Sisters,

You’ll have to excuse my politicking, but even in the wake of my gratefulness that those who raised their voices chose my leadership, I must look toward what I want the Peak to become.

Our newly appointed General (Congratulations Róisín) accompanied me to meet with the Lagoon Boss, Rade. It seems while the Peak is undergoing change, the Lagoon is as well. The bachelors are making an attempt to change the message of the Lagoon for the better. Their Marauder has been given an assignment to watch the Commons to keep an eye for anyone being forceful in their attempted claims. Those who want to fight for the Peak’s cause should consider checking in on the Commons, though I shouldn’t need to warn you about the heightened danger of traveling alone in autumn, particularly to the most lawless meeting grounds.

Last season I visited the islands to try and understand what the situation looked like. I’m sure those of you who have been on these islands for a while know the island politics, but for those of us newly returned, the Tinuvel king Solomon offered great insight. A stallion who rules Paradise on Atlantis, Rougaru, is apparently holding mares against their will. Solomon also warned me to keep an eye out for a mare by the name of Nymeria, who the Lagoon Boss had identified as a cohort of Cullen’s. I do not know if she still follows Cullen’s steps in the wake of his absence or if she harbors any desire for vengeance on his behalf, but it would do good to find out. I also have reason to believe there’s foul play somewhere in Salem, though I haven’t managed to narrow the target down yet.

Warriors, keep training. I have learned that the history of the islands is shaped around the building to it’s great wars and the aftermath of the survivors left to pick the pieces up after. I have been warned a war is on the horizon and I don’t aim to take that warning lightly. Any mare who would fight for the Peak, participate in one spar per season. Hone your skills. Learn from one another and teach one another. Look to your General for guidance.

To our new Codebreaker (Congratulations Bane) and our General, I want to know for myself how dangerous this Rougaru is. My method is normally to show up on their doorstep and ask them pointblank, but I don’t know if the Peak is ready to withstand drawing that much attention to it. What would be your advice on how to deal with this situation so we can gauge how large of a threat he is and how strong his herd is? We also need to learn how many unwilling herd members he’s keeping and see if we might be capable of helping to free them.

I have many ideas for our Peak, but I don’t want to push us too hard, too fast. I want the Peak’s message out there. Remember to spread the word of what we are trying to do throughout your conversations on the islands. The more horses learn there is a place they can come if they can’t be freed from oppression on their own, the better.

I would also like to consider finding a way to let the island herds know they could send their daughters to live with us for a year or two in their youth, to learn to be independent and forward-thinking, but I don’t know yet how well-received this idea would be. Think it over, give me your thoughts if you have any.

Again, I thank you all for your faith in electing me. I will do my best to prove myself worthy to be your Prime Minister. Even so, please do not be afraid to speak frankly to me, particularly if you disagree with me or how I am going about things. I have learned a lot these past few seasons talking with all of you and I am eager to learn more.

Your Prime Minister,
Oswin

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.