Fern falls into a deep depression, and an even worse accident occurs. There doesn't seem to be any sort of abuse Callanerial won't hesitate to heap upon him.
Lem, elemental of life, experiences a flashback to his childhood. May trains the secondaries at a getaway camp, sketching out the basic idea of the elemental branches and what they are supposed to be doing. Fern has an upsetting existential crisis in front of Fola, who simply does not understand it.
May shows the secondaries an important shape shifting ability that can also make them relatively invincible when needed. Their physical bodies can be poisoned and killed by using their abilities, so they have to balance various aspects of their forms to stay alive and unharmed. After an uncomfortable, drunken night, Cal and Fern have a violent encounter.
Lem reveals various projects of his to a freshly awakened Fern, who is bewildered and somewhat horrified in response. Fern has been missing for some time following Cal's repulsive act, and he has to be caught up on many things. The elementals have had to face Cal's abusive behavior and what the repercussions should be.