Bearclaw Valley a seminar about whether or not deer feel pain or are just sad

behind him, he could hear stryx's voice calling arielle back. val's heart pounded a wardrum beat into his ears.

please go back to him, he begged -- and his stomach dropped when a shadow darkened the tunnel.

arielle.

val's gaze turned to the frightened child, who only just had managed squeaks of words. there was no time to explain; of this daggerlike reality val was keenly aware.

arielle's voice filled the cavern in a promising croon. even he would have fallen for it, if only hours before. her eyes were icy and promised his death.

val stepped away from the doorway, a swath of sunlight replacing his form. run, he begged of indra.

he might not escape the wrath of the bear, for he was never worthy -- but maybe she could.