When traveling down a river, Kino and Hermes reflect back on a few encounters they have had. Each has a common thread of non-intervention, but with the idea that someone who never intervenes can still change things by observing.

Kino visits a country so pleasant with people so kind, that she wants to stay more than her customary three days. She meets a girl who reminds her of herself when she was small. She feels like she can make a home here, but at what cost?