It was years of practice and error that kept the Tainn in place, rationality in his reach,  holding a composed yet commanding air. There was the tiniest part of him that had been convinced someone would want to follow Drestig, feeling deep down some of them must see him as inadequate for leaving. But that doubtful voice was quickly snuffed out, though he surely wasn't looking at this as their want to follow him instead. It was more to remain in the place they knew as home. Serach's words affected him the most, he had a vague inclination what would happen if he sought after the hot headed youth. It would have to be later, maybe he could attempt to explain it. Make sense out of what is and should be. As for Jessie, she must not see how he disagreed with Drestig's actions, how one day had caused him to look upon him differently. There seemed little point to explain. He understood the pair of them were together now, wishing they would make their own happiness.

Eyes met the Avalon's, wondering if he would find what he sought. If he would continue the path of leadership or find it unsatisfying.  The man spoke, the other took a moment to mull over his words. Upon their first discussion only the opinion and well being of this pack had kept Triell from starting a fight all those days ago to drive the Avalon out. They surely were not the same pair that had meant in these woods, a friendship strained, but no, he couldn't look at Drestig as an enemy. Triell was all about chances, remember?

 "That we can," he murmured, feeling it was all he needed to say for there would be no lax action should Drestig test his patience again in any manner.Momentarily he let his eyes follow them, surprised all this would be the last words between wolves that had once been of the same pack. They would not tell the children goodbye they had cared for, or even look back. It should have been different, but life usually had its own ideas. Why he heard Naira, he could not quite uproot himself. He bobbed his dark head, feeling a bit of relief it was over for the time being.

Sahalie's wide, bright eyes found him for a second, but he could tell it wasn't his company she sought. Which stung, and yet he felt they were all rattled, and he really did not know what to tell her that she already had not seen for herself. She seemed to seek out her friend instead. Orange eyes fell upon Drift, but like Serach he was happy to be good as gone, and Leotie was the last to depart. A sigh he took a path all his own, wanting silence for his company. Unlike the rest he hadn't been entirely blindsided, and it was nice to hold his crown again. It had been too strange without its weight.

{end}

Triell Tainn