PERSEPHONE

Persephone’s heart swelled at the sight of both of them. Creed looked healthy and well, she had grown into a confident young woman, and now she had a son. He greeted Persephone warmly, and looked up at her with adorable big, blue eyes. She smiled back as she reached them, and lowered her muzzle towards him, offering to exchange breaths in greeting.

She did the same with Creed, savouring the gentle touch of her friend as their muzzles brushed against each other briefly. She introduced her son as Adonis, and Persephone bobbed her head in return as he greeted her.

“Why thank you,” she replied with a smile. He was a polite young thing, Creed was obviously raising him well, and she offered her an encouraging look that said as much.

There was a pause then for a moment, as Persephone heard the concern in her friend’s voice. For a second, she wished that she could tell her everything. But it felt impossible, not just inappropriate – at least for now, while the fate of the life she had built hung precariously in the balance. She pushed the thoughts down and shook her head, as if tossing them away.

“I’m sorry, everything is fine. Just some personal matters I’ve been dealing with, that’s all,” she explained, brushing aside her distraction. “Thank you, though.”

She offered her a small smile that she hoped could convey even a small amount of the gratitude she felt.

“It’s so strange to see you here again – crossing the sea freely, a mother, with your family,” she continued. “What brings you back to the Forest? Are you going to visit us for a while?”

For now, Persephone was sadly unaware of the unfortunate circumstances that had brought her friend to her door.

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh