Epona heard her mother attempt to respond but was unable to do more than sob. Epona nervously suspected the worst, and tensed up. She wanted to comfort her mother but also didn't want to risk facing what was being discussed.

While she considered her options, the sound of footsteps drew close. Epona pretended to be fascinated by the room's decor while she studied the woman out of the corner of her eye. The older woman was short and slim, with hard eyes. Epona forced herself to smile at her grandmother.

"I'm sorry," the woman sighed and was silent for a tense moment. "She wanted to say goodbye but..."

"I know." Epona felt abandoned. "It's okay. She'll be back soon."

"Do you know who I am?"

"Yes."

"Well, that's a start at least." Grandmother said. "Your name's Epona right? After the horse goddess."

"Yeah," Epona confirmed.