It's a soft drizzle that greets her this time.

She steps out of Kaede's hut into the gentle summer shower, hands holding her pack to her shoulders, and breathes in the touch of ozone in the air. It's quiet, refreshing. And the cool precipitation chases away some of the summer heat.

It's perfect.

Mindless of the muddy earth, she sets off toward the woods, seeking her secret, and enjoys the peace and stillness locked under the grey canopy of clouds.

And as she walks, there's only the dull thud of her feet and the gentle splash of droplets on greenery.