PERSEPHONE

Persephone’s gut twisted as she waited those few long, drawn-out moments for Evren’s reaction. It was almost as if her friend were the thermometer, by which she could measure her own feelings and reactions to the situation herself. Persephone could not quite articulate, if she had been asked, exactly why Evren’s opinion was so important to her, but it was very clear to her from the way it knotted her stomach, that it was very important indeed.

She did not expect the tears.

The pregnancy had brought to Persephone little more emotion than fear, confusion and regret so far, so to see her companion so immediately affected by the news almost concerned her. For a few moments, Persephone could not tell whether they were happy or sad tears.

She pressed the side of her face against Evren’s neck, mirroring her friend’s comforting gesture. She rubbed her muzzle gently up and down her white-splashed skin until Evren seemed to settle, and compose herself at least marginally.

When she pulled away, and Persephone saw the smile, relief washed over her. Strangely, she felt the threat of tears prick at the backs of her own eyes, and she struggled to blink them back before they became more than a wet glint. Unsurely, but happily, she returned Evren’s smile.

“Thank you, Evren. I hope so,” she replied, her voice cracking just slightly.

The question, then, was not as scary – not now that the main issue was out in the open. Persephone had no plans to go around advertising the sire of her unborn child – not only was the time politically dangerous, but she didn’t find it to be anyone else’s business anyway – but she had no problem sharing the information with her friend, even if it did come accompanied by a slightly sheepish smile.

“Shamwari, actually,” she answered, pausing awkwardly for a moment. “There is nothing more between us than friendship but… I trust him – and I was worried it might be now or never.”

Was that a selfish thing to say? Persephone worried, her dark eyes seeking Evren’s face once again for reassurance.

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh