When Bane asked after her wellbeing, Oswin softened. She smiled at her Peak sister, ready to tell her not to worry, when a familiar black mare made a slow approach. Oswin couldn’t help but smile as she looked the taller, younger mare over. She’d been a formidable opponent and Oswin was happy to see her here, despite what might have happened between them down at the beach the day before. It was only a practice, after all, and the black mare had more than proved herself to Oswin.

Not that she needed to prove herself, but she had nonetheless. If she wasn’t already at the Peak to be a part of them, Oswin wasn’t going to let her leave today without suggesting she should join them. They could use more like her.

Warriors.

She chuckled and her blue eyes slid to Bane. “I decided to see how rusty I am in a fight.” She nodded toward Bagheera. “Let’s just say I’m really hoping this one joins us. I don’t want to be on the wrong end of her in a battle.” She smiled at the black mare, then turned her attention back to the first young mare she’d approached.

A sweet thing, a frightened thing. Oswin immediately felt the need to protect her. Why was she so frightened of stallions? Had one of them out there on the islands hurt her? Oswin wanted to know who so she could hurt them back. She straightened her weight to stomp a front hoof and then grunted, remembering her injury. Oswin leaned to her right and took the pressure off her back left leg. Alright, so she’d hurt them back later.

“Well, any mare who seeks a home here is welcome to join. The Peak won’t turn anyone away who needs somewhere safe to live. You’ll be welcomed here as long as you’d like to be.” But she was worried… “However…” Her eyes went to Bane, then back to the mare. “There are some stallions who live here of their own choice. I promise you they are harmless, but I don’t want to lie to you and tell you they’re not here.”

She took a breath and looked Hollis in the eyes. “The Peak won’t turn anyone away who needs somewhere safe to live.” She repeated those words. Mare or stallion, if someone needed the Peak, they would be there.

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.