Bearclaw Valley the wake [m]

surely ulysses knew merrick understood the truth of their arrangement. the boy wanted to test it, for what if there came a day he wished to make the gentle giant eat his playful words? a smirk passed over his bright, watchful features. "listen for anything that you find relevant," he purred. "anything that seems useful."
easthollow, after all, was merrick's next big project.
"my shadow, what do you think of her?" the young wolf inquired after a moment, referring to voiceless, observant astara.