Bearclaw Valley and the space has been broken

No matter how much Aventus had asked for what happened to him, he would one day be eternally grateful that his pack had his back. For one who felt insignificant at times among the great bear wolves, particularly his sire, it was validating to know that he mattered more to his family than a whole alliance. If anything could feed a young boy’s ego, that could.

He didn’t know the details yet, though. For now, he was simply grateful that Nyra hadn’t killed him, and excited by the buzz of rage throughout Ursus that even he picked up on. Imagine breaking his vow to live forever by dying days later!

He flinched instinctively while Astara inspected the wrap around his torso. It didn’t hurt, but the phantom promise of pain if it was touched too roughly was enough for him to pull away. So as to ease his mother’s heart, lest she take it as rejection, he turned to press his muzzle under hers and sank momentarily into the comfort of her presence. Aventus was growing to be an impassive and sometimes cold creature, but he was still a kid. His mother’s touch was still soothing.

Words often had no place in their interactions, but he was also Merrick’s son, and sometimes it was easier to convey simple things with words. He butted her shoulder a little playfully with his head, even if he knew he shouldn’t, and murmured, bored. Evien was a great host, but there just wasn’t much to do around here. Maybe Astara would have an idea or two that his ribs could handle.