Interference

The sun was low in the eastern sky as Kuroihi made her way down to speak with Rekkonji.

Sesshoumaru had decided he would employ his reacquired vassal as a sort of field agent, responsible for what essentially boiled down to delivery, spying, and playing fetch. Kuroihi had, again, managed to secure for herself a higher station than before, but considering the amount of time she would have to spend in perilous travel, it had come at quite the exorbitant cost. It was one she was willing to pay.

As she stated her business, Rekkonji blinked, opened his mouth, closed it, and did another double-take. Kuroihi did not waiver, simply awaiting his response.

"You need..what, again, and why?"

"I require a weapon and armor that is light and flexible, fire-resistant, and can be hidden under traveling clothes. There are several tasks I will be needing to tend to on behalf of Lord Sesshoumaru that will take me away from the castle for a period of time."

The war master attempted to stifle a laugh until he realized she was serious. Kuroihi's brows knitted quizzically and he waved a hand as if to dismiss her suspicions.

"That sort of gear is difficult to come by, and expensive to commission, half-breed. I have something that will work in the meantime, but you're going to have to come up with either the materials for the smiths to use or compensation for whatever armor smith you can convince to take your request. As for your weapon…"

He glanced behind him at the weapon's shed nearby.

"There is a collection of sai, kama, tonfa, and the like, which are rarely used. One or two of them can be spared, I suppose."

Kuroihi expressed her gratitude as they gathered the items she would need. Somewhere in all his mutterings, she was sure she heard him mention something about the durability of dragonhide. She stored the tidbit away for later consideration.

The Overseer was not so easily persuaded to supply Kuroihi with what she required. Between the return of some of the oils and other supplies she had managed to acquire from Fuyutoka over the years and a little wordplay, however, she managed to secure a usable set of travel clothes. They were durable, plain, and a deep mossy color, perfect for her needs.

Before she left, she decided to take advantage of the castle resources, gathering medicinal herbs from the gardens outside the walls. She had to be prepared for as many unknowns as possible. As she considered them all, she felt something tickle at the edge of her senses. The clinking rhythm of armor and weapon was not indicative of any fighter she was familiar with, but the scent of raw, unbridled power was unmistakable. She turned in her crouch to face him in a bow as his shadow fell over her.

"Great and honorable lord general, the very heavens tremble in obeisance before your might."

The general laughed, thick and hearty; the laugh of a man that had known both joy and pain in his many centuries.

"Well said, but there is no need for that. Please, continue with your task."

Kuroihi hesitated but began plucking leaves from her chosen plant again. She didn't sense his movement at all and gave a start when his boot appeared near her knee a few moments later.

"My apologies." He said kindly; and he meant it. Kuroihi just nodded her head in the acceptable silent acknowledgment as he considered her with a benevolent curiosity. "Forgive me, I have many matters to keep track of these days, and your name seems to have slipped my mind."

She hesitated again. She still didn't have a proper name, but it only bothered her in situations like these, which were few and far between.

She licked her lips, nervous. "I.. Your humble vassal is sometimes called 'Kuroihi'."

"Kuroihi…"

He tried her name on his tongue.

"I see. From what I understand, it is a fitting name. Rekkonji has often told me stories of your deeds through the years, even going so far as to challenge one of his fighters to a duel. Your bold streak is quite entertaining." He sounded more amused than anything.

"War master Rekkonji is very astute, my liege," was all she could think to respond.

He chuckled, but it seemed sad.

"So he is. I'm told that you are preparing to leave for a time, an errand of sorts. Tell me, little hanyou, what task has my son set for you?"

Kuroihi licked her lips again, trying to form an acceptable response that did not reflect badly on Sesshoumaru.

"Your lordship's honorable son has been so kind as to grant this one the opportunity to retrieve an item of interest for him. This one understands that it is somehow connected to his desire to abide by your lordship's will in his upcoming negotiations with the other lords."

"Hn. Is that so?"

He sounded almost disappointed, and she ducked her head lower as the general slipped effortlessly into a crouch, his fur gathering in luxurious folds behind him.

"Do not be afraid, little one. Look at me."

Kuroihi raised her head just so, but it wasn't enough. The general set a fingertip carefully under her chin, angling her face so he could see it. She cast her eyes to the side as was appropriate.

"Look at me."

He said softly.

Kuroihi flicked her eyes between his face and the castle wall, struggling against ingrained propriety to heed the command of this imposing yet pleasant leader. His own honey-gold orbs held a kindness and respect that Sesshoumaru's never had, and it perfectly complimented his blue stripes and alabaster complexion. Kuroihi nearly flushed.

"Hm. I see strength within that even you do not yet fully comprehend. Do not fear, Kuroihi half-demon, I have a feeling you will more than survive this trial, as you have all those that have come before it, and those that will follow."

Kuroihi was speechless, and all she could do was drop her head again in proper reverence as the general rose and made his way further from the castle. How such a brute as Sesshoumaru had come from this venerable being was beyond her. Even absent, the general's influence lingered, cloaking Kuroihi in warm and soothing contentedness. As she returned to her task, she allowed the song swelling in her chest to escape onto the breeze.