Bearclaw Valley Completely Zoned Out

the confirmation of loyalty that merrick was granted in the seconds to tick beyond soothed a frail part of him. skoll's haunting eyes matched the direct firmness of his words. the coywolf had once thought the soldier unsure of his place within ursus' beliefs, but he saw now that the man was the guardian of such. 
"thank you, skoll." his voice cracked; he swallowed, blinked toward the wet sky. "ursus is lucky to have you. i am lucky to have you."
he was not sure he had ever felt such a vow made to the land he loved, the roots of which bound his blood. despite his best efforts, a single sob leaked from a clenched throat and he drew a shaking, grateful breath, slowly closing his eyes with a relieved sigh.