[Lif pauses, at that. It's what he was expecting, really, and he holds no ill towards Hubert for it; it makes Lif push those thoughts out of his head, if only for a time. He could give the book back to Hubert and simply go on his way; he needs to become stronger, as strong as he can to lay the gods low who have toyed with him.

...And yet...]

Some might accuse you of growing soft-hearted, Vestra. [...] But...I suppose I can refrain, for the time being.

[He doesn't want to. But maybe getting caught up in sentiment, just this once, will actually benefit him. He'll at least start to struggle his way back, but...]

...Thank you. You did not have to go out of your way like that.