There was no moment for her to feel satisfaction at having been right. It was clear the young stallion in front of her had just gone through something big, even if Oswin didn’t know exactly what that something was. She had crossed paths with plenty of black-hearted horses over the years; this red stallion was not one. If the confusion was an act, he was the greatest actor she’d ever witnessed. Oswin liked to pride herself on thinking she could see through bullshit when someone tried to pull a fast one on her. The slumped, injured stallion in front of her with tears in his eyes definitely wasn’t.

He introduced himself as Nahawi and apologized. Oswin looked at him much like she might’ve looked at one of her sons when they acted up and did something they knew they weren’t supposed to. Her expression was stern, but it didn’t stop her from looking somewhat worried that he was going to be alright, or worried about what big thing might’ve happened to set off this explosion within him.

“I’m not going to say it’s okay, because it’s not,” she replied, snorting softly down at him, “I’m an old lady and have no business getting into fights like that any more,” her tone was actually a little humorous, and if he managed to look up at her, he might’ve seen some amusement and light in her eyes. Maybe she shouldn’t get into scuffles, but it was clear the mare had always been a warrior, and she was feeling far more spry than she had any business feeling after what they’d just gone through.

“But, I don’t even know you and you…” How could she kindly tell a stranger that they didn’t seem like they were in their right mind? “Well, you reminded me of someone I knew, and I used to feel terrible that they could feel so bad they’d do something just to hurt themselves…” Oswin trailed off, aware that if she was assuming too much about the situation, he could be upset with her. Why was it her place to interject? To scold him like a child? He was a grown stallion and a stranger who’d just attacked her in her home, he could very well tell her to stick it where the sun didn't shine and get lost.

“I’m Oswin,” she added, then decided it wouldn’t hurt to fully reveal her importance to him, “Queen of the Ridge.” Only the briefest of pauses was allowed before she decided to ask, "Am I right?" It was said quietly. Oswin knew it wasn't her place to expect him to bare his pain toward her, but considering he was already slouched and aching, partly at her fault and mostly at his, she didn't feel like walking away without finding out.

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.