Bearclaw Valley soot & violets

even though merrick mentioned the bear may have picked him, val still felt uncomfortable prickling edge gently under his fur. he was so different than them - he felt it in every way - and it awoke misgiving in the boy that he could not be the perfect fit to their little puzzle.

his gaze jerked up as merrick moved, motioning for him to follow. there were many things val feared, and each could roll easily off of his tongue if he was allowed the time to list them — but one was most evident. the ocean. val answered, wondering why his fears might be called in question. how come? what’s yours? somehow, he didn’t expect this exchange of fears and hopes would serve to transition wariness into budding friendship — so what was the purpose?