Giving herself a minute Mishiko simply watched as her lover walked inside. Panting a bit she closed her eyes as she enjoyed the feeling that came along with having her mate back. Quickly her markings vanished, her claws receded to a much shorter length, fangs followed suite. Last but not least her eyes faded back into the lavender shade that was so iconic with her midnight black hair. Feeling not only relieved but also sated was nice. Her skin glowed her pale lips were now red naturally once more and not by make-up. Things were as they should be. She was back in her prime state. Wrapping her arms around herself gently she looked down into the water to see her reflection. The fine lines of worry and fatigue had vanished. Her eyes held life... she was herself again. However, part of her believed it was due to her lover... not his love-making. Dropping her arms she sighed in content. Even now she could feel that little string that tied them together pulling her. She missed him and at the moment she wanted to be at his side and nowhere else.<br/><br/>The sound of a throat clearing brought the woman out of her thoughts. "m'lady." Looking up on the bank she noticed a slightly ruffled woman holding out a cloth for her to dry off with. "m'lord has requested that I get you dried and dressed."<br/><br/>"Oh did he now?" Her voice was soft and filled with comfort. "Then we best not keep him waiting." She waded through the water to the shallow end before stepping up onto the soft smooth rocks. The girl went to drying her off but she couldn't help but notice her wandering eyes. She was studying her? Really?<br/><br/>"Is there something you find interesting?" She asked sweetly with a hint of concern.<br/><br/>"No, no m'lady" A blush fitted her cheeks. "Just couldn't help but notice why Lord Chikage-sama is so pleased. You are beautiful m'lady." Drying out her Lady's long hair she was gentle.<br/><br/>"Oh? I see." Mishiko smiled a bit. "Do you find him attractive?"<br/><br/>The woman froze and her eyes went wide as she backed away in fear. Mishiko turned to look at her with interest as she watched the girl practically fall to her knees in a bow. "Forgive me m'lady!"<br/><br/>Now this was an interesting turn of events. Looking down at the cloth covered woman she couldn't help but laugh. It started low but it erupted into full blown laughter. The girl could only take so much before speaking out. "m'lady, does my grief amuse you!" She sounded upset.<br/><br/>Mishiko stopped laughing but couldn't get the smile off her face. Kneeling she could sense the girl's distress. "No... I simply find the situation amusing. Once upon a time I would have been envious and upset at your actions. It seems I had some growing up to do." Lifting her chin she smiled at her. "Now all I can do is appreciate the fact you find my mate so appealing. How could I blame you? He truly is remarkable."<br/><br/>"m'lady?"<br/><br/>"Fear not. Just remember something... beauty isn't everything. Getting a man like him is difficult but keeping one... is like taking down an army by yourself." Standing back up she helped the girl up. "Respect your Lord and Lady and realize that we are matched simply because we are us. You will find your other half and when you do, he will be the most wonderful man in the world. Now... enough of this. My mate is not a patient man."<br/><br/>"Of course m'lady, your kimono of choice?" She asked with a smile.<br/><br/>"Hm... after that wedding scene I think it is best we appeal to the Lord as much as possible. Bring me the red one with the black dragon."<br/><br/>"Yes m'lady" With a bow she left quickly and entered inside the hut only to acknowledge her Lord with a bow before finding the garment of choice. Snatching it up quickly she hurried to her Lady to dress her accordingly.<br/><br/>After a few minutes she was dressed and her long midnight hair was dried and flowed freely around her.<br/><br/>Entering the hut with the girl in tow she walked to her mate. Eying him in his cloth sword in hand she couldn't help but remember his station. Coming to stand in front of him she looked up into his eyes. "Good evening love." The girl quickly left without a word as if she didn't exist leaving them alone.<br/><br/>"By the look of things... I would say you were leaving." She held a bit of concern. This is the one thing she feared. That even after all this he would leave her here. Just the thought made her look at the ground. Anything to keep it together.<br/><br/>'Like fighting a war by yourself indeed.' She thought to herself.