For a long time now, she had caught glimpses of movement in the distance here, a flicker of silver fur at the treeline there; the lingering scent of a stranger was all that gave her reason not to think the figure a spirit. It was true that Valeska had been quite preoccupied with the advent of the plagues - the temporary migration of Elysium to safer territory - the loss of her tail - but that was no excuse not to know the first thing about someone living in your own home.

Thankfully Elysium was lax in that respect. She did not mind guests, fleeting or otherwise; all she asked was that they help contribute to the good of the pack, but it was difficult to assess this particular ghost's participation. Their meat-cache had rotted and returned to the earth long ago, their dens left abandoned.

Had the stranger been residing here this whole time? And Valeska hadn't even known?

But this time, in the dim light beneath the heavy clouds, she saw her.

The High Priestess wasted no time.

Hello! Little spirit! she called cheerfully, loudly; she quickened her pace in case the woman tried to flee. Line of sight could not be broken, she thought, or else they might not encounter each other again for a proper introduction. I understand you have been here for - some time. I am sorry I have not been a better shepherd of this place. We had to leave because of the poisoned lake, you see.

Valeska had closed the gap between them, and she stood below the rock at a fairly respectful distance.

Of course, it is fine now. We had left the Respite for some time until the waters cleared. Ah, what is your name, spirit? I am Valeska!