Ouroboros Spine you were the only one

The statement certainly did prey on Mordecai's emotions. He wondered if he was considered the missing family in his own birthplace, but doubted it. He had left with reason, he had left with saying goodbyes. But there were pieces of his family that were missing, pieces that he had perhaps little or no hope of seeing again. And of course, he wondered if there were wolves within his family that had gone out seeking him, after all this time. It had been years since Mordecai had left Sedona, years since he had seen many of those members within his family.

But then again, it wasn't like he had ever left the Spine to join Verrine at any point. The thought had crossed his mind, as it was always an option. Family was certainly a very powerful sway, this he knew. “It would depend on the circumstance, I suppose,” he admitted, but with some reluctance. If Verrine had gone mad, he supposed he would have done everything in his power to find him and fix the matter regardless of outcome. “But I would imagine in your shoes I would want the same. Only now I have more to consider than chasing after my own family.” It was a very strange tightrope to be walking on, he discovered.

“You have to understand that this is not a decision I am willing to make at a moment's notice. You're asking for the use of our food, our work, to aid you and you alone. What do we get in return?” He did not see Sidewinder contributing if he was merely coming and going as he pleased. And with his statement of only being there through until the spring came, or at least the implication, Mordecai found himself less inclined to give in.