Prayers

A sudden shadow blocked the hot afternoon sun.

At any other time, Rin would have welcomed a break in the heat or maybe even the hope of rain, but this shadow didn't feel friendly.

Instead, it took the form of an impossibly tall man, with features so sharp, he reminded her of a hawk, and she was the mouse he was looking to devour.

Rin shielded her eyes and looked up at him. "Can I help you?"

The man raised a carefully trimmed eyebrow. "You certainly may."

"And I would do that by…"

"By moving. You're blocking our path."

Rin looked past the man at the crowd of at least twenty people, if not more, standing around what looked like a small palanquin, where she imagined a very important person was sitting.

She stood up, Sara resting on her hip. "I'm sorry, we didn't see you there."

He rolled his dark eyes. "Hard to see anything when you're galivanting with children. Honestly, why aren't they in school? Where are your parents? They should be ashamed of this behavior."

The once frolicking orphans came to her side, hiding behind the woman who felt the safest in this standoff.

Rin stood a bit straighter. "These children don't have parents. They're just enjoying a day off, that's all."

The man scoffed. "So, this is where the trash of the Sand is congregating now? And you, you're responsible for these rats? Are you their nurse? Remove them at once! An important lady is coming through and I won't have their stench disturbing her."

She gritted her teeth, feeling that fire sparking within her. "We will gladly move for you, but you won't insult these children. They aren't rats, they are precious, just like you and me."

"Ha! Like me? Do you even know who I am?"

Rin's eyes narrowed. "No, but I have a feeling you'll take much pride in telling me."

His sharp features melted into surprise and then distain. "I am the head of the Oribe clan, you insolent welp. Who are you to speak to me this way?"

The name rang through her mind like a sickening bell.

The Oribe clan, known for their wealth and terrifying genjutsu. A very prominent family in the Sand and one of her competitors.

She looked to the palanquin again and knew the important person waiting inside was Mai Oribe, prized first born daughter and deadly from what she'd read.

It didn't matter, she wouldn't stand by and let this man insult children, regardless of his status. Rin fixed her jaw. "Wonderful to meet you, Lord Oribe. Since you were so courteous with your introduction, I'll make mine as well."

She hiked Sara up in her arms, matching his fierce gaze. "I am Rin Ito."

He made a face, as she took the hand of one of the little boys and parted the children for him.

He sneered. "Rin Ito, trash of the Sound."

Rin smiled at the name and looked over her shoulder. "And the true bride of the Kazekage. Good day to you, sir."

There were appalled gasps as she led the children away from the steps, her voice high and lilting. "Come children, let's go drop you off with Mr. Soma. He must be worried by now and as it was pointed out to us, there are rats on these stairs. We certainly don't want to get infected with their filth, now do we?"

Giggles and rushed feet followed her away from the scene, but they were drowned out by the sputtering of the head of the Oribe clan. "Wh…what insolence! What an impudent girl! It's no wonder the Council is holding the Cleansing this year! She's no proper bride for the Kazekage, she isn't even worth being matched with a dog!"

There were nods of agreement from the surrounding entourage, as they continued their trek inside.

What they didn't notice, were the elegant, kohl-lined eyes peeking out from the curtain of the palanquin, who had seen the entire thing.

She watched the strange girl walk away, circled by children, all of them pawing for her attention. "Interesting."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gaara stood by the window, staring out at the scene that just took place. He couldn't hear what happened, but he saw the whole thing and he balled his hands into fists. "Control your temper, Rin. Control your temper."

She hiked a small girl up on her hip, took the hand of a little boy and left the scene, but by the way the head of the clan was gesturing after her, he couldn't imagine the meeting went well.

Gaara slumped into his office chair and rested his face in his hands. This was going to be a problem.

The Oribe clan weren't the ones to insult.

He groaned when Temari gave a quick knock and entered. "Good afternoon, Gaara. I'm here to report that the Oribe clan has just arrived at our front door and…."

She noticed the position he was in. "What has she done now?"

He almost laughed at the amazing perception his sister had, but he knew this would be an ongoing conversation between them. His desert rose had a temper like a viper and that wasn't going to be tamed any time soon.

"I trust they've been shown to their quarters?"

Temari looked to the black blinder tucked beneath her arm. "Yes, however, they've brought quite the entourage with them. I'm not sure if we can accommodate so many, along with the Houki clan, when they arrive."

"We'll make room. When are they Houki supposed to arrive? Now?"

Temari gave an annoyed grunt. "Yes, it seems Lady Kumi is as late as ever. That's at least one thing our Rin has over her. She's always punctual."

Gaara looked up from his hands and smiled. "Our Rin?"

His sister blushed slightly. "Don't tell Kankuro I said that."

He nodded. "Not a word. Can I trust that you're rooting for her as well?"

"Of course, I am. But I, as you must pretend to be, am supportive of all the applicants."

Gaara scoffed and sat back in his chair. "What a ridiculous farce. It's clear to the village how I feel about Rin. Why should I pretend to be any other way?"

She snapped her file shut. "Because you will gain nothing by insulting these families. Remember what we discussed in practice?"

"Yes. Painfully."

"What are we going to do tonight?"

He sighed. "Host the ceremonial meal and greet the applicants impartially."

"A smile won't kill you."

"Rin might."

Temari smirked at that. "She understands what you must do. You know that. Don't use her as an excuse for poor behavior."

"Yes, Mother."

She scoffed. "May we continue or are you going to act like a child?"

"I'm sorry, continue."

Temari tucked the file back in her arm. "You will greet each applicant warmly and politely. You will engage with their representatives and hear why they believe their prize is the best. You will say a few words at the dinner table and continue to entertain them throughout the night, where I will come and politely dismiss you until tomorrow's festivities."

"I understand."

"Let's make sure you understand what else I've told you. You will not show favoritism to Rin in any fashion and trust me, they will be looking for it. Any indication that you are not being fair in this ceremony and there will be hell to pay from the nobles. So, for the duration of the Cleansing, you will not be permitted to be alone with Rin and certainly not sleep with her or engage in any physical acts."

Gaara's face reddened. "I understand, Temari. We don't need to go through this again."

"No kissing, hugging, hand holding, groping…."

"Yes, Temari! I understand!"

She smiled. "Good. I'll excuse myself then. You will be expected in the grand hall at sunset. Ensure you wear something nice."

"Are you going to pick that out for me too?"

Her eyes were wicked. "Who says I haven't?"

Gaara's brow drew together as she bowed and left the room before he could comment further.

He looked back out the window as the final members of the Oribe clan made their way inside. "This whole thing is ridiculous, but…"

His eyes turned up to the clear sky and he prayed. "Please let her do well."