Year 2532, 39th of Chillwind, Hour 18 – Norrg’kl, Markets – Solaria’s POV

At first glance, the market area had appeared to be a decent, active place with plenty of opportunities. Upon closer inspection however, I quickly discover that I overestimated its value.

The primary activity is amongst the first few open stalls. Beyond that, it ceased to exist. Even more so, working in an exposed stall would not be ideal. Without entering into the area, I can see at least seven structures that could potentially house businesses.

On top of the fact that every shop owner I can see is a Minotaur, the odds were not looking to be in my favor.

Walking past the first few stalls, I catch several stares of curiosity, but ultimately the general populace ignores my presence.

The first building is a smaller structure, made from old, worn wood. I push the door in, stepping into the shop.

The pungent smell of herbs strikes my muzzle. Lining the walls and display shelves are several types of plants, ranging from common to exotic. As expected, a Minotaur is behind the counter. He—

Wait, are female Minotaurs a thing even?

—is arguing with another Minotaur customer, aggressively bartering for prices. While the two go at it, I take a closer look at some of the more exotic plants. One that caught my eye is a striking teal color with the outline of the leaves glowing white. Faint wisps of frost fall from the plant, melting away as it touches the display rack.

“Aren’t you an interesting sight.”

I turn to the voice. The Minotaur bartering with the owner leaves, slamming the door behind him.

“Didn’t know Anthow’s could make it this far…” The shopkeeper says.

“Contrary to what you might think,” I snark. “My kind can survive in these harsh conditions, just like yours.”

“That’s not what I meant.” He creepily licks his lips, narrowing his eyes at me.

Alarms go off in my mind.

“You know what?” I gesture to the door, stepping back. “I think I’ll just leave.”

“Why do that? You just got here,” he moves around the counter, quickly stepping his way over to me.

When he comes within touching range, I charge magic into my hand and ignite Kinetic Dispersion, striking his chest with my palm with as much force as I can muster. My jab itself does nothing to the beast. The spell on the other hand diverts all the kinetic energy from the strike to his groin.

The Minotaur switches from confident strides to wailing on the ground, clutching his nethers. I spit onto the floor in front of his face.

“Disgusting beast. That’ll teach you not to mess with an Anthow’piovel again…”

Leaving the Minotaur to suffer from the consequences of his actions, I exit the shop into the snow-dusted streets. To the left of the plant shop I had left is another.

Inside is more packed than the last shop. It’s darker as well. The whole vibe of the interior was creepy, it sends chills through my spine.

I’m going to listen to my gut and not bother with this place…

I back out and cross the street. This time, a much larger shop awaits me. Through the single-pane window in the door, I can see a bar with two Minotaurs sitting at it.

No way in Tartarus am I going to work at a Minotaur-infested bar. I’m not that desperate, yet…

Another shop remains, next to the bar. It is similar in size to the herbal shop. I step inside, apprehensive of what might be awaiting me. Within, various pelts line the walls, ranging from small fox pelts to large unidentifiable creature pelts.

Another Minotaur is behind the counter, reading a small book. He gives me a disinterested glance before returning to his material.

I slowly walk up to the counter, surprised by his reaction.

Well, I’d rather be ignored than patronized any day.

I open my mouth to speak.

“I’ve told Orn’gar several times already, I don’t want anything to do with his repulsive slave trade.” He waves his hand dismissively at me. “Now, run along and bother someone else.”

“Slave trade?? You think I’m a slave?!” I shout, appalled at his assumption. I’m ready to deck this Minotaur like the first.

He looks at me again, this time looking me over.

“Heh, not with that armor you’re not,” he chuckles. “What do you want?”

“To put it plainly,” I curtly say. “I need somewhere out of the cold to stay while I’m here.”

He blankly stares at me.

“And I know such a request wouldn’t be free, so I’m offering my services to your business.”

An awkward silence settles in the room as I wait for a response.

“Look,” the Minotaur says after a minute. “I’m going to be honest here with you, does it look like I need help, let alone afford it?”

“I don’t want coins, just a place to stay.”

“Uh huh, and if I was to take up your offer, the only boost in business my shop would get would be visits from the drunken idiots…”

“Fine!” I snap. “Forget it!”

I flip around and stalk out of the shop.

So far, this entire plan of mine is a failure…

Regardless, I continue on to the next shop down the line. It’s a much newer building, with an actual sign that read “Griffonian Garnishes.” If the name is anything to go by, I would bet the owner is a Griffon.

That’s not much better than a Minotaur, but I can’t be picky… Hopefully, this Griffon won’t be an absolute pile of svist…

I enter the shop, my expectations extremely low. A bell jingles above my head as the door opens then closes behind me. In front of me, on waist-level displays, is a slew of any useless trinket and bauble one can imagine. Along the walls are taller shelves, holding larger and more delicate items, as well as a section devoted to reading material.

Across the room from the front door is the front desk. Behind the counter, its back to me, is a Griffon. It’s wearing a simple leather vest from what I could see. Brown feathers speckled with white streaks lined the Griffon’s head.

I go to speak, only to be cut off by a bout of dry, coarse coughing from the Griffon. After several seconds of the obnoxiousness, it clears its throat and returns its attention to whatever it is on the table in front of it.

I walk up to the counter, clearing my throat to grab the Griffon’s attention. The Griffon’s head perks before twisting around 180 degrees to look at me.

“How may I help you?” The male voice says in Ponish, as coarse as the coughing suggested.

I’m taken aback by the Griffon’s display. Never had I seen a Griffon that had owlish traits, only knowing of the possible combination through various anatomy books. It’s a bit intimidating, especially as his massive yellow eyes stare into my soul.

“Are you by chance in need of assistance with running your business?” I ask after recovering.

He rotates his body around to match his head. A thin smile appears on his hooked beak.

“Well my dear,” he says sweetly. “You can have an answer for that question in exchange for a few coins…”

His clawed hand curls open, awaiting his ridiculous demand.

My professionally neutral expression completely deadpans. I return his stare with one of my own. The grin on his face slowly drops.

“You really think I’m going to give you coins, to have a fifty-fifty chance of working here…”

The Griffon’s smile completely drops into a scowl. As his hand retracts, he coldly responds.

“If you refuse to pay, then I refuse to answer. Good day.”

He turns around.

“Feel free to shop around however,” he quickly adds.

I scoff.

“Have you ever wondered why your race is despised by everyone? This right here is a prime example!”

He doesn’t react.

I growl and spin around, stalking to the front door.

Faraking Griffons… They deserved everything they got…

I ignite Telekinesis in my palm, using the spell to grab the feet of a display case to my right. I flick my wrist. The display is thrown onto its side, spilling the contents onto the ground.

My ears catch a surprised squawk as I exit.

39th of Chillwind, Hour 29 – Norrg’kl, Front Gates – Solaria’s POV

Well, today was an absolute waste!

The remaining few shops I had yet to inquire were no better than the last. They all were ran by Minotaurs, and like the first, all were extremely disturbing. I did however, leave them with new scars as a reminder not to mess with Anthows.

Besides those shops, the blacksmiths was an option. It would’ve been an excellent place. Unfortunately, a Minotaur also ran it. I decided it wasn’t worth dealing with another perverted leathersack.

Since then, for the rest of the day, I returned to the bonfire and did my best to figure out a solution.

At least I’m left alone here…

The blazing fires were but a temporary fix to my entire problem. It was a source of warmth, but it would not protect me from a storm, nor could it provide food and water. Speaking of, my food had run dry an hour ago, and my water is on its way to being gone as well.

I didn’t have any form of currency on me either, so buying my way into a shelter wasn’t an option either. I was out of choices.

I have a headache…

I stand from my seated position and begin to walk back towards the market. In the sky, the dreary grayness becomes darker. Night is not far away. To make matters worse, in the North, more angry clouds were fast approaching.

Why did I think coming to this forsaken settlement would be a good idea…

I turn to the largest structure, the bar I had seen earlier. A decent flow of Minotaurs were heading in.

I ignore the dread in my stomach and join the flow.

Within the bar, the décor is unexpectantly relaxing. The décor is similar to Equestrian taverns, holding the same amenities and atmosphere. It reminded me of the last bar I had been in almost a century ago.

The nostalgia of it all is lost as shouts from one corner of the bar bring me back to reality. A Minotaur had flipped a table, causing various coins and cards to shower onto the ground. Minotaurs sitting at nearby tables leap from their seats to snatch what they can. The whole scene quickly devolves into a brawl, with others cheering the fight on.

I scoff with disgust, watching as the fight is broken by a pair of guards. The brawlers are separated to opposite corners along the wall, with the guards sitting between.

As the idiotic display ends, I walk up to the bar. Three of the five barstools are taken, with the two farthest on the right unoccupied. I slide into the seat over to the right, leaving a gap between me and the other occupants.

After a few minutes the bartender, also a Minotaur, walks over to me. The expression upon his face causes the hair on my neck to stand.

“I don’t cater to unattended slaves, so if you want something, go find your master.” He leans forward, smiling. “Or, if you provide some special pay, I might change my mind.”

I don’t let his words intimidate me. Meeting his lust-filled gaze with a hardened scowl, I respond.

“I am no one’s slave, you prick.”

His smile grows wider.

“I believe you… No one could contain such a fiery personality…”

His eyes flit behind me for half of a second.

“For now, at least…”

My ears twist to hear wood scrape on wood. I look over my shoulder to see three Minotaurs stand from the closest table.

“Tell me,” the bartender says as I stand to meet the three. “What brought you here? Your own wanderlust? A safe escape from your enemies? A new life? Well, I can give you a solution.”

As the three Minotaurs saunter over, one speaks.

“Don’t worry, boss,” this one’s voice is comically sniveling. “We’ll take good care of her for you.”

I start to ignite an Offensive spell to handle these fools, but my eye catches the eyes of one of the guards. The smug look on his face tells me all I need to know. The other patrons begin to focus their attention on me as well.

If I can’t fight, I’ll have to flee. My magic is still low though… Farak it, what choice do I have…

With no other options, I draw magic into my palms. Teleportation at this point is too much of a risk, and Ethereal would kill me at this moment if I tried to cast it. Instead, I ignite Time Slow and cast it as the three Minotaurs lunge at me.

A burst of spherical gray energy flies from my body, reaching out to the door. From my vision, the entirety of the bar’s interior has been filtered with a pale tone. Every action taken by others are non-existent, with the three Minotaurs lunging at me barely moving.

As the spell is cast, my mind instantly screams with exhaustion. Wasting no time, I duck under the outreached arms and sprint to the door. I fling it open, cancelling the spell as I reach the streets.

When I cancel Time Slow, I feel unconsciousness threaten to take over my mind. I stumble to the other side of the street, catching myself on the corner of the blacksmith’s building. I manage to circle around back before my legs give out from under me. My arms catch a waist-level chest, which I use to pull myself back up. I rest against the chest, working with all my might to stay conscious.

The calm winds start to pick up. It seems as the blizzard I had spotted in the North is reaching the settlement. Snow starts to lightly fall in succession after the wind.

I try to stand up, but the action causes my head to spin. Dropping back down, I see a small shed next to me. I slide off the chest and crawl over to the shed. The door is locked, only with a simple padlock.

From my pack, I remove the axe. After taking several deep breaths, I pull my arm back and swing the axe into the lock. For the first time this nightmarish trip, I praise my Hisanhariin blood as through the sharpness of the blade and my raw strength, the axe cuts through the lock.

I push the door open, not holding enough strength to retrieve the axe. I find a corner, hidden between two metal shelves, and remove my pack. The wool blanket is pulled out and wrapped around my armored shoulders.

Well, I’m going to die in this forsaken wasteland, cowering in an old shed while Celestia continues to reign as a tyrant…

If I had to give Celestia one thing, it would be her ability to give me motivation.

I can’t let her win… But things aren’t looking well for me… With this storm, I’ll be dead before morning… Okay, I just need to hold out until I can get Exposure active for a while… You can do this…

I brace myself, working with all my remaining might to stay awake through the sickening feelings of magic loss.

39th of Chillwind, Hour 29 – Norrg’kl, Orn’gar’s Bar - Yorn’s POV

“Don’t worry, boss,” Ked’s sniveling voice says. “We’ll take good care of her for you.”

I stare into my drink, not wanting to watch another Anthow fall into the clutches of Orn’gar again.

If I can’t fight, I’ll have to flee. The Unicorn thinks. My magic is still low though… Farak it, what choice do I have…

I turn to watch her as she pulls magic into her palms. Orn’gar’s thugs lunge at her, as she disappears from sight in a streak of purple and gold. The door bursts open as the Unicorn appears outside. She runs in the direction of my shop before the darkness consumes her form.

Wow, that was truly something extraordinary…

I had heard of the power and majesty of a Unicorn’s magic, but this was the first time I was able to witness it.

I watch as Orn’gar glares out the door before turning to his thugs.

“You idiots!” he yells, smacking the head of Ked. “You let her escape!!”

“S-she couldn’t have gone far,” Ked says. “We-we’ll get her for you, right guys?”

“Du’hn and Ce’eh nod.

“You better,” Orn’gar snarls. “If we take her to them, then we’ll be rich and can leave this rundown svisthole for good!”

The three nod again before leaving after the Unicorn.

Absolute buffoons… I hear Orn’gar think. As if I’ll give them anything…

I stand from my table, walking to the bar and sliding a few Gyffs to Orn’gar. He grunts in acknowledgement. I turn and leave, closing the door behind me as I cross the street to my shop.

I look up at the sky, feeling the howling wind whip my face as snow begins to fall.

That Unicorn isn’t going to survive long with those three after her…

I follow the path I saw the Unicorn take around my shop. Her boot prints were clear as day, with a set of messy hoof marks following. I turn the corner to face my shed, seeing Ked poke at my loose door.

“What are you doing?!” I bark at him.

He jumps, obviously shocked to see me here.

Svist! Act cool, Ked thinks. Don’t let him know what you’re up to.

“Oh, hi Yorn!” he says, pointing at the axe imbedded into my shed. “I was, ah, walking by your shed and saw that there was an axe cutting through your lock, so I thought, ‘Ked, why not be a good soul and investigate for ‘ol Yorn.’

I cross my arms, sizing up to this coward. He shrivels up, stepping away from my shed.

“I lost the key to my shed, so I had to break in to grab something,” I pull the axe from its spot in the door. “I didn’t have time to remove this. Thank you, Ked, for your help.”

“Heh…” Ked laughs, before backing away and leaving my sight.

I wait for a few minutes, making sure that he’s gone before entering into my shed. In the corner, wrapped in a blanket, is the Unicorn. She doesn’t react when I enter. There are no thoughts in her mind, only her frosted breathing indicates that she’s still alive.

I drop the axe and carefully scoop the Unicorn into my arms, taking her from the shed to my back door. With a kick, the door easily opens.

It was no lie when I said a key was lost, just not the one to my shed.

I push open the door connecting my work area and my living area, bringing the unconscious Unicorn in front of my fire and setting her into my rocking chair.

Drukl bounds over to me, excitedly circling my legs before hopping to the Unicorn. He sniffs her boot before gnawing on the metal.

Gnaw…Gnaw…Gnaw… repeats through Drukl’s wolf mind.

“Drukl,” I scold. “Go to your bed!”

He obeys.

I return to the shed, grabbing the blanket, pack, and axe that the Unicorn had with her. When I return, Drukl is chewing on her armor again. He flees to his bed when he sees me return to the home. After setting her stuff next to the chair, I do my best to remove the armor plates attached to her.

This armor is well-made… It’s definitely Equestrian… and this Unicorn, she is unlike any of her kind… They’re soft and fragile, but not her… She is hardened from centuries of war and filled with ancient rage… She has experienced more than I ever will…

It takes me a while, but eventually I remove most of the heavier pieces.

This under-armor is also extraordinary…

I stand and walk to the kitchen, making a small fire under the cooking rack. A bowl is set onto the rack before being half-filled with water.

Looking up from the bowl, Drukl is knowing on her boot again.

“Drukl!” I snap at him.

He looks at me indignantly, before stalking to his bed.

“She’s already been through enough; you don’t need to make her situation worse.”

My focus returns to the beginnings of the stew, but my eye is kept both on my wolf and the sleeping Unicorn.

Author's Note

My gosh this chapter alone sparked more memes and potential side stories than anything else I've done.

Also, yes, I got this chapter out real quick. It was easy to edit, so don't expect this to be the norm. Chapter 5 will take a bit longer, then Chapter 6 will be released on the following weekend after 5's release, with 7-9 following over the next 3 weekends.

I gotta have some form of structure.

Anyways, please leave your comments!

Here's a better explanation of the spells used if you're interested, written in this Google Doc.

--Thanks to HoneyBacho for assisting with editing and world continuity, and memes