Patricia Hartwood

**Patricia Hartwood** is Bree Matthews' therapist and a Rootcrafter.

## Biography

### Early Life

Patricia is a graduate of UNC and attended at the same time as Faye Matthews, Bree's mom. They had a few classes together and Patricia liked her very much. As an undergraduate, she had a friend named Janice, who told Patricia that she could tell Faye knew the craft by reading her aura. Patricia asked Faye to practice and fellowship together, but Faye refused. Patricia's sister Ruth passed away a few years ago. Patricia memory walks with her when she misses her.

### *Legendborn*

After Bree lies about her whereabouts due to being with the Order by claiming she drank too much at a frat party, Bree's father Edwin Matthews makes her starting going to therapy. He schedules Bree to meet twice a week with Dr. Hartwood because she knew Bree's mother. Patricia invites Bree to meet her at the Arboretum on campus.

At their first meeting, Patricia reveals to Bree that her mother was a type of Rootcrafter called a Wildcrafter. Patricia thought Bree knew this. Bree is shocked and feels betrayed and gets very upset. She wants Patricia to tell her everything she knows. Patricia says she wants to respect Faye's wishes, but Bree says she knows about aether. Patricia demands to know where she learned the word, but respects the boundary Bree sets when she says she can't tell her. Patricia does warn her that those who use the word "aether" are dangerous to Rootcrafters.

Patricia has Bree meet her for their second session at the school's graveyard, saying she thinks it's the best place to start helping her with Rootcraft. Two of Patricia's ancestors are buried there, one of whom is Louisa. Patricia makes an offering to Louisa to show her and Bree a memory. Louisa brings them to 1865. They witness Abby being healed by another Rootcrafter named Mary after being whipped by a man named Carr. In Louisa's memory, Bree reveals that she can see root, which shocks Patricia. Bree also tells her that she learned the words "aether" and "mage flame" from the Order of the Round Table. Louisa suddenly sees Bree and brings her to another memory without Patricia. When Bree returns from Patricia's ancestors' memories, Patricia is worried and Bree tells her she has to go before rushing off.

Patricia invites Mariah to help Bree talk to her ancestors. Bree confess her real reasons for trying to join the Order. They try to contact her ancestors but Mariah can't reach them, saying it's like they're each cut off or separated from one another. Angry and sad, Bree leaves the session early.

A few days pass and Patricia catches Bree outside her dorm. She warns Bree that she's suffering from traumatic grief right now, and if she continues like she is over time, she'll probably develop Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder. She tells Bree that she can’t be her therapist anymore and that she needs to see a specialist for someone with her condition. Patricia also says she won't endorse, even passively, what Bree is doing with the Order and her quest for revenge. Before leaving, Patricia warns Bree against the Order one more time, saying that while the Order "may fight monsters, they aren't protectors."

Bree later calls Patricia and Mariah to the cemetery and tells them she is ready to try to contact her ancestors again. This time she is successful and meets her grandma Leanne Charles.

## Physical Description

Patricia is a stunning Black woman with graying locs. Her eyes are the color of warm, rich earth. She has an oval face and deep brown skin. She has soft skin but strong muscles. There are laugh lines at the edges of her mouth and she wears lipstick that matches her shawl's color. She wears a pair of bright yellow horn-rimmed glasses. It's impossible to tell how old she is. She could forty, sixty, or somewhere in between. She has a wide smile. Patricia has short legs and small feet.

## Personality

Patricia is generally casual and laid-back. She's composed and quietly confident and self-assured. Due to her profession, she has strong levels of emotional agility.

## Powers and Abilities

Patricia's branch of Rootcraft is memory walking. She can see her ancestors' memories. The branch of her root allows her to work memories by understanding their energy and power over the present day. She cannot see root, but she can feel it.

## Relationships

### Bree Matthews

While at first Bree was reluctant to see a therapist, she immediately feels lighter and brighter upon meeting Dr. Hartwood. She quickly becomes a calming presence in Bree's life. Bree is able to share her struggles with her. Patricia not only acts as her therapist, but also teaches her about Rootcraft. She's unwilling to give up on Bree and always tries to help her. As Bree becomes increasingly involved with the Order, who have persecuted Rootcrafters, Patricia never accuses Bree of being a traitor or of going against their people. She also quite rationally warns Bree to be cautious around the Legendborn. When it's revealed that Bree is the Scion of Arthur, Patricia continues her support. Bree describes talking to Patricia as "familiar, like home."

## Appearances

* *Legendborn*
* *Bloodmarked*