She could feel it, the warmth of being regarded without pressure or expectation, it settled gently in her chest grounding her rather than being overwhelming and she let herself appreciate it a moment longer. "perhaps" dark ears would tip forward, "but i have learned also not to underestimate my opponent" the respect mattered, and she smiled at him the tip of her tail thumping the cold ground.

❝ That's wise of you ❞ she regarded quietly, a flicker of something almost playful in her eyes, the purple catching the light as she glanced up at him.

"i am looking for a den. a small cave would do." she nodded, but then "would you care to help me, eidola?" the request surprised her enough that she blinked once collecting herself. While fighting was not — this was something she could do. Her tail would sweep the snow in a small arc as she considered the land around them her mind mapping the slopes, breaks in the stone and places where the earth curved inward. ❝ Yes, I'd like to help ❞ she agreed before rising fully.

❝ I think there are a few shallow caves along the eastern ridge ❞ she pitched her body that way, ❝ Or maybe you prefer something more centralized, do you have a preference? ❞ she asked with a tilt of her head.

—
Torgar
❝ speech ❞

"private but not too secluded, i think" a good balance then, she didn't start off just yet, pondering the best location for Torgars new home. And realizing, that she hadn't officially chosen one yet either. She had one, of course but it was just what was available it had not been made her own, and she thought she might be inspired to move locations. Really choose something with intent, as he was.

"where i can work, but not be unapproachable" the smile had not gone unnoticed and she found herself offering one in return. It was smaller and more reserved, but no less genuine, flowing through up into her eyes.

"and thank you, eidola. seeking a den is, ah -- it is better to be with someone else." The heat from earlier had prickled beneath her skin once more, warming her cheeks and burning the tips of her ears. ❝ Oh, of course Torgar. I'm glad to be here, too ❞ she stumbled through the last half a bit, but it was true. She was glad to be here, she enjoyed his company.

❝ Let's head a bit further into Dawnbreak — I have a few ideas, ❞ she hummed then, letting the task at hand occupy them she started forward and then paused, ❝ Don't forget your elk, ❞ she added, concern and consideration touching her voice, she allowed him the chance to get it before continuing into the vale.

—
Torgar
❝ speech ❞

She waited with a patience that came naturally to her, and once Torgar was ready, his new primed pelt strung over his back she gave a swish of her tail before starting off in the direction she had in mind. Eidola kept a steady pace, careful where her paws met crusted snow and she let the quiet settle between them.

Dark ears would flick back at the sound of him behind her, and she would glance back, if briefly; long enough to ensure he was keeping up and there was a small comfort knowing he was there. The vale came to open up before them, broken up by clumps of brush and the line of tall pines.

❝ There's a rise not far from here ❞ the mused gently nodding toward a slope where the evergreens thickened. ❝ The trees break the wind, and the ground stays dry ❞ the words came in thoughtful repose as she paused though Eidola had been here only a short time she was observant.

❝ If you want private but not too secluded... ❞ she murmured thoughtfully, ❝ you’ll want an entrance that faces away from the worst weather… but not so hidden that someone has to wonder if you’re alive in there. ❞

It was meant lightly, but it came out honest. Eidola’s ears warmed, and she ducked her head a fraction as if she could hide the flush by focusing harder on the snow and keeping her body moving toward said rise.

—
Torgar
❝ speech ❞