Bearclaw Valley the great imitators

Ico sat down, a slight smile expressing his grattitude for his kind audience of one. He was keen to learn more about this tall stranger, but first things first — he had a yarn to weave.

The mother was a force like no other. The first time I saw her up close was in battle... she came to my aid when I was threatened by a trespasser. Though it was not for me that she drew blood, but for her mate, and thus, perhaps, for the Bearberries she'd one day deliver.

When the time came for her to bear children, some thought she'd make a strange or even dangerous parent... but it was clear all along that a powerful, instinctive protectiveness runs in her blood. Sure enough, Ico believed* that those puppies would come to no harm with Astara on their team.

*Unfortunately, belief is not fact.