“Yeah!” Filumena agreed excitedly, stubby little red tail flagged high off her spotted rump. She lifted her knees high as she pranced toward Reef, poking at the air with her nose toward the far distant shape of an island. “That one’s Luthien!” She stuck her chest out, proud that she knew and happy to show Reef how much she knew. She pranced around the little roan and stuck her nose out again. “And Tinuvel is up there! Over there is where Cimarron was,” she explained, looking briefly at her mother as though to double-check she’d gotten the information right. Oswin nodded with a small smile and Filumena’s grin burst wide again. She turned herself around a little more and gestured across the flat top of the mountain. “It’s kinda hard to see Atlantis and Salem, but they’re over that way.”

“Crossing Isle can be a pretty place to look over, too.” Oswin added, as it was easy to see the expanse of the middle island from the south end of the Peak’s top.

The pale-splashed mare moved up a bit to stand closer to Reef and smiled kindly at her. They’d only just crossed paths, but Oswin would be remiss if she didn’t at least extend an offer. “You know, if there’s ever anywhere you’d like to consider a home base while you explore these islands, you’d always be welcome here in the Peak. We can use more of our sisters who will explore the islands and keep an eye on things, and educate others that this sanctuary exists, should they need it.”

Filumena’s gold eyes brightened, and if not for the careful look she was given by her mother, she might’ve begged Reef to stay. She definitely wanted to hang out with Reef a lot more.

“You don’t have to make a decision today,” Oswin added, hoping to not add any uncomfortable pressure on Reef’s shoulders, like she had to say yes right then and there. “But just… something to keep in mind.” She turned her face back toward the open expanse of the world far, far below them and tipped her pale face up, watching as a few seagulls soared on the winds above the ocean waves.

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.