Orhan

When Shamwari revealed that he and Vita Nova had never met before, Orhan's lips parted in surprise. "Oh," he said, lost for anything else to say. He studied the sweaty chestnut stallion, intrigued by his frankness, and wondered if Shamwari was nervous at the prospect of meeting his sister for the first time. Somehow the idea made Orhan feel a little better about his own nervousness. But how would Vita Nova react? Did she even know that Shamwari existed? It seemed he was about to find out.

The young mare emerged from the foliage moments later, her expression muddled from sleep but otherwise receptive and friendly. "Hello, Vita," Orhan greeted the mare with a smile, then hesitated, unsure if he should introduce the two siblings or if he should let Shamwari take the lead. Then the chestnut stallion spoke, making his decision for him, and Orhan turned his curious honey-brown eyes on Shamwari to watch him explain himself. There was an awkwardness to the stallion's matter, and a pregnant pause hung heavy in the air after he spoke his own name. Orhan's gaze flicked back and forth between Vita Nova and her brother during this time, and he was beginning to wonder if he should step in when Shamwari thankfully picked the reins of conversation back up.

He felt a little glow of pride bloom in his chest when Shamwari referred to him as a friend. Orhan had too few allies on these islands, and hearing it straight from another horse's mouth was a boon of reassurance. When the chestnut stallion was finished speaking, Orhan turned his eyes to Vita Nova and nodded, adding his own agreement. His heart still beat heavy in his chest, anxious to see how the young mare would react to the strange situation. "Shamwari and I have known each other for years," he said, just in case Vita Nova were to doubt the chestnut stallion was who he said he was. "Though, I only just found out you were his sister today. What a happy coincidence."