PERSEPHONE

Persephone’s lips worked to free the child, but her eyes fixed on Silvanus. She did not even seem to struggle, which was the worst sign. The seconds passed, long as hours, but the only movement the dark mare made was the soft movements of her lips.

Caitriona. With her last breaths, she named her daughter.

Persephone could not summon the strength to push words past the lump in her throat. Her dark eyes pricked with hot tears, and she cast them downwards as she reached out to press her nose against Silvanus’ cheek. She stood there, motionless, until the mare went still – truly still, which was something no living thing could ever quite accomplish.

The air seemed heavy around them, dulling the surrounding sounds until, after a few moments, the silence was pierced by the foal’s demanding cry. With a broken sigh, Persephone returned her attention to the new-born, who was struggling to stand and keep her balance. She offered the child a nudge of her nose to steady her, before the filly seemed to evaluate the scene before her.

Ma!

The word cut deep, the pain not softened by the child’s hopeful, innocent face. She did not understand what had happened here today. Persephone wondered whether she would remember, this when she was older. She could not bring herself to form a happy face for the girl, but she took a breath and ensured her voice was steady and calm before she spoke.

“Ma’s gone now,” she said softly, stepping forwards to nudge at the child’s rump in order to turn her around and get her away from her dam’s body. “Come on, let’s get you safe.”

Persephone had lost a friend today, but she would not forget her words.

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh