The Bewitching Hour

A shimmering oval portal split through the savannah before Beatrix, Oona Ewe, and Ebony Ivory made their entrance. Another trip had been made to gather more allies who would aid in repairing the mansion, with the latter wishing to make a shortstop in her mysterious homeland.

“Not tae be rude, but are th’ jungles always this hot?” The sheep sage asked, wiping beads of sweat from her brow. She might have to shed a few layers.

“Ha! If you think it's searing now, you should be here during the dry season,” the zebra huntress chuckled before taking the lead to direct her friends towards the villa, where her tribe resides.

Huts dotted the area, the inhabitants doing their best to live along with nature in harmony, rather than harvest it for nefarious purposes. Some warriors were adorned by painted masks, and the air tinkled with chimes under the breeze, the sun ablaze in a cloudless azure sky.

“Ooooh~!” Oona clamored, looking over the artifacts, tools, and totems displayed in a few shops. “Such craftsmanship! Ah might have tae swindle a few souvenirs.”

“Oh yeah! Ebony’s people have plenty of neat stuff,” Beatrix said with a smile, happy to see her lover and mentor marveling over tribal culture. “Managed to snag a few goodies for my room!”

“You can browse more during the festival. The chief approaches,” Ebony ushered them on as a towering hulk of mass walked towards the group. The huntress bowed to one knee.

“You may rise, Ebony,” he said in a low baritone, which the zebra mare acknowledged and stood back up.

“Noble Savage. I’ve brought along friends who wish to take part in our traditional celebration. You remember Beatrix Belladonna from our last visit.” She pointed out the witch, who waved cheerily. “But with us is her wise and loving teacher, Lady Oona Ewe.”

“A pleasure tae meet ye,” the azure sheep greeted, bowing her head.

The zebra chief's weathered face looked her over before nodding in approval. “Ahh! So you are the wooly woman of medicine and dreams,” he commented, observing her runic clothes and dreamcatcher staff. His lips curled slightly, noting Oona’s curvature and round hips. “Yes, I certainly understand why Beatrix is taken to you.”

A mild blush colored her cheeks as she insisted, “O-oh, please. Ye honor me!”

Noble gave a soft chuckle before taking a stand next to a thick tree in the middle of civilization, addressing the crowd gathered close by to greet them. “Friends of Ebony are welcomed here. It was your student who aided in the downfall of Natural Selection and the other traitors.”

“Aye, she’s told me plenty ov what’s happened,” Oona nodded.

“A shame, really. He was our finest hunter and my possible successor...” He sighed heavily in reminiscence. “But perhaps things were not meant to be. I’m proud to bestow that honor to you, Ebony Ivory. I know you won't let us down.”

“I swear not to,” Ebony promised, placing her fist to her chest.

A sudden excited sound drew their attention towards the other zebras, one mare groped and caressed by her lover who pressed against her.

“A-ah! I wasn't aware it was time for our annual ‘life celebration,’” the huntress commented, her cheeks flourishing.

“It isn’t,” Noble corrected with a mild smirk. “But some of our youngest warriors tend to grow impatient. Not that the mares seem to mind.”

Beatrix smiled at memories of her last trip here, recalling how the barely clad zebra stallions and mares discarded their clothes, until their striped muscles and curves were bare under the scorching sun.

“A-ah… o-oh my…~” The sheep's flush deepened when the zebra pair openly fondled each other, a few other couples joining in. Young stallions showed off their hardened bulk to impress the many mares, who happily showed off their bodies in return.

“Mmm… My brother would have loved comin’ here,” Oona admitted while chewing her lip. “Sae many strong warriors tae tussle wit… An’ plenty ov women who’d certainly catch his eye.”

“I did try to ‘persuade’ him into coming with us,” Ebony admitted, a sly grin on her muzzle. “But Sir Dion insisted he stay to train those maids some more.”

“Oh, sure,” Beatrix snickered. “Those three have been ‘training’ for almost three nights now!”

The witch squeaked as Oona’s staff gently nudged her ribs. “It’s more than that, Ah assure ye. Dion wishes tae free them one day an’ start a new life back home. But tae live amongst our people, ye need tae be ready fur battle, should th’ need arise. The twins aren't natural warriors, after all...”

“Intriguing,” Ebony purred, shuffling closer to the dream shaman. “I would like to visit your homeland someday. You faun folk are quite the rowdy bunch!”

“We’ll make arrangements, Ah promise,” Oona assured, smiling kindly before asking, “If it’s alright wit ye, A’d like tae know mair about this place an’ its history. It might be advantageous if our people joined forces, should th’ time arise.”

“I believe you’re right,” Ebony nodded, offering a warm smile to her chief. “Shall we share our secrets, Noble?”

The large zebra cupped his chin in thought, considering the proposal. “Hmmm. I think we can place our trust in this one. In return, I'm certain whatever Lady Ewe has to trade with us will be of equal value?”

“A trade? O-oh, Ah don’t know if what Ah have tae offer would be-”

“Are you kidding me!?” Beatrix cuts in, hugging her bashful lover from behind. “Oona, you’re the most judicious mage I know! I’ve been dying to hear more about your stories!”

“I concur,” Ebony vouched. “How does one become sufficient in dream magic? That alone hints at invaluable knowledge.”

“W-well… Ah suppose Ah should share a little about mah beginnings.”

“Marvelous,” Noble Savage smiled, pulling up a chair to get comfortable. “Oh, and you girls are free to participate in our life celebration. I’m sure there are plenty of partners who’d be interested in you.”

“P-p-p participate!? O-oooh mah gosh. A-A’d have tae really consider an--”

Oona’s reply became muffled when Beatrix covered her mouth and insisted, “We’d love to!” She flashed a cunning grin to her flustered lover, whispering, “Trust me! It’ll be fun~!”

The sheep sage couldn’t comment further, as the violet unicorn waved a hand to banish her costume, then settled her bare bottom on a rock. Ebony did the same next to her chief, stroking his arm. And even with some shade, the heat was getting to Oona. So she decided to remove her outer robes and lay her staff along the trunk.

To her surprise, a few of the other zebras gathered closer, interested to hear and see what the sheep sage had to offer. Lady Ewe momentarily collected herself with an audience now assembled before sitting down beside Beatrix, who took her hand and drew her close.

“Believe it or not, Ah never considered th’ path ov dream walkin’,” she began, looking down to the silver pendant that held her wooly white hair together over her bust. “At one point, Ah was thought tae be somethin’ much more…”

*****

Even as a maturing lamb, Oona sought knowledge and wisdom, whether through exhausting every book available, or through her hearing about her ancestor’s history. Being a child of both faun and fae brought extra whimsy in her life…but also hardship.

She was often picked on by the other children, despite being the daughter of the chieftain. Some days they’d make fun of her weight, others, her unnatural azure color. Her brother, Dion, would often butt heads just to get them to back off. But the bullying wasn’t the sole reason Oona wandered alone in the untamed woods.

One night, she overheard her father, Lord Haden, discuss limiting the young lamb’s access to fae magic with his advisor. It hurt Oona to know he wanted to conceal her innate connection to her mother, despite knowing it was for a good reason. Her curiosity about her innate arcane abilities led her into the vile clutches of her great-granduncle, who took her under his wing.

But one lesson under Grogar unveiled his dark purpose, which thankfully led to Haden discovering the lessons, and locking the cruel ram away into the mountainside.

Sniffles escaped her snout, arms clinging together. Ever since then, the four-horned chief had remained cautious of his daughter’s fae nature, causing Oona to shave off her second set of horns. Haden would reassure his daughter he loved her and wouldn’t ask her to hide herself from anyone… if her untapped prowess didn’t pose a threat. Haden wouldn’t say it outright, but he was afraid of what Oona could become, had she chosen to continue under her uncle and become a fae sorceress.

“It’s not fair!” She childishly declared, kicking away some leaves in frustration. Oona used her wooly sleeves to wipe away her tears and cast her watery eyes towards the rustling trees. “You wouldn’t have allowed this…would ye, mommy?”

Oona only knew her mother through pictures and stories. Horns and antlers decorated in flora. Wool and moss covered her profound nude shape. Eyes that sparkled like sapphires.

She was beloved by all, yet none so by her father, who, to this day, couldn’t recover from her untimely departure.

It was terrible to live without both parents, leaving poor Oona without closure of what life would be like if her mother had not become one with the forest.

A rustling sound caused her ears to flick up slightly. The azure lamb turned towards the bushes that shook violently. She trembled and lifted up a wooden stick, arming herself as she backed away. Oona’s wooly curls flitted about in the breeze before stood on end as a series of snarls filled her flattened ears.

“Oh no,” she squeaked as a pack of timberwolves slowly emerged from the brushes, prowling closer towards Oona until she felt her back press into a tree. Growls came from the tree-like beasts, sticky sap drooling from their maws.

“S-stay back! Leave me alone!” Oona cried out, swinging her stick to bat the timberwolves away. But one caught and tugged it out of her grip, effortlessly snapping it with one bite. Her heart raced as honey eyes darted around for an escape, yet the trails had been cut off. The frightened lamb curled up and braced herself.

Suddenly, a new sound greeted her ears. Beyond the snarls and groans from the hungry wolves, a sweet melody of a harp filled the trees. So soothing was the music, Oona swayed on her feet, a sense of drowsiness slowly overtaking her. The azure lamb struggled to keep her eyes open.

And, fortunately, so did the timberwolves. Each one whined and yawned before dropping one by one with a thud. Though one beast, likely the alpha, shook itself awake and prepared to lunge, until tiny threads shot from the canopy to entangle the snarling hound.

The harp came to an abrupt stop, the young sheep coming out of her sleepy daze. Oona’s eyes went wide as something began pulling the wriggling timberwolf towards the branch. And with a sharp yelp, the creature ceased moving altogether, save for its limbs twitching.

Panic rose in Oona’s chest as the harp player slowly walked down the trunk as a thin leg cast a shadow. And another leg. Then another… until all eight were visible.

The frightened lamb was paralyzed upon recognizing this creature as a drider. Her upper body looked human, silky white hair braided over her light grey skin. Blue cloth accented with gold wrapped around her torso and waist.

But her entire lower body was that of a spider, each of her spindly legs barbed with curled hairs. Completing the arachnid look were large pupil-less eyes, six smaller ones embedded beneath.

“P-please, d-don’t hurt me!!” Oona managed to squeak out before shutting her eyes.

A soft giggle sounded from the drider before lowering her large abdomen down to ‘sit.’ “Relax, child. A’m not goin’ tae eat you. Too much wool fur my taste~.”

Gently, the drider stroked through Oona’s head and hummed the melody from her instrument to help calm the trembling lamb. And when she was soothed, Oona gazed up at the many eyes of her savor, who smiled in a motherly manner.

“W-wait! What happened tae th’ wolves? Are they..?”

“Oh, good heavens, no! Ah merely knocked them out with a lullaby. Although one did prove tae be a little resistant,” she motioned to the alpha, who snored loudly, hanging in a silky net.

“Knocked out? How?! W-who are you?” Oona asked.

“Mah name is Minerva,” the spider woman said with a bow of her head. “An’ A’m what some have called a ‘Dream Weaver.’”

“Dream weaver?” The small sheep tilted her head, perplexed.

Minerva nodded before elaborating. “One who dwells in th’ realm ov sleep an’ conjures its mystical power tae defend wayward travelers an’ subdue hungry predators like these timberwolves.”

“A-Ah wasn’t aware magic existed in sleep!”

“But ov course,” she chittered. “Dreams have long existed since th’ dawn ov time; many have forgotten it is a place where th’ arcane runs rampant. Such is th’ way mortals think nowadays, Ceann Oga.”

“Ceann what?!” Oona glared and placed hands on her hips. “A’ll have ye know that Ah am a lamb! Not a ‘Ceann Oga!’”

This made the spider lady giggle. “It’s an old saying. It means ‘young friend.’”

“... O-oh.” The embarrassed sheep turned away. Having been picked on by the other kids so long, she had gotten used to being insulted. Minerva made a note of this reaction, her expression softening.

“W-well, mah name’s Oona,” she introduced herself with a curtsy. “Thank ye fur rescuin’ me.”

“Oh, think nothing ov it, Oona,” the drider waved off politely before lifting herself up on all legs. “But ye better run along. It’ll be dark soon, an’ ye don’t want tae face any more frightenin’ encounters!”

“O-oh! Right, home. Uhm…” After such a terrifying event, who wouldn’t just want to run off home? But the little lamb couldn’t shake off her curiosity of the enigmatic drider and her talk of dreams. “A-actually... A’d like tae know mair about ‘dream magic.’”

“Ooh?” Minerva folded her arms, head to the side. “Whatever fur?”

Blushing brightly, Oona pushed away her wooly hair to show her recently trimmed horns, swirled runes still etched in the hardened nubs. “A-A’m partially fae from my mother's side, though my father insists Ah hide it. Ah came here because Ah wanted tae know more, and… maybe ye’d be willin’ tae teach me?”

The spider shaman hummed thoroughly, leaning over to better examine the young sheep. Minerva pursed her lips. “Hmmm… Ah don’t know. Dream magic can be perilous,” she warned. “It’s a very delicate practice an’ isn't something tae be undertaken so lightly…”

“Oh, won’t ye please?” Oona pleaded, crestfallen. “A-A’ll work very hard, Ah promise! I-it’s th’ least Ah can do after ye saved me.”

The drider was about to refuse once more before studying Oona further. Invisible to anyone else, a shimmering bright aura flared up around the lamb, who gave her best puppy dog eyes. The spider lady wore a thin smile, knowing it would be cruel to reject the already lonely youth.

“How can Ah say no tae such a kind face?” Minerva sighed, shaking her head.

“YES! Oh, thank ye! Ye won’t regret this!” She swore, twirling in her step and laughing victoriously. “When do we start?!”

“Come tae this exact spot in th’ early afternoon tomorrow,” the drider instructed before spinning her spinnerets to shoot a line of silky web, her hind legs pulling her arachnid shape into the air. “We’ll start with th’ basics an’ work from there.”

“Right! A’ll see ye tomorrow!” Oona nodded, giving a wave and about to run back home before pausing briefly. She turned back towards the spider shaman before practically pounding her. Minerva froze, feeling the soft embrace of her pupil before ultimately returning it, chuckling lightly.

Oona giggled childishly, a big smile on her face as she happily skipped along the path leading to the forest’s mouth. Minerva held her chin in the thought of the potential Oona truly held. “Quite th’ old soul harborin’ that youth,” she murmured to herself, still in awe of that powerful aura the young lamb boasted. “Yes… if given th’ right guidance, she will become wise beyond her years. It has been a while since Ah had any company. Maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea after all..”

A spark of excitement resonated within the drider as she carried her instrument on her back, skittering through the trees towards her home. While still holding some doubts, Minerva looked forward to what young Oona would become as a potential dream shaman.

*****

What started out as a few days of lessons soon turned into long wonderful years of studying under the dream weaver. Confident her father would disapprove and try to cut off her source of enlightenment, Oona practiced when everyone was asleep, the perfect time to aid Minerva through the various dreams of many of the island's inhabitants.

Oona learned to develop her prowess and view dreams as small orbs that shimmered above people’s heads. The spider lady’s teachings taught Oona how common dreams were colored blue and that rare dreams glowed a golden hue.

And as the two developed their friendship, Oona picked up on her teacher’s hobby of playing the harp, learned hypnosis and lullabies. Until finally discovering her Onoma, Morpheus, which allowed her to dream walk and interact with people during their slumber; something Minvera was incapable of!

Oona had grown into a fine woman during the years, as many of the satyrs, fauns, and minotaurs noticed. The bullies that once ridiculed her now coveted her attention, something Oona wasn’t sure she was exactly comfortable with. Nonetheless, she maintained a pleasant, friendly attitude while lending a hand to those in need.

The azure sheep walked into her mentor’s cottage for their scheduled lesson, letting herself in. Her ears were blessed by the sound of Minerva’s humming, the drider sowing her silky web into something on the table.

“Good evening, Tidsear,” Oona greeted, closing the door behind her, tilting her head to the side to get a better look at what the spider lady was doing. “Weavin’ some new threads fur th’ cold season?”

“Oh no, Ceann Oga. A’m makin’ somethin’ far mair special~,” tittered the kindly arachnid before tightening one last tread in place. Then, with the final touches complete, Minerva turned around to show off a wooden staff she had weaved together, beads embedded in the silk that spiraled to connect to a sapphire gemstone.

Realization hits her face as Oona covers her gasping mouth. “N-no! Minerva, Ah can’t accept this! A-a--”

“Ha! Nonsense!” The spider shaman insisted. “Ye've earned it. Consider it a landmark ov how far ye’ve come. If yer mother was here, she’d be as proud ov ye as Ah am~.”

Hesitant to take the offering, Oona slowly held the staff and hugged it into her bosom, tears flowing down her cheeks. "A-Ah… A’ll treasure it! Thank ye, Tidsear!! Fur everything~!!!”

Minerva smiled widely before pulling her student into another hug. “Unfortunately, A’ve got nothin’ left tae teach you. Th’ discovery ov yer Onoma has led ye tae surpass me in both sorcery an’ experience.”

“So tonight, we’re just celebrating?” Oona asked.

The drider’s smile turned downward as she shook her head. “As much as A’d love to, there is one final thing ye should know about. Come wit me.”

Confused, Oona followed her mentor up the spiraling steps towards Minerva’s bedroom. Her concern deepened upon hearing a disturbing muttering behind the door. And upon entering the room, her heart sank at what she saw.

Laying in the large bed was a filly, tossing under the covers, crying for her mother while clutching her eyes shut. The orb that represented her dream was not the bright blue or gold color Oona usually saw. Instead, it was a sphere of black, inky substance that dripped over the pillows, staining the frightened foal and sheets.

“A nightmare,” the azure sheep spoke aloud, which Minerva acknowledged.

“This is th’ reason dream magic can be dangerous. If one’s soul becomes clouded by negative emotions, th’ hope that dreams normally prosper will instead bring despair. Not all nightmares are bad, mind ye. Most are just dark premonitions that warn people ov things tae come. But this poor foal has been sufferin’ a reoccurrin’ dream, makin’ her wakin’ life miserable.”

“O-oh no…” Oona placed a hand over her troubled fillies head, who instead jerked it away. “A-A’m not sure if Ah can ease her burdens, Minerva…”

“Ye’ll have too,” assured the dream drider. “Ye’re th’ only one who can walk freely through dreams. Have faith in yerself, Oona. Just as Ah do.”

Oona pursed her lips tightly, gazing into the haunting orb of darkness. “Will Ah be alone..?”

“Ov course not.” Minerva spun a small bit of web around the sheep’s finger. “Just tug on th’ string, an’ A’ll pull ye out. But one day, ye will have tae do this on yer own…”

Oona inhaled deeply before giving a subdued nod. Then, placing her palm over the child’s forehead, she conjured her Onoma and peered into the vast darkness that shrouded her dream.

Most dreams showed familiar settings associated with their person, be it beaches, childhood rivers, or favorite urban areas. This landscape was anything but familiar or welcoming.

Dark forestry surrounded the plane, where little light was visible to make out anything outside a few hollowed trees and branches. And upon looking over herself, no color existed as well. Just a dreadful black and white melancholy.

But upon hearing the child’s whimpers echo from a distance, Oona steeled her nerves and summoned a small orb of light, somewhat illuminating the woods. The sheep sage broke haste, calling out for the filly, doing her best to ignore the creeping feeling of dread growing in the pit of her stomach.

The wind blew through the branches, making an eerie moaning sound. Wooden crackles also helped put Oona on edge until she finally spotted the foal up near the base of one large tree.

“H-hang on!” She called out, pushing through a few twigs that seemed to reach out at her. So determined to reach the quivering child, she didn’t notice her horns growing out from her luscious white wool. Oona fell to her knees and pulled the foal into her chest.

“Shhhh! Shh! It’s okay! Don’t be afraid…” The azure sheep encouraged through heavy breaths. “A’m here. A’ll help ye home.”

“Mommy… she left in the woods…. she forgot about me,” the filly sobbed, and Oona noticed sticks and leaves sprouting from her limbs and mane.

“N-no! Don’t say such a silly thing. Yer mother’s probably lookin’ fur ye as we speak. Come up, let’s go find her!”

The sound of wood snapping caught her attention, her head turning around. The trees seemed to have grown taller from her position, almost looming over them. Incoherent whispers spoke in her ears, causing Oona to shudder.

‘It’s only a dream,’ she reminded herself. ‘No matter how real it seems, it’s just a dream!’

That’s when she heard it. A familiar sound that caused every hair on her body to stand up in alarm. The sound of heavy breathing. And it was coming from behind her.

Clutching the whimpering filly closer, Oona dared to turn her head. Yet nothing was behind her save for the tree they hid under… until she looked down. Her eyes widened upon seeing that there were no roots to this tree.

Because the thing standing behind her wasn’t a tree.

Slowly, her frightened gaze trailed up the slender legs before they vanished under a cloak of shadowy vines and vegetation. Oona’s body acted as an autopilot, jumping away and scurrying against the ground. Yet her eyes couldn’t tear away at the towering figure, whose wooden arms stretched past his waist. Fur and leaves covered the monster’s shoulders, with bone-like branches clutching around its ribs.

Its face remained hidden in the dark veil, with only two unblinking glowing eyes gazing back at her.

“M-Minerva? Minerva!!” Oona cried out, frantically panting as paranoia overwhelmed her sense of reality. How long had it been standing there, watching her?!

But looking around, the azure sheep spotted more pairs of eyes and moving shapes hiding in the woods. The disembodied voices grew louder, harsher. But the azure sheep resisted. She needed to be strong for…

Oona’s complexion paled upon noticing there wasn’t a child sniveling into her robes. She was utterly alone.

Another gasp escaped her as the fiend took a step forward before slowly approaching her with lanky movement.

“N-no! Stay back!! GETAWAY!!” She shouted, firing a blast of magic that dissolved into nothing as the tree-size monster crept closer. Oona could feel her heart drumming loudly, beating faster as it bent over to examine her fearful expression.

Her aura shimmered bright enough to reveal the creature’s face, much to her horror. Its ghostly eyes pierced through the sockets of a stag skull, ancient runes carved into the bony structure. Its antlers were composed of the same floral/skeletal material that made up its arms and torso. There was no lower jaw, and yet it uttered a single word. One that finally made the azure sheep scream.

“ꄲꄲꋊꋬ.”

“ꄲꄲꋊꋬ”

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUGH!!”

“Oona! Wake up! Oona!!”

The sheep shaman snapped awake, back in Minerva’s room, where she laid in her mentor’s arms. Oona’s breathing leveled out, sweat pouring down her face, which the drider wiped away.

“Are ye alright?!” Minerva asked, checking her over.

“Yeah, A-A’m fine,” insisted Oona, who pulled away to look over the slumbering child. She laid still under the covers, chest rising and falling steadily. But the dream faun’s face turned grim upon seeing the black sphere still hovering around.

“It was sae dark,” the dream faun said with a shudder. “Ah couldn’t see anythin’! An’ when Ah could… somethin’ was there!”

“Somethin’..?”

A-Ah don’t know how tae describe it! I-It was tall. So tall, Ah mistook it fur a tree! It wore a deer skull fur a mask and looked like some unholy fusion ov an animal, plant, an’ cadaver!”

It was Minerva’s turn to look aghast with saucer-sized eyes. “No…” She skittered back down the stairs, leaving Oona to catch up with her.

“Tidsear?”

The dream drider ignored, frantically looking through her shelf of books before pulling out one with a torn cover and moldy locks. Blowing the dust off the pages, Minerva flipped through the worn text before finding an entry that depicted a creature just as Oona had described. A drawing of the stag-headed figure towering over children made the young sheep quiver.

“W-what is it?”

“A creature tae be avoided at all costs,” Minerva answered. “It’s been given many names, but no one knows its true origin. Given its choice ov face an’ nature, Ah call it the Nightmare Stag.”

“Nightmare Stag?!”

“A’m afraid that child may be lost,” the spider lady said with a defeated tone. “Accordin’ to this, It plays on yer worst fears tae feed off yer depression an’ sufferin’. An’ once ye fully submitted to its dark will… Ye may never wake again.”

“No… N-no no, there has tae be a way tae stop it!” Oona rebutted. “Ah can’t let it terrorize these innocent children. What if it decided to stalk my people?!”

“Oona…” Minerva gently placed her hand on her shoulder. “We know nothin’ about what the Nightmare Stag is nor where it came from. It could be far older than time itself!”

“But Tidsear! It spoke my name… It knows who Ah am!”

“All th’ more reason not tae confront it! Ah know this sounds bleak, an’ Ah admire yer tenacity, Oona. But Ah beg ov ye; be cautious ov th’ nightmares ye’ll come across. An’ should ye see th’ stag… turn away!”

The dream shaman wanted so badly to object to her teacher’s wishes. To allow such a monstrosity to stalk the dreams of many was a harrowing thought. But Oona could see how greatly afraid Minerva was. So instead, she clutched her dream catcher staff and nodded, aware that she was no longer a mere student.

With her newfound powers came further responsibilities, ones she swore to be worthy of, while treading carefully through the dangerous dreams known as nightmares.

*****

“...but yeah, that’s th’ gist ov it,” concluded Lady Ewe, taking a deep breath and sip of water to end her tale. Everyone who listened continued to stare widely at the dream faun, her lover shaking her head in disbelief.

“WHAT!?” Beatrix exclaimed. “No way that’s the end! You mean to tell me there’s been a Nightmare Stag for years, and you never reencountered it?!”

“Understand that, at the time, Ah was already goin’ against mah father’s wishes ov learnin’ more about th’ fae side ov things. Tae do th’ same tae Minerva would have landed me intae deeper trouble.”

“But you did tell Lord Haden eventually, yes?” asked Ebony, to which Oona nodded.

“Ah told mah brother an’ lover at th’ time first. But they helped me show him th’ good ov mah abilities. He was understandably upset that Ah never told him, but stood proud that Ah dwelled in magic that was beneficial tae th’ clan. Ah even got him an’ Minerva tae properly meet!”

“Whoa whoa whoa!! You were with someone else?! Who was he? Or she? They?!” The witch cuts in, both curious and a little jealous of her mentor’s love life. Maybe Oona and Minerva had something similar to what she and Beatrix had now..?

“That’s a more ‘private’ discussion we can have at a better time,” promised Lady Ewe, cheeks flustered.

“No worries,” the zebra huntress assured, petting the sheep’s hand. “If you don't wish to tell us, I understand. We all have our secrets. I, too, was once ashamed of my past...” Her mind wandered back to her former love, Natural Selection.

“That's all there is to it,” insisted the shaman, stretching out his arms and yawning. “Alright, everyone. Let’s resume with the celebration!”

The other zebras nodded, thanking Oona for telling her tale, and resumed their activities amongst each other. Ebony stood up to stretch as well before pulling her chief up from his seat. “We’ll have to look through our library and compile our most sacred history to give in return!”

“Agreed,” Noble Savage nodded, bowing his head to Beatrix and Lady Ewe. “I look forward to seeing you at the festival tomorrow.”

“You can count on it, chief~!” Beatrix said with a wink while Oona gave a slight nod, still a little flustered over participating with the natives.

“I, too, wish to play my part in the festivities,” proclaimed Ebony before she walked away, striped, toned buttocks rolled under her fleet-footed movements. The couple turned to each other and smiled, following their friend hand in hand.

“You would tell me if you ever do meet the Nightmare Stag, right?” Asked Beatrix. “You wouldn’t have to face it alone! I could help you.”

“Ah… would appreciate it very much, Ceann Oga,” answered Lady Ewe. “But like A’ve said. Ah haven’t seen any trace ov it since that time. But ye’ll be th’ first tae know should Ah spot it.”

Flashing a big grin, Beatrix pulled her partner into a brisk walk, wanting to see everything the zebra tribe had to offer.

And Oona, with a shake of her head, allowed her lover to guide her to the various fun and lewd activities Ebony’s people partake in, knowing tomorrow they would likely do the same.

*****

Night claimed the savannah skies as everyone returned to their huts to sleep. The chief had been kind enough to lend Beatrix and Oona some space to rest. Yet it was the witch who was sound asleep. Oona’s ears flickered at the sound of the unicorn’s soft snoring before rolling over to look over her.

Beatrix drooled a bit from her mouth, her body covered only in her cape, which she used as a blanket. The azure sheep tittered softly before wiping the saliva away and placing a kiss over her head.

The sound of footsteps pulled her attention away, spotting a lone zebra stallion slowly walk towards the outskirts of the village. A familiar sense of dread crept up her spine, causing Oona to slide on her nightgown and track behind him.

As they moved deeper into the forestry, the dream shaman noted the tropical trees became much more numerous and hollow looking. Pitch black seemed to swallow the skies entirely. And an all too familiar monochrome landscape came into view.

The ominous whispers in the wind greeted her ears. Oona swallowed the lump in her throat as she grew closer to the wandering stallion. He muttered nonsense, sobs escaping his voice.

Lady Ewe lightly touched his shoulder, pulling his head towards her. His eyes had no pupils as black tears leaked down his muzzle.

“ꌦꏂꇙ, ꓄ꁝꋬ꓄’ꇙ ꒐꓄… ꒒ꏂ꓄ ꍌꄲ... ꋬꋊ꒯ ꍌ꒐꒦ꏂ ꒐ꋊ ꓄ꄲ ꌦꄲ꒤ꋪ ꅐꄲꏂꇙ,” A baritone voice encouraged.

The zebra male collapsed to his knees, trembling with clenched fists as more blackness oozed from his orifices. No matter how many times Oona bore witness to this act, it never failed to make her stomach turn. Nonetheless, she gazed into the darkened trees, knowing who was there.

“Ah should have known ye’d come…” The dream faun lamented.

At her voice, the Nightmare Stag manifested, looking just as grim and sinister as he’d always had. Then, with a curl of his crooked finger, the black essence swirled into a sphere before the lanky creature shoved it close to its face and noisily ate the zebra’s fears.

Lady Ewe couldn’t help but look away, one eye falling to the unconscious stallion.

“ꌦꄲ꒤ ꉔꋬ꒒꒒ꏂ꒯ ꊰꄲꋪ ꂵꏂ,” the Nightmare Stag responded after finishing his meal, eyes focused on the lovely sheep.

“Ah only briefly mentioned you,” rebutted Oona. “Ah had no intention ov summonin’ ye here.”

“ꂵꋬꌦꃳꏂ ꋊꄲ꓄,” the fiend shook his head, towering over the dream shaman. “ꃳ꒤꓄ ꌦꄲ꒤ꋪ ꇙ꓄ꄲꋪꌦ ꅐꋬꇙ ꏂꋊꄲ꒤ꍌꁝ ꓄ꄲ ꂵꋬꀘꏂ ꓄ꁝꏂꂵ ꃳꏂ꒒꒐ꏂ꒦ꏂ ꒐ꋊ ꂵꏂ. ꋬꋊ꒯ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꂵꄲꋪꏂ ꄲꋊꏂ ꃳꏂ꒒꒐ꏂ꒦ꏂꇙ ꒐ꋊ ꇙꄲꂵꏂ꓄ꁝ꒐ꋊꍌ, ꓄ꁝꏂ ꂵꄲꋪꏂ ꉣꄲꅐꏂꋪꊰ꒤꒒ ꒐꓄ꇙ ꋪꏂꋬ꒒꒐꓄ꌦ ꃳꏂꉔꄲꂵꏂꇙ…”

“A-Ah see…” Lady Ewe pursed her snout, a tinge of guilt smearing her soul. “So Ah unknowingly called fur ye.”

The Nightmare Stag nodded, his form shortening from its tree-like structure to assume a more appropriate height. “ꌦꄲ꒤ ꒯ꄲ ꒤ꋊ꒯ꏂꋪꇙ꓄ꋬꋊ꒯! ꓄ꁝꏂꋪꏂ ꒐ꇙ ꋬ ꃳꋬ꒒ꋬꋊꉔꏂ ꓄ꄲ ꓄ꁝꏂꇙꏂ ꓄ꁝ꒐ꋊꍌꇙ. ꄲꋊꏂ ꍌꋪꏂꋬ꓄ ꊰꄲꋪꉔꏂ ꉔꋬꋊꋊꄲ꓄ ꓄ꁝꋪ꒐꒦ꏂ ꅐ꒐꓄ꁝꄲ꒤꓄ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꄲ꓄ꁝꏂꋪ. ꅐꁝ꒐꓄ꏂ ꋬꋊ꒯ ꃳ꒒ꋬꉔꀘ. ꒒꒐ꍌꁝ꓄ ꋬꋊ꒯ ꒯ꋬꋪꀘ. ꁝꄲꉣꏂ…”

“... an’ despair.” The azure sheep finished, narrowing her gaze at the ancient creature. “So why tell me this? Ah could encourage people tae forget about ye. Ensure ye never haunt the memories ov thousands again!”

But her bold statement only made the Nightmare Stag laugh. “ꌦꄲ꒤ ꅐꄲꋊ’꓄. ꌦꄲ꒤’ꋪꏂ ꊰꋬꋪ ꓄ꄲꄲ ꉔ꒤ꋪ꒐ꄲ꒤ꇙ ꋬꃳꄲ꒤꓄ ꅐꁝꋬ꓄ ꒐ ꉔꋬꋊ ꄲꊰꊰꏂꋪ ꌦꄲ꒤.”

“Then tell me why!!” Oona pleaded, taking his hand into her own, squeezing gently. “Ye’ve broken th’ minds ov countless people. Yet ye’ll listen tae me like an old friend? Why would ye heed my call?! Why… why me?”

The Nightmare Stag froze as if astonished by her string of questions. His other hand came to Lady Ewe’s cheek, stroking it tenderly, making her quiver.

He answered. “ꂵꋬꋊꌦ ꁝꋬ꒦ꏂ ꍌꋬꁴꏂ꒯ ꒤ꉣꄲꋊ ꂵꌦ ꊰꋬꉔꏂ ꋬꋊ꒯ ꋪꏂꉔꄲ꒐꒒ꏂ꒯ ꅐ꒐꓄ꁝ ꊰꏂꋬꋪ. ꓄ꄲ ꓄ꁝꏂꂵ, ꒐’ꂵ ꋊꄲ꓄ꁝ꒐ꋊꍌ ꂵꄲꋪꏂ ꓄ꁝꋬꋊ ꋬ ꃳꋬ꒯ ꒯ꋪꏂꋬꂵ… ꋬ ꃳꄲꄲꍌ꒐ꏂꂵꋬꋊ… ꋬ ꂵꄲꋊꇙ꓄ꏂꋪ..! ꌦꄲ꒤ ꊰꏂ꒒꓄ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꇙꋬꂵꏂ ꅐꁝꏂꋊ ꅐꏂ ꊰ꒐ꋪꇙ꓄ ꂵꏂ꓄.”

“Ah was,” she admitted, warm honey brown eyes locked in the pale glowing orbs.

“꓄ꁝꏂ ꋊꏂꉧ꓄ ꓄꒐ꂵꏂ, ꌦꄲ꒤ ꇙꄲ꒤ꍌꁝ꓄ ꂵꏂ ꄲ꒤꓄, ꉣꋪꄲꉔ꒒ꋬ꒐ꂵꏂ꒯ ꒐ ꅐꋬꇙ ꋬ ꂵꋬ꒒ꏂ꒦ꄲ꒒ꏂꋊ꓄ ꊰꄲꋪꉔꏂ ꓄ꁝꋬ꓄ ꂵ꒤ꇙ꓄ ꃳꏂ ꒦ꋬꋊꆰ꒤꒐ꇙꁝꏂ꒯, ꒒꒐ꀘꏂ ꇙꄲꂵꏂ ꊰꋬ꒐ꋪꌦ ꓄ꋬ꒒ꏂ. ꃳ꒤꓄ ꒐꓄ ꅐꋬꇙ ꃳꌦ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꓄ꁝ꒐ꋪ꒯ ꓄꒐ꂵꏂ ꓄ꁝꋬ꓄ ꅐꏂ ꃳꄲ꓄ꁝ ꋪꏂꋬ꒒꒐ꁴꏂ꒯…”

“Ye were as lonesome as Ah was.”

Oona recalled how astonished the Nightmare Stag was when she treated him more with gentle compassion, something the entity hadn’t received in quite some time. But, of course, she should know better, given she spent most of her childhood being forsaken by both friends and family.

““ꋊꄲꅐ, ꅐꁝꏂꋊ ꌦꄲ꒤ ꒒ꄲꄲꀘ ꋬ꓄ ꂵꏂ,” he continued. “ꌦꄲ꒤ ꇙꏂꏂ ꉣꋬꇙ꓄ ꂵꌦ ꊰꋪ꒐ꍌꁝ꓄ꏂꋊ꒐ꋊꍌ ꒦꒐ꇙꋬꍌꏂ… ꋬꋊ꒯ ꊰꄲ꒤ꋊ꒯ ꇙꄲꂵꏂꄲꋊꏂ ꅐꁝꄲ ꇙꁝꋬꋪꏂꇙ ꌦꄲ꒤ꋪ ꇙꏂꋊ꓄꒐ꂵꏂꋊ꓄ꇙ. ꒐ ꒤ꋊ꒯ꏂꋪꇙ꓄ꋬꋊ꒯ ꅐꁝꌦ ꂵꌦ ꏂꋬ꓄꒐ꋊꍌ ꁝꋬꃳ꒐꓄ꇙ ꋬꋊ꒯ ꅐ꒐ꉔꀘꏂ꒯ ꒯ꏂꏂ꒯ꇙ ꋪꏂꉣ꒤꒒ꇙꏂ ꌦꄲ꒤.”

“But it is necessary.” She smiled timidly. “Fur if no one knew sorrow, how would they know happiness?”

“ꌦꏂꇙ.” He sighed, pulling away from her ginger touch. “ꌦꄲ꒤ ꇙꁝꄲ꒤꒒꒯ ꋪꏂꇙ꓄, ꄲꄲꋊꋬ. ꓄ꁝꏂ ꒻ꄲ꒤ꋪꋊꏂꌦ ꋬꁝꏂꋬ꒯ ꄲꊰ ꌦꄲ꒤ ꒯ꋪꋬꅐꇙ ꉔ꒒ꄲꇙꏂꋪ ꏂ꒦ꏂꋪꌦ ꋊ꒐ꍌꁝ꓄.”

“More ov yer dark premonitions? Pft. Ah hate how ye never give a straight answer,” the sheep sage pouted despite knowing the reason. “Ye know mah name, but Ah still don’t know yers...”

“ꌦꄲ꒤ ꅐ꒐꒒꒒ ꀘꋊꄲꅐ ꒐꓄ ꒐ꋊ ꓄꒐ꂵꏂ,” the Nightmare Stag promised. “꒒꒐ꀘꏂꅐ꒐ꇙꏂ, ꇙꁝꏂ ꅐ꒐꒒꒒ ꀘꋊꄲꅐ ꂵꏂ ꋬꇙ ꅐꏂ꒒꒒. ꌦꄲ꒤ ꉔꋬꋊ’꓄ ꁝ꒐꒯ꏂ ꂵꏂ ꊰꋪꄲꂵ ꁝꏂꋪ ꊰꄲꋪꏂ꒦ꏂꋪ, ꄲꄲꋊꋬ…”

“Aye, Ah know. Beatrix shares my boundless curiosity fur th’ unknown. It’s why Ah fell for her,” Oona admitted with a bashful grin.

“ꌦꏂꇙ, ꅐꏂ꒒꒒, ꇙꄲꂵꏂ ꓄ꁝ꒐ꋊꍌꇙ ꋬꋪꏂ ꃳꏂ꓄꓄ꏂꋪ ꒒ꏂꊰ꓄ ꒤ꋊꀘꋊꄲꅐꋊ. ꃳ꒤꓄ ꇙꁝꄲ꒤꒒꒯ ꌦꄲ꒤ ꏂ꒦ꏂꋪ ꋊꏂꏂ꒯ ꂵꏂ…” He pulled something out of his chest before placing it in the azure sheep’s hands. A worn music box that played an off-key melody, containing torn paper with lyrics.

“... Ah know how tae call ye.” Oona nodded, looking up only to see that night sky. A quick turn around revealed she was back in the jungle. By her feet, the zebra colt she had followed was asleep, snoring loudly.

Lady Ewe closed the music box with a weary sigh, tucking it away into her sleeve before making her way back into her shared hut. The dream faun never liked keeping secrets, especially to those she loved.

But for occasions like this, perhaps some things were better left unsaid.