She keeps her tail out and head high, but she kind of retreats, though she elects to consider it differently. No. She walks a wobbly half-circle away from him to be able to face him at least a bit better, even though they are still far from eye-level.

That also gives her time, assuming he doesn't follow this up with attacking her, which she hopes his putting her down implied he won't. Giving up a strategic advantage like that and all would have been stupid if he planned on it.

Time to force some calm. ...Okay.

"I didn't ask for your help. You offered it freely."