Lyari|Genderless (uses she/her)|Prideless|Guardian of the ForestBefore the time of you or me, or before 'time' itself, really, magic beat through the veins of the earth. At its heart was the Birthplace of all Things, where humans - and all other things - originated, from the smallest bug to the largest dragon.
Yes,
dragon.
Creatures like dragons and fairies once lived beyond pages in storybooks. They lived among us before we were truly 'us', keeping the world in balance. Dragons guarded the deepest caves - and whatever glittery things may lie within. Gryphons ruled the skies, while unicorns were bound to the forests. As humans grew in strength, we clashed with these mythical beasts for the resources they protected, which eventually led to the mass extinction that brought them to live only on paper.
Many met their fate this way, including Lyari, Guardian of Lavaldare Woods.
A hunter walked through the forest, two squirrels in one hand, a small leather knapsack in the other. He walked until he found a path of soft moss, then followed it deeper into the forest, eventually coming upon a large stone shrine.
The mossy stone stood a foot taller than him, and was easily twice as wide. Strange runes were carved into its front, and a simple copper dish sat before it. The man kneeled and opened the knapsack, carefully placing its contents in the dish.
"Artair."
The man jumped at the sudden voice, falling on his back. A horned, equine-like face gazed at him from around the stone.
His mouth went dry.
The unicorn slowly stepped out from behind the shrine. Artair scrambled backwards, staring up at her.
"You have nothing to fear." The unicorn didn't move when speaking. Her voice simply... was. "Stand, Artair."
Warily, the man rose to his feet. "You... know my name?"
He could almost swear the unicorn smiled. "It is my duty to know all those who enter the forest."
"...How much do you know about me?"
"Enough to know I can trust you." Lyari's voice grew grave. "The Conquerers are coming. The town needs to evacuate."
Artair's stomach dropped. "
Here? Are you sure?"
"It was only a matter of time."
Her somberness stunned him. "...You protected us and this forest for generations. You can't expect us to leave you to die."
"I cannot expect you to die for me, either."
Artair was at a loss for words. Rarely did Lyari speak to humans - that she was speaking to him was a great honor. He had grown up revering the forest and its pale guardian. To leave...
Wordlessly, he reached up to stroke Lyari's face. Just as his fingertips brushed her fur, she pulled away, causing him to flinch. Artair lowered his hand warily.
"I won't be the only one who refuses to leave."
Lyari stared down at him. "I know."
"I'll get as many to flee as I can. But the rest of us? We stand with you. With Lavaldare."
The unicorn was silent for a long moment. "...Thank you, Artair."
They came with fire and steel.
They were led by those who had killed protectors before, the mark burning on their chest only to Lyari's eyes. Townsfolk who remained stood on the outskirts, watching.
Lyari met the Conquerers at the edge of the forest. A man in the front dismounted his horse and strode across the field. He carried a unicorn horn spear.
"There is a way to end this without bloodshed, guardian." The knight called, smiling. "I come to you with a deal."
"The same deal you gave my brother?" Lyari countered, motioning to the spear in the knight's hand. His face hardened.
"I know who you are, Sir Caolán of Esterburn." Lyari spoke, her voice low. "Murderer of my kin. You and I both know this only ends one way."
The knight's face soured into a snarl. "Then let this end quickly."
Caolán lunged forward, Lyari dodged to the side. The clearing devolved into chaos shortly after. Lyari fought fiercely, but the Conquerers were experienced. They threw ropes around her neck and limbs, dragged her down and away from the forest.
They brought her to the bluffs.
One of them dismounted their steed, pulling a long dagger from his belt. He approached the unicorn, running his finger along the blade.
"They say a unicorn can only die when separated from their forest."
Lyari glared.
He looked down at her, turning the knife over and over in his hand. "Is that true?"
He bore the mark of a murderer on his chest.
She woke to the sound of birdsong.
Lyari's eyes opened slowly. For a moment, she was at peace.
Then it all came crashing back. The horde of murderers. The scent of blood. The clash of metal. The feeling of dread, of knowing she was going to die.
She lifted her head slowly, taking in her surroundings. A forest, but where? How?
"Be calm, daughter."
Lyari turned to the voice, and was met with the sight of a dark woman covered in flowers and leaves. The light around her was like stained glass.
"All-mother!" Lyari tried to kneel, but fell as her limbs crumpled beneath her. They felt wrong, somehow.
"How?" Lyari rasped.
"You have been dead for centuries." The All-mother stroked Lyari's head as she spoke. "Magic is returning to the world in places hidden from man. I brought you back, for your bravery and valor in your final moments."
Lyari stood with some difficulty, leaning against the All-mother for support. "...Where am I?
What am I?"
The All-mother ran her fingers through Lyari's mane. "This is the Valley, land of lions. Bringing you back, here, changed you. You are both a unicorn and a lion."
"I... remember lions." She replied wearily.
"You will not have to live as they do; you are still a unicorn." The flowered lady assured. "You are bound to this forest, daughter. You are of the first to rise again,
the first the walk the Valley."
Lyari drew in a steadying breath. "Thank you, All-mother."
