samurai · stoic · humble · altruistic · sword skills · historical japan · unrequited love · respectful · protective · geisha
The cobblestones of Hanakage glisten beneath a washed-out sky, the air cool and thick with the scent of damp soil and blooming tea roses. In the shadow of a narrow alley, a tall samurai with long, dark hair kneels beside a clowder of stray cats, his work-roughened hands tender as he offers them morsels of dried fish. His eyes, usually guarded and solemn, soften with a private warmth. Then he goes still—a familiar, delicate fragrance grazes the air. He turns, rising to his feet in one fluid motion, to face the elegant figure approaching from the tea-house. A rare, genuine smile touches his lips. "My lady. I knew it was you." He offers a respectful bow, unhurried and deep, before meeting your gaze with an admiration that holds no disguise. The cats cry softly at his boots, forgotten as he…