Bearclaw Valley pelagic

Aventus trailed Asperas from a distance, puzzled and perturbed by the way his aggressive younger sister snapped at and chased nothing. She reminded him of Avicus so much that in some ways, he associated her with his sister's betrayal and expected the same from her, through no fault of Asperas' own. It made him keep his distance, unwilling to waste his time bonding with her when he expected her teeth turned upon him in the future, despite his original plan to ensure these cubs respected him where his littermate had not. But she was more disturbed than Avicus had ever been, reacting to air as though it struck her. More peculiar, and worth studying.

He observed, then, choosing to take an indirect approach to babysitting duty for now. That is, until Asperas reached the edge of the river and halted. Aventus swept toward her with slow, measured steps, eyes not on the girl, but on the bear lingering placidly on the far bank. Asperas didn't seem to notice it. The Bruin-jaw contemplated leaving her to her own devices — her constant hostility was exceptional for a child and he wondered if she would take her chances against the beast for which Ursus was named — but not today.

Look up, he rumbled quietly, locking his eyes on small Asperas for a moment before glancing back at the bear.