Perhaps I should have known that my words would garner such a reaction from NIviaq, and yet her humbleness still drew a brightness to my eyes. In this action alone she proved my words to be true, reluctance to accept such high praise serving to confirm that she was one who desired nothing in return for that which she offered to the world. When she looked back to me and offered her own compliment in turn, I felt a welling of pride of a sort I had not felt in many years now. It was reminiscent of the way I had felt when Alcide told me, with all the confidence in the world, that I would make a fine Queen indeed. Now, it seemed, it was my turn to avert my gaze as I glanced down at my paws, blinking away the tears that threatened to well in my eyes. I was an overwhelming feeling, to be reminded of times so much simpler. And yet, without the struggles I had been forced to face, would I be laying here in Niviaq's company this day?
Clearing my throat, I turned to lighter matters, to what the future may hold for Spirane's youth - should they ever seize the day and take the future for themselves - and recollections of days long past. These moments were nice, something to be treasured, that surely I would look back upon as my best days when someone did prove worthy of taking over my helm and allowed me to retire. Niviaq's comments brought a devious smile to my face, bringing back memories of my childhood and the mischief I used to get into. Her laughter was infectious, and my own rang out in response.
Brought back to the present, I gazed down at Niviaq as she spoke of her own past. My maw parted in a grin as she poofed out her coat and chest, and I chuckled as she flopped out of the attempted posture. Brows raised inquisitively at her next comment - Tobias?