lumberlady | Prismatica IC Contact

alright

[That's all she sends, before she's on her feet and out of the house at a fast gallop.

The frantic knocking at the door a half hour later is... probably her.]

[ hm.

should he have gone to her instead? he thought of it, of course. he thought of showing up at her door. but he felt that would be overwhelming. he thought of how to tell her in a way that would be easy; in a way that would allow her to process her feelings safely. he shows her more consideration than most.

with others, his tone is sharp and demanding. with others, he's telling them that they were fools or stupid and probably did something of the kind while he was not watching them. with konoha, he does his best to protect her heart.

and yet he feels like it is still fragile. he feels it in how she knocks on the door. he goes to it quickly -- not hurrying, never hurrying -- and opens it to greet her. ]

Konoha. [ he looks up at her, calmly, before he holds his hand out. "it's okay." ]

[Even having heard his voice, it had been difficult to believe it. She trusted her eyes more than anything, so until she can actually see him it doesn't feel real.

But then he's right there, looking as unruffled and cool as always, and there she is, panting lightly, looking frazzled and shcoked all at once... and then the tears well up in her eyes.]

Lord Sesshomaru... You really are here...

[Everything about her body language is creaming that she wants to embrace him, just surge forward and hug him, but she's barely holding herself back, wringing her hands tight. He'd definitely say something about how she shouldn't be so emotional, or mourn for him, or-

Gods, she really wants to.]

I am.

[ His chin dips down as he cuts himself off on what he feels he should say. He can tell how she wants to hug him; he can tell that she is holding herself back for his sake and pride.

Sesshomaru lets out a small sigh as he turns away to walk back further into the apartment. He stares at the opposite wall and breathes in deep. His head bows for a second before he shifts to once more face Konoha.

Opening his arms, he gestures for her to come forward. ]

Konoha, it's fine. [ "Cry all you like." He would rather she not; he would rather he show that he's strong enough to ensure that she need not cry again. But if he keeps telling her to hold them back, if he keeps saying in his actions to not cry, he thinks that will hurt her more.

Why is that? I don't know, but... it is a feeling I have. ]

[It sounds like him, and looks like him, and smells like him. As positive a thinker as Konoha tried to be, she was never sure what "positive" was when people she cared for left the Circle, now Lunatia. Of course, she wanted them to be able to go home... But at the same time, of course she also wanted to meet them again...

And here he is.

Still stunned, she follows him into the apartment and lets the door close behind her so that no one else could see when the tears spill out onto her cheeks. Not for her, she's never been truly ashamed of showing exactly how she was feeling, but... for him.]

I'm so glad-

[Because the second he gives her permission she's there, reaching out to embrace him in a crushing hug that... probably couldn't be applied to a human, dipping down low enough that she can bury her face in his shoulder, voice muffled in his clothing but brimming with relief.]

I know I'm not supposed to be happy you're back, but I'm so glad to see you again... I thought you were gone and I didn't have a chance to say goodbye...

[ The hold is tight -- enough so that he could say that it was yet he doesn't mind it. His arms hesitantly come to wrap around her after; it's not as tight as her hug but tight enough to remind her that he is here. Has she had dreams when he has returned?

He frowns a little as he tilts his head slightly so that it rests against hers. ]

Did you not remember what I said? No matter what... no matter the distance... we would be connected to one another. There is no reason to say goodbye because that connection is not something so easily broken. [ Even if he could not see her, even if he could not hear her voice, he does not believe that they are separated. ]

[Those words make her tearful voice hiccup just slightly, her embrace tightening just a little. She may not be ashamed of crying, of her confusing mix of sadness for him having to return and relief to see him again, but she is ashamed of not having faith. Of not believing in those words as strongly as he had, the conviction in his voice almost chastising when she thinks of how much she’d longed to say a proper goodbye, or to have known the last time they saw each other would be the last.]

I know... But I still wanted to say it really badly...

[And in her sincerity and simplicity she simply admits to it, to feeling disconnected by his loss, nuzzling into his shoulder as she tries to force herself to prepare to let him go.]

I can take your bromide down from the altar now...

[Had she been chatting at his picture and leaving offers of rice and water as if to a dead relative? ... Maybe.]

All right.

[ He opens his mouth yet again and stumbles on what he wants to say. Sesshomaru wonders if it would make her feel better to act like each parting may be their last. His eyes close as he decides that it would be best to keep such a comment to himself. He's learning a little of how to treat those he holds dear kindly.

If he were honest, he wishes they would never worry about such things; he wishes he could protect them from such sorrow. Could not his strength and confidence be something they could hold onto and wrap themselves in? No? ... why? ]

... yes, you can take it down.

[ He has never had someone do that for him, but then ... he wouldn't. ]

I'm sorry. [ Sesshomaru grimaces a little at his apology, because it isn't quite right. Konoha is a weakness of his. Since she is that, it is his duty to protect her with all of his strength. ] Still ... you did well while I was gone.

Mmm... Lord Sesshomaru doesn't have to apologize.

[It actually sounds weird, coming from him, even though she knew he wasn't the type to say something just for politeness or social grace's sake. If he said it to her, he must mean it... but she didn't want him to have to, and it finally allows her to pull her face out of his shoulder, carefully wiping at his kimono to make sure she hadn't dirtied his clothes.]

I don't know how we arrive here or leave... I'm just sorry that you didn't even get to go home properly... I thought at least you did...

[So he'd just been... crystal? Somewhere? This whole time? Instead of going back to Rin, and Jaken, and Kohaku, and his father's lands... ?]

[ His eyes partially close as she tells him that he does not need to apologize. It's true. He has to only do better. He was not able to protect her this time, but next time, he will. He is uncertain how, but it will be done.

Sesshomaru breathes in deep as she separates herself from him. He exhales slowly as she carefully wipes at his kimono to make sure there was nothing left on it. ]

It is fine. It means that they are still waiting for me, and... Inuyasha is there to watch over them.

[ It will be all right. ]

[She's reminded. InuYasha had escaped from this place before either of them had, the lunch she'd left beneath the tree untouched. She hoped it was true... that time didn't move on without them. That unlike her, who had thought she escaped the Circle to go home only to end up here in Lunatia, he had gone home properly.

But there's only hoping, and that's always been the problem. Thankfully... Konoha has a lot of hope.]

That's right.

[So she takes his hands instead, not willing to fully let him go but freeing him from her tight embrace.]

Things have been really strange here... there were all these weird magic games, and then that lion man from before attacked the port and then the city with beasts...

[And now there's a new scar on her right forearm that matched the one she's always had on her left, slowly fading at least, thanks to moonlacing's healing properties. This time, leonine bite marks instead of lupine.]

Edited (why did dw take away my browse icon button...) 2020-04-29 04:00 (UTC)

A lion man?

[ He looks down at her hands as she holds his. His eyes dart toward the injury that is on her forearm. He lifts his eyebrows before he focuses his stare a little more on the new scar.... then, he clicks his tongue. ]

I see. [ There is a lot more chill to the two words. ] Where is he? His head is mine to take if no one else has done it.

[ Sesshomaru stands a little straighter as he breathes in deep. His anger is starting to cloud his senses; he would have gone out to search for this person himself -- but that would mean he'd have to pull his hands free from Konoha. It would mean he would have to brush her off to deal with the person.

In the past, he would have done it without question but he stops himself from doing so now. ]

A person that attacks my city is saying that they are stronger than me. I will not suffer such a fool. [ It is absolutely not because he sees that Konoha is hurt and feeling desire for revenge take him -- so she can rest assured. Or rather, that is the impression that he tries to give her to ensure she doesn't worry overly much. ]

[There are more new scars, thankfully healing fast with daily doses of chroma. Three long lines where claws had scored through powerful muscle on her rump, gouges in the dip of her spine where human blended into equine and teeth had sunk in to try and wrest her to the ground. But those are hidden by her skirt, her pelt wrap... and it's probably for the best.]

He's already gone... At least, that's what the news announcements said. Once I made it back to the farmstead I didn't leave again until the fighting was all over, though, so I don't know how he got defeated in the end...

[If Sesshomaru had been here, though... He said that his real form was bigger than an entire forest clearing... And her hands tighten on his just a little more.]

It was really scary.

[She wasn't afraid to admit that.]

[ Sesshomaru cannot help but click his tongue all the same that the man is dead. He would rather be the one that killed him, but such things -- he closes his eyes as he has to take solace in the death of the one that hurt Konoha. ]

Mmn.

[ He nods that it must have been scary for her. His hand flexes a few times at his side before he reaches up so that he could lightly stroke the side of her hair, and drop the same hand down to hold her face lightly. ]

[Oh.

Instinctively, she leans slightly into the touch, eyes fluttering closed for a moment. It had been scary. It was scary to recall even now, when she knew she was safe for the time being. Just like when she was around her husband, things weren't as terrifying around Sesshomaru as they could be, because she knew... they were strong. They'd protect her.

But she does manage a tremulous smile when she opens her eyes again, her expression warm and open.]

But before I got there... I protected someone from one of the winged lion things. I didn't really plan to, it just happened... But I did it. And they were safe.

[And so even though it meant she'd limped back to the farm with blood dripping down her coat and skin... She'd been glad. Because of her, Simon was alright. She'd protected, not just been as always the protected...

Not that she's in any rush to become a fighter now, or anything.]

That person had properly thanked you, right?

[ He is willing to swallow back his usual annoyance that comes from hearing that someone he cares about is hurt because they helped some unrelated party. Sesshomaru knows enough that if he grumbles about her reaching her hand out to save someone that she would argue with him. So, he chooses a point that he can argue on -- that the person properly thanked her. ]

Did they bow their heads and thank you for their live? Because without you, they would have most likely lost it. [ Look, he is being kind enough to say that much rather than demand that the person she saved swear fealty to her for her action. Sesshomaru considers himself being very reasonable given the circumstances. ]

Simon is my friend... He thanked me.

[A very weak, delicate human friend with only one arm when he'd previously been a more durable robot friend. Which had been a shock in and of itself, piled on top of winged lions and magic and chaos.]

But he didn't have to. I just saw it about to happen and my body just moved... I didn't even really mean to. I'm glad I did, but...

[But she's certainly not trained enough to be able to dive into a fight through actual... intent to do violence.]

Edited 2020-05-03 05:05 (UTC)

[ He wants to huff when she says he did not need to thank her. Somehow, he avoids doing so. The way that she looks -- it cools his pride from saying anything that would be "too unreasonable." ]

You did well.

[ His tone is one that is filled with pride. ] You saved the life of someone that is dear to you. You fought with all your strength and also survived the encounter. You did well while I was not here. [ He decides to leave the matter about Simon alone.

This person. Even as he leaves it alone with Konoha, he does file the name away for something to keep an eye on. I may have to tell this person that they need to learn to not be a burden to others to ensure that Konoha is not put in danger again.

Satisfied with this decision, he lifts his chin up to signal that he has said his piece on the matter. ]

["You did well". It's very simple as far as praise goes, some might even argue it was barely much praise at all, but coming from Sesshomaru it makes Konoha warm softly with pride, humble though it was. She didn't aspire to much... but being able to protect those she cared about was one of them.]

Mmm.

[It'd be good it if it didn't happen again, but she's glad. She knows that wish is foolish, that in Lunatia surely something incomprehensible and dangerous would happen again soon enough, but.]

... I bet if that kind of thing happens again that it won't last long now that you're back.

[A giant dog demon sounds exactly like who she'd want to match up with a giant lion man, to be honest.]

Of course, it wouldn't.

[ He says these words sincerely, but he knows that it would not be so simple. His abilities are tied to chroma, after all. It no longer is a bottomless amount of energy that he can access. While he is confident in himself, he knows that victory may not be assured.

However... however... to those that need his sword, to those that he wants to protect, he will bluster and tip his chin up. He will say something that may very well become a lie, because they should never fear anything with him close. That is his wish for them, even if it is a foolish one. ]

I will ensure to bring you the creature's head the next time something of that nature appears. Give it to that husband of yours as a gift.

[It's something she's glad and reassured to hear, but also... Konoha can't help but let out a nervous little laugh, shaking her head.]

We don't need any heads... Unless you just need somewhere to bury it...

[Land, they had! And head-burying, well, she's used to that, culturally speaking. Still-]

But thank you...

[She knew what the intent behind the words were, even if the last thing she'd want is a beast's head being presented to her at home. And the intent is something she treasured.

Something she'd missed.]

Edited 2020-05-03 17:58 (UTC)

You should put it on a pike just on the inside of your lands.

[ His tone is matter-of-fact as he gestures with his hand about where it is that she could put it. He's become aware that the feelings from the Prismals is starting to shift to the negative. Idiots and fools are starting to think the Moonblessed are messengers of disaster -- if that's the case, those that wish to court death should be given a warning before they enter Konoha and her husband's lands.

It's a gift to them, as well, but also could work as a nice warning to keep them safe. The wolf ears that are on top of Sesshomaru's head falter and press down. He accepts her kind thanks and accepts that she won't be willing to accept such things. ]

... anyway, you're welcome. [ He can say that much. ]

[It's a weird line to straddle, being weirdly flattered by someone's offer to give you a head to mount on a pike while also being... very uncomfortable with the idea of having a head on a pike on your property. Thankfully, she gets the reasoning behind it, she's heard her share of war stories growing up, but.

... Aww, his ears are doing cute things. (But it's Sesshomaru, and she respects him too much to coo at them.) She's said her thanks, he's accepted it... So,]

It must have been troublesome having to get a new place... Do you need any help setting things up? Or how about a little banquet... ? We could invite Miss Kagura.... ?

[Ever the helpful ~~daughter~~ jinba, she's all too eager to offer whatever she thinks might be needed, even though a part of her thinks he's far more likely to have taken care of his own affairs to his own satisfaction already.]

I may.

[ For the moment, he was going to choose one of the starter apartments until he could find something else for himself. He does know that he will have to moonlace more than just during picnics but he would rather his energy only be shared with those that he is fond of. ]

Kagura? [ He lifts his head up. ] Perhaps, it would be good to invite her. [ Sesshomaru agrees that a little banquet would be fine. A party would be only all right if those coming would bow their heads to him, and offer gifts to Konoha as it is only by her kind word that they are even before him. ]

Hm, a banquet would be good. You could do with some spoiling.

That's not the point of a "Welcome back, Lord Sesshomaru" banquet!

[Gently chastising, Konoha can't help but laugh a little bit at the idea that he could turn such a thing into a part for her somehow, waving a hand in dismissal of needing spoiling.]

And I'm plenty spoiled already!

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