Evren’s wide smile hardly falters as Creed reveals where she has been these last few months. “I had a feeling,” Evren says. “I saw the eyes you two were giving each other when you were last here.” Evren’s own copper eyes sparkle with pleasure, though her heart somersaults in her chest. It’s clear, by Creed’s tone, that she will not be returning to the Forest.

Persephone speaks then, confirming Evren’s suspicions. Her words are nothing but kind and supportive, but Evren sees the heaviness on her face and knows that she, too, is feeling the same pain. It may have been inevitable - after all, Persephone and Evren cannot offer Creed what Roheryn does - but that doesn’t make saying goodbye any easier. They are losing a family member: one of the oldest members of the Forest.

It will be strange without her around.

Evren feels her throat grow tight as Creed reciprocates Persephone’s sentiments. “I’m so proud of how far you’ve come, Creed,” she interjects. “We’ll be sure to visit you too - if only to make sure Roheryn is treating you well. If not, I’ll kick his pretty little butt.” She offers the little black mare a playful wink that belies the rush of emotion that’s building up within her, threatening to spill out.

Then, with a few more sweet words and nuzzles to each of them in turn, Creed is gone, disappearing into the rolling gray waves with the confidence of a grown mare: a grown mare who does not need them anymore.

Evren turns to Persephone with a weak smile and heaves a heavy sigh as tears roll down her cheeks. She says nothing, but no words are needed: in this moment they share the same aching heart.