The road out of the village passed through dense forest. When they came out into the sun it was dazzling. Ginko blinked and shaded his eyes. Nesu cursed and kept her eyes closed for a full minute, drifting along behind Ginko. Soon enough they had adjusted and continued normally. They passed a few other travelers on the road who nodded to Ginko. The road diverged, one direction heading to a large city the other a secluded lake.
"Which way, do you think?" Ginko asked, taking a drag from his cigarette.
"You're asking me?" Nesu was surprised. "How should I know?"
"Hm, the lake then." He led the way. "Had enough of normal people for a bit."
The road to the lake was far less worn than the road to the city. Grass encroached in odd patches. There were no other travelers here so Nesu didn't have to worry about getting in any one's way, until around midday when they reached a tea stand. While Ginko ordered tea and something to eat, Nesu went to look around.
The tea stand was old and worn, but in good condition despite how little business such an isolated location could receive. The location itself, however, was quite lovely. Nesu drifted around taking in the wide fields dotted with flowers and hills in the distance. The lake itself was not yet visible. Ginko was just finishing his tea when she circled back.
After picking up his case and paying the proprietor they headed on down the road. It was quite a while before the lake came into view. The sun was setting when they reached the shore, lighting up the ripples on the lake. Nesu watched the shifting light as Ginko set down his case. There was plenty of driftwood nearby so a fire was quickly laid and dinner started.
"You don't mind these, do you?" He paused before lighting up a fresh cigarette.
"No." She gave him a curious look. "You've been smoking them since we met, and now you ask?"
"Well, I'm so used to them it didn't occur to me to ask. But they repel mushi so I thought that they might be a problem for you."
Nesu laughed.
"Lucky for you, they aren't. I grew up with a mother who always smoked strong tobacco so the smell doesn't bother me, yours even smells better, and whatever mushi-repelling qualities it might have don't seem affect me. Is that unusual?"
"It's meant for weaker mushi, so stronger ones can resist it."
"Good for me, I guess."
Dinner was better than usual, with the gifts from the village. This included a bottle of sake. They ate a pleasant meal as they watched the sun set and the moon rise. After everything was cleaned up and put away, Ginko pulled a small package out of the pocket of his coat.
"They had these at the tea stand." He handed her the package. "Have you had dango before?"
"No, but I always wanted to try them." She grinned as she unwrapped the skewer of dumplings and ate the first one.
"I take it you like them?" Ginko grinned.
Nesu only nodded in reply, chewing another dumpling.
Ginko chuckled.
She tossed the wrapper and skewer on the embers of the fire as Ginko laid out his bedroll. Nesu sat looking out over the lake.
"Not going for a walk?" He looked over.
"No, I like the view here. Why? Would you prefer if I left while you slept?" She tilted her head and looked quizzically at him.
"I'm not the best company while I'm asleep, so I thought you preferred to go off on your own."
She laughed.
"At first I was curious about all the mushi, then I just wanted to let you rest when we were at Adashino-sensei's and in the village. I went to find the best view each place. Here, the view is right here." She stood. "But it should be just as nice further up the shore."
"No, you can stay."
Ginko closed his eyes as Nesu sat back down and watched the light play over the lake.