Rivaini was like a tapestry, the various threads that depicted fragments of herself interwoven in a complex way. And as with any tapestry, there were two sides to her - though only one was visible at any given moment. On the front, the colors were vibrant, the pattern extravagant. It was the side that those whom she had come to call friends saw; the part of her that was laughter, warm smiles, and even gentle affection. But amidst strangers, the face that was shown was suddenly reversed, showing only muted colors and a subtle design. Around most, she was guarded and silent to the point of appearing aloof, though such coldness was not truly in the silver bays nature. As Iscariots brother, this had been a side of her born out of necessity, born to protect the perlino boy whom she loved - and to protect herself/
She had learned early in life how fragile - how easily broken - a heart was.
It was a wonder to Rivaini that she had found even a single creature whom she could trust with the precious burden of hers - let alone more than one. Çiçek and Faolain were so different, as if both their coats but also their personalities had taken on the qualities of day and night. The golden mare was more candid by nature, the dark one reticent. But despite its more subtle expression, the reddish mare felt that Faolains devotion was fiercer, and Çiçeks affection more light-hearted; as ephemeral as the lives of the blossoms that the Nez Perce favored. Of course, no sooner had Rivaini come to this conclusion than the dunalino hailed her, intruding on the dark path that her thoughts had begin to tread. As if she had sensed the Guardians need for her buoyant nature, and came to offer the respite that she needed.
Perhaps Rivaini had been wrong in her assumptions. This errant thought brightened her as much as Çiçeks touch, and she halted willingly at the gentle tug. Çiçek, she said simply but warmly, by way of greeting. After a moment, however, the warmth yielded to suspicion as she reacted to the unsettling expectation in the others eyes, and the too-sweet tone of her voice. Whatever the spotted mare had in mind, Rivaini was suddenly certain that it would be for the benefit of Çiçeks pleasure, and not her own. If I remember correctly- she objected as sternly as possible - an effect ruined by the lines of laughter that still remained at the corners of her eyes - I never even participated in that race. So Im not certain that I understand how I could have lost.
Drawn to the beach by the sound of his siblings name, Iscariot emerged in time to hear this last exchange, and could not resist joining in the banter. Thats the same excuse she uses every time someone beats her at anything, the stallion offered as he approached the pair of mares. Rivainis a sore loser, make no mistake. Whatever she owes you, Id count it as a lost cause. He sidestepped the expected nip with a short bark of laughter, his own eyes - paler than Rivainis - crinkling in a similar manner at their corners.
Aside from their eyes, there wasnt much about them that was alike. Where Rivainis coat was a rich auburn, Iscariots was creamy-white. And while their manes were similar in color, his was more tousled, with a few - were those feathers? - tangled throughout. Even their builds were as varied as could be within the confines of their heritage; the perlino was actually more slender and feminine than his sibling, lacking the distinct musculature Rivaini had built throughout a life unrestricted by physical hardships like his own. But, regardless of their differences, it was still easy to see the shared bond of blood between the siblings, and how close it had bound them to one another.
Especially when Rivaini eyed her brother as sourly as only a big sister could. Çi, Id hoped to hide this shameful secret from you, she began, trying to hold a solemn expression but failing spectacularly when a smirk broke through. But this annoying creature is my brother, Iscariot. And the only reason he knows anything about sore losers is because he is the biggest one. Never beat me in a race yet, but grumbles enough about it after to make me feel sorry for winning! She was not as quick on her feet as Iscariot, unable to dodge the gentle swing of his hip connecting with hers. And though she might have retaliated easily, Rivaini was too aware of the potential harm that such jostling could inadvertently cause the pale stallion. She contented herself instead by rolling her deep blue eyes theatrically at Çiçek - wearing a long-suffering expression that quickly transformed into appraisal as she waited to see how her friend would react to this news.
ISCARIOT & RIVAINI
i can see your light |