The Unicorn and the Nightmare:

An Uncautionary Tale

by Dr. Mercurious

Sprawled out in the Valley of Midas like a rotting carcass, the Faire of Sun and Moon awaited those who would partake of its flesh with eagerness. The Faire had been held in the valley for as long as anyone in all the lands of Avalon could remember, and many a furson looked forward to the Spring Equinox, since two days later the Faire would arise from hibernation once more. Ruled by an enigmatic figure known only as the Solstice Jester, he put forth the promise of equitable dealings for all who did business within his tent in exchange for a minuscule percentage of the profits.

This was Eritrea's fifth year journeying to the Faire, and for a Unicorn like herself, seeped in the 'joys' of Order, the Faire should be a thing of trepidation. Its configuration changed from year to year and even, when the Faire was running, sometimes day to day. Why, even the span of days it would be open was totally variable. One day, all the participant would simply know that this was the last day the Faire was open and enjoy it while they could. Truly, no finer, longer-standing example of Chaos existed throughout the lands of Avalon

It unnerved her how much she looked forward to it every year.

The foods Eritrea could taste nowhere else -- grilled seaweed from Merfolk chefs, cave mushroom bread baked by Gnomes, mountain-pear ale by Harpy brew-masters -- the sounds, the colors! Her dreams had been haunted with anticipation, and her head would be filled with fond memories long after she left. The Unicorn mare had often wondered if it would be better without the guards assigned to her by the Royal Court, but she would never be allowed such freedom while here; as a Truthfinder, her services in the enchanting of truth-potions and divination crystals would demand the highest prices of the Unicorn pavilion.

"Milady." a voice called by the window of the carriage.

She shook herself out of her dreaming and focused on the slender Unicorn as he coaxed his horse to run alongside it. "What is it, Perseus?" His dark gray mane and gold eyes were a welcome familiarity to her. She knew -- and wasn't supposed to -- he had requested leave to court her, but her family had turned the stallion down since he was only a low-ranked soldier. A pity, as she rather liked him

"There seems to be a caravan that has broken down on the road up ahead," he said. His eyes were easily one of the keenest pair ever possessed by a Unicorn. It didn't even occur to her to question how he'd spotted it.

"Let's stop and offer them a hand," she answered. Perseus hesitated. "What's wrong?"

The stallion frowned. "The colors of the coach, Milady; black and gold figures prominently. Only one of the Dark Races would use such a color combination. Best if we avoid it."

"This road which leads to the Faire is also under the protection of the Solstice Jester," Eritrea reminded her overzealous guard. "Besides, if it IS one of the dark races, perhaps we can claim a favor by helping. That will certainly be something to sing about at the Faire!"

Perseus blushed at her excitement, but recovered quickly. "I dislike taking profit at other's misfortune," he replied. "Still, for one of the Dark Races, it is merely punishment for past misdeeds and a caution against future ones as well." He kneed his horse and moved up to the coachman to relay the stop order. Eritrea found her excitement growing as she wondered which race owned the wrecked caravan. A proper Unicorn was always wary when unpredictable elements came into play but she'd always had a bit of a taste for the unexpected -- a dangerous personality trait to espouse but as a Truthfinder she had some leeway to indulge. Her powers were exceedingly rare, and one equaling her strength was not to be found anywhere in the Unicorn's home realm of Athens.

In a short time the caravan slowed down to a crawl. Eritrea gasped as the mark of the coach came into view. The eight arrows streaking off in every direction, surmounted by a flaming hoof print -- a symbol well-known to Unicorns. "Nighthorses," she blurted out.

Perseus, having arrived before the coach, nodded grimly. His sword was out of his sheath. "Best we move on. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you." His eyes met hers and softened.

She fought the urge to blush. "I appreciate the concern, but this might be an honest emergency." It certainly looked like one. One wheel had divorced itself from the main carriage. Oddly, somewhere off in the woods past the wrecked coach the faint strains of music could be heard.

"Nighthorses cannot be trusted," Perseus insisted, stating the obvious. "Those chaos-worshippers will try anything just to see what will happen, even tempting the Solstice Jester's wrath."

"Why don't I Look at the scene for the truth?" Eritrea had never met one of the hereditary enemies of the Unicorns. Actually the truth was they were former enemies -- there'd been an uneasy truce for the past few hundred years. It hadn't made either race like the other more. Nevertheless she'd always wanted to meet a Nighthorse and now was her chance. "If there's any danger, we'll just leave."

The other caravan guards looked dubious, Perseus even more so. "Milady..."

Eritrea quickly stepped out of the coach before he could object further. "I'm glad you agree," she said, smiling at him. He gave her a mild glare but kept his peace as he motioned two more caravan guards to her side. One, Achilles, was lower in station than Perseus but from a powerful family and also in pursuit of her hand in marriage. He was tall, strong, and somewhat devoid of thought. The second, Theseus, often had his hot eyes on her when he thought no one watching. She liked him even less than Achilles. Eritrea forced a winsome smile towards her chosen bookends and gazed over the scene. Immediately the mundane colors of the world faded to be replaced by the scintillating hues of Truth. Her first target was the damaged carts. "I see an honest accident here, perhaps caused by the coach's wheel falling off." She looked at the wheel, but a sheath blacker than night radiated from it. She gasped aloud and a rush of vertigo claimed her..

"Lady Eritrea! By the True Path, what happened?"

The Truthfinder opened her eyes to find her head cushioned on something and Perseus' concerned face over her. Achilles handed her a wineskin, and she drank from gratefully. She'd been propped into a sitting position, and hadn't even realized she'd fallen down. "I'm fine," she told them, still groggy. "A Dreamspinner had been in the coach -- her aura caught me by surprise."

"I don't like that," Theseus muttered. For once that sneaky expression was gone from his face.

Achilles raised an eyebrow. "Her?"

"We can worry about its sex later," Perseus snapped. "We're getting out of here now."

"NO!" Eritrea managed as loud as she could. There'd been no records of a Dreamspinner and a Truthfinder ever meeting in the flesh. She had to be the first!

Perseus shook his head. "I know the powers of a Dreamspinner almost as well as you, My Lady. They can confuse your visions. Everything you saw here could have been a trap for us."

Her thoughts raced. "I Saw the auras, noble Perseus," she told him. She could not lie directly and wouldn't even if she could -- such an act would mar the reputations of Truthfinders as unassailable bastions of honesty -- but she did not want to leave, by the One True Path! "I am not mistaken." Also true -- the auras were too clean, too crisp. Had the Dreamspinner altered the auras they would have been blurred around the edges. "Besides, think of how we'll be able to rub their noses in it at the Faire! After all, they've never brought one of their Dreamspinners here, have they?" Eritrea's question was directed to one of the coachmen, who she knew had been coming here for the past thirty years.

"They have, milady, but not for the longest while," he admitted.

Eritrea turned back to Perseus. "There, you see? Nothing to lose, and much to gain."

"Hmmm...." Theseus rubbed his chin. The crafty look was back in his eyes.

"I'm sure they won't dare attack with a proper show of strength," Achilles enthused, flexing his oh-so-perfect muscles.

"It appears I am overruled." Perseus said. His tone was mild yet his tail lashed and the glare he shot at her almost made her flinch. "Very well then. I shall go first. Achilles you flank right. Theseus hold back until they commit themselves to hostile action." He began to give other orders, but Eritrea was so excited she didn't pay attention.

I'm going to do it, she thought happily to herself, gazing at the forest where the music was coming from.

#

Beleth drained the last of the wineskin and hurled it over her shoulder in disgust. It had been fifty years since the Solstice Jester had allowed the Nighthorses to bring a Dreamspinner to the Faire -- and if things continue this way, it might be another fifty. Perhaps it had been sheer bad luck her coach threw a wheel but no one in the caravan seemed to care. Worse, they'd decided this was a perfect opportunity to throw a party. The coachmen were roasting apples over a campfire while some of the caravan guards had gotten instruments together to play for the rest. Her personal guards, Abaddon and Moloch, were off to her right. They'd laid a blanket on the forest floor to serve as their bed while they sucked each other off, not caring who saw. All around her was chaos, total and complete -- and she hated it. It's the Emperor's entire damn fault she fumed, flicking her horse tail in annoyance. If only he'd hurry up and die so we can get competent rule of G'Henna, maybe things would improve. Then again maybe not. Sometimes it seemed her fellow Nighthorses had forgotten that chaos without planning was an unruly mess, going nowhere and accomplishing nothing. What I wouldn't give for a little stability in my life, she thought. An extremely dangerous attitude for a Nighthorse to have, but Beleth had long ago ceased to care; her unmatched power as a Dreamspinner kept would-be enemies if not in respect at least fear.

Abruptly frustrated by it all, Beleth decided she'd had enough of this debacle. She shook out her flame-kissed white mane and Spun a night-terror at her personal guards; they sprung away from each other in oaths of disgust. She whirled to face the coachmen but, warned by the bodyguards' reactions, had immediately started to break camp.

"What by the Pit of Dark was that for?" Abaddon demanded. He was a tall and beefy Nigthstallion with a mane the same color as his ink-dark skin, and preferred his own sex in bed.

"Guess," she snapped, wishing she could have seen the night-terror she'd Spun for him. It must have been fairly gruesome, considering how pale he looked.

"If you wanted in, Beleth, all you had to do was ask," whined Moloch. A sword to Abaddon's ax, he preferred to dress in feminine clothing, something he carried off well despite the definition of his muscles.

"It didn't have all that much to recommend it from the last time," she sneered. "Now let's get up off our asses and repair the coach. I want to get to the Faire sometime this week."

"Don't get your panties in a bunch," Abaddon complained. "It's not like the Faire is going away."

"No one knows when the Faire will end, dolt." Beleth resisted the urge to Spin another night-terror at him. "That's part of its charm."

"Fine, fine," he sighed. "We'll be ready in ten."

"Minutes, I hope." She planted her hands on her hips and tapped one hoof impatiently as her guards scrambled for their clothes. All I need now is for someone to come by offering help, she thought with sarcasm.

"Hail the camp!"

No sooner said. She resisted the urge to curse, but only barely. "Hail the traveler," Beleth called out. "My apologies, but we've no time for hospitality as we're breaking camp!" With my luck it's a Unicorn.

As if some wandering god had heard her, a sleekly muscled Unicorn stepped out of the forest, skirting the edge of camp. "Our caravan was going by and we saw your carriage. Do you require assistance?"

"I wouldn't say no to a mend-stone if you have one," she admitted. A Unicorn stopping to help a Nighthorse? Her mind was awhirl. Fortunately she caught Abaddon's guarded expression in time and Heard his desire. *All alone, weapon sheathed, be sweet to take him and see...*

Beleth gave Abaddon a glare fit to peel his skin off and smiled as he yelped. She turned back to the Unicorn. "I can pay, if that's the problem."

Suddenly another Unicorn emerged to the left of the original one, a wall of oiled muscle similar in size and heft to Abaddon. "Payment, if required, can be discussed by Eritrea," he rumbled.

Beleth spend a silent curse at the innate Unicorn ability to move virtually unseen in a forest -- and a blessing to herself for having caught Abaddon in time. "May I be permitted to meet this Eritrea here? I wouldn't want to disturb anyone in your caravan." She knew the Unicorns sent a Truthfinder to the Faire almost every year. Dreamspinners and Truthfinders probably wouldn't mix well and there's no sense asking for trouble, she thought.

That's when the Nightmare Heard a light, crystal-pure note. She had time to blurt out "Truthfinder," right before a lovely Unicorn mare wearing an ocean-blue travel dress entered the clearing. Her mane was silver-gray, her eyes a lovely shade of violet, and her fur was the color of good cream. Beleth, an unbiased judge of beauty both male and female, fought the urge to drool.

The lovely Unicorn curtsied. "Eritrea of House Minervian, at your service"

Beleth almost stepped forward, but remembered in time Unicorns preferred formal greetings. "Beleth Morningstar." She bowed with some semblance of decorum.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance," Eritrea enthused. "I've brought a mend-stone with me if there's a need."

The other mare's violet eyes shone with...anticipation? Very unusual for a Unicorn. As far as Beleth was aware no Dreamspinner and Truthfinder had ever gotten this close to one another. The Unicorn's light-blue travel dress made the Nightmare suddenly aware of her own dark-red travel dress' rumpled state. "You're quite prepared," she told Eritrea in a distant-sounding tone. The unicorn's face clouded. "I'm sorry that was rude of me," Beleth apologized quickly. "There's been one delay after another this whole trip and it's made me unfit for polite company."

Eritrea's smile graced her face again. "I understand about delays." She glanced pointedly at Abaddon and Moloch in their semi-dressed state then back at Beleth again. "The smaller the delay, the more it tends to get in the way -- at least, from what I've noticed."

The Nightmare burst out laughing, both from the implications and from the source. A Unicorn making an off-color joke? Surely the sky will rain sugar cubes next! "I've noticed that too," she smiled, heedless of her bodyguards' hooded looks. She decided to take a chance. "I could offer you a Spinning at the Faire if you so desire, in trade for the mend-stone."

The unicorn blinked; then, if anything, her smile got bigger. "I'd love to!"

Beleth chanced a glance at the Truthfinder's bodyguards -- they were rigid in shock. Oh she's a real handful for them I'll wager. "Done then," she enthused, reaching forward to take the mend-stone.

Eritrea handed the smooth, round gray marble to her. "I was wondering...would you like to ride in my coach to the Faire? So you can set your tent up before your caravan arrives?"

Barely audible gasps all around; Beleth almost swallowed her tongue. And I was worried about my own impulsive nature! She wanted to say yes very badly. To be close to the Dreamspinner's lovely body -- she could almost imagine what the creamy pelt would taste like under her tongue. Pity Unicorns don't even approve of sex outside of marriage, let alone between those of the same gender. As much as I'd like to agree, it would cause too many problems down the road. Aloud. "I would love to take you up on that, but I really must see to things here -- make sure there are no distractions."

"I understand," Eritrea said with a noticeable tinge of regret.

Beleth bowed. "I don't mean to be impolite, but we really have to rush if we want to make it to the Faire before daybreak." Still numb from all the shocks this pretty mare had given her, she stuck out a hand. "Pleasant journeys, Eritrea."

The unicorn stared at he hand as if unsure what to do with it; then, in an abrupt move, she swarmed up to the Dreamspinner and gave her a warm hug. "To you and yours as well." She then released the stunned Nightmare. "I heard Nighthorses hugged for greetings and good-byes. Did I do it right?"

"You did just fine." Beleth could hear the throaty desire in her voice.

"Good," she giggled. "Maybe at the Faire we can get together and discuss the nature of our powers."

"I'd like that," she blurted out.

"Until then!" Eritrea waved and turned back into the forest, followed by her stunned guards.

Beleth stared in the Unicorn's wake. That hug had been born out of sheer impulse, the Nightmare marveled. A Unicorn acting on impulse was unheard of -- as rare as, say, a Nightmare desiring stability. It was a good thing the Unicorns had left just then; she might have been tempted to see how adventurous the lovely Truthfinder was feeling.

#

Even sleeping, the Faire of Sun and Moon gleamed like a treasure. Here in the hawker's area tents of every shape and color dotted the green rolling field of the Faire, waiting for the first customer to step up and buy. Flags darted from the tops of each tent, proudly displaying the race.

Eritrea was in high spirits. "I wonder whose tent we'll be next to this year," she burbled to Perseus as his horse galloped next to the carriage

"I wish it could always be the same," he said in a flat tone.

She stared at him. "You're not still mad at me for what happened back there, are you?"

"It looked bad," he answered at once.
"Yes," she snapped. "A Unicorn and Nighthorse actually had a civilized conversation! The world will end next, I suppose!" She felt a hot blush rise to her cheeks -- surely from Perseus' disapproval. "Our two races HAVE been at peace for some time now!"

"Less than a lifetime," Perseus countered. "Besides it's not what you did, it's how you did it."

"I was just being friendly," Eritrea insisted. "I read somewhere Nighthorses hug each other."

"It's improper," Perseus muttered.

She did feel very soft, an errant thought whispered. Unicorns exchanged hugs only family members and even then they were formal affairs. I'm actually looking forward to another one like that. Not a thought she could voice aloud safely. "Relax, most excellent guard. I'm sure this year we'll be by one of the Light races. Although you must admit the Orcs weren't bad."

"The Orcs are currently straddling the line," he shot back. "And there was nothing nice about the Lamias."

Eritrea winced. The Lamias ran a gambling booth every year and the winner could demand one thing of the loser, even his or her life. Suddenly a galloping of hooves in front focused her attention. "Looks like Achilles is returning from scout duty."

Perseus peered up ahead. "He appears to be agitated."

Theseus had been riding on the other side of the coach, blessedly silent. At Perseus' statement the sly Unicorn broke it with, "maybe we're next to the Nighthorse tent this year."

"Bite your tongue," Perseus snapped. "The Solstice Jester would not tempt fate so."

Before Eritrea could answer she felt a sudden presence aside of her in the coach and a merry voice said, "at least not without a good wine and maybe some poached shellfish!"

The Truthfinder yelped. Perseus swore and drew his sword by reflex -- then saw who it was and sheathed it. A lanky figure had appeared in the coach next to Eritrea; he was clothed from head to foot with no revealed flesh --even his face was covered with a wooden mask carved to look like a wolf's face. His doublet, hose, jacket -- everything he wore was made up of individual patches of fabric sewn together, all different colors. As a crowning touch , he wore a horned jongleurs' cap strewn with bells.

"Milord," Eritrea bowed politely to the Solstice Jester.

He cocked his head at her. "Your eyes are giving you the wrong signals."

Eritrea really didn't know how to answer him. Solstice Jester was rumored to be the most powerful Gifted in all of Avalon. Unfortunately, past meetings had revealed that noteworthy's barely passing familiarity with sanity. "Perhaps, my Lord," she replied cautiously.

Theseus was laughing, much to her irritation. "A timely entrance, Oh Motley Lord of Fools," he grinned.

A weird, high-pitched chuckling came from the Solstice Jester as he hugged himself. "Now that's the spirit I like to see!" He crossed his spindly legs and looked at Eritrea. "At least there's some empty corner of your soul, Eritrea. That's a good thing; never trust an un-wanter I always say."

She could see through the eye-holes of his mask; the orbs were a dark gray and looked large. "I'll take that under advisement," she tried again.

Solstice Jester sniffed and conjured a plum out of nothing. "Forgive the rudeness, but I haven't a bite to eat all day."

A bubble of irritation burst in her stomach. Solstice Jester never takes his mask off; he's having fun at my expense. Well, I'll have no more of it. "Really? I'll bite you if you wish," she offered in the most honey of tones.

Silence on the coach. She heard Perseus gasp behind her and even Theseus was pop-eyed. Solstice Jester stared at her; just as Eritrea thought she'd gone to far he howled in laughter, flailing his hands and feet. "I knew it!" He enthused.

"Knew what?" The Truthfinder tried to keep an even tone.

His entire manner changed, taking her hand and bringing it to his mask; Eritrea could swear she felt a kiss on the back of her palm. "Remember your feelings have merit too," he told her, sounding entirely serious. "Despite the decrees of overeager Emperors still wet from their mother's teat, you have the right to live -- and love -- however you chose. Can you remember that?"

"I...I will try, Milord." His statement is uncomfortably accurate. The current Emperor of Athens was barely out of colt-hood and a fanatic about order.

"Sometimes trying is the best thing one can do." The plum vanished in a puff of pink smoke. "Do not worry. Only the Dreamspinner will be permitted at the Nighthorse tent; her compatriots shall be stationed elsewhere. All will learn I do not take to having my authority flouted here lightly, as was done the last time a Dreamspinner came to my Faire."

I wonder what the Nighthorses did. Eritrea's mind was buzzing with speculation. The coachman said none had come here for at least thirty years. It must have been dire, if she is not even permitted her bodyguards. An image of Beleth's proud, beautiful face came to mind. "Milord? May I beg clemency for the Dreamspinner?"

Solstice Jester sat up straight. "And why does a Unicorn care what happens to a mortal enemy?"

"Enemies no longer, if still uneasy about each other," the Unicorn insisted. "I...she seems to be different from her fellows. I don't think she should be punished for the mistakes of past delegations."

"You ask a great deal." His voice was back to being flat.

"I know my lord." Eritrea bowed her head. She dared not look at him, but it mattered little; she could feel his eyes bore into hers.

After what seemed to be an eternity he said. "I'll see what the Nighthorses say to my terms," he promised. "Let them hang or save themselves."

Best I can do, she fretted. I hope it's enough. "My thanks."

"Thank you." He bowed and without any flash or smoke simply vanished.

Silence reigned for all of three seconds before Theseus spoke. "A very interesting meeting, my Lady." He sounded impressed.

"Very." Perseus wore a worried frown but said nothing further.

Eritrea was glad for his silence. "Since we already know what Achilles' report shall be, let us follow him to our tents. The sooner we move in, the sooner we sleep."

"At once, my Lady." The frown was gone from Perseus' face.

I suppose that didn't turn out so bad, Eritrea congratulated herself as her guards rode ahead to make preparations. Still, she couldn't help but wonder why she leapt to Beleth's defense so readily. After pondering it a bit, she decided the Dreamspinner must have made more of an impression than was counted on.

#

"Where by the Pit of Dark is the blasted Faire?"

Beleth thought Abaddon's question a good one. The road here had been clearly marked, yet nary a tent was in sight. She glanced over at Moloch. "Could we have gotten turned around?"

"I don't see how," he replied after a moment's pause.

Beleth wished for the same level of ignorance. Dreamspinners have been forbidden from coming to the carnival for fifty years, she reminded herself. I've tried to find out what happened, but the most I've been able to get is half-truths about a problem with the Solstice Jester himself. Could he have changed his mind and forbid me entrance? It was a likely possibility. The Solstice Jester according to all counts was erratic and he ruled his Faire with an iron fist. "Stop the coach," she snapped to Moloch.

He looked puzzled. "What?"

"You heard me you overstuffed butterfly, stop the coach!" She sighed bitterly. "It appears that the Solstice Jester has decided I'm not to be permitted in after all."

Moloch purpled. "He can't do that!"

"You feel like arguing with him?"

Moloch's angry expression vanished under fear. "Perhaps not. I'd hate to turn around though."

"Just stop already," Beleth urged. "I'm going to try something."

Moloch looked dubious but gave the appropriate orders. The Dreamspinner waited until the coach rolled to a stop and climbed out. I bet I know what the problem is, she growled. I know my people, so proud they'd cut off their own hooves before admitting a mistake. "Solstice Jester," she called aloud. "I, Beleth Morningstar, apologize for the great wrong done to you these many decades past. Please forgive our impertinence and allow me passage to the Faire. If you decided to turn me away...it is your right." That last bit had been hard, but it was true. If someone had been rude to her in her house the Dreamspinner would have done more than kick them out!

For a while the only sound was the wind. Beleth stood where she was, head bowed and hands clasped in the role of supplicant. As the seconds turned into minutes, no answer came. It looks like the answer is no, she thought with regret.

An arm snaked over her shoulders, "I wouldn't say that," a smooth, musical voice assured her.

The Nightmare let loose a startled neigh and almost jumped out of her hooves. Beside her was a scarecrow-thin entity clad in the most garish outfits she'd ever seen. Her eyes fixed on his jester's cap and she swallowed the butterflies down to her stomach. "Greetings, Solstice Jester," she said, hoping she'd guessed the intruder's identity right.

He nodded at her. "You know why I'm letting you in?"

"Because I'm smart enough to actually apologize?" Beleth guessed.

Solstice Jester pointed a finger at her. "You silly mare, it's because those words weren't just for my benefit. Now tell me; I really should allow you some guards at your pavilion in my Faire. Which ones do you trust?"

Beleth thought hard. Solstice Jester seemed friendlier than she dreamed, and it was not the Nighthorse way to make promises on someone else's behavior -- who knows what the future may bring, after all? And yet...her race was rarely asked for opinions on anything; their well-known love of chaos and unpredictability might prompt an incorrect answer or an outright lie. The temptation to do so here was overwhelming. Certainly she could not be blamed if -- when -- Abaddon or Moloch did something stupid, could she? But that is my answer right there, she admitted. It was a hard thing but the Dreamspinner said aloud, "I don't really trust any of them. The guards assigned to my person will behave as long as they're scared into doing so or until they get bored."

He nodded thoughtfully. "I guessed as much." The Solstice Jester sighed. "Select two that will be stationed at the Nighthorse pavilion. The rest may set up camp in the holding area with the other caravans.

Beleth stared at him, not quite believing her own ears. "But...but..."

"I trust you to make sure they'll toe the line." His tone did not sound threatening in the least; more like praise. "Heady, isn't it? Being trusted?"

"Yes," she admitted, staring into his eyes visible through the mask. I felt no mind probe -- how did he know? What kind of being is he?

"Remember that feeling," Solstice Jester assured her, "and you will achieve all you desire." He pointed forward. "Follow that road; it will take you where you need to go."

Beleth stared at the pathway which hadn't been there a second ago. "I shall."

"Beleth, are you okay?"

A rough hand shook her shoulder and she spun to glare at Abaddon. "Dolt, can't you see I'm talking to..." she looked to her right, but the Solstice jester was gone.

"You've been standing there for about five minutes," the large stallion growled. "We were beginning to worry."

"We have passage to the Faire. Get the animals moving." She pointed up the path. "That way."

"By the Eight Ways," he breathed. "Remind me never to get the Solstice Jester mad."

"Better worry more about me," she hissed at him. "You and Moloch are going to be my honor guards and if you screw up just once I'll grind you into hamburger meat and feed you to the Manitcores. Get me?"

Abaddon swelled up angrily, but she laid her ears back and Spun a nameless terror at him; he turned pale. "Got it," he swallowed.

Beleth gave him a candy-sweet smile. "I'm glad we understand each other."

#

The following day, the sleeping Faire of Sun and Moon awoke with all its vitality as throngs of Faire-goers pulsed through the grounds. None of the pavilions had any set time as to when they opened or when they closed, but it seemed some consensus had been reached, since at the crack of dawn vendors of all sorts cried their wares from every corner.

"Fresh pastry! Scones, currants, pies and cakes!"

"Scorpion on a stick! Poison sauce available upon request!"

"Memories for sale or trade!"

"Buy your luck here! Why trust fate? Reasonable prices!"

"Souls for sale! New ones, old ones! We give discounts for bulk purchase!"

Having the Nighthorse and Unicorn pavilions set near each other did cause quite a stir amongst the merchants as well as the customers -- especially when Eritrea and Beleth smiled and exchanged greeting-hugs -- but soon business commanded the attention of their guards although one eye did always remain on their neighbor.

Eritrea had never been a gifted hawker, so went straight for the heart. "Compel truth!" Eritrea cried. "Truth crystals for sale! Perfect for business transactions and interrogations. Crafted by myself, a Truthfinder! Satisfaction guaranteed!" For the Faire she wearing a high-necked dress covered in glitter that flashed the rainbow every time she moved.

Beleth, however, was much more the natural when it came to enticement. "You know you want it," she purred. "Erotic fantasies, the pound of your heart from terror -- it's all the same after all. Thrills for sale here, in the form of dream-crystals, ready to give you whatever dream will set your heart free." The Nightmare had chosen a low-cut dress the same shade as her pelt, slit up the side to reveal her lovely legs.

The novelty of a Dreamspinner at the Faire saw long lines at the Nighthorse tent throughout the day. This did cause some scowling for the Unicorns but Eritrea didn't mind her new friend's luck. New friend, she repeated to herself, glancing over at Beleth. Imagine that! It had to be true. I feel warm when she's around and despite everything I've been told about Nighthorses I trust her. I can almost feel her honesty...and I wish, she thought, blushing, I had the courage to wear that dress. She looks so lovely in it. She found herself staring often at the Nightmare, picturing herself in that dress. On occasion an image unbidden came to mind of what Beleth looked like out of it but Eritrea chalked it up to curiosity and fanned herself, feeling hot.

Beleth was having her own thoughts about Eritrea. She'd felt desire for fems before and acted on it, but this was different. Barring the fact that I've never been on speaking terms with a Unicorn, she's so compelling, the Dreamspinner mused. I care about how she sees me, what she thinks of me...and I want to fit that image. What doesn't help is that I know she's attracted to me. There were times Beleth wished Dreamspinners could close off the ability to Hear desires, but the best that could be done was not listen...and the stronger and more repressed the desire, the harder it was to ignore. Eritrea wanted her -- and didn't know it. What a pickle, the Dreamspinner moaned. I can't just up and tell her, Unicorns have Opinions about same-sex relationships. I don't want to hurt her, gods help me, but...I don't know what to do! Abruptly she turned to Moloch. "I've been at this for hours. When can I take a break?"

The Nightstallion shrugged. "Whenever you want. We've still got your stash of pre-made dream-crystals to sell."

Beleth patted herself on the back for taking the time to enchant a crate-worth before setting out to the Faire. "In that case, I'm going to get something to eat," she told him. "I'll be back an hour." Moloch nodded and she reached into a belt-pouch to draw out a tiny, winged creature. "Food merchants," she told it.

The little map-Fay posed on her hand. Four inches tall, the feminine insect stretched all four arms, wiggled her antennae and launched herself into the air. A soft yellow glow sprung from her insect-like green skin and she flew off, but not fast enough to lose the Nightmare. Handy, Beleth admired. The creatures were given to all Faire participants courtesy of the Solstice Jester as a way to find certain booths and pavilions. I just hope it leads me to some nice grains or fruit. I already have enough on my mind without having to worry about an upset stomach.

#

Eritrea saw Beleth speak with one of her guards and then use her map-fairy. She'd noticed the Dreamspinner had looked more and more distracted as the day wore on. Maybe she's hungry, the Truthfinder thought. Breakfast had been in the tents for the first day but lunch was another matter. "I need to eat something," she told Perseus.

"I can head over to the Hobbit tent," he offered.

That won't let me relax with Beleth, the Dreamspinner thought to herself. "I'm perfectly capable of going on my own," she told him with a smile.

He rubbed his chin. "Well, we still have a few crates of truth crystals."

"Oh for Light's sake, leave off!" Theseus declared. Once again he'd managed to insinuate himself within earshot. "It's the Faire, let her have a little fun." He punctuated his little speech with a wink in her direction.

Eritrea chose to ignore him and pulled out her own map-Fay. This one was a shimmering blue as opposed to Beleth's green. "I'll be back in an hour," she told a suddenly scowling Perseus. She turned to her map-Fay and told it, "I'm hungry, please find me something I would enjoy eating." The creature darted into the air and she ran after it.

Eritrea ran past the Dwarf barbecue pit and caught a frustrated-looking Beleth and her map-Fay. The cause of her discomfort was a Dwarf trying to sell her some roasted boar ribs. The hedgehog was gesturing expansively and she could almost guess at his speech. Something about 'oh you can eat anything at the Faire', the Unicorn thought with amusement. Impulsively she lunged forward and caught at Beleth hand. "Tag!"

The Dreamspinner whirled around. "What...?"

"She's not interested," Eritrea told the disappointed Dwarf and dragged her startled captive away. Not a thought did she give about what it looked like as she dragged the Dreamspinner, laughing away from the Dwarf tent and ran after her map-Fay.

"Where are we going?" Beleth called out.

"We're almost there!" A familiar tent composed of earth tones came into view. "Better to eat at the Hobbit's tent!" She stopped in front of a Hobbit, who was already staring at her in confusion. "My friend and I are very hungry," she told the rabbit.

The Hobbit grinned. They loved hungry customers, as it let their cooking skills truly shine.

#

Some time later the Unicorn and the Nightmare sat under a spreading tree on the outskirts of the Faire with a pile of food between them. Beleth finished another apple wedge baked with cinnamon and cloves. "I will say this," she enthused after licking her fingers. "Those little buggers really know how to cook."

"The secret is telling them you're really hungry and you always get their best," Eritrea giggled around a honey-roasted carrot. "Your tent is sure to turn a profit this year."

"Nothing like being a novelty." And nothing like being here with you, she sighed to herself. The noon sun shone on her friend's silvery mane, making it glisten like a jewel. She doesn't use beauty aids and really doesn't need any, the Nightmare noted. I did want to be alone with my own thoughts -- but how could I say no to her?

Eritrea reached out and took one of Beleth's hands in her own. "I think it's more than that." A hot blush colored her cheeks. "I wish I could wear a dress like that."

"If you wore a dress like that, no one would be able to concentrate!" Beleth laughed.

It was right, then, for the first time, Eritrea looked at the way Beleth gazed at her. Really looked. She desires me! It was no secret that Nighthorses were wanton and unrestrained when it came to sex -- she just never expected it to be the object of such attention. And by a mare, of all things! Unicorn decorum was very clear on what to do in such a situation -- leave the offending party's presence. But I don't want to leave, she told herself. Surely there's no harm in just staying here with her, is there? It's not like she plans to tear my clothes off in front of everyone! "You flatter me," she said aloud, blushing even more.

Beleth relaxed. The Nightmare had been afraid she'd gone to far with her outburst, but the Unicorn hadn't pulled away from her or even withdrew her hand. This close, in physical contact -- ah, Eri! I can Hear your wants wear at what you've been raised to believe as moral. Should I tell you? It could be the push that would drive the Truthfinder into her arms -- or away from them forever. I don't want to lose you...we must part ways until the next Faire but not before! "Eri," Beleth said. "Would you be willing to tell me something of a Truthfinder's power?"

"Certainly...Bel," the Unicorn answered. "I would like to hear of the Dreamspinner's power as well."

Beleth had been a bit worried when her nickname for the Unicorn slipped out, but Eritrea didn't seem to mind. 'Bel', huh? Very cute. "Why don't I go first? Simply stated, it's like this; when I Spin a dream I can't control exactly what my target sees, only the emotion it invokes. If I give the Spinning a touch of fear or outright terror, that's the kind of vision my target will see; if I kiss it with desire...well, you get the idea."

"I do indeed." Eritrea's eyes were wide. "Can you see into the heart of another for their desire?"

"No, but I Hear it," she corrected. "The only problem is, Hearing desires is a power that always functions so I must concentrate not to Hear."

God above, Eritrea thought. Does that mean -- for a moment she gave serious consideration to tearing her hand away. Then, she frowned at herself. What am I thinking of -- something that is none of her doing is not a thing to ruin our friendship over! She tightened her grip. "I pity you," she said aloud to the Dreamspinner. "I can See whether or not someone is telling me the truth, but I can turn the power on and off. It I could not...I don't know if I would be as strong as you."

"Flatterer." Beleth squeezed her hand back.

Eritrea blushed at the compliment. "My power is not as gentle as yours. I can make it impossible for someone to lie to me -- or anyone else. For days, if I concentrate hard enough."

"I bet that really makes your court cases flow quickly."

"Perhaps, but do you have any idea how prevalent lies are? Lies by omission, lies of ignorance, lies one tells oneself to make life's bitter pill easier to swallow, lies to spare someone's feelings -- the list goes on and on." Eritrea sighed. "The truth may be a desired commodity, but once someone has it, they usually don't want it. Your powers at least can bring happiness."

For a while the two mares stared at each other, holding hands. Beleth was the first to rediscover her tongue. "Truth crystals," she blurted out suddenly.

Eritrea blinked. "Pardon?" She still had not taken her hands away from Beleth's warm, comforting grip.

"How do you make them? The crystals I mean."

The unicorn shrugged. "I think about pouring my power into it." She fished into her belt pouch and drew out a plain rose quartz. "I can use any type of crystal but for some reason, rose quartz works the best."

Beleth gasped. "That's exactly how I do it!"

"Really?"

"Yes -- and rose quartz seem to make the most powerful stones as well!"

"I wonder..." Eritrea mused. "What would happen if we tried to enchant the same crystal?"

Beleth blinked. "I have no idea. I'd think our powers would cancel each other out, since truth and dreams are opposite sides of the same thing."

"Truth and lies are opposites," Eritrea corrected. "Dreams can show a deeper truth." Suddenly she grinned huge. "Let's try it."

"I'm not sure..."

"Oh come now, Bel! Where is this Nighthorse daring I've been hearing so much about? What is the worst that could happen?"

"I believe those were the last words of the Priesthood of Atlantis," Beleth returned dryly. Nevertheless, there ways a gleam in her eye. She looked down at the crystal and back up at her grinning friend. "Why not? You only live once, eh Eri?"

"Not if one is a Phoenix," came the giggled reply. She pressed the rose quartz into Beleth's waiting hands and them placed her own over them. "On three."

"Three!" The Dreamspinner declared. The Truthfinder yelped and gathered her power quickly.

The two poured their energy into the stone, amazed at the ease of it. Their powers seemed to want to work together, so readily did they blend. When it was done, the crystal's color had changed not to the pearly luminescence of a truth crystal, nor the boiling black of a dream crystal but a misty, cloudy gray.

"What is it?" Eritrea whispered.

"I don't know," Beleth marveled. "But it feels so warm."

"I can feel its power through your hands. Were you to activate it, I would be swept away with you."

Beleth raised her head and looked into Eritrea's waiting gaze, seeing the want there. She pushed on the crystal with her mind...

#

There was the crisp scent of fallen apples in the air. A rolling sea of green stretched before her, punctuated by grazing sheep and playful rabbit-animals while, not ten feet away, a laughing brook danced. To her left yawned a mighty apple- tree, it fruit glinting in a peculiar way. Beleth bent down and picked up an apple; its skin was a golden color. *Ambrosia,* she gasped. *One of the rarest magical fruits -- only a few races have mastered the secret!* Unicorns were one such race. *This dream must be from Eri!*

A pair of arms circled her waist. "Such a serious face! You're being entirely too stuffy for such a wonderful day," laughed a familiar voice.

Beleth turned around in the warm embrace to behold a happily munching Eritrea. "A shared dream," she marveled. Only one person at a time could use her dream-crystals.

"More than a dream -- a memory." Eritrea held up the ambrosia with a bite taken out of it to Beleth's lips. "This is my uncle's orchard."

The Nightmare took a big bite. Immediately the sweet intoxicating taste exploded on her tongue as the fruit's magic seeped into her body, revitalizing her. "Delicious," she marveled.

"They taste exactly like the real thing," Eritrea enthused.

"Really?" Beleth offered Eritrea her own pristine fruit in the same manner.

The unicorn took a bite equally as big. "Oh yes. Very."

"Mmm. I must say I've used my own dream crystals and the dreams were never this real." She could feel the early autumn wind -- still kissed by summer with just a hint of the coming cold -- caress her hair, back buttocks, feel Eritrea's bright blue dress pressed against her skin...

"Hold a moment," Beleth said and looked down at herself.

She was naked.

Eritrea followed her glance and promptly blushed to the roots of her mane. "I...I..."

"Don't tell me you didn't notice!" Beleth couldn't help but laugh. *This is your dream, Bel,* she thought happily. *I held the crystal, but you shaped it.*

"I...it didn't..." Eritrea was babbling. "I wasn't...I mean...I'm sorry, Beleth!"

"For what?" Beleth twirled in place. "Actually I didn't even notice until you hugged me"

Eritrea had stepped away from the Nightmare and was blushing rosily, not even looking directly at her. "You mean even you didn't know you were naked?" The Unicorn had a snippy tone to her voice.

*She must be handled gently,* Beleth reminded herself. "No, so who's to say it was your doing?"

Eritrea still wasn't looking at her but she could see her hunched-off shoulders relax a little. "Maybe."

Beleth smiled. "I wonder what you would look like in that dress of mine you admire so much." No sooner had the words come out of her mouth and suddenly the Truthfinder was indeed clad in the same dress the Dreamspinner had worn at the Faire.

Eritrea yelped. "How did you do that?"

"This 'memory' responds to our thoughts," Beleth explained, studying the re-clothed Truthfinder critically. You look good in black," she said with a smile

Eritrea studied herself. "It is verybecoming."

Her smile disappeared at an odd tone in the Unicorn's voice. "Eri? I can change your dress back if you want."

Eritrea looked at the unclad Nightmare and shook her head. It's not that." She took a deep breath. "I wondered what you looked like unclad and before I could stop myself..."

Beleth felt like cheering. "It's okay, really. I don't mind."

"I should not have..." Eritrea was babbling. "I mean....I..it was wrong to...what I'm trying to say is..."

"Yes?" Eritrea stepped closer to the Unicorn, hips swaying invitingly.

Eritrea jerked her head away like she'd been slapped. "I think we should end this before things get out of hand."

Suddenly, everything went away but not before Beleth cursed herself for pushing too hard.

#

The real word coalesced around them. Both mares immediately opened their mouths to explain or apologize and froze.

After several minutes of staring, Beleth recovered enough to put down the piece of ambrosia she'd been holding and covered herself up as best she could with her hands. Nudity in a fantasy was one thing but in reality quite another. "Um. Perhaps you were right, Eri."

Eritrea tore herself away from contemplation of her new dress -- the exact same one as in the dream -- and brought her piece of ambrosia up for a sniff. "Gods, this is the real thing!" She goggled at the Dreamspinner. "How can this be?"

"I really don't know. Um...could I borrow a dress from you until I make my way back to my tent?" Beleth's midnight-black hide was developing a patina of red.

"Hm?" it finally seemed to dawn on the Truthfinder that the other mare wore not a stitch. "Oh my goodness," she murmured, not looking away.

Beleth blushed even more. "Thanks, I think."

Eritrea blinked and quickly looked in the other direction, now also blushing. "Ah. Well. Um. Yes, certainly. I'll head right up to my tent."

"No need," quipped the Solstice Jester as he danced from behind the tree. Before either could react, Beleth was clad in a formal-looking ruffled dress that left her shoulders bare -- and, unfortunately, was cotton-candy pink. The delayed reaction set in. Both mares half-bolted with a shriek as he giggled to himself. "I've still got the old touch," he crowed.

"M...my lord," Eritrea managed. Beleth, still beyond speech, bowed unsteadily.

"Enough of that nonsense," he told them, waving his hand airily. "I'd like a look at the magical object the two of you created. I felt it clear to the other end of the Faire and let me tell you that's no mean feat!"

"Please, do not blame the Dreamspinner my Lord," Eritrea said quickly. "It was my fault the object was triggered."

"Don't listen to her," Beleth retorted. "I was the instigator, I'll take the heat."

Solstice Jester beckoned with his hand. "The crystal?"

Nervously, Beleth handed him the inert crystal. Both mares held their breath while he turned it over in his hands, almost caressing it. Finally he tossed it to a startled Eritrea. "This is quite the powerful crystal. Beleth' power gives it the dream elements and Eritrea's power enforces its reality."

"Is that why the ambrosia followed us out?" Eritrea wanted to know.

"Among other things." Laughter colored his voice. "The dream's real aspects depend on the user's knowledge of reality. If the user has no knowledge of demons, he can't make one real."

"But if he does..." Eritrea went pale. "By the Pit of Dark!"

The Solstice Jester waved his hand airily. "No fear -- demons are bound by certain restrictions. Still, these little reality-crystals are capable of much." He straightened. "I hereby pronounce the discovery of Eritrea and Beleth a legal item for sale at the Faire -- with the appropriate zeroes on the asking price of course. Dreams aren't cheap. Especially real ones."

"We will need to set up a joint tent," Eritrea said to the Dreamspinner, grinning.

"Our races will love that idea," Beleth snorted. "I think we should arrange things so our guards don't have the opportunity or excuse to butt heads."

"A sound idea! First we need..."

The two mares began to plan their discovery's debut. Neither noticed, in their excitement, the Solstice Jester skipping behind the tree and then vanishing from view.

#

The next morning, the Faire patrons were abuzz. Both the Unicorn and Nightmare tents had mysteriously closed after lunchtime the previous day and another, larger tent had taken their place. It was a deep gray fringed with gold on the bottom and door-flap. A flag never before seen fluttered from the top -- a white cloud on a field of blue. Even more puzzling were the guards -- Unicorns on the left of the tent in stiff, regal poses and Nightstallions with bored, hungry expression on the right. Considering the two races didn't get along half the crowd expected there to be a fight. Some even laid bets.

The minutes stretched on and the crowd became unruly; then, the door-flap was thrust open. First stepped out Eritrea the Truthfinder. She was clad in a breathtaking, tight black dress that clung to her bosom like an ardent lover. It was laced tight down the back, like a corset, and the dress barely reached her knees. She caressed a smoldering look about the crowd and laughed.

Before a reaction could occur, Beleth the Dreamspinner stepped out. Her gown was of purest white with a chaste collar and skirt down to her hooves. She looked almost demure as she made her dainty way to the Unicorn's side.

"My fellow Faire-goers!" Eritrea called out. "Myself and Beleth have something you will all want and desire -- something new to sell at the Faire." Her voice was not her typical restrained timbre but more throaty, excited.

"Your mothers have all told you no doubt, that dreams cannot touch you, no matter how terrible -- or how much you want them to." Beleth sounded almost regal, her normal seductive tones washed away by in a strong, vibrant voice. "But what if you could let a dream have its way?"

"Rest assured," Eritrea warned, and her voice dropped to a serious murmur still heard by everyone. "This is no joke."

"These reality-crystals we are selling create dreams with more than a touch of real," the Dreamspinner continued. "They can give or take just about anything. So be warned -- tell it to dream the wrong sort of dream and you might not survive."

The hushed throng considered the warning -- for about ten seconds. Then an explosion of noise washed over the mares as fists raised pouches of gold, glittering seashells, necklaces and other items of value in exchange for a crystal. The Nightmare and the Unicorn looked at each other and smiled as the money poured in for the rest of the day.

And the day after that.

And the third day as well.

#

Beleth emptied the contents of the moneybag carelessly over the blanket. "I've no experience at the Faire but I'd say we've done very well for ourselves, eh Eri?" She grinned at the Unicorn lounging next to her.

Eritrea giggled as she leaned against the tree. This was the very spot where the secret of the reality-crystals had been discovered; the two had been meeting here during meals sharing stories of home and each others' company. Their repast for these times had been nothing short of kingly -- the Hobbit tent had traded a year's worth of meals in exchange for a small chest of reality-crystals. True to their nature, the rabbits were never stingy about the food. Sharing the cotton blanket spread out between them were maple-roasted turnips, grilled corn, cinnamon-baked apples, fresh sweet-grass steamed in mint water and other delectable treats suitable for herbivorous consumption. "Bel, we earned more in the first day than I've earned by myself for the past three years." She chewed idly on a wheat-stem. "I shall be sorry to see it end."

"So will I," Beleth said with a faraway look. "But I suppose it has to. I've been feeling a strange urge..."

"I know," the Truthfinder replied sadly. "It means what you think it does. Tomorrow we pack up our tents and head back to our respective empires."

"Hardly seems right." The Dreamspinner pulled her legs up under her chin and leaned on them. "Between everything there's hardly been any time..."

"...for us to spend together," Eritrea finished softly.

Beleth jerked away. "I'm sorry I didn't mean..."

"Yes you did." Eritrea sat forward and gazed at the other mare. "Do you know what Unicorns call it when two of my people who are the same sex care for each other in the way of mare and stallion?"

Was the Truthfinder confessing what Beleth had hoped to hear? Normally she would have cheered but after the first day of selling reality-stones the Dreamspinner had come to a painful decision; she wanted more from the lovely Unicorn than just a quick roll in the hay and considering their races' histories it wasn't possible. Unicorns had laws about such liaisons and although her own people had no such legal issues, there was nothing stopping an 'accident' befalling a Nighthorse carrying on with an enemy. "No."

"It's called being mind-sick," Eritrea put a hand on Beleth's shoulder. She'd been working up the nerve to do this for almost two days and would not be denied. "Such desire is unknown in nature -- or so goes the claim -- and therefore must be anathema to reasoning creatures."

"What about other races?" Beleth's mouth was bone dry as the Unicorn drew herself closer still.

Eritrea shrugged. "It is 'understood' their societies are inferior to ours, something I never accepted." She smiled. "Back home I would most likely have an unsavory reputation as a malcontent of not for my powers."

"Really? I'm thought of as a stick-in-the-mud. 'Live for the moment; tomorrow takes care of itself' -- that's the Nighthorse philosophy." Beleth tried to move away but her traitorous body refused to cooperate.

Eritrea decided things were going very well and sidled closer to the other mare. "I tried to tell you when we shared the reality-crystal that I pictured you unclothed because I was curious; I'd never seen another naked fem. I found nothing 'sick' about it, especially since it was you."

The gods must be laughing their asses off, Beleth groaned to herself. "Eri..." She got no further because there was a soft pair of lips on her own. The kiss was inexperienced, fumbling, yet a hot jolt of desire stronger than she'd ever felt shot to her sex and kindled it. The Nightmare only had time to think her horn doesn't get in the way at all before instinctively returning the kiss with added passion. Beleth slid her arms around the other mare's waist, eager...then her original resolve hardened and let them drop. Time to do the hardest thing I've ever done -- or ever will do, she wept to herself. She shoved the other mare away. "Glad you enjoyed the free show," Beleth sneered.

Eritrea blinked and looked up at the Nightmare. "Bel?"

Her smile hardened into a malicious smirk. "Boy, I had you going, didn't I?"

The Unicorn blinked. "My love...?"

Beleth spun around so as not to face Eritrea. "Nighthorses don't do love. Or weren't you aware of that?"

The Truthfinder stood up slowly. "What are you saying?"

"You're a notch on my bedpost Unicorn, nothing more. Granted we made a great discovery together -- I didn't expect that -- but I'm sure it's nothing our Collegiate of Gifted can't figure out how to duplicate."

It would really be terrible of me to start laughing, Eritrea told herself sternly. Especially since I believe I know why she is doing this. Beleth's cold voice sounded completely sincere but it took more than words to lie to a Truthfinder. The droop of her shoulders, the way her head hung down all spoke volumes. "I see."

"About damn time. Gods you're dense, you know that?"

"Absolutely." Without waiting for a response, she scampered in front of Beleth. "I'm so dense it will take much more than those silly words before I believe you."

The Nightmare's cruel mask slipped. "Eri..."

"Using my nickname won't help convince me, you know," the Unicorn pressed. "You've just set yourself back about a thousand years or two. Good thing both our races are so long-lived."

"Eri." It was more of a statement now, and the mask had dissolved into anguish.

"No more lies," Eritrea murmured, drawing closer to her beloved. "I may be 'mind-sick' but I don't care. I love you, Bel; when you're not around I feel cold, when you hurt I hurt and when you're happy my world is complete."

Beleth gazed straight into the Truthfinder's eyes and took a deep breath. "I want to buy a cottage or maybe a small castle and grow old by the fire with you; I want to fight and argue and make up and fret about pleasing you for the rest of my life. Damn it, I want you and I to be a permanent item -- and my varied Nighthorse experiences hasn't prepared me for that."

"I shall do what I can to teach you." Eritrea leaned forward to kiss her again; this time Beleth took a more aggressive role, embracing her tightly. The Nightmare's kiss was long and she did something amazing with her tongue against Eritrea's own that felt so very good.

Eventually, Beleth broke the kiss. "We can't go back to our tents." She couldn't believe she was actually considering such a mad idea but the Nightmare knew she could never let the Unicorn go.

"I know," Eritrea murmured. "My guards suspect, of that I'm certain. I can count on Perseus' loyalty but not Achilles -- he was my parent's favorite for an arranged marriage -- and Theseus is a born opportunist. The money we have here will be a good start anywhere we choose to set up."

"Our respective races will come after us," Beleth pointed out, tightening her embrace.

"We can use the reality-crystals as collateral," the Unicorn insisted. "In fact," she smiled and drew a rose-quartz crystal from her dress, "I think perhaps we should use right now!"

"You're as smart as you are beautiful," the Nightmare enthused. "What shall we wish for?"

"I want to make it impossible to be separated from you. Ever."

"Sounds good to me," Beleth smiled. She placed her hand over the gemstone and called her power to blossom. "Let me set the mood with the stone; we'll both concentrate very hard on that idea and let its magic do the work for us."

"A bold and dangerous plan." Eritrea also gathered her energies.

"You don't seem too concerned." She held the crystal out like an offering.

"I trust you, my love." The other mare placed her hands over it. As one, the two leaned forward and poured their powers into the crystal. They had time to regard it as it turned a light gray...

#

Eritrea found herself in some sort of cavern. Soft, spongy green moss over the floor -- a good thing, as she was lying on it naked. A small pond bubbled in the center of the irregularly-shaped room; its heat make her sweat but in a pleasurable way. Beleth was sitting on the ledge, dangling her legs in it, also unclad.

"What is this place?" Eritrea asked, sitting up.

"A steam-pool," Beleth grinned. "They're natural occurrences in the caves near Mt. Raiden -- a semi-active volcano about an hour's journey from G'Henna. The moss grows naturally, too. The pools are rumored to have magical properties although no one's checked -- maybe it's because the mystery is so much more enticing."

The Nightmare patted the edge of the pool to her left and Eritrea scrambled to be by her love's side; their nudity seemed right somehow and not a source of embarrassment. Eritrea slid her legs into the bubbling warmth and gasped.

"Intense, isn't it?" Beleth put an arm around her

Eritrea gasped at the delicious warmth. "It does feel nice," she purred, leaning against the Nightmare, enjoying the closeness of the other mare. She turned to smile at her love.

Beleth smiled back and eased herself into the pool. "Come on in," she urged, tugging at the Unicorn's hand. "Take it easy though; the pools look deep but they aren't -- I'm sitting up."

Eritrea slid carefully in and soon felt her bare buttocks touch the stone floor of the pool. It was indeed shallow, just about covering her breasts. The almost-too hot water relaxed muscles she didn't even know were aching. "This is just perfect," the Unicorn enthused, leaning against the other mare.

"You know what would make it even better?" Beleth cupped Eritrea's chin and turned her head to look the Nightmare in the eye.

"I an think of a few things," she murmured. Before Beleth could act, she leaned forward and kissed the Nightmare, trying to imitate Beleth's passionate style. The other mare moaned and returned the kiss with enthusiasm.

"Wait," Beleth said, rising. Just as Eritrea was about to ask where she was going the Nightmare repositioned herself in front of the Unicorn and wrapped her legs around her waist. "Much better." She leaned forward and kissed Eritrea again, longer and more lingering.

Eritrea was very aware of Beleth's sex so very close to her own. Some instinct bade her spread her own legs wide and raise them up to give her lover better access. The Nightmare grinned and pressed her body against the Unicorn's, rubbing it with her own. Eritrea tried to synch with Beleth's movements. At first she was clumsy but after only a few murmured suggestions -- voiced between kissing -- from the more experienced Dreamspinner she was writhing against her love like she'd been doing it all her life. "God, I feel like I'm burning," Eritrea moaned. The heat of the pool seemed to inflame her lust as she savagely kissed the other mare.

"I always loved the pools," Beleth smiled when the Unicorn let her up for air. "I used to pick an out-of-the way one and just relax in it."

"You never brought anyone else?"

"Nope. You're the first."

"Then I'll have to thank you, won't I?" Eritrea ground her sex against Beleth's; the Dreamspinner let out a pleased whinny and once again devoured the Unicorn's waiting mouth. The Unicorn caressed the Nightmare's neck with her left hand, then gasped as her lover's right hand came up and did the same. Eritrea wanted to touch Beleth's breasts and brought her left arm out from holding Beleth to do so.

Or tried to, except it wouldn't move. Eritrea tugged at it experimentally. There was no doubt about it; her arm was as securely fastened to Beleth as if it were part of the other mare's back. In fact, now that she thought back on it, she'd been steadily losing sensation of it ever since wrapping it around her lover. She squirmed her own back. *Just as I thought* she mused. *Beleth's right arm is also becoming part of me.* She wasn't startled by this at all; it felt right, like something that was supposed to happen.

Beleth, distracted by Eritrea's fidgeting, pulled away. "Something wrong?" The she paused and jerked at her right arm. "What --?"

The Unicorn smiled and kissed the Nightmare's concerned frown. "It appears the reality-stone is granting our wish. What better way to ensure that than to become part of each other?"

"Can it DO that?" Beleth's worried eyes bulged.

"It must be able to, although helping it along would probably be a good idea." Eritrea could tell her arm had sunk into Beleth back only part-way. She concentrated and there was an almost audible 'pop' as her right arm melted into her lover forever. The action caused a similar adjustment to how Beleth was joined to her as well although from the way the Nightmare jerked it was an automatic reaction of her body rather than a conscious decision. There was another jerk as their joined shoulders melted into each other and a pressure built. "We'd better sit side-by-side,' Eritrea told her lover.

"Yeah." From her glazed expression, Beleth was obviously in shock. Nevertheless, she squirmed about with the Unicorn until both their backs were pressed against the wall of the pool.

Eritrea looked sideways at the Nightmare and smiled. "Pity we were interrupted, but this is actually starting to feel as good as the lovemaking." It was, too. She pressed her left leg against Beleth right and felt it start to sink in. Ripples of pleasure danced across her and she monad aloud. "What do you think, Bel?"

There was a look of wonder on her face. "It feels so good, so intimate, so -- do that again."

Eritrea's remaining hand had, almost unbidden, begun to play with her left nipple. "Do what?"

"You played with your left nipple, didn't you?"

Eritrea gaped. Even this close, the Nightmare shouldn't have been able to see. "How did you know?"

"I felt it!"

Suddenly a wonderful sensation erupted in her right side as it felt like the nipple was yanked on hard. The Truthfinder gasped at the sensation, knowing it had been caused by the Nightmare playing with her own nipple. "We can feel each other," she declared in wonder.

"I would have liked to eaten you out, but I suppose this is a good compromise," Beleth grinned. "Besides, getting your heart's desire always did come at a price in Bard's tales."

Eritrea giggled. "I wager the melding process stops once we leave the pool."

"No bet. -- so at what point do we want it to stop?"

Eritrea thought about it for a moment. She ran her hands down their joined bodies, currently connected entirely by one side, tapering down to a composite set of hips and three legs. "I want to be closer to you than this," she purred.

"Mmmm...my pleasure." Beleth cupped Eritrea's chin and turned the Unicorn's head around so they could kiss. Eritrea moaned against her lover's skilled tongue and reached for Beleth's remaining shoulder just as the Nightmare reached for hers. The very action caused them to join together even more; their shared leg melted into them, causing their hips to reshaped themselves to normal dimensions, yet leaving their sexes separate. In turn, their torsos narrowed into each other as well; her right breast and Beleth's left one met, fused and became a single breast so quickly they barely had time to gasp at the sensation. There was a brief moment's panic as both seemed unable to take a breath, then both could breathe again but only in unison.

"I think we now share the same lungs," Eritrea marveled. She concentrated and felt her own heart beating -- and another heart beating alongside it! "Our hearts beat as one, Bel !"

"I feel it," the Nightmare moaned, placing a hand over her breast briefly before moving to down to her tender sex. "My poor pussy is so close to yours and yet for far."

"We can't have that," Eritrea purred, moving her hand down to rest on her own sex. She looked sideways at the other mare who nodded. As one, they slowly pushed their sexes together, and their malleable bodies responded. Both mares moaned and gasped at the building waves of pleasure yet continued in their goal to share the most intimate of things with each other. Finally, just when it became almost to much to bear, there was a popping sensation and their sexes became one... or almost. "Something....mmmm. I think something's wrong, Bel. It feels...ooo, different!"

"Tha...that's because we each kept our own clit!" Beleth gasped. "Mmmmmm, walking like this is going to be fun!

"WhWhat's a clit?"

Beleth burst out laughing between moans. "Oh I have so much to teach you, my love!"

Their nether regions exploded, at least that is what it felt like to Eritrea. All the surges of ecstasy they'd been feeling met there and ignited something that sent her reeling. She cried aloud, a high-pitched neigh and Beleth followed suit, rubbing against the Unicorn's head like a cat.

For a few minutes the both of them panted, relaxing in the pool. Eritrea was a novice when it came to the pleasures of the flesh but she wasn't stupid. "I always wondered what an orgasm felt like," she murmured to Beleth. "I am glad I could share my first with you."

"I'm honored," the Nightmare enthused. "Shall we get closer still? We could go for two breasts instead of three."

The Unicorn reached in between them and felt their central breast. "I think we should keep this, otherwise our heads will be too close to kiss."

"I agree; now lets get out of this pool so we can have a good look at ourselves."

The joined mares pulled themselves out easily. Eritrea wondered at the ease with which they moved together; she could feel everything on Beleth's side but could control none of it. She looked down at her -- no THEMself -- and gasped. On the left side their body looked like her old one with its cream-colored pelt and silvery hooves. However, on their right was the inky black of the Nightmare. A sharp line ran up the center denoting where her side ended and Beleth's began, and in-between their breast was a third slightly larger one, divided by that same line. Eritrea looked behind her; sure enough her leonine tail was positioned right next to Beleth's horse-like one. Wonderingly she ran a finger down their dividing line and gasped at the pleasurable rush it elicited. "We look so beautiful," she enthused, turning to look at Beleth.

"That we do." The Nightmare leaned forward to kiss the Unicorn, and both thrilled to the alien sensation of feeling both sides of the contact  something neither had noticed when submerged in the pool.

"How wonderful," Eritrea gushed, breaking the kiss.

Beleth giggled, then grew serious. "We'd better have this dream whip us up some traveling clothes and something to travel on. I don't think we'll be able to go back to either of our peoples looking like this."

"It would strain even Perseus' loyalty to its limit," the Unicorn agreed. " Not that I have any doubts he would side with us, but I do not wish to see him throw away his life just for my sake." She noticed at that moment an odd wavering in the walls of the cavern. "And quickly  I think the crystal is running out of power."

"I'll envision traveling clothes!" Beleth offered.

"I will take care of our transportation; I just hope enough power is left!"

Both mares concentrated as hard as they could as the cavern melted around them

#

Dressing hadn't taken nearly as long as they dreaded. Despite the end of the dream, both still moved together fluidly, as if they'd been born that way.

"Remind me to have you pick our clothes out more often," Eritrea smiled as they smoothed out the last of the wrinkles, twisting this way and that to get the feel of it. Their traveling dress was black on Eritrea's side and white on Beleth's side. The neckline plunged to display their three breasts, stopping above their nipples and was slit up their right half past the knee.

Beleth giggled. "Compared to your imagination, my creativity's second rate." She grinned at their mount.

Eritrea blushed. A pair of black birds' wings folded themselves along it's chestnut-colored horses' pelt, and it's steel-shod hooves pawed the ground. As a Pegasus-animal it was a fine example, although such animals never possessed two heads instead of one, unlike the one that stood before them. "I wanted it to match."

"That it does, love."

"The saddles are full of provisions. We are only two days out from GroveHeart, city of the Wood Elves. We can make plans from there."

"Good thinking!"

"It's also the quickest way right into hands you really don't want to get into," drawled a voice right behind them.

The Unicorn/Nightmare spun towards their tree to behold a scowling Theseus. "How long have you been there?" Eritrea demanded after getting over her brief fright. "And how did you manage to remain unseen?"

He pulled a ring off his finger and tossed it to them. "I bought a Signet of Invisibility. I've been watching you two since the first meeting and I was here more than long enough to have stopped you, but I decided to trust in the reasoning abilities of two mares. Boy, was I stupid." He advanced on them, ears drawn back and showing teeth. "Thanks to this half-assed stunt everyone with ten miles of your passing is going to be able to track the two of you down."

"What business is it of yours?" Beleth challenged.

"It's my business since I'm getting your pretty hides out of here. By the by, you two should congratulate yourselves. The Unicorns and Nighthorse have actually seen eye-to-eye on something, namely what to do about you. Here's a hint -- it's not pretty."

"Perseus would never" Eritrea began.

"Perseus is a perfect Unicorn; there's nothing more important than his duty, and right now his 'duty' is to see you back to Athens in chains." He pointed at their mount, "Can you two ride this thing?"

Theses' aggressiveness was taking Eritrea entirely aback. "Yes, but"

Suddenly he was directly in from of them, hands planted on hips. "But nothing. From this point on you two idiots will do what I say when I say it or so help me by all the gods above and below I will tie you both up and sling you over the saddle. Get me?"

Beleth, however, was not put off by his aggressive attitude. "Why are you helping us?" she asked him bluntly.

"Does it matter?" Theseus turned away to check on their conjured steed's saddle. "Solstice Jester won't interfere since this is an 'internal' matter, so I'm the only port in the storm you two have." There was nothing wrong with Beleth's Hearing, and what she heard was *stupid stupid stupid you lost her a long time ago should have watched her more carefully now she's probably going to get killed I can't let that happen.*

"He loves you," Beleth murmured aloud.

"What?" Eritrea goggled at the Nightmare.

"You said it yourself; he was forever sneaking around you, not letting you out of his sight -- that was to rein in what he saw as your dangerously impulsive nature. I bet he's even seriously put his career on the line a few times for you. Right, Theseus?"

"I think the transformation did something to your brain, Beleth," he retorted, not even turning around. "Eritrea's never even had a good word to say to me. Why the Hells should I have any feelings for her?"

The lie stabbed at Eritrea so hard she actually flinched. "By the True Path," she cursed. "Could I have been so blind? Theseus, why didn't you tell me?"

The slender Unicorn threw his head back and laughed as he turned to face them. It wasn't a nice laugh. "Lady, don't think you're the only Unicorn with a wild side. The only difference is you're Somebody and I have no family ties or real power. There was no way your family would ever accept my bid for your hand, so I settled for the next best thing and made sure I'd be assigned as your bodyguard when you were outside of Athens in your official capacity as Truthfinder. It was easy once it became clear to my superiors I possessed a talent for sneaking, spying and mingling with the unwashed other races. They still consider me scum, but by the gods I'm useful scum so they tolerate me."

"Theseus..." Eritrea began.

He held up a hand. "Let's just get the two of you away from here. The road to the Wood Elves is no good; it's being staked out by both Unicorn and Nighthorse guards. Perseus has his Titan's Bow with him so don't think you'll make it by air, either. There's an Orc barrow about four days' travel in the opposite direction. They'll never expect us to take that route."

"Theseus?" Beleth asked.

"What?"

Beleth sped a meaningful glance to Eritrea; the Unicorn understood what her beloved had in mind and nodded. Before Theseus had a chance to react, the joined mares swarmed forward, hugged him, and took turns kissing him soundly.

"That's for taking care of my love all those years," Beleth explained when they let him up for air.

"I am so very sorry I misjudged you all these years." Eritrea's eyes glistened with tears. "Can you forgive me?"

Theseus looked dazed but managed a chuckle. "With an apology like that, I could forgive you anything!"

He deserves more than a kiss, Beleth thought.

*My love? Is that you?*

*Eri?? What are you doing in my head?*

*I think this is a side effect of us joining. Anyways, I agree but*

*But nothing. It breaks my heart Theseus risked so much because he loved you and can never have you. Unless you don't want to, that is.*

*No! I meanwell yes I agree with you. Are you sure?*

*Absolutely.*

*It is strange  I never noticed that he is handsome, in his own way.*

*Nothing beats loyalty for making someone look good.* Beleth broke the mental communication with a psychic kiss and smiled at Theseus. The conversation hadn't taken long enough for him to notice something was amiss. "What's the plan?"

Theseus grinned. "We're going to skirt the east side of the Faire. It's heavily wooded so your Pegasus-animal won't be able to fly but sticking to the ground is safer; Perseus' vision is just too good. From there we make a mad dash for the road and ride like hell to the Murkwood swamp. I bought a map marking all the sinkholes, so we'll be fine. Once in the Murkwood we'll head to the Orc encampment and offer to crank out some reality-crystals in exchange for sanctuary. It will give us time to plan our next move."

"Sounds good to us," both mares said at once. They looked at each other and giggled.

These made a face and mounted the two-headed mount smoothly. "You two are going to take some getting used to. Alright, let's mount up Bellerophon here and get going."

The Nightmare raised an eyebrow. "Bellerophon?"

"Excellent choice of a name, Theseus," Eritrea smiled. *Bellerophon was the name of a Unicorn legendary hero who tamed a large herd of wild Pegasi-animal so that they would do battle with a roving band of Chimera bandits,* she thought to Beleth. *I had no idea he was so well-read *

*You're right, that is a good choice.* Aloud, "why do we have to ride behind you? He's our steed, after all."

Theseus grinned at them. "How are your riding skills?"

"Passable," Beleth admitted.

"Barely so, in my case," Eritrea said.

"Well mine are very good, and I've trained on Pegasi-animals. Therefore, I'm elected. It's not fair but hey that's life for you."

"You're impossible," Beleth smiled as Eritrea laughed.

"You bet." Theseus patted the area of saddle behind him. "Now mount up and let's ride."

#

Some time later, as dusk colored the sky with her paints, a careful rustling in the forest gave birth to a most unusual mount with even stranger riders.

Theseus looked carefully down the road and then up it. He even briefly scanned the sky. "All clear." He patted Bellophoron's right neck affectionately. "I have to admit this is one smart steed you two conjured up; he's somehow figured out we need to move cautiously and obliged."

"Thanks for the compliment," Eritrea whispered. All traces of levity were buried as she looked this way and that, ever wary.

"Looks like we're going to get away," Beleth noted. The Nightmare sounded at ease but her side of their body was tense as a wound spring.

Theseus urged Bellerophon onto the road. "I'd have preferred to stick to the forest, but Perseus isn't stupid. He'll have realized by now you two are making a break for it and might even think to check this way. Speed is the key." He dug his heels into the steed's flanks and Bellophoron's canter blossomed into a full gallop. Saddle or no, the joined mares were forced to wrap their arms tightly around the slender Unicorn's waist as they took off down the road. Theseus made no complaint. Suddenly the two-headed Pegasus-animal dodged left as an object sung by from the rear.

"What was that?" Beleth demanded.

"Arrow," Theseus barked. "Our luck just ran out." The forest erupted on either side; Unicorns to the left and Nightmares to the right, astride normal horses.

"A trap," Eritrea cursed.

"And it just closed," Theseus snarled. Up ahead two horses moved to cut them off. All three head the rumble of thunder as one of the figures pointed something at them. Perseus, with his Titan's Bow strung and ready. Aside of him was another Unicorn tall and muscular.

"I hope you have a Plan B," Beleth asked in a deceptively calm voice.

Theseus said something to Bellerophon and the steed slowed to a canter. "As a matter of fact I do," he told them. "Stall. It needs time."

"Easily done," Eritrea said. She turned a glare at the approaching figure of Perseus. "I demand the rights of the accused," she shouted at him.

*Are you sure that's a good idea?* Beleth worried.

*'Yes  it's an ancient law, forcing a Unicorn to explain why another Unicorn has been accused of a crime,* Eritrea answered.

Perseus readily rode up to Bellerophon. His expression was rigidly blank. "As you wish, milady." He glanced briefly at Theseus before taking a deep breath. "Eritrea, Truthfinder of the Unicorn people, has been judged to be under the influence of a vile enchantment perpetrated by outcast Beleth of the Nighthorses."

"Sons of a bitches," Beleth swore. *So much for invoking any peace treaties. "Outcast' means the government of G'Henna cut me loose. How the Hells did the Ruling Council decided my fate so quickly?*

Eritrea sent a wordless soothing thought to the upset Nightmare. "What if I tell you I am under no such enchantment?"

His eyes traveled up and down the body she shared with Beleth, giving wordless testimony as to what he thought of that notion. "Such a determination is beyond a simple soldier such as myself. I am confident our Gifteds will get to the truth of the matter." He leaned forward; his expression softening to one of concern. "Do not fear, milady. I know your mid-sickness has led you to this rash action and will state so in court."

"How kind of you." Eritrea managed to keep a calm tone despite Beleth's lurid imaginings running through her head of the tortures she'd like to put Perseus through. Theseus had begun muttering under his breath; a spell of some sort. She wished he'd hurry up.

Perseus smiled. "Its the least I can do. Being cured of mind-sickness is nothing to fret over. I know from personal experience."

Both mares gaped at him. "What?" Beleth blurted.

Perseus ignored her, keeping focused on Eritrea. "I'm afraid it's true, milady. It was so very long ago..." his expression clouded as if remembering something precious that had been lost but it cleared almost as quickly. "Never mind. Just know that I will be there for you."

Eritrea answered, but Beleth was not paying attention. She'd seen the muscular Unicorn -- Achilies, that's his name, she remembered --  flinch and had a good idea who Perseus had been enamored of. More, she thought of how much Perseus and Achilles reminded her of her own guards Abaddon and Moloch. Or how Eritrea reminded her of herself. And even how the situation of their two empires and their rulers were both similar and opposite at the same time...a suspicion birthed in her and she knew she was right. "Cancel Plan B," she told Theseus. At her command he stopped his odd muttering and gave her a questioning glance. "Trust me," she insisted.

"It's your show," he said after a brief pause.

Beleth threw her head back. "Okay Solstice Jester, you bastard son of two whores," she yelled at the top of her lungs, "get out here! Right now!"

Time froze. Perseus looked almost comical, expression paralyzed between outrage and fear. Theses' stiffened countenance had eyes big as dinner plates; everyone else was trapped in an expression of panic. There was no sound in this frozen stretch of time, save one  an enthusiastic clapping as the Solstice Jester appeared out of thin air right next to the frozen Perseus. "Very well done, my uncautious lovers."

"What by the True Path is going on?" Eritrea gaped.

Beleth laid her ears back and bared her teeth at the skinny figure. "You almost have to be born into a duplicitous race like the Nighthorses to figure it out; there are too many parallels for coincidence. Our guards, the fact we're both rebels but our special powers let us grow up as rebels, even the way both our empires are creating too much Order in the Unicorn's case or Chaos for Nighthorses."

Eritrea paused for a moment, then drew her brows down in a thunderous scowl. "By the Pit of Dark." She glared at the garishly-clad master of the Faire. "You manipulated two empires?"

"I wish I could take the blame I am simply not that powerful on my own," Solstice Jester admitted. "So I contacted a Bard and paid for a spell to give certain events a push."

"No Bard could be this powerful, even one aided by you!"

"I wouldn't be too sure of that," he replied mysteriously. "I'd offer to introduce you to her but I'm afraid she isn't born yet."

"Okay, I don't think we really care about the 'who';" Beleth told him after a confirming glance from Eritrea. "Mind telling us what you asked for?"

"Someone to take over the Faire, of course." Both mare's jaws dropped. "What, you thought I'd live forever?"

"So that's what happened between you and the last Dreamspinner," Eritrea managed.

Solstice Jester threw his head back and howled. "Oh YES! You two are the perfect choice!" He met their gazes squarely. "I tried many times and many ways to find a suitable candidate and all met with failure. The last one -- that self-same Dreamspinner -- ended very badly. She almost destroyed the Faire." His voice dropped to a growl, "I can't let that happen."

"Why not?" Eritrea challenged. "Or it is simple ego?"

"Fair question," he conceded. "Let us answer it with another question: which race is by far the most tolerant of outsiders?"

"Hobbits," both mares said in unison.

He nodded. "Exactly. Friendly, cheerful, always have a hot meal and a bed for a weary traveler. Now: how many non-Hobbits live in the Hobbit city-state of Baggins?"

"I don't know," Beleth admitted. She glanced over to Eritrea who shrugged her shoulder unknowingly.

"None." It was said with chilling finality. "Every race actively discourages other races from settling in their city-states."

"Wait a minute!" Beleth protested. "G'Henna has a Foreigner's District!"

Solstice Jester cocked his head at her. "Ever been to it?"

"Hells no, the place is a sewer --" she began and then stopped, a look of horrid realization creeping on her face.

"Exactly. Now what would happen if the various races of Avalon were not given a reason to mingle -- oh say at least once a year? Would they overcome their isolationist tendencies or continue to grow ever more insular and eventually quite ethnocentric?"

Beleth frowned. Eritrea opened her mouth in an attempt to say something nice, but after a few minutes closed it again. Unfortunately both had a very good idea as to which path would be the most likely outcome. "That is why I'm such a fanatic about the Faire, and why I need someone -- or someones in the case of you two -- I can trust running things when I can no longer do so."

*I think we should accept what he offers, Bel,* Eritrea thought to the other mare. *We will not have to spend the rest of our lives looking over our shoulder with the magic of the Faire to protect us.*

*What about Theseus?* Beleth answered. *We have to arrange something for him.*

*Agreed* "We'll accept your terms -- under one condition," Eritrea told the Solstice Jester.

"Condition?" He seemed to roll the word about his mouth as if it tasted bad. "Why should I agree?"

"Because if you don't, we'll refuse -- and that will waste all the effort you put into getting us to say yes.," Beleth told him. "I may understand the value of Order, but I am still a Nighthorse and we don't take to being pushed into anything well."

"You'll condemn Eritrea as well," Solstice Jester pointed out.

"I have been wanting a little excitement in my life," Eritrea smiled. "Personally your offer sounds....boring."

He threw his hands up. "Only an idiot argues with a femfur whose mind is made up, let alone two. Very well, what's the condition?"

"Theseus," both mares said at once.

He giggled. "Oh is that all? Wait that's right he didn't have the chance to tell you! 'Plan B' was an appeal to me directly for aid. I do charge a very high price for doing so -- a lifetime of service in fact -- but since you stand to inherit everything I possess once you take over the Faire of Sun and Moon you'll gain his services as well."

"And how long will our apprenticeship last?" Eritrea demanded.

"Longer than I'd like," he admitted, sounding sad. "You two are not Gifted, nor will you ever be -- that means relying on your reality crystals and your wits to keep the Faire running. Both of you are very intelligent and have shown remarkable craftiness but these will not be easy lessons."

"Thanks for the honesty," Beleth said and meant it. "Can we request that he be assigned to us as a personal guard until we learn what we need?"

"Consider it done." Once again the merriment was back in the voice of Solstice Jester. He took out a slender silver rod. "Let me teleport you three away to a safe location where we can watch the reaction to your disappearance," he offered, twiddling with the Far-Jump Stick

"Can't we just walk?" Beleth wanted to know. "You did freeze time after all."

"Oh I don't have that level of power! I'm projecting an image of us having this conversation in your minds. No time has actually passed."

"What level of power do you possess?" This from Eritrea.

He looked sheepish. "Journeyman-level Gifted I'm afraid."

"WHAT???" Perhaps it was well no one could hear the two mares shriek at that volume as close proximity would have rendered them deaf.

"See? It's not what you have, it's how you use it." He strode forward and put an arm round their shoulders. "Just put an arm on Theseus so he gets brought along, would you? And relax; you're going to want a good seat for this..."

#

"Okay Solstice Jester, you bastard son of two whores get your stinky butt out here! Right now!"

Even from his vantage point in the rear, Abaddon heard the scream. Well, that's torn it he thought and urged his horse into a full gallop forward.

The conjoined Unicorn and Nightmare , their bizarre mount, even the other Unicorn they'd been with all vanished between one blink and the next. "By the Pit of Dark," he cursed aloud, stopping just short of the milling Unicorns. "What happened, Perseus?"

The slender, handsome Unicorn gave him a flat look. "It appears as if the Solstice Jester has decided to aid them -- or take them away for punishment. Either puts them out of our reach."

Abaddon spit out a vile oath. "My hide's gonna get used as a rug by the time High Command's through."

Perseus frowned at him, puzzled. "I thought Nighthorses had no laws concerning socialization?"

"They don't -- just a lot of UNoffficial ones. Know what I mean?"

The Unicorn nodded. "I wish I could say I didn't."

Abaddon surreptitiously eyed the other stallion and mentally licked his lip. "Listen, i doubtful we'll be welcome back at the Faire regardless. Why don't we set up camp alongside the road, spread around the booze and swap grunt stories?"

Perseus scratched his chin, considering. Finally he said. "We might as well; it will probably be a bit before me and my men are off punishment detail."

"Now there's the spirit," Abaddon cheered. "I just hope you've got a good head for liquor."

The Unicorn smiled back. "You might be surprised." He turned and gave orders to the other Unicorns and they began to pitch a makeshift camp.

Abaddon let his gaze caress Perseus' tight ass. I hope I am, he thought. If a stuck up Truthfinder can be thawed out, why not a mere guard? He didn't envy Beleth and Eritrea, even if it turned out they were under the Solstice Jester protection. Every thing had its price and the bigger the thing, the bigger the price. In his opinion, it was best to take out of life what you could get.

EPILOGUE

The Elven Healers had not approved of having their patients moved to the Fairekeeper's tent in the Faire of Sun and Moon; it had taken all of Theses' communicative powers -- and a few grisly threats while brandishing his sword -- to get them to agree. Personally, he thought giving birth outside in a field was a really stupid idea. Had Beleth and Eritrea insisted, however, his resistance would have melted like ice on a Dragon's tummy. After five years of marriage, he still had a hard time putting his foot down with them.

The joined mares stirred underneath the sweat-soaked sheets. Quickly he pulled out a sponge from the water-bowl and dabbed first Eritrea's forehead than Beleth's. "You two should rest," he scolded.

"Not on these rock-like abominations," Beleth managed in a weak voice, thumping on the pile of cotton-stuffed cushion they'd used as a birth-bed.

"Are the colts well?" Ertirea managed, reaching for his hand.

Theseus took it and gripped. "They're fine from what I've been told." He would have really loved to have been in the room when the twins were born but he had a duty as Eritrea and Beleth's protector. As it was, he should still be out in the Faire watching for potential assassins -- the Unicorns and Nighthorses had never forgiven the two mares. Still, I have the right to visit my wives on their birth-bed, he thought savagely. Even with his failing health, Solstice Jester can cover me for a few minutes.

"Milord and miladies?"

Theseus glanced up. A female elf had poked her head into the tent. "Yes, what is it?"

She smiled. "I thought you might like to see your little ones."

"Absolutely," Beleth insisted before he could protest.

"Please?" Eritrea begged him.

There was no way Theseus could resist both his wives when the wanted the same thing, much to his chagrin. "Sure," he told the doe.

The Elf held the tent flap up and two other does came in, each bearing a securely-wrapped colt. Eritrea and Beleth spread their arms wide to receive the bundles of joy. Theseus pulled the wrappings away from their faces to get a god look at them.

Fore several minutes, mothers and father were very still.

Eritrea found her tongue first. "I didn't know Nighthorse pelts came in white," she noted in a strange voice, looking down at the colt held by Beleth.

"It means she's an albino," the Dreamspinner clarified. "It's not unheard of but it is rare. What about our son?"

"In all our history, there has been exactly one Unicorn born with midnight-black fur," the Truthfinder answered. "He's looked upon as the greatest philosopher our race ever produced." Unsaid was something even more obvious; the newborn male's horn was gold instead of the normal ivory color. Only Gifted Unicorns had gold horns. "I fear our colts will not have easy times of it."

Theseus knelt by their side. "Magic always has a price," he noted in a bitter voice. He reached over with both hands and rubbed the mares' noses noses. "Have you thought of names?"

Eritrea and Beleth looked at each other. "We had not decided," Eritrea admitted.

"We're open to suggestions," Beleth offered smiling at him,

He smiled back. "I have two very good suggestions." Both his wives looked interested. He placed one hand on his daughter's head and one on his son's horn. "For the girl, a name out of Nighthorse legend. In eons past when the gods destroyed G'morrha, the birthplace of the Nighthorses, Emperor Lucifer guided his homeless people for ten centuries before encountering a perfect place to settle  yet demons dwelled there. Lucifer's only daughter hatched a risky plan, whereupon she offered herself as a pleasure-toy for the demons as a distraction. While the fiends were having their way, Emperor Lucifer attacked and slew them all. I say we name our daughter after that brave Nightmare."

Beleth gaped at him in surprise. "Where did you hear that old tale?"

Theseus smirked at her. "Around."

"Well I think it's a marvelous choice." She kissed their daughter on the nose. "Welcome to your first day, Synne."

"And our son?" Eritrea asked, all eagerness.

"Unicorns do have their own legends," he warned her. "But, some of them don't have happy endings -- and this is one of them. One day a brave hero's lady love was kidnapped by the Left Hand, a secret cabal of the most evil sort of Gifted. Their price for her freedom was the hero to give himself over as a host for a powerful demon. He agreed, but little did these Gifted know the strength of his will; he held the demon away from his soul long enough for the lady to make her way back to Athens, where the Emperor sent his army out to crush them utterly. The hero, regrettably did not survive the experience, but he died with his soul intact."

Eritrea gazed down at the golden-crowned head of her son. "Unwavering devotion and indomitable will -- I don't mind our son being associated with something like that."

Theseus kissed his son on the forehead. "It's official then. Good morning...Phaeron."

The newly named Unicorn, startled out of his dose at the unwanted touch, set about emitting a piercing wail.

THE END....AND THE BEGINNING AS WELL