Moonspear Never doubt that your courage will grow

As Rannoch spoke, Gannet's mind churned with what he was saying. He'd left a while ago, intent on finding Liffey, and had taken his time about it. As a result, he'd been gone pretty much the entire time war had been on the table. Rather than helping him to understand, this only cemented in his mind how in trouble he was going to be on return. If they even let him back in.

Towhee already thought he was a flake. Finley and Elwood, in his mind, had been fairly indifferent towards him ever since his disappearance and return. And the rest of the pack? He hardly knew them. He hadn't really worried about it then. Now, even if they returned safe (which wasn't a guarantee), why hold him a spot open when he hadn't been there to help?

Normally one to reason and see the best in a situation, he shook his head and stretched out his forelegs, sliding down until he was lying with them straight out in front of him. "I shoulda been there." He said softly, frowning. He'd stuck up for Titmouse, yeah, but in doing so he'd deprived his pack a useful contributor when they needed it most. No wonder they hadn't checked in.

"Lyra says it won't heal," he finished, glancing at his leg and then looking up at Rannoch with a dejected sort of acceptance. It felt good to say it, actually. "I didn't wanna tell them." He didn't specify who.