Bearclaw Valley thorn bear

evien was unlike any other wolf who had come through ursus, and yet he had become a pillar of strength to them. and to merrick, who silently thanked the bear for bringing him to their valley. it was a good thing in the sight of all who saw to know such loyalty existed, and henceforth the man would be twined to their stories forever.
"you're right," the coywolf relented, deciding to draw upon the vague allusion to hope. "one has killed. one is ready to kill." the thought pleased him, numbed him.
a caricature of a brief smile staggering across his scarred mouth. "without you my son would not have lived. if any could bring life to a wounded daughter, it would be you."