PERSEPHONE

Persephone noted the relief that seemed to wash over Shamwari’s stiff frame as she confirmed that Talya had recovered well. The strange, bubbly little girl who had happened into the Forest under such unusual circumstances certainly seemed to have had an effect on almost everyone she had met, and perhaps even drawn them together.

She acknowledged his comment about the Prairie with a nod and a sympathetic expression. She knew the feeling – the Forest seemed quieter than when she had left already, and there were faces she had not managed to check in on in some time. But they would recover and soldier on, or so she hoped.

Then the discussion turned to the more serious matters at hand.

“I think so,” she replied with a nod. “He didn’t say that in so many words, but from his demeanour and what I learnt from Mariael I am certainly suspicious. He was kind enough to me, but I don’t know if I would quite call it true respect.”

Although the conversation was serious, Persephone couldn’t help the small smile that curled her lips as Shamwari offered his help.

“Thank you,” she replied warmly. “You are a true friend.”

At the mention of the Lagoon, Persephone’s ears pricked forwards again and she tilted her head in interest. She knew little of the bachelor herd that lived on the Crossing, and that made her somewhat nervous.

“I have yet to run into him,” she answered. “Does Psychedelic have connections there? If he harbours such a vile man I doubt much good can come from this Cullen either, but I will keep my ears and eyes peeled. Do you know much of him?”

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh