The forest air is filled with tension. The canopy presses down from above like a weight. The birds hush and small critters normally active at night remain in hiding, wondering if a predator is to blame for a horse's nervous fits. Thanks to Tarkek, a crisp moonlight night seems so much darker.

On edge and hyper aware, Tarek hears someone moving through the wood, even through his own haggard breathing and shuffling feet. He freezes. Wide eyes search for the familiar figure through a pattern of dark and light. His ears come forward and he almost calls out to Indira, but it is not Indira's face that takes shape through the shadows. It's Evren.

Tarek deflates. "Oh. Hey Evren." He chokes out a greeting.

His eyes search the path behind her, but no one else follows. He then searches her face, but her tired expression gives no indication that she's seen Indira. Tarek heaves a massive sigh, and lowers his head, looking defeated, but Evren's words, so full of caring, lift him up, just a little.

"Evren, Warsaw has her. Warsaw has Hannah." His voice cracks as he says it out loud. "I'll never win a fight against Warsaw." And there it is again, the look of utter defeat. Tarek has lost his one and only mare, his best friend.

His grief is overwhelming, but he sets his jaw and continues, "I'm going to fight for her though. I-I went back to the mainland and asked mother to fight for me if I lose. If I can't get Hannah out of there, someone has to."

Something in Tarek has changed. His eyes, usually soft and warm, have grown cold. There is a steely determination in them. He will ensure Hannah and Black Out's safety even if the price is his life.