Rivaini

I should have known. Faolain’s presence was balm to the silver bay’s aching heart, warming her inside as well as out. But the wry chuff of humor that followed these words— that was when Rivaini knew that her shadow was herself again. That she was hers again. Feeling laughter and sobs and words of endearment tangle together in her throat, the larger woman could only hum softly in response. Could only bury her face in the tousled curtain of Fae’s mane, drying her tears on its dark strands. But if she’d had the breath for it then— if she could have trusted herself to speak— the red Guardian would have told her companion how foolish she was to forget. Might have called her something less than kind, albeit with a smile on her lips.

And Faolain, she believed, would have understood.

It’s good to be back. Rivaini nodded in wordless agreement, emerging slowly from the sanctuary of her beloved’s mane. Wary of more tears, of the receding tide of emotions that at any moment might rise again. Grasping for the self-control that had never been hard before, she inhaled deeply. Exhaled, her warm breath gusting against Faolain’s skin. Inhaled again, the points of her ears surfacing from the pale cream of her own hair. Exhaled more gently this time, swinging her body around to stand at the ‘Teke’s side. And then finally, finally— after she’d rested her chin atop the arch of her companion’s neck— the silver tobiano spoke.

“This is nice,” She began, her voice still a soft hum. “Just you and I, like it was in the beginning. Do you remember?” Rivaini’s voice warmed with something like laughter, grew strong and steady and certain. “We should do this more. Run away together. Spend an hour or two away from the children and the endless responsibilities. Remember what it is to be ourselves.” With gentle teeth, the auburn mare began to comb through the tangled mess of Faolain’s mane. And with each brief, brushing gesture, she felt the familiar heat pooling in her belly. The familiar ease lifting fear and sorrow and doubt from her thoughts. The familiar smile curve her lips upward.

With each moment that they stole, her heart felt more complete— as if it had never hurt at all.

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