“I grew up with my adoptive family just past that river, in a small town, I was a blacksmith’s apprentice. You could say that, that stream was my secret place, whenever I was worried, or upset or even happy, I would go there and I would plant all those colourful flowers you saw…”

Mari was surprised. This was more information than she'd hoped for. Eri was adopted? She wondered what had become of his real parents, and why they would have given him up. These were things he may not know the answer to himself, and if he did, they might be too personal to discuss so lightly. She could imagine him working as a blacksmith, and wondered if those were skills he kept current. None of this was the thought she voiced, however. "You planted those flowers?" For some reason, she found it hard to imagine him digging in the dirt and tending to a garden. She had just assumed they were wild flowers. "I'm sorry I picked one, then..." She admitted, biting her lip. "It feels a bit like taking a rose from my mother's garden...she'd always get mad when I did." It was like harming the hard work of someone else, and she respected when others worked hard. This thought also made her miss the flower she'd misplaced. She just had to find it as soon as she got back to her room. The keepsake seemed even more special now that she knew Eri had planted and tended the flowers when he was younger.

“Your wish is my command. Wooden carvings are common in this area, you could probably get them something with the emblems of the kingdom if you like. Unless you would prefer another type of thing. There is a shop to the right, the carpenter is a very nice man, he will probably give you a discount if you say you came with me. He owes me a favour.”

His smirk so often irritated her, but just then, it made her grin in reply. "Don't you know it's never good to tell a girl that? Sometimes we can be very commanding." She tossed a wink, just to get back at him for all the teasing back in her room. She nodded to his suggestion. That sounded nice. Maybe she could get some for the rest of her family too, if they didn't cost too much. His last words caught up with her, and she blinked up at him, surprised. "You'd call in a favor for me?" It made her feel good that he'd use a favor he'd earned for something she wanted, but it also felt like he should save it. "But, what if you want something from him some day? Shouldn't you keep it just in case?" Still, if he insisted, she'd be glad for the discount. She didn't know how much these wood carvings would cost, and she didn't want to spend all the money Rin had given her.

“Are you hurt, Mariko-san?”

Mari was glad he didn't pull away and ruin her little bit of revenge against the women who had obviously thought they were better than her. She was surprised when he stopped and looked into her eyes, caressing her cheek. She smield faintly, and felt her cheeks flush once more. Darn it, that was probably what he'd wanted, and she hated that she blushed so easily, especially for him. "No, I'm not hurt." Though she was sure he'd known that already.

“If you want to make the man truly happy, give him a great piece of land where he can grow his own sake…”

Mari laughed. "Farmer Dazi..." She shook her head. No, she couldn't see that being what he'd want in life. He'd be much happier if she could magically get him a self-refilling sake jug, no work needed, just the drink. Still, she was fond of her drunk Seishi. He never seemed to take life too seriously, unless there was no other choice.

“I need to go to that shop there, but, if you like, you can go to the next-door shop, they have nice clothing and cheap, just in case you wish to buy something nice for when we get to the palace, there will be a small feast in your honour, you know the deal: lots of food, music and dancing, meeting new people…”

She was so stunned by his later words, she didn't even really notice what shop he'd said he had to go to, though she did spot the clothing shop. "Festivities? In my honor?" She repeated, her eyes wide. She had been nervous at the thought of meeting an Emperor, but now...now she was nearly terrified. She wan't scared of attention...she couldn't be if she wanted to make it big as a rock star one day, but she knew so little about their customs...what if she made a fool of herself in front of everyone? What if she embarrassed herself...and Eri? "I,,,don't really know how to dance...like we did last night." She was thinking out loud, but was sure Eri would hear her. He tended to. She released his arm and looked to the clothing shop, She couldn't even begin to know where to start, and hoped she could tell the owner what she needed and find something that suited the occasion.

She took a deep breath and gave a nod, deciding she'd do this like she did all scary experiences. She'd charge into it and sort out what she was doing as she did it. Good thing she could think on her feet. "Well, Eri-san...you go take care of your errand, and I'll try to find something nice to wear to the palace..." She smiled. She could still feel the butterflies in her stomach, but she figured if she acted like this wasn't an overwhelming experience, that might eventually be true...

"You planted those flowers? I'm sorry I picked one, then...It feels a bit like taking a rose from my mother's garden...she'd always get mad when I did.”

He chuckled, anyone would find it hard to believe that someone like him would have a sort sport for wildlife but, if one studied the samurai code taking in every small detail one could easily see that a samurai was not only a skilled warrior but one with a tamed spirit. That was why meditating was so important and Eri loved doing that surrounded by flowers that, for some reason he did not know, made him think of his real parents even though he did not know what made them abandon him. In any case his childhood was not a sad one, his foster parents had always been loving and genuine and he loved them as if they had been his real family. Maybe he could have Mariko meet them on their way to the Palace. He wondered if she would be up for it though, he did not want her thinking he had ulterior motives as she usually did whenever she was switched on her bratty behaviour. To her last words he shrugged, “I don’t recall being upset when you did, on the contrary, I liked it. In a way it made me realise I had planted several flours with your hair-colour and mine, probably coincidental…” but it was still strange.

"Don't you know it's never good to tell a girl that? Sometimes we can be very commanding.”

He chuckled and crossed his arms across his chest, “Oh, I do knot of a bossy young miko but I am trying to be courteous on her visit to this town, so for today, it will be as she wishes, if that pleases her.” He winked at her and kept on walking. If she was truing to get back to him for what happened earlier that day she would have to do better than that. Besides he loved pulling at people’s legs, even thigh he knew at times it could irritate others, he was simply like that to a fault perhaps.

"You'd call in a favor for me? But, what if you want something from him some day? Shouldn't you keep it just in case?”

He looked at her a bit surprised, despite how at times she showed her dislike of him she still felt undeserving of his kindness. He shrugged, “You don’t have to worry about it, just do as I say. He is an old family friend so he won’t mind.” In any case he knew that due to him saving his beloved son he could never say no to helping Eri out if he ever requested it of him.

"No, I'm not hurt.”

He grinned watching her blush, lately it seemed to be getting easier and easier for him to make her blush. He wondered why…he responded to her words with a light tease, “It looks like you are gaining colour though…” in reference to her coloured cheeks. He resumed the walk though, he did not want to appear like a love-sick puppy. He had his reputation to maintain and his ego to protect. He had already done more than enough in allowing her to hold his arm to irk the other ladies though, he was not sure why she had done that. Was she…jealous of the attention other women rendered him? That amused him, puzzled him and shocked him…all those three.

“Farmer Dazi…”

He smirked at the thought but knew the Seishi was far too merry to even work for his own sake, he rather have a never-ending jug of sake or something. He was glad Mariko was laughing though, it seemed she was slowly getting back to her old self.

"Festivities? In my honor? I,,,don't really know how to dance...like we did last night.”

He looked down at her, was Miss Independent suddenly shaking in fear? It seemed she did not expect this and was a bit terrified to say the least. But she needn’t be, she would not be on her own, she would be with her Seishi and if she wished him to keep her company he would. He placed a hand on her shoulder to help her stand her ground, “Mariko-san, it is only a feast in your honour, no one will hurt you, we will all be with you. And if you wish it so, I will keep you company.” He wanted her to enjoy the feast and to also relax and learn more about this kingdom and he wanted to help her. And yet, his mind traveled back to the confrontation he would face that night, what if he did not return alive? And he was already offering to help her through the feast. He almost face palmed because of this. “If you wish to learn to dance or anything about the customs, I can help you learn on our journey to the palace.” He bowed his head lightly as if to remark he meant his promise as her Seishi and protector. He only hoped he would not perish in this fight later tonight.

”Well, Eri-san...you go take care of your errand, and I'll try to find something nice to wear to the palace…”

He bowed and said, “Very well, Mariko-san, should you need anything call out to me.” He then turned and entered the shop he and in mind and greeted an old friend…

“I don’t recall being upset when you did, on the contrary, I liked it. In a way it made me realise I had planted several flours with your hair-colour and mine, probably coincidental…”

Mari smiled at him. He'd liked that she'd picked them? She considered his last words for a moment. "Well, the colors do look very nice together..." She then recalled that, as he had just said, the flowers were their hair colors, and she hoped that it would not sounds that she was trying to imply something. This train of thought reminded her of her missing flower. It was silly to keep it, wasn't it? And even sillier to worry so much about it when she couldn't find it...and she didn't even want to think of how Eri would laugh if she told him that was what she'd lost...he'd probably laugh at her, and rightly so. And yet, it was a keepsake from a pleasant night, and she did miss it. Maybe she could slip away back to the stream and get another one. It wouldn't be quite the same, but it would be close.

“Oh, I do knot of a bossy young miko but I am trying to be courteous on her visit to this town, so for today, it will be as she wishes, if that pleases her.”

Mari crossed her arms in imitation of him. "Oh, there's another Miko here, is there?" She asked, trying to channel his cool tone as she raised an eyebrow. "You can't be talking about me, after all. I am not bossy..." She couldn't keep it up for long though. While Eri looked confident when he did that, she was sure she just looked silly. She dropped her arms to her side and looked over at the shops they were passing. Still, she could tell he was trying to be nice to her. "However, if you treat this bossy Miko as you've been treating me, I'm sure she will enjoy herself." She dared to glance over at him, smiling just slightly before she looked away again. She supposed she could be a little bossy...and a little bratty...and she realized she only behaved that way for him. She honestly had no idea why that was. It wasn't something she did intentionally. There was just something about Eri, when he was being confident and arrogant, that brought out her inner brar. She'd have to try harder to be nicer to him, since he was trying so hard to make this a pleasant day for her.

“You don’t have to worry about it, just do as I say. He is an old family friend so he won’t mind.”

Mari bit back her initial annoyance at the 'Do as I say' part, and instead took his statement on the whole. She looked over at him, and smiled just a little bit more. "Thank you, Eri-san." It meant a lot to her that he'd call in a favor with an old family friend for her. He seemed so nonchalant about it. Back in Tokyo, no one ever called in a favor for you without expecting something in return...but she could somehow tell he only wanted to make this a nice day, and to ensure she had something to take home to her friends. "Yes, then. Once we finish with your errand, I'd like to go there...if that's okay." She wasn't sure of the layout of this town, and she didn't want to cause them to run back and forth all over the place, just on her account. She would trust him to take them wherever they needed to go, without a lot of doubling back.

“It looks like you are gaining colour though…”

Ah, that's right. That was why she was usually a brat toward him. He insisted on teasing her. She had to fight the urge to punch him in the arm, on sheer principle. It would ruin her little victory over those judgmental women, after all. She settled for looking away. "Didn't anyone ever tell you it's not nice to tease a lady?" Never mind the fact that she had never claimed to be a lady, and had even said before she was, in fact nothing special. She didn't know how to be a lady...not the kind Eri was used to, at least. But for now, it suited her, so she'd gladly claim to be so.

“Mariko-san, it is only a feast in your honour, no one will hurt you, we will all be with you. And if you wish it so, I will keep you company. If you wish to learn to dance or anything about the customs, I can help you learn on our journey to the palace.”

She folded her hands together in front of her to keep from fiddling with them nervously. "I know no one is going to hurt me." She said, perhaps a little more snappishly than she'd intended. She took a deep breath and tried again. "Sorry. I know it's just a feast...but the closest I've ever come to anything like this was family dinners back home for holidays. And though my Grandmother can be very stern, I'm sure she's no comparison to nobles and royalty." She didnt' want to make a fool out of herself, and she didn't want to embarrass her friends...though she had a feeling neither Rindou nor Dazanshi would really care one way or the other. So that meant...she didn't want to embarrass Eri. He was most used to that situation, after all. She bit her lip and glanced up at him when he offered to teach her to dance. She remembered the dream she'd had, and almost blushed, but managed not to. "I'd hate to impose like that, Eri-san. You already offered to give me riding lessons, and to keep me company at the feast..." She didn't want him thinking she was utterly useless without his attention and assistance...but she wouldn't mind if he did teach her to dance. He was very good at it, at least as far as she could tell, and they say to always learn from the best, didn't they? She wouldn't tell him this, though, his ego was already almost too big to handle.

“Very well, Mariko-san, should you need anything call out to me.”

MAri nodded to him and entered the shop. She was instantly approached by the owner, and began trying to explain what she needed, without mentioning that she was the Miko. She wound up saying that she'd been invited to a feast at the palace, and wanted to make sure she had a fine enough dress to wear. The woman nodded, and seemed to come to her own conclusions as to why she'd be going to the palace. Mari figured it was best to let her think whatever she liked. She ushered Mari into a small back room, and asked her to undress before she began measuring and sending her assistants for this or that. Eventually one of the assistants returned with a lovely dress of dark blue, purple, and gold. It was far nicer than anything she had currently, which, considering the dresses Rindou had gotten her were nicer than anything she ever wore back home, was saying something. She tried it on, and it fit perfectly.

Mari then fretted that such a nice dress might cost more than she had. She changed back into her other dress, and asked the price. The woman winked at her and quoted a price that sounded too low, offering to include some matching slippers-perfect for dancing, she said-for free. Mari repeated the price three times to make sure she'd heard right before finally counting out the money and accepting the parcel with the dress and slippers. She thanked the woman profusely, insisting on tipping her and her assistants before she stepped out of the shop to wait for Eri. As she did, she hoped she looked as nice in the dress as the woman and her assistants said she did. She'd have to show it to Rindou, and get her opinion. Then again, Eri was the one who was more well versed on that subject. Yet, the thought of asking Eri's opinion on her new dress made her want to blush...

"Well, the colors do look very nice together…”

He chuckled and was about to point out nothing could ever compare to his hair colour, which was not that common anyway, but then again saw how happy she was and he decided not to spoil the moment. ‘At least for now’, he though with a grin. Maybe the colours did look nice together but he would never admit that. He looked down at her as they kept on walking in the busy streets and he looked back at the road, she seemed to be enjoying this little trip of theirs and he was glad. He could not deny it was the same for him, for once he was not on duty or did not have to keep on the façade of indifference and mere servitude at the palace. He could be himself although still on duty since he was bound to protect the miko, however, he felt more alive now than he had in years. There were some good things and some bad things about being a samurai, he guessed. He shrugged the thoughts away when he realised Mariko had been angered by his last comments and he could not help it but to grin. It seemed that whenever he set his mind on making her blush or annoyed, he always succeeded. He wondered why…maybe he was that good.

“Oh, there's another Miko here, is there? You can't be talking about me, after all. I am not bossy…”

He smirked, “Why…I am looking at her now…” his eyes moved to gaze into her deep amethyst eyes. And then he shrugged arrogantly while saying, “I believe you are being bossy just now…with that tone and those gestures.” He chuckled and turned to look ahead of them avoiding a person walking by with too many bundles in his arms to look where he was going. He led her on and he was almost surprised when they reached the shops in question. Time had seemed to pass too fast for once that he almost regretted taking her through the main road instead of gong all around the town, even so, it was not a big place, so they would get to the shops sooner rather than later.

“However, if you treat this bossy Miko as you've been treating me, I'm sure she will enjoy herself.”

He was a bit taken aback by her nice comment and he lightly looked at her before he looked away feeling his cheeks blush. Was she also trying to be nice to him? He was so surprised he almost turned to look at her to make sure he was talking to the same Mariko who always seemed determined to irk him or stumble on his pride or ego. Once he felt his cheeks were no longer the colour of a cherry he turned to look at her, “I guess you deserve it, it is not east to accept this task when you were taken from all you know and your loved ones and cannot return until you full fill your task, wether you like it or not.” He understood that, he had always thought it a harsh thing the Gods did and he was fully aware it was unfair and he did not like it. It would be so much better if they were free to choose, if they knew form the beginning what they would be facing. The way the gods did things, it was just so strange at times.

"Thank you, Eri-san.”

He almost raised an eyebrow, he had expected talk-back, but he nodes at her and kept his stare at the busy streets, there were entertainers all about trying to earn a living, music was being played nearby and t all made him closed his eyes for a brief moment remembering his childhood. He sighed happily before his golden eyes were exposed to his surroundings once more.

“Yes, then. Once we finish with your errand, I'd like to go there...if that's okay.”

He nodded, “Sounds fair enough, we can do that when we go back to the Inn. Do you reckon we should bring any food to Rindou and Dazanshi? I am not sure if they would eat at the Inn or come here on their own accord to have some fun before nightfall.” There aw something about Rindou, he could not quite put it, he was not in love with her or anything but…it felt like he knew her or they were old friends or acquaintances and yet he knew he had never seen her before. She reminded him of someone but, his memories seemed vague and imprecise. He ran a hand through his long copper-red hair and looked around. They were nearing at group of people playing a delightful song and there were people already dancing to it, he grinned.

"Didn't anyone ever tell you it's not nice to tease a lady?”

He laughed softly and turned to look at Mariko, she looked offended but that was by far not his intent. He looked down at her and said almost in her ear softly, “Oh, but you look so adorable when you blush…” It was true though, and he knew those words alone would make her blush once more. For a moment his eyes softened and he smiled down at her, “But you look lovelier when you smile miko-san.” He then, without warning, pulled her to him and then took her in his arms to spin her around and join in the dancers for the briefest of moments and he then released her and twirled her around for a couple of times before he looked deeply into her eyes as the music faded.

“I know no one is going to hurt me…Sorry. I know it's just a feast...but the closest I've ever come to anything like this was family dinners back home for holidays. And though my Grandmother can be very stern, I'm sure she's no comparison to nobles and royalty.”

He raised an eyebrow when she snapped, but as he turned to look at her he saw the fear in her eyes and his eyes softened. She truly was terrified of nobility was she not? He sighed and took her around a corner to a smaller street where they could talk about this, he did not want the people around them to make her uncomfortable. He lifted his arm and placed a hand on her cheek, “Mariko-san”, he said softly and then he smiled at her, “I will be there with you, I will show you everything you need to do even at the dinning table, we can sit closely if you would like and I can slowly show you and you can do everything you see I do, although, everyone is aware that you come from a distant world so no one expects you to know the way things work around here and the Emperor is quite laid back on those matters…” even though he is still selfish and uses his samurai to do his dirty work for him…he thought. He leaned forth and kissed her cheek before he moved away from her, he did not want her to feel uncomfortable with him nearby.

“I’d hate to impose like that, Eri-san. You already offered to give me riding lessons, and to keep me company at the feast…”

He sighed and was a bit annoyed at her words and, of course, he showed it. “You do not need to pretend, if I offer my help it means I do not mind doing so, and it is my duty as a Seishi to see that you are safe and happy. I merely pointed out I could teach you since I deemed you would feel more comfortable learning with someone you are familiar with than a mere stranger…” He rolled his eyes and looked away. She could surely at times be truly annoying…

Eri and his friend worked together al that times to make the two necklaces with the petals from the towers in them, they looked positively beautiful and not too luxurious that anyone should wish to take them from them. They served their purpose and both Eri and his old friend were truly happy with the result. He gave hi money for the job and the materials even though he did not wish to accept any and he promised to visit next time he was in the neighbourhood. He then but everything in a small pouch and hid it inside his cloak. He had a pocket inside it. Just as he leaned his back on a wall and crossed his arms across his chest and closed his eyes waiting for Mariko, he heard a voice he recognised and his eye twitched, no, it could not be her…He almost moved back to the shop when she greeted him and ran to him.

It was a young girl who had always obsessed about becoming his wife for some reason. She was now a teenager and her friends-some in their teens others much older-all looked at him like hungry wolves. He did not move from his current position however and simply opened his eyes to look at them. The girl giggled, “I have not seen you around here in quite some time, did you come to see me?” He sighed but could not be uncivil to the ladies, “I am escorting the miko to the palace and she needed to buy some things so I am now waiting for her.” Suddenly he had to stand up still when all the ladies took both of his arms and held them with the deepest of devotions and he fought against rolling his eyes. Why were some women like that?

She giggled and caressed his cheek, “You should come and have lunch at my house, after all, if we are bound to get married you should meet my family.” He looked down at her and sighed, “Yuki-sama, whoever gave you the idea that I will be getting married any time soon? In any case, we barely know each other.” She giggled and reached out to caress his long copper-red hair and he began to try and remove the ladies from his arms. He was beginning to wish Mariko was nearby so that she could help him get rid of these women, he did not mind whichever means she used, even if she did the same she did with the other ladies, he preferred to have her hold his arm than any of these women here. He raised an eyebrow, he finally realised what he had just thought and he fought a blush, he did not want Yuki to think he blushed because of her. She began to move closer to him and he could see where this was going, he truly could not believe she would do all this just to get to him. He took one step back…

“Why…I am looking at her now… I believe you are being bossy just now…with that tone and those gestures.”

Mari scoffed. "Me? Bossy? Never." He'd know a thing or two about being bossy, wouldn't he? He loved telling her to just do as he said. She wondered if he did that to everyone he was meant to protect, or if it was just her because she wasn't nobility or something. She almost stomped off ahead of him, but she refrained...partially because she didn't want to completely ruin that lovely morning outing...and partly because she didn't know the way.

“I guess you deserve it, it is not east to accept this task when you were taken from all you know and your loved ones and cannot return until you full fill your task, wether you like it or not.”

Mari gave a small shrug. In truth, though she had accepted the task, and would do her best, she tried not to think too much about it. It was still all a bit scary, and it was easier to accept the flow of things and just go with it than it was to actually think about her situation. Truth be told, if she actually thought about it all too much, she wouldn't have been very bratty at all. She'd be too overwhelmed to be much more than a gibbering mess. No, it was much easier to follow along and react, and think about it all later...like when she was safe at home once more...

“Sounds fair enough, we can do that when we go back to the Inn. Do you reckon we should bring any food to Rindou and Dazanshi? I am not sure if they would eat at the Inn or come here on their own accord to have some fun before nightfall.”

Mari considered for a moment. "I'm sure they'll eat there...but maybe we could pick them up something sweet on the way back, as a treat." She thought mournfully of her tartlets that had been tossed in the fire. Rindou and Dazanshi would've liked them, and she had intended to share them the next day. Thinking of that reminded her of the events of the night before, both good and bad, and though she didn't mind recalling the good, she didn't want to think of the bad. Instead she listened to the music and smiled. "I need to practice..." she said more to herself than Eri. "I can't get rusty while I'm here..." There'd been so much going on she hadn't even picked up her guitar since she'd arrived there. Perhaps that evening she'd play for everyone. It would be good practice, and would also let her finally start to work through everything.

“Oh, but you look so adorable when you blush… But you look lovelier when you smile miko-san.”

She did blush, and she would've elbowed him, but then she saw his smile, and something made her return it. He suddenly pulled her into a little dance to the music, and she laughed softly. "You think you're just so charming, don't you?" She asked coolly, as if he didn't know he had the power to make her blush and stammer. She'd never been so easily flustered by one person before, and she couldn't figure out what made Eri different.

“Mariko-san”, he said softly and then he smiled at her, “I will be there with you, I will show you everything you need to do even at the dinning table, we can sit closely if you would like and I can slowly show you and you can do everything you see I do, although, everyone is aware that you come from a distant world so no one expects you to know the way things work around here and the Emperor is quite laid back on those matters…"

Mari nodded. "I know no one expects me to be perfect, but I don't want to embarrass anyone..." She appreciated his offer, and silently accepted it. Still, she hoped he would understand that even though she knew they wouldn't expect her to know these things, she didn't want to appear the ill mannered country bumpkin.

“You do not need to pretend, if I offer my help it means I do not mind doing so, and it is my duty as a Seishi to see that you are safe and happy. I merely pointed out I could teach you since I deemed you would feel more comfortable learning with someone you are familiar with than a mere stranger…”

His annoyance riled up her own. "See? That's what I mean when I say I don't want to impose!" She crossed her arms, her eyes shining with annoyance. "You tell me you do things because you want to, and then you remind me this is your duty. How am I supposed to know when you do what you do because you want to and when you do it because you have to? I've never been one to force my company on others, and duty or not, I don't want to do so now." Didn't he understand this entire situation was new to her? She wasn't sure what his code as a Samurai, and what his duties as a Seishi required of him. He kept saying it was his duty to keep her safe and happy...well, how was she to know if he was being nice because he wanted to be, or if it was because he felt he had to be? She could enjoy his company when he was being nice...but outbursts of annoyance like this made her wonder if he ever enjoyed her, of if it was just him preforming his duties. She spun away from him, crossing her arms over her chest and taking a few deep breaths. She needed to calm down and not make a scene. Thankfully she'd kept her voice low just then.

Mari exited the dress shop, her new clothing in a bag in her hand. Buying the lovely new dress had cheered her up considerably, and she was thinking of trying to find Eri something to apologize for losing her temper with him earlier. That was until her eyes landed on Eri across the street, swarmed by women. some looked even younger than Rindou. She rolled her eyes. He was probably reveling in the attention. Didn't he remember he was her escort for the day? She crossed her arms and turned to walk back the way they'd come, intent to leave him to his flirting and head back to the inn by herself. She'd just ask Rindou to bring her to get something for Sai and Tama.

“You should come and have lunch at my house, after all, if we are bound to get married you should meet my family.”
“Yuki-sama, whoever gave you the idea that I will be getting married any time soon? In any case, we barely know each other.”

Mari froze after only a few steps as she watched the kid caress Eri's cheek. Married? Was this some sort of arranged marriage thing? Since he hadn't outright said they weren't marrying, only that they barely knew each other, and he wouldn't be marrying her any time soon. Curiosity-which was all it was, and not jealousy!-caused her to turn back toward them. She took a deep breath. She had a feeling that the best way to find out what was going on was just to dive in and force her way into the situation. "Eri-san!" She called cheerfully with a wave, smiling brightly as she strolled over. She ignored the gathering of women and addressed the Seishi. "I hope you were not waiting long..." She discreetly nudged some of the women aside so she could stand on Eri's opposite side from Yuki. She then pretended to have just noticed the girl. She touched his arm lightly as if to get his attention. "Oh, who is your young friend?" She couldn't help but slightly stress the word 'young'. Didn't this girl rwalize Eri was too old for her?

“Me? Bossy? Never.”

Every time Mariko tried to mock him or appear as proud and stubborn as he was she was so amusing. And now even, getting angry as he said she was a bit bossy, it was such a funny thing to behold but he would not push too many buttons in case she did kick him in annoyance and decided never to spend time with the samurai. Although he honestly did not know what would happen after he faced her aggressor, he decided for now to just tease her mildly and let her enjoy herself as much as possible, after all that had been the original idea right? He smirked but he did not insist, she probably thought him rather commanding but it was not his intention to do so, he was an Imperial samurai and that meant living live with orders and being one of the ones in command, well, he would perhaps use old hap pits even when he was not on service but he did not do it on purpose or to bother anyone, yet probably Mariko was determined he did everything with such ends. Was that the image he portrayed of himself? He shrugged and kept on walking in all honesty he could not care less. So long as everyone respected him they could think as they wished.

Once they finished the shopping he would have just enough time to ensure everything was ready for the journey ahead and he would ensure that if he did not return by dawn someone found the letter he had written and they would move on to find the remaining Seishi and keep Mariko safe. He was making mental notes on what needed to be sorted and the best excuse not to join them for dinner, he could probably say he received a letter which is not a lie, and he had to leave for a bit but he would be soon, hopefully. His eyes focused on the road ahead and they darkened slightly, it was difficult to accept duels to the death for someone like him, a samurai had to win whatever happened during the battle, if he did not, death awaited him so in a way, he had everything to lose if he did not concentrate enough. He sighed and then closed his eyes and lifted his arms and folded them behind his head as he walked alongside Mariko and he eyed her before he closed his eyes once more. He truly hoped she did not get any ideas and try to intervene.

She did that a lot. However, he did not blame her, he understood she had a temper and independence and it was difficult to be in situations she could not solve without anyone else’s help. But now, this was different, she was in a place she did not know and though she did not reply to his words he suspected her way of sorting things was to pretend not to realise they were there but, that could only get you so far. Reality knocks at your door sooner than later. he preferred to accept things and try to enjoy himself as much as he could and then if things get worse find a solution, Eri wanted to think he was ready for almost anything that could happen.

“I’m sure they'll eat there...but maybe we could pick them up something sweet on the way back, as a treat.”

He was still with his eyes closed but he nodded and said, “We can do that then. Once we get what we need, on the way to the crafts shop.” In all honesty he could hardly wait to get back tot he Inn, he did not want to come across certain people who annoyed him more often than not. He then remembered he had see no more of the tartlets he and gotten her and he eyed her for a moment, “I noticed there are no more tartlets in your room so I take it you liked them, we could probably buy them some, and get some more for you. After these few towns…there won’t be much to look at until we get to the palace.”

“I need to practice...I can't get rusty while I'm here…”

He raised an eyebrow and noticed she way she relaxed to the music, oh, he remembered that instrument she had been so protective of when they first met, so she could play it and had not practiced? Well she will probably have more than plenty opportunities to practice once they hit the road, “You should be able to practice much once we set off, we will be setting camp in places where there won’t be that many bystanders so you can enjoy music to your heart’s content.” He smiled briefly at her though before that smile disappeared and he turned to look back at the road ahead looking at the people as they went their own separate ways.

“You think you're just so charming, don't you?”

He watched her blush and he laughed softly, “I do not think so…I ‘know’ so. But what is a charming man without someone to allure?” His deep golden eyes burned deeply as he looked into her own.

“I know no one expects me to be perfect, but I don't want to embarrass anyone…”

Trying to make the topic lighter and make her smile again he said, “So long as you do not bring your guitar and sing one of your so-called songs, I am sure there is no possibility you can embarrass anyone.” He laughed and looked at her with a light smile. He truly did not mean his words but he knew that it often worked to lighten the mood and make her beam of joy. She needed to stop thinking about it, they ere nowhere near that bridge yet.

“See? That's what I mean when I say I don't want to impose! You tell me you do things because you want to, and then you remind me this is your duty. How am I supposed to know when you do what you do because you want to and when you do it because you have to? I've never been one to force my company on others, and duty or not, I don't want to do so now.”

He rubbed his temples in annoyance and turned his back on her to take a couple of steps and take a deep breath. There, he was more relaxed… He turned to look at her, that’s a lie, this had not worked at all since he was furious now and his eyes burned as he looked into her amethyst gems, “Mariko-san, you can be such a foolish person sometimes…” He took a deep breath to try and calm himself, “I offered to serve you because I wanted to, my duty as a Seishi also stands but as I said before more importantly I offered you my help, but since you decided to decline the help all that was left for me to do was to then offer my duties toward you as the miko. And now you turn my words on me? Is that how you show friendship or gratitude?” He sighed, “As I told you before, I am a samurai and a Seishi, it is my duty to serve you, but, I do so willingly, so just accept that fact and stop beating around the bush.” Somehow his anger even made him say things he probably would not have had he been in his usual stoic personality, “Does it not occur to you that, aside form Rindou and Dazashi, I might also wish to do things to make you happy? I probably am not the best at showing emotions, if you will, but I try my best in my own way…” He did not realise it but, by that point he was standing but inches away from Mariko and yet his eyes still looked piercingly into her own.

He watched her turn her back on him and he sighed and did the same and walked to the shops, sometimes she was so…insufferable. She drove him bonkers! Hopefully working on the little present he would still give her, no matter what had just happened, helped ease his spirit. Yet that did not last when he fund himself in the company of Yuki and her friends, to think he had expected her to have gotten married already so she could leave him alone. Sometimes she had even sneaked into the palace just to force something awkward between them. Lucky for them she had always been found by a guard before she could cause any serious harm. The girl was truly silly…

“Eri-san! I hope you were not waiting long…”

Oh finally she came out! Now he could just excuse himself and be on his way and ignore these presumptuous ladies. It was all Akhram’s fault, why could he not stick his nose into his own businesses? Why was he determined to make his life a living hell? He would never understand that of a man he used to call his friend. He shook his head to Mariko and said, “No, I hope you are ready to go then…” His eye twitched at what followed…

"Oh, who is your young friend?”

That does it!

He facepalmed and prayed Byakko for the patience he needed not to snap at all the gathered ladies and just leave. Why did women have to be so insensitive? Could she not sense how uncomfortable he was? Did she truly believe he would agree to such a match and not tell her or the other Seishi about it? In any case she was definitely not his type…

Yuki glared at Mariko and when she spoke, knowing Eri would deny they were even friends she smiled and said, “I am Yuki, Eri’s fiancée…” Eri rolled his eyes and hoped Byakko himself could just appear and slap the girl for him. He turned to Mariko, “Yuki-sama lives in this town and her father has done business with mine for many years. She believes that grants her the authority to…” he stepped back when suddenly she ran her arms around his neck and kissed his lips. It was all she could think of doing to stop him from denying every lie the had told the miko. Lucky for Eri, since he reacted early, the kiss was not deep but brief and momentary. And he quickly removed her arms from around his neck. He still was not to comfortable with closeness to others and he had probably allowed Mariko far more privileges than he had his own family as of late. But there was no chance in the void he would allow Yuki to get this close to him especially when his honour was in play.

“I noticed there are no more tartlets in your room so I take it you liked them, we could probably buy them some, and get some more for you. After these few towns…there won’t be much to look at until we get to the palace.”

Mari seriously debated not telling him what had happened to them. He assumed she'd eaten them, which made her feel like a pig, but she could let him assume that...but it didn't feel right. He'd spent his money on them, and he'd been trying to be so kind to her all day...and you don't repay kindness with lies. She bit her lip and began fiddling with the coin purse around her wrist, looking resolutely ahead. Would he be mad? "I really enjoyed them. They were very good." She assured. "At least...the one that I ate was. The rest...the man who attacked me threw them into the fire when he put Soshina in that bag..." She realized it made her nervous to talk about it because it reminded her of talking to Eri when he'd given them to her, and how she'd upset him and caused him to leave. "I'm sorry they were wasted like that..." It was a silly thing to say, as it wasn't something she'd done, but she felt she had to say something. She glanced over at him, but looked ahead again as she returned to softly biting her lower lip.

“Mariko-san, you can be such a foolish person sometimes… I offered to serve you because I wanted to, my duty as a Seishi also stands but as I said before more importantly I offered you my help, but since you decided to decline the help all that was left for me to do was to then offer my duties toward you as the miko. And now you turn my words on me? Is that how you show friendship or gratitude?” He sighed, “As I told you before, I am a samurai and a Seishi, it is my duty to serve you, but, I do so willingly, so just accept that fact and stop beating around the bush. Does it not occur to you that, aside form Rindou and Dazashi, I might also wish to do things to make you happy? I probably am not the best at showing emotions, if you will, but I try my best in my own way…”

Mari had not wanted to argue with Eri, she really hadn't. She'd done her best to avoid it and to make the day pleasant for both of them. Maybe that was foolish of her, as it seemed she always managed to get on his bad side whatever she did. Now that it seemed they were going to argue, however, she couldn't back down. Her own stubbornness would not let her. "You're so quick to call me foolish? Don't you see this is new to me? Not just your culture and customs but...all of this! People offering to serve and protect me?" She scoffed and folded her arms across her chest. "No one does stuff like that in my world, not without a reason that benefits them. Not unless they want something form you, or they're related to you...and sometimes even being related isn't enough to make them that kind to you." She looked away for a minute before she added. "So forgive me if it's hard to believe you make these offers just to be nice...just because you want to. People don't do that where I'm from...not often enough that it seems to count anyway."

She thought back over the time since she and Tama had moved to Tokyo. She'd taken on the task of booking their gigs, and more than once she'd gotten offers to play a gig in a great place...if she was willing to exchange certain favors. She hadn't been, obviously, and she'd never told Tama or Sai about, just telli8ng them that venue didn't work out. Experiences like that made her wary of the kindness of strangers. She sighed. This was why she had such a hard time explaining things to him, and it was probably why they kept arguing. She replayed his most recent words in her head, and she felt the anger melt away. He thought she was foolish? That,,,hurt...more than anything else. She glanced at his angry golden gaze, and though she tried to hide that her feelings were hurt, and she regretted the argument, she was sure he'd see it. He always managed to see stuff she didn't want him to. She shook her head. "Look, just...never mind. If you're not to mad to help me with...all of that, I'd appreciate it, and if you are, that's okay too. I'll manage."

“No, I hope you are ready to go then…”
“I am Yuki, Eri’s fiancée…”
“Yuki-sama lives in this town and her father has done business with mine for many years. She believes that grants her the authority to…”

Mari couldn't believe what she saw. The girl interrupted Eri...by kissing him. Right there in front of everyone. As if he hadn't been in the middle of talking to Mari. Not only was it rude, but if the look on Eri's face as he moved her arms was anything to go by, it was an unwanted gesture at that. And then something clicked with her. She recalled the previous night when she'd slipped and said-threatened, as he put it-she could kiss him. It had been some affront to his honor and propriety, and no one had even been around to overhear. This girl had actually openly kissed him in full view of all on the street, and although she didn't know all of the rules, she felt safe in assuming her next statement would be true enough.

She stepped forward and took hold of Eri's arm, giving it a soft tug to put distance between him and the girl before she turned to face the girl. Her amethyst eyes flashed and she pointed a finger at Yuki to let her know this was directed solely at her. "You silly little girl. You claim to be Eri-san's fiancee, but any real fiancee would not do what you've just done. They would know it was not necessary." She crossed her arms. "For a man who's honor is as important to him as Eri-san's is, you've behaved rudely in front of his charge and openly done something bold, and perhaps a little improper, but I'm sure you didn't stop to think of how that might affect him, did you?" She couldn't help but roll her eyes. "If you truly cared about Eri-san you would listen to him and take his feelings about things into account before acting, instead of you and your swarm of friends trying to possess him like some jewel to be looked at, but given little throughout otherwise." She let out one last huff of annoyance before she turned to face Eri-san, dismissing the girl and her friends. She'd said her piece, and she was ready to put this trip and all it's unpleasant moments behind her. "May we go now, please? I would like to finish our shopping and get back to the inn."

She supposed technically, she could take that bit of advice about taking his thoughts and feelings into account, but she hoped that this attempt to help him out...stand up for him, even, might make up for the ugly argument they'd had earlier. If he was still mad at her, she would try to apologize...and hopefully she wouldn't mess that up somehow as well.

“I really enjoyed them. They were very good…At least...the one that I ate was. The rest...the man who attacked me threw them into the fire when he put Soshina in that bag…I'm sorry they were wasted like that…”

He was angered, that was another reason to beat that man up and he was determined hat even if he perished he would give him such a beating he would never dare come near Mariko again. He watched her bite her lower lip and he wondered if she was thinking about the moment he had given her the tartlets and how h head reacted to her embrace. He blushed lightly and looked away, he ran a hand through his fringe trying to find something he could say that would not offend her but instead he turned to look at her and said, “I’m sorry it took me so long to get to you last night but, you do not nee to be sad, I can get you more…” he smiled at her, it seemed much easier to do it when she was around for some strange reason. He then placed a hand on her cheek and stopped for a moment, “You should not worry about what happened that morning either, I am aware it is hard to…know how to behave when in the company of a samurai and my world is rather different for yours.” His hand dropped to his side and he decided he wold get her some more and some for the other Seishi.

"You're so quick to call me foolish? Don't you see this is new to me? Not just your culture and customs but...all of this! People offering to serve and protect me? No one does stuff like that in my world, not without a reason that benefits them. Not unless they want something form you, or they're related to you...and sometimes even being related isn't enough to make them that kind to you…So forgive me if it's hard to believe you make these offers just to be nice...just because you want to. People don't do that where I'm from...not often enough that it seems to count anyway.”

He rolled his eyes, “How am I not understanding how difficult this is for you? I have been understanding ever since we first met…and I have been biding at my ego and pride for the sake of being nice you to and making you del at home, fi you cannot see that then I’m sorry…” He was done with arguing, and done with standing her bratty behaviour, if she was so focused on her own world that she could not accept his kindness then he would stop and simply do what a Seishi should do and help her get on with it so she could go back home. He sighed and took a deep breath to calm down, this had been a terrible idea and he was just about ready to go and fight that man. He wondered if anything he did for her that night meant anything…anything at all to her as she pretended it did… Could she not see this was also difficult for him?

It was beyond easy being a samurai, giving up many thing soother people would have and then realising he was also a Seishi, he was meant to protect Mariko and make her happy how on earth could he balance his two ways of life without losing one side and leaning more to the other? He closed his eyes and closed his fists ardently but he did not move. His fringe covered his eyes and he took another deep breath before releasing it silently. He had to focus.

“Look, just...never mind. If you're not to mad to help me with...all of that, I'd appreciate it, and if you are, that's okay too. I'll manage.”

His eyes opened even though the fringe still covered them and he could see the hurt in her eyes. He sighed and was about to say something when her last words made him flinch. Was she fond of stepping on his ego just like that? Seriously? He was shaking in anger now, “Mariko-san, just…stop…” His voice was cold once more, he could not stand those who would say they would ‘manage’. If he offered his help was because she could take it and there was no need to act independent when he had been stepping on his own ego to please her. It hurt like a dagger and he realised that Mariko’s words hurt far more than any wound he could ever acquire in battle. Why did she always behave like this when he was around? What was he doing that was so…wrong?

"You silly little girl. You claim to be Eri-san's fiancee, but any real fiancee would not do what you've just done. They would know it was not necessary…For a man who's honor is as important to him as Eri-san's is, you've behaved rudely in front of his charge and openly done something bold, and perhaps a little improper, but I'm sure you didn't stop to think of how that might affect him, did you? If you truly cared about Eri-san you would listen to him and take his feelings about things into account before acting, instead of you and your swarm of friends trying to possess him like some jewel to be looked at, but given little throughout otherwise.”

Eri was a bit impressed by Mariko as she moved him away from Yuki and spoke to her with such authority it made all the girls around Yuki wince and then took a step back and yet the girl was furious and she glared at her all this while. He blushed lightly and was glad Mariko was too concentrated on what she was saying, she looked very annoyed could it be she was slightly jealous? He was a bit shocked and yet it seemed to him that she was finally beginning to understand what it was like to be a samurai. Or at least he hoped she meant what she said and realised that it was the one thing that stopped him from behaving as he wished he could. And at other times well, he did not know what to do. He was no expert and his profession did not help on that accord either. Besides, he did not usually spend a lot of time in the company of women so at times he simply did not know what to do or say…

”May we go now, please? I would like to finish our shopping and get back to the inn.”

He bowed his head respectfully at Mariko and llowed her to walk ahead before he followed suite. He did not look back for that meant he had no interest in Yuki whatsoever. It only annoyed the girl even more but, once they left she grinned, “I kissed him…I kissed that hot samurai…” Her friends cheered for her and it seemed that no word Mariko ha said entered her brain. Eri walked silently next to her until he said, “Mariko-san…Thank you.” It was difficult to be a samurai at times, when he would have loved to just walk away form Yuki he was meant to be respectful to women and so he was unite limited and the spoiled brat knew it, so he owed a thank you at least to his miko. They reached the carpenter’s shop and said, “Feel free to go and as my friend for whatever you need, I’ll go get the tartlets and will meet you inside.” He bowed his head respectfully and then turned to get the tartlets, it did not take him long and soon enough he entered the carpenter’s shop once more and the man greeted him cheerfully and they spoke for a bit updating each other while he worked on whatever Mariko had requested of him. Eri knew that, despite the fact that she had hurt him with the words she said…once they reached the Inn he would apologise, he did not want her to feel hurt.

“Mariko-san…Thank you.”

Mari was a little surprised that he thanked her. Did that mean she'd said the right thing? She looked over at him and smiled slightly. "It was my fault she did that. If I had asked to leave sooner, she wouldn't have." She gave a little shrug. "And I wouldn't be a very nice person if I left you to deal with a mess I'd made." She realized she hadn't been a very nice person to him lately, and her mind flashed back to their earlier argument. Maybe this could serve as the start to a fresh slate. If this didn't lead to them becoming best friends, hopefully it would at least lead to a peaceful end to their day out. She really didn't want to argue with Eri, and she really was trying to understand him...hopefully this would help to show that. Even so, she decided that once they reached the relative privacy of the inn, she would try to apologize. She didn't like the thought of him being angry with her, and his words earlier had shown he'd been beyond angry.

“Feel free to go and as my friend for whatever you need, I’ll go get the tartlets and will meet you inside."

Mari nodded and entered the carpentry shop. She looked at some of the things on display, and told the man that Eri had said to come there for souvenirs for her family. She wasn't really sure what to request at first, but after a moment, she recalled that the god she was here to serve was Byakko, the tiger god, so she asked for two tiger carvings. Given their band name, she was sure both Sai and Tama would like them.

Mari wandered about the shop for a few moments, looking at everything on display. She heard Eri enter and talk with the man doing the carvings. She had wanted to go watch him work, but she didn't want to intrude on their conversation, especially since they seemed to be discussing their personal lives and what-not. She tried not to listen in. When it seemed they'd reached a lull in conversation, she finally got the nerve to walk over, though she did so as if she was more interested in the things she saw than with the two men.

When at last she came to stand near Eri, She gave him a small smile in greeting. "Thank you for telling me about this place, Eri-san...I think Sai-chan and Tama-kun will really like the carvings..." She looked over and watched with interest as the man worked. It was a wonder there weren't places that did things like this in Tokyo. It was fascinating to watch, and the little carvings would be a hit with tourists. She almost laughed. She was proof that was true, wasn't she?

Her mind went back to her missing flower, of all things, and she almost sighed. She would have to look for it again when she got back to the inn. Maybe she could ask Rindou to help. She had skills with plants...maybe somehow-though she had no idea how-that would help her be able to locate it. It still seemed silly to worry about a flower. She worried Eri would be upset that she'd lost it, though it was just a flower and therefore it wouldn't make sense for him to be...still, she'd much rather know where it was. It was a keepsake of one of the rare occasions when they'd gotten along, and that meant a lot to her...

"It was my fault she did that. If I had asked to leave sooner, she wouldn't have…And I wouldn't be a very nice person if I left you to deal with a mess I'd made.”

She was being responsible and he appreciated that, although, the moment they were far away from the girls he ran his sleeve on his lips rather disgusted by that action. He had never been kissed before, and it seemed to him his first kiss would have been that of an adolescent and spoiled brat. What a let down… He sighed and shook his head, he did not understand why some people behaved that way. In any case there was no point in crying over spilled milk, the past could not be undone. He ran a hand through his cooper-red hair and then looked ahead, the sooner they reached the Inn the better. Looking up he could tell it was late afternoon already, he wondered if Mariko was hungry. He decided he would buy her something more to eat alongside the tartlets that were for everyone in the group.

He eyed Mariko for a moment, she seemed to be in better spirits ever since she left that shop. He was glad, maybe she found clothes she really liked. Whatever it had been he was glad that she was no loner upset, nonetheless, he would still apologise to her. It was the decent thing to do. Not that it would be easy for him, it would be truly hard actually. Even Eri was aware of his arrogance, but he would do his best and hope he managed to get the message across to Mariko before either of them made things worse.

After conversing with the carpenter fora bit, Eri big him farewell and eh ensured they had everything before they left the shop. It was strange but in a way it pleased him to have seen that man again, he had not been walked along thee streets for quite some time. It must have been years…

He looked at Mariko as they both exited the shop, he had to admit she was admirable when she wanted to be. She had been so prudent in not wishing to take into account his conversation with the man and had rather busied herself looking at things even if she was not too thrilled about them. It only made him sorry that they seemed unable to get on at all, and if they did it would not last long. He had expected this day to be the way she would always remember him as, but now, recalling that fight, he almost punished a nearby tree in annoyance. He had lost his patience as he usually did, but for some reason it upset him that he was unable to be at peace with Mariko uttering such words, it was truly difficult.

“Thank you for telling me about this place, Eri-san...I think Sai-chan and Tama-kun will really like the carvings…”

He was a bit taken aback by the fact that she liked to watch manual work. He then had an idea, “Maybe, if we have time, we could visit my family and I could show you around the forge and maybe teach you a trick or two…” He couldn’t help but to smirk at the thought of Mariko holding tinsels or even trying to hammer freshly melted metal, but it would surely be something adorable to see, he expected her to blush a lot if that ever came to happen. And in all honesty he loved to watch her blush and did not know why.

He then remembered the necklaces he had gotten for them and said, “I…have something for you, but I rather give it to you once we get to your room if that is ok.” He did not want Rindou or Dazanshi to watch him give that to Mariko, they would interpret things wrongly no doubt and he wonder if this was even too much. Would Mariko raise and eyebrow and dismiss it?

Once the reached the Inn, he led her to her rooms, they would meet the others later to eat but, for now, he wanted to sat the record straight. He closed the door behind her and said once he stood right in front of her, “Mariko-san, I am not sure how to say this but…” he looked away for a moment, “I am sorry about the argument we had, I truly do try to understand you…” He rubbed the back of his neck unsure as to how to proceed, “I would not judge you for being angry but, I had planned to give you something because, well, last night we had fun together and that is always good to remember…”

He finally looked into her eyes and gently took hold of her beautiful light blue hair and moved it to the side, he then moved to stand behind her and he gently placed his arms around her in front of her and one hand gently opened up to reveal a necklace, slowly he moved it around her and clicked it to place, he then moved her hair free form the little necklace chain and fixed it behind her shoulders. He was amazed it could be so soft, and so aromatic. He moved to stand back in front of her, and he gently moved his own necklace from hiding, his had petals form the flower that had the same tone of blue as her heavenly hair, and hers had her red flower, one to remind her of his own colour of hair.

“I am sorry I did not tell you I had taken your flower but, I thought this would be a good idea…” He finally looked into her eyes waiting to see the reaction of the miko. He suspected that flower was exactly what she had been looking for all this time...

Mari was quite proud of herslef. She saw Eri wipe his mouth once the girls were out of sight, and she didn't even grin. Well, maybe she did a little...and maybe it was more of a smirk, but she didn't say anything. That was the mature reaction, right? She felt a little satisfied that he had not enjoyed the experience of being kissed by that girl, though she wasn't sure why she'd feel that way. Not that she was glad he was unhappy, only that she was glad that girl had not made him happy...though Eri would say that didn't make sense...not that she planned to tell him her thoughts.

“Maybe, if we have time, we could visit my family and I could show you around the forge and maybe teach you a trick or two…”

Mari's eyes widened as she looked at him for a moment, stunned. He was willing to let her meet his family and show her his family's livelihood? She smiled softly at him. "Thank you, Eri-san. I think I'd like that." She wasn't sure if she'd have any skill at working in a forge, and she didn't want to make a fool out of herself in front of him...she seemed to be doing that a lot lately...but she did appreciate his offer, and was curious to see what his family was like. She wondered absently if they'd like her, but that seemed a silly thought, so she dismissed it.

“I…have something for you, but I rather give it to you once we get to your room if that is ok.”

Mari was again stunned. He'd gotten her something? She blushed faintly. It would've had to have been after they fought, as that was the only time they'd been away from each other. So even after she'd made him so angry, he'd gotten her a gift. She felt bad all over again for how she'd acted and wished she'd thought to get him something. She decided the first thing she could do to start making it up to him was to accept his gift and show she treasured it, whatever it was. The thought alone made it rather dear to her. She was still smiling, it felt more natural and seemed to come easier the longer they both behaved like this. "Yes, that's fine. I...thank you, in advance, I guess..." It seemed strange to thank him before seeing what it was, but she wanted to let him know that she appreciated that he'd thought of her. He'd been thinking of her all day, actually, she'd just let herself forget that. They reached the inn, and he led her up to her room. She waited, curious, for him to begin speaking.

“Mariko-san, I am not sure how to say this but… I am sorry about the argument we had, I truly do try to understand you… ”

She could tell it wasn't easy for him, and she could understand. It was never easy to know the right thing to say after a big fight with a friend. Wait, were they friends? Well, she supposed after everything, or perhaps in spite of everything, they had been through together that yes, they were friends. She looked down for a minute. "I am sorry too, Eri-san. This is not my world, and I should stop acting like it is. You've never given me any reason not to trust you, and I'm sorry I've been so hard headed and let myself forget that." She looked up at him and smiled. "I...promise to try to be better. I don't want anything to spoil out...friendship." Would he mind her using that word? She supposed now was as good a time as any to find out if he even wanted to be her friend.

"I would not judge you for being angry but, I had planned to give you something because, well, last night we had fun together and that is always good to remember… I am sorry I did not tell you I had taken your flower but, I thought this would be a good idea…"

She felt herself blush-she hated that she did that so often around him!-as he moved around behind her, moving her hair off to one side. The blush deepened a little when he put his arms around her, and she felt her heartrate increase. What was he doing? She looked at his hands, and then saw the necklace. She gave a small gasp of wonder. It was lovely. Once he put it around her neck, she reached up and touched it lightly as he moved her hair back and stepped back around in front of her.

She looked back up at him as he showed he had one too, and she blinked, feeling tears in the corners of her eyes, though she couldn't say why. "I...I love it. Thank you, Eri-san." She reached up to wipe at her eyes. "No one's...ever done anything like this for me before." It felt similar to, but different from the time that Tama had given her their shared necklace. She had a suspicion Eri had actually helped to make these. She then laughed softly, even as the happy tears continued. "I'd been worried about my flower all day. I thought I'd lost it, and I felt terrible about it...I wanted something to remember last night with." Her hand gently caressed the necklace. "This is even better than a pressed flower." It warmed her heart to know he'd had as much fun as she had the night before. "I was worried if I told you I'd lost the flower, it would hurt your feelings...and as wonderful as you were to me, I didn't want to do that..."

"Thank you, Eri-san. I think I'd like that.”

He nodded and looked at her for a moment. She looked rather surprised, he could tell she was not expecting this at all. He smirked and looked back at the road watching people pass them by. It seemed he kept getting these reactions from the miko. He could not deny the fact that he liked being able to influence her so, but then he also wondered if only he made her react in such a way, or if anyone else did. It seemed to be solely him, though, otherwise how would he be able to make her bratty side come to life? For now though, this day, both did their best to get on so he was not going to mess things now, he would do his best to ensure they kept this going on for as long as possible. After today, who knew what would happen. His eyes darkened when he thought of confronting that malicious man. He still could not believe he was so thirsty for revenge that he had tracked them down, attacked Mariko again and then once beaten, for the second time, he dared challenge Eri to a duel. It was truly ridiculous in his opinion, especially when he was a samurai and no matter how skilled the other man could be, he would still be nothing compared to the level of expertise of someone like Eri. not only did he train with the best but he had also experienced battle, raids, attempts of assassination to those he protected, so he had…good experience. In any case, Eri was eager to be rid of that man once and for all, he forgave his life twice, he would not do so for a third time.

He closed his eyes for a moment almost feeling bad for promising Mariko something he could not truly fulfil, if he perished that night he would never be able to take her to see all those places and meet all those persons. He only hoped she could find it in her heart to forgive him when the time came. Hopefully Rindou would look after her and take her to nice places and the Mad Hatter could cheer her up, he hoped. He ran a hand through his fringe, which moved back into place and he hoped that Mariko would like the necklaces. Nothing could go wrong that day, he had to ensure they made the best of it. He tried not to look too serious though, although he was an expert in hiding his feelings he knew Mariko was no fool and so he concentrated on looking at her to ensure she liked this one meaningful gift he had granted her.

"Yes, that's fine. I...thank you, in advance, I guess…”

Was she truly that surprised that he had gotten her something? After all, he did say he wished to make sure she enjoyed that day. In any case, he still did not know how she would react to it so he could only hope she liked it. At least for what she said it meant she appreciated the gesture. He waited for them to be in her room before he finally decided to speak. It was truly difficult or someone like him to admit he was wrong, he only hoped Mariko realised this. Although, she seemed a bit more gentle in the past few minutes, he wondered why.

"I am sorry too, Eri-san. This is not my world, and I should stop acting like it is. You've never given me any reason not to trust you, and I'm sorry I've been so hard headed and let myself forget that…I…promise to try to be better. I don't want anything to spoil out…friendship.”

He was a bit shocked at her words. He did not expect her to ask for his forgiveness after all she was always hot-headed. But instead she showed humbleness and it made him smile softly. He lifted her chin so their eyes would meet, he would accept the fact that they were friends now even though in the past he had been resilient to call anyone a friend, after what Akhram did. This had nothing to do with his pride really, he just found it hard to trust others after such an experience. But now, he would accept Mariko’s friendship for what it was worth and he said looking into her eyes, “We will both try to be better to make our friendship stronger.”

He noticed the way she blushed when he placed the necklace around her neck and he smiled softly behind her. Something within him stirred whenever she blushed. When she gasped he saw her necklace and Eri felt heart swell with pride. She loved the necklace and for some reason suspect she knew he helped in the making of these. He watched her as she looked at her necklace and examined it before their eyes met once more. And she seemed even more impressed when he showed her he had one as well.

"I...I love it. Thank you, Eri-san… No one's...ever done anything like this for me before.”

“Then the world must be full of fools.” He found her words hard to believe. He knew her brother had given her the one she usually wore but, no one else had done something like that for her? He just could not believe how someone as wonderful as her would not receive gifts a plenty in her world or even in this one, and she was lovely, he expected her to have men at her feet every day. “There is no need to thank me, Mariko-san, I am grateful fort he time we spent together.” He was surprised to see her cry over this, and he deemed this truly tucked her heart.

"I'd been worried about my flower all day. I thought I'd lost it, and I felt terrible about it...I wanted something to remember last night with… This is even better than a pressed flower… I was worried if I told you I'd lost the flower, it would hurt your feelings...and as wonderful as you were to me, I didn't want to do that…”

Eri felt his heart reach out to her when he saw the tears of joy and heard her laughter and even heard her words regarding the flower. It was truly special to her, no, ‘he’ was special for her. And that came more as a shock than an acknowledgement. He was not sure why his ego was not extremely inflated by now. This rather made his heart beat faster but he blinked to hide this reaction and he walked forth, his hand wiped a tear from her eyes gently and he moved to o the same on her other eye. “Mariko-san…” He murmured while his eyes fixed on hers. “I am sorry I made you worry all day long…” He moved closer and embraced her for a moment, “although, I am honoured that you hold me in such high regard.” There was no mockery or teas win his words, he did mean them as he said them and he then moved back and said, “It has been a long day for you, I am sure you are tried, I will send for Rindou and for food to be brought in, do not wait for me I will be eating later, I need to ensure everything is ready for the journey tomorrow.”

He then added, “Feel free to sleep even if you are too tired, I will be back after I finish with getting things ready, if you still wish me to keep you company while you sleep.” His deep golden eyes looked at her.

Mari couldn't shake the feeling that today-with the exception of their fight earlier-had just gone too well. she knew that Eri was trying to make up for her getting attacked, and that was why he'd been so nice and thoughtful all day. Still...part of her thought back to a boyfriend she'd had back in high school. He'd made it a point to take her on this fantastic date for her birthday. It was absolutely perfect...and then she'd found out it had been his way of saying goodbye as his family was moving to France, and most likely would not be back.

Today felt a little like that. Like Eri was saying goodbye. She shook her head. It didn't make sense. She'd just met him, and they were going to be traveling together until she summoned Byakko. And he had promised to take her to see all of these places and meet all of these people...why would he do that if he was going somewhere? Why would he let her think they had more time if he was trying to say goodbye?

It seemed a silly thought...one she couldn't justify. Tama always told her that her mind jumped to the most dramatic possibility, when it was usually something simple. Eri wasn't really trying to say goodbye, it was simply as he'd said, he wanted to make today a good day for her. Sometimes it really could be that simple...at least she kept trying to convince herself of that. Still, some small doubts remained...

“Then the world must be full of fools. There is no need to thank me, Mariko-san, I am grateful for the time we spent together.”

Her cheeks warmed a little more with his first words. Honestly, why was she such a sucker for a little flattery? Sai would laugh endlessly at her if she could see her now. And yet his last words stirred that little doubtful fear that she'd felt recently. Was this really goodbye? Things like that made her think it was. If so, why?

“Mariko-san… I am sorry I made you worry all day long… although, I am honoured that you hold me in such high regard.”

And again she found herself surprised and blushing, first as he dried her tears of joy and then as he...embraced her. Her heart began to beat faster than one of Sai's drum solos, and she closed her eyes. She hesitated for just a moment before reaching up and returning the embrace. She was usually a 'huggy' person by nature, but she had learned before that Eri considered it improper in some instances. She hoped he would not mind her returning the embrace, but she really did want to show him she was grateful. And, perhaps, if her fears were not just her being paranoid, that she didn't want him to go...wherever it was he might be going. "I will treasure the necklace always..." She said softly, feeling as if she should say something. "and all of the lovely memories."

“It has been a long day for you, I am sure you are tried, I will send for Rindou and for food to be brought in, do not wait for me I will be eating later, I need to ensure everything is ready for the journey tomorrow.”

Msri felt a bit sad when he moved away, but she didn't try to stop him. Instead she listened to what he had to say, and nodded silently. That feeling was back again, and she couldn't seem to shake it. Maybe she could talk to Rindou about it, and her Seishi could put her mind at ease. "If you are sure you cannot stay to eat with me..." She chewed her lip softly. It sounded selfish of her, and she knew that he was busy, but she couldn't help it. Part of her felt she could stop whatever was making her feel this dread if she could just keep her eye on him.

“Feel free to sleep even if you are too tired, I will be back after I finish with getting things ready, if you still wish me to keep you company while you sleep.”

She met his golden gaze and sighed. "I feel bad, Eri-san. You can't possibly rest well watching over me all night...but I'd be lying if I said it didn't put my mind at ease to know you are near..." She ducked her head, blushing agian. She really needed to stop doing that around him! She took a deep breath and schooled her emotions before meeting his gaze again with a smile. She was being foolish and she knew it. "It's okay, Eri-san. You take care of what you need to...Rin-chan can keep me company." She absently reached up to touch her necklaces-both the one Eri had given her and the one Tama had-as she added. "I won't make it a point to stay up, but don't be surprised if I am. Today's given me lots of song ideas, and I want to write them down and work on them a bit before I go to bed." She nodded to her bed where her guitar and notebook were laying as proof of her intended activities that evening.

Eri sensed something was amiss with Mariko and decided to be even more careful now, he could not have her find out what he was actually going to do. He did not want her to put her life in danger, she was a very important miko and Byakko would have his head if he did not protect her like a Seishi and a samurai. However, he felt that something inside him told him that was not the only reason he wished to protect her but for the time being he ignored those thoughts and concentrated on ensuring Mariko was measured and did not suspect anything. He knew she was a very smart girl and she would easily guess if he did not go back to samurai mode. At least he had managed to control his temper and offer her a lovely day to remember in case something did not go well at the canyons. Unknowingly, Mariko was making this much harder for Eri. If things did not work out he only hoped that she would forgive him and not hold a grudge against him if she learned he perished to protect her. He would move on knowing she remembered him with a smile on her face. That one smile that seemed contagious and that made him feel joy within. she would be safe with her other Seishi now and they would make her happy, she deserved better than an arrogant samurai like him who could not entertain her or even make her happy. They always seemed to be on each other’s tails. Perhaps it was better this way.

Trying to stop her mind from wandering to undesired conclusions he lightly poked her side playfully saying, “Oi, you are a terrible entertainer, I am already bored from standing here while you space out.” He smirked and crossed his arms around his chest as if to emphasise his words and then raised an eyebrow. In truth, he was not sure why but he enjoyed the effect his words had on her, whether it be annoyance or flattery he was not sure why he enjoyed them so much. He rubbed the back of his neck as he thought that. His golden eyes looked down at her, he hoped she would be a good girl and not go looking for trouble. He found himself chuckling when she blushed at his words, he wondered though why this seemed to happen so much whenever they were on their own or he tried to flatter her. Was it normal to blush so much? He had heard somewhere that it could indicate a person liked you if he or she blushed when you complimented them. He rolled his eyes at his own thoughts and smirked, “You do look a lovely colour when you blush, Mariko.” He winked at her, it was foolish of him to think that way. In any case it was best if they did not grow attached, she was the miko and would go back to her world. Besides, he was about to go fight a duel to the death, he could not guarantee he would come back. Yet he found himself grinning when she blushed once more to the world he uttered. She was an extraordinary girl and he was thankful to Byakko for allowing him to be one of her Seishi, if only for a while.

She seemed a bit stiff when he embraced her, was she that surprised? Perhaps she had taken too literally the strict code of the samurai but for that he was grateful. He felt her arms around him as well and his body stiffened slightly but he made an effort not to pull away. He would grant her this moment, so she could keep it in her memory and so he slowly relaxed and allowed her to hug him back. He looked down at her as she closed her eyes and embraced him warmly and he felt as if she were being him to stay. He looked away, he could not stay, he had to deal with that man once and for all. He still had not forgiven him for what he lost did to her. Anger flashed in his amber eyes and he did his best not to leave at that moment to seek him out and kill him for his crimes. Her words brought him back to the present, as he heard her he gasped silently in amazement. He truly was not expecting her to say such words to him, his heart was beating wildly in his chest, why? He did not know but in response to her words he tightened his embrace and closed his eyes leaning his head on hers. She was a strong girl, he hoped she would move on whatever happened that night. He smiled softly at her last words and after a long moment holding her in his arms he slowly moved away and lifted her chin with one finger, “You best get something to eat… otherwise you won't let anyone sleep if you are hungry.” He smirked but his face wore a soft smile and he lightly leaned forth but he soon released her face and stood a couple of steps back. Why was he acting so strangely?

"If you are sure you cannot stay to eat with me…”

Maybe he teased her too much but he could not help himself. But then why had he leaned in? He rubbed the back of his neck and said, “I will go and fetch some food for you now.” He was not sure why but it had felt slightly lonely after he let go of her, it alarmed him. Was he… growing attached to her? He best keep his distance now, especially now. He could not give hopes to something that could never be, even if both reciprocated the feelings and he survived now, there was no future for them in this or any world, they would be separated like other miko and Seishi had. He bowed deeply and then turned to leave. his hand was already reaching for the doorknob so that he could close the door behind himself when he heard her words. He stopped abruptly and his hand grasped the doorknob. He sighed silently, he had to put on a face that would not alarm her but surely she knew that in any case he had to make preparations for their next trip. He shook his head, “Someone has to prepare everything for the trip… Surely you agree I am the only person capable of organising that…” He smirked thinking that the other two would just either move to sparing with every single person that approached her or… simply drink himself to sleep… Those two really…

"I feel bad, Eri-san. You can't possibly rest well watching over me all night...but I'd be lying if I said it didn't put my mind at ease to know you are near…”

Eri was not sure why his body tensed at her words, but his eyes examined her. It was his duty and he was used to looking after the Emperor on his rare trips or whenever anyone in his household needed protecting. They never thought it twice when summoning for this, they did not even ask if he was ok with sleeping or not. He had trained all his life to be able to hold his guard during the day or late at night so he said after giving it a bit of thought, “You needn’t worry about me Mariko, I have done this for many years, besides it is an honour to look after you.” To her last words though, he felt a strange sensation that urged him to not go anywhere and stay and embrace her warmly but he merely grinned switching back to his cheeky self to collect his emotions, “Of course you are at east when I’m near, I am the best samurai in the kingdom after all.” He winked at her to top it but then said, “Although, it pleases me you think so.” In truth he was used to not being appreciated either so being complimented did come as a surprise, also, he had to admit that whenever he guarded her as she slept he would sneak a look at her face. She had such a peaceful and happy face, it was somewhat… adorable. “On top of that I get to look at the faces you make while you sleep, it is rather entertaining.” He smirked. He was not sure why but he truly did enjoy teasing her. He had caught her blushing and had teased her once more, he was probably doing it too much but he could not help it, something about Mariko drew out this part of him and he liked that. He was never like this with anyone else with the exception of a few close friends and the people who adopted him.

"It's okay, Eri-san. You take care of what you need to...Rin-chan can keep me company.”

He nodded to her words and was glad she would not need any more persuasion but something inside him told him to be weary of this peaceful resignation of hers. He hoped she would not find out and follow after him, that would put her life in danger. Hopefully Rindou would look after her well. “I shouldn’t be long.” Though could he truly guess the man would not double cross him and bring more men with him? It would be no problem for him, he was an imperial samurai and could deal with all of them, however, that would mean the battle would take longer and then knowing Mariko she would begin to worry and after a while would realise he was not at the Inn. He truly felt terrible for lying to her but he knew what she would do the moment she learned what he was about to do. A duel to the death must never be taken lightly.

"I won't make it a point to stay up, but don't be surprised if I am. Today's given me lots of song ideas, and I want to write them down and work on them a bit before I go to bed.”

Eri smiled as he looked at her music utensils and then nodded and without realising he held her hand which had touched the necklace and squeezed it gently before saying, “Then make sure you finish a song for when I come back. I would love to hear it.” He then slowly and reluctantly let go of her hand and said, “Until then…” He closed the door behind him and then walked to his room. Once inside he sighed and closed the door. He leaned his back on the door for a moment to regain composure. He then moved to get ready to go. He closed his eyes for a brief moment to pray to Byakko that all would go well before he finally left his room and went down the stairs. He then got his horse ready but he did not mount, he walked alongside the horse for a while in order to avoid riding suspicion. Once he was a couple of hills away he looked back at the Inn and whispered, “Forgive me Mariko.” He finally got o his horse and then he galloped at full speed at the meeting point. The other man was waiting for him already. He jumped off his horse, his face in battle mode already. He walked silently until he stood before the man, The man smirked, “So you came? You really are a samurai, aren’t you?”

Eri ignored his words and then drew his long polearm and held it before him, “Let’s finish this once and for all…” The man smirked and took out his own sword. Eric then grinned, “I know you are not alone, in fact, if you try to pull a trick on me I will kill you before this duel starts…” His eyes darkened and he swung his polearm much quicker than the man could have ever expected and his shirt suddenly had a long gash though he had not cut his arm yet. This was a warning. The man gasped in fear and said, “No need to do that…” The samurai chuckled, “then why did you demand me to come on my own and you brought ten men with you?”

The man called for his men, “It would only be fair for you to get a bit tired before we actually duel, just to help you warm up…” the men smirked and Eri noticed they were completely clothed in black. So he hired ninja? His eyes darkened and his anger built up, “Cut the nonsense, you were too scared to fight me yourself!” Without another word the men surrounded him and he eyed them carefully and clenched his teeth before one of the ninja moved forth and jumped in the air to strike at his back. Eric quickly turned around and parried the attack. It did not matter how many of them there were or if they attacked him all at once. He would defeat them all and then he would make that b*****d pay!