He set about eating, taking a bite.
I have made no friends,he admitted, licking his lips. It seemed like a personal failing, but he was young, and he was not sure who he could even mingle with.
Mostly I train. I try to learn the mountains. It teaches me things,he added.
If I can become impressive, then maybe someone will notice me…It was an insecurity. He was not impressive. Not yet. He was nearly his full height but he was still a small wolf, and the emperor was as tall as a mountain.
He nodded.
I'm happy,he said with a grin and a wag of his tail. It was not wholly true, nor was it entirely a lie.
Are you happy, mother?He sounded eager and hopeful, but his soft forehead crinkled with concern.

