Without words to muddy the waters, the siblings were able to express both the uncertainties and affections that lingered within them more easily. And from Faolain, they picked up cues that set the former at ease, and increased the latter. Iscariot still harbored doubts about his place at the Teke’s side, but the way she relaxed under - and even subtly listed into - his touch soothed the worst of his fears. She had not, after all, invited such intimacy with Shamwari, and the chestnut stallion had not offered it. And even if they were not destined to grow beyond what was felt in this moment, the perlino was content to share the close friendship that he had with Faolain. No matter what the future held, she would always hold a place in his heart.
Rivaini had initially feared the shackles that might come with such an emotional bond, but she found instead that it was liberating to love the dark mare. In fact, keeping her heart closed had turned it into a prison - and tearing down those walls had shown her that the happiness that could be gained from such relationships was well worth the inevitable trials. And though one might argue that it had weakened her in some ways - such as her reliance on Faolain - their bond had strengthened her in others. Even setting sentiment aside, with two of them they could protect one another. With two of them, they could share life’s burdens, and find them easier to bear.
By the time that Faolain spoke, they had settled back into their familiar, uncomplicated patterns - leaving the deeper emotions that had been left unspoken for another day. Instead, the slender mare invited them to celebrate in their small triumphs. They were still together, and the Ridge now had been their sanctuary for the turning of two seasons. It was becoming easier to believe in the permanence of their arrangement, to shed the worry that their security and happiness could not last. “I hope they will,” Iscariot responded in his soft voice, staring thoughtfully into the distance. “I never imagined I would enjoy a true home, and a family such as this one. But now that I have both, I can’t imagine living without.”
The silver bay’s shiver was brought on by both Faolain’s ministrations and her brother’s gloomy words. Though he’d only voiced what all of them feared, speaking the words seemed to lend the thoughts behind them more power. “Don’t, Iscariot,” she began chidingly. Then, more gently, she continued. “Faolain and I aren’t going to let anything happen. And even if something does, it won’t change anything. No matter what, we’ll still have each other.” This, at least, Rivaini could stand firmly by - even if the Ridge was lost, they would simply find another place to go. Together.
Thankfully, the somber mood was quickly broken by the Teke’s antics. Before either sibling was able to register her actions, she had pulled on Rivaini’s pale mane, nipped at the pale stallion, and then splashed into the lake. “Why you little minx!” the copper mare laughed, whirling to chase Faolain into the water. Her laughter followed her, as warm and clear as the autumn air. Iscariot was a little slower to react, still inexplicably flushed from the gentle scrape of the black mare’s teeth on his pale skin. But after a moment he launched himself forward too, ignoring the protesting ache in his back limbs.
“You better save some for me, sister!” He called out chirpily, watching the silver bay run her muzzle over Faolain’s most ticklish spots.
Despite the chill of water, both siblings were filled with warmth, and the reassurance that even though this moment couldn’t last forever, there were many more yet to come.
ISCARIOT & RIVAINI
i can see your light |