The new spring grass was sweet and moist in Evren’s mouth. She grazed in the near vicinity of the herd (except for Han, who was, as usual, off doing goodness-knows-what on his own). Closest to her was Persephone. Ever since her friend had been returned to her, Evren had acted as her shadow, keeping a close eye on her whereabouts every moment she could. Whether they were eating, dozing, or socializing with another herd member, Evren made it her business to know exactly where Persephone was at all times. If she could have, she would have been physically glued to the mare’s side, but she did not want to stifle her friend.
What drove Evren’s vigilance was the fact that it caused her physical pain whenever she could not physically see Persephone. Every moment they were apart - which was at least twice a day for Evren’s patrols - Evren felt her mind spiralling into chaos with thoughts of Persephone’s wellbeing: where was she right that moment? What was she doing? Was she alone? What if Warsaw returned and stole Persephone away again while Evren was not there to protect her?
She knew these thoughts were irrational. She knew that there were plenty of other eyes in the forest to keep watch and defend Persephone if need be. She even knew that Persephone herself was not completely helpless. Part of her even relished the idea of Warsaw trying something again, for it would give her a reason to finally unleash all her pent-up rage. Even still, more often than not Evren returned from her patrols shaking and sweating, and was not calm until she saw her friend again with her own eyes.
“What happened to you?” Han had teased her one evening. “I’m meant to be the anxious one.” Evren had laughed it off, yet his words had stayed with her. It was true, she had never experienced such intense worry like this before, at least not so persistently: not even when members of her own family had gone missing and never returned. It made Evren wonder, as she gazed at Persephone thoughtfully. What was different this time?
Her thoughts were disturbed when a sudden cry shook the forest. It was a stallion’s summons, which made Evren raise her head and prick her ears. Was it Shamwari? Her heart began to race. Evren flared her nostrils to test the air, but the wind was blowing the wrong way. She shot a meaningful glance at Persephone. “I’ll come with you,” she said with a flick of her tail, knowing that Persephone would not object. It was not that Evren didn’t trust Shamwari - they were allies now, after all - but with everything that had happened, and their conversation in the prairie, Evren had no intention of missing this meeting.
She had other reasons for wanting to see Shamwari too, but those were ones she would never admit.
9; mutt; bay tobiano; 15.3hh
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