Rivaini

Rivaini had always been the fire to her lover’s ice, the storm to Faolain’s stillness. Perhaps that balance was part of what had drawn the two women together— but now, now, the silver bay wished that one or even both of them could change. Because it was all she could do to meet the chiding command of this Monster’s voice without betraying the bright flare of her anger. All she could do to hold her tongue still behind hate-twisted lips, and keep the points of her ears from disappearing into the pale sea of her mane. It would have been one thing to face Rougaru’s arrogant indifference, but for a woman to turn a blind eye to his recent crimes— how was such a thing even possible? Because she is aptly named. A true monster, like her own mate.

Clinging tightly to this errant thought, the memory of Çiçek’s face filled her mind. How it had looked in the moment Rivaini had first found her— wild and angry and afraid. How the golden mare had come within inches of killing her. Her sun, who’d held so much love and light within herself that she’d never thought there was room for darkness. And now this— this creature stood before them both as bold as brass, condemning Faolain for far less. Listing subtly forward, the broader plane of Rivaini’s body painted a stark contrast to her companion’s slender figure, even beyond appearances. Because though she took her cues from the black ‘Teke and remained where she stood, even in stillness the silver bay was not calm.

Instead, Rivaini was like a deep pool with currents churning beneath its glassy surface. Her red skin quivering with the tension trapped in each muscle and sinew. She was like a rubber band drawn taut and ready to snap at the slightest pressure— ready to erupt into violence at even the slightest perceived threat. And as Faolain spoke, her sea-blue eyes flitted from mother to child and back again, determining what her first move would be. I owe you nothing. I don’t even owe you these moments of safety in my territory, and yet, I am feeling generous today. The auburn Guardian felt no such generosity, and was eager to express her fury in a way that Monster could feel tangibly. Eager to send a warning back to the Wolf-King in the marks she’d leave on his mate’s slate-grey coat.

The woman who’d given herself over for his use was dead, replaced by a creature whose passions— both good and bad— could not be tamed. And he had no one to blame for it but himself.

I suggest you leave, her shadow continued coldly, dividing the numerous threads of fate into two possible outcomes. Either the painted grullo would heed this warning and go— or Rivaini would see to that departure forcefully. By unspoken agreement, Faolain had always stepped forward to defend their home. But the balance of their relationship was shifting, and the silver woman had no intention of yielding to her companion in that way again.

If she was truly fire, then she would burn their enemies to ash before letting them threaten what was hers.

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