Falls

The thought of a home rolled curiously around Faolain’s head. Rivaini was right, but Faolain had no idea where to start. She did not even know what home meant, but she knew she could not find it on the Crossing; it was too public. The black mare was not a territorial individual—one did not successfully live a nomad lifestyle if one became attached and possessive of a certain place—but she was very private about her life, and preferred to live it on her own, away from the prying eyes of strangers. She was protective of herself and her secrets, but Faolain was no longer alone. Her life had others living in it with her, others she also wished to protect. Others that could not necessarily keep following her around forever.

She would have to find somewhere safe, somewhere unlikely to be followed and bothered; somewhere their freedoms could not be taken from them. But Iscariot had brought up a good point. Faolain watched his eyes turn toward the treacherous sea, and she knew it would be unfair to drag him along as she swam from island to island, searching for a place.

She thought for a long time. "If only there were four of us," she said with dry humor, but that was not an answer, and for a few more moments she continued to think. She did not want to separate the siblings again, though at least this time it would be by choice, and reunion would be much easier the second go. But she also did not want to shoulder the task of finding a home all by herself. She did not know where to start, and she could use Rivaini’s help in the decision, or potentially the fight if it came down to challenging for territory.

"I truly do not want to pull you apart again," she began, partially still just thinking aloud and trying to let her companions in on the train of thought. "And it is true that I would travel faster alone. But I am much weaker on my own, and I do not know what to look for. I have never had a home. I believe I have some idea…" she trailed off, then sighed. "Truthfully, this is all very new to me. I am still learning. I think, Rivaini, I could use your guidance while I search the islands, but if you would rather stay with Iscariot I will of course understand." She dipped her head low in humility. It was unlike her to ask for help, but Faolain feared she could not do this alone. Perhaps, if they had more time, she could figure it out, but she did not know how forgiving the Crossing was to those who outstayed their welcome, and she did not want to find out. Best to get this over with as quickly as she could.

She lifted her dark amber eyes now to Iscariot, and gave him a cheeky half-smile. "I won’t tell you to remain on the beach this time," she teased. "Well, I guess you can, if you’d like. But I doubt the saltwater is very refreshing." To Rivaini, she said, "If you would like time to decide, I will wait, but I’m afraid we don’t have long." She didn’t intend to sound cold, and softened the words with a small, almost sympathetic smile. "The sooner we leave, the sooner we can come back and collect this one," she said, nudging her head in Iscariot’s direction with a playful expression. She hoped the teasing wasn’t too much; it didn’t occur to her that Rivaini might have certain teasing privileges that accompanied kinship that Faolain did not. She was still mirroring Rivaini, just a little bit, but it was comfortable; it felt normal. She wondered if the other mare noticed.