The troubled expression that his sister wore was only too familiar. All those years ago, he had retreated to the crags to deal with the emotional turmoil of remaining under the rule of the wolf who had killed his parents. Malina had found him there with much the same worrisome facade as Haven bore now. Though Daenerys was still alive and well, that loyalty to family ran deep in their lineage, and having chosen to remain in Spirane under the stead of a usurper must have been just as hard on Haven. He followed her gaze as she sighed her reply, looking out across Moladion. No matter who ruled each piece of the countryside, the land always looked the same as it had for the past eleven years. Shifts in power seemed to be so detrimental, but the land endured, and so did the wolves who called it home. It was how it had always been, and always would be. Moladion wolves were resilient, which they had proved in surviving and overcoming the skyfall. Even in knowing such things, it did not make the struggles of everyday life any less.

Sleekwing listened to Haven quietly and respectfully as she spoke of how she felt about the changes that had come to the mountains. Cobalt eyes ringed in lavender turned back to her as she looked to him once more, confessing the reason that she had chosen to remain as opposed to following Daenerys and Taliesin to Diveen. He nodded softly in affirmation, understanding her choices more than she knew. For a moment, her gaze seemed to look straight through him, taking her far away from the mountain ledge they sat upon. When her eyes refocused on him a moment later, she asked about him and he smiled at his younger sister. Not so young anymore.

"When mother and father died, there was nothing left for me here. Everyone was gone. And yet, I chose to remain. That was one of the most difficult choices I have ever made in my life, Haven. I stayed because I had promised our parents that no matter what, I would protect these mountains. That's a vow I will carry with me to my grave." He took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as he looked out across Moladion once more. Roman may not consider him a member of his pack, but that would not prevent Sleekwing from upholding his vow. After a moment, he looked back to Haven. "A mountainborn must always be in Spirane, Haven. The very air we breathe calls to our hearts, and soil soothes our tired paws. Daenerys will never discredit you for having chosen to stay. She knows, perhaps better than any of we children of Moonglow and Alcide, the call of the heart of the mountain." He hoped his words offered some solace to his younger sister, for he did not want to see her punish herself in any way for the choices she had made.