Even when she heard Aaron confirming that her mother's fears had been partially correct, it still did not sit well with Kimber. She felt only a little better with the news that, somehow, Aaron had been immune to the effects of the darkness. His tale of a tree gifting him a pinecone that glowed in the face of danger was an interesting one, which had her inquisitively sniffing at the pine cone in question. How could something so simple be so powerful? It made her wonder, though she supposed she'd never know. But it was unnerving to think of horses she knew being possessed by... wraiths.

"We knew that the Dragonheart was missing. Vikram saw her go into the darkness, with her brothers. And... to my knowledge he hasn't seen her return." Her voice grew hushed, thinking at the implications. What if Mirage never reappeared? But at the same time the grulla felt a smidgeon of jealousy. What was it like, knowing that a stallion was that loyal and dedicated, to watch for you when all seemed lost? Wondering this, she lifted her gaze to Aaron. Would he be like that? Wasn't he already? Hadn't he already watched and waited, for her? "I hope Amaris is alright though... it would be hard on Semira to discover her twin lost as well as her mother." Not to mention her uncles, and what of the dragon child's other relatives? Sure, the silver one had her dragon relatives. Kimber recalled that meeting clearly. But that wasn't the same.

Despite all his reassurances, she still felt terrible about the loss of Takara, sakura, and Azale. Even if the fault lay truly on wolves and unknown horses. It was small comfort to know that the children were likely out there somewhere. How would they find those youngsters, not knowing what they looked like or where they'd gone?

It was with a sad little smile that she reached up to touch her muzzle to his cheek. "So many things that we need to do, huh? But we'll be doing them together." Just as they'd always tended to do. "Do you suppose you have nieces, or nephews? Or one of each?" She strived for a cheerful tone, trying to brighten the mood. "Should I start calling you 'Uncle Aaron'?" Her lips quirked into a small smile as she teased him gently. It was an impulsive that had her shifting slowly to press herself fully against his side with a playful nip at his neck.