He watched as his brother’s expression changed, shifting to match the broken words that tumbled from the shadow’s mouth. While Niles had been a constant thought in the back of his mind Greer had been uncertain their paths would cross once more. Since returning to the mountains he had not ventured west, to the willows; to see who still remained from his family. Most of the Archer’s had divided, seeking their own paths in the lands of Lore (or beyond). His own siblings had disappeared, seeking something greater. They, too, had lingered in the back of his mind and he hoped—like Niles—that they would show up. Just to prove that they were alive.

“Greer happy for Niles also,” he commented, his voice soft—almost bashful. He was not used to having someone other than Kyna (or Morganna) excited in his life, or his accomplishments. Niles had found where he belonged, just as Greer had. The willows had not been a home for either Archer-Lyall and that was okay. It made the guilt subside a little, for he still felt bad about abandoning his family before the death of his parents.

You’d let me know if you need anything, right? He nodded furiously at the question, the corners of his mouth curling into a wide grin. “Yes, meet Ky,” he answered with a slow wag of his tail, his shoulders quivering with his excitement. Droplets of rain continued to cascade around the dark pair but Greer did not mind. He had almost tuned it out due to his excitement—until a drop of water slid into the corner of his eye. “Greer up,” he added, motioning to the mountain behind him, “Aurora Heights.” He beamed at his younger brother, his head falling to the side. “Better weather. Greer bring family.”  

The idea of having Niles meet both his wife and daughter caused a soft smile to tug at his dark lips, his tail swaying gently behind him. It was good to know that he still had family so close, especially after leaving Morganna in the north. He had meant to visit her, to let her know that he had started a family with his scarlet mountain girlfriend, and that (regrettably) he would not be returning. But the trek north was a long one, and with the numbers of Aurora being so small, Greer knew it wasn’t the right time to make the journey. Perhaps in the spring, when the snow melted and the warmth returned to the lands of Lore, the shadow would return and pay his sister a visit. Show off his daughter, who was basically the spitting image of his fiery mate.

His brows lifted at Niles’ words, panic settling in. The shadow was not ready for the conversation to come to a close, but the white-cheeked Archer was right. Greer, unfortunately, had responsibilities to return to, and so did his brother. He blinked, unsure of what to say, or do, but nodded silently in agreement. His lips cracked in amusement at Niles’ mention of Castel. She was certainly a character—a little too chatty for Greer, but not awful. “See soon. Promise.” With that he touched his brother’s cheek, a quick sign of brotherly love before he turned away, his dark frame disappearing into the trees as he set his course for the mountain.