PERSEPHONE

Persephone listened as Shamwari explained that the man who had lived here previously had been his brother, Paradiso. She stored his name away for future reference, and the brief description the stallion gave. As for Shamwari’s request, she was not about to make any promises to a stranger, but she was in no position to make any enemies either.

“I will treat him kindly so long as he shows me the same courtesy if he shows up here,” she replied, offering a very small but polite smile. “I’m sure I could find a use for him if necessary.”

The smile twitched playfully. It was only half a joke.

Shamwari joined her with a smirk at her comment about causing trouble, and she was glad to see both that he had a sense of humour and that he didn’t seem to have any bad intentions towards her and her new home. His attitude seemed purely friendly, and diplomatic – not something that Persephone was opposed to.

Allies were important in herd stability, which was something she wanted to achieve, particularly with such close neighbours. She had no intention to rock the boat so close to home without provocation.

“I’m glad to hear that,” she replied, the small smile growing a little more relaxed and more genuine now. “So long as you are good to me, I will be good to you. I would rather have a friend on my borders than an enemy, so you may count on the Forest to be your ally so long as we share this island.”

Persephone had grown a little more serious as she spoke, her tone expressing the sincerity of her words. She was not one to make friendships lightly, but as she had said she wanted to be on the right side of her neighbours, and there was no harm in making that clear. Should Shamwari turn out to be dishonourable, she could retaliate just as easily if he were to betray her.

She allowed the smile to creep back onto her lips, however, as she finished her reply.

“That is, however, as long as you never call me ma’am again.”

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan blanket, 14.3hh