Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Daughter of the Forest RK Style ❯ Tea for Two ( Chapter 13 )

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 13: Tea For Two

It came as a shock to everyone but Kenshin and I when Gohei suddenly departed the following morning. Everyone is happy to see him leave except for Sakura. Gohei could spend the entire month with her and she would still mourn his departure.
Out of all the people in the house I am most surprised to find Tomoe the happiest to see her father gone. The minute he rode away from the estate she immediately took over the domestic affairs of the household with the grace of a natural born leader. The shy, reserved girl I first met the evening of her arrival has vanished in the blink of the eye. Though she is nowhere as forward as Mine, she is no less demanding.
Now I understand exactly what Mine meant when she said that Tomoe is hard to entertain. If watching Tomoe run around the house is exhausting, I can't imagine trying to keep up with her! Tae looks slow in comparison to this woman!
A few days have passed since Gohei's departure and she has yet to invite me to tea. To say that I am not disappointed would be a lie. Despite how nervous I am about talking to her in private, nothing is quite as nerve racking as the thought that Tomoe might not be interested in having a civil relationship. At this point, a one on one confrontation might ease my tension and anxiety. I am known for many qualities, but patience is not one of them.
“Marina?” Mine calls from the other side of my door. “May I come in?”
With a smile I open the door for my friend. I am not expecting her to call upon me until later in the afternoon.
“Lady Tomoe would be more than pleased if you would join her downstairs for tea. She would have called upon you sooner, but Sakura has kept her busy with wedding arrangements. She desperately wanted to ask you herself, but you know how clingy Sakura can get! This is the first afternoon that Tomoe's presence has not been demanded,” Mine explains with a sigh.
I nod my head in understanding. Sakura is a very demanding woman, plus Tomoe has far more pressing matters to take care of than talking to a houseguest. I'm just surprised that she would choose to talk to me on her little free time. Why is she so eager to talk to me?
“Come now. It's best that we not keep her waiting. After all, her time is limited,” Mine comments while eagerly leading me out of the room.
Mine glances at me and softly chuckles, “When will you learn that you have nothing to fear? If anything Tomoe should be more intimated by you!”
I stare at Mine in a stupor. What in the world is she talking about?
Finally descending the stairs and rounding the corner, Mine opens the door to a small sitting room.
Giving my hand a friendly squeeze, Mine states, “I've sent Marina as you requested. I'll leave the two of you alone to speak among yourselves.”
I pleadingly glance at my friend not to leave. I don't think I'm ready to confront Tomoe on my own.
With a smile Mine whispers, “You'll be fine. I promise.”
Looking at Tomoe, Mine playfully retorts, “I'm sure you two will play nice.”
“I would not even dream of being anything other than civil,” Tomoe replies with a smirk, “Even if I wanted to be cruel, Kenshin is far too protective. I might be his fiancé, but that doesn't make me immune to his anger.”
“You're quite right,” Mine chuckles, “but can you blame him?”
Smiling in my direction, Tomoe replies, “No, I really can't.”
With a wink in my direction Mine replies, “Nor can I. I shall leave the two of you at once.”
I watch Mine close the door behind her before I slowly turn to face the woman across the table.
Looking at her smiling face, I wonder why I was afraid in the first place. There are many emotions expressed in her eyes, but malice and anger aren't one of them. Maybe Tomoe only wishes to befriend me?
Pouring me a cup of tea Tomoe asks with a smile, “Has your visit been pleasant so far?”
I shyly nod my head yes.
“I'm happy to hear that. Kenshin can be quite the troublemaker. I hope he hasn't worn you out,” Tomoe replies with a smirk.
I raise an eyebrow in obvious interest.
“When we were children, Akira, and Kenshin would constantly play tricks on the castle staff. Never have these parts seen such a terrible twosome, especially when my father and I would come for a visit.”
I listen to Tomoe completely enraptured. I have noticed a playful quality to Kenshin's personality, but never would I have guessed him to be such a little terror.
Laughing Tomoe continues, “Kenshin and Akira's little schemes were never harmful or malicious, but they always seemed to infuriate my father. The two always did have a taste for theatrics.”
“I still remember the time Kenshin talked Akira into spooking the horses with a toy snake. My father's horse was so scared that it somehow got out of its stall and ran away from the estate. It took my father and uncle the entire day to return the horse to the stable. When they returned, my father immediately sought out the boys and yelled at them. My uncle never expressed any opinion towards the pranks his sons committed, but I know deep down that Lord Hiko enjoyed their antics. My father and uncle never pretended to get along.”
I smile at the thought of Kenshin and Akira getting along so well. It's too bad that I wasn't there to witness their schemes. I will just have to make it a goal to bring out Kenshin's playful side. Mine has gotten far too interested in Kenshin and my relationship. I could use a little help teaching her a lesson!
“I know a scheming mind when I see one. I wonder what it is you're planning?” Tomoe asks suddenly sounding somber.
I look at Tomoe baffled. Did I do something wrong?
“I'm sorry,” Tomoe replies with a sad smile, “it's just that you remind me so much of Akira. Both of you are so expressive. Kenshin used to tease that Akira would be the last person he would send with top-secret matters. You could read the information in his eyes.”
I smile at Tomoe. If only she knew how much her comment has touched me? I just wish Akira could have realized how much his family cares for him. What I wouldn't give for my friend to be alive and surrounded by his family.
“I can tell from your reaction that Kenshin has told you about Akira.”
I somberly shake my head yes.
“He doesn't talk to many people about Akira. In fact, the only time he ever mentions him is when he gets any leads on his whereabouts. The loss of Akira has taken a toll on Kenshin far more than I ever would have expected,” Tomoe states with obvious concern.
With a sad smile Tomoe continues, “I'm happy that he's finally found someone he can confide in. I was starting to fear that Kenshin's guilt would destroy him. Thanks to you, Kenshin's attitude has lightened. I haven't seen him this happy since his father died.”
I stare at Tomoe in disbelief. Surely Kenshin has not been so depressed as to withdraw from the entire household? I would at least expect Kenshin to express his emotions with his fiancé!
What strikes me all the more odd is the fact that Tomoe looks so remorseful. I wonder what could have made her feel so much guilt?
Tomoe says seriously, “I hope you don't think me too forward, but I need to ask you a question.”
I nod my head for her to continue.
“Do you enjoy Kenshin's company?”
I shake my head yes in puzzlement. Of course I enjoy his company! We're friends after all!
“What I mean to imply is does he make you feel special?”
I don't understand Tomoe's meaning. In what way is he supposed to make me feel special?
“Does his presence alone make you feel at ease and nervous all at the same time?”
What in the world is she talking about? How can someone be nervous and at ease simultaneously?
With a smile Tomoe asks, “May I make a request then?”
Not knowing how else to reply I nod my head in consent.
“When and if you ever have such feelings act on them. Never let that person leave this world without knowing how much they mean to you, or you will live the rest of your life wondering what might have been.” Tomoe says full of pain.
Getting up from her chair, Tomoe softly states, “If you don't mind, I'm quite tired. I think the past few days are starting to catch up to me.”
I nod my head in understanding before watching Tomoe walk out of the room. Trying to make sense of Tomoe's words I sip on my tea in deep thought.
Only moments later I hear a soft knock on the door. I look toward the entryway to find Kenshin leisurely leaning against the door. He takes a seat across the table all the while trying to read my expression.
“Are you alright? You seem upset,” Kenshin asks in concern.
I give Kenshin the brightest smile I can muster, but he isn't buying it. As I take a sip of my tea Kenshin's gaze remains firmly on me.
As soon as I place the teacup on its saucer Kenshin's hands firmly clasp my hand.
“You don't look alright. When I first walked into the room you were staring into space and now your hand is shaking. Did Tomoe say something to bother you?” Kenshin pleads.
With eyes down cast I shake my head no.
“Was it something I said or did?” Kenshin asks guiltily while dropping my hand.
Looking into his eyes I shake my head no.
Kenshin walks to my side and immediately grabs hold of my hand once more.
With a smile Kenshin retorts, “I will not stand anyone in my charge sitting and mopping about. I think a nice long walk is in order. What do you think?”
I whole-heartedly smile at Kenshin. I am starting to think that the man knows me better than I do.
With a glint in his eyes he replies, “I know just the place.”
Lifting me out of my chair, Kenshin asks, “Do you have any plans for the day?”
I shake my head no in puzzlement. Where is Kenshin planning on taking me?
With a chuckle Kenshin retorts, “That is for me to know and you to find out.”
I glare at Kenshin in anger. He should know better than belittle me like that.
“Don't worry,” Kenshin replies with a smirk, “I promise that you will enjoy yourself.”
I roll my eyes in exasperation. Is he really that intent on keeping the location secret?
Grabbing my hand and leading me toward the back exit of the castle, Kenshin replies, “What fun would an outing be without an element of surprise?”
I smile at Kenshin in awe. How is it that he's always able to best me?
“Let's just say it's one of my many talents,” Kenshin retorts with a playful chuckle.
I raise an eyebrow in bewilderment. Talents? What talents?
With a mock hurt expression Kenshin replies, “You're thoughts wound me. Do you truly find me so unfavorable?”
I smile full heartedly while desperately trying to keep my laughter in. The look on his face is far too amusing. I've never seen such a pitiful look in my entire life.
“Are you laughing at me?” Kenshin asks in amusement.
My smile grows wider at the question. If he keeps this up, I might actually lose my chance at saving my brothers. I highly doubt I can keep my laughter in much longer.
“Why is it that all the women in my life seem to find humor at my expense?” Kenshin sighs.
I can't help but find the comment amusing. If he is expecting me to feel sorry for him I will not. He's like a child who insists on playing with the older children despite the fact that they always pick on him. He puts himself in these situations and he knows it.
Kenshin just smiles in my direction before returning his attention toward our destination.
We continue to walk for a couple of minutes in silence before Kenshin states, “I haven't seen you much the last couple of days. I'm guessing that Mine has kept you busy.”
I somberly shake my head yes.
“Is something wrong?” Kenshin asks in concern.
I slowly shake my head no.
“You just seem rather upset. Has Mine been giving you problems?” Kenshin pleads.
Suddenly feeling tired I sit on a large rock on the side of the road. I keep my eyes down cast as Kenshin sits beside me.
A couple of seconds go by in silence before Kenshin inquires, “Why wont you talk to me? Did I do something to offend you?”
I shake my head no in shock.
“Then why aren't you answering my question?” Kenshin asks while intently staring into my eyes.
I return his glance only to break contact immediately. I've never felt someone gaze at me in such an intense manner.
“Please tell me what's troubling you.” Kenshin states while clasping my hand.
I don't know how to respond to this question. It isn't necessarily any one person or event.
“I've noticed how stressed you've been. That's why I asked you to join me today. You can't keep running at this pace without eventually collapsing. You need a break,” Kenshin says with concern.
Kenshin doesn't understand. A healer has no time to concern themselves over their own health when dealing with a patient. My patient's needs far outweigh my own.
With a sigh, Kenshin confides, “I too used to think that way. Everyday I would wake up, go to court and then work in the fields. There would be days that I would even forget to eat. I constantly pushed my own health to the side thinking that my people's needs were far more important than my own. Ruling my kingdom wasn't a job, it was my way of life.”
“I lived like that until Akira ran away. It was when he left that I realized my mistake. I was so desperate to provide everything for my people that I failed to protect them. If I had focused on the important issues and spent more time with those I care about, Akira might still be here.”
I stare at Kenshin in awe. He is one of the most unusual leaders I have ever met. Never would my father nor his allies ever admit their faults; not even to family. If word ever got out of your weaknesses your enemies might have an unfair advantage over you.
“As important as our jobs can be, we have to realize that overworking ourselves will only decrease the quality of our work. If you keep on pushing yourself you will eventually break. I cannot tell you what to do, but if I were you I would enjoy the little free time you have. Within the next month you'll have very little.”
I smile at Kenshin's wisdom. I've never really considered how much the two of us share in common.
“If it makes you feel better, you're not the only one going through a lot of stress. I have a long line of trials starting tomorrow,” Kenshin sighs while lifting me to my feet.
Trials? What is he talking about?
With a smile Kenshin replies, “I get that response often from people unfamiliar with my politics. Once a month the people in my kingdom are allowed to plead their case on local disputes. Most of the time it's only a few people complaining about a business deal or somebody claiming that someone stole one of their chickens, but every once in a while a serious case comes my way. Tomorrow I'm being presented a rape case. I have a feeling that this case will not be determined in the course of one day nor will it be an easy ruling.
Soujiro and Okubo often dreamed of conducting such a policy. I'm sure if they were here right now they would be excited that someone is already practicing such a system.
We continue to walk down the road for a few minutes before a little town comes into view. I stare at Kenshin questioningly.
“I figured that you might actually want to see some of my kingdom. I'm sure that seeing the same faces day after day would be tiresome,” Kenshin says with a smirk.
I smile at him and immediately start walking towards the town square.
As we approach the center of the square I excitedly watch the people in the town going about their day. Women dressed in bright colors are talking amongst one another, as a group of children congregate around a water fountain in the center of the square in a game of tag. To the side of the square a few boys around my age are having a sword-fighting contest while the girls watch and giggle. As I watch the scene before us, all I can think about is how much I wish for a normal life.
A hand on my shoulder snaps me out of my thoughts. I immediately look at Kenshin and smile towards him.
“It's been a long time since you've visited a village, hasn't it?” Kenshin inquires with a frown.
I shake my head in agreement. It's been almost two years.
With a smile Kenshin states, “I have some business to attend to, but you are more than welcome to take a look around. I'll be back in a few minutes.”
I nod my head and immediately make my way toward the boys who are sword fighting. There is nothing I enjoy more than watching a good fight, that is, when I'm not able to participate. Though my father never taught me, my brothers often would let me join them when they practiced. I never learned to handle a live blade, since that would be improper, but I'm decent with a wooden practice sword.
As I join the crowd of girls watching the fight one of the girls whispers to her friend, “Not only is Taro handsome, but he's the best fighter in the village.”
“Too bad he's already taken,” the other girl sighs.
“The good ones always are,” the first girl says with a pout. “I just wish I knew what he sees in Yumiko. She's so dull.”
“It doesn't matter how dull or unintelligent a girl is, Akiko, as long as they are physical attractive,” the second girl retorts spitefully.
“Taro isn't like that. I'm sure he really cares about her. You just don't know Taro like I do, Rin,” Akiko replies sorrowfully.
“You're just saying that because you're in love with the man,” Rin says with a smirk on her face.
“Am not!” Akiko says in anger, “He's just nice to look at, that's all!”
“Sure,” Rin says while rolling her eyes. “Just keep on telling yourself that.”
I focus my attention once more on the two people fighting. The one I can only suppose is Taro is pretty decent though his swings could use a little improvement. His swings are too wide and leave him open to attack. Not that he has to worry much with his current opponent. The guy is slower than a snail. If I didn't know better, I'd think this was the man's first time handling a sword.
In less than a minute Taro's wooden sword makes contact with his opponent's left shoulder with a heavy thud. From the sound of it, I wouldn't doubt if Taro broke his opponent's collarbone. Such force is not necessary in beating an opponent of this caliber. Already I have a dislike of this Taro character.
“Does anybody else wish to challenge me or are all you men too cowardly to try?” Taro states arrogantly.
“You over there,” Taro points to a skinny boy in the back of the crowd. “I challenge you to a fight.”
“I-I do-don't kn-kn-know ho-how t-to fi-fi-fight,” the skinny boy stutters.
“That didn't stop the last opponent from fighting now did it? Fight me or I'll have to force you to,” Taro threatens while walking towards the now quivering boy.
Running in front of the boy I challengingly glare at Taro. How dare he threaten someone into a fight, none the less pick on those obviously weaker than him?
“A girl dares to threaten me? Are you going to allow a girl to defend you Ichiro?” Taro demands tauntingly towards the boy behind me.
Staring at the man in front of me I hold my ground.
“You're a feisty one. I'll just have to beat that out of you,” Taro says while throwing the wooden sword at me forcefully. I catch the sword without even blinking.
“I might just have fun with you yet,” Taro smirks evilly. “I'll be nice and give you the first move.”
I stare at the man in annoyance. I'm not stupid enough to fall for his little tactic. To jump fully into a battle without observing your opponent first is asking for trouble.
“I see that you actually know something about fighting. Who would have thought a girl could fight, none the less an attractive one?” Taro comments while letting his eyes roam up and down my body.
As angry as I am, I keep my composure. The last thing I want to do is blindly attack this man.
“You're far too slow,” Taro states as he flies towards me. Our swords collide a couple of inches above my shoulder. He's attack wasn't even close to making its mark. The man is all bark and no bite.
Taro's eyes go wide as I push him away from me and take a defensive position.
“I will not lose to a girl!” Taro angrily yells.
I smirk at him as he blindly runs at me.
As he thrusts his sword towards my right shoulder I roll my body to the right. Due to his fast speed he is unable to block the sword coming towards his back. Taro falls on his face as soon as the sword makes contact.
Everyone in the crowd gasps at the scene before them. None of them surely would have believed that a girl could beat up their best fighter.
With a glance back at my beaten opponent I walk out of the circle. The last thing I want is a rematch based on some man's poorly placed pride.
As I make it the outside ring of the crowd Taro screams, “Where do you think you're going wench? We're not done yet!”
“That's enough!” a familiar voice replies.
“Lord Shinta,” the crowd gasps as he approaches me.
“Are you alright Marina?” Kenshin asks in concern.
I shake my head yes in respect. The last thing I want everybody in the crowd to think is that I am being given preferential treatment from Kenshin.
“Did you hear that?” one of the girls in the crowd whispers. “That must be the Irish girl he's been holding as a guest.”
Suddenly the crowd is in an uproar. I'm sure I would be just as shocked to meet a royal guest in such a fashion.
Getting the crowd's attention once more Kenshin firmly states towards Taro, “It looks to me as if you have lost. You should gracefully bow down and except defeat.”
Obviously angry but unwilling to go against his Lord, Taro bows down towards me and states, “Please forgive me for being so rude. It was wrong of me to treat of you thus.”
I nod my head in acceptance of Taro's apology before following Kenshin out of the village.
As soon as we are outside of the village Kenshin says with a smile, “You're form could use a little improvement, but otherwise not bad. I'm guessing that your brothers taught you.”
I shake my head yes.
“And between learning how to wield a sword you have also been trained as a healer? It's rare to find women who are skilled in either of those fields nonetheless both. I'm highly impressed. You really shouldn't have kept this a secret from me,” Kenshin amusedly admonishes.
I blush bright red at his praise. I would have mentioned that I knew basic fighting skills but I didn't know how he would receive the information. Sword fighting isn't necessarily something highly sought in a woman.
“Do you know how to use anything other than a wooden sword?” Kenshin asks in genuine interest.
I shake my head no in embarrassment.
“There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Most people don't expect women to learn how to defend themselves, so the fact that you actually know how to hold a practice sword is impressive. If you are interested I could teach you how to fight with other weapons. I'm sure Jiro and Kiyoshi wouldn't mind helping you as well,” Kenshin says with a smile.
I smile back at Kenshin and except his offer. For the first time in my life I'll be able to train properly. As great a teacher as Soujiro was, our lessons were few and far between.
“Whenever you want to train just send word. As Jiro and Kiyoshi know, I always find the time to train,” Kenshin playfully comments.
I smile as the two of us continue back to the castle hand in hand.
I know that you have many options when it comes to fanfiction so I would like to take this time to personally thank you for reading Daughter of the Forest: RK Style. For all of those who are returning viewers I'd like to thank you for choosing Daughter of the Forest: RK Style as your mode of entertainment. I hope you had a pleasant read and will continue to choose Daughter of the Forest: RK Style for all your reading needs.