When the man asked of his brother, Hawthorne, Tenzin gave a soft frown and shook his head to deny knowledge of the missing brother. The monk was not one to pry and Anemone was still new within the Vale. If she chose to open up to him or the others, then surely they would listen, but the monk was not aware of their split trio. When Narcissus did not mention Dresden, Tenzin wondered if the wolf Anemone had joined with was a traveler she met along the way or perhaps just an unmentioned friend. As Narcissus went on to explain the trio, Tenzin assumed that perhaps the man did not know of Dresden.
As the man inquired more about life within the Vale, the monk smiled. Tenzin was aware that his approach to outsiders was different than that of the Dragon's. If the beast had come upon Narcissus, surely things would have been different; but Tenzin was but a monk who chose to lead their band of what-was. They would never be Jokhang. Their home was forever lost to them, and Tenzin preferred not to think of the carnage they left behind: the greed, the death, the brutality. "We have conformed to rank ourselves like other packs do, though we are split into three factions: monks, clerics, and warriors. As a monk, I do not judge others. I am open to any and all, whether you have claimed a million lives or simply wish to help lost souls. That is my duty. I exist to nurture the mind and help you with anything you need mentally or spiritually. I am guidance wherever you need it. I am prosperity of life."
Tenzin smiled gently before continuing, letting the information sink in. "The clerics aid the wounded. As monks make great listeners, so do the clerics; though they are more driven to heal your physical wounds and have a vast knowledge of herbs, not all wounds bleed." He thought of Dawa quietly, wishing he could have properly healed her so that she was not so disfigured. "The clerics are health. They are physical well-being and do not back away from even the most grotesque of wounds. They will bring you back to life or they will sing you into eternal sleep; they are comfort." As Tenzin finished with this, he turned an ear to Xi'nuata and gestured to her kindly.
"Then there are the warriors," he said, as if implying Xi'nuata was one by gesturing to her a moment ago. "They are the tooth and claw of our pack. They fight and protect us, and they are our voice where the monks and clerics do not speak. They are the fire. They are strength." Though they were each their own division, they were one. "As you rely on your siblings, we rely on each other as well. We are a unit."
"So I cannot judge you. I cannot demand your fealty if I feel you need assistance, but I am here to serve as guidance to any who may need it, whether they intend to stay within the Vale or are simply passing through," Tenzin explained warmly, thinking of the Dragon for a moment. "That is because I am a monk. Our warriors handle things differently; their leader, Raheerah, is rightfully cautious and asks more questions," the monk admitted with a soft chuckle. Xi'nuata was welcomed company. Tenzin greatly appreciated her presence even though he did not feel threatened. "Also, your song was forlorn. I am drawn to those who are lost and searching. I am guidance," he added, repeating himself from earlier with a gentle tone.