Arcana is eager to return to the oasis and continue searching for Indira, but she is too tired to argue when Orhan takes the time to clean them up. She stands quietly and allows him to lovingly clean the blood from her face. She looks on with concern as he cleans his own wounds. She hopes the injury to his leg won't spell the end of him. Arcana needs him now more than never.
When Orhan is finally ready, Arcana must shake the sleep from her head before she cans set sore legs into motion.
The black and white mare sets the pace. Motion holds her tiredness at bay and loosens fatigued muscles. She keeps one watchful eye on her newest daughter, and is glad to see the filly keep pace. Her heart is filled with pride. She and Orhan create such beautiful and robust children. Orhan's worth as a father far exceeds that of Norman. Though her heart sorely misses her son, images of Norman aren't much more than faded memories with little feeling attached. That's a chapter of her life she was glad to close.
Cresting one last shifting dune the oasis comes into view. The blue expanse is a welcome sight, but something is amiss. Two horses stand on the far shore, Indira, and a stranger.
Arcana startles at Orhan's shrill cry. He takes off to investigate and Arcana picks up a more urgent walk. Young Evren, not more than an hour old shouldn't be expected to run just yet.
Indira knows she's in trouble as soon as she sees her parents crest the distant hill. Her father is set instantly on edge. Her heart leaps into her throat with the sound of his call. She is inclines to hide behind Gabbar, but she finds the courage to stand her ground.
With her chin held high, Indira follows the sharp command. A few stiff strides place her firmly between Orhan and Gabbar. "Dad, this is Gabbar. I got lost. He walked me home." It takes a lot of courage for the yearling filly to stand between two grown stallions and attempt to diffuse a tense situation. She hopes they can't see the shaking in her knees, or smell the adrenaline coursing through her veins.