Bearclaw Valley what mysteries we are

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he had left behind the mountain and the wood, and ranged forth like a salmon to its natal grounds. singularly minded, not intending to return, merrick walked, knowing @Astara would follow.
it was a harsh trek, sullied with snow, slowed by his half-healed wounds, but on he went, until the land grew more and more familiar, and lifted his head with pride and with remembrance.
here he had run with the girl whose name he refused to recall, here with indra, and here — yes, yes
here he had begun to live.
drawing a breath that shook with the great weight of his emotion, merrick called to his senses the bear spirit, standing at the mouth of the valley where he had been thrust into the world, amid blood, amid death. "you're home," the boy murmured aloud, a relieved smile spreading across his handsome features; it was for both of them that he spoke.