PERSEPHONE

Persephone nodded as Evren spoke, knowing that she had heard the same things in regards to the islands’ history. She had not had to fight the same fight as those that came before her, but that did not mean that she had forgotten, or did not sympathise with her predecessors.

She watched with careful interest as Rille dropped his gaze at her answer to his peculiar question, her own dark eyes flicking briefly between him and Evren. She hoped that she had managed not to offend their companion, but no doubt there was much more behind the question that was known to Rille and not the two mares.

There was an apprehensive moment of silence before Rille responded, but thankfully he continued without reproach. His words were pretty, like poetry – Persephone didn’t doubt that his mother had shared these comments to him many times in such a way, imprinting them upon his mind.

She nodded, a small smile curling the corners of her lips as she turned her head to look around the shadows of the trees surrounding them.

“I would agree with your mother. There is something special about the Forest after dark – the night is more complete, deeper and more alive than any I have lived through elsewhere.”

At the mention of his family’s names, Persephone held his gaze, her head tilted in concentration. She was silent a moment, considering, but for her the names were unfamiliar. It disappointed her, to know so little of the Forest’s ancient mysteries. How the trees might talk if they could – how they would scream out: yes, yes I know them.

“I’m afraid I don’t know of them,” Persephone replied sadly. “My own bloodlines rest on islands other than these, I am perhaps the wrong one to ask about history here. What about you, Evren? Do you recognise any of them?” she asked, turning her gaze upon her companion hopefully.

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh