Oleander awoke before dawn, still in time for the morning ritual she hadn’t performed in years.

With no one else awake, she quietly moved to lie down outside the cave.

She’d often complained about losing sleep to that tiring tradition and standing for Lovecraft’s self-important recitations, but she did enjoy watching the sunrise.

When did unicorns become more focused on rituals than just enjoying this?

She took a deep breath and smiled, enjoying the moment of quiet.

Greeting the sun was her decision now, and her silent admiration felt more genuine than all the platitudes about the greatness of the Light.

But they still had half a day’s journey ahead of them, and she did not want to waste time.

So she set to rekindle the fire with a few fresh sticks in case her traveling companion wanted to cook something.

“Good morning, Ollie. Need help?”

Oleander glanced Fred clawing his way up to her.

“Morning, Fred. Probably best if you stay in the book for our companions.”

“Ooo, getting along in your alone time?” His teasing was answered by Oleander violently shaking the book with her magic.

“Now was that necessary?” Fred chided in a sing-songy voice.

“Yes. And it might have dried you off, too.” Oleander rolled her eyes and slipped the Unicornomicon into its pouch on her saddlebags.

The chatter seemed to wake Cashmere, stretching and wiping her eyes before letting Cap put her glasses in place and wrap her scarf around her neck.

“Thanks.” She yawned and looked at Oleander sitting by the fire. “I see you’re an early riser. Want some breakfast before we go?

“It beats wet grass, and we have more than enough time,” Oleander said. “But again, I have my own supplies.”

“I have plenty, don’t worry.” Cashmere waved a hoof. “Business may be risky with the predators, but customers are paying more to not have to venture out. Think of it as a cut of the profits.”
With a few quick words to Cap, they had a bowl of oats cooking on the fire in minutes, topped with nuts and berries.

“Help yourself.” Cashmere passed a bowl to Oleander, which she held in her hooves, using her magic to scoop the oatmeal with a spoon from her supplies as Cashmere ate with a spoon of ice.

“Mmm.” Oleander glanced to the side as she chewed. “There’s something different about this.”

“Do you like it?” Cashmere tilted her head.

“Yes, I just haven’t had oatmeal like it. Is it a special recipe?”

“Ah, you probably haven’t had golden oats,” Cashmere replied as her antlers started to glow. “Only the sprites know where they come from, and they only give them to reindeer.”

Oleander’s eyes widened in realization. “Of course, your source of magic. Are you sure you can spare them?”

“I have more than enough.” Cashmere waved a hoof. “To be honest, I get tired of them on long trips, but they’re good for magic and travel.”

“Thank you, then.” Oleander chewed slower with that revelation in mind, appreciating a flavor she might not taste again.

With their dishes cleaned and stowed by Cap, and Cashmere strapped into her harness, they were back on the road within the hour.

Oleander noted that keeping pace with Cashmere pulling a cart slowed her down, but what was a long trip yesterday could be reached at a leisurely pace now.

They walked in comfortable silence for a while, but predictably the talkative deer broke it.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what’s life like in the Order? Seems like a pretty place to live.”

Oleander tensed with a breath. “It’s beautiful to look at, but everything is stiff and regimented with rituals, lessons, and duties. I didn’t have much time to myself.”

“That’s a shame.” Cashmere frowned. “Always thought it’d be nice to visit.”

“They’re not keen on outsiders.” Oleander scowled. “The unicorns you’ve seen were tasked with dealing with trade; leaving the grove without permission is forbidden. Some nonsense about being ‘corrupted by the unenlightened.’”

“Oh.” Cashmere’s eyes widened. “I thought they were just stuck u— I mean, comfortable where they were.”

“Ha! They are both of those things,” Oleander chuckled. “It’s an easy life, if you don’t mind the drudgery.”

“Well, the traveling merchant's life isn't easy, but it gets interesting at least.”

They walked in silence for a while before Cashmere spoke again.

“Do you ever miss it?”

“Parts of it.” Oleander frowned. “It was less walking with better food, but I've been training to be Champion for over a decade, and everyone made it their mission to make that uncomfortable.”

“Ah, the dark magic,” Cashmere said.

“Yes.” Oleander confirmed. “But it's more about defying them than using dark magic. It's hard to explain.”

“Oh.” Cashmere frowned. “Even your family?”

Oleander's first thought was that she'd said too much, but something in Cashmere's voice made her want to say more.

“Unicorns don't really do families, and my parents were quick to distance themselves. The Order raised me, Lovecraft mostly—she's the leader.”

“Wow.” Cashmere bit her lip. “That's… hard to imagine.”

Eager to change the topic, Oleander asked, “What’s your family like?”

“Oh, they drive me crazy sometimes, but they've always been loving and supportive.” Cashmere tried to lighten the mood. “I actually have some wealthy relatives, but that's not my side of the family. I've worked for what I have.”

“You said business was good,” Oleander noted.

“Honestly, it's my dream.” Cashmere's smile fell into a scowl. “Or at least it was before the predators showed up. I always wanted to design fashion for the whole world, but increasingly I'd like to do that from a safe shop in Reine.”

Cap said something from the cart that got a nod out of Cashmere.

“When you put it that way, it sounds nice,” Oleander smiled.

“So what about you?” Cashmere glanced over. “What's your dream?”

Oleander blinked at the question. “There isn't much autonomy in the Order. You get assigned tasks, and you're expected to fulfill them unless you get permission to swap. And ever since I learned that the predators were coming back, I've been training to fight them. I suppose I'm still just doing my duty.”

“There must be something you'd like to do,” Cashmere said.

“Well…” Oleander glanced up. “Books have always been an escape for me, reading about all the places I couldn't go, real or fictional. I always wanted to be there for real, so I guess this is part of the dream. I don't have time for sightseeing, though.”

“One traveler to another, you have to take some time for yourself,” Cashmere said. “A few hours and a little salt can make the difference between a vacation and a chore.”

“Others are counting on me.” Oleander protested with a hardened voice. “The longer it takes to find the Key, the more innocents get hurt. Especially travelers like you.”

Cashmere's head tilted back at the change of tone, and she took a few moments to think before replying.

“I appreciate your help, but if you don't take some breaks, you'll burn out.”

“She's right, you know.” Fred’s voice caused Cashmere to flinch.

“Great, now I'm outnumbered.” Oleander grumbled. “Your concern is noted.”

Their pace quickened when they finally saw the town on the horizon.

“I said I wanted to repay you, and I have a proposition,” Cashmere spoke above the strain of pulling the cart.

“Go on.” Oleander wasn't sure what to expect, but the end of the day’s travel had her in a good mood.

“I'm not leaving for the Grove until tomorrow morning, and I'm guessing you aren't either.”

“You want another escort.” Oleander cut in.

“Yes, but there's more. I'll need to get an inn room anyway, and I thought, maybe we could share; save some salt, my treat. And I could treat you to a good meal at a lovely restaurant after you get some of that sightseeing done.”

Oleander took a moment to think over the offer.

Well, I need a place to stay, and my salt pouch isn’t getting bigger.

“Fine, I accept.”

“Excellent! But first, let’s get you something to wear.”

“Is this really necessary?” Oleander stood for another measurement around her barrel before Cap stretched the measuring string over her head: seeming more comfortable with Fred as a hand from the book assisted him.

“Properly-fitted clothes are fashionable and practical, unless you'd like a one-size-fits-all robe.” Cashmere jotted down more notes with an icicle dipped in ink.

“Fine, but let's make this quick.” Oleander rolled her eyes.

“You can't rush art.” Cashmere checked her measurements again before nodding to herself. “All done. Now we can move to trying things on. I can make a custom fit, but let's see what works first.”

“I need to travel light.” Oleander stretched as she was finally free. “Can't afford space for much.”

“Let's start with something practical, then.” Cashmere said something in the Sprite language and Cap brought out a dreary brown garment.

“A proper cloak will help keep you warm and shed the rain, especially with a hole to fit that horn of yours with the proper fitting,” Cashmere explained as Cap put it on Oleander.

“What fabric is this?” Oleander raised an eyebrow. It felt warm, but she didn't recognize the texture.

“Alpaca, actually,” Cashmere said. “Breathable, and it handles rain better than sheep’s wool.”

Cashmere noticed Oleander shudder at something, but chose not to press. “Any requests on color pattern?”

“Black will do,” Oleander said. “I'd rather not wear something that may alert predators in the dark.”

“She knows what she likes!” Fred teased.

“Right, and it works with your coat.” Cashmere seemed slightly disappointed. “But perhaps you have room for a scarf? You should know, deer dig scarves.”

Cashmere smirked. “Perfect for cold weather, I mean.”

“Oh.” Oleander blinked, not sure how to react. “That would be nice.”

“Excellent!” Cashmere's antlers glowed as a strikingly clear mirror of ice formed. “Let's get started.”

Cap brought out scarf after scarf, and Oleander started to feel like a doll being dressed up.

“Too busy.” Cashmere waved it away.

“Not working, green isn't her color.” Fred’s comment got a nod from Cashmere.

“Too much material,” Cashmere said.

“Not quite the right shade of red.” Fred shot another down that seemed perfectly fine to Oleander.

“Hmm, I wonder…” Cashmere tapped a hoof to her chin. “Get one of our blue signature scarves, small size.”

“Small?!” Oleander exclaimed.

“You have a thin frame, and unicorns don't have neck floof,” Cashmere said. “Trust me.”

Oleander couldn't help but notice that the blue scarf had the same logo as Cashmere's, but it fit tighter on her neck with less fabric left to droop.

Oleander smiled at her reflection.

“It matches your eyes,” Fred said.

“You look sharp!” Cashmere gave it a last adjustment. ”But if you don't like the logo, you can wear it reversed.”

“I like it. Makes it special.” Oleander tried different poses in the mirror.

“Then it's yours!” Cashmere grinned. “Happy to have a champion spreading my brand.”

“Just hope the predators don't remember it,” Oleander smirked at Cashmere's surprise.

“Well, maybe it will be a deterrent, then.” Cashmere shrugged. “I'll take the risk.”

“If you want a deterrent, you could always use my likeness,” Fred offered.

“No thanks.” Cashmere's face scrunched.

With nothing better to do, Oleander wandered through the museum, looking over the displays.

She found herself examining a statue of Amaryllis in the unicorn section—small compared to what she’d seen in the Order, but unmistakable.

Ironic that she’s here when others would be forbidden to visit.

“Can I help you? Do you need to see the references again?” The librarian approached.

“No need.” Oleander turned to him. “We already checked everything.”

“That’s a relief.” Heath let out a sigh.

Oleander looked back to a robe on display, but glanced at him as he did not move.

“Were you wanting something?”

“Oh! Well, if you’re headed back to the Order, I was wondering if you could pass on a request for coordination with their library. I’m sure we have some—”

“They’d refuse.” Oleander cut him off.

“Oh.” He bit his lip. “But since you’re their champion, maybe you could—”

Oleander groaned. “I am not officially their champion because they refuse to send one. They’ve written off the rest of the world, and that’s why they’re not going to care about an offer to share books.”

He deflated at that. “That doesn’t sound like Amaryllis.”

“Amaryllis was a long time ago.” Oleander glanced back to the statue. “Trust me, the stories you have here are better than meeting them.”

“Well, at least I got to meet one unicorn.”

Oleander raised an eyebrow at that. “You’ve met a strange one, and I’d rather not dwell on the Order.”

As she stepped away from the display, an idea suddenly struck and she called him back.

“Wait, I may have something for you.”

She pulled the white robe from her saddlebag.

“If you are interested in them, this is an authentic High Apprentice robe, marked by the gold on the fringe. Worse for wear, but I have no use for it anymore.”

“Thank you!” He handled it like a treasure after she tossed it to his foreleg. “I’ll have it cleaned and on display!”

“Glad you like it.” Oleander left for another section.

She wandered through the rest of the museum, and when she ran out of displays to read, she checked out a book and headed for the town square.

Oleander laid on a bench with her reading glasses on, enjoying some time with a new book as the nearby fountain provided a calming background noise.

Both to respect her reading time and to avoid unwanted questions, Fred kept quiet in his book pouch.

But her peace was interrupted too soon by a group of three fawns, two harts and a hind, staring at her. They were increasingly difficult to avoid in her peripheral vision.

Eventually, she set the book down to meet their eyes. “Do you need something? Did you lose track of your parents?”

“Nah, they’re over there.” The older of the two harts pointed to a stand.

“Can you do magic?” The hind looked up to her.

“My magic is not for children.” Oleander rested her head on a hoof with a scowl. “I am the Champion of the Woodlands, and you are interrupting my studies.”

In truth, she was reading a light romantic novel.

“Oo, we need a Champion!” The younger hart scurried closer. “We heard some growls in the sewer.”

Oleander grimaced. “Don’t you have your own champion? Or a hoof-full of guards?”

“No Champion yet.” The older hart shook his head. “And the guards don’t believe us. But we heard it, I swear!”

Idiots!

Oleander tried to suppress her annoyance in front of the children.

Not my problem! They can learn to handle the predators themselves if they start climbing out.

Oleander started to pick the book back up again, but dropped it with a groan.

And who are you sounding like now?

“Fine.” Oleander grit her teeth and stowed her glasses. “Lead me to the entrance, but you better not be lying.”

“Can we watch?” The hind asked.

“Absolutely not.”

Oleander followed them to a large door nearby, secured by a simple keyhole.

“Don't you need the key?” the hind asked.

“Are you gonna teleport in?” the younger hart asked.

“Hush!” Oleander levitated the Unicorninomicon to the door, and a black tendril reached out to the lock.

The door swung open immediately with a click.

“Coool!” The fawns cheered. “What else can that do?” the young hart asked.

“Go away.” Oleander stared before taking a breath. “If you make sure no one follows me, I'll show you a magic trick.”

“Deal!”

Oleander slammed the door, teleporting down after trying three of the narrow steps.

The assault on her nose came without any time to adjust.

“Ugh!” She reached a hoof to her muzzle and instantly regretted it. “Damnation!”

“Ollie—” Fred’s called out in warning, but Oleander already had the book open with her eyes glancing behind her.

A lunging serpent vanished as a dark claw slammed its head into the ground.

“Anyone else?!” Oleander yelled. “Don't make me hunt you down!”

A howl answered her with a pack of five wolves charging.

“Don't let her escape!” The alpha shouted.

“Fred!” Oleander's eyes widened.

“Tag me in!” Fred answered, eager for violence.

“Shadow Blast!” Oleander spun the Unicorninomicon as a wave of dark energy surged from it. The lead wolf leapt over it, but one behind him vanished in the stream.

“FHTNG, Now!” Fred flew out of the book, ramming into the lead wolf as a skull trailed by shadows, sending it tumbling to regain its grip.

“Traitor!” The lead growled.

“Die!” FHTNG sent a black tendril, but the lead dodged it as another wolf jumped for FHTNG’s back, but was caught by a spark from Oleander.

But she had her own problems, blocking a lunging bite with the book immediately after.

The wolf bit onto the book, trying to yank it out of her grasp as another ran to flank her.

Oleander struggled against it until a portal opened for a dark hand to slam the wolf away and dispersed it on impact with the ground,: freeing the book to swing up and catch the other wolf pouncing.

“Bwahahaha!” A black tendril reached from the ground to envelop the wolf after Oleander's hit, slamming it down and dispersing it.

But Fred’s assistance had left him open for the alpha to tear into where his neck would be.

“Tagging out!” Fred said in an entirely different voice as he flew back into the book.

The alpha did not detach in time as Fred shrunk in his flight, and was sent tumbling toward Oleander. As soon as Fred was in, she slammed the book around the alpha, and it vanished.

“You're mine!” Oleander pointed the book at the last remaining wolf climbing back onto the path, stunned by what it just saw.

The alpha flew out of the book and slammed into it, dispersing them both.

Oleander panted and scanned for more enemies before Fred gave the all clear.

“I may not have a sense of smell, but I'm not sensing more predators.”

“Lucky.”

“You let an outsider into the sewer?”

Outside, a red deer guard interrogated the fawns, with the older hart speaking for them.

“Well, she—”

The door slammed open as Oleander stormed out, stabbing a hoof into the guard's chest.

“There were six predators down there, and you idiots were just waiting for them to break out.”

The hart recoiled at her stare as she continued.

“Do whatever you have to do to get the sewers patrolled, or I will hold you personally accountable.”

“But—” The guard gulped at her scowl. “Yes, ma’am.”

He saluted and ran off.

“We watched the door,” the younger hart spoke up, “can we see the trick now?”

Oleander took a deep breath.

“Of course.”

She teleported away.

“...Coool!”

After asking several deer searching for her, Cashmere found Oleander at the river, with a dark hand from the book scrubbing her down with a soapy brush.

“Getting ready for our dinner?” Cashmere smiled.

“There were predators in the sewers.” Oleander scowled and lifted a forehoof for Fred to brush. “These idiots haven't been clearing them out, so I had to.”

Cashmere's face scrunched in disgust. “That’s… very kind of you. You didn't have to do that.”

“Someone had to.” Oleander grumbled.

“Well then, the least I can do is to make you feel appreciated. Cap! Get our scented soap.”

Cashmere washed upstream of Oleander, and they both dried off, smelling of hibiscus.

Oleander hadn't expected much from Cashmere's promise of a good meal, expecting something affordable but decent, so she was taken aback when a waitress sat her in a fancier restaurant than she'd ever stepped into.

Is she trying to bribe me? Perhaps she's hoping to pitch more permanent bodyguard duty? I cannot be delayed!

Those thoughts almost caused her to miss the waiter’s words.

“Welcome to the Aspen Manor. Can I take your drink order?”

Oleander's eyes shot to the drink menu before she spoke, not making anything out properly without her glasses.

“No, thank you.”

“I'll have my usual.” Cashmere waved a hoof. “And one for her as well.”

“Right away.” The waitress bowed and left.

“What is your usual?” Oleander asked.

“Oh, mostly blackberry, raspberry, and tea. A smidge of alcohol, if you don't mind.” Cashmere paused. “If that's a problem, I can tell them to hold it.”

“It's fine.” Oleander said. “So long as it's not too hard. But you don't need to pay for extra expenses.”

“Nonsense! It's my treat and my pleasure.” Cashmere grinned. “Happy to help you relax after that mess in the sewers.”

“Well, thank you.” Oleander blinked.

This is hardly a practical way to help. She's definitely after something.

Oleander lifted her glasses on their necklace with her telekinesis and polished them with a napkin.

“Also a little nearsighted?” Cashmere asked.

“Yes.” Oleander set the glasses on her muzzle. “Another side effect of that book that Fred warned me about.”

“Oh.” Cashmere frowned. “I hope it doesn't get worse.”

“The decline is manageable, and it won't affect my duties as Champion.” Oleander said. “I may need thicker glasses when I'm old, but I'll be fine.”

Cashmere hesitated a moment. “Is it worth it?”

“Predator claws are a much bigger concern, and I need the power for them. So yes.” Oleander sighed. “Sorry, that was a bit aggressive. Would you like your glasses cleaned?”

“It's fine, and sure.” Cashmere watched her spectacles gently float away in a red and black cloud. Oleander took extra care to not damage them in the cleaning before floating them back.

Cashmere adjusted them slightly with a hoof. “Thanks for that. If you're ever in Reine, I can show you a good glasses shop.”

“Unlikely.” Oleander said. “I’ll need to get to the key as soon as I find where it is, and you also travel.”

“Well, maybe after, then.” Cashmere shrugged.

After?

Oleander hadn't spent much time thinking on what would come after the quest she knew would define her life, after so many years preparing for it and planning for the challenges.

She tried to hide her thoughts by reading the menu, and almost dropped it in shock at the prices.

“Get what you want.” Cashmere said. “Like I said, business is good.”

The waiter arrived with their drinks before Oleander could get her thoughts together, and she joined Cashmere in a sip as she gathered her thoughts.

“...This is quite good,” Oleander said.

“Glad you like it.” Cashmere smiled.

“Why are you doing this?” Oleander's expression hardened.

Cashmere recoiled at the change of tone. “Well, it was part of the deal for your traveling with me to the Grove.”

“This is more than that.” Oleander's eyes flicked to the menu. “You could have spent a third of this salt for a decent meal elsewhere. Are you trying to bribe me to accept some permanent bodyguard position? Because if so—”

“No!” Cashmere cut her off, leaning in. “I'm not trying to distract you from your quest.”

“Then why?” Oleander asked. “If we're going to part ways in a few days at most, why the expense?”

“You've worked hard for us, and I'd like to make a hard day a little more pleasant.” Cashmere's voice lost some of its edge for a hint of uncertainty. “And I enjoy your company. So if we don't have long before we part ways, I want us both to enjoy it.”

“...Why?” Oleander blinked, caught off-guard with suddenly conflicting feelings.

“Why, I… enjoy your company?” Cashmere guessed. Not seeing an objection, she continued. “Well, I can tell you work hard for your goals, and that you've given up an easier and safer life for the quest. I respect that.”

Cashmere paused to gather her thoughts. “I also like a mare who speaks her mind and gets to the point; and you do have a beautiful coat…”

Oleander fought back a blush as her eyes flicked away. “You did mention that. But that doesn't change anything! I'm still setting off for the Key as soon as I find what I need.”

“Of course.” Cashmere smiled. “But we can enjoy our time now.”

Oleander ordered an herb and cheese pastry on Cashmere's recommendation, which almost tasted worth the salt to her.

With the pleasure of their meal and a tinge of alcohol, the conversation grew more casual.

“...She even tried to pitch me on fashion with her colors, once.” Cashmere continued her story. “And I just said ‘Cousin, I don't have scarves big enough for your head.’”

Oleander snickered. “She sounds like a piece of work.”

“Loudest doe in any room.” Cashmere leaned in. “She takes her training seriously, though. Might even give you a run for your salt.”

Oleander gave an odd nicker at that. “I’ve been training longer than she's been alive. I think I can handle myself.”

“Well, pride goeth before a fall,” Cashmere said, chuckling as Oleander snorted in response. “Guessing you've heard that a lot?”

“In the most hypocritical way you could imagine.” Oleander rolled her eyes. “But I didn't do all that practice because I thought this would be easy.”

“Fair enough.” Cashmere shrugged. “Want a dessert while we're here?”

“You don't need to spend the salt.” Oleander said.

“I don't need to. I want to.”

Full and content, Oleander and Cashmere made their way back to the inn, finding Cap and Fred playing cards.

“Looks like someone had a good time!” Fred teased in a cheery tone.

“Shut it.” Oleander shot him a glare that melted into a smile. “But yes, I did.”

“Ah, that reminds me.” Cashmere interjected. “Cap! Get the surprise.”

“Surprise?” Oleander turned around as Cap grumbled something she didn't understand.

“Just close your eyes.” Cashmere said.

Oleander obliged, and felt heavy cloth being drooped over her back and the click of a clasp.

“Okay, open!”

Oleander saw herself in a mirror, clothed in a hooded black robe with a perfect hole for her horn, darker than her coat and mane and complimenting them perfectly, accented by a brass clasp with a large garnet stone that matched her pink highlights.

“Do you like it?”

“It's perfect!” Oleander turned around to check other angles, finding herself surrounded by more mirrors as she did.

“Isn't this clasp expensive, though?” Oleander asked, though in truth it was modest compared to what she'd seen in the Order.

Cashmere shot Cap a look as he grumbled. “It's high end for sure, but it was just a perfect fit. I had some natural black Alpaca wool laying around, and inspiration struck! Try it in the cold.”

Cashmere smirked as her antlers glowed, and an icy wind blew over Oleander.

“It's warm, for sure.” Oleander opened her eyes as the wind stopped. “You're pretty good at that, aren't you?”

Cashmere flicked an antler with a forehoof. “Handy trick on a hot day.”

Everyone settled into bed shortly after, with an early morning ahead of them to reach the safety of the grove.

Cashmere had sprung for two beds, though Oleander suspected they’d have made do with one as Cap slept on a couple of pillows.

Despite the journey ahead, she felt more content than she had in a long time, and she found herself glancing over at the snoring reindeer.

It’s nice to be appreciated. Maybe we will meet again, after…

Oleander hugged the Unicornomicon like she had since she was a foal.

“Good night, Ollie.”

“Good night, Fred.”

Author's Note

I waited until two chapters of this were ready to be sure I was going down the right path before posting: eager for feedback as always.