Evaline was happy to have the conversation shift to topics other than her daughter, whom she still watched intermittently out of the corner of her eye as the filly kicked her heels up through the tall grass and ferns. But when Persephone talks, Evaline's attention shifts back to the mare at her side. She studies her quietly, watching with interest as Persephone perked up with questions about the Dunes. This mare from the Forest had been nothing but pleasant and forthcoming thus far, and she seemed sharp witted enough, given her interest in knowing the various leaders here. Evaline, of course, was happy to oblige when it came to talking about her beloved Valve. With the gentle swish of her long, blonde tail, Evaline smiled politely to Persephone before gathering her thoughts. "An Akhal Teke mare named Valve rules the Dunes." She says first, matter-of-factly. "Valve has a long family history among the isles. She is likely the most fair, but also the most fierce and dynamic leader I've ever met here." Evaline explains, her expression as serious as her words. "She treats me quite well. I wouldn't feel safer under any other's keep, including my son's." She reiterates as they amble down the path. In the passing brisk breeze, the palomino mare catches a distant, but present, whiff of her son's masculine scent. She gathers that they must be nearing the edge of Persephone's terrain. "I take it you haven't been to Salem yet." Evaline adds, bobbing her head gently as they carried on. "I recommend doing so before the dead heat of summer. Many foolishly come only to find out how intense it can be." Evaline cocks her head to one side as Persephone explains that the golden mare isn't the first to breathe Asp's name to her. She nods curtly in understanding, her nostrils flaring just a bit from the walk, which was somewhat tiresome, given her general exhaustion that lingered from her swim. Evaline couldn't say she knew the red stallion well, but she knew he left a sour taste her mouth some years ago, and returned to be a thorn in her son's side. "He is not to be trusted." Evaline warns gravely. "I met him once. Shamwari was a yearling, maybe, and strayed from the Prairie. When I found him here, Asp was unrelenting, and if I hadn't been his neighbor's lead mare at the time, he would have never let us leave. Not to mention the punishment he would have inflicted on Shamwari, who was just a boy at the time." Evaline spits, reliving the distaste she had for that memory across her features. "You should know that he returned somewhat recently, and wrecked havoc for the mare who lived here before you. She also was Shamwari's ally at the time. And my son went to great lengths to help her expel him from Luthien." Persephone had given Evaline no reason to believe that she and her son were on nothing but good terms, but the golden mare saw no reason not to hit this point home. Though Shamwari had many faults, he was inherently loyal to those within his keep. This mare should know that. 17 | Arabian cross |14.2 | Palomino | Mother of Kasabian, Shamwari, Vita Nova, Paradiso, Ruxin & Talya | Vinyl |