The Hearts that are Entwined

Peacekeeper

The next morning I awoke just little past dawn and immediately set off towards wolf’s creek eager to find Patrick for he was one of the few absent from last nights celebrations and meeting Alex our new friend and neighbor. I wasn’t sure why he wasn’t there other than maybe he had gotten too caught up in goldening the leaves and vegetation of the forest maybe he fell asleep for using our powers can drain us quickly. I flew up high over the creek and followed the water flow down to the beavers dam waving to the water nymphs as I passed by. And to my surprise there at the pool behind the dam was Patrick and he was yelling and arguing with a grey wolf I recognized as Graham the alpha from the Cedar glade pack. With his deep auburn red hair I instantly recognized him for his anger blotched his skin to match his head I couldn’t help but giggle. “You can’t claim that side of the forest Graham not all of iron woods is your territory for there are other packs that live here too!” Patrick yelled out across the water. “My ancestors are the reason this very creek is called Wolfs creek you annoying bug!” Graham shouted back. I could tell the tensions were rising they must’ve been at it a while as the air was thick. I sighed it was simply too early for such a quarrel. I quickly flew down to hover over the water as a bridge between the two. “Tsk tsk tsk now now children we must learn to get along or else it won’t end well for anyone” I was used to playing peace keeper for many in the forest. “ Good morning Graham! How is your Luna lady Tisha?” Pleasantries was key especially when pandering to an alpha wolf so I was sure to keep myself cheerful as I flew back and forth between them both.“ Morning Astrid and it was going good til your friend here decided to try and dictate to me the will of the forest. And Tisha is doing well thank you. Will you please inform this annoying bee that my pack will not venture to the North side this year per our agreement?” Graham was an alpha grey wolf but his aura at the moment was pitch black. Being an alpha demanded respect not just of his pack but to all creatures in this ancient woodland. He resided in the forest for over a century so naturally the fae had struck up an alliance with them and assured them safety especially from humans who dared to come to this south side of the woods. In times past they would migrate north like the mountain lions and the bears to hunker down for winter but there was a bit of a land dispute with a neighbor pack this past year and coming out in the spring there had been a terrible fight where both sides suffered losses. To ensure this didn’t happen again Astrid had Patrick and a few other fairies who enjoyed working with the animals of the forest formed a treaty and decided that this pack having been here longer would choose for themselves where they wanted to stay for winter and after negotiations have the final say over their own territory. “I wasn’t dictating to you Graham I was merely informing you that Sun Tide pack already settled on migrating to Aspen village and merely suggested you stay away from there.” Patrick crossed his arms seemingly annoyed by this whole conversation. “Graham I understand you feel that the village was part of the mountain territory that was your ancestors but if they’ve already claimed it I can assure you it’s not a good idea to backtrack on any of the treaty. There should be time for negotiations if you want the land back but for now maybe it would be better if you just start for the west side near the hollows there’s plenty of rabbits to feed on there and the pups would be safe to explore the meadow.” I fluttered up to him and put on my best persuasive face and pleading eyes hoping he would take the bait. Somehow it seemed to work his gruff gray face softened a bit and he smiled at me. “As much as I don’t care for the rains that come in early spring on that side I suppose it is better for now. But I assure you that I will have a sit down with Sun tide and the territories will need to be renegotiated as my pack numbers have increased we will need more space.” He relented and turned back before sauntering off “I hope you all rest well during the winter. And do forgive me for quarreling as I have not been resting well myself of late there’s been many changes within the pack and the added stress has me on edge.” And with that Patrick bit back “ Well that wasn’t so hard was it? Trust me sir I don’t take any of it personally as I too am busy and tired. We look forward to our hibernation as that will reward us all much needed respite.” He bowed deeply to the alpha wolf to show he was not being insolent but very much sincere and I could see that did help repair the damage of the argument. With Graham heading back to his pack nestled deeper within the forest that left me to face Patrick alone. “ Well I think diplomacy may not be your strong suit after all Pat.” I couldn’t help but giggle as he scowled at me. “Haha very funny. Come on Ash let’s head down the riverbank.” And together we flew off heading toward the Rushing river. There were small waterfalls we passed by along the way and the water sprites splashed us as they helped the salmon to swim upstream. I giggled at them and waved them on as they were doing a very important job as all of us do each one playing a pivotal role in helping maintain the lives of everyone in the forest. Coming to the shallow end near the riverbank Patrick slowed down and dipped his toes in the water before flying straight up flipping backwards into a downward dive right into the fresh cold water disappearing into the river. Annoyed I scanned the water looking for him. “ Patrick? Patrick! Come on out we need to talk!” I crossed my arms as I hovered above the water and all was silent til finally after a min he popped up right under me and grabbed my ankle meaning to drag me into the water with him. I dissolved then to my pixie dust and flashed over back to the riverbank. A few moments later as I settled in the sand I nestled my feet under me and saw as he finally made his way towards me slowly and with his head down not really looking at me. “Ahh most refreshing. You sure you don’t wanna take a dip in the water Ash? It’s cold yes but gets the body awake and ready for action.” He began drying his body off with some soft green moss he found near the rocks. “No thank you. Pat I came to find you as you were not there at the celebration last night and you missed the most amazing thing!” I was curious but part of me felt he was deliberately missing. “I’ve been little busy Astrid.” He replied so coolly I felt a chill run down my back. “Well yeah we all have. But Pat didn’t you hear who came to visit? It was incredible the whole veil was there well except you!” I looked at him then and for the first time I could see his shoulders slumped and he seemed defeated. This wasn’t like him at all and for the first time I don’t recognize my friend.