Ghost did not spend much time in the skies anymore, the trinket tied to her wing made it difficult for her balance and she much preferred the company of her land bound bonded. Fantôme had grown well, leaving his babyish days behind him and, as he stalked into the woodland, Ghost couldn’t help but be quite proud of him. At least in all the chaos of her life something had gone right. If the whole world fell, if there was nothing but her and her shaggy dog, Ghost would still be content. In one piercing glance, a glance only a wolf could deliver, he reminded his soul mate of how lonely she once was and how much more of a gift he is now, a gift for her formerly desolate heart. It made journeying easier and the tediousness of Thresholding a little less dreary. Home was side by side with a friend and she hated that it had taken her so long to realise that.

The Throat had quietened a little over the last week as the threat from the disease bringing Rifts slowly drifted away and Ghost was left to watch over the herd for thieves and the like. It was easier in the desert land; the sense of community that she had lacked in the Falls was vibrant and alive in the Throat. A herd that looked out for each other was much harder to steal from; it made her job easier and a little boring, she had to admit. Still, Ghost enjoyed the sense of family again and her willingness to protect the Throat grew with each passing day. As she delved deeper into the Threshold, she fell back into her thoughts and rather ambled along, not really paying attention until Fantôme spoke to her.

"Romul!"

He exclaimed and Ghost frowned. Romul? Who was Romul? The banshee scoured her memories for a face that fit until Fantôme sent her an image of a white wolf and a bay mare. In surprise, Ghost slammed to a halt and stared at her advancing bonded. Did this mean Essetia was here? Why here? Where had she gone? She followed along at a brisk pace until her dark eyes found the familiar in badger face of Essetia… Though she looked a little different. Her mane fell haggardly against a dull coat and she appeared… Unwell? Ghost stopped a few paces away from them, Fantôme falling in beside her and she was silent for a moment. What did she say? Though Ghost wanted so desperately to apologise for her lacking, for everything the girl had to go through, she couldn’t find the adequate words to express her feelings.

"Essetia" her breathy voice called the mare’s name "is that you?" she asked tentatively, perhaps she was mistaken.

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awk ghost is awk
BUT ESSETIA <3