Chapter 35 | Curiosity

- KYOKO POV -

- A Few Days Later -

The night that surrounded the two of us draped over the once clear day in an instant, the air turning to a cooling cold and the wind coming to a halt.

Sesshomaru and I had been journeying for days, following the stars to where the village was said to be located under; only stopping for food and rest.

Tonight however was different, the forest was much more darker than usual - barley allowing me to see around me.

Having builded a fire, I sat down close to it, resting my bow and quiver to my side. Glancing to my left, Sesshomaru himself had rested up against a tree nearby - but still at a distance . Ever since this journey started the two of us hadn't exchanged much conversation - even though I had tried to.

Watching the fire start to die out, I grabbed nearby branches and tossed them in, the fire crackling and creating smoke above.

Brining my knees up to my chest, I held them resting my head on my arms - leaning over. Watching the fire, I thought about the villagers. Still. Even though they had done nothing but shown me ill will ... I still care for their safety.

Sighing, I closed my eyes, trying to drown the thoughts.

Forgetting them, I opened my eyes once more, watching the fire start to burn out again. Perhaps it was damp wood ...

Getting up, I walked near to where Sesshomaru was - as I had seen a few pieces of wood over there. Spotting some, I picked them up, trying not to make a lot of noise.

Stopping, I then stared in front of me. Sesshomaru ... has his eyes closed.

Setting down the wood, I leaned down on my knees, curious and watching to see if he would open them.

Usually, Sesshomaru would distance himself further away from me, taking a resting place high above in a tree. And now ... here he sat on the dirt ground ... sleeping. With his knee up, his other leg rested on the ground; only one arm rested on his lifted knee, his head drooped a ways down. Long strands of his white silver hair draping down the sides of his face and forehead. His face almost ... peaceful than I have ever seen ...

Observing him, I turned away. Why do I feel so ... embarrassed looking at him right now? It's no different to when I usually do ...

Picking up the pieces of wood, I tried to be as quiet as possible.

Making it over to the fire, I set them down onto it, causing the fire to start to rise.

I should also settle down for tonight ...

Sitting up against a tree as well, I looked in front of me. How strange ... I wonder why he let his guard down ...

- The Next Morning -

As we both walked along the paved dirt path, the sun had come out fully above, shining a brightness to the day.

Brining up a hand up, I shielded the sun. Squinting, I looked ahead trying to see in the distance. Widening my eyes some, I felt a wash of excitement and nervousness. There - in the distance was a village. Good. I need to find a blacksmith and get a few supplies.

"Can we stop there?" I asked looking to Sesshomaru who was walking along my right.

Glancing down to me for only a moment his pensive golden eyes adverted themselves back to where they were.

I guess that's a yes ...

As we walked up to the village, I walked ahead noticing from the corner of my eye that Sesshomaru had stopped and stayed back, now taking a place under the forest trees.

I had a feeling he would stay behind ...

Walking up to the village, I held my bow at my side and adjusted the quiver on my shoulder. There's nothing to be nervous about - they'll just see you as another priestess ...

As I made my way along and past the huts and homes, I arrived in what seemed to be the market place. The area was crowed with people and stands, different things at each one.

Looking around, only a few focused there gaze on me - noticing my priestess garment. I need to find a blacksmith ... maybe I should ask -

"Fair Priestess - I ask that you bear me a son."

...What?

__________Authors Note - BTW, no, it's not Miroku. :>