Dawnlark Plains I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize

He'd been restless, constantly pacing the plains in search of things with which to occupy his mind. His last conversation with Pema had left him unsettled. Day was busy with Catori and the babes. And a few of the Morningsiders had retreated to the Maplewood, where they stayed most often.

It was a vast and lonely existence on these plains, and Shale often found himself deep in thought, amber eyes scanning the horizon.

Today, he stumbled upon a woman he'd seen only a few times from a distance, but had never properly met. She, too, was looking a little glum, sitting all by herself. With a soft chuff, Shale padded toward her, giving her a gentle inclination of his head in greeting as he spoke.

"Hello," he greeted, an amiable smile curling over his lips. She was a pretty thing, with bright blue eyes contrasting well against her agouti pelt. "I don't think we've met properly. I'm Shale, Grayday's brother."