[ IP ] Forest Protector

Merv and Paul hand hunted these woods for years. They were out on another hunting trip, both hoping to get a deer to bring home to their families. Paul was hoping for two as his daughter had moved back in after a rather nasty divorce. Merv was using this trip to also help Paul relax from all the mess that was going on his in house. These two had been best friends since elementary school. 
 
 Paul stared gloomily at his canteen of water. Merv kept an eye out, watching for deer in their tree stand, but also watching Paul. He saw his best friend sigh heavily. Merv shifted as quietly as he could so he could face Paul a little better. 
 
 `` What's the matter?'' Merv asked. 
 
 
 `` Nothing you need to worry about.'' Paul muttered. `` Just home stuff.'' 
 
 
 `` You know you can talk to me.'' Merv reminded, both talking in hushed tones so as not to frighten away animals. 
 
 
 `` It's just...'' Paul heaved another sigh. `` Derek wants Belinda back, even after the divorce, and he's been harassing her for a month now. Judith is fed up with Nick still living at home, but he is trying to get his business going. Not many people are out looking for power charms, even though Nick claims they work. Not many people believe in that voodoo.'' 
 
 
 `` It will be ok, Paul. You want me to have Trish talk to Judith? Have her get Judith off your back a little while you deal with the dirt bag?'' Merv offered. 
 
 
 `` No, I ca n't get you involved.'' Paul sighed again. It was painful to Merv to see his best friend hurting so. 
 
 
 Paul shifted his weight. He seemed uncomfortable. Merv patted Paul on the shoulder, a silent comforting motion letting his friend know he was there for him. Merv and Paul only had a moment before there was a loud snap and their tree stand came crashing down. 
 
 
 Merv woke slowly, pain washing over his whole body. He looked around and saw Paul lying very still a few feet away from him. Merv struggled to his hands and knees and crawled towards his friend. He was devastated to find that Paul was n't breathing. He started CPR, but it was n't helping, not when Merv's own pain weakened him. He cried out for help, his voice melting into the thickness of the forest. Tears clouded his vision as he cradled Paul, wishing someone would come. 
 
 
 The sound of footsteps made Merv jerk his head up. He blinked his eyes clear of tears when he saw a massive stag standing before him. Its horns dripped with what looked like glowing green algae and a large symbol floated between its antlers. The symbol looked like the things Nick etched into stones and gems for his business. Merv hugged Paul closer, fear and awe swallowing him. The stag took one step closer to the pair. 
 
 `` Help him, please.'' Merv asked the stag. `` We dont hunt for sport, we hunt for food. Please, he's my best friend.'' 
 
 
 The stag bobbed its head, splashing the ground with the glowing algae. It snorted and stepped closer. The ground around it glowed with life as new grass and flowers bloomed in each footprint. The stag lowered its head and touched Paul with its nose, holding that position for a minute. Paul took in a gasping breath and the stag took a few slow steps back away from the humans. 
 
 
 `` Thank you, thank you so much.'' Merv said over and over. 
 
 
 *As you respect the forest, I respect you. You are welcome to return as long as you obey the rules of the wood. * The stag said in a voice that rumbled through the trees. It turned and walked majestically away, back into the forest to patrol its domain. 
 
 
 Merv sat there, staring at the beast. He held onto Paul as his best friend regained himself. When his friend was well enough to sit up, Paul opened his vest and shirt. 
 
 
 `` Did I get shot? Feels like I got shot.'' He murmured. Both men stared at a glowing green symbol tattooed into Paul's skin on his right pectoral. 
 
 
 `` The same as the stag.'' Merv muttered. 
 
 
 `` What?'' Paul asked and Merv recounted the events after he had woken up from falling. Paul sat there stunned, not sure if he could believe what his friend just told him. He rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled nervously. 
 
 
 `` I guess I owe Nick an apology.'' Paul said. `` I told him he needed to remove his tattoo, the purple one on his neck that glows. Judith hates it.'' 
 
 
 `` I think we need to talk with Nick.'' Merv said. 
 
 
 `` I think we do.'' Paul agreed.
