Rowena's decision to leave Osiris wasn't a difficult one, but images of Elvira flash behind her eyes. It was an equal exchange. Leave one daughter behind to be reunited with another. This doesn't make leaving Elvira behind any easier, but Rowena has faith in her youngest daughter's ability to take care of herself. It's Echo that needs her, for now and always. Lacking one essential sense, leaves her vulnerable to predators of all sorts. Not all of them attack with teeth and claws. There are other ways to be wounded by a predator.

A mounting anxiety is multiplied by the urgency in Dances' voice. He calls out to her, a call that isn't loud, but it makes Rowena flinch all the same. "Dances!", she cries in relief. He rushes forth to meet her. She returns his embrace in kind, but she can't shake the feeling that something is so very wrong.

The mare's eyes follow the direction of his gesture and her soul goes cold with dread. She moths the word "Echo", but her voice fails to produce any sound. Rowena doesn't hesitate. Her feet leave the dimly-lit path and she is swallowed by the darkness of the wood.

Instinct guides her to the place, not far from the path, where her eldest daughter lie, writhing in pain. "Echo." She speaks in soothing tones, as not to betray her fear. Her heart races, but her movements are slow and gentle. "I'm here, dear girl." She murmurs into Echo's ear. A tactile upper lip rubs her neck reassuringly.

Her eyes travel down the length of her daughter's body, rumpled and damp with sweat. Is the foal stuck? "Echo, I need you to relax. Let your body do what it needs to. Just focus on the sound of my voice." She continues to stroke her neck and lip at her mane, trying to draw her attention from this place, and from the pain. "What's your favorite place on these islands? Can you tell me about it?"