That Love Never Changes

Despite that, it was given to me.  Even when rejected, threatened, and completely unrequited or deserved, it was bestowed upon me.  What strange creatures, these humans.

Rin showers me with her love and affection every time I return; after her marriage to the demon slayer's younger brother I have returned less, as he is now her provider, but she still appears to treasure me just the same.  Her words are kind, her actions focused on fulfilling a happiness for me that I do not feel.  She laughs in my presence as though I were her joy, even though I so seldom do anything that could possibly evoke it.  She is not the only one.

That miko, my brother's mate, is the same.

There is a blueness to her eyes that I have never seen amongst humans, but even to children she will not explain why.  Her heart reaches out to all and expects nothing.  Rather, if it expects anything at all, it expects harm and rejection.  I am sure that on many an occasion that expectation has not been disappointed.  Her bearing is tall and true, just as strong as the God Tree standing against the winds and tempests that have passed through in the generations, but still she bears the weak, soft heart of a human.

She shows it to me every time I come here.

I never wanted gentleness showered on me, but without my asking she will show it in quiet little actions--the making of ointment for wounds, the tender care of my senses, the keenness with which she discerns my moods like none other.  I never needed kindness, and without seeking it she has buoyed me up with it--as a companion in battle, a mother-figure to my charge, a mediator with my last remaining family.  There is nothing that I could have asked for that she has not already given to me, and still she gives even more.

She gives ever more... despite her near-death experiences at my hand, all emotional and physical anguish, all frustration and fear... she surrounds me with a warmth and welcoming that confuses me.

I return ever less as the days pass, but that love never changes...