Bearclaw Valley There is nothing more lonely than an action taken quietly on your own

Ursus may not, but Aventus assuredly had.

Merrick's snarl was a clap in his ears that made him duck his head lower. He had only ever done as his parents wished of him; what cause for anger? He nervously wet his lips and fidgeted his paws, laying back his ears submissively and loosing a quiet whine.

I have done only as you commanded, he breathed, I prayed to the bear, and the bear killed Evien, as you wished. He chanced a glance upward, and would boil with rage and jealousy if he knew his sire's thoughts on him and his sister.

I am ready to take my place, he announced, lowering his gaze. Wasn't that what this was all about? Do as we do, they had said, with Evien's name in their mouths, and he had done as they did to prove that he was worthy to stand beside them, or so he thought.