Oleander replayed the scene in her head again as she walked down the hillside road

She’d taken a beating after that calf had somehow pulled her out of the air with her lasso, then she barely escaped a stomp with a teleport, then the calf charged her as she swung her book, then…

Ugh, I still can’t remember!

“Thinking about the temple again, Ollie?” A soft voice asked from the book in her saddlebags.

“Nothing better to do,” Oleander grumbled.

“I could start a song!”

“No.” Oleander’s eyes flicked to it. “And there’s nothing wrong with going over past fights and mistakes.”

“There is if you worry too much.” The voice was still gentle, but grew more serious.

“But it was close.” Oleander watched the road as she spoke. “I still can’t remember everything, but I know it was close.”

“You hit each other at the same time. She went down, and you stayed up. Once your head stopped spinning, we were back on track!”

“But I can’t afford to cut it close, especially against predators.” Oleander ranted. “And it shouldn’t have been close! She was a calf. And if I’d used any more dark magic, I’d have— “

“I wouldn’t have let it come to that.” Fred cut in with his not gentle voice. “You won, she lost; you’re the best Champion Fœnum has, it’s that simple. You always overthink things,” Fred finished in a cherry tone.

“I suppose you are correct.” Oleander sighed.

She wouldn’t admit it out loud, but the existence of a Champion that strong was strangely reassuring.

Fœnum may need fighters like that until I get the key. If only more of these fools took this seriously.

Crack!

Thunder blasted overhead as Oleander trudged on in her old white robe, the most rain-protective clothing she owned.

Her mood had improved before she spotted the clouds, but now she was cold with her mane plastered to her neck.

“Maybe we wait this out?” Fred suggested. “You should start looking for shelter for the night.”

“I don't want to be caught on the road at night.” Oleander replied, too weary to sound very defiant. “I'll rest better in a dry bed.”

“Or you’ll get sick on the way.” Fred tried to coax her with concern.

“I'll take that risk over predators,” Oleander said. “And I'd like to be clean on dark magic before we get there.”

“AWOOOO!”

A howl snapped Oleander out of her daze.

“Fred, look alive!”

“Of course!”

Oleander's magic reached out to the Unicorninomicon and a surge of power rushed back, sending her hair waving out in a dark red glow as her eyes flashed white.

She pulled the book open to read for some extra power, but cut it short as she heard a desperate voice.

“Stay back!”

Oleander slammed the book shut and ran in the direction of the fighting.

Cap shoved a bar of golden oats in Cashmere’s mouth and flew off to hide in the cart as soon as they heard the howl and saw the wolves.

Cashmere would have called him out, but she was busy chewing as fast as possible as the wolves circled.

Come on, come on!

Her horns started to glow as she backed up to the cart.

A wolf pounced, but was sent flying by a spike of ice from the ground.

“Stay back!”

Another wolf pounced at the opening. Cashmere held up her hooves to block as she tried to throw an ice shield up in time—

“YAH!”

Dark energy exploded out in front of Cashmere, stinging her through her block.

At first, she feared it was a strange attack, but when she looked up, the wolf was nowhere to be seen.

In its place was a soaked, robed, black…

Cashmere's eyes widened as she recognized the unicorn.

Oleander fired a shadow spark at the third wolf as it hesitated, stinging it and leaving it open to a finishing whack from the book.

As she turned to protect herself from the last remaining attacker, she saw an icicle fly past her, shattering on the wolf and dispersing it.

They both pivoted around, listening for more predators before turning to face each other.

“What were you thinking, traveling alone?!” Oleander stabbed a hoof at Cashmere. “The roads aren't safe anymore!”

Cashmere scowled. “If it weren't for the rain and my wheel getting stuck in the mud and that pack wandering in, it wouldn't have been an issue. Just bad luck.”

“Is risking your life like that worth it?” Oleander’s eyes narrowed.

“Some of us have to make a living.” Cashmere stared back.

They held the glare for a while, both too stubborn to give up, until the rain convinced Oleander it wasn't worth the effort.

“Have it your way, then.” She started to walk off as Cashmere's voice softened.

“Sorry, you have a point. And I am grateful for the rescue.”

Oleander froze on the spot for just a moment before turning back.

“It is my duty as the Champion of Fœnum. Think nothing of it.” Oleander thought she saw an eyebrow raise at that, but it was gone in a blink.

Cap peeked his head out of the cart and said something that Oleander did not understand.

Seeing her confusion, Cashmere paraphrased.

“He also says thank you.” She raised her hoof. “But from me, if you don't mind, maybe we can spend the night together? I don't think either of us is going to make the town before dusk, and I'd appreciate the safety in numbers. And I'd like to repay you somehow. I’m Cashmere, by the way, and he’s Cap.”

She has a point.

Oleander thought.

Better than spending the night alone in the rain.

“Fine. And the name’s Oleander.” Oleander nodded and shook hooves.

“Excellent!” Cashmere smiled. “I've been down this road several times, and I know a small cave where we can shelter from the rain.”

She looked back to her cart. “Just need to get this out of the mud.”

“Get ready to pull, then.” Oleander walked past her as Cap strapped Cashmere’s harness back on.

A dark hand reached from the book and pulled the cart up from the back.

“Pull!” The wheel found solid ground as Cashmere put all her weight into it.

“It'll be a few kilometers,” Cashmere said against the strain. “Can you watch for predators?”

“Of course.” Oleander took a first glance around.

I'd rather be fighting than pulling in this weather, anyway.

Both of them were too tired and on edge to make much conversation until they arrived at the cave.

After a quick check inside by Oleander, they settled down with a sigh of relief.

“Cap, fetch some towels, will you?”

“Fine.” Cap got up from his nap to deliver them as Cashmere removed her rain jacket and Oleander kicked off her robe.

He set to work drying Cashmere off as Oleander grabbed her towel with telekinesis.

“We should have some dry wood in the back.” Cashmere turned to Cap after she was dry. “Can you get a fire started?”

“Why me?” Cap put his hands on his hips.

“Because I just risked my life.” Cashmere leaned in. “Unless you’d like to do the fighting next time.”

Oleander smirked as they argued, but they both jumped as Fred laughed from the book.

“Um, was that you?” Cashmere asked.

Oleander’s eyes darted from her to the Unicornomicon, trying to think of how to handle the situation before Fred made covering it up impossible.

“Oh, pardon my manners!” A claw from the book pulled it closer. Cap hid behind Cashmere as she recoiled.

“I am FHTNG, but friends of Ollie can call me Fred!” He extended a shadowy claw that Cashmere shook with some hesitation, flinching at the touch.

“Ollie?” Cashmere glanced at the unicorn as she pulled her hoof away.

“Oleander.” Oleander scolded. “But yes, he is my friend, and he’s helping me in my duties as champion.”

“...What is he?” Cashmere hastily corrected herself. “I-I mean, what are you?”

“A helpful being from beyond your world, just like your little friend there!” Fred chirped.

“He’s a demon in a book.” Oleander deadpanned as Cashmere’s eyes widened.

“Most of the stories about demons— ” Cashmere started in a hushed tone, but Oleander interrupted her.

“He’s not most demons; he helped Divine Oracle Amaryllis bring peace to Fœnum hundreds of years ago, and I’ve known him all my life.”

“I’m guessing she’s a big deal?” Cashmere scratched her ear. “History was never my thing.”

“Yes.” Oleander looked at her like anyone should know that. “She led the Order of the Horn in her day.”

“Them I know.” Cashmere coughed and turned to the creepy book. “Um, sorry for doubting you… Fred.”

“I have that effect on mortals,” he casually replied. “Now, since I don’t have to sleep and this book is waterproof, I’ll take watch. Give you some alone time.”

Oleander opened her mouth to scold him as he scuttled out the door on a claw, but thought better of it.

“He can keep watch in there?” Cashmere blinked.

“He can do many things.” Oleander stretched and laid down. “Most of them violent things when we see a predator.”

Oleander noticed Cashmere shudder.

“Trust me, we're safer with him around.”

Cashmere calmed down as Cap lit the fire.

“So… Was that dark magic?” Cashmere asked. “Never seen anything like it.”

“Yes.” Oleander’s eyes turned to her.

“Isn’t that, well… dangerous?” Cashmere slowed as she saw Oleander’s eyes narrow.

“It comes at a cost, and there are risks, but it’s safe enough if you’re smart about it.”

“Sorry.” Cashmere tried a smile. “Sore topic?”

“You could say that.” Oleander sighed. “I’ve heard warnings and superstitions for over a decade from the Order.”

“On my way to do business there again, actually.” Cashmere scowled. “But unicorns only buy white robes.”

“Not this unicorn.” Oleander shot her robe a stare. “Just needed that for the rain.”

“Then the first part of your reward will be proper rainwear.” Cashmere leaned in. “Then maybe some more suitable fashion.”

Oleander blinked. “A reward is not necessary.”

“Fashion or not, you could use proper rainwear.” Cashmere insisted. “Let me do something to help in return.”

“Fine.” Oleander glanced away and continued in a softer voice. “And I wouldn’t mind some fashion.”

“Then you won’t be disappointed!” Cashmere’s eyes flashed, and Oleander recoiled slightly at something in her gaze. “But let’s wait ‘til we’re clean and dry.”

“Sure.”

Some time passed in silence by the fire as Oleander wondered why she agreed to the offer.

Cashmere broke the ice.

“So, what are the costs of dark magic, if you don’t mind my asking?”

Oleander raised an eyebrow at her voice. It sounded curious instead of scolding or afraid.

“Mostly decreased lifespan from overuse, excluding some rituals I won’t be partaking in. I may not live to be a hundred, but I’ll be fine.”

Oleander couldn’t help but notice Cashmere’s eyes bulge at that, though she tried to hide it.

“It’s not fair, but it’s the cards we’re dealt.” Oleander gave a sympathetic smile. “Didn’t mean to brag.”

“No, it’s fine.” Cashmere adjusted her scarf. “Reindeer get sprites and magic of our own—can’t complain about the perks.”

“You’re lucky we like you.” Cap’s quip got a chuckle from Cashmere, though Oleander did not understand it.

“And we’re grateful for that,” Cashmere answered.

Oleander rested her head on her hooves, watching the flames when Cashmere broke the silence again.

“Your magic looked powerful. Can’t say I’m willing to trade any years for it, though.”

“Yours seemed stronger than I expected, actually.” Oleander raised her head. “Or is that normal for reindeer?”

“Magic runs in the family, I do have some extra power. That and I’ve trained to defend myself with those awful beasts around, but I’m a clothier at heart.”

“Practical.” Oleander settled her head back down. “It won’t be an issue once I’ve sealed them away, though.”

“Good to hear.” Cashmere rested her head on her hooves as well.

More time passed as the warmth dried their coats despite the rain pounding in front of them.

“So,” Cashmere started, “every other unicorn I’ve met was white and—”

“It’s the dark magic.” Oleander answered without opening her eyes. “Only black unicorn you’ll meet.”

“Pity, I love your coat.”

Oleander startled as she processed the words, glancing at the smiling reindeer.

“...Yours looks good, too.”

Cashmere chose not to push it, and walked back to the cart to pull out something for dinner; neither of them was eager to venture into the rain for grass.

“Candied pecans sound good? Maybe a biscuit or some apples?”

“Pecans work,” Oleander replied. “I have my own supplies, though.”

Cashmere passed a bowl in response.

“I have a cart full. Consider it part of your repayment.”

They ate in silence, and once they’d finished Cashmere yawned.

“Well, we should get some rest to get started early. I have a mat and some pillows you can use. I’ll just sleep on the floor.”

“It’s your cart, you should sleep on the mat.” Oleander protested.

“Please, it’s the least I can do.” Cashmere rummaged for a spare towel and blanket. “You did save my life, after all.”

Oleander found herself glancing at the snoring reindeer as she tried to sleep.

Focus.

She shook her head.

If you get distracted, more ungulates like her will get hurt.

Author's Note

Finally starting Oleander's arc of the story.

The story is marked as romance, but the core focus will be on Oleander's adventure and her growth as a character: romance may just be part of that.

I essentially take shop and story dialogue to imply that Cashmere and Oleander are a Canon couple, though I absolutely want to avoid a forced or rushed relationship with them.

Trying to balance staying true to Oleander's negative traits while also showing her core determination to help that makes her endearing.

As always, I am very eager for your thoughts.