Meadow

Rivaini

The kindness of the blue mare was a soothing balm to Rivaini’s raw nerves. Having little experience in interacting with strangers, the silver bay was certain that she had misstepped grievously in tacking her greeting on as an afterthought. But Zarya smoothed it over by offering her own name - and a warm smile. That gentle curving of lips held more comfort than any words can offer, stirring memories of those that Rivaini loved and had left behind her in the Ridge. Suddenly she felt a pang of sorrow and loneliness, and wanted nothing more than to return to Faolain and her brother. Why had she even left them? Basking in the warmth of this stranger, it was difficult to remember how heavily burdened she had felt only moments ago. If nothing else, Rivaini was grateful to have achieved the escape that she’d sought - and to have the scattered pieces of her life click back into place so neatly. Of course she would bear the burden that had been asked of her. It was a small price to pay for the safety of her family.

But the silver-maned woman could not simply turn and go - and not only for the sake of courtesy. That Iscariot would have befriended this solitary creature, his strong-willed sister was certain. And a small part of her wanted that, too. Though it might be difficult for her to lower the walls she’d raised around her heart, Rivaini knew that she could not hide behind them forever - and she didn’t want to.

“Welcome to the islands, Zarya,” she offered with genuine warmth - remembering when Bjorn and Solomon had stood before her and done the same. Small though their gestures might have seemed in the moment, it had made every difference to the lost and broken creature who’d washed up far from home. Without them - and the spotted stallion Bondurant - she might not be standing here today. And without Faolain, she would never have been reunited with her brother. If there was one thing that Rivaini had learned in the year since she’d left home, it was that the bonds of friendship - of family that was chosen - could be far stronger than those that were formed of blood and birth.

Falling silent as Zarya’s passionate voice warmed the night again, Rivaini listened in rapt fascination as her companion described the nomadic nature of the stars. She had never paid attention before, but they held her gaze now - the two staring upwards almost as one, the motions of their bodies unconsciously synchronized. “I had no idea that they wandered as we do, but I suppose it makes sense. If I had that much open space to run, I would do so gladly, for the simple joy of feeling the wind in my mane.” Lips half-parted in exhilaration at the memory of her joyous race with her dark friend, Rivaini turned back to Zarya. In a moment of boldness - of sudden bravery - she touched her muzzle to the mare’s shoulder gently, exhaling warm breath into her blue skin. It was a silent offering of comfort, of gratitude - a small gift in the face of the knowledge that she’d been given.

Then the star-scattered roan spoke again, and Rivaini pulled away, a frown tugging at the corners of her dark lips.

“I’m from Atlantis, an island to the south,” The silver bay responded to the first part of her companion’s question, momentarily avoiding the latter. After a few heartbeats of silence, however, she determined to answer honestly - to be as open with Zarya as the mare had been with her. “Life has changed so much. This meadow was a source of comfort to me before, and I just wanted to return - to breathe in the night, and feel like myself again. But I didn’t want to be alone - so I’m grateful that you were here. Now, wherever I am, I will look up at the stars and remember what you have taught me.”

mare / five / silver bay tobiano / andalusian mix / 15.3hh