done a lot of things wrong; loving you being one

Her reception here has been so markedly different than her horrible, stony-silent arrival she had fled from. Here, Hollis has no doubt that the mares who so quickly approached her care to spare her further pain. Their immediate concern was heartening, the way Oswin stamps a hoof in anger, the way Bane and Bagheera echo her concern in their offended, easy to read faces. They all three look capable, battle-hardened and smart and Hollis feels like she can breathe easy for the first time in a long time. Here, at the base of the Peak, among who she hopes to call sisters, perhaps she can rest. Perhaps here, she will finally be safe.

The optimism and relief is short-lived, though, because Oswin gently (so gently, they’ve all been so gentle with her and Hollis could weep in relief) explains that this isn’t quite the utopia she thought it was. There are stallions here. And it sounds like they’re valued; Oswin’s tone leaves no room for argument, makes it clear that the stallions here are a part of life. It gives Hollis pause, but what she says about offering anyone who needs help a sheltered home here does make sense. Previously, Hollis would have agreed, whole-heartedly; she’d always felt a sense of responsibility to help the downtrodden, regardless of gender. But now she is jaded, and scared, and has absolutely no desire to be around any stallions. Is there no peace to be found? No freedom from her torment? Hollis doesn’t have the chance to respond before Bane speaks up.

Hollis listens intently, trying to fully grasp what she’s being told. So mares do rule; those stallions that remain, they must be different, to submit to the rule of three mares. Hollis hesitates for a long, uncomfortable moment before she nods. “I understand.” She wishes it was different - she wishes there was a place for her, with no stallions at all. “But they all follow the same rules? So they wouldn’t...expect anything. Or hurt me?” Hollis is still hesitant, but truly this is more than she ever expected to find. She glances between Oswin, Bane and Bagheera, watching each of the mares closely. Maybe even with stallions around, Hollis can build a life here. Sheltered below the Peak, taught by these strong, battle-hardened mares. For the first time since she left her home and was handed off to her terrifying future. “I would like to live here; I want to stay safe.”