He was right… if she walked in there fearing the worst and holding her head down how could she do anything but fail? What visage would that give her Mate. He was her love but he was still a Lord and if anything she had to at least be confident for her sake if not his own.<br/><br/>If there was anything Mishiko knew, it was that her love for Chikage stretched much farther than his being. She loved his people as well. She knew that the first day she had stepped into his lands. She had fearlessly protected them without question.<br/><br/>She did that for the village who saved her all those years ago. Why would it be so different now?<br/><br/>His hand caressed her face, bringing her out of her thoughts and lacing into the strands of her hair. She leaned into his touch gently. She was far from done with the man before her. She had years of passion in her stored away.<br/><br/>She was still a very starved Succubus.<br/><br/>Trying to ignore her more primal self she listened to his logic. About how no one knew where she was. Oh, but one woman in particular probably thought the radiant Mishiko, was dead by now. She wondered how surprised she would be to find out she lived? Now that was something to think about. Her eyes narrowed deviously as the thought of proving the little human woman wrong gave her a slight joy.<br/><br/>On instinct she felt Chikage’s Ire rise at thoughts that were his own. Out of impulse she gently pressed her hand against his chest to soothe him. He needed to remember that she was right in front of him.<br/><br/>However, her Mate began rolling into his own thoughts. Speaking them aloud for her ears to catch. In his own way he had been devastated. It occurred to Mishiko….<br/><br/>He thought she had left him…<br/><br/>Watching him walk ahead of her she turned to look at him in the darkness.<br/><br/>‘One problem at a time?’ She thought quietly to herself… she could handle that. Hell, she could handle anything with him at her side. She already knew that… Maybe she had just forgotten.<br/><br/>Walking after him, her ears picked up his last words.<br/>At first she didn’t understand them. What kind of ceremony? Why?<br/><br/>Walking on silently after him it puzzled her. Perhaps a party for his conquest? But why would he mention that now? Following him quietly enjoying the crisp cool night air she kept her mind busy with his last thoughts.<br/><br/>As she looked around at her darkened surroundings  she could see the torches in the distance ahead. They were close.<br/>Unable to figure out his logic she went on thinking about the little girl she had left behind. Turning to look behind her she knew they were long gone from the village. It was kind of sad to her… Sarah didn’t even expect her back soon… Sarah made her promise to be back by the time she was of age to be wed… and she was but a child.<br/><br/>A ceremony she had recently almost partaken in.<br/><br/>Then her eyes lit up as a gasp escaped from her lips.<br/><br/>That is what the man in front of her meant.<br/><br/>She couldn’t lie to herself. The idea made her heart flutter and she couldn’t believe it was something he had let cross his mind.<br/><br/>With haste and in a rush of emotions she found herself running up behind him and wrapping her arms up and around his shoulders and neck from behind as she leaned up to kiss his neck. Having practically jumped on him she couldn’t help but smile.<br/>“I think that is an idea worth thinking on. Thank you for your kind words…” Slowly moving down off him and moving to stand next to him she grasped his hand in hers and she laced their fingers. Sure he would have to look strong and tough for his people… but they were not quiet at the gate yet. She could enjoy this moment for just a little longer. After all this is what she had fought so hard for…<br/><br/>He was right… they were stronger than ever together now… he let them be closer. She could see that he had let her get closer to his heart. And the thought of her holding such a thing that belonged to him… scared her. The fact he could suffer… the fact he was capable of truly feeling the absence of her… it toppled over her. It was a form of responsibility she had not expected. Perhaps he needed her to be strong for him… as much as she needed him to be strong for her. That is what eternity would feel like with Chikage… a love flowing with strength… that too, was something she could get behind.<br/><br/>A small happy sigh escaped her lips… they were almost home. And she would walk through those dark gates at his side as requested. No questions to be asked... no hesitation in sight.