PERSEPHONE

A soft smile spread across Persephone’s lips. Talya’s playful innocence never failed to warm her heart, even now when she was more woman than child. To Persephone, she would always be that young filly who had turned up in the Forest on her father’s child – the one who had been like a daughter to her before Sabran and Eadaz were even an idea in her mind.

“Then I will talk to him,” she said, watching as Kestrel peered up at his mother with bright-eyed curiosity. “Let me see if I can’t talk some sense into the boy.”

She didn’t relish the idea of going into the Lagoon again after all this time. She did not have the fondest memories of the place, or the men who lived within it. But for Talya she was prepared to make the trip. Besides, it had been too long and it was probably best for her to gain some intel on what things were like there now – she had not heard any trouble from them for a while.

At Talya’s question, Persephone’s smile only widened. She felt almost transported back in time, and the nostalgia was satisfyingly sweet. She realised that she missed it.

“You’re right, Kestrel needs to get quite a bit stronger before he will be able to swim to another island,” she replied. “You can stay here as long as you need. In fact, I insist. You don’t need to go anywhere you don’t want to, Talya.”

Persephone nodded her head firmly, suggesting the deal was as good as done, and with that she reached towards the pair with warmth and affection.

all of your demons will wither away

mixed, bay varnish roan, 14.3hh