Bearclaw Valley silkrobe doorsill

A bard.  Despite his recent revelation, Ashlar couldn't help the small flush of pride he felt when Merrick seemed to praise him for the skill he'd thought unappreciated. Maybe... maybe he wouldn't need to heal after all? But she was an herbalist, and he wished Ashlar to spend time with her. To learn from her.

Would she learn from him as well?

Despite the frustration Ashlar still felt at being shoved into a practice he found difficult (at best) and deeply unpleasant, he couldn't feel any towards Arielle. Instead a small, burgeoning hope broke through that maybe they would be friends, just as he and Avicus had been. Even if it only lasted so long... he would take all that they would give. She seemed nice enough so far and to be learning things as he did. Perhaps she could help him to understand what it was that drove the bear pack so fiercely.

He nodded, glancing her way before averting his eyes. Yeah, okay. He was still clearly nervous, but through the hesitation, there was no reluctance.