Mariael hesitated. If it had been her sister who disappeared on the wind without a trace she would have raised hell to find what had happened to her. She would expect nothing less of Shamwari, given what he’d already put himself through just to come to Tinuvel when the weather was poor. Mariael drew a breath and shook her head shortly after. “I don’t think you should worry. Vita Nova was left here, in the Bay, by my father when Mariael and I were just under a year old. She lived her on her own for some time, surviving on Tinuvel before making her way to Crossing.”
Maziel’s ear flicked and she frowned, turning her face to Mariael’s direction. How did Mariael know this? Maziel had never learned of Vita Nova’s fate upon their return. But more pressing matters meant she couldn’t ask, not now, though Mariael saw the frown on her face and knew the questions would come later.
“Perhaps she returned to the Crossing, disinterested in coming to the Bay to seek refuge after Orkaan’s disappearance.” Mariael waited to see if any anger stirred inside Paradiso – she wouldn’t be surprised to see it, with how protective siblings could be of one another. “We’ll find her, Paradiso.” Mariael said. “There was no sign of any ill-doing and your sister has survived Tinuvel before.” It would have been better to have had a more solid answer, but this would have to do for now… with any luck, Shamwari would know exactly where to look for his sister and they’d find her safe and sound, with a healthy foal at her side.
Mariael looked to Paradiso as he sought to warn her of the mare, Valve. “I appreciate your warning, Paradiso.” She did, truly. “I’ll take care with Valve.” Mariael knew how quickly her anger could ignite – she’d rather not invite trouble with making a shaky alliance… but sometimes it was in everyone’s best interest to befriend those who could otherwise be a greater enemy. Although… Tinuvel and Salem didn’t have much dealings with one another. The two islands surely were worlds apart.
“Would you like me to tell your mother about Vita Nova?” If the news needed to get to her anyways, Mariael might as well part with it while she was there.
Maziel tried to hide her excitement, knowing this was an important mission and worrying for Paradiso and his lost sister… but still somewhat excited to go on a mission with just Paradiso for company. It would be the first time the two of them were ever truly alone together…
Her heart beat fast in her chest.
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