The Sunspire weather-beaten in a losing battle

His cousin's answer surprised him -- and yet, in a way that Merrit had hoped for. A thin smile ghosted the man's face, the first real reflection of something better.

Merrit nodded, to show his cousin that he had understood him right. "That's an excellent question," he praised, impressed by Kallik's thoughtfulness, his calm approach to the idea. "We would start with you and me," of course, this was a given - but he felt it important to say. They had gone through so much already, lost so much already, the statement was more for self-reassurance they would not lose each other as well. That they were in this together. That this would be theirs.

"and, together, we would set out to explore and find a land worth settling in. There are many wolves around the Wilds in search of homes. Many dispersals, who have left their families to find their own. For many, that is the way of wolf." Easthollow had been different, but living with Clary and her small pack had taught him that their way of life had been far from the norm. "Along the way, we would seek them, too."

This is what Clary, Tuathal, and Killian had taught him, and he thought to say more, but he did not wish to overwhelm Kallik with his words. Admittedly he did not know much about his cousin, but he thought him one who listened and considered. Merrit left the space open for the boy to ask questions or lend suggestions, and so direct their conversation.