Marlie is one of the adults who volunteer to brave the Mountain and restore the stream to Rin. Before leaving on their quest she and Jonn, along with Rowan who brings cheeses as a gift, go to Sheba's hut to ask her for advice (as per Marlie's suggestion). The visit does not go as planned (or so it seems), with the old wise woman mocking the two adults, reciting a strange rhyme and throwing a stick at Rowan's head. Marlie is left feeling disappointed, until it is discovered that the stick is really a map of the Mountain which only Rowan can hold and read.