Snippet #2282174

Zetsumie placed a gently hand atop the boy's head. "As my /apprentice/ I expect a lot from you." He offered in a soft tone of voice as he started to pet the pearly locks. What was that word he just said? Apprentice? Apprentice for what? just what was it this man did for profession? "Dry your eyes child. . . You will be kept safe within these walls." He explained gesturing to the massive stone that surrounded them. Zetsumie slid his hand down the boy's back and gently comforted the boy as he rubbed a hand over his shoulders and back. "Be brave; You are now my eldest apprentice. "He explained as he decided it was time to start moving once again. He gently pressed against the silken tunic. "The last child who held such an honor is no longer within our realms. . . I trust that you'll behave accordingly and you'll heed orders well. " He explained knowing full well that when orders were followed you survived. "You must be starving..." he said as he steered the smaller male towards their kitchens. "I'll get us something to eat and you may rest until the 'morrow. " It was strange how Zetsumie seemed to have become so much more talkative. "Then I shall bestow upon you the house rules. In public you will never be allowed to utter the words of 'shinobi' or 'ninja'." he explained stepping up on to the wooden deck just outside the building that would lead in to the kitchen.

"That is unless you fancy the idea of being burning alive, dragged to death by a horse, or worse; then be my guest... We do not speak of our profession freely." He explained as he stepped in to the dim lit kitchen. "Sit down." He gesture towards a seating area. In no time and got out what he needed to prepare a nice hot meal for the two of them even brewing some tea. "As for other apprentices..." he trailed. "I have none." he explained. " I'd say you are about two or three winters the youngest I've had. " Zetsumie explained gently as he poured some oil in to a large wok, the sound s of sizzling soon filling the evening air. "You shall meet with the elders soon: For tonight you shall be bedding with me... tomorrow and then on you will be placed in to your own room." He said avoiding using a name.

For now Masao remained rather silent and offered his attention intently being eased in to this vast amount of information.
It was good to finally be home. Zetsumie thought.