Quietly the bear listened, and it seemed the group had come to a unanimous decision about the election. It felt Maji Walezi had already chosen a leader in Cancer's place - rather, the bird had stepped up to perform the necessary duties where Cancer had failed to due to his absence. It would feel like a discredit to Bevy if she wasn't elected, and yet the bitterness in him from having to wallow at the bottom of their ranks had him wondering if he should voice his displeasure in the form of nominating somebody else. The only question was: who? Only the three of them remained of Maji Walezi's original memberbase, and Leon was unlikely to be elected because of his recent transgressions. Makyna would make a fine leader, but it would be obvious that he viewed the lioness through rose-coloured glasses and felt that
everything she did was perfect. Besides, if she was leader, the bear would have even less of her to himself. In a selfish bid to hoard the lioness, he not to elect her.
Who else, then? Bevy nominated Eeya, but a quick glance to the dolphin reminded Leon that Eeya was by no means leader material. That, and he'd rarely seen much of the dolphin to know him well enough in the first place. Amaria and Al-Addir were present as well, but Leon's bias towards the authority of age had him passing them by as well. Quix, too, fell into that category. Anybody else that he could have considered wasn't present, leaving Bevy as the only true candidate. Well, Bevy and Makyna, but again his greed kept him from suggesting her. Perhaps he should swallow his pride.
For now, the bird continued on, passing over the nomination process for a moment to discuss Amaria and Al-Addir, and their growth from juvenile ranks to Guardian and Scout. There was a blossom of pride in him as he glanced over to Amaria - had he his Scout rank back, he could perform the trial and they would be given another chance to bond. He hadn't spoken to her in what felt like ages, and she'd probably enjoy that. As far as he knew, the only other Scout was Eeya. He pushed that thought to the back of his mind. Rightfully so - the next topic was in regards to their
Runt, and Leon smothered the burn of irritation if only to turn his attention to Bevy. The mild sympathy in her voice had not gone unnoticed, but it did little to mend his wounded pride. Still, this was his chance to regain his rank and his honor - Leon wasn't about to pass it up over the petty acridity of his punishment.
The bear cleared his throat. If the group's attention had not been fixed on him yet, hopefully it would be now as he
sat upright on his haunches, politely folding his front paws in front of him.
"Thank you, Bevy." He began; what emotions whirled in him were snuffed out with the distance of his voice, turning his eyes to the gathered Gembounds.
"I wish to apologize for disturbing the peace as the inevitable result of my actions. I know that what I've done has left its mark on Maji Walezi and it has changed, for better or for worse; some of you may still hold me in contempt, and I can accept that. In light of all that's happened, it has and always will be my duty to protect Maji Walezi, and I will continue to do so for as long as you all will have me. I only hope that some day you can forgive me and know me as your friend, and not an angry stranger."
Leon settled his paws back on the ground, indicating that he was done. Hopefully, they had all taken notice of his attempt to right his wrongs - the bear had resumed his duties and hopefully been more than helpful to his groupmates, and he hadn't felt the need to mention it; an apology was what he wanted to give them, and he did so, hoping that they could find it in themselves to forgive him.
"I nominate Bevy." He added, slowly turning his orange eyes to the small bird, before finally falling silent.
