Bearclaw Valley however dangerous this may be

Merrick speaks, and his voice holds the whole group in thrall. His smile is bright against his dark face, and so is that single burning eye. They give the impression of two competent businessmen standing proud next to a factory's coronation. Merrick with the scissors, Ulysses holding the ribbon.
Evien's presence grounds him, like it always does. He can't help but steal a glance at his face in profile, which is slightly lowered in something like humility. The mute girl and Ico sit close to them, and Toad is further away, sullen and unreadable. A dog, even more repetant than Evien, stares at Merrick as if he is the executioner and as if his head is on the chopping block. Perhaps it is.
He looks to Ulysses and nods and seems grateful. Earnest. He returns the smile, an invisible exchange of business cards.