The water had been as bitterly cold as when he had left it in the commons. While in its depths, he felt the purposeful tag of the current, fighting against the churning of his legs as he keeps his head aloft, occasionally peeking behind him to ensure that flaxen haired woman was still following him.

He would never be able to forgive himself if he were to wash up on the shore of the forest and find that she had been swept away.

Sadly, he did not think that all horses were immune to the ebb and tide of the waters between all the islands. He imagined that many a man, woman, and child had been washed away by the currents. The water is shallow enough that the edges of his hooves can find the bracken-covered sea floor, but not so shallow that he could walk.

“I promise it is a better swim once we are free of winter.” He answers her with a gentle chuckle. Spring and summer were forgiving to the inhabitants of the isles. The waters would grow calm, only to be disturbed by the storms that would roll in during the summer and the constant, heavy rains of spring that threatened to engorge the waters.

The lack of snow only promised a little extra warmth.

From the waters they rise, dripping and he, looking as a great, red, hulking mass next to the mare, shakes himself violently. He relishes the way the water springs from his coat and his hair, sprinkling the snow (and perhaps the woman) around him. The breeze near the water is cool, and once finished, he ushers her gently towards the trees, trying to get her away from the wind and to keep her arrival pleasant. “Persephone is the leader here. These are her people- they were here before I arrived.”

He hopes that she, like him, prefers the constant company of others. Though he partakes in completing his chores in solitude, there are times when it is preferable to be with a group of companions- family, as Persephone promised him they would be in due time.

Once they are tucked away in the forest, away from the brash winter wind that runs off the water, and instead enfolded within a great copse of fir and pine trees, their sweet-smelling needles filling the air, Vercingetorix turns back to Aponi. “I was told of a war that happened here. Not long ago. I imagine it was tragic, as most wars are.” He watches her quietly. “I am hoping to help Persephone return the Forest to its former glory. I hope that you would like to stay- but if you are unsatisfied I will not stop you.” A little smile, as if to tease. “I’ll even make sure you make it back to the commons all in one piece.”