The Sentinels If—

Flaris spent a lot of time reflecting; analyzing past events so that he could never forget them or the lessons accompanying them. He could find guidance in the most prosaic moments, and wisdom in tranquility. The wolf scoured his memories then, going day to day as he could recall them, and searched for the significance in each one that passed through his thoughts. Outwardly, with his slow breaths and lidded eyes, the tellurian swain appeared to meditate in the dull tide of evening. His body lie stretched into the resting arc of a sphinx, and insects flocked silently around him as if dancing by firelight. 

He could remember a dusk or two much like this, and could almost feel the presence of his mother beside him.