Stone Circle taught me to weep and moan

He should have seen it coming, really. From her confused question, to the absence of his brother's scent on the border. Everything added up, and yet when she spoke, it hit him square in the chest, his legs trembling as it began to sink in.

Shale sat back on his haunches, speechless. It was clear the girl mourned for Murdock as well--he wondered what connection the two might have--but all he could do was gape at her, eyes dark. He ducked his head, trying to collect his thoughts. Swallowed thickly.

"How?" he asked, choked, still looking at the ground. "When?"

He'd never been particularly close to Murdock, even back home. But the brown-hued male had been the first shred of family he'd found since striking out on his own, and he had delivered Shale to Grayday's borders. He owed everything that had transpired these past several moons to Mur. . .and now he was gone.