“You don't need to apologize, miss.”

Penelo sat there and cried, the guilt overwhelming. Through blurry eyes, she looked up at Erlan and nodded.

He placed a firm hand on her shoulder, squeezed, and then rose.

“My brother would have wanted to be laid to rest here. Let's take care of the elder while we're at it. I'm sure Silvertree would be pleased.

After several fruitless minutes trying to dig a grave, the two elves fell over backward in surprise when the ground began to shift and mold into two holes.

Silvertree would like me to pass on his appreciation for your efforts. Please allow me to help.

Penelo stared in awe at the two wolves dumbfounded about how she might reply.

My dear, I believe you have rendered this poor girl speechless.

It wasn’t my intention, Vanima. I forget that most of our kind aren’t used to conversing with millennia old wolves.

Her mouth caught up with her brain and she shouted, “Elwin and Vanima! It’s an honor to meet you both. I knew the old stories were true. You’re actually real. Barely anyone back home even believes you truly existed, yet here you both are.”

Elwin sat a little taller and huffed at his mate. See? No need to get your tail in a knot, my dear. It appears we have a fan.

Erlan's reaction had been more subdued than Penelo’s. He acknowledged the two wolves and began moving his brother and the elder into the two graves. When he was done, he hummed a tune, interrupting Penelo's rambling.

For generations, his people would guide the fallen to the next part of their journey by humming a tune that resonated with the deceased. When Erlan opened his eyes, someone had filled both graves, leaving a small mound of dirt with a rock placed at the top.

“Thank you.”

Vanima moved up to Erlan and pawed at him until he kneeled and allowed her to press her muzzle into his chest until he hugged her and cried.

You’re welcome. Unfortunate it may be to lose someone so close to you, there is more yet to come if you will allow fate to guide you.

My beautiful mate is trying to communicate that the darkness has resurfaced once more, and we are responsible for defeating his new followers just like we did a long time ago.

Frightened, Penelo paced back and forth chewing on her fingernail. “It's been thousands of years since you defeated the darkness if the stories are to be believed. It took an entire town and your wolf pack to defeat them with Silvertree's help. There are only four of us here.”

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Letting go of Vanima, Erlan stood up and backed away shaking his head. “No. Don't you dare drag me into this. That was my brother’s fantasy, not mine, and look what it got him. I want nothing to do with this."

Vanima bowed her head. I understand your grief young one and sympathize with your desire to stay safe, but please listen to what we have to say. If we do not defend the innocent t from the darkness, everyone you know will not escape unscathed.

Elwin and Vanima recounted their previous encounter with Silvertree.

…

The previous day after the couple noticed the brothers entering the forest, Silvertree requested their presence.

I wish this day had never come, but I must impose on you once more. The darkness has found new followers. I can feel their presence pressing up against my domain. Will you honor your mantle as my champion?

Vanima stomped on Elwin’s paw and dug in enough to cause him to yelp in pain before he could respond with his normal sarcasm.

We would be happy to offer our strength to protect this land and honor the gift of time you so graciously gave us. Isn’t that right, Elwin?

Ears low and pressed against his face, Elwin whimpered.

My mate is correct, but I refuse to do it alone and I no longer wish to lead my former pack into battle. The elves who inhabit this land must take on this fight.

Tomorrow, within the forest, you will find those who may offer such aid, but I must warn you, I sense great sorrow looming over my domain.

...

Elwin sighed and collected his thoughts before finishing his thoughts.

Unsure of where such a threat may originate, Vanima and I guarded the wolf pack and the relic last night. In the morning Silvertree told us not to interfere with your fight until they had contacted you all.

He leaned into his mate and rubbed against her first before finishing. To be honest, I doubt we could have arrived in time.

Penelo had calmed down enough to notice Erlan slumped against a tree, his face awash with emotions. She could only guess the dilemma he must be in. A desire to stay away from conflict and live, and the consequences to him and his own for ignoring such a threat.

She kneeled in front of him and cradled his head in her hands. She looked into his eyes until he focused on her. Penelo smiled, and said, “You are braver than you give credit to. They aren’t asking you to fight a war alone. What we need are allies, and that means finding others who can stand beside us against this threat.”

Penelo pressed her forehead against his and sang a soothing lullaby until Erlan relaxed. As she began to stand back up, Penelo lost balance and fell. To everyone’s shock, including Erlan, he caught Penelo and placed her in his lap.

Red from ear to ear. She sat there in silence. Scared, yet comforted by Erlan’s presence behind her.

The two of you make a great couple, but now is not the time, my dears. Elwin, please explain the plan we discussed earlier.

Distracted by the howls of the other wolves in the area, Vanima smacked him with her tail to get Elwin back on track.

Oh yes, sorry about that. Even after all this time, you can’t ignore the animal spirit inside once you become like my mate and I. The plan is to separate into two teams if we can get both of your cooperation and cover more ground.

Penelo scrambled up, brushed herself off, and said, “I hope we can at least attempt to persuade my village first. My descendants were the original defenders against the darkness when you fought them.”

That shouldn’t be an issue, my dear. Representatives from your home are currently heading in our direction. Looking for a foolish elf who entered the forest in secret perchance?

Vanima huffed with mirth but made no more comments. The hunting party would be on them in moments.

“Oh.”

Penelo took a big gulp, unwilling to look up.

“Well, traako.”