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Ianto woke first, as he did every morning and he stretched, then rose and padded out to greet the dawn, nodding a greeting to Rhys who was stumbling past as he headed for the trees.

Different folks moved in their designated directions to greet water, tree or the mountain in the far mist, recognizing what gave them life and safety. Ianto was a water spirit, always had been and the lake seemed to be calling to him this morning as he strode down the path, through the mist.

It was a cool morning, brisk and authorative like it had a purpose and he was enjoying the silence as he neared the water, then he slowed as he saw something move in the mist, something moving towards him slowly that was not supposed to be there.

A dog.

A Shetland collie, bedraggled and confused, tired and cold. He moved towards her, careful not to spook her by scuffing his feet to announce himself and as he had hoped she raised her head to acknowledge him but showed no fear. A clever breed this and despite her confusion she was not afraid.

"Hello there darling" he crooned as he knelt and ran his hands over her flanks, taking in the matted fur and sunken eyes "Well now. You look like a new arrival. Come from the other place, have you?"

Her eyes examined his face as he leaned in and let her breath his scent in, then he rose, glancing at the water that no longer waited but the mist now was already dissipating now that the veil was done with its business of ferrying those who deserved to wait in the valley.

Ianto walked calmly and slowly so she would know their path and as they neared the village the sweet girl moved closer to his side, taking in the dawn chorus as the place woke and serenaded a new day.

"Oi, oi! Whatcha found there!" Rhys was calling as he walked out of the tree line, looking at the dog.

"She has come to stay with us for a while. The world out there got too much, it was time for her to come and wait" Ianto replied.

"Wait for what?" Gwen asked from the doorway to her unit, pulling the clothing tighter as she peered out "Rhys where were you? What a horrible day!"

"Nonsense" Ianto said, easily ignoring her question about the dog "It will burn off to be a good scavenging day."

Gwen's eyes focused, "What?"

"Today we go seek what is needed for the houses you guys have. Beds, furniture, bits and bobs. By tonight you will all be in your new homes ready to start your life here, you never know Gwen. Maybe a little crib?" Ianto teased and she lit up as she swung to Rhys, already making a demand for some new pots and pans.

"She looks tired" a kindly woman approached and knelt, "Is she waiting?"

"Yes Gaia. Can you take her to the quiet place?" Ianto asked and the woman nodded, motioning for the dog to follow her and Rhys watched them go, then turned to Ianto. Ianto knew the question that was forming "Some come this way. Pets. They want to wait instead of passing through, they hesitate in the mist and the veil brings the here. She wants to wait for her mistress who will follow. She might be here a moment, or for years. Who knows, besides. Time if different here. She will wait until the other place calls her back to finish the journey. Many here are waiting."

"Like … purgatory?"

Ianto's laughter was light and airy as he shook his heas "You are a pillock sometimes! No brother … like a spa day. The place she will find to lay and settle, sleep and renew then prepare. When her mistress comes, they will move on with renewed strength. Whatever caused the journey of her mistress long since released as well. They will both be young and vibrant, walking the long walk to the next place. A spring morning wander in the pretty flowers of their own personal garden as they near the bridge."

"You know … sometimes I find you so hypnotic. Sometimes I want to strangle you!"

"I know" Ianto nodded "I love you too. Now go after that one and help her measure the rooms."

Rhys hesitated once ore "Are you sure? That house?"

"Yes. You like it"

"But it was…"

"Someone long since gone to the other side, the journey completed. I am silly to hold the house for no reason other than my own silly sorrows. I have Jack, that house was Lisa's. When we bonded it would have been given away anyhow." Ianto assured him "I want you close. You there, Tosh and Owen on the other side and Rhia so close by. Alice is the last one to work on and the cottage will please her once I trick ….ah…convince her to look at it."

Rhys laughed as he hugged Ianto and then moved away, the affection clear.

The dog looked back just the once, not afraid merely grateful that she had been found in the mist and Ianto bowed slightly to her before he nodded and she moved on to find a place of warmth and comfort.

She was happy to wait for her mistress who would be by sooner or later.

Everyone passes this way in the mists.

Through the veil.

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Nancy, that was for your shaiya and I chose to share it as today is my friendaversary with my lovely friend Kathy who also knows of this magical place and we will all walk through the mists one day to those waiting for us xxx