Mariael had a pattern of placing those native to Tinuvel on a pedestal higher than outsiders. Those who had lived among these islands for years – had survived multiple winters – were of a different stock than others she met. Tinuvel made survivors. Atlantis may be beautiful, but life there was easy and an easy life fostered none of the grit needed if the world fell so sharply down. Salem, maybe, was simply the opposite face of the coin Tinuvel was on – unbearably hot whereas Tinuvel was ice. Still, Mariael would argue life on Tinuvel was immensely more difficult. Luthien was just another example similar to Atlantis – an overabundance of foliage and a winter which paled in comparison to the might of Tinuvel’s.
So, when Warsaw explained his roots sewn deep into her island’s soil, she nodded in understanding. She would be more patient with him than she would have been to an outsider. An outsider would have been cornered until it became a fight or relinquished control. Warsaw earned the time he asked for.
“I look forward to speaking with you again.” She said, tone level. But, before she would leave, she spoke again. “Understand this, allegiance or no… if you do something I would not allow from anyone on my island, there may be retributions. I’d hate for us to be enemies, but I’ve stood against those in the Inlet before and I won’t cow simply because our borders are side-by-side.” Mariael would not be pushed around by anyone. Mare or stallion.
“Tinuvel may stand strongest when its inhabitants are united, but I’ve lived on this island practically alone for years. I know I can stand on my own.” She was sure he could too – or felt he could. If all went well, he’d spend a few days mulling over the truth of the islands new way of life and come to terms with it all. If not, Mariael would meet whatever storm may come.
“I’m not a dictator, you know,” she said, blue eyes brightening, “if you decide to accept this, we can discuss what you may like from life on Tinuvel. Until then,” she turned, moving to where she’d wind up leaving back through the thick line of trees and return to the Bay, “I’ll leave you with your thoughts.”
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