“I’ve heard of the Badlands,” Filumena declared, nodding firmly. “I have a sister who lives there named Klara, but I’ve never met her.” It had been Oswald who had told her about their unknown sister, Klara. He had said their mother once told him she would take him to Salem so he could meet his sister, but the trip had never happened. Filumena was somewhat curious at the idea of a sister from her dam’s side who she did not know. There were too many unknown variables from her father’s side, including the fact that she’d never met him, that she didn’t wonder too much about half-siblings from that particular bond. But other siblings from her mother? Two older sisters, one living in the Cove on Tinuvel and the other living in the Badlands on Salem? That definitely intrigued her.
Filumena’s yellow eyes brightened on the almost-all-white filly in front of her. She likely knew Filumena’s sister, being from the same herd as she was, which was an intriguing concept. This stranger knew Filumena’s own blood better than she did, maybe even better than she ever would.
When the filly mentioned her end destination being Luthien, Filumena brightened again. She didn’t soften with concern at the fillies’ woes, or even bristle at the thought that Arsinoe was a runaway and likely shouldn’t be encouraged. All Filumena said was, “I know where Luthien is! It’s very close to the Peak, you can see it on clear days from the north shore.” Her words were confident, rather happy to think she could offer some actual semblance of help. All without needing to ask for an adult, too! That would probably be for the best, considering Arsinoe said she had run away from the Badlands to find her brother. If an adult heard that, they’d probably get involved and steer Arsinoe right back to Salem.
Adults really did like to ruin everything, didn’t they?
“I’m Filumena,” she said by way of introduction after Arsinoe had asked, “I can show you to the beach near Luthien, if you want. The Peak is pretty quiet these days, so you can probably find somewhere to hide and rest until you can keep going.” Filumena offered the information with a childlike innocence, not thinking of any political damnation that might come from admitting how quiet and empty the Peak was now. That’s just how things were and how they’d always been since Filumena was born. She was used to it.
Though before Arsinoe could answer or carry their conversation, a colt came charging up to their group, announcing the perfection of the Badlands. His familiarity with Arsinoe, as well as a faint similarity in their figures, immediately told Filumena that they were well acquainted. It only furthered her intrigue. One new friend was an exciting enough prospect, but two? And both from an island away from Crossing Isle? This wasn’t her brother that she was looking for, was it?
As he questioned Arsinoe, Filumena glanced from him and back to the filly, watching her reaction concerning the approach of the colt and what he’d said.
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