Post by sagetide on Oct 12, 2016 2:23:40 GMT
An unintentional fic/art collab, but one nonetheless. I started writing this and the 2nd half was inspired by the art that Rsenak posted in the art portion of this forum. Its bloody gorgeous. <3 OneRepublic's new album helped me finish this tonight. This turned out longer then expected whoops.
If Feya was the steady waves, the raging tides, and the stormy skies over the sea, Vera was like a candle, constantly flickering and dancing, fragile yet the rare light in the darkness.
Vera was Feya's younger cousin. They were about 6 years apart in age, and hadn't seen one another in the last 4. Feya had been so busy with her work and avoiding her parents that she hadn't been back to a family gathering in longer, but tried to keep up with her favorite blood related family member. The two women got along pretty well, despite how different they were in personality.
The younger cousin could count on many hands just how different they were. Feya was soft spoken while Vera, loud. Feya couldn't keep friends to save her life while Vera was always being called up and asked to hang out with others. Feya preferred horses over people, while Vera was indifferent to the matter. The only thing that connected them to the point where they became close despite all their differences was their mutual dislike for their parents.
This was not a childish dislike, the kind that stems from angry "teenage" years. This was the dislike that had grown over time, the amount of time that taught the both of them what it was like to not be accepted for who you were by the people who'd sworn to love you wholeheartedly from birth.
Feya's parents had always had issues with their daughter. She was quiet, a loner, and preferred animals over people. Her teachers had been "concerned" which carried over in how her parents treated her for the rest of her childhood and teenage years. As far as they were concerned she had never been their child, and for that she was grateful. She wanted no claim to them as parents.
Vera, on the other hand, has grown up in a loving family. She'd heard her parents whispering about her cousin's house life, and would often drag her out of a corner and make her play catch in the yard. She never understood her older cousin, not even close, until she told her parents when she turned 18 that she was gay.
Their response (kicking her out onto the street and forcing her to pay for college by herself) had stunned her. By that point Feya had been in Jorvik for about 5 years, and was struggling to pay rent and survive. While the older cousin could not offer her younger cousin a place to live, she listed off several friends in their home town who could, saying, "Once we both get on our feet, let's meet again, and try living together, eh?"
That had been 4 years ago, and the occasional texting and skype call was the only form of communication to have kept them in touch. While long-distance contact was Feya's forte, it was not Vera's. Now, at the age of 22 and having just graduated college, she wanted to see her cousin in person, even if it meant hiking across the strange country of Jorvik to see her.
Vera knew very little about Jorvik. According to Sammy, her roommate at college, it was an island located to the south of the mainland, and was known for its horses above all else. Since she'd been old enough to know what a horse was, her older cousin fit the bill of an obsessed horse girl. No wonder Feya had never moved back after the 1st summer was up.
Besides horses, the island was rumored to have deep magic roots, ancient trees and dark secrets that had stayed hidden for years upon years. Her older cousin had never once mentioned it, but Sammy claimed that the residents were so used to the craziest things happening that it wouldn't seem weird to find a flying scarecrow, witches, talking horses, people with magic powers and an evil somebody who needed to be defeated. Hearing all this had not hastened, instead delayed, the trip to Jorvik.
Besides, for someone like herself who had not been born on the island, there were certain rules she had to follow to be allowed passage onto Jorvik. Unless she had a family, was a part of a family, or just had passing privilege in general (the guidelines for that were secret) she had to learn to ride and work at Moorland Stables for a month before being allowed around the island.
Because of such rules, few actually ventured into the land of the unknown, so to speak. Vera figured that Feya wouldn't be able to allow any leeway for her, given her older cousin's personality and financial status, but surely it wouldn't be such a bad thing to name drop here and there and see what occurred.
So, after she graduated from college with a degree in nursing, instead of going straight away to her job at the local hospital, she packed her bags and headed to Jorvik.
The ways there were simple: boat, or airplane. To make it even simpler, only people with lots of money could ride an airplane, so the boat it was. While Vera had money, due to lots of saving and inheriting funds from her parents' companies, the logistics and legal terms to what was rightfully hers were still being worked out, so she let it go. Besides, she'd never been on a boat, and it seemed like fun.
"Fun" turned out to include lots of young teenage girls acting like it was highschool, a few young men (men because they acted with more maturity then the girls) and herself, standing at the ship's railing, watching the sea spread out wide with no land in sight. One of the ship's men walked over at some point to ask if she would like a free lunch, but otherwise, it was quiet.
It gave Vera time to wonder what Feya would be like to see in person. The last time they'd skyped, her older cousin's blonde hair had seemed thicker, and she was wearing reading glasses. "I just enjoy wearing reading glasses" she'd replied when asked. She'd been sent some pictures, and a few months ago her older cousin had been so ecstatic at having the chance to work with one of the most renowned horses alive in the world. She hadn't even mentioned she was coming, hoping to surprise her.
It took several hours, and it was nearing evening by the time the boat settled at the Fort Pinta docks. If memory served her, Feya lived at the Golden Hills Stables, which was located just outside Cape West Fishing Village. That was a long way, but there was a ferry that could take her there. After a moment of hesitation, she decided to find someone and ask if she'd be allowed to take the boat. The last thing Vera wanted was to cause problems her first day in Jorvik.
Stefan, the sailor, directed her to James, who ran Fort Pinta. He was a small fellow, and appeared to be looking down at her even though he only came up to her waist.
"You want to go to Golden Hills Stables, you say? The rules state that all newcomers, unless spoken for, must stay at Moorland Stables for a month before being allowed around the island."
Vera sighed. "I know that. I know someone who lives at the stables, is all, and I just wanted to say hello before I ended up at Moorland for a month." James started.
"You know someone who lives at Golden Stables? Only one person lives there, and I would be highly surprised if you actually knew them. Besides, no one calls it Golden Stables anymore, not after it was bought and fully reinstated as a working stables 6 months ago."
"Yeah, Feya. She's my cousin. Tempest Stables, right?"
"Feya has a cousin?!?!" James laughed, and then sobered. "You're kidding. She doesn't seem like the doting cousin type, and you certainly can't be older then her."
"We're 6 years apart. I just graduated from college." James suddenly nodded sagely.
"Ahhh, that would explain it. She doesn't like to talk about her past, and most of us assume that she never went to college." Suddenly Vera had a cold feeling, and a rock settled in her stomach with a thud. "I'm sure we can let her know and she can come and visit you-"
"On second thought, maybe I should surprise her after my month term is done." James shrugged, looking satisfied, and she had a feeling he'd said that to spite her. Well damn. He was a small, nasty bastard, just as Feya had mentioned. He wasn't smart, but he wasn't stupid, either.
"Feya has been busy with her stables and working with the A.A.E. in Epona recently, so I doubt she'll stop by Moorland or Fort Pinta for a while yet. Though, I occasionally have her help me with things around here, and a month would make her suspicious. You'll have to stay away for that day, unless you want to be seen." Vera had just nodded mutely, and followed everyone to the oldest stables on the island.
Lying in her bed that night, Vera thought over in her head why she'd caved so easily. Feya had left her parents when she was 19, taking what little she had, and went to Jorvik, never to return to the mainland. Being 13 at the time it'd flown over her head how much her older cousin had been going through. Her aunt and uncle had always seemed overly strict, but not outright mean or abusive. Everyone is different, though, and anything can affect anyone differently.
It was an ingrown fear from when they were younger: Vera wanted to be independent. And while she was, she really was, a voice inside her head sometimes insisted that she wasn’t. If she had come to this island to meet and see what her older cousin had become, she should at least meet her on as equal ground as she could manage; years behind of course. She had a month before she had to decide what to say, and what would happen, and that would be enough time to make the kind of name she wanted for herself before she dropped Feya’s name around Jorvik, and laid claim to the only blood family she still and would ever love.
-
Time went by rather quickly here in Jorvik. Despite not having ridden more than a handful of times, she was educated in the book sense. Feya often would ramble about horse terms and riding disciplines and basically educate Vera whether she liked it or not. At first she’s stop her immediately, or zone out, but after it became clear that her older cousin wasn’t coming back to the mainland, she’d started to listen. Besides talking about horses, the talk would turn into lore around Jorvik. The island was mysterious, and just outright strange. It was right up her older cousin’s alley.
Vera did what was asked of her, and hardly complained. Not that there was that much to complain about at all. The island was raw: ancient, and utterly wild. Despite the domesticated humans and cities, just standing in Hollow Woods transported you to sometime centuries ago when the trees were young. They told stories, whispering in the breeze, when she and her horse lent by Moorland Stables, Rosewind, cantered down the trail to Valedale Village. Valedale and Firgrove were her favorite places to me, and she hoped to live there somedays. The most people she ran into up there was a woman around her age or a little bit older that often was training Thoroughbreds, and a few stable hands. Firgrove was always silent, and she felt bad for the older residents who lived there. When she was able to move out of Moorland, she vowed to come and do something about the silence there. The walls made the world seem so small and containing.
Her guilt over not telling her older cousin that she was here in Jorvik grew each day, but she staunched it with helping the residents and training Prism. Each day the gelding grew more and more calm and clearly adored the young woman to the point that Vera would even sleep in his stall on occasion. He was loyal and kind and everything she had wanted in a horse. He was perfect.
It’d been 2 months, and she’d been given permission to leave Moorland Stables a month ago. Every time she rode through Fort Pinta to go to South Hoof, or to hang on the beach with her close friend Astrid, James had an amused expression on his face, but it wasn’t completely unkind. Astrid was a close friend and very welcoming, mostly quiet, but always honest and trustworthy. Her Fresian, Ophidian, and Prism had been raised together, and it was through Astrid that she’d been able to get the gelding. Of course, when Steve realized that it was Vera who wanted the horse, he’d been more than happy to negotiate the price.
It was during a day on the beach, with the Fresians playing in the water and her and Astrid watching that her friend voiced a question that had been in her mind for a long time.
“When are you going to tell Feya that you’re here?”
It didn’t even register right away that her friend had spoken. Astrid’s red hair was blowing in the wind, the hair tie discarded into the sand below. Her gaze was on the horses, and her posture relaxed. Vera sighed.
“I don’t know. It’s been kinda nice to be here and not…be her cousin? I guess?” Her friend snorted.
“And becoming her cousin on this island will change what about you, exactly? The people here respect you, just like they do here. Sure, she’s made a great name for herself, but she worked hard for that respect, just as you have. People will acknowledge it. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
Vera tried again. “I feel like I’m intruding on her home.”
“I highly doubt that Feya would feel like you’re intruding on this island. It can be anyone’s home.”
“Do you have family here?”
“My parents.” Astrid frowned. “But, unlike Feya, I can live without them. You can’t live without your cousin. I mean, you can, but you came here for her. Whether or not she becomes a huge part of your life doesn’t affect your independence and the island’s respect.”
“People here are so family driven, though.” Vera wrinkled her nose.
“Not everyone. Some people can live on the same farm and barely talk to one another.” Astrid smiled at her friend. “Don’t let other people’s views of you stop you from reconnecting with your cousin. I, for one, will probably squee with glee at the chance of meeting Feya Tempest.”
“Squee?” Vera was chuckling now, and the two friends got up to leave. It was dusk, and both had tasks to do early in the morning. “Yeah, I just remembered why we’re friends. Thanks.”
-
It wasn’t for another three weeks till Vera could do anything about meeting with her cousin. Having to run back and forth from Firgrove to Northlink over a horse game irritated her to no end, but it wasn’t her place to judge. That was something she’d learned from her older cousin. When she was done with the task, she made up her mind, and decided to reconnect finally.
She pulled out her phone and dialed a familiar number. For five rings, nothing happened, and she was filled with dread at the idea of having to go to Fort Pinta and ask James if he could lure her older cousin there for a price.
“Heh sure thing. Next time you want to race, though, I’m gonna toss you into the fucking ocean, ya hear me?!?” Vera jolted, pulling the phone away to double check that someone had picked up. They sure had. She put the phone against her ear once more. “-ello? Anyone there?”
“Uhhh…hello.”
“Who might I be speaking to?” The unknown voice was chirpy, but in a ‘waste-my-time-and-its-done’ friendliness.
“That’s what I’d like to know. I don’t recall my cousin changing her number or getting a secretary.” The sass filtered out before she could stop it. Oops.
The person on the other end burst out laughing. “Oh. My. Goodness. You are Feya’s cousin. Vera, right? She’s mentioned you. I’m Elsa.”
Elsa. Elsa…”You’re Race Horse?” Another laugh.
“Yep! That’d be me. Looks like we’ve both a pretty good idea whose on the other end.”
“I guess…is Feya available?”
“If by available you mean currently trying to calm a scared of bugs horse without falling into the water, then of course!” Elsa snorted. “She’ll be ready to talk once she calms Pierrot down. He is sweet but hates bugs. Not like I can blame him though.”
Vera listened as Elsa filled the silence with what was happening as it went down, so to speak. If she remembered correctly, Elsa Aurora was known as Race Horse around Jorvik for her skill in racing around the island as a carrier. Her usual mount, Rebel, was a feisty Morgan who had won several championships. Feya had certainly picked up a few odd friends during her time here. Odd, as in, those who actually wanted to stick around. She smiled at the thought of her older cousin having friends. It was a nice feeling.
“Oh! And here we go!” There was a shuffling sound, and Elsa’s voice was muffled by a horse’s neigh.
“Hello?” Vera swallowed.
“Hey, cuz.”
“Vera? Oh my god, how have you been these past few months? It’s been too long.” There was another neigh and then- “Goddammit Pierrot I’m not leaving you to the bugs. Come along you worry wart.”
Vera laughed. “Sounds eventful on your end. If you’re too busy-“
“No no! It’s all good. Let me put Pierrot in his stall and then I have a minute.”
Elsa was saying something in the background that sounded like, “Sass doesn’t fall too far from the tree.” in which Feya replied with, “You tend to suck up to what you spend time around.” and Elsa replied with, “Rude!”
Another clatter, and then, “Okay, I’m here! Sorry about that.”
“Ahh no its cool. I called you.”
“True. So, what’s up with the call out of the blue, like, what, three months since we’ve talked last?”
Vera wheezed out a, “ImactuallyinJorvikandhavebeenforovertwomonthsdoyouwantomeupwithme?” and then instantly regretted it. Too late now.
Feya was silent for a moment. “Did you just say you’re in Jorvik?”
“Yes?” It came out like a question. Prism nudged her shoulder gently.
“Where are you?”
“I’m at the Valedale Lake but-“
“Don’t move. I’m coming.” Vera heard the phone clicking shut as Elsa said something that sounded like pure sass laced with malice before the tone sounded in her ear. She immediately regretted waiting this long to tell her cousin.
-
To be fair, Feya had never said that she had to be alone when her older cousin found her. Astrid was more than happy to tag along, wanting to meet “The rider of the famed ‘Great
’! I mean, he’s won nationals so many times its incredible. The longer he competes, the more money he’ll get when he goes into stud eventually.”
“He must be pretty incredible.” Vera was settled on a picnic bench, letting Prism graze next to her. Obsidian was doing the same, with Astrid sitting across from her.
“He is! Space’s is well known around the world! But even before that, your cousin was well known on this island for taking in horses that no one wanted anything more to do with, and make them great. Kind of like herself, based on what you’ve told me about her.” Astrid smiled kindly. “It’s not like I want to meet her just for that reason, of course. But she just seems like a great person, and her being your cousin just means I can meet her without it being awkward. I think..haha..”
Vera smiled encouragingly, not really minding. She understood anxiety, especially related towards people, but unlike her friend she’d learned to conquer it. Her older cousin also gave off an intimidating air about her, which didn’t help of course.
Prism lifted his head and whickered. Coming along the path was a beautiful liver chestnut horse, familiar to Vera enough to recognize from pictures to be Cosmos, Feya’s beloved Morgan stallion. He was wearing nice tack: a black bridle and saddle (the saddle having a fluffy trim that she was instantly jealous of) and a grey saddle pad. His ears were pricked forward curiously, and his eyes had a light in them that promised trouble.
It showed how much Jorvik was rubbing off on her if she noticed the horse before the rider. Or maybe it was because she was nervous. The young stallion came to halt a few feet away, pawing at the ground.
“Hey.” Vera, looking up, came face to face with her older cousin. Feya’s features were more refined and beautiful in person than via the grainy computer screen over skype or picture. The sun lit up her blonde hair that was tied back, and her glasses were tucked in the top of her sweater. There was apprehension in her expression, but it was cleared when Astrid cleared her throat.
“H-hello!”
Feya smiled easily. “Hello there. Are you a friend of Vera’s?”
Astrid bobbed her head nervously. “Yep!”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Feya.” In one graceful movement, Feya dismounted and walked over the rest of the way, leading her horse behind her. Cosmos greeted Prism with interest, snapping at the taller horse’s long locks. “And this fellow is Cosmos. He’s annoying, just ignore him if it pleases you.”
Vera laughed. “I haven’t even met him yet and already I’m told to ignore him?” The young stallion turned his elegant head and settled his gaze on her, eyes curious. He stuck his nose in her face abruptly, without warning. “Whoa!”
“Cosmos!” Feya grabbed hold of one of his head and pulled. “Stop that, you!” He turned away, only to shove his face into his owner’s chest. “Oof. Dammit!”
Astrid was doing her best not to laugh, and it was going rather poorly, what with small sounds of laughter trickling out from behind her hand covering her mouth. “Oh-oh dear.”
Feya sighed. “Why I said to ignore him. He’s one hell of a ride, and I mean that in more ways then one.” Pulling the bit from his mouth, she unhooked the reins and shooed him away to go eat grass. Free, he instead proceeded to make of show of contemplating going into the water for a swim, tack and all.
Vera had never seen the expression that took over her older cousin’s face. It was somewhere near exasperation, along with a challenge. Glancing over to where the young stallion stood, it seemed to send a message, for he made it clear he, out of his own free will, was choosing to eat grass like a normal horse. With that settled, Feya hesitated before sitting next to her younger cousin.
“What’s your name?” Feya asked Astrid.
“Astrid.”
“Oh! I think I’ve heard of you. You do commissions of people’s horses around the island, right?” Astrid seemed to choke.
“I-I do! How did you know?”
“Luciana mentioned you to me. She absolutely adores the art piece you made of Beasty awhile back. It’s a gorgeous work.”
“Thanks!”
Vera cleared her throat. “How’s Pierrot doing?”
Feya turned to her younger cousin, a soft smile on her lips. “He’s seen better days. Bugs and him just don’t seem to mix, though, as Race said, not that we can blame him. His white coat has bites everywhere, so I grabbed Cosmos instead.”
There was a moment of silence, in which Astrid excused herself to untangle Obsidian’s mane from a shrubbery. Vera turned to her older cousin in hesitation, and found understanding there.
“I don’t judge you, Vera. I’m only curious as to why you didn’t say anything.”
“I didn’t know how…or what to say.”
“That’s understandable. Its okay. It just…shocked me that you were in Jorvik.” Vera laughed.
“I’m sure. Sorry for the surprise. I spent the last two months debating calling you but James said a few comments that convinced me not to-“
“Fuck James. I’m your cousin. No offence.” Feya’s grin meant she wasn’t serious, or angry.
“Yeah, yeah, I know.” Vera thought a moment. “Why’d you order me not to move?”
“I knew it’d be another few months before I could find and talk with you again. If you’re anything like me, and don’t want to be found, no one would have been able to find you, no matter what.”
And that was that, because not even five minutes later the three of them were taking a trail ride along the path to Valedale and up to the Observatory, as Vera had never been there, and Astrid wanted to show them both a cool place. Feya followed along behind them in contentment, and Vera wondered why she had put it off this long.
However, they were here now, and that was enough.
If Feya was the steady waves, the raging tides, and the stormy skies over the sea, Vera was like a candle, constantly flickering and dancing, fragile yet the rare light in the darkness.
Vera was Feya's younger cousin. They were about 6 years apart in age, and hadn't seen one another in the last 4. Feya had been so busy with her work and avoiding her parents that she hadn't been back to a family gathering in longer, but tried to keep up with her favorite blood related family member. The two women got along pretty well, despite how different they were in personality.
The younger cousin could count on many hands just how different they were. Feya was soft spoken while Vera, loud. Feya couldn't keep friends to save her life while Vera was always being called up and asked to hang out with others. Feya preferred horses over people, while Vera was indifferent to the matter. The only thing that connected them to the point where they became close despite all their differences was their mutual dislike for their parents.
This was not a childish dislike, the kind that stems from angry "teenage" years. This was the dislike that had grown over time, the amount of time that taught the both of them what it was like to not be accepted for who you were by the people who'd sworn to love you wholeheartedly from birth.
Feya's parents had always had issues with their daughter. She was quiet, a loner, and preferred animals over people. Her teachers had been "concerned" which carried over in how her parents treated her for the rest of her childhood and teenage years. As far as they were concerned she had never been their child, and for that she was grateful. She wanted no claim to them as parents.
Vera, on the other hand, has grown up in a loving family. She'd heard her parents whispering about her cousin's house life, and would often drag her out of a corner and make her play catch in the yard. She never understood her older cousin, not even close, until she told her parents when she turned 18 that she was gay.
Their response (kicking her out onto the street and forcing her to pay for college by herself) had stunned her. By that point Feya had been in Jorvik for about 5 years, and was struggling to pay rent and survive. While the older cousin could not offer her younger cousin a place to live, she listed off several friends in their home town who could, saying, "Once we both get on our feet, let's meet again, and try living together, eh?"
That had been 4 years ago, and the occasional texting and skype call was the only form of communication to have kept them in touch. While long-distance contact was Feya's forte, it was not Vera's. Now, at the age of 22 and having just graduated college, she wanted to see her cousin in person, even if it meant hiking across the strange country of Jorvik to see her.
Vera knew very little about Jorvik. According to Sammy, her roommate at college, it was an island located to the south of the mainland, and was known for its horses above all else. Since she'd been old enough to know what a horse was, her older cousin fit the bill of an obsessed horse girl. No wonder Feya had never moved back after the 1st summer was up.
Besides horses, the island was rumored to have deep magic roots, ancient trees and dark secrets that had stayed hidden for years upon years. Her older cousin had never once mentioned it, but Sammy claimed that the residents were so used to the craziest things happening that it wouldn't seem weird to find a flying scarecrow, witches, talking horses, people with magic powers and an evil somebody who needed to be defeated. Hearing all this had not hastened, instead delayed, the trip to Jorvik.
Besides, for someone like herself who had not been born on the island, there were certain rules she had to follow to be allowed passage onto Jorvik. Unless she had a family, was a part of a family, or just had passing privilege in general (the guidelines for that were secret) she had to learn to ride and work at Moorland Stables for a month before being allowed around the island.
Because of such rules, few actually ventured into the land of the unknown, so to speak. Vera figured that Feya wouldn't be able to allow any leeway for her, given her older cousin's personality and financial status, but surely it wouldn't be such a bad thing to name drop here and there and see what occurred.
So, after she graduated from college with a degree in nursing, instead of going straight away to her job at the local hospital, she packed her bags and headed to Jorvik.
The ways there were simple: boat, or airplane. To make it even simpler, only people with lots of money could ride an airplane, so the boat it was. While Vera had money, due to lots of saving and inheriting funds from her parents' companies, the logistics and legal terms to what was rightfully hers were still being worked out, so she let it go. Besides, she'd never been on a boat, and it seemed like fun.
"Fun" turned out to include lots of young teenage girls acting like it was highschool, a few young men (men because they acted with more maturity then the girls) and herself, standing at the ship's railing, watching the sea spread out wide with no land in sight. One of the ship's men walked over at some point to ask if she would like a free lunch, but otherwise, it was quiet.
It gave Vera time to wonder what Feya would be like to see in person. The last time they'd skyped, her older cousin's blonde hair had seemed thicker, and she was wearing reading glasses. "I just enjoy wearing reading glasses" she'd replied when asked. She'd been sent some pictures, and a few months ago her older cousin had been so ecstatic at having the chance to work with one of the most renowned horses alive in the world. She hadn't even mentioned she was coming, hoping to surprise her.
It took several hours, and it was nearing evening by the time the boat settled at the Fort Pinta docks. If memory served her, Feya lived at the Golden Hills Stables, which was located just outside Cape West Fishing Village. That was a long way, but there was a ferry that could take her there. After a moment of hesitation, she decided to find someone and ask if she'd be allowed to take the boat. The last thing Vera wanted was to cause problems her first day in Jorvik.
Stefan, the sailor, directed her to James, who ran Fort Pinta. He was a small fellow, and appeared to be looking down at her even though he only came up to her waist.
"You want to go to Golden Hills Stables, you say? The rules state that all newcomers, unless spoken for, must stay at Moorland Stables for a month before being allowed around the island."
Vera sighed. "I know that. I know someone who lives at the stables, is all, and I just wanted to say hello before I ended up at Moorland for a month." James started.
"You know someone who lives at Golden Stables? Only one person lives there, and I would be highly surprised if you actually knew them. Besides, no one calls it Golden Stables anymore, not after it was bought and fully reinstated as a working stables 6 months ago."
"Yeah, Feya. She's my cousin. Tempest Stables, right?"
"Feya has a cousin?!?!" James laughed, and then sobered. "You're kidding. She doesn't seem like the doting cousin type, and you certainly can't be older then her."
"We're 6 years apart. I just graduated from college." James suddenly nodded sagely.
"Ahhh, that would explain it. She doesn't like to talk about her past, and most of us assume that she never went to college." Suddenly Vera had a cold feeling, and a rock settled in her stomach with a thud. "I'm sure we can let her know and she can come and visit you-"
"On second thought, maybe I should surprise her after my month term is done." James shrugged, looking satisfied, and she had a feeling he'd said that to spite her. Well damn. He was a small, nasty bastard, just as Feya had mentioned. He wasn't smart, but he wasn't stupid, either.
"Feya has been busy with her stables and working with the A.A.E. in Epona recently, so I doubt she'll stop by Moorland or Fort Pinta for a while yet. Though, I occasionally have her help me with things around here, and a month would make her suspicious. You'll have to stay away for that day, unless you want to be seen." Vera had just nodded mutely, and followed everyone to the oldest stables on the island.
Lying in her bed that night, Vera thought over in her head why she'd caved so easily. Feya had left her parents when she was 19, taking what little she had, and went to Jorvik, never to return to the mainland. Being 13 at the time it'd flown over her head how much her older cousin had been going through. Her aunt and uncle had always seemed overly strict, but not outright mean or abusive. Everyone is different, though, and anything can affect anyone differently.
It was an ingrown fear from when they were younger: Vera wanted to be independent. And while she was, she really was, a voice inside her head sometimes insisted that she wasn’t. If she had come to this island to meet and see what her older cousin had become, she should at least meet her on as equal ground as she could manage; years behind of course. She had a month before she had to decide what to say, and what would happen, and that would be enough time to make the kind of name she wanted for herself before she dropped Feya’s name around Jorvik, and laid claim to the only blood family she still and would ever love.
-
Time went by rather quickly here in Jorvik. Despite not having ridden more than a handful of times, she was educated in the book sense. Feya often would ramble about horse terms and riding disciplines and basically educate Vera whether she liked it or not. At first she’s stop her immediately, or zone out, but after it became clear that her older cousin wasn’t coming back to the mainland, she’d started to listen. Besides talking about horses, the talk would turn into lore around Jorvik. The island was mysterious, and just outright strange. It was right up her older cousin’s alley.
Vera did what was asked of her, and hardly complained. Not that there was that much to complain about at all. The island was raw: ancient, and utterly wild. Despite the domesticated humans and cities, just standing in Hollow Woods transported you to sometime centuries ago when the trees were young. They told stories, whispering in the breeze, when she and her horse lent by Moorland Stables, Rosewind, cantered down the trail to Valedale Village. Valedale and Firgrove were her favorite places to me, and she hoped to live there somedays. The most people she ran into up there was a woman around her age or a little bit older that often was training Thoroughbreds, and a few stable hands. Firgrove was always silent, and she felt bad for the older residents who lived there. When she was able to move out of Moorland, she vowed to come and do something about the silence there. The walls made the world seem so small and containing.
Her guilt over not telling her older cousin that she was here in Jorvik grew each day, but she staunched it with helping the residents and training Prism. Each day the gelding grew more and more calm and clearly adored the young woman to the point that Vera would even sleep in his stall on occasion. He was loyal and kind and everything she had wanted in a horse. He was perfect.
It’d been 2 months, and she’d been given permission to leave Moorland Stables a month ago. Every time she rode through Fort Pinta to go to South Hoof, or to hang on the beach with her close friend Astrid, James had an amused expression on his face, but it wasn’t completely unkind. Astrid was a close friend and very welcoming, mostly quiet, but always honest and trustworthy. Her Fresian, Ophidian, and Prism had been raised together, and it was through Astrid that she’d been able to get the gelding. Of course, when Steve realized that it was Vera who wanted the horse, he’d been more than happy to negotiate the price.
It was during a day on the beach, with the Fresians playing in the water and her and Astrid watching that her friend voiced a question that had been in her mind for a long time.
“When are you going to tell Feya that you’re here?”
It didn’t even register right away that her friend had spoken. Astrid’s red hair was blowing in the wind, the hair tie discarded into the sand below. Her gaze was on the horses, and her posture relaxed. Vera sighed.
“I don’t know. It’s been kinda nice to be here and not…be her cousin? I guess?” Her friend snorted.
“And becoming her cousin on this island will change what about you, exactly? The people here respect you, just like they do here. Sure, she’s made a great name for herself, but she worked hard for that respect, just as you have. People will acknowledge it. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
Vera tried again. “I feel like I’m intruding on her home.”
“I highly doubt that Feya would feel like you’re intruding on this island. It can be anyone’s home.”
“Do you have family here?”
“My parents.” Astrid frowned. “But, unlike Feya, I can live without them. You can’t live without your cousin. I mean, you can, but you came here for her. Whether or not she becomes a huge part of your life doesn’t affect your independence and the island’s respect.”
“People here are so family driven, though.” Vera wrinkled her nose.
“Not everyone. Some people can live on the same farm and barely talk to one another.” Astrid smiled at her friend. “Don’t let other people’s views of you stop you from reconnecting with your cousin. I, for one, will probably squee with glee at the chance of meeting Feya Tempest.”
“Squee?” Vera was chuckling now, and the two friends got up to leave. It was dusk, and both had tasks to do early in the morning. “Yeah, I just remembered why we’re friends. Thanks.”
-
It wasn’t for another three weeks till Vera could do anything about meeting with her cousin. Having to run back and forth from Firgrove to Northlink over a horse game irritated her to no end, but it wasn’t her place to judge. That was something she’d learned from her older cousin. When she was done with the task, she made up her mind, and decided to reconnect finally.
She pulled out her phone and dialed a familiar number. For five rings, nothing happened, and she was filled with dread at the idea of having to go to Fort Pinta and ask James if he could lure her older cousin there for a price.
“Heh sure thing. Next time you want to race, though, I’m gonna toss you into the fucking ocean, ya hear me?!?” Vera jolted, pulling the phone away to double check that someone had picked up. They sure had. She put the phone against her ear once more. “-ello? Anyone there?”
“Uhhh…hello.”
“Who might I be speaking to?” The unknown voice was chirpy, but in a ‘waste-my-time-and-its-done’ friendliness.
“That’s what I’d like to know. I don’t recall my cousin changing her number or getting a secretary.” The sass filtered out before she could stop it. Oops.
The person on the other end burst out laughing. “Oh. My. Goodness. You are Feya’s cousin. Vera, right? She’s mentioned you. I’m Elsa.”
Elsa. Elsa…”You’re Race Horse?” Another laugh.
“Yep! That’d be me. Looks like we’ve both a pretty good idea whose on the other end.”
“I guess…is Feya available?”
“If by available you mean currently trying to calm a scared of bugs horse without falling into the water, then of course!” Elsa snorted. “She’ll be ready to talk once she calms Pierrot down. He is sweet but hates bugs. Not like I can blame him though.”
Vera listened as Elsa filled the silence with what was happening as it went down, so to speak. If she remembered correctly, Elsa Aurora was known as Race Horse around Jorvik for her skill in racing around the island as a carrier. Her usual mount, Rebel, was a feisty Morgan who had won several championships. Feya had certainly picked up a few odd friends during her time here. Odd, as in, those who actually wanted to stick around. She smiled at the thought of her older cousin having friends. It was a nice feeling.
“Oh! And here we go!” There was a shuffling sound, and Elsa’s voice was muffled by a horse’s neigh.
“Hello?” Vera swallowed.
“Hey, cuz.”
“Vera? Oh my god, how have you been these past few months? It’s been too long.” There was another neigh and then- “Goddammit Pierrot I’m not leaving you to the bugs. Come along you worry wart.”
Vera laughed. “Sounds eventful on your end. If you’re too busy-“
“No no! It’s all good. Let me put Pierrot in his stall and then I have a minute.”
Elsa was saying something in the background that sounded like, “Sass doesn’t fall too far from the tree.” in which Feya replied with, “You tend to suck up to what you spend time around.” and Elsa replied with, “Rude!”
Another clatter, and then, “Okay, I’m here! Sorry about that.”
“Ahh no its cool. I called you.”
“True. So, what’s up with the call out of the blue, like, what, three months since we’ve talked last?”
Vera wheezed out a, “ImactuallyinJorvikandhavebeenforovertwomonthsdoyouwantomeupwithme?” and then instantly regretted it. Too late now.
Feya was silent for a moment. “Did you just say you’re in Jorvik?”
“Yes?” It came out like a question. Prism nudged her shoulder gently.
“Where are you?”
“I’m at the Valedale Lake but-“
“Don’t move. I’m coming.” Vera heard the phone clicking shut as Elsa said something that sounded like pure sass laced with malice before the tone sounded in her ear. She immediately regretted waiting this long to tell her cousin.
-
To be fair, Feya had never said that she had to be alone when her older cousin found her. Astrid was more than happy to tag along, wanting to meet “The rider of the famed ‘Great
’! I mean, he’s won nationals so many times its incredible. The longer he competes, the more money he’ll get when he goes into stud eventually.” “He must be pretty incredible.” Vera was settled on a picnic bench, letting Prism graze next to her. Obsidian was doing the same, with Astrid sitting across from her.
“He is! Space’s
is well known around the world! But even before that, your cousin was well known on this island for taking in horses that no one wanted anything more to do with, and make them great. Kind of like herself, based on what you’ve told me about her.” Astrid smiled kindly. “It’s not like I want to meet her just for that reason, of course. But she just seems like a great person, and her being your cousin just means I can meet her without it being awkward. I think..haha..”Vera smiled encouragingly, not really minding. She understood anxiety, especially related towards people, but unlike her friend she’d learned to conquer it. Her older cousin also gave off an intimidating air about her, which didn’t help of course.
Prism lifted his head and whickered. Coming along the path was a beautiful liver chestnut horse, familiar to Vera enough to recognize from pictures to be Cosmos, Feya’s beloved Morgan stallion. He was wearing nice tack: a black bridle and saddle (the saddle having a fluffy trim that she was instantly jealous of) and a grey saddle pad. His ears were pricked forward curiously, and his eyes had a light in them that promised trouble.
It showed how much Jorvik was rubbing off on her if she noticed the horse before the rider. Or maybe it was because she was nervous. The young stallion came to halt a few feet away, pawing at the ground.
“Hey.” Vera, looking up, came face to face with her older cousin. Feya’s features were more refined and beautiful in person than via the grainy computer screen over skype or picture. The sun lit up her blonde hair that was tied back, and her glasses were tucked in the top of her sweater. There was apprehension in her expression, but it was cleared when Astrid cleared her throat.
“H-hello!”
Feya smiled easily. “Hello there. Are you a friend of Vera’s?”
Astrid bobbed her head nervously. “Yep!”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Feya.” In one graceful movement, Feya dismounted and walked over the rest of the way, leading her horse behind her. Cosmos greeted Prism with interest, snapping at the taller horse’s long locks. “And this fellow is Cosmos. He’s annoying, just ignore him if it pleases you.”
Vera laughed. “I haven’t even met him yet and already I’m told to ignore him?” The young stallion turned his elegant head and settled his gaze on her, eyes curious. He stuck his nose in her face abruptly, without warning. “Whoa!”
“Cosmos!” Feya grabbed hold of one of his head and pulled. “Stop that, you!” He turned away, only to shove his face into his owner’s chest. “Oof. Dammit!”
Astrid was doing her best not to laugh, and it was going rather poorly, what with small sounds of laughter trickling out from behind her hand covering her mouth. “Oh-oh dear.”
Feya sighed. “Why I said to ignore him. He’s one hell of a ride, and I mean that in more ways then one.” Pulling the bit from his mouth, she unhooked the reins and shooed him away to go eat grass. Free, he instead proceeded to make of show of contemplating going into the water for a swim, tack and all.
Vera had never seen the expression that took over her older cousin’s face. It was somewhere near exasperation, along with a challenge. Glancing over to where the young stallion stood, it seemed to send a message, for he made it clear he, out of his own free will, was choosing to eat grass like a normal horse. With that settled, Feya hesitated before sitting next to her younger cousin.
“What’s your name?” Feya asked Astrid.
“Astrid.”
“Oh! I think I’ve heard of you. You do commissions of people’s horses around the island, right?” Astrid seemed to choke.
“I-I do! How did you know?”
“Luciana mentioned you to me. She absolutely adores the art piece you made of Beasty awhile back. It’s a gorgeous work.”
“Thanks!”
Vera cleared her throat. “How’s Pierrot doing?”
Feya turned to her younger cousin, a soft smile on her lips. “He’s seen better days. Bugs and him just don’t seem to mix, though, as Race said, not that we can blame him. His white coat has bites everywhere, so I grabbed Cosmos instead.”
There was a moment of silence, in which Astrid excused herself to untangle Obsidian’s mane from a shrubbery. Vera turned to her older cousin in hesitation, and found understanding there.
“I don’t judge you, Vera. I’m only curious as to why you didn’t say anything.”
“I didn’t know how…or what to say.”
“That’s understandable. Its okay. It just…shocked me that you were in Jorvik.” Vera laughed.
“I’m sure. Sorry for the surprise. I spent the last two months debating calling you but James said a few comments that convinced me not to-“
“Fuck James. I’m your cousin. No offence.” Feya’s grin meant she wasn’t serious, or angry.
“Yeah, yeah, I know.” Vera thought a moment. “Why’d you order me not to move?”
“I knew it’d be another few months before I could find and talk with you again. If you’re anything like me, and don’t want to be found, no one would have been able to find you, no matter what.”
And that was that, because not even five minutes later the three of them were taking a trail ride along the path to Valedale and up to the Observatory, as Vera had never been there, and Astrid wanted to show them both a cool place. Feya followed along behind them in contentment, and Vera wondered why she had put it off this long.
However, they were here now, and that was enough.
