Twisted Deals

[Birdie]

He could not help but smirk at the responses his lord gave him. It was all very much like his Master to do these things. He acted the big tough guy, but when it came down to it he couldn't leave a damsel in distress alone. His mouth opened to make a snarky reply, but something quickly caused it to snap shut. He felt the aura before the person entered the room.

Hitoshi stiffed at the sudden and uninvited presence in his personal quarters. It was the northern lord who was so kind enough to intrude. The red panda had a hard to keeping his face from showing his general disdain for this blatant rudeness. Instead of voicing his opinions loudly, as would be the usual, he kept quiet through the whole of the encounter. He had enough sense to understand how delicate the situation really was. His brows raised at each of the lord's statements. Well, if he wasn't one of those spoiled high and mighty. Unfortunately he was of the sort that had actual power instead of just flaunting.

Once Ryuu had left, Hitoshi rolled his eyes and sighed, sipping his cold tea. He waited for Ryuu's aura to be far out of ear shot before he spoke, "I see that our dear friend has not change one bit. Feels as if he is entitled to much more than he deserves. He is a very tedious young demon. He's a bit like you, in fact. But certainly lacking in manners. I thank the heavens your father at least gave you that." He set aside his cold tea and leaned forward.

"Now, regarding our conversation from earlier... don't think I've forgotten, Master. If you want her to stay you should just say so! No sense in letting such a treasure go because of your pride. Five words, Master. I want you to stay." As he said them, he counted them out on his fingers, grinning. But that would be the last he teased the dog lord. "I shall have the detailed reports written up for you by lunch time. They will just require your stamp before I can store them away in the archives..." He retrieved his cup and lifted the cold tea to his lips again. Sighing, he said, "Do you think I could get some hot tea, Master? I hear tell that our little hanyou is superb at the art of tea brewing. I shall have to convince her to make me some..." His eyes sparkled with mischief over the tea cup.

---

Brigantia had changed into clothing more suitable to be seen working in. The white dress she had been wearing was switched out for a deep blue one, plain in design but well fitting. It hung off her shoulders and down her back to allow room for her wings. She was in search of either of her teachers when a powerful aura and a voice caused her pause. She turned large, opal eyes on the speaker. It was the Northern Lord from last night. "Ah yes, my lord?" She bowed deeply to her better. Shifting, she looked about to see if there were anyone else he meant to speak to, in case she was simply in his way. But it seemed he wished for her attention and this made her blush, slightly uncomfortable. She should not be speaking to such an important guest unattended.

Properly introduced? Did one need to be introduced to the serving staff? She did not understand his meaning. His bow, though slight, only served to cause her great distress. Immediately after he dipped, she gave another low bow. "Yes my lord. It is a pleasure to learn your name, my lord. I assure you that I did not fear, so please do not fret over someone as small as I." She was all trembles as he continued to speak. She continued to keep her eyes averted.

Not come to today's meeting? As far as she knew, she would not be doing anything. But she did have to find Fumiko to find out if their presence was necessary today. She had no idea what sort of things her new position would require from her. Crime? Punishment? It was all so very confusing and she wished nothing more than to be off scrubbing floors, scouring a pot, dusting some corner, or even doing Fumiko's make-up. Any where but here at this time, in this moment.

His aura only served as constant reminder in their power gap. It washed over her. It had taken such a long time for her to grow comfortable with Sesshomaru's immense power. To be so close to yet another, new source was distressing. This one seemed to be filled with far more anger than she was used to. Tightly she clasped her hands together and settled on staring at her feet.

What did he mean by see anything that would haunt her? Had not the death and destruction of those she had considered like family been the worst of it? Were there things far more horrible than watching your home burn? Standing helpless while everyone died and there was nothing you could do? Brigantia felt close to tears at all the memories brought back, and at her attempt to think of things far worse. He was certainly scaring her now much more than he had in the hall where she had entertained. There he had shown moments of calmness. Here he just sounded menacing. A small part of her had to remind her that it was not she that all the anger was aimed at. He only came to give her warning. She should thank him and rejoice in his kindness. Brigantia took a few deep breaths.

Finally she found her voice and responded. Her eyes raised from the floor to search his face. "Please, do not worry for my sake. I shall continue on, as I always have. My life now is to serve absolutely, without question. It is my pleasure and my honor to do what is needed. I want for nothing else. Nothing else could make me more happy, I think." She offered him a small smile. "I must thank you from the very bottom of my heart for your kind warnings. It is wonderful that you would take it upon yourself to do something like this for someone so very low in contrast to yourself, my lord." She bowed very low to him again.

Did he still wish to speak with her? What else could he have to say? What else could she say!? Should she wait for him to leave before she continued her search for Fumiko or Makoto? Her mind raced for answers, but only turned up more questions. So she stood there awkwardly, just smiling.

[Naraku]

As he talked and watched and listen to her he only felt a sickening feeling within him. She talked of servitude as something she wished... Such was maddening... He could tell he stated something to upset her as he could even see from her and the aura she produced that it only cut him, as he was trying his best to comfort the lady and yet the dragon only seem to make things worse.

A soft sigh escape his lips as he tries to go over what he said as the dragon always seem to have difficulty in speaking to other races. He could only blame it on dragon's pride before finally he spoke again but much more calmly, and would smile to her once more mostly a means to try and comfort the female. ”I do not mean to trouble you... I only suggested such as the talk of war and the search of peace is not always pleasant.”

He step back slightly knowing he was troubling her though h did not know what he did or said to trigger such. Though he could no longer help himself as he spoke a bit more softly again while he tried to bring her sight back onto him.

”I am no more then you are... Child, I have not always been a Lord, nor have I even been an heir for such. My status and title are things that I have claimed on my own, I did not do it to Lord over anyone. I did it only to stand up for what I believe in. Do not always hide behind wanting to only serve. You are no less then anyone here-”

A slight pause came as he could actually then picture least one there he would say would be lower but he left such out before he finally finished. ”-Just look into yourself for the answers and follow what your heart believes. Do not doubt yourself or your own honor.”

[Birdie]

He was very strange. She was not sure at all what to make of him. Her smile faltered as she listened, her face taking on intense concentration as she tried to make sense of what he meant. When he had finally finished his strange speech, she took a second to digest it. He attempted to humble himself, make himself out to be less than he was. Should not a lord have pride in what he was? Was not such humility a weakness in a man of great power, especially when speaking to a lesser. He was to be followed and trusted by those over whom he ruled. To humble ones self when in such a position was to place those who followed in shame. Should she take solace in his words or offense? His aura and mood seemed to be such a flippy floppy thing that it was hard to keep track of how the conversation should go.

"You are a lord, not just because you claimed the title, but because there are others who believe in you. Or perhaps fear you. I cannot claim to know the particulars in your rise to power. I do not think you could be a lord very well with out denizens to be lord over. I am sure your ideals are right for your people. As for myself, my physical abilities are not very great. I am not made for ruling. My skills are those of service. I can barely do the work of one child. Believe me, what little I can do I wish to take pride in, my lord." At his last statement she merely smiled. It made absolutely no sense and only caused her further confusion.

How was she supposed to look inside of herself and get answers when he was being so... strange? He spoke words like a man who believes himself wise. "I thank you for the advice, my lord. I shall take it to heart." She supposed that was what he wanted to hear. She didn't really know what to say to him at all. First he warned her and now gave her advice. She felt worried. Should she tell Sesshomaru about this meeting? Would she get in trouble? "Your kindness to me has been very great and I am most thankful for it." She bowed again. "It is an honor for you to take time out of your busy day to comfort and reassure me. Thank you my lord."

[Lord Sesshomaru]

With finding Lord Ainu on his mind, Sesshoumaru only half listened to Hitoshi. Sesshoumaru snorted softly, remembering Ryuu in the passed. Had he always been so obnoxiously high and mighty? Probably. He was so ready to leave. He had even turned his back on Hitoshi before he brought up Brigantia again. The lord stiffened, turning a cautious eye back to his confidant. He wasn't sure he had wanted to continue that conversation.

The dread on ever speaking those five words left a disdainful expression on Sesshoumaru's face. But he was lucky Hitoshi was going to let it go. Finally! He stood at the doorway, letting out a sigh. "Brigantia will not be involved with the guests today. You may do what you wish."

He rushed to get all of this over with. The faster they left the faster Sesshoumaru could get back to normalcy. Servants were called to gather the other Lord to the dojo and he went to meet them. He had expected Ryuu to be waiting at the dojo like he had stated, but instead...

Eyes narrowing in suspicion, Sesshoumaru walked up to intercede the two speaking. He glanced at the two, taking in the half breed's appearance and satisfied to see that his guest had not caused her further distress. "You are relieved of your duties for today, Brigantia." He stated to her, hoping that this would allow her some enjoyment from the confusion of their last conversation and the violence that was about to begin.

Sesshoumaru turned his accusing eyes on Ryuu, still suspicious on what the dragon would ever need to say to a servant of his. "We are ready to start." He stated, moving in front of Brigantia to intercept the northern lord while also dismissing her. Hopefully the dragon would allow himself to be lead to the dojo where everyone was waiting.

When they arrived Lord Ainu was sitting down leisurely, laughing with a few of his confidants while the general scowled. The wolf stood up when he saw the others approaching and waved a letter in the air. "I have it here! This is the report for that raid." The eastern lord was excited to earn land for his pack and he opened the scroll and read it diligently.

Immediately Ainu's face fell, and he turned wide eyes onto his general. Straightening the Lord met Ryuu's eyes. "It seems...my General is responsible." Baku didn't seem surprised, and avoided eye contact as he placed a hand on his sword for defense.

[Naraku]

The dragon did his best to keep his spirits high to maintain his aura as he listens to her. He could clearly see she was over stepping everything he would say. Only meaning to tell her to find what it is she wished to do, not just have someone lord over her and tell her what to do. He was conflicted as to her it seem as if she was nothing but a slave girl and for that to be her life long dream to serve her master.

From her wording he could only think she took it that he was wanting her to be like him and a lord, instead of just doing what she believes. He finally silence his thoughts as the demon dog made his way into the chambers.

Sadly he felt himself partly relieved that he now had an excuse to leave such and not have to explain further. He watches as the half breed was dismissed and the dog demon try to separate the two. He was conflicted between thinking Sesshomaru must either be possessive or if the other demon lord was being untrue to even himself.

None the less, Ryuu slightly bows in the females direction after hearing that it was ready. ”I must be off, Best you take care.” He added before he finally turned away to lead towards the dojo. ”Yes, now let us be on our way...”

He entered the chambers and was struck by the leader's enthusiasm. Though he said nothing as he made his way back to the same location he was at the day before. He looks over towards the general as he could clearly see this was the case, yet he held his hand up as if to still them. ”I will not change my request. If you wish to negotiate more land, then you must give up your general. But I am least honorable. If you agree to this then we will begin talk of the land. Once such is agreed then Baku will face justice. He may defend himself to least have an honorable death...”

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Lord Ainu paled, glancing at his general who seemed too filled with dread to meet his eyes. "I can't give up my general." The statement seemed a surprise to Baku as the stubborn and prideful lord glared at the ground, moving himself onto his knees. "I will take his place!" There was an uproar throughout the eastern lord's servants and confidants, and even Lord Sesshoumaru was surprised.

"Fool! He is one of many generals you have!" Sesshoumaru stated, very angry with the change in Ainu. All of this would be wasted if the wolf went against the terms! He glanced and glared at Baku, who was the only one who didn't protest the change in arrangements. There must be a history between the two that Sesshoumaru had no knowledge of...either way the feelings were not mutual.

"In return I want the land my grandfather gave to you those seven centuries ago."

[Naraku]

Ryuu shook his head slightly before looking between the two before towards Baku. ”You are silent, so tell me. Do you agree with Ainu's terms. To let him die for your crimes or will you insist on facing your own punishment?” Ryuu would allow such trade before he then added in. ”And keep in mind this is not the trade. This is to open up trade for the land.”

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Sesshoumaru scowled, unable to intervene as Ainu closed his eyes and bowed his head. Baku stood quietly, a hand still placed on the hilt of his sword as he eyed the dragon before him. "If that is what my lord wishes, who am I to argue?" It hadn't surprised Ainu, although it stung just a bit. The wolf lord would protect his pack including such a close member.

[Naraku]

"Disgraceful... It seems the general is nothing more then a coward with no real honor. But I must admit I am surprised by wishing to protect a friend, even one who truly does not deserve it. If you wish to sacrifice yourself for this land, and for this one who clearly shows no loyalty to you or the pack then so be it, but my conditions are this. If you do chose this path then I demand that Baku be banished from your pack. Let the traitors filth walk this land knowing what he did and to find his own coward's death. Then for the land, once a new leader is assured that they meet me in my land as then they must agree to these conditions as well before I give up the land. But I will have rights to this land for a time period to watch over. Only to be sure that these new borders will become mutual and not a new risk of threat. The secondly I demand that trade now be open between our lands, and once such has passed into your land it would be the pack's obligation to protect such trade as I do the same in my own land."

His agreement was mainly to open such trade between the two regions knowing that the north was mostly frozen land and less places for much, but there was much more ores and other materials within his land that many others would wish for.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Even Sesshoumaru recoiled at the demands. His opinion of Lord Ainu had greatly diminished, but not much could be said about Ryuu. This whole thing left a bitter taste in his mouth and he wished he could have left them to fight among themselves than to get involved. "Your terms would be unacceptable no matter what circumstances are involed." Sesshoumaru stated simply, as Lord Ainu bit back a feral growl.

"A dragon can not change pack dynamics and instincts that set our types apart. You are a loner, after all." A brow rose as he scrutinized the dragon. His instincts would be far different from wolves and dogs. "Instincts drive us. Duty steers us." He quoted and the familiar phrase seemed to calm the wolf lord who was still on his knees.

Duty steers us. It was the only reason why Sesshoumaru could not be too unreasonable in Ainu's decision to protect his general.

[Naraku]

”I see then... so if I would allow the coward's place to be taken for the crimes he commited then he would only be rewarded. Even for a pack that is depressing... Knowing that it would be the general's fault they lost their leader and then be named the new leader.” Ryuu's eyes went down and look down towards the wolf lord as he softly spoke. “If this is true I would not wish to be you. I thought wolves was loyal but from hearing such and all else it seems the only loyalty I see is from you and it is even misplaced.[/b]

He slowly moves up to his feet as his eyes no longer met with any other. ”It seems to help your pack, save it, and maintain peace leads only to one answer...” With a quick jerk the dragon reached for his blade, letting such unsheathe before piercing into General Baku's chest aiming for the wolf's heart. ”You willing to sacrifice another for your own crimes forfeit your right to defend your worthless self. The dragon spoke deeply and darkly with that statement before pulling his blade from the wolf.

He turns swaying it to splash any blood off his blade before sheathing the sword. He was much more relieved in seeing that the half demon or any of the other suburbanites did not come to such a meeting. He turns his head back now watching Ainu, to make sure the leader now did not do anything foolish.

[Lord Sesshomaru]

Lord Ainu howled in anguish, reaching for general Baku as he stumbled to the floor. Quickly he turned on Ryuu, ready to pounce before Sesshoumaru interceded. He ordered the wolf's servants and confidants into action and against their master's wishes held him back with all their power. There was an immediate uproar. Even Sesshoumaru's own servants had to get involved. The most powerful of foxes used their magic to subdue the wolf as they dragged him across the dojo and into one of the guests bedrooms. It took three leaves from three five tailed foxes to keep the Lord from escaping his confines.

Sesshoumaru looked on from a distance, staring at the now sealed door as Jaken stood beside him. The imp barked out more orders and told them to remove the body. Sesshoumaru quickly interceded. "Preserve General Baku." He turned to face Ryuu who was stil nearby. "When Lord Ainu is himself, he will decide what to do with what is his." The servants nodded and went off but Jaken still had more orders to handle.

Things could have gone better, but for what it was Sesshoumaru was satisfied. He walked slowly to his guest. "Lord Ainu will calm down and realize it was necessary." Gold eyes glanced over at the pavilion and the small room the Lord occupied. "How long that will take, I am unsure."

[Naraku]

Ryuu look off at the ceiling in thought before shaking his head. ”He must, as it seems only he is able to keep his own pack in order. Least for now, he cannot fall into harm, or his whole pack would seem to foolishly get greedy or seek for some foolish thing to prove.” He finally looks down and towards Sesshomaru as the dragon's arms crosses.

”There is no need to worry about guarding the two of us. I will not bring any true harm upon him, and if he wishes to seek him and try something maybe he can learn the hard way of how important such is. Beside no need to put any one else in danger.”

A soft smile comes across his face as he then softly added. ”Though I do believe I would enjoy some more of that tea you have here, and if over stepping myself more then I have... I do believe I would enjoy some more time testing out some more of some delicate foods from your cook. Such is not custom from where I am from.”

[Lord Sesshomaru]

With the actual issue settled. For now. It was easier to handle the dragon when honor didn't bind him to finish a score or act on revenge. "It can be arranged." He sent Jaken out, who waddled his way to the kitchen, demanding the fox chef to make as many delicacies as he could for the two Lords. The kitchen was soon busy as the fox worked with helpers.

"And tea! The Lords want tea!" The look on the fox proved he was too busy to poor boiling water. Huffing in irritation the imp sent off to find Fumiko. The panda had been avoiding Brigantia all day but she couldn't ignore a summons. She bowed stiffly to Jaken before hurrying to prepare herself.

[Birdie]

She began to feel sorry for the dragon lord. He was trying very hard to get on her good side. It was not that she was upset with him. In fact, she was inclined to like him very much. The things he said went against what most of her training had been. When one is set in a certain lifestyle, understands how certain things should be, it is very hard to get them to change their ways. You can't teach an old dog new tricks, as the saying goes. It was not long, much to her relief, before Sesshomaru found her. His presence calmed her agitation greatly. She did not like being told that all her duties were to be postponed for the day. She very much wished to be working. In the end all she could do was bow to the both of them.

"I hope your meeting goes well my lords." She smiled, standing to the side as the two made their way toward their destination. She waited until their backs were no longer in view before going off to preform her usual duties for the day. She would start with the garden.

Beneath the day time sun, she worked with the fruits and vegetables. Brigantia found happiness in their song and comfort in occupation. She was only disrupted when another servant came to her whilst she was watering some of the trees.

"Hitoshi-sama would like to see you Brigantia-san. He wants you to bring him some tea. He is in the archives." The woman stood their, agitated that she had been called away from more important duties to deliver a message to another servant.

"Ah yes. Right away. Thank you so much!" Brigantia bowed to the woman, who spared her a smile. The woman left and Brigantia rushed to clean the dirt off of her hands and feet. She entered the quiet kitchens to make tea preparations for Hitoshi. Once complete she carried a tray of tea and cut peaches toward the archives.

Hitoshi sat outside, a pipe between his lips as he lazily smoked. The sun shone brightly off of his black and red streaked hair. He was very pretty, with long lashes and smooth pale skin. She looked forward to helping him in anyway she could. He turned those mismatched eyes upon her and smiled as she approached.

"Aaaah, hot tea. Just what I needed." He allowed her to pour him a cup and he sipped the steaming liquid. "Ah yes, this is better than they even described. You are indeed a master!"

"Oh no sir. I would not say that, but I thank you for the compliment." She blushed at his praise and stood, ready to leave.

"No, sit and talk with me a while. I know the Master has given you the rest of the day off. Spend some time with me. I'm just procastrinating doing some reports." Brigantia returned to her sitting position and frowned. Hitoshi lifted a peach to his lips and happily ate.

"Is it not better to do the work assigned to you?"

"If I were to do that, I would miss this blissful moment in the sunshine." He winked at her before pouring her a cup. She accepted with her hands, though her lips spoke many denials. "You are a funny little thing, you know that. Very cute." She was all blushes again and opened her lips but he interrupted her. "No, no. I know what I see and there can be no denying it. You should not put yourself down so much. You are a lovely girl and nothing you can say can change my mind on the subject!"

"Ah, thank you very much sir." The pair sat in relative silence. It was only interrupted by the sipping of tea. "How long have you worked here?" she inquired.

"Me? Oh goodness, I don't even remember. I was old even when I came to work for Sesshoamru's father, Inu no Taisho. I have been with the family since. When you get as old as I am, you tend to forget such particulars."

"You do not look very old! How old are you?"

"Such a question," he teased. And she blushed and began a great flourish of apologies. "It is quite alright, no need to apologize my little butterfly. I do not remember quite how old I am. But it is old. It tends not to be much of an issue."

"I see. I don't know how old I am either... The first things I remember are at the temple. I sort of woke up there, I guess. And they took me in and fed me and made sure I was always comfortable. They told me I was special... But I suppose much of what they said were lies." She stared sadly into the murky waters of her tea.

"Oh, I wouldn't say that. You seem very special to me." Brigantia quickly took a sip of tea to hide her happy embarrassment. "I hear you owe our lord a debt..."

"Oh yes!" She brightened when it turned to a subject she very much enjoyed. This was either work or her lord. Hitoshi took significant note of this for later use. "He save my life. In return I must do what I can for him until that debt is repaid."

"How will you know it is repaid?"

"It is... complicated... may I see your arm?" Hitoshi gave it to her and Brigantia repeated the same process she had with Sesshomaru many nights ago. She demonstrated how she heard and felt the world. "That is fantastic. You could do that forever and I think I could be happy." She laughed as she let him go. "So, what will you do when it has been repaid?"

"Oh... Well... I don't know. I suppose I shall travel and see the world."

"I would be happy to take you with me on my next journey."

"I would like that very much. It does not seem that Sesshomaru much likes me to be here, so I think it is best I move on." Once again she was frowning. Her fingers traced the lip of her cup as she watched the distant horizon.

Hitoshi leaned down so that his face was very close to hers. She turned her dark eyes to meet his bright ones. He slid a hand down her cheek until it cupped her chin. "My dear, I think if you two had a heartfelt talk you would both be pleasantly surprised. But, alas, my master is not much one for the talking or the sharing of those pesky things called feelings. I certainly hope that will not be the case for you. I would hate to loose such a precious thing over misunderstandings."

"I do not understand your meaning sir." He made no further reply and just smiled. Hitoshi stood and stretched.

"I think it is time I finished up my reports. It is been most pleasant speaking with you , my dear Birdie. I hope we can have a repeat sometime soon." He took a small, pale hand in his own and kissed the back of it. "Have a good day my dear. No need to worry over the tea tray. I will take care of it." He then picked it up and carried it into the archives.

"Oh yes, thank you for this opportunity. I was very happy to be over service. Good day!" She bowed to him and waited until he had entered the building before she set off in search of something else to do.