Bearclaw Valley cursed to hold a weight you cannot bare

Ashlar followed and felt oddly more comfortable around Newt now that he'd spoken.  He followed as Newt led them to his home and remained silent (yet at ease) until the wolf Valette approached.  Ashlar expected Gannet to speak for them as usual but instead his father directed a rather pointed look at him.  The dark boy was not one for the spot light and shivered with how I'll-suited it felt.  When he finally lifted his voice, Ashlar's tone held an audible quaver.

H-hi.  I am Ashlar and this is my b- dad.  He'd almost let the nickname slip but managed to catch his tongue in time.  We w-were wondering, do you know what happened to the hollow?  To Terance and everyone?  His voice held a note of hope despite the stammer, and he waited avidly once he was done for an answer.  Please, please, please, let the answer be yes.