Bearclaw Valley it's whatever you say it is

a strength in the cherub, a swathe of ice. merrick wanted to put his muzzle against it, breathe out in a frigid arc that would trap ico's softness in snow and keep him there for all time. as he was. perfect. 
and the words rising from the shy young throat; merrick's eye glowed brighter, filling with a naked approval. fields had made an excellent choice despite the appearance that ico wore. the strengths he prized could be found beneath any hide, and ico was making a good case for himself to be discovered.
"tell us why else you might kill," merrick whispered, sidling closer, lips curving into a purr of hot breath. "tell us how you might kill." us us us us us we 
there is nothing without us
eternal; he held his breath and waited for ico to speak, gaze lingering briefly to taylor in mute agreeability of the teacher's explanation his companion had given.