PERSEPHONE

Persephone frowned at Shamwari’s acknowledgement of the Prairie’s troubles. It pained her to think that her own failures might have impacted on her ally in any way, by failing to drive Warsaw away completely. She was concerned enough that her own herd was a target, but if Warsaw had Luthien as a whole in his sights then they had even more need to act.

She listened intently to Shamwari’s explanation, storing away each piece of knowledge carefully for future use and consideration. Her gaze flicked between him and Ruger, although the latter remained quiet. If Warsaw was gathering allies of his own, they had to be smart about their retaliation – they could not afford to act on impulse or emotion.

“No, I haven’t met the man, but if he is interested in peace than I am interested in meeting with him. I will remember his name.”

When Evren mentioned Cullen, Persephone shared a glance with her and gave a small sigh.

“Yes, he tried to steal away one of our companions here not long ago. She was a mare he kept captive before, I think he wanted another taste.”

The conversation turned then to the Lagoon, and Persephone was for a moment surprised to hear that Shamwari would send his son to the Lagoon when they were so pitted against each other. A few moments’ further consideration, however, allowed her to understand that perhaps there was little choice in it, and if there was a deal to be made it could at least be used to their advantage.

She nodded.

“A deal would be most useful, if you can swing it, even though I do hate to bargain with the likes of Cullen. But it would be safer to sedate him while we focus on Warsaw. I wish you the best of luck in negotiations, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.”

Persephone’s dark eyes went to Evren as she stumbled with her answer to Shamwari’s offer. It seemed unlike her. She wondered what was on the other mare’s mind.

“No, I’m afraid not. The only other being I really interacted with there was a young, golden filly, one of Warsaw’s daughters, apparently. She told me she was born here, on Luthien, though. I’m guessing in your Prairie, in fact, since I didn’t know her – Warsaw shooed her off before I could learn much else. I hope Vita Nova is well, and that you may find her easily.”

At Evren’s request, she turned to her companion with a nod.

“I trust both of your judgements.” She glanced between Shamwari and Evren. “If you think Liland is trustworthy you have my permission, and my encouragement, to form an alliance with him. Friends are better than more enemies, as you say.”

She paused a moment, considering.

“Speaking of which, it has been too long since I connected with the other herd leaders around the islands. Do you know who sits in the rest of the territories? Or whether they might be open to alliances? I might make some visits of my own, try to scope out potential friends or foes.”

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh