Mariael was a child on the cusp of turning two-years-old. She was pressed against the comforting warmth of her father’s side inside the herd’s favorite cave, watching Maziel who was pressed against both their father and her, breathing shallow and eyes closed. The love she felt for her sister in that moment was almost overpowering, and the fear that some harm could befall her made her tremble. Emotion scurried thick into her throat, making her breathing hitch and her eyes blur with unshed tears.
“Mariael?” Softly, her father’s voice.
Mariael sniffed, pressing her face into his shoulder.
“Mariael? What’s wrong?” He whispered soft to not wake anyone else, his voice still groggy from sleep.
“I don’t want anyone to hurt Maziel.” She whispered softly, hiccupping as more tears fell.
“Whose going to hurt Maziel?” Nephilim whispered back, dropping his head and turning so he could look at his daughter, who shot him a sorrowful, teary-eyed expression.
“I don’t know,” she complained softly, filled with too much emotion for such a young thing to understand. “But I don’t ever want it to happen.”
“Ahh,” Nephilim sighed and smiled, reaching to gently touch his muzzle against her cheeks, nestling her closer to him. “We can’t control everything that happens to us, Mariael. You can’t control if Maziel will get hurt one day, but you can do what you can to be there for her. Do you understand that?”
Mariael made a soft noise of complaint. “That isn’t fair.”
Nephilim’s soft laughter was a breath that stirred her bangs. “I know, love. I know.” A soft pause of silence. Nephilim took a breath. “You know, love, I didn’t grow up with anyone. Siblings, mother, father… I was alone. I don’t ever want you or any of my children to feel that way. Family is the most important thing. We only have each other. I don’t ever want anyone in our family to feel as if they’re alone in this world. And you know what that means?”
Mariael blinked, peeking up at her father, tears having been shed.
“It means we’re always going to be okay, no matter what happens. We’ll always have each other.”
* * * * * * * * * *
Mariael smiled at her brothers and the walls she normally held against strangers (or even acquaintances) all but vanished. It was so good to see them again and she knew both Maziel and Zevulun would be overjoyed to be reunited. She would have to remember next time she and Dances crossed paths she would thank him for sending her brothers home to her. The Bay always felt just a little less cold with more family blood looking out for one another.
Parting touches were given between she and Judicaël before he returned to the surf to try and retrieve his sister. Momentarily Mariael’s eyes lingered on the waves, worryingly watching him disappear into the dark waters. Jude will find her. It was Alessandro’s voice that pulled her attention from the water. She offered a small, encouraging smile and an agreeable nod. “He will.” She said. If he didn’t, they had enough members now and enough allies to reach out over the islands and learn her whereabouts. It would be fine. This was a joyous occasion and should be treated as such.
“Yes, they’re both still here in the Bay and they’re doing well.” Mariael said with a smile. “Zevulun’s just as foolish as he was when he came out of the womb, if not worse. He’s a father now, too… so that makes you an uncle. Maziel’s got a crush on a stallion who lives with us, though she doesn’t think I know… although honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if she doesn’t know.” These anecdotes were offered with fondness. It was good to give good news about her siblings.
It’s been too long, Mariael, and for that I am sorry.
At that, Mariael stepped forward and softly touched her muzzle to Alessandro’s neck before pulling back. Her eyes met his. “You’re here now. That’s all that matters.”
Mariael laughed and rolled her eyes. “Tinuvel winters are Tinuvel winters, but we’ve managed to stay well protected against the worst of it in the caves by the hot springs.” She paused. “I’m… well.” What was there to say? She thought briefly of Diamant, but even she didn’t understand what feelings had bubbled beneath the surface for him and he was gone now, off to be there to raise his daughter. “I’ve decided to claim monarchy over Tinuvel.” She watched Alessandro for his reaction. “A new neighbor has moved into the Inlet, but it’s changed leadership for years now and I’m tired of it. I felt now was as good a time as any to stake my claim to our home island… we’ll see if the new stallion can get with the program of being ruled by a mare.” A smile crept over her mouth.
“And you?” She asked, eyes curious. “How have you been? And Jude?” She paused. They’d run into Dances on the Mainland… did that mean he’d told them about their father? The same ache spread over her heart – the emptiness inside resulting from her father’s loss. This was to be a happy time… they could talk about whether Dances had told them later.
At any rate, a new family member approached, though this was one Alessandro had never met and vice versa. Mariael turned her eyes to her niece, still smiling as she did so. “Hello, Izzy.”
She glanced at Alessandro and her smile grew. “Alessandro, this is your niece I was talking about, Zevulun’s daughter Izizel.” Her gaze moved to her niece. “Izzy, this is your uncle Alessandro.”
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