The Nightly Arrangement - Prologue
The mist had finally cleared. Ginko's trek had been a hazy one until today, and he was glad to at last match the nearby sounds of the forest with their sights. Following the edge of the sea, as was his way, meant he was certain to eventually find a fishing village, large or small. In times past Ginko had wandered much deeper into the land, but the danger that extended periods of isolation presupposed eventually repelled him. Besides, he had grown more and more averse to being alone….
With a few more exerted steps, Ginko reached a crest in the valley. After taking a few deep breaths and releasing his load, he stretched his vision out to the distance. Treetops of all sorts, birds chirping or squawking therein, animals calling from the forest floor, mushi of all sorts floating and twitching… nothing new, but it never got old.
"Now, what's this?" muttered Ginko to himself. Off in the woods, a small clearing on a plateau was populated by what appeared to be dancing figures. With a squint and a blink, Ginko discerned their activity – mock swordplay. A village was surely nearby.
Off I go, thought Ginko. Another long journey, another village.