Rivaini

The fissures that had begun to form in Rivaini’s adamantine fortress were quick to seal themselves at the chocolate stallion’s greeting. Her ocean-blue eyes glanced severely at Rougaru as the Guardian attempted to discern whether he was mocking her. It was only after a few seconds of careful observation that the silver bay conceded that the evident pleasure Paradise’s king expressed was genuine. And why not? This was his foal far more than it was hers - at least, in the sense that the Wolf had wanted it. Had fought for the sake of its existence, even.

Over time, the turmoil and - okay, fear - that Rivaini had felt at the thought of her impending motherhood had faded, but not vanished. As mares went, the Andalusian was more masculine than feminine in both build and demeanor. But this particular trial had shaken the foundations of her confident and independent nature, exposing the tender, insecure core that was buried beneath. In other words - as far as the tobiano woman’s emotions went - still waters ran deep. The conflict that was apparent in her gaze for the few seconds that it held Rougaru’s was only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Outwardly, she might appear annoyed, or even flustered by the ardent light in the stallion’s green eyes. But inside - inside she was a mess of thoughts and feelings that would have taken hours to sort through.

Such as the inexplicable flicker of - disappointment? resentment? - that she felt when confronted with the bare truth. Of course the concern Rougaru expressed was for the sake of the unborn child, and not truly about her own welfare. Any care he showed towards her was incidental; an effect of her status as a vessel for his progeny. Though she assured herself that this arrangement was preferable to any entanglement of emotions - particularly now that she had the affection of Faolain - it couldn’t erase the feeling of inadequacy that had taken seed in the softened soil of her heart. Riviani had always lived in fear that she wasn’t enough. And while completely illogical, it didn’t matter that she did not want Rougaru, and never would - the fact that his interest in her had been but a passing flame for the sake of procreation still hurt.

Thankfully, the red woman was not given long to languish in these thoughts.

When Paradise’s King declared his support of the black “Teke, shock wiped the slate of Rivaini’s mind clear. By the time that she’d processed what the stallion said, he steered the conversation towards the proposal of a stroll. The silver bay’s limbs obeyed even without the conscious dictation of her mind, moving her along beside Faolain of their own accord. And as they walked, her companion explained the terms and results of their most recent battle - though it didn’t have quite the enlightening effect that Fae had surely intended. Instead, Rivaini only felt more confused and conflicted by what she heard. An Alliance with Rougaru? Paradise’s ruler coming to stay with them in the Ridge? And Faolain - Faolain facing the possibility of ruling not only the Ridge, but the entire island of Atlantis?

A shudder trailed down the length of the Andalusian’s spine. Not trusting her voice to remain firm, the Guardian held her silence as she contemplated the vision that Rougaru and Faolain’s words painted. It was not a future that she would have ever asked for - not a future that she wanted. With greater power would come greater burdens, and more numerous threats to the world that they had built here. If her shadow was to become a Queen, then there could be no return to the peace and simply joy that had drawn them to the Ridge to begin with.

It was a relief to hear in Faolain’s next breath that she held little desire for the golden trappings that Rivaini knew would only sow grief. But even if the dark ‘Teke was determined in that course, the red woman would have done nothing save follow her willingly - and strengthen her vow to protect Fae in whatever ways she could. “That is… alot to take in,” she confessed after silence finally prevailed. “But as you know, Faolain, your burdens are mine as well. Whatever you decide, you will not face it alone - just as you told me when I first brought you news of our child.” Though subtle enough to be missed, Rivaini’s final sentence was intended to irritate the chocolate stallion. In a few simple words, she had expressed just how badly Rougaru’s plan had backfired. Though he had achieved his original goal of an alliance with the Ridge, it was no longer on his terms. And the child that he had intended to tie them irrevocably to Paradise? It was serving to strengthen the bonds of the two Guardians far more.

But as soon as she’d made her attempt at nettling, Rivaini felt a pang of regret. For all that she had sought to provoke him so far, she could not find fault in Rougaru’s behavior towards her - or in his devotion to the child. Perhaps she was being unjust, and should give him the chance to change her perceptions of him. “Did Faolain tell you the names that she’d chosen?” She asked, the hard lines of her expression softening. “I was particularly fond of Hades, should the foal happen to be a boy.” Though she did not seek Rougaru's opinion or approval of the name, sharing it with him was an olive branch of sorts.

If nothing else, it proclaimed that she was willing to try - as he and Faolain already were - to find peace amidst the conflicts that existed between them.

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