Blackened Down but they're looking for magic

Chimera could have easily played the lugubrious ghost. These days it was too easy; all he had to do was remember all the loss that he and Niles had carried between them. It was nice, really, to finally be able to live in the moment with another soul that presented a lighter, more playful mood. In the face of winter, Niles was starting to get worried about what they were going to do as scavengers and hunters turned opportunists; he was not fun to discuss the imminent future with.

When Star said that she believed him for now, Chimera gave a small chuckle. He’d let her have her playful doubt for now. It was fun to make-believe.

His brows leveled as she sat before him. He wasn’t about ready to get comfortable. Not yet. The cub within him silently entertained the idea that she was a ghost, but he mentally shrugged it away. The Red Hound had been put to rest; there was no need to wear that pelt now.

“Yeah,” he quietly admitted, his eyes glancing down at her paws and the ashy, speckled stone between them. “I mean, my buddy Niles is around.” His gaze lifted to take a quick survey of the surrounding trees, remembering the time of day and the set of rules they had put in place as a pair of traveling bachelors. “He should be here soon. Sometime...” He gave another smile, suddenly nervous, “He just went to scout out the area, but how ‘bout you? Are you out here... by yourself?”

we can be blue as a neon light, singing them sad love songs all night
Niles is currently traveling with Chimera and may hop into this IC thread!