To echo (heh) what other's said, I think Midgy took over watching over us since Hydaelyn has grown so weak. I think we still have the Echo, and what got stripped was Hydaelyn's direct protection, which really wasn't doing much good, seeing she's so weak now, that she can't even talk to us anymore.

Thing is, while Hydaelyn is a kind and doting mother, Midgy is the crotchety grandpa that expects us to get things done on our own, though he might deign to offer some advice from time to time. Whether or not he'll actually step up if we get into a situation that is way over our abilities and would -absolutely- require the powers of an elder power like him to deal with remains to be seen.

Heh, having a covenant with a dragon, and with the King of the Wyrms, at that, is going to be interesting heading into the expansion. Certainly will be awkward if any of the Ishgardians find out.