Her head was everywhere. After announcing to the Peak that she was demanding a vote for herself to continue her role as their lead, Oswin left Filumena and Oswald with a trusted sister and took off down the length of Crossing Isle. A large part of her would have liked to have brought her children with her on this walk, but she needed to be alone. Every day she woke up uncertain what her next move should be. The conversation she had with her General circled in her mind, as did the conversations she had with Tyr. Despite never wanting to admit herself weak for a man, the more she thought of him the more Oswin found herself missing him.

Only to then feel guilty for it, wondering if she was wrong for the way she felt for Tyr.

Oswin’s hooves kept carrying her in an idle walk down the shoreline, occasionally turning herself inland to snatch a few mouthfuls of grass, or to a freshwater source where she could drink. Eventually her hooves brought her to where the island began to fall away into the sea, where the trees swelled up and created a soft, hush, private place where shadows seemed to lurk in every corner. Oswin paused, wondering if it would be smarter of her to turn and leave, especially after the request she’d laid at her sister’s hooves.

She didn’t need to walk further into the Lagoon. Voices down the shore drew her attention and the white-splashed mare turned herself curiously that way. She drew up short at the sight of Tyr and a mare she did not know.

But de ocean does not forgive, and nor will I, if any of de Lagoon come into de Ridge and take from me again.

Oswin snorted, white tail flicking, haunted by her General’s words. Who had the Lagoon taken from this mare? It was clear she and the Lagoon General had just been in a fight (Oswin tried not to let her eyes linger too long on Tyr post-battle) but there did not seem to be any absolute outrage. Unable to keep herself from stepping further in to the situation, rather than recognizing it may not be her business and leaving, Oswin walked closer to them.

I wan’ to speak to ‘im. Jabari. De boys, too.

The mare said just as Oswin approached them both, looking between them before her eyes settled on Tyr. There was something quiet and subdued about Oswin’s expressions. She didn’t quite seem as fired up as she normally was.

“Sorry to intrude,” she said carefully, and her eyes drifted to the mare. “I am Oswin, the Peak’s Prime Minister.” And, as her tone implied, that gave her the right to stand here uninvited.

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.