The darkest of nights leads them into the dawning of a new day. While the dawn chases away the shadows their fears, it shines a light on mess the battle left behind, and leaves them to take inventory of all that they've lost.

Echo is gone.

Her absence torments Dances, but he no longer lets his misery paralyze him. He leads a tireless search and urges them forward with a resolve nothing short of impressive. Gone is the sad, timid stallion of days gone by and new is this stronger version of himself that he's become.

Rowena is consumed by an overwhelming guilt at the loss of both her daughters. Echo is not among the dead but neither is she among the living. The encounter with Elvira leaves Rowena with the sinking feeling that she will never see her youngest daughter again. So much came to pass that night, but no grief grips her heart harder than the loss of Macabre.

Once again, Dances with Wolves is the only tether that ties her to this earth. He links her to a happiness she keeps thinking shouldn't be possible, but here he is, wiping her tears away and whispering words of encouragement. He thinks he clings to her, but who lingers close to who? Dances is Rowena's life raft in a time of great turbulence. Their closeness in this time brings them their second child together.

The life growing inside her has already inherited their father's strange ability to make Rowena happy. Each kick, growing stronger by the day, reminds Rowena of why her life is worth living. When one chapter ends, another begins, and this foal is only the next chapter in a story that is far from over.

The gentle kiss of dawn urges her eyes to open. Dark lashes flutter and through the haze of sleep the face of Dances takes shape. Every time she looks upon him is like the first time. His well-sculpted cheekbones, and striking blue eyes are timeless works of art, meant to be appreciated at every turn, from every angle. "Hey" The dark mare's mouth spreads into sleepy grin. "Good..." Rowena responds, but her answer is short, cut off by a twinge of pain. Rowena is no maiden mare, so such feelings don't worry her. She's been having these contractions for days now, just one here and there as the end of her pregnancy nears. Her belly no longer carries high and wide, but low, and her udders fill with milk. Their newest family member will be here very soon.

"Mmm", she moans, bowing down to stretch her back. A chorus of pops sounds out along her spine. Rowena lifts one foreleg, and then the other, her knees audibly cracking. "Let's find some breakfast.", Rowena suggests, needing to stretch her legs as much as she needs a bit to eat. Maybe a walk will get this kid moving. He looks expectantly at Dances, blinking the sleep from her eyes.