Unraveling Witch

The Preparation

It would be three days until Lord Sesshomaru would come for Rin. I prepared her and myself for the journey. Without having to hint at wanting to join her she offered. I turned her down and pointed out if was her Lords choice. She assured me that I would be accepted to continue her training.

Yet, it was all going better than I planned. Now Rin would be an inside voice to her Lord. Hopefully it will be enough, I needed to travel with him. I feel trapped at this village, I was restless. The blessed air sourounding the village was slowly sufficating me. I can withstand their holy powers but it wears on me. It can't harm me, but it's an irritation.

"Helena! Will you come with me to the hot springs." Rin asked.

"Yes, I was just thinking of going there myself." I agreed and followed her to the springs slinging my bag over a shoulder. The trek was calm and the closer we got the more the air was filled with its steam. We stripped out of our clothes and settled into the water. It stung but it was nice.

"Lord Sesshomaru will come in three days for me. I'm so excited but I'm going to miss all of my friends here." Rin confessed to me.

"That is normal Rin. Do what is best for you, you may always visit. Even if it is I who must escort you." I said.

"Thank you Helena. You've been a very good friend to me and a good teacher. Lord Sesshomaru will let you follow, I'm sure of it." Rin assured.

"Thank you for your encouraging words Rin. If he doesn't, know I will follow you. You have much to learn still. These skills will be invaluable when you are amongst demons." I said.

"I don't fear them." She said.

"No, you don't. Not the ones that mean you no harm. You are open minded and strong. You're also innocent, dark creatures are attracted to innocence. Both of body and spirit." I said.

"I feel stronger." Rin said.

"Your past still haunts you?" I asked.

"No, with your help it's all behind me now." Rin said with a smile.

"Good, eyes open and always looking forward. Life is to precious to focus too much on the things of our past. The past is dead, the present is living, the future has yet to be birthed." I reenstated what I have told her countless times.

"I know, nurture the present so that the fruits of tomorrow bloom." She finished.

"Smart child. You soak up knowledge like a sponge. You remind me of myself at your age." I praised.

"I wonder what Lord Sesshomaru does now that Naraku is defeated." She mused.

"Patrol his lands, sent mark, handle his pack and court. I can only assume. We will see soon won't we?" I smiled.

"Yes, and I can't wait." She said.

"Remember what I have taught you. Should you be in the presence of the court show proper respect and humble yourself." I reminded.

"And use as many big words as I can. That way they will be stunted and won't be able to speak out so freely. I know, I will be on my best behavior and make sure I don't bring shame to Lord Sesshomaru." Rin assured me.

"You will never bring shame to anyone, you're too sweet. Just make it easier for him to protect you amoung his ranks. It'll also save you much greif." I corrected.

"Okay.....but what if.." She started.

"Those who don't like you don't like themselves. Pay no mind to their malace." I interupted her. "Rin, when I enter your dreams I learn all your fears and hopes. Your doubts are sensible but don't fret so much. Relax for now, the trials will come to you. You need no more preparation for them." I said.

"I don't feel ready." She whinned.

"Then you're not a fool, take comfort in that." I said.

"I'm of age to marry now." She said.

"You will marry when you meet Mr. Right. If Lord Sesshomaru decides to marry you he won't do so without your concent."

"How do you know?" She exclaimed

"Because you have told me enough for me to know." I said making her go silent. We finished our bath and I was sorry to find that the very last of my soaps had been used. Now I would have to use soaps of this time.

We went back to the village and prepared for bed. The next morning I got a supply of food. I packed for both me and Rin. Our last day we spent it with her friends to say goodbye. Lord Sesshomaru wasn't a patient demon, so she had to anticipate him wanting to leave the second she made her decision.

I too had people to thank and say goodbye to. For over a year they have housed me, feed me and been my friends. I would always be appreciative of them for that. I even would miss Inuyasha's hot headed antics. When I promised to escort Rin to visit I had done so for my benifit too. In this time period, I would make and maintain all friendships. A liberty I was happy to aquire.