Eight years earlier, Eshonai examines a topaz containing a painspren that glows an ominous orange. Venli claims she learned the trapping technique from humans and confidently presents it to the elders, suggesting it might enable new forms, even warform. The elders speculate about trapping lifespren to schedule mateform, and debate whether warform is within their rights.

Eshonai reports on her expeditions: abandoned human sites, a fortified trading post, and a message to formalize relations with the so-called Parshendi. The elders discuss human overtures and whether to adopt a centralized government, rejecting the idea of a king. Eshonai proposes visiting other families with her maps to inspire unity, but Venli mocks the idea and the elders table the proposal.

Outside, Eshonai notes unusual movements from other families, fearing a potential assault. She finds her mother, Jaxlim, wandering in confusion and helps her home. Jaxlim acknowledges worsening memory loss and insists on ensuring Venli learns the songs before her mind fails.

Venli returns, reporting the elders will test the new form with volunteers and requesting gemstones she prepared. When Jaxlim asks Venli to resume practice as keeper of songs, Venli argues the new form could resist illness and help Jaxlim. Encouraged by both daughters, Jaxlim volunteers to try it and praises Venli as a potential "keeper of forms." Eshonai hears Venli hum to Joy with an unsettling, aggressive cadence and grows wary.