Seems just like yesterday

All of her muscles were tense, and she glared at her mother as their conversation escalated. However, she was somewhat surprised when Esarosa finally declared that she wasn't trying to stop her from going; in fact, she was trying to give some advice. Still wary, Sterling wasn't sure if she wanted the advice. It was probably just going to be bad news, and some roundabout attempt to convince her she should stay home like a den-bound pup. Raising a brow when Esa had finished talking, Sterling sighed and turned her head aside, unsure how to respond. Before she could say anything, Steel appeared, and the girl felt somewhat cowed by her father's presence. When he asked her why she wanted to go, the girl perked up, sitting straight and setting her emerald orbs upon him.

"Because!" she started, tail flicking from one side to the other, "I need to get out and see the world. But not only that... Dragon asked for help. He needs someone to go out and scout the lands. Barely anyone spoke up. So I did. But it's not just because he asked. It's actually something I want to do, something I need to do. I've been stuck here since I was a pup, and it's time I get the chance to grow up and be on my own. This is the perfect opportunity for everything I want, and if it helps Talis, then that's even better." Her eyes were dead-set on Steel as she spoke, and she blinked just once as she finished her last sentence, before her eyes momentarily drifted to her mother, then back to her father. What else could possibly be said?