some peace of mind

Keahi rounds the tree trunk, stepping into the pale wolf’s line of sight and stopping a respectful distance away. The red wolf’s smile is easy, friendly and she watches with great curiosity as the wolf flips her goggles up. As the stranger looks around, the tropical woman ogles the contraption that had been covering her eyes moments ago. With an air of awe, she says, “Those are really cool. Did you make them yourself?”

The pink eyed wolf apologizes for frightening her and Keahi gives a soft laugh, waving a paw through the air as if to banish the other wolf’s worries, while saying, “It isn’t your fault, you did nothing wrong. See, I heard these woods are haunted and I caught a glimpse of this beautiful pale wolf disappearing behind a tree…” Her voice trails off, trying to show the younger wolf where her train of thought had been going.

A gentle breeze finds its way to them, softly ruffling the red wolf’s polar bear coat and making some of the fallen leaves rattle around them in protest. With the sound dampened in this huge forest, it helps to add to the eerie vibe she had felt moments before. As the wolf announces she lost count, Keahi’s brow crinkles and a small frown tugs her lips downward, her ocean blue gaze sliding over to the bark of the red tree. The trunk is thick and its base is huge, was she trying to count steps around it?

The pale one’s voice pulls her attention back and the red woman offers a warm smile, saying, “Yes, I am from the Armada.” Straightening up, Keahi says in her best formal tone, “Keahi Mogotsi, Diplomat of the Armada, at your service.” As she finishes, the red wolf gives a dramatic bow, while clasping a paw to chest for a special flourish. As her head lifts back up, a playful grin resting on her lips as she offers the girl a wink, adding, “What do you think? Too much?"

A soft laugh bubbles out as she allows her gaze to find its way over to the trees around them, truly awed by the scale of these ancient beings. Gnarled roots poke up through the earth, twisting into large knots before disappear back under the dirt. Thick layers of moss cover the roots, turning their bark from red to a muted green and white. Leaves cover the ground, creating a thick cushion, the older layers turning to mulch and feeding the dirt underneath.

It is amazing how everything works and, for a moment, Keahi gets lost in her own thoughts. Realizing she is still with Makara, the red woman snaps her attention back to the pale girl and says, “Sorry I made you lose count, Makara. Can I help with anything?”


"Keahi Mogotsi"