Hey, I'm back. I'm sorry it's been so long. It's been a while since I've had time to write. I've been so busy with applications for university and family illness and all. So! Here is the next chapter for Like a Mommy Loves a Daddy. I hope you all enjoy it.

The south was hot. Sesshomaru began to regret his decision of wearing his full kimono for this trek. Rin was also sweltering in her battle kimono, he could smell it. She held her newest prized possession fixed to her side. She smiled.

As they peaked yet another green and grassy hill, she saw a large palace, and stopped. Her mouth dropped. It was so large, it made Lord Sesshomaru's home look like a rundown shack on the outskirts of town. She hurried after her lord, who had not stopped. He heard her feet follow again and gave an inward smile. "Do you remember what I have taught you on the way here, Rin?" He asked. He had spent the last few days teaching her the traditions of the south, and how they differed from his own.

"Of course, my Lord." She responded. She began to repeat the many lessons he had given her with perfect accuracy.

They were welcomed in as honoured guests. The servants were all women. They all has their faces covered by a sheer veil. Their hair was jeweled and pulled into intricate styled. They wore long, lightly flowing dresses made of a loose fabric, to help against the heat. They eyed Rin suspiciously as they lead her and Sesshomaru to their rooms.

"Your's, Lord Sesshomaru," one of the servants said, her eyes cast to the floor. He nodded and opened the door to walk in. Rin went to follow, but was stopped. "It is not proper for a woman to be so close to a man. You will tempt him. Your rooms are with us on the other side." Rin gasped.

"No, I cannot leave My Lord. Perhaps if I were in the room next to his?" The servants around began to whisper to each other in shock

"Rin."

That was all Sesshomaru had to say. She looked at him then gave the women a smile. "Sorry for my outburst. I am not used to your culture. I would be honoured to stay with all of you. Thank you for your hospitality." They smiled and relaxed, and led her to her room.

She sat with her Lord at the table. She was the only woman in the room, and looks she was receiving from the men said that they had their own ideas as to why she was there. Once every chair was full, the governor stood and clapped twice. Everyone turned their attention to him.

"Now that we are all here, we shall begin the election. There are two sons, born to rule. Which shall have his chance?" He sat, and the discussion began.

"It should be Avir. He is older, and wiser," said one otter youkai.

"Older does not necessarily mean wiser," countered a snake youkai.

"Cirin does not have the skills to be ruler!" yelled a horse youkai from the other end of the table. It went on like this for a long time. Rin found it very boring actually. Sesshomaru only listened. It was many hours later when Rin was roused from her trace by a very strange comment.

"Avir has the most aiko-ka and will have many heirs."

Rin sat straight up. "Just because he can seduce a lot of girls doesn't mean he is power worthy," she said out loud. The table looked at her.

"You let your toy speak out of turn like that?!" asked an eagle youkai.

"I am not a toy. I am my Lord's trusted ward and servant," she defended, beginning to stand. Sesshomaru placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Rin."

She sat. "I am sorry, my Lord. Perhaps I should spend the rest of the meeting elsewhere." She didn't want to let these horrible men to look at her any longer. He nodded.

"You may go if you wish, Rin. Do not stray far."

"Yes, my Lord." She bowed and left the room. The discussion began anew as the heard the door close behind her.

She sat on a rock in the garden when a boy came up to her. "Why do you not wear a veil? Have you been shamed?"

She smiled and shook her head, patting the spot next to her. "No, I am from the west. The women there are not required to wear a veil," she explained. The boy looked fascinated. He sat and asked her questions for a long while. Soon after a number of men from the meeting came around the corner. They saw her talking to the boy and got angry.

"How DARE you fill the ears of this boy with idle chatter! Learn you place, woman! You should be back at your castle, scrubbing the floors like a proper girl, not carrying around a sword and pretending to be a man!" Rin's head snapped up.

"I am sorry if you feel I have offended y-" she tried to apologise.

"You are even worthy to stand in my presence!"

Rin stood, silent. She knew, from her Lord's teachings, that at a point like this a woman would look at her feet and mumble 'I am honoured to be in your presence, Master' but Rin refused. She looked him straight in the face.

"I am not yours to command. I listen to my Lord, and only my Lord. If you have a problem with that, you may take it up with him."

One of the men roared and stepped forward to hit her, she caught his hand. He snarled.

"I advise you not to take this course of action. I have been trained to fight since I was young, I know how to defend myself if I need to, and I will not hesitate to follow my training should you choose to attack me." She was trying so hard to be diplomatic; it was just so difficult with how these men looked down on her.

Suddenly she heard a yell. She turned to see the boy pointing behind her, and too late, she turned to find four of the men had snuck up on her. The quickly subdued her and relieved her of her weapon, before carrying her off. The boy stood, shaking with terror. He ran straight for his father, Cirin. He needed some good, fatherly advice.

So yeah. That's what I've got for you. Tell me what you think? I'll be sure to take five suggestions and include them in the next chapter. And I promise, It won't be so long before an update this time. I PROMISE!