Bearclaw Valley pack and forth

The profound bone-deep melancholy was as evident in Merrick as his bedraggled fur and one-eyed countenance. Ico felt a stab of guilt that he'd grown uneasy in the pack, and knew he owed it to his Bruin-witch to explain. He hadn't been asked, but... to offer an explanation unwarranted was, to Ico, more meaningful.

I... I don't think I understand the draw of ferocity and the inevitability of killing as much as I thought I did, he confessed quietly. The silver river came into view up ahead, parts of it almost white in the sunlight, and Ico slowed and looked timidly at his leader. I just think... he felt foolish... I just want everyone to get along.