[action]

[thriceshielded]

[Ryoji had found the river and was waiting for her. She walked quickly, since night was falling, and she was later than she'd intended to be. She brought food, since she had no doubt that he'd be hungry. She had left the village a few minutes ago unnoticed (it helped to have the southernmost house, number 26), and she now found herself following the river down.

Nearly a half hour, nobody. Eventually, she decided to call:]

Ryoji?