Oswin had exerted a fair share of energy swimming from Salem to Crossing Isle, but when she climbed onto the sandy shores of the island she called home, she still felt as if she was seething with too many emotions jostled and jumbled in her head. The sight of Vita Nova in tears, telling Oswin she could not leave Koray in the Desert, kept thrusting itself into her mind and stabbing her heart repeatedly. Then, following that, was what had happened between herself and Koray.

She’d let him mount her. Why? Why had she done such a thing? There’d been biting and kicks and squeals involved, but she’d still allowed it to happen. He knew it. She knew it. Why was it she loathed this stallion, wanted Vita Nova far away from him, and was more likely to egg him into a fight than ever exchange pleasantries… but could succumb to such a primal act of intimacy with him in the meantime? Oswin worried if Vita Nova learned she’d bred with Koray, she would think her promises to free her from the Desert in time were empty.

She stomped her hoof hard against the ground, the energy of the impact ricocheting up her leg before she snorted, tossing her head in agitation and flicking her tail at her hind. Oswin knew she was only making herself angrier the more she thought of it and so, instead, she turned toward home. Her sisters would offer some measure of comfort, she hoped, even if they simply agreed it was imperative to remove Vita Nova from the Desert, pregnancy or no. Oswin was not tactful, but some of her sisters may be. Perhaps they could come up with a better solution than Oswin had thus far – all she wanted to do was march into the Desert, kick Koray where it counted most and drive Nova from that place whether her sister knew she wanted to come or no.

Another irritable snort, Oswin chewed on air as she approached the dangerous path carved by use into the mountainside which would take her up the Peak to its top. Something about looking out over the islands from so high seemed a comfort in a moment like this, especially if any of her sisters were lingering above. But, before Oswin could begin to walk, she heard the distinct shuffle of a horse moving along the paths of the foothills at the base of the Peak. She twitched her ears, turning her head and searching with bright blue eyes until she caught sight of she who made the sound.

She was as unfamiliar as she was familiar – there was something about the build of her body which screamed knowing, but Oswin could swear she’d never seen the black and white mare before. Having felt the same sense the first moment she laid eyes on Jetta, Oswin had to wonder if this was another blood relative she was looking upon. She put aside the anger crawling under her skin and nickered, beginning to start for the figure with her gaze curious. Oswin took note of the mare’s posture and the ease which she maneuvered through the inhabitable areas the Peak Vulcans often rested in.

“I know we haven’t met, but I think it may be safe to assume you’ve been here before.” Oswin said with a smile once she’d drawn close enough, “you look as if you belong here.” Oswin felt it was a compliment to say so, considering she thought highly of the Peak as she did. “My name is Oswin.” Because her curiosity had the better of her, she added, “daughter of Valentine and Dock.” Had her complete assumption been right? Was this mare sister by blood, too?

oswin
this is as brave as I know how to be.
I know it’s gonna hurt you, but please… be a little proud of me.