The Unicorn Princess

    It was a dark night when I set out to see if the moon might cast its silvery glow over the waterfall.  Looking out I saw the stars trying to break through the dark clouds that laid over the skies that night.  With a deep sigh, I started to step back into my cave behind the falls when I heard a strange sound coming from the deep forest.The sound was that of a voice singing in the night.  A voice like that of an angel, but I knew that one cannot hear angels sing unless they were about to die.  I stopped to listen to be sure it was not that of an angel, but maybe of a woman with a voice of one.  Watching the small path leading out in the deep woods, I watched as the moon started to push the clouds away and its silvery glow cast itself down upon the path like a curtain. There I saw a most amazing sight that I had ever seen.  Walking along the pathway and singing a most beautiful song was a White Unicorn with gold hoofs and a horn that glowed. Its mane was a color of a clear night sky, deep blue with white shadows that fell down around its neck. Its eyes were clear and bright with the color of the afternoons sky.  If one could call it blue, for they changed from a cool blue to a deeper blue like my own eyes.
The voice it sang with, caused the waterfalls music to change to the tempo and the softness that not even I had ever heard.  It was as if the Unicorn was casting a spell onto what ever the sound of its voice touched.
    I smiled and watched the Unicorn step into a clearing and bent its head to drink from the waters by the falls, unaware that someone or something was watching it.  I stood very still and slowly started to concentrate until I looked like the rocks that made up the mountains. I did not wish to scare this most beautiful creature. I waited until it was done drinking. Bringing its head up and shaking the small drops of water from its lips.  I could not help but notice that around the horn of the Unicorn laid a pattern of a six pointed star, with the highest point going straight up and the lowest almost touching its nose.  Two came between its eyes and the others crossed them at an angle from left to right.  I had never seen any thing like it, and I wanted to meet this beautiful creature, but not as a Dragon.  Knowing that I might frighten it in my Dragon form, I went about thinking what might not scare it.
    I, in my form of rocks and stones would not do at all.  Before I had a chance to change into anything, the moons glow cast its silvery light upon the Unicorn and while I watched on, the Unicorn started to glow a brilliant blue-white. Where there was once a beautiful Unicorn, now stood a very beautiful young maiden.  Her long hair covered most of her virtues and I could not
help but notice that she had a very nice form, with long strong legs, an hourglass figure, and a face of an angel.  Her nose was small and her lips full and red. Her eyes still shone a deep blue, and I could see the star on her forehead, smaller than before but still noticeable through the hair that fell about her face. Her shoulders were smooth and strong, and she stood proud and free. "She is not a true Unicorn, for the moons glow has shone me her secrets. But why is she a Unicorn and not a maiden?" I watched as she looked down into the water and then reached up and touched her face, outlining it with the touch of her fingers. Then, bending down ,she touched the water and watched as the ripples fell across the water and rippled out of reach.  My breath caught in my throat as I heard her sigh, and then I saw a tear roll down her beautiful cheek as she looked up into the nights sky, searching for something that was not there. The moon fell behind the clouds once more and she changed back into the Unicorn.
"She is in need of help, but I am not sure if I should show myself as yet." I thought, and I watched while the Unicorn drank from the pond once more.
      The music from the falls played on and it's soft notes were heard by the Unicorn and she started singing a soft melody of days gone by. Her voice was very enchanting and it touched my heart. She was indeed very beautiful in her form of a Unicorn as well as the maiden. I watched while she walked around the pond towards the cave where I lived. I held my breath while she stepped closer and I thought for sure she would see the outline of my body in the rock, but she walked by me and into the cave. I watched while she started to enter my home, and then she hesitated while she started to sniff the air. The smell of Rosewood from the fireplace still lingered in the air. She walked on in to find a large room. The walls were covered with many multicolored gems.  Near the back of the cave, she saw the fireplace where the Rosewood was burning.  In one corner she saw a very large desk with a tall chair.  Walking closer, I saw the amazement on her face as she looked upon a small white and silver candle light up and with its blue flame, cast its glow into the cave. As she got closer, the small candle glowed brighter until the room was all aglow. Near the desk stood a large bookshelf that held many books.  Some old, some like new. The letters on each book were burned into them like a torch and when she came close to the one on the desk, it opened very slowly, as if a ghostly hand was folding back the pages. She looked from side to side, as if looking to see who it was that might be causing these wonderful things to be happening.  With out finding anyone, her attention was drawn back to the mysterious book. The words were strange to her at first, but after looking at them for a bit, they started to make sense.  Reading each word became easier as time went on.  She started to feel like the story the book told was bringing her into it. She could hear the birds singing, smell the tall grass, feel the wind blowing lightly across her face and body, and seeing the story unfold in front of her like she was there.
    Suddenly, and with out warning ,a hand came up and closed the book with a loud smack.  It startled her, making her let out a gasp. Turning around she saw a Dragon standing beside her with the deepest coral blue eyes she had ever seen. They seemed to glow like the candles flame.  A strange kind of fear started to fill her, a fear like she had done something wrong and been caught.  She had not done anything wrong!  Or had she?  Her fear turned into anger, anger at herself for feeling these feelings.  She started stepping back from him, with her head down and her golden horn facing up to him.  "If your going to try and eat me Dragon, you will find that you will have a fight on your hands, for I know how to use my golden horn, and I will fight till my last breath leaves my body." She said with more courage than she felt. I stood there for a minute, looking at this most beautiful creature, with her head held high and her golden horn glowing brightly, and then, to the surprise of the Unicorn, I started to laugh.  A deep laugh that shook the cave walls themselves. "My dear Unicorn, I do not wish to eat you or cause you any harm.  You are a guest here if you wish, and you may stay as long as you
like. I have little but I will share what I have with you. I am sorry if I startled you, but the book you were reading has a powerful spell cast upon it, to bring the reader into the stories it contains and shows them the real beauty of its words. Even I have a time with it, for I have been caught reading the story for so long, that I find it difficult to close its pages, and I am the one that cast the spell." I told her. Laughing  again, and watching the Unicorn start to calm down, I walked away and bent down and placed another Rosewood log on the fire. With a small breath, I blew a fiery red flame into the fireplace and started the log to burn, casting a deep rose scent into the air.
    Turning and walking to a small shelf that looked to be part of the caves wall, I brought down two small cups and saucers and placed them on the desk. Turning to the fireplace, I took I took a small kettle of water and pored a bit of water into each cup.The Unicorn watched me very carefully, keeping her horn pointed at me at all times. I watched her and smiled.  Taking a bit of powder from a small jar that I had taken down, I placed it into the water and watched while it blended in.  The water started to spin and roll until all of the powder was gone.
    "Would you care for some Dragons Tea M`Lady. It will calm your nerves and you will feel a bit better.  I also have some sweet cakes that I make if you would like.  They are quite good if you add some of the nectar that I gather from the flowers that grow high into the mountains." Taking a small plate from the shelf, I placed it on the table and passed my hand over it.
    She watched as the plate started to glow.  She smelled the fragrance of the rolls.  This made her more hungry then ever and she slowly walked over to them. "Being full of magic, Dragon, would it be that you are trying to place a spell on me?" She asked, with hunger showing in her eyes.  And then her stomach made a most unladylike sound.  Her white cheeks turned a light pink."Fear not sweet Unicorn. I truly mean you no harm.  Would that be the case, you would already be under my spell, and unable to even wonder, let alone, ask me if I was putting a spell on you." Picking up one of the proffered rolls, I popped it into my mouth, showing her there was nothing to fear.Gingerly taking one in her mouth, she found it to be hot and very sweet tasting.  She could taste the sweetness of the nectar and her mouth watered for more.  The hot roll slid down her throat and she felt a deep warmth in her heart. Taking a bit of the tea, she found it to be soothing and warm.  She was no longer afraid of this Dragon, and she smiled for the first time since she came to the cave.
    "I am Utopia, from the land by the Blue Mist Mountains." I found her name was as sweet and beautiful as she. Feeling her sadness and her loneliness, I felt if I gave her a little time, and comfort she would open up to me with her story.  Then maybe I would be able to help her.
    "Utopia, what a beautiful name.  It matches the beauty I've seen with in you."  She looked at me with weary eyes, so I tried to choose my next words with care. "I have known other unicorns.  They are happy with their free lives.  Unafraid of the magic of dragons and such.  Knowing that our kind come from the same world.  It is good to be with one of my own kind again.  We can talk of days gone by....".  Seeing her discomfort I decided to stop and give her a chance to tell me what was on her mind. "Dragon, I um.." she looked as if she was ready to run, so I interrupted.  "Oh, please forgive me!  What terrible manners I have.  My name is Draco Silverwing.  I'm extremely pleased to meet you, and I'm at your service." At this statement, Utopia's eyes grew large with wonder.  Then she graced me with a beautiful smile.
"Draco Silverwing!  Even I have heard of you!" I raised an eyebrow at her. "Oh?" "Yes!  Oh, I thought you was only a fable, told to me by my mother.  All the world knows of you and your kindness!  Your magic is told to be the strongest there is!  Had I known it was you, I would not have feared you, for your love and gentleness of others is what's thought to be the strength of your magic."  My heart melted at her words. "Then you know, my dear, that you can trust me." And I saw the excitement leave her eyes and the sadness return, so I waited once again.
"Then as you are Draco Silverwing, by now you know that I am not what I appear to be.  It is a long story and I have never told anyone about this, for most people either fear a Unicorn, for they know of the powers we possess, or they try to capture us." I sat in silence letting her know I would give her all the time she needed.She started with a sigh, "It happened so long ago that I have been beginning to think it is all a dream.  Are you sure you want to hear about it?" She asked and took another drink of the tea.I nodded and pored her another cup of dragons tea, as I watched her eat the rest of the sweet cakes.  Then she started to tell the story.
 
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"It has been over two springs since I have become a Unicorn. It started out when my fiancee and I were out walking in the woods by my home. We came upon an old lady that told us she was selling charms that would ward off evil spirits and such.  At the time, we did not know she was really someone who wanted so badly to stop the wedding.  Someone that had transformed themselves to trick us.  It seems that there was another that wanted my hand. Darell`s older brother, Surell was jealous of Darell, for catching my eye.  I had told Surell many times that I was not interested in him. He could not accept that.  He was a mean, cruel person that would beat his horse and any other creature that got in his way.  I hated him and he knew it well.  It was said that he was into dark magic and other things, but we did not know if it was true.  Anyway, the old lady told us that the charms she possessed would bring us luck and bind us together.  She let me pick out the one I wanted.  I chose a small charm that looked like a bursting star.  The blue stone in the charm would glow when I picked it up.  It was held by a small gold chain.  The chain would not fit over my head, instead it just fit so that the star laid on my forehead just above my eyes. Darrell thought it looked great there, so I kept it. He in turn picked something that would help him be a brave knight, or so the old woman said.  I did not see what she was showing him for he also picked out something that he said would be a surprise for me later on.
    Darrell bought the charms from the old lady, handing her three gold coins, one for each charm.  Then we went about our way.  We found a small clearing and went and laid down beside each other and watched the clouds pass over us.  It was a beautiful, relaxing day.
We must have dosed off, for when I awoke I was no longer a princess,but a Unicorn.  Next to me, where Darrell had been laying I had found his clothes.  They looked as if they had been torn from him by some mighty creature.  Near the clothes I found some very large foot prints.  It looked as if there had been some kind of scuffle. There was traces of hair along with the foot prints.  It appeared as if Trolls had been there. I have never seen a troll before so I can not be sure, but there is something deep within me that tells me that's exactly what was there. What I do know for sure is that my true love was gone.I had found out later that the old woman was really Surell.  He had cast a spell upon himself to fool us.  I found that out after I killed him." She paused after this last statement.  Sorrow filling her beautiful eyes.  She took a sip of tea then lifting her head from the cup, a tear rolled down her cheek.  Feeling that she was not done with her story, I gently stroked the tear from her cheek and gave her a look of encouragement to go on.
    "He did not know that in changing me into a Unicorn, I would possess powers even stronger than his.  He knew it was me when I found him hunting in the forest and he laughed at me.  He told me what he had done to me and that I would always remain a Unicorn.  The only way to rid myself of the curse was to find a "Crystal Blue Rose".  Before I ran my gold horn through him, he said that I would have to show the one that held it the true meaning of love, no matter what.  Then with his dying breath, he laughed. I have been searching for this Crystal Blue Rose since then. In all this time, I have yet to find one or have I heard of anyone that has.  I guess its hopeless." with that said, she started to cry once more.
     "Did you say a crystal blue rose?  Now where have I heard about that? Let me think for a bit and I am sure it will come to me, but you M`Lady need to get a bit of rest. The morning will be here soon, and as much as I would love you to stay, I'm sure you will want to continue on your way. I will look and see what I can find for you.  I'll let you know in the morning. Now its time for you to get some rest. To the right of you, you will find a chamber that should fit your needs very well."  I watched as she went in the room and looked around.  I could tell she was a bit nervous at first, and then she felt at home. It didn't take her long and she was fast asleep.
    Reaching for one of the books that laid upon the book shelf, I opened it and started looking for information on the blue rose. After quite a while, I finally found what the rose was all about.
It was not a rose at all, but a very powerful sword.  It was made from a Blue Crystal that when put with a magic emblem of a golden sword, created the most powerful sword known in all time.  It's golden blade was the strongest there ever was, and when one true of heart held it, it's aim was the truest.  The handle was blue crystal, conforming to the hand that held it.  Fitting like a glove, so comfortable, it was like an extension of the arm.  It had a beautiful blue rose that wound it's way up the golden blade, holding it tight and true.  Thus, it was the Crystal Blue Rose.  It had fallen to earth eons ago, before there was any knowledge of true magic and could only be used by one that was defending true love.  Weather that love be for land or woman, only one that was defending that true love with a pure heart, could swing the sword true and sure.  Anyone else that tried to use it for a wrong cause would die a horrible death.

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    In the morning, Draco Silverwing had a wonderful assortment of fruits and berries ready for breakfast.  As we sat down to eat the wonderful morsels he told me the tail of the Crystal Blue Rose.  I was fascinated by it.  So all this time I had been looking for a crystal rose, when I should have been looking for a sword!  Anger bubbled in my veins.  For over two springs I have been wasting time looking for the wrong thing.  Then I realized that without the help of Draco Silverwing, I probably never would have found out the truth. "Thank you for your hospitality, my dear Draco Silverwing, and for your help, for without you, I would still be looking for the wrong thing.  Now maybe I'll be able to find what it will take to help my Darell.  I just pray now, that I will be able to find him!" Reaching up, I gently kissed Draco Silverwing on the cheek and was shocked to see him blush. "Now I must continue on with my quest.  Now that I know what I'm truly looking for, I can only pray that the magic of true love leads me on the right path. I must find the sword, and then find my true love, to help him gain his freedom.  It is for him that I seek the Blue Rose.  I fear that he has been taken captive.  And if this is the case, the sword will help him." I started making my plans, not even realizing that I was speaking them aloud.
    "Utopia my dear, be careful.  As you stated last night, most people are afraid of you.  Also remember, only the true of heart are able to use the sword." I saw the loving concern in Draco Silverwings eyes as he said this to me. "I shall be careful and heed your words, my new found friend."  With this said I took my leave, carrying with me the items that Draco Silverwing had given me. Food and drink to help me along my way, and a dress that he told me to take.  When I pointed out to him that I do not have a use for a dress anymore, he insisted, stating that he was sure there was a time that I would find it useful and that no matter it's size now, when I put it on, it's was magic and would stretch to fit me. After traveling for quiet some time, I found myself in the woods where Darell and I had fallen asleep. The day was much like it had been that very day, and memories started taking me back.
    "Oh, Utopia, my love.  I can hardly wait for another night to go by without you being my wife, let alone another week!"  Darrell wrapped his arms around her tiny waist, and held her close.
    "Darrell, my sweet.  I know what you mean.  Sometimes I fear these feelings inside me must be sinful!  But I know that in time it will no longer be a sin to want you this way." I smiled as I remembered the words I spoke aloud to him.  I remembered the way his eyes lit up when I told him this, and how I knew just by being close to him, that he felt the same as I did.
    We were happy and gay in our love for each other, and then while walking hand in hand, not for seeing our doom, the old woman with the charms crossed our path.  My heart still beats fast and furious when I remember.  But actually being here now, was like living it all over again.
    Tears burned my eyes as I remember the feeling of waking up and at first not realizing my own transformation, but seeing the signs of trouble and realizing that my love was gone from me.  I started running wildly into the woods.  Looking every which way and screaming his name, to no avail. As I was breathless, but not wore out, I realized that I had run for quiet a distance.  I was totally confused as to why they would take him and not me.  Then when I came to the stream to quench my thirst, I saw in there my reflection.  Now I knew why!  For even I was startled at first.  A unicorn!  There looking back at me, was not me, but a unicorn!
Another sigh escaped my lips.  The pain was still strong, but now I understood so much more then on that first day.  They would not have taken me, a unicorn, for there was a possibility that they didn't even see me!  With being a unicorn for over two springs now, I have come to realize that there are some creatures that can't even see a unicorn, unless the moon is high in the sky, full and glowing brightly.  At that time, those that can not see a unicorn, may see one, and those that can see a unicorn, can see me in my true form, a maiden.
    I soon realized that my memories had turned into dreams, for I had fallen asleep, once again in this glen by the woods.  I don't know if it was my dreams or something in the night, but something awoke me. I looked all about me.  But I didn't see anything, at least not at first.  Then I saw him.  An ugly creature!  Large in size, but short.  Stooped over, unable to stand straight.  His fur hung in clumps.  His feet were large, almost as long as his legs were short.  He appeared to not even have a neck, just this huge head laying atop broad shoulders.  And ears that stuck out so far, that they extended past his shoulders.  His mouth was stretched tight and taunt clear from ear to ear, but instead of giving him the look of smiling, it gave him the look of menus.  Sharp pointed teeth gleamed in the moonlight as he mumbled under his breath.
    I maneuvered myself behind the bushes.  For I was not sure if this creature was one that could see unicorns or not, but when I saw his teeth shining in the light, I realized the moon was full and high. I was shaking.  Scared, and cold.  Unlike what I usually felt.  Since being a unicorn, I feared no creatures, but there was something about this one.  I watched him lumber up to the front of the bushes I was hiding in.  His stench was overwhelming.  Try as I might to be quiet, I just couldn't succeed.  A unicorns senses were much more alert than a maidens. "Who's there!" his voice boomed.  "Come out, or I'll run you though without giving you a chance to save yourself!"  As he spoke these words, I realized that in his hand, he held what I had been looking for, the Crystal Blue Rose!  It's crystal handle wrapped itself around his huge hand, with the stem of the rose jetting out by the back of his hand, wrapping around his wrist, all the way up to his elbow, as if it had grown from his own arm.
How dare he!  This ugly creature, smelling this awful stench wore what only someone true of heart should have on.  And at this moment the only one that I can think of that should have this magnificent sword on his strong arm, is Darell!
    Leaping out of the bushes, my horn glowing such a white brightness, it started to hum.  I saw his eyes become larger, then he actually stumbled back. "Who are you?  Who are you to have that sword?!"  I challenged him, I knew.  But I could not stop!  My love's life depended on what this creature held. "By the light of the Gods!  A unicorn!  What say you?" he seemed to sneer at me. "That sword!  Give it to me!  You can not use it anyway!  It's not yours to use!"  What was I doing?  I never challenged anyone in this manner before.  What was I doing?  I was getting the one thing that could save my true loves life!  That's what I was doing, and if I had to die doing it, I would!  "HA! You think I'll give this most powerful sword to you, just because you tell me to?  You have no need of it!  You can not even wield a sword!  This sword is mine!  It is all I have left, and you will die if you try to take it from me!  I have more need of this sword than you ever would!  I do not want to harm such a beautiful creature as yourself, so please, just leave now, before I end up killing you." He seemed so sincere, but my love for Darell had to come first!
    "Please!  I beg of you! Give me the sword, for I do not want to harm you!  I have more need of this sword than you know!"  I thought if I could reason with this awful creature, then maybe no blood would have to be shed.  But I saw there was no reasoning with this hideous being.
He started to back away as I pointed my golden horn at him.  All rational thought had left me now.  All I could think of was getting the Blue Rose to save Darell. Then I saw it.  A golden charm hanging from a golden chain.  Could this have been the charm that Darrell chose from the old woman?  My mind started working frantically.  This was a troll!  Could this be the same troll who stole my true love?  It had to have been!
    My anger raged in me.  "You"! I yelled,  "You are the one that stole my love!  Give me what's his!  Set him free!"  I started screaming at him as I charged him.  I was bound to run this terrible troll through.  There was something in his eyes, but I had to ignore that!  I would not look in the eyes of the one that I was about to kill. But I would kill him to save my lovers life!
Stamping and snarling I charged at him again.  He held aloft his sword fencing off my horn.  As my golden horn touched the golden blade of his sword, the crystal rose glowed bright, and a ringing started in my head.  It grew louder and louder.  Making me dizzy.  I swayed, but had found that even though my horn had not run him through, I had taken the charm from around his throat.  It slid down the length of my horn and landed at the base of my lowest star, touching the blue crystal of my charm that made my horn.  The ringing became insistent and I lost my balance, falling to the ground, I saw for only one moment my four legs turn into two.  Looking up at the troll I saw his look of confusion, and sadness.
    What was happening?  In my mind I heard Draco Silverwings words once again. "Remember only the true of heart is able to use the sword."
Only the true of heart.  Only someone with a true heart could swing it with a sure stroke!  This was no troll!  And his aim had been true and sure.  I looked up and saw into his eyes.  They wept!  Tears of sadness of what he had done?  But what was that?  He knelt beside me, moaning his agony.
    "Utopia!  Utopia!  My love!  In keeping this sword to save your life, I have killed you!"  this troll, wept. "No"! No longer was he a troll, but my Darell, with the charm missing from his neck, and his sword gone. He held a beautiful Crystal Blue Rose in his hand.  He wept for me, and the love that we shared.  For the loss of time, for the pain of being apart."I did not know it was you, Darell. I sought the sword to save you from your captors.  What has happened? Why now can we see each other?"  I was week and confused.  I could feel my life draining from me, but I could see that Darell was no longer a captive.  He was free, no longer a troll.  "I love you my sweet prince."  This I spoke with my last breath as I lost my strength, my head turned and there beside me was my horn.  Darrells aim was true and sure, he'd shorn off my horn.
There as I watched with my life draining from me, my golden horn changed back into the charm.  My charm, my curse, was laying there with Darells charm, his curse.
    "Then as magic and love has a way of working together, I heard Darell wail into the night.  "Utopia!  I love you with all of my heart!  Please don't leave me again, now that I've found you!"  and as he threw his body over mine, he laid the Crystal Blue Rose upon my scared forehead.  A light exploded and my ears started ringing.  I felt my body lifting up and heard Angels sing.  The love from Darrell emanated from his heart to mine, and life from the magic of love was restored to me.

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    "Here are the charms, and the Crystal Blue Rose.  Locked here in my treasure chest.  Utopia wanted them to stay where they would be watched and safe for all time. Your grandmother was a very special woman." "I know Draco Silverwing.  And the love that my grandparents shared was a special one.  How did you know that she was my grandmother?" "The special mark you hold on your forehead!  Tis every other generation that will bare the mark of Utopia.  So the story of true love will live on forever more. The beautiful star with a rose in the center is a birth mark to be proud of, Elaina.  Feel blessed, for this mark will help you find your true love as well."
    "Oh, I do, Draco Silverwing, I do.  But he will have to be exceptional to take the place of the love I feel for you, my sweet Draco Silverwing!"  Elainas laugh filled Draco Silverwings lair, as well as his heart.