Deep down she had known the carefree bliss couldn’t last forever. Not only because she wanted to know what happened to Iris and Lilika, but also because her belly could only swell so much before the inevitable occurred. She was going to be a mother. The circumstances that had led to her state were not unpleasant, but the attachment she felt to the father felt weaker than Eve thought it should. That, coupled with her apprehension at bearing a foal without the comforting presence of her own father, had brought her back to the islands.
Her thoughts had led her far away from Iris again, but her sister’s reluctant words brought her back to the present. The roan turned her dark eyes to the older mare, and she listened intently at first. As the story unfolded, a sinking feeling settled deep within her abdomen, only mildly relieved by the gentle touch of her sister. It was horrible, what they had endured. Eve felt the burn of bile rise to her throat as she listened to how her family had been ripped apart by some unknown male. It was no wonder why she had been so cool toward Roheryn.
When at last Iris finished her tale, the spotted roan felt a stab of pain for her and their mother. Sorrow filled her eyes; exactly what the older sister hadn’t wanted. Then, Eve broke her silence. “Iris, I was already sad. You and Mom were gone. I am happier now that you’re here, but there will always be sadness for the years we lost. And yes, I am so sad for what you went through…” She walked after the other mare as she pulled away, and buried her face in Iris’s mane. Ducking her head down, she nudged her sister’s head higher again. When it was level with her own, she looked straight into the eyes that were so like her own – and Lilika’s. “I am proud of you, for getting out of there. You did what you had to do, and defended yourself and Mom.”
Eve had never considered the idea of killing anyone, but she had never been in such a threatened position. She would venture to guess that Iris had never considered it either, until she had reached her breaking point. It was astounding the reaches one would go, to protect family. At this thought, the child in her belly squirmed again, as if to remind her that it too would need to be fiercely protected.