Bearclaw Valley You're on your own

It was hard to describe how much Ashlar brightened when Merrick said yes.  His entire demeanor shifted... his stance bent and grew playful with joy, and his ears stood up while his smile opened with surprise.  He hadn't for an instant dared hope that his invitation would be accepted!! So the acceptance was both a gift and an absolute surprise.

It doesn't matter!  He answered, for the first time speaking with volume born of enthusiasm.  Did he dare... talk to Merrick... like a friend?  No, maybe not.  Not yet.  So he didn't follow with a challenge, though his golden eyes grew sparkling hints of one.  Once they played, maybe!

Joy turned to confusion with the next bit, though, and Ashlar's head tilted.  What did he mean?  I don't act...  he began, then straightened and sat.  Why did he ask that?  What... would I be like, then?  He had never considered that he should be any different than how he was, but Merrick's comment sparked curiosity.  He never counted himself innocent, just happy and loved, and now he wondered what the man saw versus what he'd hoped to find.