The wolves of Tartok were a difficult kind. In his previous dealings with them, Njal had not been very enthused, nor was he eager to begin again; however, his meeting with Tonravik was something of a mystery. He had felt compelled to aid her then, and she now repaid that debt — but still, Njal was cautious. He did not know if trust could be shared with the twin shadows. Echelon's response was as bland as anything he would have expected from Tonravik, or even Siku herself; within those words could have been a threat to his kin of the glacier but no matter how hard he listened, Njal could not discern it. She seemed eager to get a move on while he, stoic in the face of what was to come, reveled in the shadow of the mountain.
To some degree she was correct. They should be moving upon the glacier and taking back what was his, forcing out the usurpers and those that lay in wait. Her eagerness was... Refreshing. At the same time, Njal was not so eager to return to his place at the head of the family - for what family remained? He had not been successful in finding Larus (or the poor child's body); he had not found Valtyr or Jokull anywhere among the ice. He would be returning empty-handed and empty-hearted to poor Maera, if she still lingered there, and her phoenix-mother, who no doubt harbored great anguish for their loss. Tuwawi was a passionate woman, he knew this, and he knew that such passion could be spoiled - had been spoiled.
They will be warmer.
He commented, reflecting upon the coming spring and, hopefully, the warmth of a united family. But he said nothing further - and the silence which flowed from him alluded to the future, making him sound displeased with his present. Njal stopped focusing upon the stars, letting his eyes focus on the obscurity of the darkness - and then he closed his eyes, breathing in the taste of the winter air, the subtle spice that Echelon lent to it.
When he opened his eyes again, he was turning to look upon her - they were tired. Aged. Why do you follow Tonravik?
His voice was not malicious, nor truly skeptical. He was curious but plain in his curiosity, and expected little from her answer. The wolves of Tartok were tight-lipped and boorish things, but so far Echelon had been more amiable than her sister-in-arms. Perhaps she could allay his misgivings. You were lost to one another, but now you are together - and there is no grudge between you.
Maybe he could learn something - use this secret of these dark beasts, and be reunited with those that he loved.