Northstar Vale Dammit Tubbs, not again

I did not expect to enjoy Tryphon this much omg.

Her question stirred in him some vague recollection of the cold north, but he could not identify anything besides an obscure disharmony within his mind; a feeling of repulsion which quickly became something he could identify: guilt. And this brought Tryphon full-circle, thinking of Jade Fern Grove and the wolves he had left behind. In his foray back in to the wilds he had stumbled across their territory, hoping to see a familiar face - Kaskara, or Bazi, or even Scimitar despite his disapproval - but he could not find a soul. That had left him lingering in doubt until he had crossed paths with Saghani, and now this stranger. And the guilt he now felt (even if it was misplaced, or misidentified) made him return to the comfort of silence. He has no answer for the question at first. His head bows - maybe preparing to nod, yes this is my doing, but he reconsiders as soon as he tucks his chin. The woman then advances upon his uncertain self - so the question goes unanswered.

Initially the boy tenses, although this has not been an abrasive meeting and she seems to be quite a passive soul, he is uncertain. The sterling gray of his spine and flank remains raised while he watches her, stiff legged and obvious in his scrutiny, all while letting her get closer. Bridging the gap between them. There are no teeth to greet him; so the boy's stress eased, but did not abate fully. She was close to him when she asked her next question, and the sound of her voice was oddly soothing - or perhaps it was the words she chose. 

He thought of what home meant, and knew it did not apply to him in any regard. His heart sank at that thought, and there was a brief expression of sorrow on his face -- but Tryphon did not recall having a home, not a real one. A place where he was safe and fed, surrounded by family. He tried to think beyond the memory of Jade Fern Grove and even Nova Peak, but there was only blackness there.

The boy shook his head, no. His eyes caught upon her face and lingered there, the spitting image of his father's stern face, though it was forgotten.