Bearclaw Valley follow me into the golden wild

good place to start, he says simply. not with force, not with flourish—just quiet approval. he doesn't mock her scoff. doesn't scold the disbelief. he recognizes it. he remembers it in himself. the way you brace for the blow before it ever comes.
he looks to the horizon where she stares, then back to her. you’ll be fine, twitch. more than fine.
a pause. then, more dryly:
and if you’re not, bring someone back with teeth.