Altar of Twilight valacirca

If Aesop had known how many he had let down by leaving, he never would have. He was not one to overestimate his own importance. He knew he'd be disappointing some wolves (namely Charon and Thistle Cloud) but he saw now that his disappearance had had an adverse effect on Alastor as well. He had looked for Aesop? The thought was incredible to him. That Alastor cared enough to go so far from his home (the Bypass had been so far away) to ask after his wellbeing came as a surprise to Aesop. Well, now he felt like a douche.

Shrugging, Aesop replied, I mean, I sort of just told you. I knew that this was where I'd stay. I like it here, and I'm not suited to traveling much anymore. I just wanted to feel the road beneath my paws one last time before I settled in for good. Now I'm settled, and I ain't goin' nowhere. This final sentence he spoke with greater conviction. Not sayin' goodbye was a bit of an asshole move, wasn't it, he said, tone light to play it off as a joke. Sorry 'bout that.

Aesop listened with interest to Alastor's recollection of his journey. Alastor mentioned leaving with a brother, living with him. But now he was back. What had happened to the brother? Perhaps they had parted amicably, but Aesop dare not ask on the chance that that was not the case. Instead he asked a blander but lighter question. You livin' anywhere now?