Gyrfalcon's Keep memoryhouse

she was quick to decline, but offered a somber sort of alliance. ford might like the sound of that, though velen knew his massive brother was far too proud to accept help unless it was absolutely needed. that was their way, after all, and it had suited skellige just fine, until of course he had met deirdre.
"it's slow going, pack-building" the chestnut-eyed boy chuffed in agreement. "a forest sounds nice. i'm always up for exploring them, even though it's the beach i prefer." a flick of a dark ear. "my sibs and i were born on a island; our dad settled here, so we're back to reclaim. where'd you live before, if you don't mind my asking?" 
though it was quite easy to see velen as invasive, too boisterous, his intentions were mere curiosity. the loyalty of the seawolf lay with his kith, and with the bay, and grezig had already turned aside his invitation. anything beyond that was mere banter.