Stone Circle fragnaam

Murdock huffed as Poppy was brought up again. Everyone seemed to think she was some sort of problem, but Murdock spent little time with her away from their den. He said as much to Valette, and went on, "I've been lookin' for her to spend time with her, but she's been avoiding me." By his expression, one might glean that he was far more concerned than irritated by this fact, though his tone seemed to say otherwise. "I care about Poppy, but I didn't bring her here to replace Steph." He was quiet for a moment, a sullen, ruminative expression on his earthy face. "My kids have all been dead for years. I never wanted more after I laid 'em down. But when Steph started comin' to see me, it got me to thinkin' how I'd probably be a granddad by now, if they'd survived. She's got a special place in my heart, that girl - one I thought would never open up again."

But he didn't know how to make her see that when she couldn't accept that Poppy was now his companion as well.