It’s not long before the lighthearted atmosphere between them dissipates, which seems to happen frequently nowadays. Evren regards Persephone quietly, her amber-brown eyes watchful and contemplative. She nods when Persephone describes herself as playing a defensive game, but internally she feels another stab of guilt. As much as she respects and even envies Persephone’s cautious style of leadership, it has caused her no end of internal conflict. Evren is the storm to Persephone’s sky; she doesn’t have the patience to tiptoe around issues when they can be crushed into dust. But increasingly, she knows this is something she needs to work on. Her impulsive, rash behavior has already put the herd in danger and threatened the Forest’s alliance with the Prairie. She has learned the hard way that, sometimes, problems are not so simple to fix.
Then Persephone brings up the topic of children, and a moment of quiet encapsulates them as their minds turn toward the same thing. Evren’s gut clenches and her eyes dart away guiltily. She wants to tell Persephone right then that there will likely be more children in the forest to protect than she realizes, but her tongue refuses to move. Thankfully Persephone breaks the silence, and Evren’s gaze returns to her. Her expression softens, and she tilts her head with a sheepish smile.
“We will,” she says, forcing an ounce of confidence in her tone. “The fact Warsaw hasn’t moved on us already means he knows Luthien is strong. In fact, I don’t know of any other island that is as united as we are. We’re practically one big family.” Evren’s voice trails off, and she hesitates for a moment. “But I agree, I think we should be especially careful next season, once the foals drop.” She eyes Persphone meaningfully, waiting to see if she would pick up on Evren’s meaning.
10; mutt; bay tobiano; 15.3hh |
