Blacktail Deer Plateau Mistaken Identity

He smiled at her mention of kids. He liked them, too. Especially his nieces and nephew. "Do you want them, someday?" he asked. "Kids, I mean. Sorry if that's too personal," he added, having the courtesy to look slightly abashed. He was curious, though.

"Red is nice," Shale agreed, nodding. "A splash of prey-blood on the snow. . ." He gave a low hum, half in pleasure, half-thinking.

"I'm a hunter," he went on, "and a pretty capable fighter. Let's see. . .I also like to spend time with children. And. . ." He grinned, trying to pull up any specific quirks he had. Nothing was coming to mind--except--

"Oh! Here's a weird one," Shale laughed. "Every time there's an alder tree, I have to walk round it three times. The spirits of dead loved ones live in those trees, and spinning round them helps them rest better." His eyes were warm. "Lu--"

Shale stopped, suddenly choked. It had been Lucy who had told him that, long ago. It had been ingrained in him so much he had forgotten where it had come from. Yes, Lucy, and now her soul was embedded in one of those trees.