until this point, has praised her. Well, not Kenshin, Kiyoshi or Jiro. They don't really talk about her unless it has something to do with Kenshin's uncle, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. Kenshin probably wishes to keep his personal affairs secret.
Mine stops what she is doing and looks up at me inquisitively. It's almost as if she's looking for something. What she wants out of me, I have no clue.
“After tonight I hope you will start to see things a little more clearly. Don't take my word for it; look for yourself,” Mine says with an exasperated tone. “For such intelligent people, you and Kenshin sure aren't observant.”
I normally would have hit someone for talking to me like that, but I am much too confused to react. I don't know what to think anymore. I highly doubt Mine would be so adamant on the issue if she didn't seriously think there was something going on, but I just don't see it. Kenshin and I are just friendly. He has a reason for holding me as a guest, but it's not what Mine speculates. Trying to explain that would only make matters worse. I'd rather deal with her crazy theory than be hassled into speaking about Akira.
“I'm sorry that I spoke to you like I did. You are a guest and I sometimes forget that. It feels like I've known you longer than the two months you've resided here. I've taken far more liberties with my speech than is befitting. I will try to curb my tongue from now on,” Mine sorrowfully replies while nervously resuming her task.
I gently grab Mine's hand and raise her to her feet. Looking her straight in the eye I give her the best comforting smile I can muster. What she said may have been intrusive, but I do not mind. The fact that she is trying so hard to get Kenshin and I together is kind of flattering. After all, he is already betrothed and technically a part of her family.
Embracing me for the second time that day Mine chokes out, “I'm happy to have a friend like you.”
I just smile in an attempt to suppress my laughter. Her pregnancy has made her extremely moody in the past few weeks. I can understand why everyone in the household has been giving her space lately.
It seems like the only people in the house who aren't scared of her are Kiyoshi, Kenshin and I and even Kiyoshi has his moments. Mine practically made his ears bleed with all her yelling the other night. I don't think I have ever seen a man so terrified in my life. I highly doubt he or anyone in the household will eat any strawberries for the remainder of her pregnancy.
Luckily, I haven't had to endure such an event and I plan to keep it that way. My trick for dealing with pregnant women is to never get on their bad side. If you do, deflect their anger towards something else. Jiro is usually an easy scapegoat.
As for Kenshin, I don't think he's scared of anyone. Caught off guard sometimes, but not scared. If I could read my opponents half as well as Kenshin, I'm sure I would be just as relaxed.
No matter the situation, he always seems to find the right words or actions to take. For example, any time Mine seems irritated, Kenshin puts on a sympathetic smile and immediately talks about how unworthy he is. It's amazing how quickly the table turns on her.
What is more amazing is that she knows Kenshin's motives. As Mine once told me, “It's impossible to remain angry at Kenshin without feeling guilt ridden.”
It's got to be tough for Kiyoshi to know that he will never be able to control his wife's mood swings like Kenshin. I am surprised that he isn't resentful.
“What are you smiling about?” Mine states in agitation “You better not be laughing at me!”
I just smile back at her playfully. At times like these, I know better than to hide my intentions. Running away in cowardice is what gets Jiro in trouble constantly. It's best to be upfront and pass it off as teasing.
“You may be laughing now, but when you're pregnant with Kenshin's child, I will be the first one to pick on you.” Mine replies with a wicked grin.
I look at her in shock. She just apologized for teasing me too much and now she is speaking to me thus? Women are strange when they are pregnant.
“That's the first time you didn't give me a death glare. Is it possible that little Miss Marina is starting to come to terms with her feelings? Maybe I should make a meal tomorrow in celebration! I don't care if Kiyoshi has banned me from the kitchen for the entirety of my pregnancy; the cause is well worth my husband's anger.” Mine says ecstatically.
I just shake my head in disbelief while watching the woman before me excitedly grab her once abandoned thread and needle. I can't help but wonder why something so silly as not rebutting her comment could make her so happy? Silence does not always mean defeat; I'm just tired of convincing the hardheaded. I really don't understand Mine's logic.
After a couple of minutes of sewing in silence, Mine grabs the leather belt in front of her and starts adjusting it around my waist. Annoyed by the fact that the belt does not tighten far enough, she starts to curse under her breath. The few words that I am able to catch have me by surprise. I would have never believed that Mine knew such words!
I continue to watch the woman in amusement as she continues to play with the belt around my waist. Eventually she gives up and lets it fall loosely upon my hips.
With that done, Mine runs back to the closet and picks herself a full royal purple gown.
Running behind the screen to change, Mine states, “I don't know what to do with my hair. Kiyoshi always tells me to keep it down but I don't really think that is very appropriate. I think I'll put my hair up in a twist. I haven't done that in a while.”
Walking out from behind the screen, Mine looks at herself critically through the mirror.
Finally appeased with her appearance she looks back at me and says, “Now that I know what I'm going to do with my hair, it's time to deal with yours. You always wear you're hair in a high ponytail. I think you should do something different for a change.”
Sitting me in front of her dresser she lets down my hair and starts slowly brushing it.
“You have such beautiful hair! It's so long! You really shouldn't keep it up all the time. If we weren't having such a formal dinner I would insist you keep it down. I'd die for hair like yours!” Mine says with slight jealousy.
Smiling back at my reflection she comments, “You're hair is much too long for most of my typical hair styles. I think a bun might be best. What do you think?”
I nod back in agreement. I never have been one for fashion. I trust that Mine is much better at this sort of thing than I.
After a couple of minutes Mine finishes off my hair with a blue and white flower comb. For such a simple hairstyle, it looks quite sophisticated.
“You look absolutely lovely. I can't wait to see the reaction when the boys get a look at you. You have to allow me to present you formally when they come up to the room. I want the whole effect,” Mine exclaims in excitement.
I smile at her reflection in shared excitement. Something about seeing the men's reaction towards my formal attire will be nothing short of amusing.
Taking her place in front of the mirror, Mine begins to fix her hair. I'm sure Mine wouldn't ask me to fashion her hair for such a fancy dinner, being that I only know how to braid and make ponytails.
Mine's hair doesn't take very long, so for the next few minutes Mine decides to check the seams of my dress. Mine being the perfectionist that she is, wants to make sure that everything is aligned correctly. At the moment, I'm much too nervous about meeting Tomoe to care about the seams of my dress. Instead, I try to formulate the best way to deal with every possible encounter. It never hurts to be overly prepared.
Suddenly I am jolted out of my imaginings by a pounding at the door.
“Are you ladies ready or are we expected to wait another hour?” Jiro shortly inquires.
“I'm sure you're known by all the ladies at court for your unparalleled manners,” Mine replies sarcastically. “If you're patient I'll let you in soon enough.”
Looking towards me she points at the curtain used earlier to dress behind. Without having to be told again, I run behind it in anticipation.
“Why, hello there,” Mine playfully says while opening up the door. “What honor do you bestow upon us for such a formal visit?”
“You look as lovely as ever my love,” Kiyoshi replies with all the social graces of a man his standing.
Mine giggles out, “You flatter too much my lord.”
“I flatter only where flattery need be given,” Kiyoshi smoothly compliments.
“As lovely as this scene is, are you and Marina ready for dinner?” Jiro asks in boredom.
“Of course we are! Do you think I would allow you in if we were not?” Mine replies in agitation.
“I would like to formally present to you, Marina from the land of Erin. Her exact origins may be unknown but I highly doubt her presence will be so easily misplaced. Marina don't be shy and grace us with your company,” Mine playfully states.
Walking from behind the curtain, I look at the group before me. I can't help but smile as I notice Jiro staring at me. He would look more handsome if his eyes weren't literally popping out of their sockets.
My eyes soon glance towards Kiyoshi and Mine who are smiling at me in pride. Strangely their gaze makes me feel like a long lost daughter.
I suddenly turn towards Kenshin in awe. I have always known how handsome he is, but I can't help but admire how gorgeous he looks at the moment. He looks absolutely stunning in the blue and black dress suit.
Looking into his eyes I suddenly blush at my actions. Was I just admiring him? I need to stop this. He's taken!
Taking my hand, Kenshin slowly presses a kiss upon my knuckles. Never once does his eye contact falter. I can't help but shiver at the simple gesture.
“You look beautiful Marina. I can't help but notice that we match.” Kenshin says with a gentle smile graced upon his lips.
I blush in embarrassment and quickly look down at the floor below me. I need to settle down. The day is starting to catch up with me.
“What a coincidence,” Mine replies while smiling back at her husband.
“Quite,” Kiyoshi says in perfect imitation of his wife.
I knew something was going on when I hadn't recognized the dress. I'm going to give her the most evil eye I can muster the minute I get her alone!
“We best be going. I'd hate to keep our guests waiting.” Kenshin says while presenting me his arm.
I entwine my arm with his readily while he leads me toward the banquet hall. Mine, Kiyoshi and Jiro follow just far enough to give the illusion of privacy. This in itself angers me to no end. Are we just some project to them?
In a hushed voice Kenshin comments, “Let them revel in their victory for now. We'll get them back in kind soon enough.”
I just smile back victoriously knowing that Kenshin feels the same as I about the current situation. With Kenshin on my side, those two will be on the losing side of this newly waged war. Kiyoshi and Mine don't know what they have gotten themselves into.
Kenshin looks upon me with amusement before reverting to his stoic demeanor. Noticing the hall before us I follow in kind. I will not allow Gohei, Tomoe or Sakura to catch me off guard.
Sorry for the late update. I wrote on my profile that it would take one or two weeks, but sadly school has been keeping me busy. As for further updates, I will try to have one chapter out every three to four weeks. I will do what I can to update sooner, but I can make no promises.
I am always happy to hear from my viewers, so do not hesitate to review. Those who have reviewed in the past know that I love to write back. I try to make it a goal to know my viewers.
Thank you for reading and I hope to hear from all of you. Ja ne!