She was exhausted. She had been alone and lost on the Crossing for longer than she knew, exposed and vulnerable in the great expanse of the Meadow. The constant stress had left her weary and haggard, and the recent swim from the Crossing to Luthien had sapped what little energy she had. And now this: confronting the new lead of the Forest he’s not my father. Oh, Kisei, where have you gone? and trying to keep calm but instead being subjected to the whims of her emotions. Dynalia just wanted to sleep.

Bondurant’s words released a deep exhale from her. “Thank you,” she said as her head dropped to hang by her knees. “Thank you.” She closed her eyes and shifted her weight to lock her knees. With the knowledge that she was welcome in the Forest and that the stallion there had not acted aggressively toward her, Dynalia released herself to sleep.