PERSEPHONE

Persephone was pleased to hear Mariael give a good word about Shamwari. If her father had thought well of him before her, and she still thought him pleasant enough now, then it seemed likely that he could be trusted. Persephone had been wary of accepting him as her ally, but with this information she was reassured of her decision, and the thought rested a little easier in her mind.

“That is good to hear,” she replied. “My neighbour is the last person I want trouble from – squabbling close to home is a dangerous game.”

The information which Mariael imparted upon her next, however, was the most intriguing and the most worrying. Asp. She committed the name to memory immediately, along with every scrap of detail she could discern from Mariael’s words.

A stranger who was obsessed with the Forest… with her home. It was a dangerous position to be in, should the stallion ever return to these islands, but at least with this information Persephone had time to prepare, and the attack – should there ever be one – would not have the advantage of surprise.

Mariael had another name to offer her, which Persephone tucked away in her mind, but her focus remained on this Asp character, and the potential threat to her home. Her expression was thoughtful as she let the information sink in for a moment before she replied.

“I thank you for this information, Mariael… I will remember the name of this untrustworthy devil, in case he should ever return. Your warning is the best defence I can have until then.” She looked at Mariael in earnest, her tone undeceiving in its honesty, before she continued.

“I’m afraid I have not yet been here long enough to offer you much of interest in return, but I give you my word I shall pass along any pertinent information in the future, should I discover it. Your kindness in sharing this with me will not be forgotten.”

Persephone considered her next words carefully before she spoke, but they were just as direct as before. “Perhaps you may think it too early, but I have had a prosperous day today, and my spirits are high – I have no intention of causing you trouble so long as you show me the same respect, so if you are ever in need of assistance, or you would like to make a formal alliance, please let me know. I am open to the idea.”

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh