PERSEPHONE

Persephone returned Bob’s smile with a small chuckle. Although straight-shooting when it came to getting business done, the Forest was the heart of her mission here, and she wasn’t about to tell anybody in it that they were less important than outside matters, no matter how valued her neighbourly relations were.

“Not at all,” she replied warmly. “I have plenty time to get there – it’s only across the river, after all.”

With that, Persephone turned her attention to him wholly. She accepted his thanks with a smile and a simple nod of her head, although her insides warmed with pride to hear his words. It was a touching statement indeed.

“You are very welcome. Talya is a special girl, I can see why you are so protective,” she replied, her tone light, although to be truthful she felt much the same about the youngster.

At Bob’s mention of his life before Talya, Persephone tilted her head in interest. He had never really mentioned anything about his past before, and although she didn’t like to pry she was curious – even though they lived together and were on friendly terms, she didn’t really know an awful lot about him.

“I’m glad you don’t have to. You were a handsome young troublemaker I bet, back in the day?” she replied playfully, teasing a little as a smirk curled at her lips. “Breaking hearts left and right?”

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh