PERSEPHONE

It didn’t take long for someone to return her call, and Persephone lifted her head as a low whicker reached her ears. A mare approached her, coming from further inland, a very pale thing with hair and markings as white as the frost that would surely cover this frozen land in a few months’ time. For a moment, Persephone wondered who this stranger was – whether she was the leader of this land, or simply a curious resident – but she didn’t have to wait long to find out.

The woman introduced herself immediately, as soon as she reached her visitor, and Persephone offered her a small, reserved smile as she did so. It was both intriguing and refreshing to find another female leader – although Persephone had not been on these lands long, she got the impression that some of the residents were still not yet comfortable with the idea.

She liked to see someone else earning those unbelievers’ disapproval.

“I am Persephone,” she replied, holding Mariael’s gaze easily, “Queen of the Forest.”

Before she could say anything else, however, the other mare seemed to notice her discomfort in the cold. Her offer was a godsend, Persephone thought, but she tried to keep the relief out of her expression, eager not to look weak in front of this woman who could become either her ally or her competitor.

“Yes, let’s,” she agreed, making to follow Mariael to a more sheltered spot in the trees.

As they walked, Persephone returned her attention to the purpose of her visit, glancing at Mariael sideways, walking next to her as she spoke.

“I hope you don’t mind my visiting,” she began. “I took over the territory on Luthien recently, and I have been meaning to acquaint myself with the other herds on the rest of the islands.” She paused, making sure to look at Mariael as she spoke. “It’s good to see another mare in charge.”

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan blanket, 14.3hh