“They won’t hurt you. They won’t expect anything of you.” Oswin said with the same soft, kind tone she’d been speaking to Hollis with thus far. Though in her belly more of that anger churned, wanting to know who it was that had hurt this young mare so. Was this monster still out on the islands, perhaps causing more damage to more horses who couldn’t help themselves?

Before her thoughts could get carried away she added, “They all abide by the Peak’s rules and like Bane said,” she tilted her white face toward her sister, “they follow the rule of the three mares we choose to lead us. If anyone is bothering you, you can always count on your sisters for help. We’re a community here. A family that we choose to build.” It was better to comfort Hollis and ease her of any worry than to press on about what or who had traumatized her. As much as Oswin wanted to know she’d learned how important patience was in her years away from the islands and it was important she lean on that now.

“We would love to have you join us.” A smile picked up her lips. It always felt good to have new life come to the Peak. To know this would be a period when their numbers were strong and they didn’t fade into the background of island politics. The Peak went through its waves of activity but if Oswin could do one thing before she died it was to make it a formidable, active, safe place for the islands once more.

Hollis was exactly the sort of creature Oswin had returned to the islands to protect. This was her duty and always had been.

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.