Destiny

Chapter Seven - Aedan

"Moon Weaver?" Aedan asked, catching up with his teacher and being careful not to stumble over any stuck out branch.

When the Moon Weaver turned his head towards Aedan in acknowledgment, the werewolf continued, "Why have you chosen me to become your next associate?"

"Are you not exhilarated with your current position?" he asked curiously, and Aedan lowered his head remorsefully. "You are now in charge of the all younger werewolves, Aedan. It is a great responsibility," sighed the Moon Weaver, looking ahead into the deep thicket of golden trees.

Aedan's eyes widened at the teacher's remark. "N-no, I didn't mean it in a way that I was afraid of the responsibility that came with the role nor did I dread the commitment it required," he faltered. "I am afraid I will not fit into the role. I don't think I am the right person with all due respect, teacher."

"Isaac told me of your concerns regarding the role, however, I have every bit of belief in you, my boy. I completely trust my confidence in your success, so must you," the Moon Weaver remarked firmly, craning his neck to see Aedan. His serene silver eyes held such sincerity, that Aedan believed in himself, too, as if all his worries had been erased with the confidence his teacher had seeded in him.

But as all of the things the Moon Weaver said, there was a certain depth to them without revealing excessive information: he always spoke in succinct sentences that left you strikingly well-informed. The elderly werewolf had no need to compliment Aedan or define his worth using many words in the process.

Aedan chuckled. He thought of his brother and cousin. "Well, now I am certain that I will never cease being an object of ridicule to Gabriel and Idris."

"They never mean harm to you," responded the Moon Weaver with an amused smile. "The two boys are really something else, I have to say. So much power, nobility and tenacity in them. I am happy that you do not take their childish remarks close to your heart."

The young werewolf smiled at his teacher and continued strolling in a relaxed manner beside him. He acknowledged the almost naked trees around him, the occasional croon of the birds hiding all around the Enchanted Forest, the crispy blue sky that flashed above.

"Each one of us walks his own path in life, isn't it wonderful?" the Moon Weaver exclaimed suddenly. "Just like we choose the path to walk on in the forest, we choose the path we want to follow in life. And whatever awaits on the other side of that path, is something we work towards throughout our existence. May I point out that the desired result defines our path. Hence, make sure your path is the right one, no matter your desire is."

"Was becoming the Moon Weaver your desire, teacher?" Aedan questioned.

He never thought of becoming one as it was a great responsibility. The responsibility of being the wisest of the pack, the role model to the younger generation, outliving your family members, other werewolves. With the role came the infinity. With the role came the grief for the loved ones.

"I do not think I ever thought about that, my boy. Becoming who I am today was never what I prepared myself for. In fact, it was a pure coincidence," he paused, a faraway look marking his golden-brown face. "I only knew one person who purposefully followed the path of a Moon Weaver. It was Herielle."

Aedan's breath caught in his chest, but he tried not to show his unease. His teacher never spoke of her, ever. Aedan decided keeping silent was the most respectful reply.

"She was my first associate, and she became one due to my blind trust. How could you not trust her? Herielle was the first girl to ever choose the path of Moon Weavers. I don't need to tell you how gifted and considerate she was, you have met her briefly before, haven't you?"