“Oswin.” The Prime Minister replied in kind, offering a similar nod of her head. Briefly it struck her that she should know every mare that wanted to call the Peak home and her recent condition had hindered her from that. But her sister’s straightforward nature didn’t allow Oswin to linger on it long enough to sit in any guilt.

Oswin’s pale ears flicked forward as Fishbone offered to watch him, then explained it used to be what she did. They were nothing more than strangers, newly met, but already Oswin trusted something about this mare’s nature. She smiled and showed the bit of relief she felt at having someone to count on. “I’ll definitely be needing you, then.” She sighed as she turned to once again study her new son’s rump, reaching to gently run her muzzle over his still-wet hair, her breaths warm as she smelled him. Oswin pulled her head away and looked back at Fishbone. “As much as I love raising children, my duty isn’t to motherhood.” She didn’t care how cruel that may sound, it was her truth. “I’ve already taken so much time away from the islands, his pregnancy was… not easy.”

Once Oswald was able to survive without her for a day or two, Oswin would need to begin leaving him with Vulcan sisters she trusted to protect him. The islands would need her again. There could be horses on the islands facing some horrific oppression who couldn’t get to her to seek her help. Oswin couldn’t allow it. She wouldn’t allow it.

As Fishbone said she would be here for some time, Oswin felt warmth spread in her chest. It always felt like that, when a mare chose to stay with them and become a sister. It felt exactly like welcoming in a new member of the family.

“That’s good,” Oswin said, with honesty in her voice as she nodded and smiled at the mare. “We could use more sisters like you.” So willing to help, however they may be able.

oswin & oswald
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.