Rivaini

Though it was unlikely she would ever confess to the disquiet that leadened her limbs as she followed Faolain into the sea, the silver bay was grateful for the encouraging glance that was offered by her companion. The last time that Rivaini had chanced such a swim, she'd nearly drowned and had thought her brother lost. At least this time, she was able to look back and see the pale stallion standing safely on the shore, pink lips parting in a farewell cry that his sibling could not hear over the pounding of the surf. Regardless, the cinnamon-colored mare responded with a reassuring smile and a flick of her silvery tail before continuing after the lean figure of the 'Teke with every appearance of the fearless creature she would have Iscariot believe her to be.

But Fate was known to challenge such pretenses, and today was no exception.

From the coast of the Crossing the pair turned south as if by unspoken agreement - though in truth, it was Faolain alone who determined their direction. The dark mare had been on the islands longer, so Rivaini placed her trust willingly in the knowledge and instincts of the other - another testament to how much she had grown. Never before had the silver bay allowed herself to be led - and though certainly there were moments of doubt and even fear when they grazed the teeth of the storm, her conviction remained unwavering. It would have been nice, however, to have even one safe and uneventful swim in the sea. As the only means of traveling between islands, such journeys were likely to be a necessity - and Rivaini's experiences so far did not exactly endear her to the watery element.

After a brief but exhausting battle, the island of Atlantis loomed before them, a welcome refuge from the turbulent waves and lashing wind. During the course of their approach, it was easy for Rivaini to imagine the isle as a great green Leviathan curled up in slumber; what faced them now was its bony spine, defined by the ridges that rose and fell in irregular patterns. As they drew closer and its features became more defined, the auburn mare feared that they would need to skirt around the point to find an accessible shore. But Faolain continued along their course, and unerringly found a strip of bone-white sand so thin that at high tide the sea likely swallowed it in its entirety. From here the duo - instead of pausing to admire their surroundings - sprinted for the safety of the trees. Bursts of laughter left Rivaini's lips even as they ran, born of both relief and light-hearted joy; as dubious as their beginnings had been, by now she had come to truly enjoy Faolain's company.

"I guess now we know that the curse is mine. If any wish to make it safely across the sea, they should first ensure that I'm not in it," Rivaini offered breathlessly between giggles. She paused to shake as much saltwater from her russet body as was possible, knowing that any remnants would dry itchy and uncomfortable. What they really needed was a good roll in the dirt, but the trees were so densely-packed where they stood that it was an impossible dream. "I'm fine. Shaken, but glad that Iscariot wasn't with us," she said more soberly, knowing that the perlino stallion would have been terrified - and quite possibly too weak to make it through the storm.

After a pause the feminine pair began to head upward, appreciating the bounty of their surroundings in silence. Once or twice Rivaini thought she might have glimpsed another of their kind in the surrounding shadows, but she could not be certain; while a multitude of equine scents surrounded them, few were particularly concentrated. And when they arrived at the top of the ridge to gaze down on the expanse of open grazing, the silver bay needed no further convincing. Here they could live in safety and seclusion. Here they could easily form a herd from the nucleus of their own family.

"I feel as if I've quite fortunate even before we found this place," Rivaini said in a soft voice so heavy with emotion that it scarcely sounded hers. The glance she favored Faolain with was appreciative and genuinely warm - at least, in the instant before her blue eyes glinted mischievously. Directing a nip at the other's withers that intentionally clipped the air instead of her black skin, the white-marked bay lurched forward with another laugh.

"Race you to the bottom!" She called over her shoulder.

mare / five / silver bay tobiano / andalusian mix / 15.3hh