The sun dripped through the thick trees as morning peeked over the city. In the shallow woods surrounding the mansion, something was lurking. The creature slunk low to the ground, crouched on all fours as he watched the home and its students intently. The timid creature had clearly been out in the weather for a couple days: mud covered his feet, his hair was a mess, and his clothes were torn and dirty. A small cut on his cheek, probably from a tree branch, had a little dried blood on it. 

The canine-like creature, as frightening as he may have appeared, was rather shy. He was too scared to leave the shelter of the trees and greets his new caretakers, or captors, whatever they may be. Most of them seemed nice enough. Some had come filtering into the woods in search of him, leaving food out so that he wouldn't go hungry. With his new found sense of smell, the creature could sniff out the offerings quite easily. But still, one could only live in the dingy, dark forest for so long. He found himself wondering just how hospitable these people were. Would they let him inside? Could he have new clothes? Take a bath? Would they be afraid or him, or hurt him like the people on the farm had? 

The wolf man began to pace around, watching the school as he went over his options. His almost hairless tail lashed around behind him as he thought. He could either stay here, safe, fed, and somewhat uncomfortable, or he could go over there, try to make friends, and maybe find himself a new home. He paused, then slowly began to emerge from the trees. He stood right at the treeline for a few moments, then whimpered and slunk back into the safety of the shade. He wanted to try and go to the house, but something just kept him from it. The last people who had offered him a home had been cruel to him. They treated as a slave, harassed him because of his heritage, and had sold his horse, which had really been the only friend he'd had. Why would these people be any different?

The furry man went back to pacing, torn between being brave and exploring, or being a coward and staying put.