Bearclaw Valley pelagic

Aventus remained silent, contemplating the bear as it considered Asperas. Their eyes met moments before his sister indicated that the bear wanted them to leave. A rumbling chuckle, little more; children were so very imaginative. Bears could not speak.

Not that he would say that in front of his sire, who embodied the bear spirit so wholly he might take offense to his son's inner doubts. For Aventus, it was all metaphorical. He certainly wondered at his connection with the bears after telepathically commanding one to kill Evien, but assumed it was some understanding rather than anything divine. He could not communicate with them the way he might with a fellow wolf, and sincerely doubted anyone, even Merrick, truly could.

Asperas was off and fleeing, the bear turning its heavy gaze next upon Aventus, who dipped his head reverently. He had doubts about the true nature of their cult at times, but believed wholly that bears were to be respected. Their approval and coexistence ensured Ursus' continued survival. Bears chose places that were defensible and safe. He was happy to cooperate.

She is skittish, he remarked, turning to Merrick next with an almost smiling amusement dancing in his silver eyes. He wondered about Asperas' proclivity for violence, but she was kittenish in mannerism. He hoped he might find a kindred trust in her that he had lost with Avicus. It would be a shame to have to drive away another sister hellbent on his position instead of earning their own.