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The Darkwood's Lament

© Cederwyn Whitefurr

12th September, 2024

All Rights Reserved.

In a realm where the whispering winds carried ancient secrets, heard only by those who knew how to listen, and the full moon's glow wove delicate patterns through the trees, there once flourished a grove of unparalleled beauty. It was a haven for its guardians, the unicorn Lyren and his beloved mate, Seraphina. Their lives were intertwined with the enchantment of their forest home, and their love for their young foal, Elara, painted their days with love and warmth.

The night that changed everything was as silent as it was treacherous. Beneath a sky blanketed in stars, a dark force moved through the forest. Humans, driven by greed and a hunger for the reward a powerful and wealthy king offered, cloaked in dark magicks that hid them from the sacred protectors, descended on the grove with brutality. They shattered the serenity of the grove, snatching the young Elara from her parents, who were bound with vile magicks. In their wake, Seraphina lay lifeless, a tragic casualty of their cruelty.

Lyren stood amidst the ruins of his once beautiful home, his heart shattered, and his soul blackened with grief. His once-silver pelt, a symbol of his grace and purity, darkened to an inky black, mirroring the profound sorrow and rage within him. Around him, the grove, twisted and warped, corrupted by the darkness of the once proud and noble creature. Soon, it was a desolate wasteland of broken boughs and withered leaves – the corruption spreading into the surrounding forest.

Time passed, and the Darkwood, as the once beautiful forest had been, was now called, grew thick and twisted. The overgrown paths thick with thorn and bramble, sought the blood of any who ventured into this once paradise. Lyren, now a twisted mockery of his former self, galloped through the forsaken forest in search of a way to reclaim what he had lost. His heart, though heavy with anguish and his rage – still held the barest flicker of light – that light being the faint hope he might one day find Elara and bring her back to him.

*

Years later, one evening, as the crimson cloak of twilight fell over the land, a Druidess named Aleisha ventured into the Darkwood. Aleisha was renowned for her ability to heal corrupted lands and she had travelled far, drawn by the rumours and whispers of a once beautiful forest, now cursed by darkness. Guided by the ancient magic of her craft and the tortured, screaming voices of the trees of the Darkwood, she ventured deeper into the forest.

Her passage did not go unnoticed...

Her presence was like a beacon of light in the oppressive gloom. Despite her fear, she was drawn to the heart of the Darkwood, brought up short as the menacing squeal of Lyren rang out. His form was a stark silhouette against the decaying and contorted landscape. His eyes, once filled with kindness and wisdom, now glowed with a haunting, sorrowful light.

Curiosity and compassion drove Aleisha to approach him, the powerful, enraged unicorn stallion rearing up and pawing at the air threatening, before crunching his forelegs down and cracking the mouldy stone on which he stood, a clear threat and warning. Aleisha leaned on her staff, as she locked her gaze on his – unafraid and controlled. She sensed the unicorn's lost grace and the pain in his heart, truly, fearing this once proud creature was almost completely lost to the darkness.

“Hear me, forest guardian - “ Aleisha spoke calmly, keeping her eyes locked on his.

Lyren snorted and reared again, tossing his head and snorting, his baleful eyes blazing with hatred and blood lust, as he lowered his head – the once ivory-coloured horn now black as coal.

Begone, witch, or suffer the fate of those who come before – their flesh I devoured, their bones I splintered, their souls I consumed... Came the dark Unicorn's words in her mind, lashing at her like a scourge.

Aleisha remained impassive to his vehemence and corruption. It flowed through her, then she harmlessly grounded it into the earth, where it couldn't harm anyone. “I will not bow before you, for you have fallen, Guardian! Return to the light, as you once were, so you shall be again!”

Lyren's squeal of rage and defiance was deafening before his vile words filled her mind with such sickening and descriptive imagery, that it'd drive a normal mortal mad.

I will desecrate and ravage your body, you will beg for mercy and death – when I am through with you, witch, I will tear your heart out and eat it raw...

Aleisha reached into a pocket of her robes before she pulled out a pouch and sprinkled a circle around herself. As she lifted her robed arms to the sky and began to chant, the circle flared with a silvery glow – forcing the twisted and dark one to step back, his eyes showing his anger, as he began to paw at the ground and toss his head.

Witch, your magicks will not avail you here. This place is cursed and corrupted. My mate's life blood was spilled in this very grove! Do you think your pitiful words and charlatan tricks can sway me? When I am through with you... you'll know suffering and anguish, you'll...

Aleisha ignored the threats, as she raised her robed arms calling on the guardians, the four towers, and then inviting the goddess to be present.

Enraged, Lyren stamped his hooves and tossed his head, as he scraped at the ground and moved towards her – his patience for her presence at an end... he began to trot, then gallop – his head down and horn aimed at her heart...

He snorted, skidding on the mossy stone, loam, and leaves flying from his cloven hooves. He spun about – enraged and confused- and Aleisha remained unharmed. He looked, finding his hoof prints had – against his will and dark intent – gone around the circle she stood in.

Aleisha's voice, filled with conviction and unwavering compassion, echoed through the forest as she continued her invocation, raising her hands to the sky. Far above, the clouds parted, revealing the crescent moon that shone its light down upon Aleisha. The Unicorn squealed and stepped back from the silvery light – retreating into the shadows. Around the grove, the air was thick with sorrow, the wind began to howl, cold and biting, a reminder of the darkness that had overtaken Lyren's life.

Aleisha's robes snapped and whipped around her, but she continued her incantation and prayer. Her voice brought warmth and life back to the grove, something that had been devoid for many years. Her voice invoked ancient rites and the power of healing, offering him stories of light overcoming darkness that resonated within him and those fragments of his former self.

Foolish witch, you think there's any good within me? Lyren's thoughts tried to corrupt her, but they merely flickered and were banished, like a gentle spring breeze.

“Come back to me, guardian of the grove,” Aleisha began to chant, making a beckoning gesture, her eyes locked intently on his.

He snorted and whinnied, rearing and tossing his head, his sharp cloven hooves clawing at the sky as if he could dash the crescent moon from the sky. When he landed, he felt himself take a single hoof step – another, then another.

No... Lyren's voice shrieked in her mind. You have no power here, you and that goddess who forsook me and took my mate and foal! I renounced my path, I defy the Goddess – I...

“For in the dark, I find you here. All alone, but for stone and sky and tree, I will bring you home, bring you home to me...” Come a voice, no longer human, but something far more powerful, that drew Lyren like an unbreakable chain dragging him inexorably forward.

No, I will not – you have no power Goddess, I will not submit, I WILL NOT... Lyren suddenly writhed as if his body was ravaged, dragging his hooves on the loam and moss, drawn inexorably into the circle.

The forest suddenly fell still, a silent witness to the cosmic struggle unfolding in the grove. Aleisha, her robes flowing like whispers of moonlight, approached the enraged dark unicorn with unwavering determination. The air crackled with ancient magicks as she raised her hands to the sky, drawing on the Goddess's power – freely given.

Lyren, his form twisted by years of corruption, reared up, his blackened horn gleaming with malevolent intent. His eyes blazed with a sorrowful fury, reflecting the depths of his torment. With each step he grudgingly took toward Aleisha, the forest seemed to recoil, dark tendrils of magick reaching out towards the Druidess like skeletal clawed hands, only to be burned away to nothing when they touched the circle's edge.

“Hold fast, Guardian,” Aleisha's voice ran out, calm yet firm, the Goddess's power enfolding them both, her eyes locked on his, her expression filled with compassion and resolve.

With a breath, Aleisha extended a hand, her fingers brushing against Lyren's forehead. As her skin made contact, a surge of silvery light burst from her touch, flowing into the dark unicorn. Her touch was gentle at first, like the caress of a spring breeze, but it grew swiftly in intensity, spreading across Lyren's corrupted form.

Lyren's body convulsed as the magick began its work. He struggled, his powerful muscles trembling and twitching, his head tossing violently from side to side. The dark aura surrounding him writhed and fought against the light, but Aleisha's touch remained steadfast.

“Resist if you must, “ Aleisha spoke, her voice soothing and steady. “Yet know this, Guardian, I am here to bring you home.”

As the magicks surged through Lyren's body, a scorching wave burned away the corruption from without and within. The blackened fur of his pelt began to crackle and dissolve, leaving traces of silver like the flash of lightning in its wake. The transformation was both painful and purifying, like a wildfire cleansing the land for new growth to come in the spring. His once-darkened horn, now seething with energy, started to glow with a pure, radiant light, the colour shifting from ebony black to a luminescent, pearlescent hue as it once had been.

Lyren's shrieks of anger and defiance pealed forth through the forest, but gradually, the intensity of his struggles began to wane. The oppressive gloom that had suffocated the grove started to lift, replaced by new growth and a warm, golden light that spread with the dawn across the landscape. The twisted trees and withered foliage responded, their forms uncoiling and rejuvenating as the forest healed itself.

As the last vestiges of the darkness were burned from Lyren's body, his silver fur emerged in all its full glory, a symbol once more of his restored grace and purity. He stood amidst the shifting light, his form now radiant and majestic, gazing up at the sky, tears sliding down his cheeks to spatter on the moss beneath his hooves.

Aleisha, still holding her hand against his chest, felt the last tremors of the resistance subside. A connection between them still remained a silent bond forged in the crucible between darkness and light. She lowered her hand, Lyren's head dropping and their eyes met.

“Forest mother,” Lyren began, sinking to one knee, gracefully bowing his head, his horn almost touching the ground. “Forgive me for my transgressions and corruption.”

“You were lost, all alone, but for stone, sky and tree, I have brought you home, brought you back to me...” Aleisha spoke, the Goddess speaking through her, as she gently cupped Lyren's chin and lifted his head.

Lyren, his silver fur glistening with the morning dew, stood amidst the verdant spender. The transformation from the darkened spectre to his former, majestic self had left him profoundly changed – not just in appearance, but in spirit. His eyes luminous and soft, reflected the pure essence of renewal and gratitude within him.

Aleisha, her task complete and her magick fulfilled, felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and peace. A connection had formed between them – born of struggle, compassion and ancient rites – was palpable, a delicate thread of understanding woven through their shared experience. She approached Lyren with grace, her robes now rustling softly against her ankles.

“Guardian,” Aleisha began, her voice tender and full of warmth. “Through the Goddess and myself, we have restored the light to this sacred grove. Your journey through the darkness has been witnessed and your soul redeemed in the Goddess's eyes.

Lyren's gaze met hers, filled with an earnest appreciation. “You have shown me the light when all seemed lost. For this, I thank both the Forest Mother and you, human. You have done what I could not. For this, I am eternally grateful.”

The sacred grove was bathed in the soft light of dawn, its quiet serenity wrapped around the trees and the soft moss underfoot. In the midst of the grove, Lyren stood tall, his noble form gleaming in the early morning light. His sleek, muscular frame shimmered like quicksilver, and his horn—graceful and elegant—glowed faintly, as if it too was imbued with the magick that had returned to the grove.

Across from him, Aleisha stood, her chest rising and falling softly as she took in the moment. Their connection, forged through the Goddess, now bound them together by something deeper than this noble unicorn's redemption. There was no need for words now. Lyren's eyes held hers, filled with unspoken questions. His stance—regal and yet vulnerable—as he offered himself to her, fully and without reservation.

Aleisha stepped towards him, her hand trembling as she reached up to gently stroke the soft fur of his neck. The warmth of his body radiated against her palm, and she felt the surge of his restored magicks beneath his skin. His muscles twitched under her touch, and he nuzzled against her, the tip of his velvety muzzle brushing her cheek in a tender gesture of affection.

“Aleisha,” he whispered, his voice deep and rich like the very earth itself, resonating through her. “Will you, share this moment with me?”

Her breath caught in her throat at the sound of his voice, her heart thudding in her chest as she realised what he asked. “Guardian—Lyren, I would share myself with you, as the Goddess wills it.”

Lyren dipped his head in reverence before her, and she felt a flutter of warmth deep inside her as he tenderly touched her forehead with his ivory-coloured horn.

“As the Goddess wills, for if it harms none...” Lyren began the ritual chant.

“...so mote it be.” Aleisha finished.

Slowly, reverently, Aleisha undid the clasp of her gown, letting the fabric fall from her shoulders and pool at her feet. The grove seemed to come alive around them—the rustle of leaves, the gentle sway of the branches, as if nature itself watched on – and approved of what it saw.

Lyren's warm breath caressed her skin as he lowered his muzzle to press tender kisses along her collarbone, his lips soft, yet firm. The pulse of his magicks filled her every time his horn ever so gently touched her – intentionally or otherwise. It heightened every sensation. Aleisha's skin tingled with the energy that flowed from him, wrapping her in his warmth and admiration, her body responding to his closeness with a deep, primal need.

He nudged her gently, onto her knees, then onto her back, with his graceful power, his unicorn form embodying strength and beauty. He knelt over her, his large body braced on his quivering legs, as his body pressed against her, his silken coat brushing against her bare skin, sending shivers through her. His horn, glowing with a faint light, cast a shimmering aura over them, filling the air with powerful magicks that only deepened their connection.

Aleisha pressed herself against him, her hands either side of his neck, her fingers threading through the soft mane at the back of his neck as she guided him closer. Lyren's lips moved down her body, pressing soft, reverent kisses along her chest and stomach, his touch light and sensual. His body, though powerful, moved with extraordinary gentleness, his hot breath against her skin as he explored every inch of her with a unhurried devotion.

She gasped softly as his velvety nose brushed against her folds, his broad, soft tongue swirling over her lower stomach—then her thighs, his eyes sparkling with adoration and intent. When he began to pleasure her with his tongue – Aleisha thought she'd lose herself to this majestic creatures gifts. His tongue curled and twisted, his eyes gleaming with passion and wisdom.

Mare you are not... Came Lyren's playful words in her mind. Yet shall you be, for I see your heart, your fondest desire, if it is in my power, shall I grant you that which you desire. A debt repaid...

For how long, he pleasured her with his tongue, Aleisha did not know. Her body writhed, her senses heightened by his magicks, every breath, every touch, every intense, sensual movement of his tongue... it built the fires of desire within her to a white-hot intensity. Aleisha was brought to the very edge of her climax – then held there in exquisite pleasure as he huffed through his nostrils and his lips spread in a knowing smirk.

At last, he licked and nuzzled his way back up her body, straddling her once more, his warmth and respect filling her. His form shifted above her, and she felt a new sensation against her thighs. Their eyes locked for a moment, a silent agreement passing between them—one of trust, faith and sacred unity.

As they come together, Aleisha pressed her face against his neck, her moans and panting breaths muffled. His movements were slow, deliberate and filled with gentleness as he twitched his hips and began to mount her. His head lifted as he felt her warmth enfold him – tilting his head back and whinnying loudly. His body moved with a grace that belied his strength, each thrusting motion controlled, each gentle lipping of his lips on her shoulder deliberate. Aleisha wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him tight, her moans coming quicker and quicker as they found their rhythm with each other, her hands moving to stroke delicately at his flanks. His magicks flooded her, heightening the lovemaking pleasure to a height she'd never imagined possible. He was in her mind—she was in his, each experiencing the others sensations and passion. His horn pulsing in time with his magick, the very air shimmering with the intensity and energy of their union.

Lyren's breath came in short, shallow bursts, his body reacting to hers as if they were two parts of a single soul. His neck twisted down, his broad lips found hers in a kiss that was deep and filled with passion, his large body trembling with the intensity of his need for her—and her for him.

Yet he maintained control—only mounting as far as his slightly bulging medial ring – which he used to stimulate and pleasure her clitoris with each thrust. There was care, reverence in his touch—a tenderness that spoke of the sacredness of what they shared, and his ability to control his instincts.

He brought her to the edge—once more holding her bound in exstacy, as he lipped and nibbled at her throat, her shoulder, his breathing becoming shorter and quicker. His heart thundered in his chest as he felt his own urges surge.

Their climaxes came not with a rush, but a slow, building wave of pleasure that washed over them_,_ leaving them breathless in its wake. Lyren held his body close against hers, his chin resting on her shoulder, his ivory-coloured horn pulsing as he gave yet another gift to her. Her body reacted, squeezing, pleasuring, alluring, drawing his essence from him—a gift he freely gave without thought or ask for something in return.

After some time, the final ripples of pleasure faded, Aleisha pressed a hand against his chest, and Lyren dismounted her – remaining on his knees and feeling a mixture of loss and separation as she lay there, sweat slick and overcome with what he'd shared.

“For if it harms none, so mote it be.” Lyren's sibilant voice whispered, as he looked down and tapped his horn against her belly, once, twice, thrice. “My gift, I give to you, in perfect love and perfect trust.”

Aleisha gasped, feeling something stirring within her. A soft glow began to radiate from her skin, and she looked up at Lyren, wide eyed. Around her, the magick that'd been invoked within the grove, ancient and powerful, began to work its transformation. Her body tingled as it shifted, her legs elongating, her form changing, becoming one, painlessly, with the magick that filled the air around them.

Lyren, still trembling from their lovemaking—and channelling his own magicks for so long, watched in awe as Aleisha's naked body transformed. Her skin took on a soft, shimmering white, her arms becoming graceful legs, her form shifting into that of a graceful, unicorn mare. Her mane, long and slightly curled, flowed down her neck with an ethereal beauty, and her horn—newly formed—glowed with the same luminescence as Lyren's own.

Lyren touched his muzzle to hers, their eyes meeting as she clumsily stood, her trembling hooves quickly supporting her. They were equals now...lovers and mates. His voice, soft and full of love, whispered as he looked at her. “You are...magnificent.”

Aleisha nuzzled against him, her heart swelling with pride and fulfilment. “I am yours, Lyren, from now until always.”

Lyren smiled, tilting his head to the side, as his lips brushed against hers, the two newly mated lovers sharing a deep, passionate kiss, his words in her mind.

I am yours, Aleisha, from now until always.

The grove, alive with the energy of their love and her transformation, stood as a sacred testament and witness to their bond—a place where their love had become eternal, their souls intertwined under the watchful gaze of the ancient trees.

*

Many years had passed since that night and day. The forest edge was shrouded by fog, the faintest hues of dawn, casting its gentle light here and there, dappled Aleisha's coat as she stood alone, her heart heavy with a bittersweet mix of hope and sorrow. Lyren had set out on a quest to find his lost daughter, leaving her to guard the forest formerly known as the Darkwood. The absence of his comforting presence weighed heavily on her, and the days stretched out before her in a veil of uncertainty.

In the quiet moments, Aleisha's thoughts drifted to the memories of their shared past, and the forest seemed to echo with the longing of his departure. Yet, amidst the melancholy, a quiet nicker and a velvety nose brushed her flank. Aleisha trembled, as her foal—their-- foal, slipped his head beneath her flank and began to nurse.

Our foal, Eldric... Aleisha's thoughts spread out to her young offspring, his eager and enthusiastic nursing making her tremble as his little tail flagged.

With his moonlit coat and playful energy, Eldric brought a lightness to her heart that she had not felt in a long while. After a time, Eldric finished nursing, then pranced around, his innocent curiosity and boundless enthusiasm began to work through the shadows of her sadness. Aleisha watched him with a tender smile, her heart swelling with pride and affection. She bent her head to nuzzle him again, finding solace in his warm presence and the gentle reminder of life's enduring beauty.

With Eldric by her side, Aleisha felt a renewed strength. The forest that once felt endless and heavy, now seemed to offer a promise of hope. Together, she and Eldric turned away from the forest's edge, moving back into the Darkwood, their forms flickering and vanishing amongst the trees.

END