Trial By Grace

Breakfast didn't appeal to her and that was a marvel in and of itself.

Rin picked at the coupling of fruits and cheeses, wondering how they managed to make it taste so fresh, when she had yet to see a cow or a goat or anything of the like.

Her studying of the trade market let her know that most of the dairy and meat came from the Leaf, their closest partner and strengthening ally.

She'd never been herself, but from her Creator's exhaustingly detailed memories, it was as if she'd walked the streets hundreds of times. She could do it blindfolded if the mood struck her.

Her fingertips took hold of a ripened strawberry and a soft smile graced her face.

"You taste like strawberries. How do you do that?"

Gaara had a way with words that made her feel stunning, even on days when she felt lower than her competition. Mai's stunning form flashed through her mind.

Today would be the elegant woman's triumph.

The next trial was the test of grace and etiquette, something she had in abundance.

Rin opted for her flats instead of the high shoes she normally wore with her kimono. It wasn't like anyone would see her feet anyway.

Really, she only wore the precarious footwear to lengthen her body and for tradition's sake.

Tradition could suck it if it meant her tumbling and embarrassing herself.

A knock on the door let her know it was time for the second day of the Cleansing to begin.

Rin looked at herself in the mirror and the girl who looked back had the audacity to wear a small smile.

Even if she was concerned about the competition, her bed was cold without Gaara. This was another excuse to see him in his finery, to have his eyes on her. She would ensnare that attention with every fiber of her being.

"Watch out, Mai Oribe, the flower of the Sound has some tricks up her sleeve. Don't count me out yet."

~~~

This trial wouldn't be in the safety of the Grand Hall.

From here on out, everything was done at the Cleansing grounds, a place Rin hadn't studied, but now, wished she had.

It wasn't permitted for anyone to visit unless it was during ceremony times and she could see why.

In the middle of the desert, surrounded by sand and dunes and mountain cliffs, was a large, circular stone slab. Its face was painted with the familiar compass rose; the directions etched in black.

In between the directions, were the stories of the Sand's people, starting from the north direction and working right, showing the progression of the first Kazekage's strength, the village rising from nothing, the battles they'd won and the people they'd become.

Her eyes trailed to Gaara, who took his place at the North point, standing strong against the vicious heat.

Today he wore the regalia of the Kazekage, the wide brimmed hat blocking the blinding sun, the kohl-lining matching his siblings, who flanked either side.

The image of them as a unified front, their faces stern, weapons at the ready, Rin could understand why the Sand siblings held such fierce reputation.

She had the privilege of learning their kindness, their worries, she'd heard them laugh and joke and love one another. It was easy to forget that the three of them had brought more death in their young lives than most experienced soldiers.

Particularly the man in the middle, who held her heart in his wake.

Rin wasn't sure where to step.

The noble families surrounded the centerpiece, crowding to get the best view, standing behind their contender and whispering encouragements.

The Oribe Clan sniffed at the Houki, who were cheering when Kumi surfaced, the small girl looking pale and, if she wasn't mistaken, nauseous as well.

Rin couldn't blame her.

Standing beside her was the pinnacle of elegance, shadowing everyone else in her stance.

Neither of them would shine today.

Rin studied the other two girls bow and take their places, Mai on the East point and Kumi on the South.

It only made sense that Rin would take the West.

She stepped lightly, careful not to lose her footing on the loose sand. The others were giving the stone face distance and respect, so she would do the same.

There was nothing about this in her studies.

She knew there was a holy place where the Cleansing took place, but it was specifically left out of the textbooks. No one mentioned it, not even a whisper, so how did the other two know what to do and she didn't?

The whispered cheers answered her question.

Of course, word of mouth and tradition would give them an advantage.

When all three girls were in position, Gaara lifted his arms to silence the buzz of conversation and the crowd followed his command.

To his right, Temari stepped forward, her voice clear and authoritative. "Lords and Ladies of the Clans. We welcome you to the second day of the Cleansing. Here, at this hallowed site, we pay homage to our past and, as the rain is brought to the desert, we too bring hope to our future. May it be bountiful and blessed."

Rin's hands shook at her sides, but she stilled them. She'd already made her mark last night, even if it were decidedly less impressive than the other two. There was fight in her and she would show it.

The image of her resting comfortably last night, Koji curled up beside her, the scent of the lotions he'd been playing with, filling the room, brought a small smile to her face.

She may not have the large clan support or the advantages they brought, but she was loved and if she could hold onto that, she wouldn't lose her nerve.

"We understand your time is important, as is our Lord Kazekage's, so we will move at a brisk pace. The bride of the Kazekage, is expected to be the pinnacle of grace. Her stance reflects the pride of the Sand, grace under the harsh scrutiny she may encounter and a direct reflection of our culture. She supports the Kazekage with his work, entertaining diplomats, flexible despite the challenges she faces."

Rin's thoughts were amused. She would hardly call the Sand "flexible."

Temari's eyes swept across the candidates. "'Grace' can mean a myriad of things, namely how it reflects the image of the Sand. We will begin with Lady Oribe. Please, come to the center."

Rin didn't miss the pride that flashed on the Council's face when the floating woman appeared. Mai was still the favorite of the group, however, Kaba's eyes were flickering over her face more than once.

Perhaps their encounter warranted a bit more attention than the old woman thought?

Mai drifted to the center of the stone face and dipped herself low, kissing her fingers and placing them to the cold floor beneath her.

When she rose back up, her face was set with determination and there was no veil to hide it. Something was different with her today.

Rin's attention went to Gaara, who was also wearing a stricter face than normal. She doubted anyone else would notice, but she did. His mouth was set in a hard line, his eyes trying too hard to appear normal and calm.

Did something happen between the two of them?

Despite herself, the image of Gaara embracing the lovely woman, brushing back her dark hair, kissing her elegant neck, assaulted Rin's mind.

No, she didn't have to worry about him. That kind of thinking wasn't helpful.

But… he did stare at her longer than he did anyone else.

Rin bit the inside of her cheek.

The Council members took their place beside the Sand siblings, one of the male members speaking so all could hear him. "Mai Oribe, as the eldest daughter of the Oribe Clan, we trust you are well-versed in the art of conversation with foreign diplomats?"

"Yes, sir."

"So, if I were to tell you that the color of your dress is insulting to my village, how would you answer me?"

Mai's lined eyes flicked down the brilliant white she specifically chose to compliment the Kazekage's robe and her lips curved to a gentle smile, that was so demure, it broke the heart of all who saw it.

She dipped her head. "I would comment on how this is the color of purity to represent the highest honor of your visit, my lord, however, if it is offensive, I will certainly change."

"And leave your guests unattended?"

Her voice never lost its velvet softness. "Certainly not, in my absence, they will be entertained with the best food and drink our village has to offer, in addition to the entertainment I've arranged for the night. They will also have continual conversation with our fair councilmembers, who's wisdom far exceeds mine."

The swelling of their chests made Rin feel as if she were looking at plumped hens.

Mai was too good at this.

Then, to their surprise, the lovely woman continued. "However, I would like to note one more thing, sir. If I may be permitted?"

The councilman nodded, clearly entranced by her compliments. "Yes, my dear?"

Mai's deep eyes held him in their wake. "If the color white is offensive, I would assume that means you are a diplomat of the Takigakure."

"Yes..."

Her smile went from demure, to silently pleased. "Then such a blunder would never occur in the first place, sir."

"And why is that?"

"Because I would never disgrace the Sand with ignorance of my guest's customs. I am the bride of the Kazekage and my village will never be shamed."

She gave an elegant bow to the light applause of her clan and praise of the councilmembers, who looked at one another with amusement and pride.

Rin turned just in time to meet the eyes of Kumi, who gave her a look that she understood instantly.

They didn't stand a chance against this monster in silks.

Temari cleared her throat over the applause and held up her hands. "Well said, Lady Oribe. Now, Lady Kumi, please step forward to represent the Houki Clan."

Rin watched the petite girl step forward and despite herself, whispered. "Good luck."

Kumi took her place at the center and bowed, albeit less graceful than Mai, but still presentable and touched her fingers to the center, waiting for her question.

Temari straightened up when she approached, and Rin tried not to feel jealous. It was clear she'd impressed the captain last night.

The same councilman regarded her, though not quite as favorably as he did the former contender. Though he favored Mai as the lead, his smile was polite when he spoke. "Lady Kumi, I understand you are renowned for your strength and battlefield prowess."

"Yes, sir."

"That's quite a skill to have, particularly in the Sand, where out might is so highly valued."

Her shoulders relaxed slightly, the edges of the quirky smile she wore when they first met, appearing on her face. "Yes, sir."

"So, if I were to join you for afternoon tea and you were serving a cheese platter, which tea would you offer me?"

Kumi's smile disappeared.

Rin knew this one and by the small look of triumph on Mai's face, it was clear she did too. The only one who didn't, was Kumi.

Her clan waited with bated breath, all of them looking to one another, as if they could provide the answer, though none of them knew it either. Tea ceremonies weren't highly valued amongst the Houki.

"Lady Kumi?"

She swallowed and tried to copy the confidence Mai had, though it was a shadow of an impression. "Smoked black tea?"

There was an audible gasp from the Oribe Clan, who spoke behind their fluttering fans, giving side long glances to the confused Houki Clan.

The councilmembers scanned this contender up and down, shaking their heads and the representative who asked the question sniffed at her. "No, Lady Kumi, that is not correct. Smoked black tea with something as pungent as a cheese platter, would not only destroy your guest's appetite, but also create an unpleasant odor in the breath."

His eyes turned to Mai, who was trying to keep herself from laughing at the ridiculous option her friend offered. "Lady Mai, which tea would you present?"

She bowed her head. "A white peony with raclette, sir."

"And why is that?"

"The soft tone would complement the cheese and also provide a floral scent for any lingering tastes on the palate."

He nodded. "That is correct, well done, Lady Mai. Lady Kumi, you are excused."

The lack of cheering was felt when she gave a shameful walk back to her spot. It was the first time the Houki had been quiet since they'd arrived.

Rin watched them out of her peripheral and noticed a handsome man, taller than Kumi and wearing the same high cheekbones and nose. He put a hand on her shoulder, giving her a small smile and a shake.

Too young to be a father.

She realized she was looking at the head of the Houki Clan, Kumi's older brother and his warm familiarity hurt Rin's heart.

"Ms. Ito."

Her attention snapped up, all eyes turning to her.

"Take your turn."