Wicked Plans

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Baku snarled, ready to pounce across the table at his foe. The eastern lord wasn't doing any better, not with the way that Ryuu was pushing buttons. "We need more land for our people! The eastern territory is the smallest of the sections. You, who's all alone ruling above worthless insects wouldn't understand!" General Baku explained, his hands clenched into tight fists onto the table. When Brigantia had left she had been ignored, but when she returned a sense of calm before the storm was among them. Anything could set them off and Lord Sesshoumaru knew it would only take one more word to send his dining hall into havoc.

It took a long time to fix the roof in the last incident...

Lord Ainu was still glowering at Ryuu, his body tense and coiled as if about to strike. The scent of the tea wafted into his nose and for a moment his eyes landed on the girl and the cup she set before him. Remembering where he was, and his place, the Lord accepted the tea and tried to drink from it without crushing the fragile pottery.

The mood took a strange turn when Brigantia began to sing. It was unexpected with the sudden ferocity in the room, and most of its inhabitants weren't sure what to think of it. It was almost unsettling how one little half breed could affect so many. The pent up aggression seemed to die with smells of tea and gentle songs.

Sesshoumaru was satisfied. They made eye contact when the song had ended, and he nodded his approval. Thinking of land had become a second priority to Lord Ainu as he glanced at their tiny entertainer.

Before the Eastern Lord could consider speaking his mind, Sesshoumaru called for attention with nothing but his aura. His head turned quickly to their host as Sesshoumaru placed down his tea cup.

"Lord Ryuu, would you consider trading with Lord Ainu for land?" The question had seemed obvious, as they wouldn't be fighting if the answer had been no. The question had never been answered before, as Lord Ainu was so rash and quick to action that he had forced what could have been given. The look on the foolish wolf's face was enough to leave Sesshoumaru smirking as he brought back his cup to his lips.

Lord Ainu blinked, frowning. He hadn't ever thought to ask. Suddenly his attitude shifted, and he stared at Ryuu expectantly. Mostly to have his hopes shot down, but maybe...it seemed so simple now!

[Naraku]

The dragon growls lowly as any who could sense aura's could feel a tempest starting at listening to the wolves. Listening to them defend and make excuses for such acts and insulting those when they was to naive to know anything. His mouth slowly opens as if to curse the foolish wolves before his mouth shuts at the approaching sound.

Ryuu softly smiles back at the female who entered the room as he ignore the others and let her fill the glasses. The demon could tell from the emotions she harbored, and tried not to show to much of a dark side before the lady.

Once the drinks was refilled the dragon lord lean back some as he relaxed softly only to enjoy the sounds of song. And his eyes peer back across the room to meet her's once the song was over only to slightly smile once more before his gaze left to the others.

Could see the wolf was about to speak yet his attention fell to the dog demon as he heard the request as he then turns back to the eastern lord. “This would have been something I would considered.” The demon pauses a moment before glaring some at the wolf. “During your raid into that village your kind murdered a demon. Naamah, and she was killed in cold blood as she tried to escape and make her way back to me. If you want this land, then there will be compensation. Xdaak bal xdaak.... I demand the life of the one who struck her down.”

He quickly demanded while crossing his arms as he watches the two. “If you agree, then I shall discuss the trade of land.”

[Lord Sesshomaru]

General Baku scowled, ready to refuse the terms. And although Lord Ainu hesitated, it was for a completely other reason. With just a second of thought he accepted. "Agreed. I will have this soldier searched for." And with a node towards a confidant who quickly pulled out paper, quill and ink, wrote down the necessary letter and handed it off to a servant who then dismissed himself from the room. The general glanced at the others, wanting to say more but knew it was more of a private matter.

"The specific terms of trade can be continued tomorrow." Lord Sesshoumaru stated, slowly getting up from his seat. "I request that you make yourselves comfortable in the rooms prepared for you." With that said, Makoto nervously entered the dining hall. Bowing towards her lord's guests, she was prepared to lead the Lord's and their servants to rooms situated in the entrance hall pavilions.

With the hustle of people murmuring to themselves as they left, Sesshoumaru snuck his way over to Brigantia's side. He lightly gripped onto the fabric of her kimono sleeve, keeping her in place as the others left. He had much to speak to her about.

Lord Ainu wasn't prepared to leave just yet, but when he saw Sesshoumaru's possessive posture he scowled and turned away to join the others.

[Birdie]

She couldn't help but give a small, satisfied smile when Sesshomaru and she connected. It was all in his eyes and aura. He need not say anything and she understood he was content. The whole room had changed. The darkness and friction that was in the air had become calm solemnity. It was much more comfortable this way. Brigantia averted her eyes down for a second before something else caught her attention. It was a look from the Northern Lord. Their eyes met and his smile was almost as gratifying as Sesshomaru's simple look at been. Something about it was a little more embarrassing though, and she brought her eyes down to her feet.

Brigantia stiffened, forcing herself to keep looking down as she felt the suddenness of Sesshomaru's call for attention. It poked and prodded at her, trying to get her to look up. As he gained what he wished the aura died away, allowing her to keep her reserved position. She half listened as they came to some sort of agreement. Not understanding the particulars, her mind wandered. She wondered if she should leave or if she should stay. It did not take too long for her answer to come. The meeting ended and with it Sesshomaru stood at her side. She was confused at his holding her kimono sleeve, but she made no movement or sound beyond bidding the lords a good night and a slight bow. She really hoped the night had gone very well, or at least as well as it seemed.

[Naraku]

Ryuu slowly moves up to his feet as he nods about postponing the agreements. He still wondered more if the wolf lord would try and trick him, but knew if he tried and bring him someone false for the crime he would know. But to give the benefit of a doubt he would bow slightly to Sesshomaru and the female being the host, before turning and following the other.

Once they was out of the room and heading to the rooms the dragon lord stopped as he his attention seem else where before softly speaking. “If you do not mind, I believe I will much rather make camp outside of the castle. Such confinements are much on a dragon.” He does not even await a response as he gives a slight bow once more before turning away and walking towards the castle exit.

Once stepping outside the demon would seem to himself as he continues off towards a nearby clearing where the dragon lord would take his place and sit under the pale moon light.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

As soon as his guests had left the dining hall, Sesshoumaru turned away to leave through the back exit the servants used. He yanked on Brigantia's sleeve to make her follow. What had first seemed like a gentle tug was now a demanding grip that he wasn't planning on letting go any time soon. Pushing the curtain aside, he was confused to see that Fumiko wasn't waiting on them. He had expected to find her fuming and eavesdropping in the hallway.

Once the curtain fell behind Brigantia, he turned on her with narrowed eyes. "It is only by luck that this fiasco has been salvaged." He scowled, glancing down the hall. "Now where is Fumiko? She must pay for her actions."

Although things had ended well, he was still very displeased. Even Brigantia's performance could only placate the lord for a small period of time. Fumiko had deserted her job and chose the one person that should never have met the other Lords.

[Birdie]

When all of the lords had gone Sesshomaru's demeanor changed. Meekly she followed him out of the room and did not quite understand his surprise and anger. When he spoke it all made more sense but she did not know how exactly to reply to pacify him. Luck probably did have quite a bit to do with how tonight's proceedings went. Her pride and happiness turned to solemn guilt. She was not good enough to fully gain his praise.

Finally she said, "I am sorry my lord, but I do not know where she has gone. Perhaps she is tired and has returned to her rooms to sleep?" It was her best guess, though it was quite far off the mark. His grip had turned aggressive and she wished nothing more than for him to let her go. She wanted to hide somewhere or go clean up. Anything to be away from him at the moment. She was not sure if he was angry at Fumiko or perhaps the both of them. Brigantia could not defend herself as she now felt a part of the guilty party. "Maybe the cook knows where she has gone? I believe he was the last to see her."

[Lord Sesshomaru]

The cook. Sesshoumaru accepted the advice and lead her around the corner into the kitchen. Said cook was nowhere to be found, but the ever familiar and desperate aura of Fumiko seemed to come from the pantry. His grip on Brigantia loosened, and it was just enough for her to rush to the door. It was obviously not locked, but wouldn't open no matter how much she pushed or pulled.

Noticing the handy work, Sesshoumaru moved forward and plucked a leaf that had attached itself to the wood. As soon as it was removed Fumiko's angry screams came at them full force and the demon lord was forced to take a step back in order to stop the panda from running into him as she barged through. He still held the leaf in between his fingers as she sprawled on the floor at his feet from her attempt to escape all this time.

He raised a brow at the panda who had the decency to flush in emberassment at her appearance and how she had acted. She forced herself to her feet before bowing low to her Lord. "Very unlike you, Fumiko." he spoke low and in a tone that made her flinch and lower her head even more.

"I'm very sorry Lord Sesshoumaru, I made a mistake and it won't happen again!" She spoke desperately, considering the punishments that would be coming her way. His eyes narrowed, and she closed her eyes tightly.

"From today you will be training Brigantia. You will both entertain my guests in the near future." he glanced at Brigantia as Fumiko gawked and straightened out of her bow. She stumbled over excuses on why that wouldn't be a good idea.

A raised hand and a sudden surge of his threatening aura silenced her. "She will be your apprentice. While you will become Makoto's. Under her you will cook and clean like the other servants."

Now that brought Fumiko close to tears. She was always too good for labor! Her job gave her a status above the other servants and she enjoyed her pampered life. It seemed all that was being taken away from her. And given to Brigantia of all people! She turned her eyes on the half breed and glared at her, tears formed in her eyes.

The growl from Sesshoumaru wiped the glare right off her face and she lowered her head again in understanding and acceptance, sniffling back more tears. Satisfied his will would be done, he turned from them and left the kitchen.

[Birdie]

She felt the aura before she heard the sounds of desperate escape. Somewhere in the pit of her stomach she felt a cold rage. It boiled inside of her. It was a strange sort of sickness that this incurred. There was something horrifying about the whole situation. She rushed from Sesshomaru's side to the door. She was in such a state of panic, confusion, and anger that she failed to recognize the enchantment which held it locked. She also felt the flush of embarrassment when Sesshomaru pulled the leaf holding it locked from the door.

Silently she watched the scene unfold. Brigantia's eyes widened as she understood now that she was in fact being praised. She would learn under the best Geisha. She wondered at forcing Fumiko to clean though. It was not her fault that the sake had spilled on her wonderful kimono! Brigantia also wished to protest along side Fumiko, but knew it would be to no avail.

When their lord had gone, she offered Fumiko a small smile. "I look forward to your teachings Fumiko-sensei." She bowed deeply to the panda. "I would be more than happy to assist you in your new tasks as well. It will be fun!" Her optimism shone brightly.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Sesshoumaru paused in the hallway, at the very far end Lord Ainu was awaiting him. He saw the set in the wolf's jaw and knew this was going to be a very long night. Holding back a sigh he met the wolf at the end of the hall and lead him out of the pavilion and to his personal study.

--

Fumiko continued to pout, rubbing at her eyes as she glared at the floor. She ignored the half breed's bubbly attitude with a scowl and left the kitchen without saying a word to Brigantia. She noticed the two Lord's leaving the pavilion and it made her pause. Now this was interesting...

Fumiko's anger was put aside for gossip and curiosity as she turned to Brigantia. "Did you see them? Let's follow and see what the eastern Lord wants." She quietly followed down the hall that lead outside. The night had fallen on them long ago, but she could easily see them enter Sesshoumaru's personal quarter. "You're room is in that pavilion, right? You can probably hear what they are saying from there." she mused, eyes narrowing in thought.

[Birdie]

She immediately followed Fumiko, curious. Why was the panda so upset? This all changed very quickly though as she saw something that was very much out of the ordinary. Brignatia had no choice but to follow her mentor and there by stalk Sesshomaru. She could not help but to feel the wrongness of the situation.

"Ah... yes it is. But I do not know how well we could hear..." She frowned slightly, desperate to see Fumiko happy and at the same time not wanted to intrude on her lord. None the less she showed Fumiko the way into her lovely room. Once inside she caught her face in the mirror. She was gorgeous. She did not recognize herself at first and thought that someone else had managed to get into her room. She blushed a little when she realized her mistake and turned away from the mirror to handle the situation at hand. "I am not sure this is the best of ideas," Brigantia whispered quietly.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Fumiko made herself a big too comfortable in Brigantia's room. It was the first time the geisha had set foot in it and she remembered the girl that used to claim this room as hers. But her attention was elsewhere, and she pressed a round furred ear to the wall. "Aren't you curious?" She scowled, they were still a few rooms away and the words were low and muffled.

She caught a few words before she gasped, wide eyes turning to Brigantia. "He's going to sell you!" she blurted it out rather quickly, before clasping a hand over her mouth. Suddenly an intimidating aura buffeted her senses and warned her off. Her surprised outburst had given her away. Not wanting to have Sesshoumaru storm out of his office and punish her again Fumiko quickly retreated, stumbling backward and running out of Brigantia's room. Her rooms had never seemed like such a safe haven before!

--

Sesshoumaru huffed, Lord Ainu distracted with the sound of a woman down the hall. "Who else stays here?" asked the eastern Lord as Sesshoumaru opened the outside sliding door from his study to the garden. The study, his room, and Brigantia's all shared the wall and doors to the overgrown land.

"The hanyou." Lord Ainu paused in thought, sniffing at the air as he imagined the geisha in training in her bedroom. Lord Sesshoumaru struck him with a warning glare that forced him from his thoughts. He grinned with his sharp fangs glinting in the moonight as he dropped a hand full of gold coins into Sesshoumaru's hand.

"Well, here. We have a deal then, yes?" Sesshoumaru clenched the gold tight as he kept his fists at his side. He didn't respond to Ainu and even turned his head to the side to dismiss him. The wolf huffed, but turned away, slipping his hands into his sleeves as he followed the wooden path outside back down to the main pavilion.

[Birdie]

Brigantia shook her head. No she was not in the least bit curious. It was none of her business! She was thinking how much she would like to melt into the floor until Fumiko spoke again. She stiffened and her eyes were drawn to anything but the geisha. She dully noticed the aura which Sesshomaru let flow and said nothing as Fumiko ran away.

When did the room become so stuffy and hot? Like a ghost she opened her door in time to see the eastern lord exit the building. She watched the man a moment before wandering outside. She sat in her usual spot to watch the garden and the moon. It would not been too long before she turned into a human. She hated the thought of being sold like a pet. Brigantia looked to the sky, hoping for answers and explanations to fall out of the sky. They did not and hot sickness rolled in her stomach as tears threatened to spill from her.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Sesshoumaru had gone inside as soon as the other Lord has left, dropping the coins carelessly onto his desk. He stood there for a moment, considering his options. He wasn't sure what Fumiko was doing in Brigantia's room, but he knew that whatever it was it wasn't good. He had warned her off, but what kind of damage had been done? Curious in spite of himself, he slid the door to the hallway slowly open and walked cautiously down the hall.

It was dark and quiet inside the pavilion, but he knew she was there. Just beyond the sliding door he stood in front of. Hesitantly, he opened the door to her room. His eyes fell to her empty bed to the opened back door. The moonight sent an odd shadow from her form into the vacant bedroom. Frowning, he stepped inside eyeing her curiously.

"You are not well." he stated with a slight hint of confusion as his nostrils flared. He could smell the tears and she seemed weaker than ever before. What had Fumiko said to the half breed? Had she insulted her more before he had chased her off? He felt stiff standing in her room. It was only the second time he had stepped into it since Brigantia occupied its space. And it was the first time Sesshoumaru had allowed himself entrance without warning.

He gave himself excuses, saying he could go where he pleased. No matter where it was. Even a fragile young woman's personal bedroom. But still there was something unsettling about it.

[Birdie]

She jumped and turned in surprise. Standing immediately, Brigantia bowed to him properly. "Oh no... It has just been a long night is all. Nothing for you to concern yourself over. I shall be alright." She only hoped that with this trade she would fully complete her debt to him. She did not like the idea, but in the end it was up to her. Rather, it was the universe or fate which made the call.

Turning slightly, she brought her attention to the sky and garden again. It took a lot of control for her not to start crying or to say anything. If it were important, should she need to know he would tell her when the time came. She had to trust in him completely or what sort of denizen would she be then? Taking a few shaking breathes she turned back to him, entering her room.

They should not be alone like this. It was highly improper. The back of her mind screamed for her to stop acting like a fool. But if she were to be sold then what did it matter? Maybe she would not have to leave right away, so that she could learn as much as she could from Fumiko. She hoped to say proper goodbyes to both Makoto and Takehiko. She hoped to keep speaking nightly like this for as long as she could. "I must thank you for the opportunity to learn a new trade."