Bearclaw Valley You're on your own

Like him?  For the first time, Ashlar actually looked at Merrick.  Studied him for longer than a second before he had to look away, down.  The boy thought about what he saw there.

Strength.  Confidence.  Violence, but not towards him or the pack.  And Ashlar had no reason to think he was a danger to him, so he did not fear him that way.  Instead the fear was an awe, and a quiet but innocent envy for the respect and knowledge that the bear king commanded.

I couldn't.  He said quietly, but with a smile.  He didn't feel any sadness that he couldn't.  There were many different types of wolves in this world and it was no fault of his that he was different.  If they were the same, would he be content to be in Ursus?  Would they have the opportunity to play games and to have this talk?  He did not think so.

I'm not anything yet.  But I'm learning, and one day.  Papa always said it was important to find something, but healing was not mine.  Singing, but that isn't ...  I guess...  he fell quiet, unsure of how to finish.  But maybe Merrick felt the same, and therefore understood.