Bearclaw Valley we know the way

sorry for crappy short post

He had heard this song and dance before. As a young man, Steady had asked him something very similar. With great gusto, he had built himself up to be a great warrior, a terrific hunter.

But Phocion had learned that life was too complicated for constantly having to prove yourself worthy. All you needed to do was say yes, and get by.

"I've hunted with packs in the past, yes," Phocion responded. "And though I'm small, I'm not afraid to spill blood for the group of which I'm part."

That was that. It was in Alexander's paws, now. It wouldn't greatly hurt Phocion if he did not get an invitation inside the valley. This had been a lean winter alone, true, but he would survive. He had done so for many seasons.