PERSEPHONE

“Oh,” Persephone replied, with a slightly bashful smile. “My apologies.”

Persephone couldn’t help but chuckle as the young woman tripped over her name. Her laughter was infectious, and it was nice to run into someone a little more relaxed. Persephone’s smile faltered at the mention of her nickname, however – just for one second.

It was not that she didn’t care for the abbreviation – not from people who meant kindness, at least – in fact, there had been a time when she had been very fond of that name, but the one who had last called her that held less fond memories. She pushed them away, however, and returned the warm smile to her lips.

“You can call me Sephy, if you’d like. That’s what my friends used to call me, back home,” she replied simply. Well, one friend at least – one whose memories were a little fonder to remember. “It’s nice to meet you anyway, Evren, even if it was accidental.”

She bobbed her head in greeting, officially now.

“It’s nice to see another woman leading a territory around her, especially one who is open to friends. A guide would be helpful, thank you, but we may as well get to know each other on our way over.”

She followed Evren’s lead, taking up post by her shoulder.

“So how long have you been here in charge of the Desert?” she asked as they walked, glancing at the white-splashed girl beside her with curiosity.

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh