Rivaini

Standing close to Faolain, the silver bay could feel the silent laughter rippling beneath her dark companion’s skin and was certain that their visitor would notice. But after exchanging cursory greetings with both mares, Rougaru had eyes for nothing but the boy whom he’d sired. And if a wicked smile finally broke through the barrier of Rivaini’s self-control, then this went unnoticed as well—save perhaps by Faolain. Meeting the ‘Teke’s gaze, this expression was quick to soften with a combination of affection and contentment. Little though she had originally desired to share any corner of her world with the chocolate stallion, it was a relief to know that Fae’s determination and strength had succeeded in shifting the dynamic of conflict. And while Rivaini was still not wholly certain that Rougaru could be trusted, it was clear in the warmth of his voice when he spoke to his son that his loyalty to family ran deep. The last tension drained from her as she watched him reach out gently, showing no inclination to harm the child he’d played a part in creating.

But the same could not be said of Hades.

After the first couple nips had led to increased wariness on his nursemaids’ parts, the dark chestnut had adapted by learning to conceal his intent until the very last moment. Most colts made a show of squealing and laying back their ears before teeth became involved, but not Hades. He pushed his small muzzle forward with just the right amount of eagerness and appeasement, meeting the soft skin of Rougaru’s where its descent had ended. For the span of a single heartbeat, it was a moment as timeless as it was new— tentative and tender, just like any first meeting between a father and their offspring. Then lips curled back, jaws separated, and the yet-incomplete set of small blunt teeth grabbed hold of one of Rougaru’s nostrils with surprising force.

Laughter—warm and languid—burst from the tight dam of Rivaini’s lips at this anticipated result, and for a few seconds she leaned into her slender shadow, helpless to act. But when Hades had failed to release his prize by the end of this, she stepped forward to help extricate Rougaru, prompted by the tiniest sliver of guilt at his predicament. Drawing up beside the chocolate stallion—near enough that her red skin shuddered involuntarily at the contact—she grabbed hold of one of the colt’s ears and gave it a gentle tug of admonishment. “That’s enough, Hades.” She spoke sternly, more for Rougaru’s benefit than to reinforce the message to the dark boy who had already begun to loosen his hold. It was a trick that the clever Faolain had learned the first time that Rivaini’s son had refused to let go.

Satisfied with the way Hades hastily withdrew and chattered his teeth placatingly, the silver bay moved her body to the side. It was her intention to give the father and son their space, but she was also relieved to put some more distance between herself and Rougaru. Last time they’d stood in such close proximity had been the day that their child was conceived—and while Rivaini did not regret her choice, neither had she enjoyed the experience. “Sorry, Rougaru,” she offered apologetically—though the persistence of her smile might lead him to question just how sincere the apology was. “Hades, he...bites. I should have warned you.”

Looking none-too repentant himself, the mahogany colt stretched his limbs, rose into a stand, and shook the dust from his dark coat. Only after this process was completed did his interest in the stallion appear to return—though from every moment since he’d woken, those sunset-colored eyes had watched nothing else.

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