The Fairy Wolf

Chapter 3: The Forbidden Woods

Celica walked out into the forbidden woods looking for anything that could be used to fill her family's belly.

Her mate worked hard and was trying his best even if the pack didn't acknowledge him, and she was going to do everything she could to support him.

His job requires a lot of strength, so he needs filling meals, but they could only afford so much and not many places in the pack wanted to sell stuff to a family with a rogue in it, so she decided to try her chances with a place no one in the pack would dare to go.

The forbidden woods were made up of large dark ancient trees. After being beaten and battered by wind and ice overtime gave them a rough look.

This was where the fairies of old live and they didn't appreciate intruders. Normally, they would brazenly attack anyone who entered, but so far they were leaving her alone.

She picked up pinecones and placed them in her basket along with some winter berries when suddenly, a rush of creaking noises surrounded her. It was only a couple of seconds before it stopped causing the hair on the back of her neck to stand-up.

She paused for a few minutes before starting to continue on. Her heart was beating loudly in her chest as a loud crack happened next to her, and she turned quickly towards the noise.

"Who's there?" she cried out scanning the bushes and trees, but nothing moved .

It's perfectly fine, she told herself, Nothing to worry about it's just the ice and snow.

She turned to keep walking, and let out a loud scream as she came face to face with a tall man with white hair and clear blue eyes. It was the signature look of the Winter Fairies.

"Who are you?" he asked, his eyes narrowing as he looked her over, "You shouldn't be in here little wolf."

"I have no choice sir," She quickly rushed to reply hoping that he would not kick her out, "I'm looking for food to feed my family."

"Little wolves have packs," he commented back thoughtfully, "Seek help from them, or that strong wolf you're all so fond of."

"Strong wolf?" she looked at him puzzled.

"Yes the one you all follow, what do you call him again..." he trailed off thinking.

"The Alpha?"

"Yes! That's it, " he nodded, "Go ask him to share his hunt with you."

Cecilia shook her head back and forth, "I can't. No one in the pack will help. My mate is a rogue."

"He's your mate, so doesn't that make him part of the pack?"

"No, pack's don't like rogues very much, and they don't recognize him even though he is trying his hardest," she answered back sadly looking down at her hands.

"Hmm, strange thought process," he murmured rubbing his chin.

"I agree," she replied and then reached out her hand and introduced herself, "I'm Cecelia Mune."

He frowned a little bit before taking her hand and answering back, "Ryder Mist."

Strange, he thought, I should be chasing her out of here, but there's a feeling about her I can't shake.

To be fair, he had tried to scare her off with little noises, but she remained in the forest. As he watched her closely he felt like he shouldn't chase her out. It was something, for carefree fairies like the Winter Fairies to take an interest in others outside of the fairies realm.

"Do you have no means to support yourself?" Winter Fairies always helped each other out, so it was a strange concept to isolate someone from the same community.

Cecilia winced a little, "We don't make a lot of money."

Ryder thought for a second before continuing on, "You should learn to trade. The fairies of this forest are very protective of it, so it won't do you any good to take things from here for yourself. However, Winter Fairies love to trade, so if you have something they might do business with you and you can get the items you need that way."

"Do you really think they'd be willing to trade?" Cecilia felt a twinge of hope.

"If it's something they want they'll trade. But do you have something in mind?"

"I don't," her shoulders fell, "You wouldn't happen to know of anything? I don't have much."

"How about herbs and medical plants?" suggested Ryder, "We have few healers and they are always to busy to collect the necessary ingredients. I know of some that have been complaining about it for awhile."

Cecilia looked at her hands, they didn't have the stuff to create a garden here in the north, but if she scavenged around town she might be able to create a small greenhouse.

"I might be able to build a place for the plants, but getting the seeds..." she trailed off not sure.

"I'll talk to the healers," commented Ryder, "They might be willing to part with some."

"Thank you very much!" she cried as she hugged Ryder who was surprised by the sudden act.