Bearclaw Valley it's whatever you say it is

Taylor can't help but punctuate Ico's introduction with an encouraging hum. He smiles vaguely when appropriate. His limpid gaze could pass as a facsimile of pride or satisfaction or generalised affection. 
It is Merrick who reaches out with a question, and he feels compelled to answer it for him. But he knows that this isn't his interview, and that he is only the background character now, seen but not observed, faceless and left up for interpretation.
His role slowly changes from earnest travel partner to a weapon. It was comfortable, that transition, the eventual click of the revolving door that brought him to a metallic and martial conclusion.