Hushed Willows would that even be enough.

Harlyn was not surprised at Tavi's proclamation. Of all the wolves she had spent time with, it was Stark who stuck out to her as the most loyal and reliable. Perhaps it was due to the simple fact that it had been he who had answered Tavi's call to escort her to her family that day at the borders. Maybe it was something in the way he regarded all of the former Hollow residents. Or maybe it was a simple aspect of his character that made him an obvious choice. Harlyn couldn't say, nor would she press it for she had no qualms towards his ascension.

Tavi, it seemed, did have some misgivings, which was perfectly understandable. They were not necessarily unlike her own regarding what it would mean for her to step so high so quickly. "Your wolves have chosen you to follow," Harlyn reassured her, "They do this because they trust your judgment and your law. If you name Stark, they will trust this too."

It was perhaps naive of her to say such a thing with confidence considering how new she was to this pack and to these wolves, but she had seen no inclination from any of them that they might not be quite so devoted to Tavi as they seemed. And what was more, they knew Stark, and already seemed to respect him as they did not Harlyn. Her own wolves had been pushed to their limits and none had ever wavered in their trust of Harlyn's leadership. That was simply what it was to be pack.

"And if they have a problem with it, you may direct them to me," she jested with a small grin, thinking of how Tavi had said the same of any who would question her. It was a joke in its inception, but also a bit of a statement. If they were to lead together, then they would be equals in this. Tavi had Harlyn's back if any questioned her, and so too would Harlyn have Tavi's.