I would honestly love you now,
But I would lovingly let you down.
Jabari watches as the herd gathers. He finds that his gaze continues to fall upon the smallest of mares, the delicate Petal, who hangs in the distance. But soon Shamwari is speaking, the tone in his voice demanding their attention, and he stands quietly and obediently at his father's side. He can feel his own agitation rising as Vita Nova begins to explain herself. Jabari had always been close to his aunt -- the two, after all, weren't that far a part in age. But her carelessness, in this moment and several others in recent his story, makes him begin to understand the weight of responsibility in which Shamwari continues to take on. Shamwari was constantly cleaning up her mess. He flicks his short brown tail across his rump in annoyance.
Nova's story sounded fabricated at best. The young stallion narrowed his eyes at her as she fumbled through her words, occasionally breaking his glare to assess the body language of his father. But the chestnut stud was stoic, as always, a blank canvas. He seemed winded, running only on adrenaline after the recent scuffle. He demanded respect from those around him but he didn't seem overly aggressive or angry. Jabari was surprised. He felt his father had every reason to be.
Jabari is about to speak, about to scold Vita Nova on Shamwari's defense when Petal opens her mouth, confirming the details Nova had shared. Why would this mare, whom seemed so close to his father, have reason to lie? Jabari remains quiet now, as he listens to her explanation, and then Sanibel's. It's Sanibel's confession, and her close connection to the Inlet foe that changes the entire tone of their meeting.
Shamwari remains quiet for a long time. His glare bounces from his sister, to Petal and to Sanibel before he nods to the two members of his herd. "Thank you for sharing this information." He says solemnly, purposely avoiding eye contact with Vita Nova and her daughter, who continues to bounce around her mother's legs, in an attempt to get Primrose's attention. "Sanibel, have you seen your sister on the islands recently? She could be in danger." He said seriously. "She is welcome here, if she needs our protection." He offers with a short nod, before returning his attention onto Vita Nova.
"Whether you like it or not, Nova. You are now a permanent fixture in this herd. No more drifting with the wind. I cannot protect you and Tavas from this Warsaw if you keep coming and going as you please." Shamwari breathes a heavy sigh, for the first time, signalling the exhaustion that's settling in. "I imagine he'll be back." He says, looking to Sanibel for confirmation. "We should stay close for the next weeks."
Vita Nova begins to squirm much like her daughter, her sooty-colored ears falling flat on her poll and swiveling to attention again. She seemed agitated, unhappy with Shamwari's demand for her to stay put. But she also knew her place. Now was not the time to pick a fight with her brother. Not after he physically fought off another stallion for her safety, and for the safety of her daughter. She snorts once but nods in agreement. Her crystal blue eyes sweep over the other mares, falling apologetically again over Petal, before she nips her palomino babe on the rump and begins to herd her away.
Stallion | Brienne x Shamwari | Chesnut Overo | 15.2 h| Photo © Carina Mailwald | © Vinyl |
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