Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Daughter of the Forest RK Style ❯ The State of Affairs ( Chapter 16 )

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 16: The State of Affairs

Somehow I had imagined married life to be far different. It is true that I complained about the near mention of being wed when I was a child, but somehow my opinion changed much as Okubo and Soujiro teased. I had begun to dream that I would find a love much like Okubo and Tae did. The thought of being betrothed to someone who would love and cherish me for the remainder of my days is ever present.
If you had asked me a few years back if Okubo and Tae had an attainable love I would have laughed at the idiocy of the statement. Such a thing just wouldn't happen! Why would a skinny little twit such as myself attain such a gift? I'm just a little homebody who can't stand the thought of leaving the woods of Sevenwaters. The Kaoru of old would never believe that she would one day travel across the water and become wed to a Britain! Though I have not wed in the name of love I have seen so many such couples that I cannot help but believe that it's a far more common phenomenon than I once thought.

How I have changed. Such thoughts would have never crossed my mind two years ago. I'm sure that my brothers wouldn't recognize me if they heard me right now. They would probably tease me relentlessly if they could.

It's hard to believe that it's been close to two years since Kenshin rescued me and brought me here to Harrowfield. So much has happened in that time that it almost feels like I've lived two lives; the one I had in Sevenwaters and the one I have now in Harrowfield.

The longer I fulfill my task the more I come to realize that nothing will be the same. I'm no longer the innocent girl I once was and I dare not think how much my brothers have been affected by Lady Yumi's curse. I haven't even heard from them. For all I know, I could be making shirts for people who no longer exist! As horrible as the thought is, the truth of the matter is that I don't know what has become of them.

As much as I fear for their safety I have far more pressing issues to deal with at the moment. Not only do I have shirts to complete but also I have to deal with Gohei. If I thought the man was insufferable when Kenshin was around I was wrong.

Gohei has taken every opportunity to degrade me. Just a few weeks ago during dinner Gohei had the audacity to call me Lord Shinta's little tart in front of an audience of neighboring lords. Surprisingly Sakura stood up for me and yelled at her brother for treating her daughter-in-law in such a fashion. She even went as far as to support her son's choice. I was absolutely floored at the outburst. Such a comment I could imagine out of the mouth of Jiro, Kiyoshi or Mine, but never Sakura!

My awe was quickly disrupted by the overly infuriating man at the head of the table; He quickly made the accusation that Kenshin only wed me as an obligation. He even had the nerve to add that Kenshin probably got me pregnant out of wedlock!

That enraged Sakura to new heights I would have never imagined. The usually composed woman began to verbally throttle her brother over his, as Sakura stated, “ill conceived thoughts toward her son and his bride.” After stating her mind Sakura immediately dismissed herself, Mine and I from the room with the excuse that our company was quite inappropriate when conversing over politics.

Ever since that night Sakura has called upon me numerous times to ask for my advice or share tea with her. I have come to enjoy Sakura's company. Though we are not as chummy as Mine and myself, it is pleasant all the same.

Now Mine is another concern of mine. Outwardly she seems fine. She eats meals with the entire household routinely and no longer plays with Little Sanosuke exclusively during the evenings, but those who know her well know she is no longer the Mine of old. She no longer laughs whole-heartedly at jokes nor does she go out of her way to accommodate guests in the house. In fact, she rarely even seeks anyone in the household for the mere sake of talking. There is always a purpose behind her conversations.

I still sew beside her for a couple of hours each evening. To an average spectator nothing would seem to have changed. She'll talk about something amusing Little Sanosuke did or snap little jokes about Kenshin and I being married, but for some reason the conversations feel forced. She no longer puts all of her being in her taunts nor is there any playfulness behind her words. She's just making the motions of a normal life; not actually living it. I know that deep down inside all she wants to do is lock herself in her room and cry, but she doesn't for Little Sanosuke's sake.

Then there is Little Sanosuke. I have come to the conclusion that he is a gift from the Tuatha De Danann. Not only does he give Mine a purpose to live but I do not know a single soul in the household who isn't head over heels for the dear child. He holds a light that few possess. With every smile and gesture he makes the house is slowly coming back to life. With the sudden lose of Kiyoshi and the quick departure of Kenshin; Little Sanosuke is like a breath of fresh air. It's amazing how much influence a child can hold on an entire household.

Not only does his spirit hold strength, but he's also grown quite strong physically. The child has already begun to walk and is beginning to form simple commands. Not surprisingly his first word was ‘eat’. I swear that the child could eat the entire kitchen on his own if given the chance. I once jokingly told Mine that she set a bad example for him while he was in her womb. To that she half heartily laughed, “He is his father's son after all.”
Something that has been puzzling the entire household is the lack of news from Kenshin. He has neither sent word by letter nor by messenger. Jiro seems particularly concerned! He tries to hide it, but I've noticed how often he meets with the guards. With the passing of every day Jiro's trips seem to be increasing. I'm sure something is going on, I just wish I knew what.

“Marina! Are you ready to go?” Mine shouts from outside the door.

Opening up the door I nod my head in understanding. A couple of days ago I promised to accompany Mine, Sakura, Jiro, Gohei and Little Sanosuke on a family outing. Sakura originally came up with the idea in hopes of dragging Mine out of the house. Of course she knew the only way to do so was to gather a family outing and make Mine feel guilty about neglecting Little Sanosuke's need to explore. Though I don't agree with the idea of using guilt I cannot fault Sakura for her actions. I'm sure Sakura would have used another method if she knew of one.

Lifting Little Sanosuke into my arms I begin to walk alongside Mine down the long corridor. Feeling a soft tug on my ponytail I look down at the little culprit who just so happens to be in my arms smiling gleefully. Bouncing up and down eagerly, Little Sanosuke asserts, “Na pway?”

I smile at the nickname Little Sanosuke created for me. He has trouble pronouncing Marina so he has resorted to Na. Mine once asked him why he uses Na and his reply was, “You Ma; she Na!”

“It's not polite to ask someone a question before greeting them Sano,” Mine replies with a condescending voice only a mother could make endearing.

With a pout little Sanosuke replies, “Sowy Ma.” With a bright smile in my direction he continues, “Hewo Na! Pway now?”

“Marina can't play at the moment but I'm sure she will later,” Mine replies with a smirk in my direction.

Tugging on my hair once more Little Sanosuke asks determinedly, “Pweese?”

I shake my head yes amusedly. How could I turn the little one down? He knows just how to pull on my heartstrings.

“Dow!” Little Sanosuke states excitedly, while pointing to the floor. If I weren't so used to his brash behavior I would see it as an insult, but as I have come to learn; little ones in this stage in life aren't too concerned over others feelings. They are far too caught up in their own wants and feelings to pay attention to others. It's not necessarily a bad thing. After all, you have to understand yourself before you can begin to accurately piece together what's going on around you.

Running down the hall as fast as his little feet can carry him he screams, “Gwa' Ma!”

“What a big boy!” Sakura replies while lifting him on to her hip. Giggling she continues, “I think you've grown since last I saw you. I can barely lift you!”

Beaming Little Sanosuke replies, “Na no pway. Gwa' Ma pway?”

With a prideful grin Sakura states towards Mine, “My how quickly do the children on my husband's side grow up. He's picking up English very quickly!” Looking down at the little man still attached to her hip Sakura replies, “As much as I'd love to play with you I can't.”

Little Sanosuke begins to pout pitifully all the while holding Sakura's gaze. This boy has got to be one of the best beggars I've ever seen and he's not even two yet!

“Now don't give me those eyes; they're not going to work on me,” Sakura replies with a stern voice. Tapping Little Sanosuke's nose she continues with a wink, “I have had plenty of practice fighting pleading looks thanks to your Uncle Ken.”

Kenshin isn't really his uncle or Sakura his grandmother, but it's far easier to say Grandmother and Uncle than Great Aunt or Second Cousin.

His head immediately perks up at the mention of his “Uncle.” Looking up at his mother Sanosuke eagerly exclaims, “Unc' Ken home?”

“No, not yet sweetie,” Mine replies with a frown.

Looking up at Sakura Little Sanosuke states with a frown, “Unc' Ken no home?”

“No sweetheart but we have a surprise for you,” Sakura replies playfully.
Little Sanosuke's face lights up in excitement at the news. He begins to jump up and down on Sakura's hip in absolute joy. You would think that the child never received anything in his entire life by the way he is reacting to Sakura's statement.

“That's right, we're going to take you to a lake,” Sakura says in amusement.
“Laaaka?” Little Sanosuke asks in bafflement.

Stepping beside Sakura Mine replies, “That's right, a lake. It's a big body of water.”

Little Sanosuke excitedly exclaims, “Pud' il!”

Ruffling Little Sanosuke's hair Jiro amusedly replies, “That's right squirt, only it's very big.” To demonstrate his point Jiro extends his hands fully.

Sanosuke looks upon the man with wide eyes before replying, “Big?”, and all the while mimicking Jiro's previous hand motions.

“That's right little buddy,” Jiro states in amusement. “Maybe if you're good I'll teach you how to swim.”

“Yay! Pweese?” Sanosuke inquires enthusiastically while desperately trying to reach his mother.

With a bright smile she takes Little Sanosuke in her arms before replying, “I see no problem as long as you behave.”

“Yay!” Little Sanosuke exclaims in excitement. Giving his mother a kiss he continues, “Me good!”

“Is everyone ready to leave yet?” Gohei remarks shortly after entering the hall.

With a glare Jiro replies, “We've been ready for some time now. Just waiting on you.”

“I had no idea you were waiting for me. Someone should have alerted me,” Gohei remarks unapologetically. Now staring at me disdainfully Gohei continues, “It is so... nice of you to see us off for our little family outing Marina.”

Laughing nervously Sakura replies, “I could have sworn that I alerted you that Marina was joining us.”

“You did,” Gohei replies condescendingly.

I glare at him in utter disgust. How much more pompous can a man get? More than ever, I have to wonder how Kenshin became the man that he is now! Not even my father is this arrogant!

Mine and Jiro look just about ready to verbally assault the horrible man I regretfully am now related to when Little Sanosuke assertively declares, “Go!”

Anger forgotten we all look at the child in Mine's arms. Again he declares while pointing towards the door, “Go!”

Mine, Jiro and Sakura share a relieved laugh as we make our way out the door. As we approach the door Jiro wraps an arm around my shoulders and softly whispers, “Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on Gohei. Just try to enjoy yourself.”

I smile up at the man warmly. He's words seem so brotherly that I can't help but be touched. Jiro is a good man; I'm sure even my brothers would agree!
As we make our way to the awaiting carriage Little Sanosuke gleefully cries, “Horsey!”

“Yes those are horses,” Mine replies with an amused smile. “What do horses do?”

With a proud lift of his head Little Sanosuke replies, “Puw”

“What a smart boy!”, Mine replies equally proud. “Are you ready for the horses to pull us to the lake?”

“Horsies puw!” Little Sanosuke exclaims seeking more praise from his mother.

“Let's get into the carriage,” Mine smiles towards her son.

“Go!” exclaims Little Sanosuke happily while being placed into the carriage by his mother.

“You heard the boy,” Jiro replies playfully helping me into the carriage. “We don't want to keep him waiting now would we?”

With smiles and laughter shared between all of us except Gohei we take our places in the carriage and set out for our little excursion to the lake.

*******

We made it to the lake with little incident. In fact, the trip had been somewhat pleasant! Gohei said not a word the entire time and seemed rather content staring out at the scenery. Every once in a while I noticed an evil smirk grace his lips, but I blamed it n my overly active mind. After all, any gesture of his would look evil in my eyes.

Upon arrival to the lake Sanosuke immediately became fascinated with this new thing called a lake. I have never seen so much awe and wonder in a single being. It's been almost a half an hour and the child is still playing in the water. The child is a fish!

Deciding to enjoy my surroundings I find a rock not too far away from the embankment the others are entertaining the child and begin to meditate. It has been such a long time since I last meditated. This is the first time I've been outside the palace since Kenshin left and I never could concentrate indoors like Shougo could. Though that's not saying much since the man could probably find his center in the middle of a war field. He wasn't visited by Druids for nothing!
“Kaoru! Sister Kaoru! Is that you?” Shougo mentally calls out in haste.
“Shougo?” I mentally reply back in bewilderment, “Where are you?”

“Dear sister, I think it is I who should be asking that of you,” Shougo replies in concern. “We were scared that something happened to you. I've been trying to contact you mentally since we found you missing.”

Depressed I reply back, “I'm so sorry Shougo. Is everyone all right? Soujiro isn't mad at me is he?”

“I will not lie to you Kaoru,” Shougo states regretfully, “But Soujiro was very angry when you left without any word. Though to tell you the truth I think he's more upset with himself than he is you. He unrightfully blames himself for everything that has happened. He somehow feels that it is his fault that he could not fully foresee Lady Yumi's evil intent.”

“But he can not foresee everything and even if he could his vision wouldn't have helped matters. He's visions do not always speak true!” I angrily retort.

“I agree,” Shougo replies sympathetically. “I have told him just that yet he still continues to believe that such a vision might have prevented this.”

“How are the others?” I inquire remorsefully.

“Kaoru, it's not your fault. I'm sure you would have tried to make contact if you could. This is the first time in several months that I have had enough energy to fight the natural instincts of my swan form. It's hard enough to keep my soul none the less communicate. I'm just as hard to reach as you are,” Shougo asserts firmly.

“I'm sorry,” I reply sympathetically. “I'm sure this is hard on all of you.”

“It is,” Shougo states with a pause. If one could sigh mentally I'm sure he would be doing so. “But I'm sure it's nothing in comparison to what you're facing. While we fear for our own lives you fear for yourself and the rest of us. Your strength has kept us strong.”

With a smile I reply back, “Thank you, but any sister would do the same for the love of their brothers.”

“You give yourself far too little credit,” Shougo comments amusedly. “Still the ever humble Kaoru.”
My face heats up in embarrassment. Shougo thinks that I underestimate myself?
With a chuckle Shougo states, “Not only do I think that you underestimate yourself, but you are by far the strongest child of Sevenwaters.”
“How can you make such a claim?” I exclaim in shock.

“Very easily,” Shougo replies indifferently.

“You make a claim and you aren't even going to explain your rational?” I ask in disbelief.

With a short pause Shougo replies, “Even if I explained my believes to you I doubt you would completely absorb it. Such things are best learned on your own.”

“Ever the druid,” I retort back in amusement.

“It's in my very nature,” Shougo replies back playfully. The image of Shougo winking suddenly enters my head.

“As much as I miss talking to you I need to cut short our conversation. I will not be able to hold off my swan instincts for much longer. Where are you? Can you send me a picture or some sort of instructions? I need to see you in person,” Shougo hastily states.

“Of course,” I reply while thinking of some way to show him where I am without alerting Shougo of whose house I'm residing in. If he found out that I was residing with Lord Gohei's nephew my brothers might do something stupid like attempt to rescue me and possibly get killed in the process.
Suddenly I get an idea. As long as I don't send him a mental image of Kenshin’s estate he shouldn't be suspicious. If he does ask I just will make it seem like I'm living with an insignificant Lord's manor. My brothers don't know the holdings of the British all that well. The only ones my father concerned himself with were Northwoods and his allies.
Sending Shougo an image of the little beach where Kenshin and I parted I immediately flash images of my travel towards the estate. Instead of showing him the entire route I decide to stop at a wooded glen just close to a half a mile away. I would much rather meet Shougo in this location than at the estate.
“What are you doing in England and why wont you show me the house you're residing in? Shougo states in concern. “Are you trying to protect that red head I saw on the beach? If you are I must ask what your relationship with him is?”
I'm no longer able to form any form of cohesive thought. I accidentally sent an image of Kenshin and now he knows that I'm withholding information!
“As much as I wish to interrogate you further on this young man our link is fading. I will contact you as soon as I can get there. I'm expecting some answers from you the minute I see you,” Shougo states over protectively. “May the Tuatha De Danann continue to guide your steps little sister.”
“Same goes for you. Send my love to the others,” I reply suddenly depressed.

“Don't worry, I shall. Do not fear, our parting is only temporary,” Shougo states light heartedly.
With those parting words our link is severed and I immediately wake to laughter in the distance. Luckily no one noticed my meditative state being that they are too fully emerged in entertaining Little Sanosuke. Even Gohei who is off on his own is paying little attention to me! The Tuatha De Danann must really be protecting me right now.
“Lunch is prepared!” Sakura announces joyfully.

“You ready to eat little buddy?” Jiro asks with a playful grin.

“Me Eat!” Little Sanosuke replies in excitement.

“Hold your horses little guy. We'll get some food in you soon,” Jiro replies in amusement.

“Eat now, horses watter!” Little Sanosuke exclaims with a determined scowl.

“My, my,” Jiro replies with a chuckle, “The little guy got me on that one.”

Mine for the first time in several months begins to laugh full heartedly.

Getting a hold of herself Mine comments, “I'm happy that Sano got my sense of humor even if he doesn't quite understand it at the moment.”

I look up at Mine and give her a bright smile. The boy truly is a gift from the Tuatha De Danann!

*******

It has been a week since our little trip to the lake and I have heard no word from Shougo. I didn't necessarily believe that I would meet up with him within a couple of days of our first communication but I at least had hope that he would try to give me some word of his whereabouts. I realize now that it was a stupid thought.

Tonight is a full moon. A part of me is slightly disappointed that I wont be able to spend it with my brothers, but what did I expect? For Shougo and my brothers to fly all the way to England, find where I live and meet with me all within the matter of a week? Did I really expect that after expending so much energy talking to me, that he would be able to gather all of our brothers and guide them all the way here? The logic of such a thing being possible is faulty to put it lightly. I can't believe I ever held such a hope in the first place!

Drawing my attention away from the shirt I was currently working on I glaze out the window in front of me. I frown at the weather outside. In the distance I can see a couple of storm clouds quickly approaching. I'm sure that the storm will be overhead by the time morning breaks tomorrow. At least I’ll be able to enjoy the full moon before the storm breaks.
“Kaoru! Kaoru! Are you there?” Shougo's voice suddenly breaks through my mind.
“Shougo? Are you alright?” I mentally reply back fearfully.

“I'm here,” Shougo exhaustedly states.

“What do you mean here?” I inquire in shock.

“I would laugh if I wasn't so tired,” Shougo replies in amusement. “I'm in England. I should be to that place you showed me by night fall.”

Finally registering his words I ask in disbelief, “You'll be here by night fall? How?”

“Can you meet me at that place in the woods by dusk?” Shougo inquires hastily.

“Of course I'll be there! If I run into trouble I will alert you,” I reply still not quite believing that I'm having this conversation.

“Please be careful Kaoru,” Shougo replies in concern. “I don't want to put you in any more danger than you already are.”

“I promise that I will not leave if I feel there is any danger. I'll do what I can to be there by night fall,” I reply back with more confidence than I possess.

“I'm sure that you will. I'll talk to you soon,” Shougo happily states.
Before I can make a remark Shougo's mind slips away. With a smile I continue working on my previously discarded shirt. For the first time in nearly two years I will finally get to see one of my brothers. Nothing could ruin this night!
*******

Dinner was an excruciating task for me this evening. This isn't unusual being that Gohei is in residence but because of the impromptu meeting set up by my brother, dinner seems all the more unbearable. The entire time I was eating all I could think about was running out of the dining hall and running into my brother's arms. I don't know how I did it, but I somehow managed to keep myself seated at the table and halfway follow the conversation at the table.

I have to thank Sakura for giving me an excuse to leave the dining hall early. I guess my listening skills that evening didn't go unnoticed by the lady of the house and she immediately insisted that I go up to my bedchamber and rest. I eagerly took her advice and made my way to the room. I have been in here for a couple of hours waiting for my chance to make a clean break from my room. It has already grown dark and I'm starting to fear that my brother will leave before I'm able to escape.

Suddenly I hear the occupants of the house leave for their rooms. The schedule of the house is pretty much like clockwork. Every night after dinner Mine, Jiro and Sakura depart to their room while Gohei makes his way to the study. I don't know what he does in there and quite frankly I don't care.

Half of the household staff also departs to their rooms while the rest of them congregate in the kitchen and gossip. Almost every night before making my way to the garden I hear the maids making snide comments about my person. At first it used to annoy me, but now I just ignore them. Though I must admit that since I married Kenshin things have significantly improved. Maybe Sakura has taken the time to reprimand them?

Knowing that it is now or never I slowly make my way towards the door and begin to sneak my way down the corridor. I just hope that the clothes I chose are dark enough to conceal me. The last thing I want to do is stick out like a sore thumb!

Hearing footsteps in the hall I quickly press my back against one of the conjoining corridor walls. Closing my eyes I attempt to calm my nerves and control my breathing.

“I thought Jin was sweet on Yuki?” a female voice asks in disbelief.
“No, Jin's sweet on Hana! Yuki is friendly with Yoshi!” a second female voice states in exasperation.

“Oh!” the first woman replies distantly down the hall.

No longer hearing their voices I continue down the hall towards the back entrance to the castle. It isn't used all that often and as an added bonus it is on the opposite side of the castle from the study and kitchen.

Making my way quietly down the stairs and through an empty corridor I finally approach the door without any problems. As soon as I make it out the door and I immediately begin to bolt toward the woods. This section of the castle is usually vacant so I do not fear that my movements will be noticed.
Without stealing a glance behind me I run through the woods as if a banshee were on my heels. At this point my mind is far too focused on the excitement of the journey to give any other matters thought.

I run for several minutes as if I ran this path everyday. Somehow I knew my way as if it were second nature. Approaching the clearing I immediately notice the figure of my brother ahead of me. Turning towards me with a smile on his face I run into his arms. I have never felt such an intense feeling of euphoria. The whole world could fade around me and I wouldn't give it a second thought. If it were up to me I would have stayed in my brother's arms forever, but hesitantly my brother puts some distance between us.
Looking in my eyes Shougo mentally comments, “You've grown and look cared for! Whoever this man is, I must thank him for properly tending your needs.”
Taking some time to catch my breath I reply back in awe, “It's really you Shougo? I'm not dreaming right?”

Lightly wiping the tears from my cheek Shougo state, “I'm here Kaoru.”

“Shougo,” I state joyfully, “It's been so long. How I've missed you and the others.”

“I know Kaoru,” Shougo replies while firmly embracing me. “I've missed you; we all have.”

Looking into Shougo's eyes I playfully retort, “I'd most certainly hope so!” Hitting him on his shoulder coltishly I add, “After all I am your favorite sister.”

“Only because you're my only sister,” Shougo condescendingly retorts.

“I'm hurt,” I reply in mock anger. “And here I thought that you were proud of me!”

Laughing out loud Shougo replies back mentally, “I am proud of you especially when it comes to your sense of humor. Despite all you have faced you're able to take things lightly. It's been a long time since I last poked fun with someone.”

Tightening our embrace I joyfully exclaim mentally, “Promise me that you'll laugh more often. I miss it.”

Laughing aloud once more Shougo replies, “You really are a strange girl, but if that is your wish I shall not deny you. As my sister and savior it's the least I can do.”
Taking in my brother's appearance I blush at the realization that he's naked. I've naturally seen him naked before, but that was when I was a little girl! I wasn't a grown woman like I am now!
“You didn't notice before?” Shougo replies slightly embarrassed.
I nod my head no in shame.
Rubbing the back of his neck he replies nervously, “I would have looked for clothes but that's kind of hard to do in the middle of a forest. The only thing I could imagine using are leaves and well, those wouldn't help conceal much.”
My face heats up in further embarrassment. I cannot believe that Shougo is talking to me in such a fashion! What happened to the shy reserved Shougo I remember in my childhood?
“He grew up,” Shougo replies with a smirk, “Though being stuck in the form as a swan has helped play an important part in my lack of modesty.”
I nod my head in understanding. I'm sure one would get comfortable with the idea of nudity after spending most of their days as a wild animal. After a while it would become natural.
In concern Shougo replies, “If I make you uncomfortable I could always find those leaves....”
Gently placing a hand on his shoulder I shyly shake my head no. I might feel slightly uncomfortable with his current state of dress but I don't want to waste any of our precious time attempting to dress him. For now, all I want to do is hold him in my arms and feel safe.
As if he were reading my thoughts, which are more than possible, he grabs hold of my shoulder and presses me against his chest. One would think that such an intimate action in his current state would make me feel uncomfortable, but strangely it has a calming affect. I don't know if it's because I haven't seen him in for close to two years or the fact that I haven't been held in a long time, but at the moment nothing could make me feel more loved or cherished. My brothers are my strength just as much as Shougo claims I am for them. I would fight Morrigan both in her warrior and banshee form just for the opportunity to save them!

“Ma... Marina?” someone gasps behind me.

Looking towards the voice I recognize the figure of Jiro appear from behind the trees. I stare at him in shock unsure of how to respond. How does one explain without the use of words what is going on? Even if I could, would he believe me?

With a dark chuckle Gohei enters the clearing with several foot soldiers in tow. Glaring at my brother and I he replies victoriously, “I knew my nephew was a fool to choose you as his wife. Both you and your lover will pay for your adulterous ways. Capture them both!”
“Run Shougo! Get out of here!” I mentally scream at him.
“Kao...”
“Go now! Hurry!” I scream back angrily.
Without further word Shougo flees with a speed and grace none of Gohei's men had expected. He easily makes his way past the guards and sprints further into the heart of the forest.
“Don't just sit there, catch him!” Gohei shouts furiously. Fearing for their lives his men go after my brother in haste.

“You truly made a mess of things now. Unluckily for you your precious Lord Shinta wont be here to save you,” Gohei replies with a scowl. Twisting my arm behind my back forcefully he whispers in my ear, “You have made this far too easy, though I will enjoy it all the same.”

Holding back the urge to scream in pain I clench my jaw in fiery.

“Jiro, alert the household of what has passed. I'll take the Irish wench to her rightful place in the dungeon,” Gohei states smugly.

As Jiro swiftly makes his way back to the palace Gohei self satisfied comments, “Don't worry your pretty little head. Your stay in the dungeon will be short lived I assure you.”

Brutishly dragging me towards the castle I pray to the Tuatha De Danann that Shougo makes it out alive and safe. Do what Gohei may to me, but I could never live with myself if Shougo were harmed in any way, shape or form.
“Brother, please make it out of here safely,” I mentally exclaim tearfully as Gohei none too gently leads me to my dreadful fate of imprisonment.