A Serious Talk

“I’m sorry, Penwyn, but you need to understand I need the wood to build my barn, or my animals will freeze when the weather turns cold,” pleaded Elly.

“But what of the creatures that live here and depend on the trees? What of them?” asked Penwyn.

Penwyn was a forest guardian. His kind had protected the forest for thousands of years to ensure no single group could do as they wished. The forest belonged to all, regardless of size or self-importance.

“Miss Elly, you are a reasonable person and have protected this forest more than once by risking your very life. Why now do you come and ask the impossible?” the guardian asks.

“Because I will not risk my animals, who have also helped this forest for the sake of two or three trees,” replied the gardener coldly.

“I see your point of view. However, I’m afraid you do not know the forest animals’ views and are angry at them and me,” replied Penwyn.

The two continued back and forth for quite some time before the gardener stood and threw her hands up, saying, “Well, if my animals die, then I hope an equal number of your trees die as well. We’ll see how you feel, you old stump,” snapped Elly.

Elly started in the direction of her home when Penwyn called to her. “Elly, I am sorry I have upset you. My intention, as always, is to be fair, and I have not done that. Please hear my proposal before you go off angry,” said Penwyn.

“I owe you that. I can’t blame you for your duty, which is honorable. Please tell me your thoughts,” said Elly.

“Your wish to see my trees die gave me the idea of how to solve our impasse. To build your building, you need wood, correct?” asked the guardian.

“Yes,” answered the gardener.

“That wood does not need to come from a live tree, correct?” asked Penwyn.

“Correct,” said Elly.

“Then I shall give you three of my dead trees. This meets your needs and saves your animals while only disturbing the dinners of those who enjoy decaying wood and nothing more,” said Penwyn with a broad smile.

Elly bowed low and said, “Penwyn, you truly are the wisest guardian I know. Well, you’re the only one I know, but still, your wisdom is amazing.”

Penwyn led the gardener to the three trees he knew to be dead. Elly wrapped silver ribbons around each one to indicate to the forest that these spirits would soon pass to another realm.

“I shall honor them as always guardian. Thank you for your gift,” said Elly, who returned home to prepare the horse and sled to retrieve the timber.

She knew that thanks to Penwyn’s gift, this Winter would be kind to her animal friends. She only hoped the forest animals would fare as well.