The way he tilted his head up had half motivated her to laugh though she suppressed it into a gentle grin instead. She had always found it fascinating, the way so many wanted to be perceived as strong. Even Pan had been guilty of it though she often found herself struggling to see her own imprint as anything other than a diplomat; in fact, she had never even seen Pan injured, so dilligent that he was. Faol'an, on the other hand, had always been honest about his capabilities and yet, even he had wanted to be perceived as strong. It seemed infectious and she had to wonder when others would be content letting themselves be weak for once. In the presence of their own kind, what did it matter if they were tired or otherwise? They had their pack to support them. Perhaps that is what had separated Niviaq from so many others. Besides, she still had memories of Jaylah and how intent the woman had been to rely on nobody but herself. She had to realize she'd never completely understand what motivated it. She just had to accept it and work around it.

Of course, his movement had allowed her a better view of the wound. It needed to be tended to but she was thankful to see that it hadn't been as serious as she initially expected; he seemed to be managing the pain well too. It made her curious though - what kind of lifestyle had manifested that?

Rather than fret further, she allowed herself a moment to relax as she stretched out a limb. "You're right," she agreed with courteous nod and a furrowed brow, completely aware of how things had begun to stir once more throughout Moladion, "we must do our best to keep friends during these times. I thank you, Tithe, for doing so. It is good to hear that we are growing closer to the our woodland neighbors." Perhaps, she considered for a moment with a bright grin, she would be able to visit Taviora come the spring season. It'd not be too difficult to make her way there and she'd rather enjoy seeing the forests up close again. It was a pleasant thought but one she stored away for the time being, more focused on Tithe's presence now that he had become less stiff.

She watched as Tithe attempted to get comfortable and followed suit though she raised a brow knowingly at his obvious discomfort. It was a baited expression, one that beckoned the question without words as she stayed prepare to jump into action at any moment. However, before she had the chance, he had been quite direct with his question. It made her ears flicker up, a low hm of thought trailing out as she shifted her weight in order to get more comfortable. Even now, she could feel the upper regions of the mountains begin to grow colder. She had always loved the snow and yet, she had been forced to admit that she needed to avoid it during the winter - at least the thickest of it. It did her joints no good, something that bothered her ceaselessly.

"I am old woman and there are few packs willing to take an old woman," she chuckled with a small wink, though she fell more serious in a moment as she continued, "But truly, there is simply too much good to give up here. Things might change and sometimes, they might seem bad, but it's best to stay close to the things that give you good memories, I think." It had been why she had avoided the ocean in part; there were plenty of fond memories when she considered the sand and the sea and yet, they had been swallowed up by the memories of drowning and screams. She could no longer envision the ocean as blue but rather a murky, blackened pool. The sky in Glorall never looked blue - it always seemed dark and smoke filled, the breeze hot and thick with the stench of blood and dirt. The mountain had been a safe place. It reminded her of the Old world and the loyalty and honor that had been so entrenched in such a place. The rest of Moladion? It almost scared her.

Her face had fallen sullen in her thoughts, her ears back and lips tight; only when she had been able to focus once more on the breathing of Tithe and the faint echo of the cave did she quite literally shake the expression from her face. She sighed, heavy and harsh before she replaced her fear and memories with a broad and curious grin. "I'm glad you stayed Tithe," she stated simply with a wave of her tail, "though, I too grow curious as to why you did. Did you not consider finding somewhere more... stable? You came at such a difficult time." Not that she would have liked him to leave but nonetheless, it had made her curious. Pan and she had their reasons - and they had always been adaptable enough to survive any reign - and yet, Tithe surely had other options. What had made him love the mountains so much that he'd stay despite the risk?