PERSEPHONE

Persephone noted the way Mariael reacted – she seemed at first irritable, then outright angry, and then sympathetic. It warmed Persephone’s heart and reassured her mind. She had considered Mariael a good ally and a friend for some time now, but their relationship business or otherwise had yet to be tested by anything until now. She was pleased to see that it was not built on false foundations.

“You have no need to apologise,” Persephone replied, with a shake of her head. “He has treated me kind enough, if a little strangely. He seemed very interested in my leadership also – now I know he was shaken by your own the obsession seems all the more intriguing.”

Almost equally intriguing was Mariael’s announcement that she intended to rule Tinuvel in its entirety. Persephone was generally one for equal rule, but she had no qualms about seizing power from those she deemed could not be trusted, and it was looking more likely by the minute that Warsaw might be trouble. She trusted Tinuvel in Mariael’s hands, but not his alone.

“I will be home before long, and I intend to share a warning of this trouble with any friend whose path I cross. Luthien is far enough away, I do not fear his wrath, but if you do intend to take this island for your own, I want to let you know you have my support.”

She gave Mariael a hard look, judging her reaction and impressing the honesty of her words.

“You need only ask if you require my assistance.”

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh