The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Nightfall

Chapter 178 - The Nightfall

*Elegant Force* Stella's Soundtrack Challenge

Word spread quickly throughout the village that their new Lady was no weak little flower. She had bite, and people were being told to watch their step. Being the closest village market to the palace meant big business, and to lose that business could be financially devastating, not just to the individual business affected, but to everyone. Their prosperous village could end up in ruins if Lady Kagome decided she preferred to shop elsewhere. This led to every other shopkeeper walking on eggshells with her, being as polite and kind as they could manage.

Her frequent smile was a relief to most of the village. She did not seem as if she would hold the transgression of one against them all. She and her companions continued to shop for over an hour, stopping at every seller's establishment and making purchases often.

Kagome was truly enjoying herself. She had always wished she could shop freely in the Feudal Era, but her group very rarely had enough money for adequate shelter, let alone a spending spree. She was saddened that she would have to go elsewhere for fabrics, but she would not change her mind. She had to show strength, or her people would walk all over her. She was trying to slowly step into the leadership role she knew was coming, hoping to be both kind and fair. Sesshoumaru could handle the less appealing jobs, such as handing out punishments. That wasn't really her kind of thing, even if she had just done exactly that at the fabric store.

*Blend In* Stella's Soundtrack Challenge

When every last shop had been wandered through, everyone was ready to return to the palace. Sesshomaru, however, had no desire to wait even longer for his angel's surprise, because of a rude shopkeeper, and decided he and Kagome would go on to another village for her fabric. This surprise of hers was holding up their mating, and so it was decided that everyone else would return to the palace, accompanied by the general, who, along with several soldiers, had been escorting them throughout the market.

Good-byes said, Sesshoumaru pulled Kagome's body close to his and formed his youkai cloud. It really was just an excuse to be close to her, even though his armor kept him from feeling her. He adored the way her body molded so perfectly to his, the lines between them blurred as if they were one body.

*Soul Fusion* Stella's Soundtrack Challenge

Once they reached the next village that had a suitable market, Kagome's surprise could be made for him, and then they would be mated, their souls permanently fused together for all of eternity. He could barely wait. The knowledge that she was to be his mate, that she agreed, made holding off torture, both for himself and his beast. His nerves were ragged, and it had only been a day and a half since they were together last.

He knew her story about wanting to wait to make their mating night more special was a lie, but if this surprise of hers meant so much to her, then he would find a way to survive. Besides, he was intensely curious as to what she was having made. What could possibly be more attractive than the little scraps of fabric she wore under her clothing?

*The Bridge* Stella's Soundtrack Challenge

"Everything is so beautiful from up here," Kagome said with a sigh. "The fresh snow always seems to make the world feel new. How far is this other village?" she asked. She was growing tired and selecting fabrics on her own, without Sango to give her opinion, might take a while.

"Do you see that bridge in the distance?" the taiyoukai asked while pointing in front of them. When she nodded, he continued. "The village is just down that road."

"The stream looks frozen," she commented.

"Yes, but the water still runs beneath the surface. The children of the village enjoy sliding on the ice."

Kagome smiled. "They're ice skating, and they don't even know it. Maybe I'll buy Rin and Shippo some skates."

"Skates?" he asked in confusion.

"I'll explain later."

* Cloudy Sunset* Stella's Soundtrack Challenge

The couple arrived soon thereafter, and Sesshoumaru once again made the announcement, introducing more of his people to their new Lady. Then he led her to a fabric shop and left her alone as she requested, killing time by browsing through the other sellers' wares. More than an hour passed before she exited the building carrying a large bundle wrapped in dark cloth, effectively hiding her purchases from his curious eyes.

"We can go home now," she said with a smile. "I can't wait to get this to Amime. I just hope she can do it. She said she's never made anything like what I want before."

Her comment spiked Sesshoumaru's curiosity and as they flew back, he wondered just what in the world his sweet angel had in store for him. The sky was clouded and snow was falling faster by the minute as night fell. The taiyoukai was relieved when the palace walls came into view. Tonight, he suspected, would be a blizzard that could rival the one that brought he and his angel together.