Something So Beautiful

         It was too cold. The wind whistled and danced with the snow, making it appear as if it was a blizzard.
"Freezing," thought the girl as she stopped to catch her breath. She had been running for the warmth of it, but it was getting colder and dark. The sun glowed red and cast dark shadows on the snow from behind the bent, gnarled trees. Stars began to shine and twinkle in blazing whites and cool blues. The white furs draped over her buckskin dress and leggings had kept her warm enough, but now she longed for a fire. Alikai was not stupid, she knew she couldn’t risk getting seen, so she merely rubbed her hands together and stamped her feet, hoping the brisk movements and friction would create some heat. She could have used magyk, of course, but she was conserving her strength. She would be glad of it when she found her prey. An incantation for death would take all her energy.

        The snow and wind had made the tracks she’d been following disappear and the hunt was currently at a standstill.
She sat on a nearby rock, listening to the howls of the wolves. The moon shone on her long dark braids, threaded throughout with red, and topped with a single white feather. This feather marked her a huntress, albeit a newly recruited one. This was her first time hunting alone, with only Gaia to guide her. Gaia had been given to her as a child, and child and cub grew up together as family.

         “Ready Small One,” questioned Gaia, appearing like a ghost at her side. She tilted her head and waited for the huntress. Gaia was surprised to see the child with a furrowed brow. It meant she was worried, a sign that not all was well on their mission.
“I lost the trail,” said Alikai as she put her arms around the wolf’s neck.
“Tell me the way.”
“Dear one, I cannot, you know it, as do I.” sighed Gaia. “I am your spirit guide and the day you prove your worth, it must be done with honor,  I can only guide.”

         Alikai rose and brushed the gathered snow off herself. The howling of the tundra wolves still filled the sky. Hesitant, then more certain she began to walk away from the noise, knowing her prey would be where it was quiet. Soon she came to a roaring river whereupon floated huge chunks of ice. She carried nothing, no pack or bow, so she was light and agile and the river was easily crossed. The only weapon she had was herself, and Gaia if her life came into play.  She continued north.

         She thought of the animal she hunted as she treaded lightly on the snow. She had been told it was powerful but would not harm a virgin, so she was not frightened. Alikai worried a little, only because she had never seen one, but she was sure she would know it by its horn. This horn was so rare, needed by many in her tribe. It would heal so many people, she could not return without it.

         The few trees Alikai saw soon grew to be many, and soon they became a forest.  The moon filtered through the branches and the forest seemed to glow silver. It seemed the deeper she roved the brighter it got, till it seemed almost day. In the center, was a deep pool surrounded by mists and all seemed eerie and still.  Gaia bounded up to the water and began to lap.
“This water is sweet,” she yipped. “It has been enchanted.”
Alikai scooped up a handful and drank, yes this was it. She choose a large tree and sat upon its roots and waited.

         The unicorn hiding behind the brush saw the girl as she drank from his lake. He could hear the beating of her heart, and he knew it was pure. He loved pure things, such sweet things. Her shining hair, such soft luster, he wanted to feel it. The moonlight made her pale arms gleam, and he wanted her embrace. He was tired, and always lonely. Slowly he approached her and laid down at her feet. Such a trusting animal, he placed his head in her lap.

         Her heart pounded, thudding even in her ears. She knew what she must do. Eyes too bright, Alikai whispered her spell: “extremum vitae spiritum edere.”  The weight of the spell caused her to fall back and she felt as if she too were dying.
Lightning flashed bright,  crimson blood flowed down in rivers and tinted the pool. A silken white body lied still. In her right fist a swirled golden horn dripped her cruelness on the snow. The enchanted place grew dark as if even the moon must run from such an awful sight.

Tears fell unbidden from Alikai's eyes, and she beat against her aching chest. She had meant to be strong, but she never knew she was taking the life of something so beautiful.