[Third Person Pov]
Arthur and Merlin continued deeper into the Forbidden Forest, the dense canopy above blotting out most of the moonlight and casting long, twisting shadows across the forest floor. Merlin floated lazily atop her staff, seated sideways as though it were a casual bench rather than an ancient conduit of arcane power. Arthur walked ahead of her, Caliburn drawn and held firmly in both hands, using the legendary blade as a crude machete to hack through the thick shrubs and thorny vines that obstructed their path.
Merlin watched his efforts with barely contained amusement, a quiet giggle slipping from her lips as she shook her head. "If your ancestors knew you were using a holy sword in such a manner," she said, barely managing to keep a straight face, "they would be rolling in their graves."
"Let them roll," Arthur replied without missing a beat, cleaving another branch clean in two. "It's sharp, so it's efficient. It's not the size or importance of the sword that matters, but how you use it." He continued cutting a narrow trail forward, utterly convinced of his own logic.
For a heartbeat there was silence—then Merlin erupted into raucous laughter. She cackled so hard that her balance faltered, her staff wobbling beneath her as she clutched her stomach and wheezed. "I don't think I ever expected to hear a dick joke come out of your mouth," she managed between fits of laughter. "Oh gods, that's priceless!"
Arthur winced, his lips twisting into an awkward grimace as a faint flush crept up his cheeks. "I regretted it the second I said it," he muttered.
Merlin only laughed harder. She opened her mouth to tease him again, but before she could get another word out Arthur suddenly lunged toward her and clamped a hand over her mouth. Startled, Merlin blinked at him as Arthur pressed a finger to his lips and subtly nodded ahead.
Just beyond the trees lay a small clearing, bathed in soft light, where a clear drinking pond reflected the night sky above. Merlin followed his gaze—and her expression shifted instantly. Standing by the water was a unicorn with pristine white fur and a long, lustrous mane cascading down its neck. Its horn dipped gently into the surface of the pond as it drank, causing faint ripples to shimmer across the water. Beside it stood a much smaller pony of the same radiant color, a tiny horn stub protruding from its forehead.
Arthur slowly sheathed his sword and stepped forward, his movements deliberate and calm. He raised his hands slightly, making a clear show that he meant no harm as he approached.
The unicorn lifted its head in a single, fluid motion and turned its gaze toward Arthur. "Greetings," Arthur said carefully, bowing his head just enough to be respectful. "I mean you no harm."
"I am aware," the unicorn replied, its voice deep and resonant, carrying a magical timbre that seemed to vibrate through the air itself. "I can sense your intentions. They hold no malice whatsoever." There was a quiet nobility in his tone, ancient and dignified.
'I'm speaking to a unicorn!' Arthur thought, his heart surging with elation. 'This is incredible.' The excitement bubbled beneath his calm exterior as he marveled at the moment.
The unicorn's gaze then shifted past Arthur toward Merlin, lingering on her in thoughtful silence before returning to him.
"Allow me to introduce myself," Arthur said, placing a hand over his chest. "I am Arthur, King—" He paused, then exhaled slowly and shook his head. "No. That is a lie. My name is Artorius—Arthur—Lionheart Pendragon. I am honored to make your acquaintance."
"I, Lumineré Stronghorn the Third, greet you in kind, Artorius Arthur Lionheart Pendragon," the unicorn replied, dipping his head in an elegant bow. "This is my son, Hoofclaw Stronghorn, first of his name."
The young pony bowed as well, and Arthur immediately returned the gesture. After introducing Merlin, Arthur listened as Lumineré spoke again.
"I take it this meeting was not by chance or coincidence," Lumineré said calmly, "but rather sought out?"
"You would be correct," Arthur answered with a nod. "I am patrolling the Forbidden Forest for any suspicious activity. I wished to ask whether you have borne witness to anything unusual—anything beyond the ordinary."
Lumineré's eyes briefly drifted to the sword at Arthur's waist, sensing the latent power humming within it. After a moment, he looked back into Arthur's eyes, finding only sincerity and resolve in his gaze.
Unicorns were beasts of profound magical sensitivity. They did not need spells, sigils, or incantations to discern the nature of another being; merely existing in close proximity was enough. Through the horn upon their brow—a natural conduit and amplifier of arcane perception—they could sense the quality of magic a person carried, the shape of it, the intent behind it. It was for this very reason that unicorn horns were so desperately sought after by alchemists, kings, and less savory individuals alike, though such pursuits often ended in tragedy.
As Lumineré gazed upon Arthur, his senses reached outward, brushing against the young knight's aura. What he felt gave him pause. Arthur's magic was not scattered or volatile, as was the case with most witches and wizards. It was ordered, structured, and impossibly deep, like a great hearth fire buried beneath stone. There was a comforting warmth to it—steady, unwavering—layered with an undeniable air of majesty and quiet nobility. His presence was overwhelming, yes, but not oppressive. It was the kind of presence that commanded respect rather than fear.
"The Forbidden Forest, as you refer to it," Lumineré said at last, his voice calm and assured, "is as it should be. There have been no strange anomalies nor disturbances of note. Only the natural order remains—beasts hunting beasts for sustenance, life feeding life, as it always has."
"I see," Arthur replied, releasing a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "I'm glad to hear that."
"You are?" Lumineré asked, genuine surprise coloring his tone. "Are you not a knight? Should you not be disappointed that there is no great matter for you to resolve? That your presence is unnecessary?"
Arthur chuckled softly and shook his head. "Knights fight for peace and prosperity," he said. "We fight for the day when we aren't needed anymore. If all is as it should be, then that is a sign of peace. And if peace reigns, then my involvement is unnecessary—and that is a good thing."
Lumineré let out a deep, approving chuckle. "Wisely spoken, young knight." His gaze lingered on Arthur with newfound respect. "That said, while it is not an anomaly per se, there is a nuisance worth mentioning. A wild manticore has taken to overfeeding itself, growing bold and careless. In doing so, it disrupts the natural balance of the forest. The centaurs have taken it upon themselves to correct this imbalance, but they are… slow to act. I fear for the safety of my little one should the beast grow more reckless."
Arthur's expression sharpened with focus, though a confident smirk tugged at his lips. "I understand. Leave it to me. I'll see to the matter myself."
'Hehe,' he thought, 'feels like I'm taking a side quest.'
After Arthur asked for the general direction, Lumineré provided it and advised caution, urging him to take care and not underestimate the creature.
Before departing, Arthur hesitated, shifting his weight slightly. "Before I go… may I ask something?" he said. "May I caress you? Your coat is simply beautiful." A faint blush colored his cheeks as the words left his mouth.
Lumineré stepped closer, a soft chuckle rumbling from his chest, and gently lowered his head toward Arthur's waiting hands.
'I am petting a freaking unicorn… I love my life!' Arthur thought, barely containing his glee as his fingers brushed over the unicorn's long, silken face.
Behind him, Merlin laughed quietly, easily reading Arthur's thoughts as she watched him beam like a child granted a dream come true.
********************************************
+10 advance Chapters and my other patron exclusive content on: patreon.com/Shadow_D_Monarch3