Encounters In Small Meetings by Angelic Memories
At Long Last
Prompt: Evolution
Minimum 800 words: 1 044 words used
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At Long Last
There was whispering. Each and every person had begun to talk silently to their partners as soon as she entered. It was tradition for the female to carry her children. But two arms and three children did not work well. So it was explained that she would carry the heir a foot behind her mate while two nursemaids carried the little princesses two feet behind the alpha female to show the status in the pack. So far things had gone according to plan. Except the disrespectful way in which the guest spoke out of turn. However, Kagome didn’t care what they thought. She knew her place, she knew the importance she held, but most of all she was happy. And from what she could tell, so was her mate, which was a big feat all on its own due to the rarity of emotions he displayed.
As Sesshomaru ascended to his throne, Kagome stopped at the small rise of stairs. She bowed her head respectfully and looked to her lord, showing no fear as she stared into his eyes. To many she would be disrespecting her mate. As a female, it mattered not what her status was, she was to bow according to gender. But Sesshomaru made it clear that she would be treated as an equal. Her power was far beyond the average youkai and she held vast knowledge of the future exceeding any wise woman. She could see the way the inu clung to traditional ways, but slowly he was learning to except change and progress in a way so he could adapt in the direction the world around was leading them.
However, Kagome didn’t really want to think about what would happen in the future. Her concern was for the present. More importantly: her lines.
“Milord, I come before you and your court to present to you each of the pups I have proudly bore. If they please you then I would be my pleasure for you to name them,” Kagome uttered, biting her tongue even though she hated they way the pups were treated like objects or presents.
“This Sesshomaru is pleased by these strong pups and wishes to grant his mate an honoured gift,” the Western Lord began, “Choose whichever name pleases you for our daughters.”
There were gasps and shocked voices the rose at the mention of a female naming such strong pups. But Sesshomaru’s eyes didn’t grace any of those figures that rose. His golden hues were watching Kagome and waiting for her next move.
The woman stepped towards the table set up before the throne. There was a blank scroll laying flat waiting for ink to grace the surface. She allowed a third nursemaid to take the male pup so Kagome was free to write the name of the oldest pup first. The inu woman on the other side chanted as ink painted the brown parchment. When the process was finished Kagome moved to her first pup.
“May I present Kira,” Kagome held up her child, ascending the throne so Sesshomaru could claim the pup.
The inu took the young, sleeping pup. He held her gently in his arms while Kagome moved to the table once more. She wrote the same name declaration for the second female pup.
“May I present Sakura,” the woman announced with the second pup in her hands. She ascended the throne.
The second pup was placed in Sesshomaru’s arms. He gracefully held one pup in each arm, tucking them against him for warmth.
“This Sesshomaru, as father of these pups and Lord of the Inu Clan and Western Lands welcomes Kira and Sakura to our clan.”
Sesshomaru rose and allowed Kagome to take one pup before sitting in her own chair so she could accept the second pup. It was now Sesshomaru turn to name the final pup. He moved to the table and elegantly painted a name onto the final piece of blessed parchment. He pivoted swiftly and took hold of his heir. Holding the pup up above his head signalled the naming of heir.
“This Sesshomaru presents heir to the Western Lands and future King of the Inu. He shall be known as Kai.”
The pup was then cradled in his father’s arms as he ascended to his throne once more and took a seat next to his mate. Kagome smiled at her mate and then to each of her pups. At long last she could begin calling them by name.
It was as the guest were leaving that Kagome understood the consequence of change. Though she had always believed evolution was a good thing, she realized there were bad things that came with it. There were many people who didn’t approve of her. They were obviously disappointed with her views and the way she ‘bewitched’ her mate. Sesshomaru told her many times not to worry. Yet she couldn’t help but worry about her happiness.
“Sesshomaru you said the pups needed imperial titles.”
“Yes but that comes as they grow, you wouldn’t want them to be called something they didn’t reflect.”
Kagome paused for a moment, “So only Kai has a title?”
“Yes because he is heir. The crown prince is meant to be respected by all from birth. Each of the other pups must earn respect and their titles will reflect that which gains them the respect they deserve.”
Kagome reflected on the words. She had a lot to learn still, but she was happy that she was slowly picking up on things. She carefully wrapped herself around Sesshomaru’s waist as he stared upon the young pup that would take his place one day.
“In one day the world has changed so much,” Sesshomaru said.
“How so?” Kagome mumbled.
“A lord has given up his right to name, therefore allowing strange names to grace his pups. The inu clan will begin to adapt to foreign ways because a human as taken the title of Lady of the West and Queen of the Inu. In accepting you as my mate I have shown others it is okay to slowly step away from concrete tradition and progress to a different future than that of our ancestors.”
Kagome tightened her hug; she was pleased by the progress. “I love you too.”
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Ja ne
Angelic Memories
© 2009