Bearclaw Valley c

The creature spoke to him.  Ashlar's admiration only grew when the boy realized that this bear was kind.  He was transfixed for a long moment before he finally withdrew the sense to speak.  I.. you... you're so big.  He stammered out, then felt a deep embarassment take root immediately.

Sorry.  He added quietly, flushing.  He did not know how to speak to such a magnificent being as this.  Was this the Great Bear that Merrick had spoken of?  Would he be in trouble for speaking with it then?  Ashlar's tail tucked, but he couldn't help glancing back up every few moments.  He hadn't expected the god to ever share words with him, nor to greet him with an apology even!