Rivaini recognized the determination beneath Megaera’s words as one that could rival her own, but it was the darker mare who captivated her attention now. Somehow, her brother’s soft voice and gentle words had coaxed the timid creature to venture forth from her silent shell. Tisiphone not only spoke, but did so openly - sharing both her feelings and her aspirations in a manner that took the silver bay aback. Though fearless in most aspects of life, Rivaini had always guarded her heart jealously; perhaps even more so now that it had been wounded. In fact, when Faolain had first found her, the Andalusian female had flatly refused to believe the truth she’d brought with her - that her sibling was still alive. Experience had taught her that hope and comfort were not commonly found amongst strangers.
Or anyone, for that matter.
Of course, Iscariot had always been the more empathetic of the pair, and his time on the islands had only served to hone that skill. The pale stallion seemed to make friends as easily as he drew breath - though RIvaini couldn’t decide whether or not she was jealous of this particular talent. Especially when it came to his inexplicable relationship with the younger inhabitants of the Ridge. Together, the three of them explored the peaks and valleys of their home, collected a random assortment of objects, and even raced screaming up and down the beach. When he was with them... it was almost as if the perlino was trying to relive the childhood his afflicted hindlimbs had caused him to miss.
Iscariot was heartened by his success, though the warmth of his smile was no match for the chill in the silver dun’s voice when she spoke on the heels of her sister. The retort was neither sharp nor cruel on the surface, but the dismissiveness of it reminded the ghostly creature of the interactions he’d had with his sire. And in response to the memories that flooded his mind, he shrank back, curling ever-so-slightly into his sibling’s side. The silence that Tisi had briefly escaped now descended on him, too. But his eyes still held hers, and mirrored the emotions that flitted just beneath their molten-gold surface.
Undeterred, it was RIvaini who picked up the unraveling threads of their conversation. “If you lived in a desert, then Salem - the southernmost island - might be to your comfort. That said, my home on Atlantis is open to either or both of you if you would like a respite from the arid, unforgiving climate that such a place offers. Or even if you would simply like a place to return to whilst you seek a more suitable home.” If Faolain were here, she would undoubtedly have made the same offer, so her co-Guardian could do no less. But even beyond that simple truth, Rivaini remembered all too well what it was to be confused and overwhelmed in a strange place, and hoped that she might be able to spare them at least some of the inevitable struggle that came with starting one’s life anew.
Of course, she also remembered what it was to have received similar offers from the two stallions whose company she’d briefly shared upon her arrival. Being of the feminine gender might help put these strangers more at ease with her motivations - but regardless, she hastened to assure them of the lack of obligations that came with her offer. “Everyone in the Ridge is free to come and go as they please, of course. While there are some on the islands who are known to keep captives, Faolain would never impose on another’s freedom to choose their own path.” As with Çiçek, the dark ‘Teke would not attempt to dissuade Megaera or Tisiphone from leaving if that was their desire.
Even if it broke her to say goodbye.
For the first time since the golden mare had gone, RIvaini wondered how her co-Guardian was holding up in the mare’s absence. And felt a cold rush of guilt that she had not considered Fae’s potential sorrow while wallowing in her own self-pity. When she and Iscariot returned, perhaps it was time to seek out her slender little shadow and offer her the solace of her company - if it was desired, of course.
ISCARIOT & RIVAINI
i can see your light |