Bearclaw Valley c

Other bears.  Ashlar's eyes widened a bit, and he immediately wanted to ask if they were also kind, but the bear clarified he had never met them.  I'm Ashlar!  He said suddenly as the realization hit him that he had rudely not said nor asked.  The sudden volume startled even him, however, and he curtailed it when he asked, What's your n..name?

 Merrick and his friends, friends to this bear.  This entire meeting felt like a dream to Ashlar.  The bear king and silent queen were so intimidating, it made sense that they'd be a friend to bears and even more impressive creatures.  But for Ashlar, by association, to be accounted a friend too? He'd never been so flattered, and for a brief moment, he was completely caught up with the emotion of it.  His eyes shone.

You need a song, he said, beaming.  It was the only way Ashlar knew how to show his gratitude.