Bearclaw Valley and to do such a thing for such a being?

merrick lay back what was left of his ears, considering it. "we don't ... speak, as you know. no need for words." not with her. never with her. even the thought of his blackbird filled him now with a melancholy desire, and he shifted restlessly. "she has been the only one i trust." truly, truly trust, not the weakened pie filling of lies told from one lover to another. perhaps that was the sum of his ability in love — those who grew close enough to touch the copper piping where the bear's heart should have been.
"yes. yes, i think she does. i do. i —" 
something like that.