Kyoami was pleased by his mother's fussing. Perhaps he should have grown out of it, but their family was small, and he felt isolated. The familial closeness warmed his heart and his tail continued to wag.

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.