A return threat was just as dangerous, if not more so, than a fresh face come to raise hell. Oswin paused to contemplate, wondering if any of those Cullen knew were still here on the islands and if that would count as an issue or a blessing. Maybe if she crossed paths with horses who’d lived here for some time she could casually ask if they knew anything about a stallion by his name.

Oswin shot a glance back to Ernesto at his slight jest and found herself smiling in earnest. Ernesto did whatever he pleased, which was something admirable. He wasn’t wretchedly cruel or barbaric, which also earned him a touch of respect in her eyes. His lust for life and his desire to live by his rules was the shadow to her own values. So long as he never applied aggression and force, Oswin could see their relationship continuing in this strange back-and-forth they had now. She could even see herself enjoying it.

“Plotting something?” Oswin feigned innocence, her blue eyes going wide. “I don’t know what you mean, Ernesto.” But her own sly smile matched his and she laughed, sighing shortly after.

“I’m not planning anything other than to keep the islands free of oppression and cruelty. Cullen strikes me as someone who needs to understand the old ways of the islands will no longer be permitted so long as I stand Prime Minister of the Peak.”

Her eyes lay on Ernesto for a moment. “It’s a pity we can’t allow stallions to remain here, I think you’d make a decent warrior for the right side of things.” Her smile inched up her lips a little more. “If not a tiny bit of a troublemaker here and there,” she stepped closer to him, the grin softening, “but that’s just a part of your charm.”

A pause then... Oswin still lingered close. “I'd ask a favor of you, for me... if Cullen appears to be talking of anything that'd hurt someone undeserving, I'd like you to get word to me.”

Treason, then.

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.