Rowan: The EcoPan

The Harmonia Of Eden

Lark POV
I look around at the cheery meadow and feel the warm breeze on my face. I can hear the happy chirping of a nearby bird, resting in a tree. I never thought I would get to see something so beautiful in my life. As I stare at the swaying meadow I see a man start to cross it. I have no idea why, nor do I care, but it's enough to put me in a bad mood. There's something about humans in this beautiful place that just makes it less amazing.

After all, humans are completely undeserving of all they have gotten. I have faith that we will not mess it up this time, but I can't be sure of that. Faith and fact are polar opposite. I don't believe that we deserve a second chance. But I know that we've gotten one, and we better do the best we can with it. We will not be shown mercy again.

"Lark!" I turn and see Ash jogging towards me. "I haven't seen you in a while. How's life going?"

"Bad. Then good, then bad again. And now I'm good...but on edge."

"Aren't we all? Rook, Rowan, and Carnelian have been missing twenty-four hours. Whatever they're doing though, it must be together. Hopefully, they aren't getting into too much trouble, but I'm sure if Rowan's with them she'll be fine," Ash reassures me, flashing a grin. My Ash! I know that he had feelings for me that I had never returned, but he was still my best friend. I love him and I've missed him. I couldn't be happier that he's safe and happy with Angel.

"There's just this sick sense of déjà vu anytime she's missing, you know?" I ask, starting to walk towards the woods with him.

"Yeah. Trust me, no one understands better than me. She's my sister, and I worry about her more than anyone." He tucks his hands into his pockets.

"I just can't imagine why she left," I continue. "I mean what could be so important?"

"I don't know, but you're not the only one having a hard time with it," Ash says, and we both know what he means.

"Yeah, and I thought I was a worrier," I roll my eyes as I think about him.

"Yeah, Lachlan is a whole different kind of protective," Ash starts to lower his voice as we enter the woods. "He should be around here somewhere."

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"He's chopping wood. Look, he's there!" Ash points and a few yards ahead Lachlan and some other men are chopping wood. "You should go talk to him."

"Why on earth would I want to do that?" I say looking at Ash as if he has two heads. "Anything I have to so to Lachlan, I've already said."

"Well, I just thought you might want to talk to him about it. You guys understand each other, you know?" Ash raises his eyebrows at me. As much as I hate to admit it, he's right. I don't like Lachlan, and he doesn't particularly like me either, but we understand each other. If it weren't for Rowan we might have been good friends. Somehow we balance each other out, and I walk away from every conversation I have with him, curious. His point of view and understanding of my love for Rowan is intriguing.  Ash chuckles, seeing it on my face. "Go ask him how he is."

"But he's working-"

"Goodbye Lark," Ash laughs then walks in the opposite direction. I sigh, looking forward at Lachlan from afar. I could always turn back around, Ash could never physically stop me, but I don't. Instead, I find myself walking towards Lachlan as a bitter taste fills my mouth. When I'm a few yards away he looks up, making eye contact with me.