Buy a bottle of Elvin wine and share it with Sivish when it is slow and he will tell you the real reason it is called the Golden Unicorn.
History of the Golden Unicorn
-Sivish
After finishing my first transition, father took me to meet the hermit Kyia, a diamond artificer, and master nature mage. For ten years, father left for a month, sometimes longer to visit her, this time I was old enough to go with him. Before the first transition or siuotyon, we may not leave the village. I jumped out of bed before the sun rays hit the village, putting on my green and brown travel outfit before rushing out to the living room where he sat waiting. The first day I was so excited that my careless footsteps snapped twigs and broke branches. That evening we sat around a pile of rocks warmed by magic, he told me I would start my lessons on wilderness survival. I would learn how to walk like a mouse and observe my surrounding with all my senses. We traveled for several days when father held up a hand signaling to stop. His ears twitching and sniffing the air, he asks me what does the forest tell you. I heard nothing, and then the distant clanging of metal rang through the forest. However, it wasn’t the clashing of swords, but a hammer banging on an iron bar. Over the natural freshness of the forest, the breeze carried the aroma of baking bread. Continuing on we arrived at her hut grown from an old willow, no wider than an elf. Kyia was the oldest elf I ever met. Her soft spider-silk smock was a sharp contrast to her leathery pale green skin with cream color hair flowing over her shoulders. She smelled of hot metal and sweat, from working in a forge. Kyia and my father placed a hand on the other’s shoulder and put their foreheads together. A greeting reserved for close friends or loved ones. I found out she was my father’s great grandfather’s, great grandmother.
She introduced us to two young children about 5 years old. Telling us that last winter, they showed up next to her tree with a note, introducing the boy as Kaepri and the girl as Tarija. The note requested that she raise them. He was already strong, a good head taller than the girl, with round ears and brown skin. Her pale blue skin contrasted her dark hair hiding short pointed ears, with the voice of an angel. They told me to watch them as Kyia and father went into the shack. They were children ten years my younger and hadn’t gone through their first siuotyon or transition. I smelled hot metal and rocks crackling in Kyia’s workshop, I snuck in to have a look. With the kids playing by the house, I slipped into the shop. The forge still glowed in the corner illuminating the walls with swords, hammers, and maces. Two small curved swords hung away from the others. I felt the balance just like father showed me, and I had never seen a weapon to match them. My ears twitched as I heard youngsters playing, but something was wrong. I didn’t know what, but trusted my instincts, like father taught me. I snatched the swords and sprinted out of the forge. Kaepri and Tarija ran around the open area without a care. However, the hair on the back of my neck stood up and there was a foul stench in the air. I told the kids to go inside, and when Kaepri tried to argue with me, I glared at him, until out of the tree line charged several large ugly creatures wearing leather rags.
They stood a good two heads taller, with arms larger than my legs, wielding tree branches that matched their huge stature. I delivered a crippling slice to the first one as three others attacked from different directions. One collapsed with an arrow between its eyes. The crippled one slapped something on the wound before getting back up swinging. Two others bypassed me, I assume to attack father and Kyia, but I was too busy to watch. My agile opponent dodged my slashes while I ducked and rolled to avoid its huge club. Once, I listened to the commotion behind me and with my attention somewhere else, I didn’t dodge the club. Its tree-trunk of a club knocked me, through the air. But I landed on my feet and charged back at the creature. I sliced, and stabbed, only to have the creature out maneuver my attacks, while I did the same. We danced a few more rounds before I went flying again and this time the creature vanished. Puzzled, I scanned the area and didn’t see any creatures. Kyia and father approach, with a scorned look, then I realized that I had the swords from the forge. Looking at the ground in shame, I presented the swords across my palms to them. I knew by their tone, they were disappointed that I did not obey them. However, I handled myself well for my first battle, and the swords were my gift from father for becoming a teotieni. I found out they saw me go into the forge and thought they would teach me a lesson by conjuring the creatures. I apologized to them and the youngsters, swearing it would not happen again. That was the first time I met Kaepri and Tarija.
After spending time gathering food to help them through the long winter, Kyia packed up two female helrkv and had two other for us to ride. A moose-like animal used by elves for riding and transporting goods. We traveled for over a week through a green forest full of soft sounds, every day was a new lesson. When we neared the city of Clybhir, father gave me some beeswax to put in my ears. The wax muffled the constant chatter, animals rummaging through the filth and even a few fights. But it did nothing for the foul stench of garbage, feces, and humans lingering on the wind, forcing a gag reflex. The townsfolk moved aside as we headed past the gate and trudged to Zoiph Phiam. He was the only armorer that dealt with Elvin quality. We visited lady Lyeou, where father gave her the only box we carried. Inside was a decorative lyre, with inlaid gold and gems. A smile grew on the lady’s face, as she handed over a bag filled with precious stones. Father, looked inside and tested the weight before smiling back. The next day after purchasing supplies, we returned to Kyia.
Over the next few years, I returned to help them gather food and supplies for the long winters during which, the youths and I became close. When they were about twelve, Kyia summoned my father. She wanted my father to retrieve some pure, unrefined Diaminc, a rare metal that enhances any enchantments. She also wanted a chest size piece of Ironwood from the forest of the singing trees, along with several other raw metals and rare plants with parts from several magical animals. I stood there dumbfounded, having never heard of most of the stuff on the list. But, when he agreed, I was eager to start our journey. For five years, we journeyed to the mountains north of Doarthos for the Diaminc from the Nistas and south into the Tyrew swamp for the ironwood, crisscrossing the world hunting down the list. By the time, we returned Kaepri had grown to be a fine man towering a full head and shoulder over me with the strength of five. Tarija grew into a vision of beauty, about the same height of myself, with long slender web fingers, and hair that sparkled in the light.
Kyia spent hours in the workshop, her hammer ringing through the glen. I thought it would attract some of the denizens of the forest, but none showed. During our idle times, Kaepri would spar with me, teaching me how to fight creatures of his stature. I spent many hours just talking with Tarija while walking through the woods. Kyia conjured different creatures for him to battle and even some for me. When they turned 16, Kyia gave Tarija a silver and gold, gem-encrusted magical hand harp. Kyia had a huge sword brought out of the workshop on a cart for Kaepri. The blade was as long as I was tall with a wavy and straight edge, while ancient Khusi symbols adorned the blade. When Tarija played, the forest animals would lay peacefully in a circle around her. When they were in their twenties, a unicorn with golden hair and horn joined the other animals in the glen. The unicorn remained when she finished playing, unlike the other animals.
During the years, my trips to see Kyia and Tarija became more frequent. Father and I took weapons to the village, and every year it became more crowded. After several years, I learned how to select what noise to listen too. This year we arrived at a cleaner smelling city. Sections of the roads had a hard rock-like surface that sloped to the middle of the street. There were young sorcerers using a water spell to clean the streets, hardened the roads, and keep the globes lit. The new owner of Zoiph phiam told us that a group of people calling themselves the Thesilans arrived, improving the roads, and the lives in the city.
I had just turned thirty-five when Kyia invited me into her house for the first time. Kaepri and Tarija are eager to leave and explore the world. Since I had more experience with the outside world, she wanted me to go with them to keep them out of trouble. They would leave in the spring with some extra weapons to sell in the town. I was ecstatic, but she told me to put my feelings for Tarija aside. Our destinies are intertwined, but not how I want. When the crusty snow laid in the shadows and water saturated the ground, we set off on our adventure. We traveled for days, then as we approached Clybhir, I heard chaos and people yelling giant. It wasn’t until we entered the clearing and seeing the city guards ready to attack I realized we were the cause. When the captain saw me with the giant, he motioned for the guards to relax. I explained what was going on and he sent two of his men off before permitting us into the city.
People whispered, unaware I could hear them. A crowd gathered around us and someone threw a rock, which I caught, surprising them. I lobbed it to Kaepri and he crumbled it in his hands, turning it into gravel, the crowd scattered. There were several guards at Zoiph phiam, buying the weapons faster than we sold them. Kaepri had to get on his knees at most doorways until we found the Sleeping Giant Inn. They had one room large enough for all three, and that evening Tarija sat by the fire and played. Soon townsfolk flowed in to listen and no one spoke a word, mesmerized by her performance. We stayed for about a week before moving on. When we were away from the townsfolk, the unicorn returned to Tarija. We stopped at every village, town, and city on our journey for a day or two, bringing them a little bit of joy. She never charged anyone to listen, but we never went hungry either.
While performing in the village of Shen Sherin, we watched as several Thesilan mages controlled a volcano in the bay, creating several islands. A few nights south of Shen Sherin a group of bandits approached. My hearing warned us and we were waiting when Tarija took out her instrument and sang. The brigands came into camp and sat down to listen to her siren voice. When the song was over, they got up with tears trickling down their cheeks and disappeared into the night. Every time we came across bandits, they would sit, listen and leave without bloodshed. The Duagetuj, Suga and other creatures did not respond to her music. Instead, her songs created a protective barrier or heal the injured. She could not harm any intelligent creature, and I think the unicorn knew, remaining by her side as a protector.
We crossed the mountains, finding a small village on the edge of Xyamic Desert. The elders told us of an ancient magic that roamed the desert looking for wayward travelers. After a few days, a mighty sandstorm covered the magical dome that Tarija created. When it was over, the sands had changed and we didn’t see the trail. After spending a few days in the desert, a dust devil turning up the sand was heading for us as the unicorn horn glowed brighter. I fired an arrow, but it went into the swirling sand, spun around and thrown back at me. My blade had no effect, while Kaepri’s sword glowed yellow as it also passed through the spinning sand. Tarija created a strong wind, with no effect. The Devil tossed Kaepri and I aside like rags in the wind. We kept attacking as it repeatedly tossed us around like leaves in the wind. The unicorn’s magic kept it at bay while Tarija played a different song. A small black cloud formed before water fell from it. First, it was a light sprinkle, then a downpour, forcing the sand to the ground. Next came a bolt of lightning turning the pile of sand into glass. Before leaving for the mountains, Kaepri struck the glass, sending shards in all directions.
About a year after we started our journey, we were in a village just north of Telikko when the townsfolk told us of a mist dragon. It only appears when it’s foggy, attacking anyone caught outside. When we left they warned us again. We thanked them for their concern with a smile, and with an easy stroll, we headed across the desert. The second night out, a thick fog rolled over the eastern mountains. I awoke early in the morning from a waterfall sound that seemed to head our way. In the pale-light of the yellow and blue moons, a ghostly watery figure of a dragon flew low over the land.
The dragon flew toward us as I sent an arrow with no effect. Kaepri swung his large sword with the same result. The golden unicorn horn glowed and stabbed the dragon, forcing it to turn away. Tarija played and her words dissipated the mist allowing us to see the dragon better. The creature turned for another attack, Kaepri sword turned yellow with a blue tip, radiating more heat than a fire. This time he sliced the dragon, forcing the beast to turn into the unicorn. its magical horn piercing the dragons’ armor. With water flowing from its wounds, the dragon went up high before diving on us, billowing out a plume of water. Tarija change songs and water splashed around us, freezing when hitting the ground. The next pass was wide, using its tail to knock us in different directions. Tarija was unconscious and the dragon heading for her. I ran to protect her, but the unicorn was already next to her preventing the attack, as I fired an arrow in desperation. To everyone’s surprise, it stuck, so I continued. With the dragon on the ground, Kaepri’s sword did massive damage until the dragon drew its last breath.
After covering most of the lands west of the mountains, we had made our way back to Shen Sherin. Fifteen different islands with bridges connecting them replaced the volcano used to build the isles. We played for a week on Synhom Island when lord Zhay yi invited us to the castle on Strasey Island. That evening after Tarija had finished, Zhay yi announced that Tarija would be the lord’s fifth mate and we would stay for the joining ritual. Then the guards took us to different rooms to prepare for the ceremony. I was seeing red, but Tarija told me to wait. When we turned down the last hall to the rooms, she pulled us in tight and let out a wail that stunned the guards.
While she played, the guards would slump against the walls and weep as we rushed down the halls and out into the inner courtyard. Those that remained awake had their vision blurred, but some still fired arrows and bolts. I would knock most aside, but Kaepri and Tarija caught an arrow. Her magic opened the gate as we hobbled out to the island. We stole a boat from the boatman waiting for a ride back the Tiswaj Island. We let the receding tide take us out into the sea floating at the mercy of the current south toward the South Teroma Inlet. The current took us next to shore where we hid in the bushes for a few days. Tarija used her healing magic on the two of them before we decided to leave the land of men. However, we stood out like a dragon on a clear day.
By night, we traveled our way across the Azyli Lawvm to the mountains before heading north. We passed several groups of Elvin refugees that informed us Lord Zhay yi told the people of Shen Sherin that the elves attacked him. Within a few days, he had a bounty on Elf ears. We came across a few butchered elves and groups being attacked, helping many elves escaped the slaughter. I wanted to go drag Zhay yi from his castle, but Tarija always talked me out of it. We returned sixty years after we left to Kyia’s place. The forge was cold and the buildings in shambles with cobwebs covering everything. We made our way through the dust and sticky webs to her sleeping quarters in the back, where we found her in a comatose state. Further examination revealed that Kyia is in a siuotyon. Kaepri and Tarija would stay and protect Kyia, while I returned to my village.
The village greeted me with jubilation, and everybody wanted to hear about our adventures. When I got to the part about Lord Zhay yi, the elders cleared the room. With only the council elders left, I finished the story as the council looked on with trepidation. They knew of the bounty and that it was now a war between the elves and the humans with a few Thesilan’s. The Elvin refugees flowed into the village daily with horror stories. Migrants told us of an army of humans with wizards marching toward the village. They might pass by Kyia’s and never realize that it was there, but I couldn’t take the chance and left my village against the council orders.
I ran through the woods, disregarding all stealth over speed. The clearing was full of Shen Sherin warriors, archers, and Thesilan’s wizards. In the distance, bodies surround Kaepri and Tarija with the unicorn fighting by their side. The meadow was covered with bodies and blood with many animals still fighting the humans. I emptied my quill dropping wizards and archers alike, before charging into battle with both swords. No single human could stand against Kaepri, but he was surrounded by dozens of soldiers with arrows and magic also flung at him. It seemed like hours before all the humans lay dead, dying or running away. As I climbed over the last row of bodies there lay Kaepri and Tarija. A human was running away with Tarija’s harp. I grab a knife and threw it, hitting them in the back, sending them tumbling head over heal. Two others were trying to lift Kaepri’s sword, but seeing what just happened. They dropped it and ran, they didn’t get far before also I took them down.
Searching for signs of life, but none was found. Even the unicorn laid lifeless, and not far from the house lay Kyia. I placed the unicorn’s magic horn on Tarija to bring her back, but nothing happened. Positioning Tarija’s harp on her chest I tried to make her hands play it. Tears ran down my face, with the same result as before. Looking up, there stood the specters of Kyia, Kaepri, and Tarija, their smiling faces beaming down at me. Tarija placed her hand on my head and a warmth and happiness flowed through me, and I knew what must be done. Laying Kaepri’s sword on the unicorn’s horn, it slid down cutting the horn, and the body faded away. I put the horn with their weapons in the secret storage under the forge. Next, I placed them next to each other and covered them with dried branches, I lit the pyre. My village didn’t exist anymore, they had packed up and moved. The bodies of elves and humans littered the ground from the battle. There was no sign of life, except for Elvin tracks disappearing into the forest.
For 1500 years, I traveled this realm, watching dynasties rise and fall, and visiting places that many never knew existed. I observed humans trying to wipe out magic, and saw it return. In all my travels, I came across few elves who told me about Joukniam, the city of Elves. I visited the city, learning what happened, and reuniting with my family. But my time there was short, the elders remembered me leaving my post without orders and banished me for 500 years. I went through three siuotyons, always in the Kyia’s weapon cellar. Then about 600 years ago, I crossed a plot of land about a day east of Shen Sherin, and the Tarija placed her spectral hand on my head like before, revealing their desire. This was where I would honor them, but what could I leave for their legacy that would last. For days I considered the possibilities until a middle age clean-shaven man introduced himself as Ela’, with his large white tiger. Asking if I would share my camp, they were a welcomed sight. He would look at the cat and it would nod or shake his large head, as though they were talking. We shared stories, and the next morning he suggested that I build a fortified Inn and name it after the three. He offered to help and I shook his hand with a big grin accepting his offer. Images of giants helping popped into my head, I sat up with a start, wide-eyed, and shaking my head in surprise, as the cat nodded. I had heard people that could talk without saying a word, but not animals, yet I had one in my camp. Ela’ and I laid the groundwork for the Inn. We started by raising the ground above the floodplain with a little help from magic. Not far up the road was a stone quarry where we got the stone-blocks used for the walls and the buildings. It was slow progress, cutting out the stone and loading them on wagons for the trek to the site. I used what little magic I knew, but it was still strenuous and tiresome. A week later his cat Uncia, returned with two giants, which made the work a lot easier.
After building the Inn and the barn, we started on the walls. I needed more supplies for the Inn, so one of the giants and I traveled to Kyia’s weapon cache. We returned to inn with what we could carry, including Kaepri’s swords, Tarija’s harp, and the unicorn’s horn. With Tarija guiding my hand, I used the horn to write protection glyphs on parts of the wall and the buildings. With Uncia and the Giants watching the place, Ela and I visited Shen Sherin to sell the weapons and get supplies. Before we arrived at the gate, the townsfolk, pointed and stared, some in fear, some with amazement, and some just ran away. I suspect most had never seen an elf, and only heard about us from legends and myths. We got better than a good price on the weapons since the weaponsmith had never seen Elvin weapons before. We were back at the Inn the following night, where the giants had hung Kaepri’s swords and her harp. I carved a figure of a horse head, and when I attached the horn, the carving turned into a copy of the golden unicorn. Ela commented that should be the name of the Inn, the Golden Unicorn. After we completed the walls and hung the Golden Unicorn sign at the gate, we said our goodbyes and they left.
For several weeks, it remained quiet until some of the locals showed up after a long day of picking apples. Once the locals grew used to me, a thriving community sprang up in just a few years. Just a few human generations later, armies from the East crossed the mountains. I smelled smoke and hurried to wake the villagers and rush them to Shen Sherin, while a few stayed behind with me at the Inn. Using wild magic, water oozed out of the ground, filling the floodplain and stopping the fire. A fireball flew through the air, smashing against the invisible barrier protecting the compound. The protection spells stopped magic, but not arrows that flew in both directions. That was when we realized that it was an invasion, and the best riders took off to tell King Arcttu. Soon the city soldiers arrived but being outnumbered, they were routed. The army destroyed the village, but the magic protecting the Inn and its courtyard repelled their relentless attacks. We slowed their advancement for a while by dropping some of their troops. But they pushed past laying siege to Shen Sherin for the first time in over a millennium.
Starting in the Arcttu Dynasty and lasting into the Varpul Dynasty, it became known as the 100-year war. The magic built into the Golden Unicorn Inn protected it throughout the conflict. I saw Kaepri and Tarija one more time, and I knew it would be the last time. East attacked again just over 100 years ago. The Shen Sherin army with wizards, Elves, and Humans, pushed the invading Eastern Army back over the Mountains. There have been many skirmishes over the years, but they posed no real threat. Most of the guests at the Golden Unicorn are local farmers and travelers. The townsfolk are fearful of straying too far from the protection of Shen Sherin.
That is my story of how the Golden Unicorn came to be.