When the light of dawn came, it fell upon Akiko and Gengyo's faces. They had fallen asleep with their backs against the old barrack walls, resting in each other's arms. The brightness quickly caused them to stir and they rubbed their eyes, throwing off their sleepiness.
"Good morning," Akiko said with a gentle smile.
"Good morning," Gengyo replied back, grinning at her.
It was difficult to force themselves towards movement. The morning air was cold and bracing. Dewdrops coated the grass around them and glistened on their clothes. If not for the heat of each other's bodies, it would have been a chilly night indeed.
"It will not be long till winter is upon us," Gengyo commented, smelling the autumn air. It was a nostalgic scent for him.
"Mm… A warm fire to sit by, with snow on the ground – it's my favourite season," Akiko said back. "But we'll still be busy come winter, won't we?"
