Evren feels a little bloom of pride in her abdomen as Persephone tactfully alludes to the subject of an alliance. Persephone has always had a way with words, much more so than Evren, and it’s especially admirable given the deep-seated anxiety and mistrust that have threatened to swallow the Forest - and Evren herself - in the months following the war. This pride is a cool balm to the discomfort Evren had felt a moment before at Persephone’s casual touch, and it lends her enough confidence to lean ever so slightly against Persephone in return so that the pressure of their barrels against one another is a firm yet quiet gesture of support.
Persephone’s question gives her pause, however. She does not wish to intrude on a formal discussion between leaders, but both have made it clear that she is welcome among them. She side-eyes Persephone just as the smaller mare offers her a curious head-tilt. Those dark eyes, boring into hers, are all she needs. “Sure,” she replies softly, her gaze lingering on Persephone’s face a moment too long before she remembers herself and returns her attention to Rille.
The corners of her mouth curve in a pleased smile when he responds with words that are just as eloquent, if no moreso, as Persephone’s. The future of Luthien has been so uncertain, yet this stallion offers his seemingly unconditional support. Evren might have doubted whether his intentions are pure, but knowing he has family ties to Luthien - and Shamwari’s approval - are strong marks in his favor. His manner, too, seems trustworthy, aided by his solemn, thoughtful way of speaking.
Inevitably, the conversation turns to less pleasant matters again. Evren feels Persephone’s eyes on her, but her gaze has dropped to the ground. It’s still difficult for her to speak about what happened without getting emotional or angry. Thankfully, Persephone takes the reins of the conversation, skimming over the more gruesome details to sum the entire sordid affair up in a few sentences. A slight frown sits on Evren’s face as she recounts that night, the deaths, and the faces of the missing, including that of her sister. Pressure builds in her throat until she can hold it in no longer.
“Warsaw, Rougaru, their herds, and the Lagoon bachelors and their boss, Cullen: they are the names you should know. They did… unspeakable things. We may have peace now, but they are no friends to Luthien.” Her dark amber eyes watch for Rille’s reaction.
11; mutt; bay tobiano; 15.3hh |
