…are you their leader then?

“Somewhat,” she replied with a smile, then nodded her pale face up toward the climb they were about to embark on. “Every mare at the Peak has the right to vote for who they’d like to lead them, and we also choose a General to oversee our Warriors and a Codebreaker to oversee our Thinkers.” Even if the specifics didn’t stick, Oswin hoped her brief explanation helped the mare - Rusalka - understand every mare had their own voice here and there was a structure of leadership in place as well.

She decided not to delve into the specifics of the Peak’s current turmoil (the fact that she may not be Prime Minister for long, mainly), hoping to keep this mare's visit as pleasant as possible.

“It can get rather warm, especially in summer during mid-day, but there are places to find shade that offer some reprieve,” Oswin explained, “I mostly spend my days in the foothills down below, but I enjoy hiking to the top a few hours before nightfall to sleep beneath the stars.” While Oswin felt the Peak’s summit was a sight to behold at any time of day or in any season, she had a soft spot for closing her eyes beneath its blanket of twinkling stars before she drifted off to sleep.

“Have you been wandering long?” Oswin asked as they continued their climb up, her voice curious. “My daughter Maia was always the adventurous, explorer type.” She said fondly, “She always had a slew of new stories to tell me any time we crossed paths again.”

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.