A/N: Unicorn! Harry for the lovely CleverBast! Yes, I do love and appreciate my reviewers. Speaking of which... Thank you bloodyhunter, for reading through ALL of the drabbles. I wonder how long it took? You gave me no guidance, CleverBast, so I shall write what I please. Thus the title...
DISCLAIMER: No matter how much I wave my wand, I will never own Sev and our favorite green-eyed Wizard. *sobs*
WARNING: Yaoi is an important part of these. Please desist in flaming.
-Ryder
P.S. There may be more than one title that gets a continuation; Dragon's Might, Dragon's Might II... etc.
WOA WOA WOA WOA WOA
Regal jade eyes stared out as the unicorn stallion took in his domain. The day was a fine one not quite cold nor warm enough for one to complain. Soft, inky strands drifted before the stallion, blinding him momentarily. He stood placidly blowing the brilliant white streak of his forelock away from his face.
Powerful muscles coiled and bunched as a sudden noise startled him, bolting away from the spot and wheeling around with an angry neigh. A Wizard stood where he'd been, one with Dark intentions for his horn: this Wizard would not leave here alive.
"Look atcha! Can see the fear in them eyes, my pretty. Come here..." The unicorn snorted and stayed exactly where he was, tail flicking back & forth as he waited for the Wizard's next move. "C'mon... My Potion can't wait for that horn!" The man lunged, the stallion reared and lashed out with a silver hoof, catching the Wizard across the temple, blood spraying. He whickered softly when the fauns and Centaurs took the Wizard with them.
"Are you alright, Tir'grali?"
Aye. This is no coincidence. Wizards are appearing at an alarming rate, Destra. Tir'grali answered, bright jade eyes narrowing in thought.
"But it is you that they are after Tir!" Destra wrung her hands as her Palamino half shuffled nervously.
I am of no consequence, as well you know. The forest is my highest priority. came the sharp retort from the blue-black stallion.
"But what about your Chosen?" Soft golden eyes pleaded with him to understand. "They won't allow you to guard the forest anymore!"
Then they are not worthy. The forest is my home; the peoples within it my chosen family. The Equinox Revelry, when is it to start? Destra snorted and crossed her arms over her chest.
"We never start without the Forest Guardian." she hummed, her fingers brushing the bow strapped to her back. "Another Wizard? And so soon... I shall ask what he seeks."
No. It is my duty. He nudged her away from the kneeling Wizard and spoke the mortal tongue once more. "What is it you seek, Kin of Mathwy?"
"Sanctuary." the man's voice was raspy, almost a whisper. "I seek what sanctuary thou art able to give, Guardian of the Forest. No more, nor less shall I ask of thee." Tir'grali circled the kneeling Wizard, astonished that he'd made it this far so very wounded.
"Knowledge of the once-ways is thine, Kin of Mathwy. I give thee my name; Tir'grali. Protection is yours to seek, yours to give, a healing of mind, spirit and body." He touched his horn to the scabbed over and leaking wound, summoning the power of the forest to heal their guest. The damage was undone, leaving pristine alabaster skin under his horn. He lifted his head and nudged the kneeling Wizard softly. "Your name, Kin of Mathwy?"
The man stood up and dusted off his black robes while replying, "Severus."
"No surname?"
"I... do not care much for my Sire, Tir'grali."
"Magic has a way of giving you what you most desire Severus. Tell me, have you ever gone to an Equinox Revelry?" Haunted dark eyes looked into his own, the vivid want not shadowed by the many masks he could feel that Severus had.
"My Dam... brought me here once. It was for a Solstice Celebration, however. I am afraid you will have to guide me." this was said with a small smile.
"No matter, Severus. First we must cleanse ourselves in the hot springs. The Fae will wash your clothing."
-PoV-
Severus relaxed, laughing as Tir'grali shared anecdote after anecdote of the forest dweller's antics. The unicorn stallion was goregous; the blue-black coat shimmered in the heat of the springs, silver hooves shining brightly, spiral horn glittering with ancient magiks and best of all were the knowing jade eyes that felt so familiar.
"Destra was so angry at her foals that she pinned them to that very tree and then told them to go and hang! I have never seen a Centaur that shocked before..." Bright green sparked with laughter and warmth.
"I have not had a conversation that has made me laugh like this in quite some time." he chuckled, wiping his hair back from his forehead. Severus winced as he spotted the Dark Mark.
"That symbol... does it bother you?"
"It is a mark of my foolish and reckless youth, Tir'grali. A reminder that all was not as peaceful as it is now."
"Yes, the Wizard's troubles have reached even here. Do you wish for it to be gone?" Tir'grali hummed, shaking his mane as he climbed out of the large pool. "As immortal as I am now, Severus, I was once mortal and know such things haunt deeply." The white strand in the unicorn's dark mane made more sense now.
"No, I wish to keep it as a memento that peace does not come easily."
"You were... involved?"
"I was a spy for nearly two decades, stopping attacks on Muggles and Pureblood families alike as the War raged on. The Order did not trust me after I killed my mentor... I had to rely upon Harry Potter to deliver the news via supposed 'visions' as I sent it with an anonymous owl."
"Yet your soul is not split."
"Albus considered it a mercy as he succumbed to a Dark spell that would have eventually taken his life within the year."
"Ah, that is usually the case of a complicated matter. Come the Faerie have finished with your clothing."
The Revelry found Severus clad in clothing meant for the Sidhe. His robes had been deemed too tainted for the ceremony and had been thrown into the cleansing fire. Warm silky fabric slid along his skin, making him feel better than he had in ages. Tir'grali literally glowed with the gathered power of the Forest. What was unusual was that the stallion did not leave his side, the warmth of the large body lulling him into a sense of peace he had experienced only once with his Mother long ago in this very same forest. He'd do anything to keep the feeling.
"You are content?"
"No, at peace." Knowing jade assessed him again as said action left him warm. "I probably should leave come morning... I've felt that way a grand total of two times, including now." The unicorn whickered softly as if laughing at him.
"You may stay, Severus. The once-ways are rare to come across in this era of disrespect for magics beyond the grasp of mortals."
-PoV-
Tir'grali knew this was his Chosen; no other would do. Peace was a rare thing to find in a mortal and even more so in a Gaia-blessed mortal with the gift of Magic. He knew he'd been one in the time beyond his Guardianship; flashes of red hair, beautiful families and war. Oh, how that war had managed to ruin his life from before. This man, this particular mortal, had much to heal from in the Forest.
"My Mother was one to stick by traditions even when she became disowned." The small smile made the striking features even more breath-taking in the moonlight, backlit by the cleansing bonfire. "This place is... different."
"Aye. The Forest draws upon the nexus of ley lines under us." Obsidian eyes widened slightly and a light gasp escaped Severus.
"Ley lines?"
"Would you like to see them?"
"Merlin yes."
The quiet walk was slow and steady Severus's hand not leaving his whithers once... Until the mortal realized what he was doing. Off came the slender hand, as if burnt by his power.
"I apologize for taking such liberties."
"Think nothing of it Severus. It was a pleasant touch and I would ask that you replace your hand." he was honest waiting until the man relented. As they finally reached the innermost glade, power arced in brilliant flashes as they approached.
"Oh." There was a world of wonder and awe in that single word. "It's beautiful."
"Touch it." Severus looked startled and protested before Tir shoved him none too gently against the first line. "Gaia finds nothing wrong in being touched, Kin of Mathwy. You are one of her blessed and hold the gift of magic. Enjoy Her presence please." The Wizard hesitantly stroked the line, smiling widely as it glowed brighter.
"This is... Thank you." Happiness suffused the haunted eyes and brightened them. "What can I do to thank you?"
"Easy, Severus. Keep me company on my rounds of the Forest. You are staying, are you not?"
"Well, I have things that need sorting and... Oh, who am I kidding? They've declared me dead most likely."
"The Sidhe would welcome a Healer or someone knowledgeable in herbs, I think."
The Forest came to adore his Chosen, especially when he mediated problems with Destra's twins by having them cut up or collect Potions ingredients. But trouble followed his beloved Chosen in the oddest form possible.
"Are you sure the Point-Me spell was correct? This place is all woods and leaves..."
"Idiot, of course it worked. The body was never found so he's out here. We can collect the reward on him and be famous!" Tir didn't like the sound of that. He intercepted their path to his beloved, neighing sharply to catch their attention. "A unicorn? We're pretty deep then." Tir'grali projected mentally, not bothering to speak aloud as he did with Severus.
Get out.
"What?"
I did not stutter, mortal. Get out of my Forest.
"You have a Wanted crimin-"
He has the Sanctuary of this Forest, therefore beyond your reach. I will not repeat myself again, impure one. Destra and the other Enforcers cantered up, arrows nocked upon bow-strings.
"If you value your life, Wizard, you will turn tail now." Destra stated, her foals by her sides.
"But-"
"Nothing. Leave."
Several such incidences occurred until there were Aurors standing at the Forest's edges.
"May we see the Guardian, Lady Centaur?" This mortal appeared to have some knowledge of the once-ways. She had bushy hair-Ah. One from his former life beyond the Forest.
"Kin of Morrigain, why is my guest being harassed by those not of my Forest?"
"I sincerely apologize, Guardian. This man has been cleared by the Ministry. He is free to do as he wishes."
"Why would he leave when he is already doing such, Kin of Morrigain?" Severus stepped from the Forest and wrapped his arms around his neck. "You are finished with Gaia so early?" Gasps were heard from the Wizards and Witches assembled. He knew his beloved looked good; flowing ebony locks held in place by woven leaves and Sidhe light armor along with a set of fall Sidhe robes completed the sight of beauty.
"She warned me we had guests. Are you finished?"
"Indeed."
-Three Years Later-
Tir'grali whickered as he played with his and Severus's foals.
"Come, Severus, and quit scowling. Inverness and Asphodel want to play with you." His Chosen snorted from from his place under the tree leading to the innermost glade.
"I am tired and our third foal has decided to play 'dance on Papa's bladder' again." Their children quickly shifted forms and petted the slightly swollen belly as his husband of the heart rested. "This is your fault Tir." He hummed and shifted forms easily.
"Yours as well, beloved. As I recall-"
"Eww!" The twins exclaimed, making cute faces as they scrunched up their noses.
"Off with you. Bow lessons with Destra and Juno." he admonished, plopping down beside his Chosen. "Are you alright?" Severus smiled softly and laid his head on Tir's thigh.
"As I will ever be at three months pregnant. I love you, even if you are insatiable."
Ending A/N: Heck yeah! Another one down, seven more to go... That doesn't sound too hard. They're only gonna take five or six chapters before it becomes obvious that they have to take this down. Meh. As always, folks, if you have questions or want to ask me for a chapter PM or review. Is it just me or has that review button become an obnoxious color?