PERSEPHONE

The young golden girl was the first to speak, with a polite greeting, although it seemed that the stallion was definitely the leader of this group, as she appeared to wait for her companions to explain themselves first.

Of course, ‘good morning’ hardly seemed the introduction of someone here to give her trouble, and so Persephone offered the girl a small smile and a polite nod of her head in acknowledgement. Before she could say anything else, however, the filly piped up.

Persephone turned her head, casting her gaze towards the youngster whose face was filled with apparent awe. At first Persephone was confused, but at the girl’s words she realised why she seemed to star-struck. Persephone couldn’t help but chuckle.

A goddess. She wasn’t quite sure what made the girl think such a strange thing, but she had certainly been called much worse. If that was what this child wanted to call her, then she felt no need to complain.

“Why thank you, little one,” she replied simply, ducking her head slightly at the girl before turning her attention to the stallion as he began to speak.

He confirmed that he was indeed the little one’s father, although the other young mare was just a friend, it seemed. Persephone’s expression sobered at the mention of the girl’s dead mother, her gaze softening. Bob, Talya and Aurora – she committed their names to memory, and their story.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” she said quietly. “These islands can be cruel, and there are some pests out there that call themselves herd stallions.”

Persephone had no reason to doubt them, and though not always the warmest of souls she was not unkind – she would not turn someone in need away from her home. She was not in the habit of collecting stallions to join her herd, but if they were pleasant enough she would not refuse them – particularly when they had two young ladies in tow.

She was already quite willing to accept Bob’s request, but before she could even respond Talya leapt to her pleas. Persephone smiled, amused by the girl, and her gaze flicked back to Bob for a moment before she addressed her response to Talya first.

“Well, I suppose since you asked so nicely.” She gave the filly a smile, before turning her attention back to Aurora and Bob. “You are all welcome to stay here so long as you keep your promise. If anyone tries to give you any more trouble, they can come to me. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

She turned to face towards the Forest. “Why don’t I show you around a little?”

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh