Within two sentences, the two-toned stallion before her made a better impression on Mariael than the last leader of the Inlet had. When he referenced mares who were warriors in his bloodline, Mariael’s chin lifted just a notch – a small, barely noticeable sign as she took pride in being called such. The island of Tinuvel bred strong creatures and those who survived the winters year after year, relying on great instincts, fighting predators and learning the lay of the land enough to know the safe havens during blizzards, were beasts of absolute durability.
Though Mariael was young, she had survived on this island for so long she felt far older than those who (she felt) lived a gentler life in a gentler territory. She was a child of Tinuvel and the frost ran in her veins just as the blood her heart pumped through her.
Mariael had always considered Tinuvel to be the best of each island of the scattered five. She was bias, yes, but she wouldn’t change her opinion one way or the next. To hear her neighbor likewise wished Tinuvel to be the behemoth of the islands, to be looked upon with the respect it deserved, was music to her ears and softened her just slightly to this encounter. Mariael smiled a knowing, agreeing smile.
“I’m happy to know I share this island with someone of a like mind to me.” Mariael said, her blue eyes bright. “There is no island that could compare to Tinuvel.”
Her ears twitched as he asked whether she was a mere stray. Mariael snorted softly, and if she had an eyebrow to arch she may have done so. Smoothly, she replied. “I was born in the Bay and I will die in the Bay, never leaving this island if I can help it.” Mariael paused only for a moment before she further elaborated. “My father came here when he was a colt in the dead of winter and when he survived the blizzards, he knew Tinuvel was meant to be his home.” It hurt, just slightly so, to speak of Nephilim. “He instilled in me the same understanding and respect for Tinuvel. The elements can be harsh, but the rewards for surviving here are well worth it.”
Gone was the hotheaded filly who’d come to the Inlet two years prior. Mariael still might possess a temper beneath her skin when met with something disagreeable, but at the moment, standing in strong company with a stallion who shared the birth claim to Tinuvel, she was anything but. This did not make them friends, but it made her respect him, and that was worth a whole hell of a lot more to Mariael than friendship.
“We should discuss how we wish to govern Tinuvel.” Mariael said, watching him carefully. He’d been agreeable thus far, but she knew all too well he was still a stranger to her. “I suggest an Oligarchy. You may be king here, in your Inlet and I will remain queen in the Bay. But over Tinuvel as a whole, we will consider ourselves equal rulers. If a determination needs to be made for the island, we will meet and discuss what should be done. We will respect one another’s rules and will be allies and not harass or harm the other’s home or subjects.” She watched him carefully, wondering if he would agree. Ideally, Mariael knew they’d be stronger working together, but if he wished to run his side of the island his own way and it contradicted with hers, Mariael would not argue.
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