Everything is blood.

The first sight of Liland through the carnage brings an ounce of sweet relief. He barks an order at her, but Havelle's mind still spins in endless circles, unable to make sense of the world as it is right now. She hesitates, raking a few more strokes across the little colt's hide with her tongue.

She watches as if from another point of view, as her father mourns over the corpse of Sabela. She doesn't know how he comes to stand before her but he presses his forehead to her own, a gesture gentle enough to coax her from shock. Liland withdraws and Havelle silently nods. Her legs are weak and tremble, but they carry her swiftly away, towards the herd, where they sleep huddled together in a mass.

Her cheeks are wet with tears and her voice cracks as she whispers into the night. "Rayna?" Havelle reaches out to nudge her's neck. Rayna, wake up. Come quick!" There is an urgency to her words, sure to wake the others. Her coat, streaked with blood is sure to alarm their nostrils.

Havelle calls for Talien. Talien! We need you! Come with me! Havelle doesn't linger for explanations, or wait for the sleep to clear from their eyes, she spins on her heel and leads them at a gallop, towards the tree line. Once among the trees, she slows to a trot, picking her way carefully through the brush until she finds Liland, the colt, and the worldly remains of Sabela. Havelle halts just outside the thicket, leaving room for Rayna and Talien to enter.