Bearclaw Valley By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes,

speech came. merrick stood above his quarry, tongue lolling, saliva dripping, sides heaving quickly as he sought to catch his breath. curiosity burned in the single eye. "because this is my home. because you came into it without asking. because you ran and did not fight," he chirped conversationally, backing away some feet with a flag of his plume announcing he would not attack again.
he doubted the other would be able to understand the silent lupine message, however. gaze scanned the creature with interest. "what are you? why are you here?"