Precious by Dragon'sPassion

First Gift

Disclaimer: I don’t own Inuyasha. The rights are those of the ingenious Rumiko Takahashi. I also do not profit from doing this. Also there is a concept about the griffin feathers that I borrowed from Tamora Pierce from her Protector of the Small series.

Subject Line: First Gift by Dragon’sPassion [Shiny Challenge]

Title: First Gift

Author: Dragon’sPassion

Prompt: Stella's Shiny Challenge- Emerald

Genre: Romance

AU/CU: Canon Universe

Rating: K

Warnings: None

Word Count: 2923

A/N: None.

Summary: Kagome gets her first courting gift.

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First Gift

A wistful sigh escaped from parted luscious pink lips. Thin layers of golden flesh rimmed with long thick lashes slid over glazed blue eyes that seemed to stare off into the distance. Kagome shook her head as she snapped herself from her thoughts, the corners of her lips pulled down in a slight frown. She turned to the sound of shuffling feet and met the concerned gaze of her sister, Sango.  "Kagome, are you okay?" She asked in a gentle voice.

Kagome sighed once more and nodded; a small sad smile doing nothing to brighten her forlorn features. "Yes, Sango, I'm fine. I just find myself very lonely without him here. It's been three weeks since he returned to the west to take care of his duties and, while I know that he's been away longer than that, it doesn't feel the same. I feel like I just discovered a brand new part of myself that I love above all else and then all of a sudden, it’s gone! I know I'm overreacting Sango. I'm sorry."

She moved closer to the older woman and together they walked down the dirt path that led back to the village. As she spoke, Sango, heavy with child, watched her and felt her lips pull into a knowing smile. She placed a hand on the younger woman's white clad forearm and pulled her to a stop. Kagome looked at her questionably.

"Kagome you don't need to apologize for anything. If there is one thing that I know about you without a shadow of a doubt, is that when you love someone you love them with anything and everything you have and then some. I wouldn't expect anything different from you now that you are head over heels in love with Sesshomaru. In fact, I expect it to be far greater than any of us can imagine."

Kagome's beautiful features brightened with the happy smile and she hugged Sango tight, mindful of her baby bump. "Thank you Sango. You always know what to say." She let go of her and once more began their short journey back; only this time Kagome was in a better mood. As they reached the summit of the hill that hid Edo from view, her heart leapt out of her chest and straight into her throat. Standing at the outskirts of the village, magnificent against the brilliant sunlight and beautiful backdrop of the forest, was her intended mate.

He was leaning against the base of tree, a strange dark haired male to his right and Miroku a little to his left. Inuyasha was sitting up in a branch a few trees away from where Sesshomaru and the others sat. Rin and Shippo chased a rather displeased Jaken around the clearing while Ah-Un ate not too far from them. Seconds upon arriving to the top, she felt her beloved's intense gaze meet her own and despite herself, she blushed in delight. She turned away and forced herself to look after Sango as she waddled down the dirt road.

After what seemed like forever, they had finally joined the others. Sango cleverly evaded the younglings heading toward Kagome and chuckled softly as they tackled her to the ground. Kagome showered them with kisses as they expressed their joy in finally seeing her smile. She looked up when a tall shadow came over them and blushed prettily when she met her love's heated gaze. Rin and Shippo giggled and scrambled to get off of her, abandoning her to their father's scrutiny.

Sesshomaru lowered an elegantly clawed hand down to her and wrapped it gently around her smaller hand. Effortlessly, he pulled her up and tugged her close. He buried his nose in her neck, inhaling the scent of cherry blossoms, fresh rain, and purity that always surrounded her. His arms encircled her slender waist and he growled possessively. "I have missed you greatly koi. Next time, I will be sure to take you with me." Kagome laughed lightly. "I missed you too and I will happily go if it means I don't have to be separated from you that long again."

She tangled her hands into his long strands of silken silver hair and pulled him in for a kiss. A deep rumble resonated from deep within his chest and his hands tightened their grip on her hips and pulled her flush against him. A grumbled curse from nearby caused them to pull away. Kagome and Sesshomaru gave Inuyasha twin glares. "Oh hush Inuyasha. You should be one to talk considering all the things you've been caught doing. Do you need a refresher course because I'm sure every one of our pack mates has seen you do something."

Inuyasha gave his signature "Keh," followed by a very convinced "nobody knows nothing wench." Shippo looked up at the older male and shook his head. "Yes we do! I remember seeing you going through Kagome's backpack once. You pulled out the jar of peanut butter she kept for herself and put a spoonful in your mouth. You sat there for thirty minutes smacking your lips and licking around in your mouth trying to eat it!" The clearing filled with peals of laughter from Inuyasha's original pack.

"Not to mention that time where I saw you sitting on your butt and dragging yourself up and down the rough dirt to scratch an itch." Said Sango as she tried so hard to speak through her laughter. Kagome doubled over, her arms around her midsection as tears slipped down her cheeks in delighted joy. Her eyes barely flickered open to stare at her longtime friend only to squeeze tightly shut once more at his reddened face. Miroku wiped at a tear that formed at the corner of his eyes.

He gave Inuyasha a mischievous look as he opened his mouth and said, "Then there's that time when I first joined your group, remember Inuyasha? You went through Lady Kagome's bag and pulled out a pair of her lacy und..." Inuyasha promptly clamped a hand around the younger male's mouth. "Shut up!" He growled out as his face drained of all the blood and he shot nervous looks at Kagome. Kagome had stopped laughing a while ago and now looked at them in confusion.

Suddenly her face flushed bright red and she glared at Inuyasha. "It was you!" She hissed out, keeping Sesshomaru and Shippo's sensitive hearing in mind. Everyone around her looked at her in confusion but for the two males. You...you hentai! You were the one who ripped them. What did you do? Chew on them? I can't believe you. That was my favorite pair too, baka!" She pressed her lips together tightly, willing herself to not say anything else or else, she'd scream.

"You better run." Sango muttered to Inuyasha as she watched her jaws tighten. Inuyasha didn't need to be told twice. In seconds, he was gone. Kagome stared down at the ground and through gritted teeth said, "Sit." She paid no mind to his cry of pain as she turned and buried her face in her intended's clothing; his scent of forest and thunderstorms calming her. "I'm sorry. That was disgraceful." Sesshomaru rubbed her back. "There is no need. I found it quite enjoyable. Come I wish to introduce you to someone."

Kagome nodded and followed him to where the male she has seen earlier now stood. He was taller than her but an inch or two shorter than Sesshomaru. His long indigo colored hair fell to his waist in a blunt line. He had eyes the color of liquid silver and pointed ears. No marking adorned his pale ivory flesh and there was absolutely no hint of demonic energy on or in his being. His lithe body was covered by clothing not native to Japan, but it was elegant and suited his exotic looks just fine. At his back was a quiver of arrows and an unstrung long bow rested on the ground at his feet; an elegant sword hung at his waist.

The male bowed deeply before her and she flushed with embarrassment. He straightened and gave her a wide grin that did wonders for his handsome features. Sesshomaru rose at brow at his antics but paid it no mind. "Kagome, I would like you to meet Elathaneus of Clan Aloil. He is the son Leaduin and Aethilaia. He is the prince and heir of the largest elf clan in Japan. Elathaneus, this is my intended Higurashi Kagome. She is the Shikon no miko and assistant priestess of this village." He said as he subtly gestured to the red and white miko garments she wore.

Kagome swallowed nervously and bowed to him in a show of deep respect. "I'm honored to meet you, Elathaneus-sama." She said as she straightened. Elathaneus chuckled. "Dear girl, the honor is all mine. I am Sesshomaru's friend before all else and to see him positively smitten with you does wonders to my poor soul." Kagome laughed at this as Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. "Elathaneus, mind yourself." He said in a tone devoid of any actual scolding. The elf prince chuckled once more, but heeded his friend's words.

He muttered a few words in a beautiful language none but Sesshomaru understood. In a shimmer of magic, a large parcel wrapped him fine silk appeared in his hands. He looked at Sesshomaru and asked, "May I?" Sesshomaru nodded his consent. "Lady Kagome, I present to you your first courting gift." He handed the deep emerald package to Kagome. Kagome took hold of it and then made her way to her group of friends who sat quietly throughout the exchange.

She took a seat beside Sango and carefully put the package before them all. With gentle gestures that spoke of the gentleness of her heart and soul, she untied the satin strings that held it together and set them aside. With the same gentleness, she opened the lapels of the silk emerald material and spread them aside. As soon as the contents of the package came into view, Kagome's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. Sango, who sat beside her, released a startled gasp. Miroku and Shippo wore expressions similar to Kagome and little Rin; sitting to Kagome's left clapped her small hands enthusiastically. "Oh okaa-san, you will look so beautiful in this!"

A clawed hand gently tipped her head up. "Is this acceptable?” Kagome looked at him with watery blue eyes. Her voice gone, she pulled him forward and planted a smoldering kiss on his lips. He growled his appreciation and pulled himself away. "Thank you. You didn't have to do this, but thank you." She whispered to him. She took his offered hand and allowed him to help her up. She bent down to gather the package. "I'll be back in a moment." She said as she walked further into the forest to change.

As they waited for her, Elathaneus took the chance to hand a small velvet bag to Sesshomaru. "This is for you to give to her." Sesshomaru accepted the small item, engulfing it in his large hand. "Where did you get it?" Elathaneus gave him a secret smile. "You know exactly where I got this from." Sesshomaru gave him pleased smirk. "Excellent.” He said as he and Elathaneus paid no attention to the confused looks Kagome's friends were giving them.

Just then, Kagome entered the clearing once more; a vision in emerald green and silver. Elathaneus smirked as his sensitive hearing caught the sound of the daiyoukai's breath hitching in his throat. Pride filled him as he realized that all of his hard work had paid off. He looked the young woman over, his eyes starting on the emerald green silk slippers threaded through with silver that covered her tiny feet. The kimono hugged her body comfortably but not to the point that it would draw attention to her figure.

No, he had designed it for its breathtaking beauty. A rich emerald green color encompassed the whole of the gown, from collar to hem. The only exceptions were the sleeves, fitted around the top of the arm then gradually expanded to the traditional billowing sleeves. These were the pristine color of platinum silver. An obi of the same color as wide as her midsection kept the piece together. A crescent moon embroidered with beautiful detail decorated the bottom and, while at the moment unseen, at the center of her back. Crimson red cherry blossoms and cherry blossom petals danced around the moon on grey, tiny stitched streams of wind.

Silver blue wisps of clouds added to the scene. The silver sleeves shared the blossom and petal theme as well, each spaced precisely. Elathaneus nodded to himself. Yes the

woman's beauty and purity did his design justice, maybe even more so. She stepped closer to them with a gracefulness she had taken time to attain. "How do I look?" She asked timidly. "Divine.” Sesshomaru responded and suppressed a smirk at the blush that stained her cheeks.

Elathaneus chuckled at the two before him, causing them to look at him. He gave Kagome an endearing smile. "You look lovely my dear. I must admit that when Sesshomaru asked to have this commissioned I was surprised. My kind tends to stay away from the world that you live in. As such our commodities are very much sought-after and very expensive. For him to go through all this trouble for you, you had to be someone very special indeed."

Kagome looked at Sesshomaru then at him. "It’s beautiful and I don't mean to offend but what's so different about how you make it?" She asked curiously. Elathaneus smiled softly. "Our ability to make the elements a part of the clothing. Your kimono, however, is very special. It’s made from an infusion of Sesshomaru's beast fur, the hair of our finest stallions, strands made from our most beloved flowers and the fluidity of the waters of our home. The essence of cherry blossoms, wind, clouds, and moonlight were incorporated into this blend. It’s the very reason why it feels so lightweight and cool against your skin.

"Sesshomaru's youkai keeps you safe from demons foolish enough to want to harm you or claim you. Doing either after the fact would be considered an act of war. It also keeps it from tearing and staining. I spelled it to act as armor as tough as dragon hide, impenetrable. Do you mind flaring your miko energy just a bit?" Kagome nodded and did as asked. As she did so, slits appeared at the sides of her kimono revealing a pair of comfortable emerald pants that came with the package.

Elathaneus nodded in satisfaction and watched as it disappeared as she drew her power back. "It transforms should you find yourself in a comprising position that forces you to fight and as you can see, it disappears once it’s over." He muttered something under his breath and with a swirl of his hand, a quiver of arrows and a long bow appeared. He handed them to Kagome. "This is my gift to you. The quiver is made from dragon hide as well, so it’s tough and indestructible. The long bow and arrow shafted are made from the dark wood of a sacred tree so it’s sturdy and strong. The arrow heads are made from our finest metal infused with dragon fangs which makes them resistant to enemy magic of any kind and fletched with griffin feathers that ensure a target is hit and killed regardless if you aim or not. Each arrow is spelled to return to the quiver so you never run out.

"Sesshomaru is the only demon my clan is associated with and a very close friend of mine. I did everything I could to make sure you stayed protected." He looked at Sesshomaru and gave him a grin. "I hope that this was to your liking my friend." Sesshomaru chuckled but nodded. “You have exceeded it Elathaneus. Thank you." He looked back at Kagome who stared at her gift with adoration. He chuckled as he saw her clench her hands in their eagerness to touch them. His chuckle brought her attention to him and she blushed under his amused stare.

"I don't know what to say. I..." Sesshomaru silenced her with a finger to her lips. "There's one more thing left love." He pulled out the tiny bag that Elanthaneus had given him some time earlier and dumped its contents in the palm of his free hand. He tucked the bag into his obi and grabbed hold of the wrist that had the band he had given her weeks ago. He released her wrist and gripped the perfect star shaped jewel between two claws. "This," he began, "is a piece of emerald given to me by Elathaneus upon request.

"It’s a small part of an ancient mass filled with the power and the songs of his people. This piece I present to you my fair Kagome as symbolic proof of my love, devotion, and loyalty to you and you alone. Our friendship, the foundation of our love, forever respected and forever cherished." With a flare of his youkai, he infused the gem and metal together. He pulled away and allowed her to see the sparkling jewel shine in its new home on her wrist. For the second time that day, she lost her voice, her eyes swimming with emotions and before friends that were as close as family, she kissed the prince of her dreams.

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A/N: This chapter got away from me and made itself longer than I had originally intended. I hope you enjoy nonetheless.  Thanks.