PERSEPHONE

Persephone listened carefully as the stranger spoke, introducing himself as Tarek, and his pregnant companion as Hannah. She offered them both a nod and a smile, warmer this time – troublemakers didn’t usually introduce themselves so politely first, so her anxiety about their visit began to wane, and continued to as Tarek explained their situation.

At his question, she nodded.

“Yes,” she replied, “that would be me. I’m Persephone, and this is my forest. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Tarek, and you, Hannah.”

She looked to the mare as she mentioned her. She remained quiet, and looked uncomfortable. Persephone tried to give her a reassuring look. Before she could say anything further, however, she heard the approach of another, and turned her head to see Evren rush from the trees in a hurry.

Persephone’s lips curled instinctively into a smile at the sight of her, but it took a second for her to realise that Evren’s excitement was directed towards the stranger. She watched them both, her dark gaze flicking between them for a moment. Who was this man to Evren, Persephone wondered.

“You two know each other?” she asked, tilting her head. She waited a moment to see if an explanation would come, but judging by Evren’s reaction the connection was only positive. “A friend of Evren is a friend of mine, and is welcome in the Forest.”

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh