Wheeling Gull Isle they are one person

A small frown pulled at her mouth. You're not, she said, the words frank but her voice soft. And that's okay. You're here. 

'Okay' was such a pitifully inadequate word, anyway. What was 'okay'? It changed from day to day. Maegi preferred 'alive,' as it painted a more accurate picture.

Aiolos told me about your situation—I'm very sorry, Maegi consoled him, closing the rest of the gap between them to stand a tail-length or two away. I know what it's like to have loved ones missing. I hope they return to you as soon as possible.

The half-truth tasted rotten, awful, like bad prey. But what else could she say? For now, she would have to treat the man with kid gloves. And pry gently—

I knew Niamh once, long ago, she continued, and cocked her head in mildly baffled inquiry. What happened to make her leave? She seemed very dedicated to her pack.

It occurred to her suddenly that she hadn't yet given her name. In due time, she supposed.