The conversation he’d shared with the strange, tawny female hung over his head like a storm cloud. He had once looked forward to the lands of Lore, but he had never been sure if the trip north was supposed to be permanent or not. He, of course, had followed to please his mother; impress her. But now that they were here Sterling hardly saw her. The silver boy knew that she had a pack to lead and was much too busy to chase after her five children. Well, three out of the five, as it appeared the other two had chosen not to seek out the Scowle. After Maeve’s death the lagoon had become bleaker and Sterling began to contemplate leaving more frequently. But he couldn't leave Bojay—not when the tawny Archer needed him the most. He’d been close to the silver girl—both during their time in the Lore and in Torbine. Her death had effected him the most (aside from Celandine). Part of him felt guilty for considering leaving, especially when his brother needed him. Part of him didn’t care. But the former outweighed the latter.

His ears twitched in the darkness as a familiar voice called out to him, causing his steps to cease and his head to turn. Bo, he retorted casually, his pale features glum as he waited for his brother to break the distance between them.

He blinked in confusion as his scarlet brother approached him, almost tentatively. Something had changed in Bojay after discovering Maeve’s body. The wolf that stood before him was no longer one that Sterling recognized. Just a stranger wearing his brother’s fur. I don't know what I’m doing. Neither did the silver Archer. Most of his days were spent meandering around the edge of the territory, flirting with the idea of fleeing. Where he did not know. Anywhere but the lagoon. He had been so excited to reunite with his mother—hell, he’d even been excited to have the whole fuckin’ family back together—but things weren’t like what they used to be. What came next surprised Sterling the most, causing his silver eyes to widen. Home. That was a thought that he had been toying with but he hadn’t mentioned anything to Bojay in fear of the potential backlash. I think I do too, he murmured, his voice just as low as his brother’s. This place isn’t at all what I thought it’d be, he admitted, the corners of his mouth wrinkling in defeat. 

He shrugged loosely, a frown still perched effortlessly across his pale features. Been thinkin’ about it for awhile, he admitted almost sheepishly, his mercury gaze falling away from his scarlet brother. Even before… y’know. Maeve. If they hadn’t gone north, to the Lore, would she still have met the same fate? Had her number truly been up or had something intervened with her timeline? Mom’s too busy for us now, he added as he attempted to keep the venom to a minimum. Barely see her anymore. And she’s expectin’. You woulda thought five kids were enough. This time a laugh accompanied his words, but it wasn’t out of amusement.

The Archer was quick to nod his agreement at Bojay’s suggestion, his ears sweeping back as he held his gaze. Yeah, we could do that. It was better than going off alone. Sterling wasn’t even sure he remembered how to get back to Torbine. He’d just keep walking south until he found something that looked familiar. … just need to tell Maeve. Once more the Archer nodded, the corners of his mouth tightening. Although he hadn’t spent much time with the silver girl since they arrived in the Lore she had been like family to them; he wouldn’t want to leave without saying goodbye to her, either. I think she woulda wanted t’leave, too.