PERSEPHONE

Persephone waited patiently as the golden mare struggled to her feet. Old age would come to them all eventually, if they were lucky enough, and it was not her place to bother her about it or make her feel weak.

When she did get to her feet, however, her attention seemed stolen by Talya. That was not very unusual in itself, of course – the girl definitely had a way of drawing attention – but Persephone noticed the way Evaline seemed to freeze for a moment. She seemed surprised, even if just for a moment.

Did she know Talya, Persephone wondered, her own dark eyes narrowing slightly as she considered what could have made the mare’s demeanour change at the youngster’s arrival. It was not a question that could be answered easily, however, and the mare seemed to settle again after a moment, so Persephone pushed it from her mind as she returned her attention back to the conversation.

“It’s nice to meet you, Evaline,” she replied with a duck of her head.

So this was Shamwari’s mother, then. Persephone’s eyes widened slightly in surprise – they didn’t look much alike to her – but she accepted the information with a warm smile. She was glad to hear that she was a friend of a friend, at least, rather than the friend of an enemy.

“Ah, Shamwari,” she said with a smile, nodding. “I was planning to visit him myself too, actually – we are allies – but I will let you have him first. I’ll show you the way to the border, if you like, but feel free to rest up here a little while first if you need to.”

At Evaline’s question, Persephone couldn’t help but chuckle. It seemed that she didn’t know the girl after all, although she still looked a little uneasy as she spoke to her. Persephone didn’t have chance to respond, however, before Talya leapt in.

She grinned down at the girl as Talya exclaimed gleefully at the idea of Persephone being her mother. Something inside her stirred a little. The idea touched her more than she could know, but she did not want to dive into those thoughts right now, and not in present company.

Talya’s reaction to Evaline’s question about her father, however, was interesting. Persephone didn’t think that she had ever seen the girl look worried, or even unsure of how to answer any question, yet suddenly her enthusiasm seemed cowed. She frowned just slightly, unable to identify what this strange atmosphere was between her guest and Talya.

“Unfortunately no,” Persephone replied, pushing the questions away for now, and shooting Talya a playful smile. “Her father lives here with me. His name is Bob, do you know him?”

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh