The ruined forest had drawn his attention the moment he laid eyes on it. The Mayfair knew at a glance it was dangerous territory; any of the trees still standing could crash down at random, fragile as they were. He was undeterred. Wasn't the world meant to be explored, after all? Something told him the place had a story, as well— unlikely as he was to find it now, he was eager to observe the piece of history. Even if he was not a part of it.
Cortland moved delicately through the dead, ashen territory. He imagined it must have been beautiful, once; he pictured the towering trees in their full glory, lined proudly along the coast. Perhaps it had been perfect. Now, it was only a ghost— barren and unwelcoming, but easily interesting enough to distract the sunset boy from recent events. That was good enough for him.
A haunting, familiar cry drove the boy abruptly from his thoughts. He turned with ears slicked back, argent gaze searching for the source. Her scent crept around him only moments before he spotted her. A soft gasp escaped him at the sight, and he didn't hesitate a moment longer.
Mona.
Cortland drew near to his sister quickly, tail high and waving. He sought to push his nose into the scarlet fur of her neck, nuzzling against her with enthusiasm. The meeting was sudden, of course, but not unexpected— not to him. His next words were muffled, as he was unwilling to break the embrace. I knew I would find you.
He studied her, noted the emotion thick in her words and expressions; he had missed her more than he'd realized. The barest hints of a smile tugged at his lips as she halted over Casmir's name and corrected herself. It faded quickly. East,
He told her, not sure of much beyond that. His familiarity with the land was, for now, rather limited.
I... met someone,
It was the best way he could think to put it, argent gaze following his sister's across the landscape. Phocion was more than just someone, but how could he explain the significance of the priest within his life? We were traveling together, but something... happened, and now I don't know where he is.
He paused a moment, eyes turning on her with his own curiosity behind them. Where did you go?
Whatever distance his sister felt, it was not mutual; he sensed it, though, ever perceptive when it came to his loved ones. Her dismissive gesture stung, and he hesitated to share more knowing he was no longer privy to the details of her life. After a moment, he decided distancing himself would not heal the gap. It would heal.. it could be no other way, he assured himself.
I'd rather hear about you,
Cortland said finally, following Mona with eyes trained on her rather than the ruined forest. Had something terrible happened to her, to make her so reluctant to share? Or perhaps he had waited too long to find her; he couldn't know. Taking a breath, he admitted: I've missed you. I think about you a lot. I just want to... know if you've been happy.