The Gift by Sereia

Bestow

The first time Sesshoumaru bestowed a gift upon the miko, he did it in secret. He'd observed her in the field with Rin, collecting herbs and various plants. Most were stripped and placed in her basket, but every so often, she'd come across a particular bloom that had her lingering.

She clearly had a preference for flowers.

There was no way to know which kind was her favourite, especially with how little she travelled, but only the most succulent species would be good enough. He would be the one to travel on her behalf.

She'd been trapped within the village due to obligation and her desire to help others. No other was as powerful as she, but she dithered with poultices and potions instead of living up to her true potential.

Had no one encouraged her to do otherwise?

Knowing she rose early, he left the small bouquet on her doorstep, not wanting to chance his scent being left behind. He needed to gauge the situation first, to see if she was amenable to accepting gifts at all before he revealed his identity.

The morning dawned without a cloud in sight, giving him a clear view of her hut. She nearly tripped over the bouquet after appearing at the door, arms stretched above her head. Eying it warily and looking around for the person responsible, she picked the bundle up by the stems, making sure to keep it a fair distance away from her.

She carried it to the old miko's hut, covering her nose with her sleeve. "Good morning, Kagome. I thought ye would be working with Rin today."

"I am," she replied, voice muffled. "But someone left a chrysanthemum, and you know how allergic I am."

The elder miko's one good eye widened as she recognized the bloom, quickly taking it from her. "Aye, child. It's a good thing ye wake so early. Wash off quickly so it doesn't spread."

Shame crept up the back of his neck, something Sesshoumaru was not accustomed to, and he turned before either miko discovered his presence.

He would have to try again.