His heart pounded loudly in his ears, eyes scanning the group, waiting for their reactions. Their expressions showed shock, that was expected, and seconds of silence stretched into eons as they processed his proposal. Sahalie was the first to give voice and fiery eyes fell on her, growing soft as she cried her protests. This wouldn't be an easy choice for anyone, especially the young ones who'd never known any other home, he'd predicted a reaction like this and didn't blame the girl, but he hoped she'd understand in the end. Next was Serach, his outrage completely drowning out Aponi's soft question to her daughter. Drestig looked at Corinna's son, the pain clear on his face as the boy spat his spite. Again, he wasn't surprised, he'd hoped Serach would keep civil, but his objection was not unexpected; Yet the words still stung.

Movement registered out the corner of the dark man's eye, and he turned to see Spieden getting to her feet. To his solace, the female leader did not raise her voice. Her words were of understanding, even if her answer echoed the younger wolves'. That didn't shake him much, he understood that Spieden did not see the same ghosts here as him, and honestly he would not miss her much; Unlike the children, he had very little connection with the mottled woman. A nod was given in answer as their eyes connected. Then an unexpected voice sounded from the back of the group, and Drestig's gaze zoomed to Jessie, brows rising. He'd thought she would prefer to keep silent, but it seemed Serach's anger had sparked similar emotions in the grey scout. Her fury both pained and prided Drestig, the list of names making his face grow dark; Even before he had come to Oak Tree Bend, the losses had started to pile. Jessie's own bitterness was clear in her finishing challenge, and the dark man's tail flicked high behind him as he looked around to see how the others would react.

He was shocked though, when the one to answer was Naira. Dark brows furrowed over blazing eyes as the tawny woman stepped forwards, carrying herself like she mattered. Her voice was full of ice, posture a clear challenge, and it made Drestig's teeth bare in a silent snarl; Who does she think she is?! He did not know how much truth there was to her claim of knowing the former matriarch of the Bend, though if it came down to her word against Jessie's, he knew full well who he'd rather believe. Who was this hag anyway? How long had she been with them? A blink of an eye! What made her think she had the right to speak up at all?! She and Triell might be close, but Drestig would not let her spit as she did on Jessie who had stood with the pack for so long. In fact, he would very much like to remind the old woman of her place, show her just how little influence she had on anything here. But he held back. He didn't want to instigate a fight if it could at all be helped. His eyes drifted to the pups, cowering wide eyed, no doubt fearing what might come next. For them he would keep civil, even if no one else planned to.

Those who had yet to speak quickly gave their answers, brief and without much expression of emotion. After the initial uproar, Drestig was not surprised at their responses, though his heart sank; None..! He thought. None of them would come with him. Finally Triell spoke, no doubt having held back to hear everyone else's position first. There was a small relief in the older male's chest at the calmness of the Tainn's speech, however rigid his posture might be. Drestig nodded stiffly at the call to seize arguing, and again, more resignedly as Triell reaffirmed his own connection to the Bend. It was as it should be then, the Tainn would retake the throne, and Drestig would leave alone, in search of the happiness he still dreamed of achieving.

So the graying wolf stood, looking around at them all. He had a few last things to say, and he started with Serach, eyes and voice both somber; "I'm not trying to forget her Serach. But here, all I can see is her end and that's not the part I want to remember." He did not dispute the accusation though, because he knew the boy was right, he was a coward. He couldn't remain in the place where his loved one had died – That Serach had chosen to only affirmed that the boy was stronger than Drestig could ever hope to be. "I am leaving." He continued, eyes drifting out over the group at large; "I explained my reasons and gave you an offer which you chose to decline, as is your right. I thought at least the adults among you would keep civil," This was clearly aimed at Naira, though he didn't even offer her a glance as he continued: "But the point was clear, there is no need for any more discussion." He looked to Triell, bowing his head; "I hope we can part, if not as friends, then at least not enemies?" He waited only a moment for any response the Tainn might give, then turned, trotting off towards the borders. He had only one stop to make before departing, and it lay outside the confines of Oak Tree Bend, the pack he was no longer a member of.