Bearclaw Valley cursed to hold a weight you cannot bare

It hadn't felt very good to leave momma behind.  Ashlar was impatient to explore, but when he had proposed coming back here, he had thought maybe both baba and she would follow him. When she had to stay Ashlar almost called it off.  He was just old enough to feel the pressure of leaving the nest, and cancelling travel plans to stay with his mom was hardly the move of an adult.

Ashlar missed her like crazy.  He couldn't imagine if Gannet had elected to stay behind as well.  How anyone left their parents all together was a little beyond him; he had so much to learn!  Baba was teaching him plants, how to heal, and how to explore!

Cool.  Are there really bears? Ashlar breathed softly as Gannet told him the name of this place.  Then, just as quickly, he stopped rigid as well when the other adult did.  It seemed that he wasn't going to get an answer right that moment.  He took a step back and behind, an old habit, and lowered his head ever so slightly.  Even if this other wolf was friendly, Ashlar wasn't one to take chances.