If anything Serach said surprised Jessie, he was unaware of it. She maintained as cool and collected as ever. The same could not be said for him, however, as she responded in kind. It was no surprise to him that Willow Ridge had remained - they were just as, if not more so, established as the Bend. But if the winter's events had taught him anything, it was that stability was a fragile thing, no matter how sound it appeared to be on the outside. He was neutral on the Ridge though, and could only offer them quiet good wishes despite whatever event had caused one of its daughters to leave and trek up north. A mate, by the sound of it, although he didn't care enough to pry.

Where Serach lost his calm demeanor was when Jessie answered his question about Hearthwood. It made sense she would circle back to them last on her long trek, but he was unprepared for the cleared throat and the words that followed. His pale eyes widened, the shock and confusion plain as day on his face. His mouth opened in a silent "oh", and then quietly closed and opened a few more times as he tried to speak. His brain was racing as he tried to remember when the last time he had seen Kisla - landing upon the fall day when she had returned to the Bend and informed them that her mate had passed away. Had she already stepped down at that point? He couldn't remember.

Still mute, he slowly shook his head from side to side. "No I haven't, not since the fall. Before everything happened here. Her mate passed away, but she didn't tell me much about the pack," or the change in leadership. "But leader or not, that shouldn't change anything," he rallied, forcing his voice to carry more confidence than his facial expression portrayed. "Kisla founded the pack and I've no doubt her word carries a lot of weight no matter what rank she carries. I'm sure she would consider lending her pack's aid if the issues with your neighbors become serious." Certainly it was nothing he could guarantee, but he hoped that whoever was at the helm of Hearthwood now would hear them out.

"I can't promise there's a lot, but if you want something from one of our caches and a place to stay the night, you're welcome too. I know it's a long trip back," he offered, switching the subject. As conflicted as he was about Jessie and their history, and all the news she had brought him, he was not so graceless as he used to be. There was more to catch up on too, but he was growing weary and wanted to rest and reflect on everything she had told him.