Silvertip Mountain I wonder if I've been changed in the night

Arielle nodded as the bear king explained how he had become so skilled at ignoring pain. She was lost in deep thought for a few moments, but then Merrick's words often sent her into this state. He challenged the naive thoughts of her young mind and forced her to see life through his wise and weathered perspective. This lesson was not one she could learn just by listening; she would only gain his ability by living through the pain he described. A determined expression hardened the lines of her face and she nodded, looking to Merrick. She knew what she needed to do.

She looked over at the queen's body then, her face softening again. So this was the bear's will? she asked quietly. Was the bear king proud then? Or was this beyond the control of the bear? She hadn't thought that was even a possibility.