Tithe

Niviaq started to relax in front of him and he felt his own body begin to calm and lose its hardened demeanor. It was a stance he had always needed to take around those who ruled over him either by rank or by some other status. For years he had been trained he was nothing, born to grow to become something, believed to be cursed to failure. The few moments where he had friends who treated him as equals had been few and precious. Time would come, hopefully, where he would continue to be relaxed around those he cared about. It would like a long time for the protection of his armor to completely wear away.

A very small smile played across his lips at her words. He dearly hoped his efforts had not been in vain. The forest pack was closest to them in proximity, and he had gotten along well with the Sage of the trees. He made a note to himself to visit again once he had healed. It would not do well to have started creating the chain and lose the forge. I hope the bonds continue to grow, and to visit them again soon. Perhaps you could come with me? If you have any interest. When he had first suggested to Fritjof his extended stay in Tavioria he had intended to do so alone, to show Spirane trusted the other pack with a single member of their own. Now that he thought about it, he enjoyed the healer’s company, and was tired of being alone.

Quietly and attentively, Tithe listened to what Niviaq had to say. Her words gave him a welcome distraction from the pain in his chest as well as the thoughts in his head. Until she brought it back to him and why he had stayed. It was a question he had continued to contemplate deep into the nights, pacing this very cave. There had been so many things that weight on the balance of his decision. No one simple answer.

It was all I ever had. He said carefully, plucking the words and choosing them wisely. I had grown up in a climate like this. Cold, and riddled with caves. It was not a place I could call home, but the land itself had called to me. When I came here, to the mountains, I was given a purpose. To serve the lives of those who lived here. When the Daenerys fell, many stayed, many left. My paws are warmed by the snow that falls here. I was given the title and rank of Warden, to make sure the pack and the mountains stayed strong. I wanted to continue that task for those who had stayed, watch to make sure it stayed strong, and make it stronger in case it fell again. He was quiet for a moment, remembering the Alphess who had given him a purpose in such a more meaningful way than his own mother had. A part of him chipped at the thought. His mind clouded as did his eyes. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts he looked back up at Niviaq, struck once more that she was the mother of Pandora.