Another small stretch, followed by a soft shake of her head. She was awake now, no sense in trying to drift back off when it was clear the day intended her to rise. Without giving him any more time to linger and worry, she gave a low chuff and pushed to her feet, slipping out of the makeshift den and into the pale light of early morning.

It was still cold. Still quiet. Still empty. Odd… yet intriguing.

A glance over her shoulder confirmed he was following, and she set off in search of a stream. Unfamiliar with this land, it took the ghost longer than she liked to find a source of water. At least the stream she found ran clear and crisp, the icy air keeping its flow chilled. She lowered her head, drinking her fill as her thoughts wandered.

What now?

The day had begun, and he was still here.

She paused, blue eyes flicking in his direction. Still here? Curious. Truth be told, she had half expected to wake alone, and yet she’d been so kindly roused by his clumsiness. Was he planning to stay? Or simply being a gentleman?