Bearclaw Valley a pale blue dot

Yes, in a way, said Aventus. He could almost see the fault lines forming in Indra's logic and memories of what had happened. No doubt Merrick had done a great deal to break her spirit and reinvent it in the bear's image already, but he knew from his own childhood how imposing Merrick could be. He knew his mate would provide an even more gentle touch, but Arielle was also a fervent believer, even moreso than Aventus was. She might be gentle but she would be insistent. Aventus hoped to strike a balance between the two.

I do not remember an angry man, said Aventus, but you were alone and cold. The bear spirit spoke in our hearts and guided us to you. It is a dangerous world, Indra. It is safe here. With that, the man stood with a wince and a gentle groan. I must go, but I will return. Those, he indicated the rabbit ears, are yours to keep. He flashed a smile that edged on the eerie and cooed, good night, Indra, before he returned to the surface of Ursus, teeth grit hard against the pain the whole way up.