Twisted Slough the ground beneath us is shaking, the sheep are finally waking

A melancholy settled between them, the two lost in their own thoughts. Riley turned his nose to Masque as she did her trademark touch of affection; and for a moment, he just let these fleeting seconds all sink in.

He didn’t mind there wasn’t much hunting. They’d found something else — more gristly, perhaps, but no less important. The Rise would need to know of Ashlar’s death, even if few were there to care for it — and they’d done some small good, putting him to a more dignified rest.

Masque promised that tomorrow they would explore and enjoy themselves. He pressed his forehead to her with a grin: This — he gestured to the mound — was definitely not the highlight. But, I’ve enjoyed this — spending time with you. Tomorrow will be better.