PERSEPHONE

It did seem fateful, indeed, that Persephone had happened upon the Forest first, not long after meeting and talking to Silvanus. It had been part of the reason that she had decided to stay – it seemed like some kind of message to her, that this was an important and special place.

So far, she felt that her decision had been a good one.

Persephone smiled at Silvanus’ mention of a family. It was coming to feel like one, slowly. She took notice of her words about Shamwari, too. Persephone knew that she wanted to speak to him regarding the worrying things she had learned from Orkaan, but it was reassuring to hear stories of his kindness.

“I’m glad that Shamwari treated you well, he is one of my allies,” she said simply.

What Silvanus said next, however, was the most surprising thing. Persephone turned her head to look at the girl’s belly while they walked. She supposed she did look a little bigger than when she had last seen her, but it had been such a while that it wasn’t really noticeable at first glance. She was so young, Persephone thought, but she remembered a time when she had thought quite differently.

Quickly, she turned her expression of surprise into a warm smile.

“Congratulations,” she said simply, bobbing her head. “Where are you staying these days? Winter isn’t the time for you to go wandering too far with a little life inside you.”

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh