IV. Vanessa Nightray
Vanessa and I shared a common bond for the free-spirited love of nature, unlike Claude who preferred to be surrounded by dusty tomes, Ernest who enjoyed cosmopolitan delights, and Elliot who tackled the training ground and the gymnasium. In fact, she is a much more skillful rider than any of her brothers, and both our adoration of the wilderness and our fondness for equines have resulted in many an afternoon riding through the forests and hills of the Nightray estate.
Most interestingly enough was she taught herself how to ride astride a horse, like a man, as opposed to sidesaddle as what was wont for a young woman. I know Mother would protest with a resigned sigh whenever both of us would enter, she and I dressed alike in our equestrian gear. Vanessa pretended not to mind, but I knew Mother's reaction always upset her. In response, for her coming-of-age ceremony, I gifted her with a full set of riding clothes, cut for a feminine figure though masculine in form. She'd taken to the style greatly and has worn it often since then.