Redtail Rise mountains that are stacked with fear

Ashlar didn't relax but he didn't leave and that was good enough for Ratio.

"Learning." he repeated with a small nod. "Everyone is, all the time...the good ones, at least." he commented, a rare bit of poeticism. Ratio felt the need to sharpen his own skills. It tugged at him that he was not yet good enough and might never be good enough. He felt the desire to practice and work and be of use. He had to be of use - why else was he there?

He had to justify his existence. Or not exist at all. 

"I am." he said, looking back at the nervous wolf. "I was before I came here, for my old pack. A long time ago. And so I am again." he paused and let some quiet stretch between them. He did not know why he felt the urge to continue, to say more than that - to give his opinion. But, he did. "I like Prophet."

It was awkward and he didn't know what else to say. So, instead, he just went quiet.