Blacktail Deer Plateau At least for a week

Despite the chilly welcome he had given their mother, when Nieve came close and tried to show some affection Reyes did not stop her. He didn't close the distance at all either, though. That distant manner might have influenced his sister's behavior because she stopped short and they shared a look - until he turned away, deferential. 

Her question brought his attention back to her; he watched her face, gave a little shrug of his shoulders. A few days ago. I wanted to find you, but mom said you were off doing something else. That made him worry a little bit. What if he'd come back and she had been gone for good? What if something happened and the last memory he'd ever have of Nieve was their adventure on the borders, months ago? He took a breath and ignored those thoughts. Things feel different here, he remarks a moment later, although it isn't clear if he means Rusalka vs Tortuga or, more likely, the strangers that inhabit the forest and absence of their extended family.

He had expected to find Caiaphas after all, and she was gone.