So she wasn’t the queen Mariael had heard rumors of. Just as well, Mariael had no opinion of that other queen and already she respected Persephone a little more considering the mare was willing to do her work to learn about her surroundings. The drive the Forest Queen showed was something to be admired and showed she was likely to either be a valuable ally or a formidable opponent. Mariael knew she should be doing this as well, in spite of her dislike of the other island’s weather. She needed to be more proactive in gathering intelligence, not just in gathering bodies to fill the ranks of her family. Mariael did nothing to betray doubt in herself before Persephone, and instead focused on what the mare said.
“I haven’t been very active in the island politics for the last two years,” Mariael started, deciding it was best to stick to honesty rather than lie and claim to be more informed than she actually was. “But I do know the name Shamwari. My father was close foalhood friends with him and spoke highly of him, at one point Shamwari had intended to send his brother to live with me, but unfortunately that was never able to happen.” Mariael paused slightly, for her pride didn’t want to admit she’d lost The Bay to an outsider, but she remembered how hungered he’d been for the Forest and though he was long gone, there was a chance he could return.
Mariael regarded Persephone before she spoke. It would pain her to admit her momentary loss of her home, but she knew if the tables were turned, she’d hoped someone would warn her of a potential threat. “A stallion once came to my home by the name of Asp. He took control of the Bay, but promised me if I helped him take the Forest, he’d give the Bay to me. His heart was set on the Forest.” She snorted and flicked her tail before she spoke again. “Asp is long gone as far as I know and he never did take the Forest, but if ever that name should resurface, I’m certain he’ll turn his attention toward your home.”
Mariael let a moment pause between them before she spoke again. “As for the other islands, there isn’t much I could say. I used to know a stallion named Aillil who lived on Atlantis, in Paradise. We were allied and he was a decent individual. With the winds of change on these islands, I can’t say for certain he’s still there.”
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