Over a month has passed since Hoshiko started traveling with Rin, Lord Sesshoumaru, and his rather irritating servant Jaken. She and Rin were also introduced to Sesshoumaru's two headed dragon Ah-Un. Hoshiko is still uncertain of her standing with the creature. It appears to be indifferent to her so she is taking that as a good sign. It does seem rather fond of Rin though. Which is a good sign.
It wasn't long into their traveling when Sesshoumaru went through a village and "acquired" a new kimono for Rin. But Hoshiko made sure she washed Rin up nice and good before putting the new garment on her. It was very nice though. It was checkered with alternating colors of orange and light yellow. It also had a few scattered bubble designs and was secured with a green obi belt. As for Hoshiko….well Sesshoumaru also "acquired" robes for her as well but she resolutely refused. When Sesshoumaru rather rudely pointed out the state of her clothes, Hoshiko replied back rather stiffly that she had another set of robes to change into. The matter was dropped.
Both Rin and Hoshiko are now headed back to their current camp after Rin's new daily lesson. For reasons known only to the child, she asked Hoshiko if she would start to teach her everything she knew on herbs. Hoshiko agreed as she thought it would probably come to be useful in the future. She knew she couldn't be there all the time after all. Hoshiko was also wondering if maybe she should teach the child how to handle a weapon. She can't depend on Sesshoumaru to defend the child. It doesn't seem to be in his nature.
Night had fallen a short while ago and the stars were still waking from their slumber. Everyone but Rin and Ah-Un were awake. Frowning in thought, Hoshiko contemplates how far she has truly fallen in such a short time. From being a proud priestess to basically a demon herself. These thoughts only led her brow to furrow quite deeply. She was unaware of the studious, yet stoic stare practically burning a hole through her from across the fire.
"Why are you not asleep woman?"
Hoshiko jumped in surprise. Quickly looking up at Sesshoumaru before looking away just as quickly she answered.
"I have no need for sleep it seems," she answered after some hesitation. Sesshoumaru said nothing in return.
A few more days have passed since that pathetic excuse of a conversation happened and almost forgetting, Hoshiko realized this was the night for the soul collectors to return. So with this weighing her mind down, Hoshiko was very quiet the whole day. When night finally fell, she waited anxiously for Rin to fall asleep before getting up and walking away. She could feel Sesshoumaru's piercing gaze digging into her back so she stopped and spoke without turning around.
"I will be back shortly."
She then continued on. Reaching a place of relative solitude she simply sat down and waited for the ghastly beasts to appear. Of course they didn't disappoint. Only about five or six appeared and once they dropped their glowing treasure into various parts of Hoshiko's body, she waited to see if there were any stragglers and when she found there wasn't, she got up and walked back to the camp with a deep frown.
"I really have fallen so far haven't I?" She spoke bitterly to herself. She arrives back at camp and simply returned to lying beside Rin as if nothing ever happened. Sesshoumaru did not remove his gaze from the sky, seemingly deep in his thoughts about something.