PERSEPHONE

“I think that depends on the nickname,” she replied simply, in good humour.

Persephone was wary of Cain’s words, especially with Warsaw on her mind, but they seemed a harmless joke at the moment. The conversation turned then, however, and her ears pricked with interest as the stallion shared some information about Warsaw – or rather, some emissary of Warsaw’s.

This was intriguing. Persephone was surprised to hear that a mare was working for Warsaw, and involved enough that she would try to raid another herd on his behalf. But then again, somehow Warsaw had succeeded in amassing some kind of herd of women who, for some reason, could put aside in their feelings his misogynistic attitude.

“I’m sorry to hear that you have been troubled by him as well, even second-hand. Do you know the mare’s name? Or what she looked like, at least?” Persephone asked, calm but quite eager to try and piece together this stranger’s identity if possible.

At the mention of drama, Persephone returned Cain’s smirk weakly. She admired the young stallion’s energy, but for her, after the years this had been building for, she was tired of it, and ready for the end.

“You are not wrong there,” she replied with a sigh.

She paused a moment, considering what she had learned. She was not yet sure exactly how far to trust this stranger, but she did not mistrust him yet – and she thought that perhaps they could be of some use to each other.

“If Warsaw has already sent his cronies after you, then I wouldn’t be surprised if his behaviour escalates during the war. He is working with the Lagoon, their leader Cullen in particular – do not be fooled into trusting one if you do not trust the other. If I hear any other information that might be of use to you in defending yourself and your herd from him, I will bring it to you – and I would appreciate if you might return the favour, should you be inclined.”

Persephone paused again, tilting her head as she gauged Cain’s reaction to her suggestion.

“I prefer to make friends than enemies. Perhaps I would be able to call you one, one day, if we survive this threat.”

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh