he stood in wait, but it did not take long for someone to find him; he braced himself for the retrobution that would follow if he'd crept too far, was on the wrong side, or they simply did not like the look of him. none such rage came. he was greeting shrewdly. the old man turns his head only slightly, his ears doing the rest, honing in on the stranger's position. the stranger's scent is everywhere and sifu knows from his many years that he is speaking to someone important.
i am sifu,
he murmured, dipping his nose towards the soil alongside his introduction. it seemed obvious that sifu was here for refuge so he did not state this part; maybe it was his age showing, but he did not feel it necessary to mention. he does pause long enough to add, i wish to provide my services.
but what could an aged princeling give to someone so young and hale of health?
he was content in knowing the younger man would give him a chance, and would not squander the opportunity. although sifu did not know of the difficulties faced by the forest pack of late, he hoped to do some good among them - and so, too, he was oblivious to their nature. perhaps in time he would regret his decision.
i am a teacher,
flowed the lie, but it was couched in truths and would easily flow from his lips. i was taught of diplomacy and tactics in my youth and i have chosen to share my knowledge,
but if that did not appeal to the stranger with the healthy voice, sifu added, and i was hoping to find a peaceful home for the end of my days.
he knew that life could persist for a while still, but sifu had to think of his future and the limits it presented.
it mattered little that sifu had just walked in to a war zone. the war that blackfeather had faced was over (for now) and the pack would need to mend itself, and perhaps that would give him some respite too. the other wolf admitted that this place was not ideal for sifu's purposes but he merely nodded in acquiescence, the corners of his mouth twitching in a dull smile. the only thing he really needed was rest and food; he was not so bothered by the potential for further bloodshed or the off-beat culture the pack may support (although he may change his mind in time).
if you will have me, i will gladly share my knowledge,
he finally said - leaving the decision up to the stranger with the strong voice. i have faced war in my lifetime. fought battles in my youth. i am not afraid, if that is why you share your caution.