His movements left much to be desired in silence and grace. Devika had long grown accustomed to slipping through the land like a shadow, no sound, no trace, no disturbances. If he meant to travel with her, the ghost would have to learn to adjust.

When he asked if she had a place to go, she made a faint face at the question. She knew all too well that she was alone in this world. Unwanted. Unseen. At least, until she met him. He seemed attentive enough, though she doubted how long his attention would last. Pushing that thought aside, she gave a small shake of her head. With a gesture of her paw, she indicated the forest around them. This was her home, silence, reverence of nature. Not fulfilling, but enough for one such as she.

Then she gestured toward him, urging him instead to speak of where he came from. He had a home; she was certain of it. The scent of others clung faintly to him, muted but present. Was she distracting him from a duty? Didn’t he need to return?

Frustration welled hot in her chest at the challenge of their wordless exchanges. If only she could ask outright! Her jaws snapped shut several times in quick succession, a physical display of her irritation. How strange it would be to actually speak…

Her icy gaze returned to him, steady and expectant. She awaited his answers, and, inevitably, his confusion.