Prelide to magic riot part 3

The next day, after finishing breakfast, we set off on our adventure to find a unicorn.

Grandma Amelia held both Fleur and me by the hand as we walked. None of the magical beasts accompanied us, as unicorns are solitary creatures. You will rarely find a unicorn in a place that has other magical beings.

Since we had been in a hurry yesterday, I hadn't had the chance to observe the village properly. But today, as we took a slow walk, I finally took in the sights. The village looked like something out of a fairy tale, nestled in the heart of rolling emerald hills, where homes seamlessly blended into the landscape. Each house was built within the earth itself, with round doors painted in vibrant hues of yellow, blue, and red. Their roofs were covered in lush grass and wildflowers, making them appear as though they had naturally sprung from the land.

Cobblestone paths wound through the village, connecting cozy dwellings adorned with ivy and lanterns that glowed softly at dusk. Small wooden bridges arched over babbling brooks, leading to charming communal spaces, such as a rustic inn with a thatched roof, where villagers gathered for music and storytelling.

Gardens overflowed with colorful blooms, herbs, and vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of nature and habitation. Towering trees provided shade, their branches woven with glowing firefly lanterns. Birds sang melodious tunes while rabbits and foxes peeked curiously from the underbrush.

At the heart of the village lay a tranquil pond, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the golden light of sunrise. A grand tree stood beside it, its roots spreading across the village like a guardian embracing its people.

This was a place untouched by time, where nature and magic coexisted, offering a peaceful haven for all who sought its wonders.

After crossing a stream and reaching the edge of the forest, we stopped.

Grandma bent down and spoke, "Now listen, I want no naughty behavior. Although the forest is regularly patrolled by forest elves, danger and accidents always come unannounced. I promised to take you to see a unicorn, but only if both of you behave and follow instructions properly. Do you both agree?"

Fleur and I straightened our backs and nodded solemnly.

Then, off we went into the forest.

We didn't encounter any dangerous creatures on the way, perhaps due to the patrolling. As we walked, Grandma explained many facts about unicorns and their habitats. She also spoke about various trees and the parts used in potions. While Fleur could still repeat some names, I, on the other hand, kept fumbling and twisting my tongue. Rosalind, who shared my sight, couldn't stop laughing at my attempts.

We walked deep into the forest, encountering a few creatures like Bowtruckles, Billywigs, Gnomes, and Horklumps, but they didn't come close. After crossing a small hill, we reached a vast grassland. A stream bordered one side, where flower fairies tended to vibrant flower beds.

Then we saw them.

Their coats were not merely white but a thousand shades of pearl and ivory, catching the dappled light and radiating an ethereal glow. Their manes and tails flowed like spun starlight, shifting and swirling with every gentle breeze. Their horns, spiraling and iridescent, pulsed with a soft inner light, humming with the magic that permeated their very being.

These unicorns were not wild, skittish creatures but beings of grace and wisdom. Their eyes were deep pools of ancient knowledge and gentle understanding. They moved with fluid elegance, their hooves barely touching the mossy ground, leaving no trace of their passing. Their voices, when they chose to use them, were like the chiming of silver bells—soft and melodic, carrying the whispers of the forest and the secrets of the stars. They communicated not only through sound but also through subtle shifts in their horns' luminescence, delicate flicks of their ears, and the unspoken language of their hearts.

We stood there in awe. The entire valley looked like paradise—a vast meadow filled with flowers and ancient trees, surrounded by clear blue streams, with a waterfall adding to its breathtaking beauty.

I could tell from Fleur's face that she wanted to approach them. But Grandma had warned us earlier that these unicorns, accustomed to being served by forest elves, would likely attack other beings.

We simply sat on the ground, trying to engrain every detail of the scene in our memories.

I couldn't help but think of Mother and Aunt Apolline. Having spent their childhood in this village, they must have seen this view countless times. Perhaps that's why they were not as enthusiastic about it.

Suddenly, a unicorn pony started running towards us, taking us by surprise. As it came closer, Grandma told me to hide behind a tree since the unicorns in this forest were known to be hostile to men. I quickly agreed and concealed myself behind a thick tree.

To my astonishment, the golden-furred pony stopped the moment I hid. It neighed softly, and soon, other ponies approached it. This caught the attention of the adult unicorns, who turned to look in our direction.

I dared not move. I stood behind the tree, trying to remain as hidden as possible. The herd of ponies sniffed around the place where I had been standing, but after a while, they returned to their tribe. Feeling the sound of their hooves fade, I let out a sigh of relief.

Grandma and Fleur came to fetch me, and we continued on our way back to town.

...

The entire house was quiet. Everyone was in deep sleep except for Fleur and me. It was time for our daring adventure.

When we got home earlier, I had noticed Fleur in deep thought, stealing glances at me from time to time. I couldn't help but ask, "Sister, are you afraid of what happened earlier?"

Fleur opened her mouth as if to speak but hesitated before closing it again. Then, pulling me into our room, she whispered, "Aimè, don't you think the unicorn ponies were looking for you? I saw that as soon as you hid, the pony stopped. And when it brought its friends, they only sniffed the spot where you had been standing. Aimè, I'm sure they were attracted to you, just like the flower fairies."

My mouth fell open at her detective skills. "Do you know Sherlock Holmes?" I blurted out.

Fleur looked confused. Then, suddenly, she pulled my cheeks and scolded, "What are you talking about, you short-legged, diaper-wearing, wobbly-walking teddy?!"

I froze. When did I get these nicknames? And although I do walk slowly, that's only because my legs are short! Wait... that's not the issue here—why is she calling me names again?

We started arguing, but I quickly lost, as I had more disadvantages than her. Eventually, we called a truce and returned to discussing the unicorn ponies.

Then we made a decision—we would go back to the forest at night.

During the day, Grandma had explained that unicorns were favorites of Goddess Artemis, who was also the goddess of the moon. Unicorns and full moons shared a special connection. Every full moon night, the unicorn leader shed its horn, only for a new one to grow in its place. The other unicorns carried the shed horn and placed it near an ancient tree. Under the moonlight, the tree, the horn, and the unicorns themselves would begin to glow, receiving the goddess's blessing.

Tonight was a full moon. Grandma had originally planned to take us, but after the morning's incident, she had dropped the idea.

But we had made up our minds. Tonight, we would go on our own.