The words take her by surprise. It has been a long time since such gentle words have been shared between brother and sister. Too long have they argued, pointing the blame at each other, turning against each other, when it is now, when their family lies in tatters, that they must rely on each the most.
“We are family, Gryff.” She is careful to keep the tone light, not daring to provoke him, lest this moment give way to another heated spat. “Whether you care to admit it or not, you will always need me, and I will always need you.”
“You know that is not true though.“
There is no usual bite or spite in his words & that’s been so for a while now. Following the battle, the funeral of their father, Gryff seemed a fair bit quieter than usual (save for moments, when someone was foolish enough to mention the Forrester name in his presence). The grim & somber air, that’s been reigning over Highpoint ever since, seems to have been affecting him more, than anyone else. Even now, his voice sounds devoid of any strong emotion & gaze - directed a little sideways from Gwyn, as if he is avoiding looking her in the eyes, while still addressing the words to his sister.
“You do not need me, Gwyn.” He states this as calmly, as any regular piece of information, expression unreadable. Gryff himself has trouble telling, why this doesn’t make him feel more; where is this acceptance coming from. “Not in the way I do you, at least. You may care... But deep inside, you know you’d manage fine without me, or... anyone. That’s not bad” The last word is cut off when the Whitehill clenches his teeth abruptly, the only giveaway that he actually feels anything being his jaw line becoming more prominent for a split second. “That’s enviable, in fact. Wish I could be that way too. Must make things so much... easier.”