30 Shards

Title: Shard #21 – Hope
Claimed Pairing: Inu no Taishou/Izayoi
Rating: PG
Words: 230
Squicks: None
Summary: Inu no Taishou offers Izayoi hope.



Izayoi watched, tears gathering on her lashes, as the Inu no Taishou examined the infant. Silver white hair still stained from the birthing slid like silk between his fingers. A clawed hand traced the tiny too still ears atop the head, feeling the downy softness of the fur. Tiny hands examined and miniscule claws stroked, little toes counted. The tears slid down her cheeks as he bent and kissed each tiny foot.

She marveled at the dichotomy of the man… youkai she shared her life with. He was a fierce and ferocious demon capable of killing with a flick of his wrist and a tender and loving soul that stroked the seemingly asleep child with such tenderness.

“It is time, Izayoi.” He commanded, watching as she nodded and handed the precious bundle to the priestess he had sent for.

She watched as the priestess took the child and left the room. Following silently behind she took courage in the stiffness in his spine, his emotions showing in the less than perfect grace of his steps.

They stopped and watched the priestess perform the rights, dark eyes turned to them and the priestess asked, “What is the child’s name?”

Golden eyes gazed gently at her allowing her the honor.

“Nozomi,” she named her daughter.

As the red-gold fingers reached to consume the small bundle, his voiced soothed her. “There will be another child.”

-----

Nozomi means hope.