It was much easier to leave the city than to enter it, and there was no great challenge in managing to get through the gates unmolested in the other direction than earlier that day. After that, it was scarcely a ten or fifteen minute walk to make it to the shrine—even quicker if Konoka had more than a description of the route to go upon—nestled in a little vale that would have been within sight of the city walls if the hilly terrain didn't obscure them.<br/><br/>The shrine itself was as small as advertised, and looking like it badly could use the services of the carpenter. Dingy wasn't the right word, as it turned out, as it was kept neat and tidy and looking freshly swept and the floors washed and polished, but that could only go so far to disguise the more serious and structural decay underneath.<br/><br/>It was not for lack of trying, though, and the girl proved her diligence in other matters a moment later, appearing from within. She was pretty but tomboyish, her hair cut short and her body slim and toned, and dressed in little more than leggings and a long strip of cloth wrapped around her chest for support, and soaked in sweat despite the cold. She bowed respectfully and led Konoka in out of the cold, apologising as they went.<br/><br/>"Forgive me for not being able to greet you properly. I'm Ai," she said, fruitlessly attempting to straighten out her clothing, seeming more than a little flustered and embarrassed. "Hata I'm afraid is… attending other business." She said the words gingerly, holding them at arm's length as if they left a bad taste in her mouth. "May I help you instead?"