Oswin could see the mare – Jaws, she’d said her name was – was trying. Because of this, Oswin kept her white ears perked as the mare started to talk only to find herself frowning in slight confusion. I just want to make sure my dad isn’t undergoing extra stress. What did that have to do with the Peak? Had word been crawling about that the Peak was looking to lend strength to those who needed it, and the message was becoming misconstrued? Oswin said nothing, letting Jaws continue to talk, but it wasn’t until she said the name of the Lagoon boss that realization clicked in Oswin’s head.

It actually endeared Oswin somewhat to have Rade’s daughter standing here, completely of her own volition, to see if there was anything she could do to make certain the slowly-forming potential alliance between the Vulcans and the bachelors didn’t go awry. It made that old, tired stallion she’d met in the Lagoon seem less of a figurehead and more like a horse who, like Oswin, was tired of seeing the wretchedness that could be wrought upon these islands.

And, if his daughter lived there with him in the Lagoon willingly…

“I understand.” Oswin said and nodded. “I cared for my brother while his health deteriorated in his final years,” she explained, though she wouldn’t mention what brought on his death, because that had been nothing more than an unfortunate accident, “and any time there was something that was going to upset him, I worried what effect it might have.”

Oswin thought about what she wanted to say. “I want the Lagoon and the Peak to work side-by-side and stop with our foolish bickering for good. Honestly, I do.” That much was true. “It’s never been heard of in the history of the islands, but if we could do it…” She was starting to believe. Each of them was so passionate about seeing to the betterment of the islands and it struck her with hope that the Lagoon was too. “The only thing that will sour me is if I find out I’m being lied to.” Her blue eyes regarded Jaws carefully. “If I learn there are mares or stallions being taken against their will into the Lagoon and not offered the chance to return to their home, or if I find they’re mistreated while they’re there…” She trailed off, knowing she didn’t need to fill in the gaps. Everyone knew the horrors the monsters of the Lagoon had once committed.

“It’s hard for me to put aside my bias.” Oswin admitted. “But I am trying. All of my sisters are.”

But Jaws had said if there was a way for her to ease Oswin’s mind… she wondered…

“I know I can’t dictate what happens in the Lagoon or how your father keeps tabs on his men,” she said, watching this proud mare, “But if I had assurance that there would be someone there who was keeping an eye on everyone… Someone who could assure me that no one would be harmed or belittled while they lived there…” She trailed off. “If you’d consider doing that for me, it will ease my fears of not being there myself. Although, you should probably talk to your father about it, I don’t want him to think I’m trying to make a double-agent out of you.”

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.