Bearclaw Valley pack and forth

ico's voice and tilted ears broke the last of merrick's building angst. it was a clearer eye he turned on the delicate boy, for the tones of fear in ico's manner were unexpected.
merrick had lived so long in defiance of life that he had forgotten death too must be respected.
for a long time he did not answer, only caressed ico with his scar-circled eye.
"yes."
no need for lies nor sugared words — he drew a shaking breath. "any of us could be killed. and ursus is not safe because we do not suffer death or disrespect."
a blink. "i will do all i can to keep it from you, as i have, but ico, if you want to leave for somewhere else, somewhere safer, you have my blessing."
a stardust piece of his spirit, torn out, stamped underfoot.