He watched as the mare jumped to introduce herself and her silenced son, and a sad, however warm smile fell upon his lips at this. It wasn't missed how the boy looked kindly at his mother, before turning to himself a trepidation crawling across his features. Rilke wondered how his own lost son would handle this same situation, but the thought was quickly dismissed when the youngest took his own turn at responding, offering to leave. The large stud's cautious smile turned down into a grimace, understanding where Kestrel was coming from and finding it displeasing. Many stallions, especially lead stallions, let their hormones and rage control their responses, and this was the world Kestrel had been born into. He couldn't fathom the amount of fear the colt might have, but his diplomatic words, and the courage and loyalty it took to stay with his mother made Rilke proud for reasons even unknown to himself. Perhaps, subconsciously, he had placed the burden and memory of his own son onto this boy, which was unfair to them both. Before he had a chance to answer, the mare one again interjected, stating her desire to stay. Rilke looked from one to the other, already knowing what he wanted for them.

When the lad spoke once again of leaving, Rilke chuffed at him. "Nonsense," he began, lowering his head slightly to be more level with them both. "You are welcome to stay if you choose. I will not throw any out of their home, he paused, looking pointedly yet kindly at the boy, "Especially those who seem so keen on staying," eyes laying on Tayla, then shifting back to Kestrel, "and those who show bravery, courtesy, and loyalty in the face of the unknown." He hoped that his words would ease the fear he saw in Kestrel. The mare did not give an air of tension in the slightest, as if she was completely unaware the situation she found herself in could be dangerous. Subconsciously the Forest leader filled the void of his lost colt with this new one who happened into his life, an immediate bond on the stallion's part. Kestrel already showed traits of a good future leader, wise beyond his years. If he grew up and decided to stay, he was just the kind of herd member Rilke would be happy to keep around. While he had patience to the point of many considering him a pushover, he would not tolerate certain characteristics from his own herd members. Peace was really what he wanted. A safe space for all who chose to call the Forest their home. His ears tilted forward to the pair, awaiting their answer to his words.