Bearclaw Valley weep little lion man

one copperburn eye watched the jerking gait of the chocolatier that paraded the edge of the valley. 
merrick prowled closer, tail swinging at his hocks, giggling inward at the grimace of the newcomer. the bears had woken, and reclaimed the valley for themselves. ursus was but a guest in this land of heavy predators. hackles rippled for the sheer pleasure of it, but his approach was otherwise amiable, curiosity limning his features. "hello."
fascinating already, the three-legged boy.