Although loving of his family, Shrike was a braw and hardy sort who did not wear his emotions on his sleeve; and indeed did not abide much by emotions anyway. But it would be correct to say that of all the people on this fucked up planet, Firecrest was the one about he felt strongest about.

Not because they were the closest siblings (for they weren't), but because as hard as it had been for Shrike to lose Goldcrest, he knew it was a thousand times worse for the remaining twin. Shrike could both relate and not relate; he had simply to strive for understanding.

"Well..." he began slowly, pausing over his ale for a moment. He made a note not to mention lassies again. "What dae ye like doin' the maist?"