Page 123 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
“Will you tell me?”
Ginkgo smiled and hugged him. “That’s Dad’s right andresponsibility.”
“Will he tell me?”
“Yeah. He was just saving it up until you were older.”
Kyrie asked, “Like now?”
“I’m thinking … yeah. Seems to me this is our provingjourney, and when the sons of Argent Mettlebright return home, he’ll havethings to say to each of us.”
He took a slow breath and released it fully. “May I talk toSinder?”
Ginkgo looked up. “Mind if I clutter up the place with adragon? Or should we take our conversation elsewhere?”
Snow lowered her head to nip Ginkgo’s ear.
“Right. Sit tight, little bro. I’ll go see if our fairDamsel’s awake.”
“What if he is sleeping?”
With a playful tweak to Kyrie’s ear, Ginkgo answered, “I’llwake him with a kiss, of course!”
FORTY-FOUR
Set Straight
Ginkgo closed the shelter door and lifted his nose tothe night wind, hoping to catch a whiff of spikenard. There were a lot ofplaces Sinder might be. Including away.
With no warning whatsoever, arms slid around Ginkgo frombehind, and Zisa nuzzled his shoulder.
“You’re a regular ninja,” Ginkgo accused.
The tree petted his ear. “Did you forget I am here?”
“Would I do something that silly?”
“You are sometimes silly. Usually with the children.” Zisaquietly added, “Thank you for not treating me like a child.”
That took him aback. “Zisa, you’re old as ages.”
“I am younger than most of the people I know. And peoplecall me … simple.”
“That’s hardly a bad thing.” Ginkgo turned in the tree’sembrace to study his expression.
“They arenotcomplimenting me.”
“Do you want to be complimented?”
Zisa brightened. “Yes, please.”
Ginkgo rubbed their noses together. “Your kindnesses areuncomplicated, and if your flowers are sweet, it is because your nature isdoubly so. Your strength resonates through both halves of my soul, which makesme want to linger in your shadow. And your generosity is steadily turning meinto a glutton. I can’t help wanting more.”
Wonderment widened Zisa’s eyes. “Are you teasing?”
“Every word is true.”
“You are good at compliments.”
