Bearclaw Valley a pale blue dot

They are mortal creatures like you and I, he began, taking note of the way she drew the ears close to herself. She found comfort in them, he guessed. Whatever gave her strength in this dismal place. Perhaps he would bring more of them, endear himself to her, begin to earn her trust, misplaced though it would be.

Yet they are more than we are. They rule this earth. Their roar shakes the trees. Their claws can take a man’s head clean off the shoulders. Aventus licked his lips, drew in a slow breath that rattled slightly when the pain of his ribs set in. Bears demand much. Should you earn their regard, they are fierce protectors.

The bear was with you in that cave, Indra, he said then, watching for her reaction through half-lidded eyes.