Bearclaw Valley Meet me inside

life had grown harder for merrick. perhaps it was the strife between he and the doctor that had him in a melancholy.
no matter. he spent a good deal of time sulking upon the borders, which was where he met the stone woman with cat-eyes.
hiding a scowl, merrick approached with the usual triumphant step masking his inner turmoil. "if you'd like some company, i'll join you," he offered in a friendly voice, though the upswing of his plume invited little opportunity for sass.