| [Dec. 1st, 2011|07:53 am] |
The castle’s garden was a marvel of coolness and moisture, a minor miracle in the arid desert heat where Lord Kiyama made his home. Genma wandered the paths, admiring the perfectly raked stones and well-tended flowers. He made sure to pass by the door to Lord Kiyama’s offices where Tsuda lurked just inside, and was rewarded a half hour later, when the bodyguard materialized behind him.
Genma jumped, like any startled civilian would.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you,” Tsuda said, His voice was honey-deep and just a little raspy. “It’s easy to forget how quietly I tend to move.”
Genma chuckled and turned to face Tsuda. “I’ve been around ninja before but never one of your caliber, Tsuda-san. I had no idea you were there.” He caught Tsuda’s eyes again, looking up from under slightly lowered lids, tilting his head at a shallow angle. “Are you taking a break from your guarding?”
“Kiyama-dono is still well guarded,” Tsuda said. He glanced back towards the open door. “I thought I should make sure our guests were finding everything they needed.”
“We are,” Genma assured him. Tsuda was standing just a little too close for this to be an entirely casual conversation. “Hajime’s resting before dinner, and I’m enjoying your remarkable gardens. These camellias are impressive.”
“Are they your favorite flowers?” Tsuda asked.
Genma shook his head. “Actually,” he said, turning to hold Tsuda’s gaze, “chrysanthemums are my favorite.”
Tsuda’s eyebrows flickered, his pupils dilated a few fractions, and a smile tugged the corners of his thin lips up.
When Tsuda’s tongue tip darted out, Genma had to suppress a grin of satisfaction.
“Mine, too,” Tsuda said. “Would you like to see my personal garden, perhaps later this evening when Kiyama-dono and your traveling companion have retired?”
“I’d like that very much, Tsuda-san,” Genma said.
“Meet me here at ten,” Tsuda said. “Gen-san.” One broad hand came up to caress Genma’s shoulder briefly.
Hook set.
“I’ll look forward to it,” Genma told him. He stepped away. “I should go and see how Hajime is doing now.”
Tsuda nodded, and vanished, leaving a little sparkling swirl of sand in the air as he translocated away.
Show off, Genma thought, and smiled at his reflection in the pond. |
|