Dawnlark Plains then they called me, too

Grayday made a sound of agreement, but inwardly, he was not convinced. "Either way - what can be done?" he said with a heavy sigh of release. "They're all grown enough to build and tend their own bridges. If they need my help, I'm here." He hoped they would still come to him, though. He hoped that, when they did, he would have something constructive to say.

"Take a walk with me? We're going to mark the outsides of the Maplewood as well. This whole stretch of land will be ours, this time," he said loftily, rising to his paws and bumping his shoulder against Shale's. It was a lot to take on, but perhaps having a little less time to sit and worry would keep everyone from falling apart. "What about you, Shale?" he added, not forgetting about his brother's words. They were talking about children, now, and "I want to be an uncle before you get too old." He shot the male a sly look. "You ran after Pema quickly enough. Did anything happen while you were away?"