Estinien sniffs, both to manage the bit of blood still lingering in his nose, and also in way a gently dismissive response to Howl's observation. He's not overly proud of himself for his efforts, despite how doggedly he's persisted - at this point, even he can feel that it's become more of a vanity display than any legitimate escape effort.

He just can't stand the feeling of resigning himself, to walking quietly on his new master's leash. Even if fighting back is painful and pointless...

"'Tis better than doing nothing," he says after a silence that makes it seem like he won't reply at all. "Than succumbing."