Stone Circle sychid thrum

Murdock, too, was glad that things had settled down between himself and Steph. He loved her like his own and didn't like the unrest that had come between them for so long. But as much as he adored her, he could not seem to forget the way she had acted toward him, no matter how much he told himself she was only a child, and could not help being childish. Part of him was still hurt by her assertion that he should only be allowed one friend while she basked in all the love of her family.

"Hey Stephie," he said, voice and expression warm as he turned his head to see her approaching. She was getting so big, now, but he had a feeling he'd always think of her as a cute little kid. "You're lookin' better. How're ya feelin?"

He'd heard from Poppy that she was out and about, and had even been kind to his brand-new mate, but Murdock decided not to mention any of that.