His face fell at her remark. He really hadn't wanted to think of this as deserting anyone. Serach and Aponi were capable adults with others in their ranks. It wasn't like he was walking out on them, he hoped to explain himself. Keep the line open, believe the Donota would understand. But, he remembered Drestig and Jessie's departure, and the many more before. How often the wolves of the River, now Bend, held to that word for those who decided to  part ways. Would they see it differently?

He let out a soft, tired sigh. He was not looking forward to what he was about to do. But, it needed to be done. If they couldn't understand they wouldn't be the first, and he wouldn't waste time trying to get them to see his side of things.

Swiftly, he nodded in understanding, partly wishing he could walk beside her to collect their children."Hopefully they'll be eager for a trip out of here." They had made their own little adventures, but the Bend was all they knew. Would they leave it easily to be with their parents? Understand it was for the safety and well being? That the others of their family were going their own way? He did not know.

It was sound advice she gave him, and he would take it. Already he had held so much back from Sahalie so she could help Spieden. Why he wished they were all traveling together, he had given up the fight realizing how little he meant to all of them. Why he would be stuck wondering if they would see each other again, he would not let it plague him entirely. It would simply linger with the want to know if they were safe, and well. Something he carried for Zera, Darrah, and Drift. For now all the Tainn could do was hold on to the little spark of hope things would be okay, and move forward.
He was going to do all he could for Reiko,Treyah, and Naira. They were his life now. He planted a kiss to the crown of her head. "You be safe too." After briefly watching her disappear from sight, he would set on the path to find his pack mates, trying to still the frantic beat of his heart.

{end}