It's the middle of the night but Tarek won't be sleeping tonight, or any other night. He remains awake, anxiously pacing in the dark. He's trampled the underbrush flat in this one area. His coat is drenched with sweat despite the cool night air. His mane and tail are unkempt, and his sides heave with ragged breaths of anxiety and grief.

He had been absent for a few weeks. As soon as he heard Hanna had been captured by another stallion he panicked and went searching for the one other he could rely on in a time like this, his mother, Indira. He hasn't seen his mother in years, but they were always close. A bond like theirs is not weakened by time or distance.

When Tarek found her, Indira was surprised, but immediately sympathetic. She told him she had a few things to take care of and would be right behind him. He is returned and has nothing to do but wait for backup. He will challenge for Hannah, but he needs to pull himself together. He was never much of a fighter. He had a few spars among bachelors when that was his life, but it's been a long time. He's out of practice, and there isn't time to prepare. He can't leave Hannah and Black Out hanging. Ensuring their safe return is urgent.