Bearclaw Valley Silence, then...

ursus was settling without evien, but in his heart merrick had not moved on.
the healer's skull mouldered. the bearwitch would put it upon his lover's altar when it was only bone.
he wanted to drag it with him now but did not. there was a calling for him. merrick put it aside carefully and rose to answer.
it was his red-girl who had gotten there first. merrick was surprised to hear her speak; after all, she was the more quiet of the bearcubs.
he himself said nothing, only stood to the side, allowing avicus to dictate the terms of this meeting, while he flicked his single eye over the russet fire of the woman's nape.