Hata gave a glance backwards. "That's because Ai's a sensible girl," he said, sounding just a bit grudging as he did so. "Knows when to keep her mouth shut." A few minutes passed in silence as they left the city gates, their passage unhindered as the guards recognised the man going by and waving him through. It was only after they were well out of earshot that Hata continued.<br/><br/>"There's a sort of… cave system by the shrine, that I sometimes use. I keep it clean, and there's a a door to keep out wild animals, so it's normally very safe and quiet. But the winter's come on too cold." He gave Konoka another hard look, daring her to contradict him as he said, "There are spirits who have taken up residence, and are making it so it can't be used."