Moonsong Glacier torn butterfly wings

the other spoke. merrick found he was dazzled by the invite to speak once more. but for all his pomp, the bearwolf was suspicious. cunning. he had not become who he now was without a dizzying excess of caution, though oft it did not seem that way.
the stranger told him now of kojall, a man who slew his brother and served only himself. merrick enjoyed the sound of that, a myth dreamt up for individuals such as himself.
"when i was a child, i was born in a valley of bears. when i became a man, i went back to take it for myself. we have lived by their sides — my family, my followers — and they blessed us with numbers and protection."
"but before i returned, i watched a bear die."
the single eye was razor-edged with memory.
"the bear's spirit became mine. it whispers below the bones of my chest."