Bearclaw Valley Ain't it a gentle sound, the rolling in the graves

Arielle quickly learned that Val severely lacked confidence. The bear could give him that, but he would have to open his heart first. It was hard for those who were afraid to let go of their doubts and lean into faith. She could see he was trying, though, and that was all she could ask for, at least for now. He would be tested soon enough. 

We were in a battle; it's expected that we would all suffer injuries, she told him. You made a decision and you cannot change it now, no matter how much you beat yourself up. It was all she would say on it; if he chose to continue his self-pity, then so be it. 

He wanted to know what their part in the battle was. Aves and I fought together against a larger, stronger man. Aves is far more injured than I am, but he is healing. She was in their den many times throughout the day checking on him and redosing pain medication if needed. 

The bruin-heart leaned over and pressed her nose to the moss. The side facing up was nice and cold, so she picked it up and flipped it. This needs to sit for a little longer, she explained.