The smell of smoke lingers in her nostrils and in her hair. Even a long swim was not enough to wash it out. Rowena's heart sinks a little, knowing they can't return to that place, but as her hooves find purchase on this island, memories stir, and feelings of sorrow make way for feelings more nostalgic. Rowena knows where she is. She's been here before, but it's been so long. Her thoughts wander to Macabre. Is her old friend still here, somewhere on these islands?
As they move inland, Rowena looks to her daughter. "How are you holding up El?" She asks, not really wanting to know the answer. Rowena knows what it's like to be in her shoes. At one point she was nothing more than a bargaining chip for Vodnik. It sucks being in such a position, but such is the life of mares. Even now, as Osiris's mate, her position has hardly changed. The two don't love each other, and perhaps it's not healthy but he reminds Rowena so much of Vodnik she can't bring herself to let him go. He represents everything she's lost, and after being unable to stop Circe from killing Vodnik, Rowena feels she deserves a life with a stallion like Osiris. She has made no effort to crack his hard shell or build a real relationship.
Maybe this move is exactly what Rowena needs. Time has eased the hurt and now being back on the islands will force her to confront what grief remains.
The black mare steps up beside Osiris at the water's edge. She lowers her head to drink with him. Once satisfied, she lifts her head and regard him with a thinking eye. "Where to next?" she asks, wondering if he already has a plan. "I know where we are. I've been here before. I can tell you about the landscape of each island in this chain, but not of who lives here now. It's been so long."
