A romantic as always Tarek has fallen, and fallen hard. He has never been a stallion for collecting mares like shiny coins or figures on a shelf. He finds one who becomes his world. Naz isn't a rebound. She hasn't replaced Hannah, but she has helped Tarek move on, and heal from what he's lost. He lives and breathes the essence of Naz.

Tarek has still seen no sign of his mother. They are like two ships passing in the night, so near yet never knowing the other roams so close, but Naz and their new family together has been a welcome distraction. Naveen is the son he's always wanted, a son of his own flesh and blood, who he's been able to raise. Tarek was there for his birth, a tender moment he won't soon forget. Tarek remembers the day fondly.

"Just look at him Tarek, he is so beautiful," Naz said, and all Tarek could do was nod in agreement, the words caught in a wave of overwhelming pride and love.

Tarek watches now, as a fast-growing Naveen browses dry desert grasses. His heart is still full of pride, a pride that shines a light through the darkness of his past. It chases away any shadows of sadness. From his vantage point atop a crest of sandy earth, Tarek keeps watch. They once were nomads of the island Salem, roaming in search of the illusive Indira, waiting for a day when Naveen was strong enough to swim beyond this single island, but Naz seems to have settled here, among friends. Wherever Naz is, Tarek can be found, but he remains wary of the other stallions, living on borrowed time on borrowed land, unsure when he might overstay his welcome. Naveen too, grows from a harmless child into a young stallion. Tarek isn't sure when he and his son might be seen as threatening interlopers.