Craft

Part 10

Summer and winter came and went and soon spring coming to an end. I had yet to meet the Lord of this fortress, and I had long lost hope of that ever happening also. Conbo had stressed to me that if that were to happen I was to say very little unless he spoke to me directly. Apparently he was touchy when it came to human women.

Ifan's small tufts of hair had begun to flourish. They had gone from a soft golden brown to a ombre; shifting from brilliant gold to a deep chocolate. His long slicky body had put on much more muscle and he was beginning to look like a promising adult. Thinking of his slow transformation could always bring a smile to my face.

Within my time here, Conbo had guaranteed that we wouldn't be living here once we were wed. He didn't seem thrilled that he had been here for so long. Whenever he was free to roam he would come to my room to sit with me. I think he just didn't like that there were so many people here. 

We would sit in our usual peaceful silence for hours until it was dark or he was called away. Our conversations were simple but meaningful and becoming more frequent. He would speak far more than when he had come to Father's compound and his responses were much more informative. I was beginning think he was far more comfortable with me than I was with him.

The thought pressed made me happy. I didn't want him to feel like he was stuck with me; even if that was the case. He had said that because we had postponed the ceremony that he was solely in charge of my protection. I had thought about that for a long while after the conversation. I wasn't sure if he was willing to protect me, should something go wrong, but I didn't want it to come to that.

For the last month I tired out many protection spells. Making them was fun and Conbo had helped me collect some of the things for them. He had sent a servant back to the compound for my books and things as well. Whether it was out of courtesy or because it would take some of the pressure from him was yet to be determined. I was thankful anyway.

Today, in the later days of spring, Conbo had told me that we were to accompany the Lord to east. He didn't tell me why I was asked to go, but I wasn't going to complain. Traveling had become a nice pastime since our first and last outing. I was excited to see the forest again.

It took several hours from the fortress to meet with Lord Sesshomaru and to say he was striking would be a shame to him. His hair alone could take my breath away. It looked soft and graceful as it swayed in the soft winds. His armor was stunning as well. He held an air of confidence and anger that I could hardly begin to understand. He was beautiful.

He had hardly spared me a glance, and I was fine with that. If he had looked at me, I would have lost all sense of composure. Awe Inspiring, but terrifying. 

I dressed for the occasion this time. The same long material as the first time we had set out. I had it tailored so that it was more suited to fit me. Over it was soft blue, floor length wrap dress. It showed my silhouette well through the thin material. I should surely begin to wear some things that were more solid, but the aesthetic was too tempting. Conbo hadn't seemed to mind, so until he expressed distaste for it I wouldn't be changing it.

I bowed to Lord Sesshomaru and so we were on our way. It took only a day's journey, and Lord Sesshomaru had spoke to Conbo in soft whispers. I'm sure they weren't intended to sound that way, but I would have had to strain to hear them. Eventually, they finished their conversation and Conbo had come to stand at my side.

"Can you take down a barrier?" He said. The question was simple, like most all his questions, but why would I need to. If we were welcome then there would be no reason to.

"Yes, but it depends on the type of barrier. If it was made with magic, no." I said. I was incapable of destroying something made by earth energies.

"Good think it isn't then." He remarked. The way he said it did nothing to sooth my fears. Lord Sesshomaru would not spare me if I was unable to be useful.

 As I stepped forward, I felt the waves of energy coming from the barrier. We were much too close. If either one of them were to touch this they would end up hurt beyond my repair. So I stopped them.

"Please! Don't go any closer." I called.

Lord Sesshomaru was obviously angered by the sudden outburst, but stopped in midstep. He turned to me his head only slightly and the look he gave me was gruesome. At that moment, I new he would never be seen as more than a nuisance to him. I sucked in a breath before continuing.

"The barrier, my Lord, it would eat away at your powers. There would be no way for me to heal you if that were to happen. It's a lasting effect and you might not ever recover your full strength." I couldn't help but to bow my head. His eyes had not changed, and I was beginning think I had overstepped my boundaries. I was going to apologise for my insolence, but a hand touched my back.

Conbo began to push me forward in Lord Sesshomaru's direction. It was a small gesture, but confidence swelled in my chest for the moment. It was a nice thing to have him encourage me.

"Do what you need to, witch." The sound of his voice brought forth a nostalgic feeling. I had heard his voice in while I was scrying. He was the man that Conbo had bowed to. The man that held the girls hand. A strange rush of loyalty clamped over my heart. I don't know how but I new he would influence my life more than he had already done.

"Are you alright. You're breathing. . ." Conbo trailed off. I'm sure I probably looked strange. I could  only imagine the look I was sporting. Shocked confusion.

"Yes. I'm fine." I shook the thought from my mind. I could tell him about it later.

I sat down on the ground and took long deep breaths. I needed all my strength for this and meditation would strengthen my will. This wasn't going to be very fun for me. If anything I could expect severe pain. Whoever put this barrier up was very skillful.

I began to chant. The manifestation of power for this spell was verbal. When I opened my eyes they began to burn. I was tempted to rub them, but it would only make them worse. The barrier was beginning to attack me.

I had yet to cease the soft chant as I stood and walked closer to the barrier. We had stopped less than 100 meters from where it actually fell. The closer I got to the pulsing energy of it my body began to ache. When I was finally close enough to touch it, everything was on fire. 

Each step I took had burned the ground and I could smell the burning dirt. I tried to focus on it to distract myself from the growing pain.

"Release." My voice was calm despite myself, and finally the barrier came down. 

I don't remember much after that. I felt myself fall and then I felt nothing.