To Bailey's delight, for once the take-out arrived early.

She placed the hamburger and fries on a tray, stuck a straw through the cup lid with the fizzy drink, and settled on the couch, abandoning herself to the pleasures of greasy, fried food. There was a reality cooking show on television, the host was yelling at the contestants to hurry up or they would be eliminated. She didn't like cooking much, but she liked watching others prepare it.

She had done little or nothing that day, but she felt tired as if she had worked like a mule. The television was on high volume and kept her focused on the program in progress, but the “ping” of the phone was enough to bring her attention elsewhere, and more precisely to that job offer as an assistant. When she couldn’t decide on something, she overthink it for a long time until she made a final decision, if she could. She admitted it, it was one of her biggest flaws.

On the one hand, she kept telling herself that there was no point in accepting, she knew nothing about photography and had never been in nature, and above all she didn't have to prove to anyone whether she was a virgin or not. On the other hand, however, she also said that it was an opportunity to get out of the city and get to know a new place, have the chance to see perhaps a unicorn, and maybe even have a new experience. The more she thought about it positively, the more the fantasy of embarking on a journey like that reawakened nostalgia for times gone by, the passion for exploring unknown and enchanted places that returned to burn her heart with enthusiasm. She thought back to when she was more enterprising as a child, back when her friends managed to convince her to go exploring in the hills behind the house that they very rarely managed to get past. But the negative side of the matter held her back... not to get any illusions and to keep her feet on the ground, rather than embark on something that could certainly disappoint her. But traveling was part of the package for those who wanted to explore the Dungeons or be a tour operator... so it wasn't a waste of time. Or was it? The food and the reality show lost their appeal, she turned on the computer to check her blog, now silent for over a week. She opened the writing box to start a new article, she wanted to write something, vent it on... but she remained staring at the white window without being able to string the words together.

“And what do I write? Even if I have an idea, someone will have already proposed it in a better way.” She thought, already resigned from the start.

She lowered the laptop screen in defeat. At that moment, the television was showing an advert, and that was being shown at that moment a unicorn was used as a symbol of beauty and power for a new car model. A unicorn, what a coincidence.

She had been seeing images of this animal all day, sometimes even casually mentioned. She didn't think there was any reason to be surprised, considering it was a very well-known animal.

<> she wondered again.

“Just do it,” began a determined voice that followed the commercial.

The living room remained quiet, disturbed only by the music playing on the television, while Bailey remained as still as a statue after hearing those words. In a snap, she picked up the phone and dialed a specific number.

<> Zirko replied.

<< Is your offer still available? >> Bailey asked hastily, without saying “good evening” or “hello.”

<< What? Who is it? >>

<< It's Bailey. I asked you if you still need an assistant. >>

<< Bailey… the Halfling? Yes, why…? >>

<< I accept. I participate. In short, I want the job! Tell me when you want to leave. >>

§§§§§§

Two weeks later.

One, two, three… four sneezes in total, one after the other.

<< Bless you! >> Zirko repeated, for the fourth time.

<< Stop saying it! It makes them sneeze more! >> Bailey retorted, breathless.

She believed that every time they answered “bless you”, it continued to stimulate her sneezing.

It was normal for it to be cold at that hour, it was six in the morning and it was winter… but she didn’t think it could be that cold. She didn’t like that, nor the silence of the White Warthog woods, barely disturbed by the birds singing and the chirping of insects, even the sound of leaves and branches crushing underfoot was muffled, making her feel uneasy. One thing to say, with the air being fresh and clean she felt as if her lungs were freeing themselves of a weight that had been held on for so long uselessly.

<< How much longer do we have to walk? >> asked an already tired Bailey to Zirko.

<< Just ten more minutes, the entrance to the dungeon isn't far away. >> he replied.

It was clear that the troll had already traveled in nature, he was calm and walked with the ease of someone who already knew the place. Despite his thick-soled boots and his firm step, he made almost no noise, he had the light walk of a cat, a detail that Bailey could not help but admire.

<< Couldn't we go by car? It would have been quicker that way. >>

<< Too much magical force. It would have broken down the engine and we can't afford that if we want to get home. Better to proceed on our own two feet, and a good walk never hurts anyone. >>

“You say it because you have long legs.” Bailey thought.

The girl stopped suddenly, startled by the sound of an unrecognizable animal cry. She stared at the visible horizon of the forest, trying to glimpse some presence between the tree trunks. She tightened her hands on the straps of her backpack like a lifeline, she felt exposed to everything, and she didn't like it.

<< Don't worry, this forest is not dangerous, I have come here many times. >>

<< G-good to k-know. >>

<< By the way, have you taken pills against mana sickness? Too strong magical energy can… >>

<<… cause headaches, nausea, and other ailments. In more sensitive subjects, even hallucinations and loss of consciousness. >>

<< Oh, you are well versed on the subject. >>

<< I suffered from it once and that was enough. I always carry syrups and special pills with me. >>

<< Good job, you were farsighted. Usually, those who explore dungeons tend to underestimate magical energy, especially beginners. >>

<< Yes, it is the most common mistake. In the Top 10 mistakes made in exploration, this is always in the first place. >>

<< Have you done any explorations in the past? >>

<< A couple of times. >>

Zirko's ears twitched slightly with curiosity as he waited to hear the rest of Bailey's experience. She remained silent, only asking after a while if they could continue.

They continued in silence and with slight discomfort. Yet, the girl shouldn’t have felt embarrassed to talk about what was, after all, her favorite topic. She thought she should have been more cordial, after all, they were there to work together and he was treating her kindly, stopping often to check on her. She didn’t want to be seen as a troublemaker, not after she had insisted on being hired.

“Come on, try to be more open. You’re his assistant, right? So make sure you assist with a normal chat, too.” she thought, racking his brains to find a way to break the ice.

While thinking of a conversational strategy, Zirko stopped suddenly, and his ears this time perked up to attention and the irises of his eyes widened for a moment.

<< We are at the entrance to the Dungeon. >> he announced. << Ready to spring into action? >>

Bailey looked up at a pair of trees, the wood was a light emerald green that faded to purple towards the top, the leaves glowed slightly as if they were equipped with little neon lights, and some of the branches intertwined with each other in a sort of arch. The entrance to the Dungeon couldn't be more obvious than this.

Her legs began to shake, she hadn't felt so agitated in a long time. Her head was about to turn towards the exit, but she held back so as not to give in to the temptation to go back. She took a deep sigh and went into that magical place with the troll.

Bailey had never explored a natural dungeon, only those formed within human structures, so she wasn't sure what to expect exactly.

At first glance it didn't seem different from the rest of the normal forest, certainly, the crossing was not smooth with the wild boars galloping through the bushes and the hanging branches full of leaves that brushed her like disturbing caresses, sometimes she even had the impression that they were pulling her hair. As they went on, however, the arcane side became more and more distinctive such as, for example, the bizarre shape and color of the trees and plants or the presence of magical entities, like when near a small muddy swamp, she saw some living plants that followed them opening their buds with a slight hiss and even some will-o'-the-wisp[1].

All very fascinating on the one hand, but incredibly stressful on the other, at least for Bailey.

It was a constant fright for something that seemed to move towards her, a constant fall because of roots that emerged from the ground, or a grumbling for annoying insects... in short, her discomfort towards the forest had not changed, on the contrary; it was only getting stronger.

<< You're obviously a city girl. You're tighter than a violin string. >> Zirko commented, helping her up off the ground for the umpteenth time.

<< But have you never been in a forest? Not even for a walk? >>

<< I'm more of a beach person. My parents always liked the coast, rather than the mountains. >> Bailey replied, giving up on wiping her pants for the umpteenth time.

<< And I confess that I would be more comfortable walking on the seashore, rather than continuing to stumble like an idiot. Right now I wouldn't mind putting my feet in the water. >>

<< In the absence of the sea, would a river be good for you? >>

<< I don't know, why do you ask? >>

<< We have reached our first stop on the unicorn hunt. >>

In front of the duo appeared a narrow and muddy river, on the surface now and then a fish jumped in an attempt to catch the insects that dared to fly over it. Near the bank stood an old wooden walkway hidden among the thick bushes, perhaps an old hiking trail that the dungeon had incorporated during its “birth”, on both banks small bunches of Purple Loosestrife had blossomed that bees and butterflies visited in turn.

Without wasting any more time, Bailey and Zirko set up base camp.

It was then that Bailey realized why the backpacks were so full: the stuff they had brought was all necessary.

The air was humid and cold, but their tent seemed to promise to protect them well, despite the apparent difficulty they managed to set it up easily thanks to the sturdy but flexible tubes, the entrance was spacious and even had a sunshade and two windows on the sides provided better ventilation. Furnishing the inside of the tent was less challenging, they spread a large blanket on the ground for a more comfortable bed and then unrolled the sleeping bags, the troll had even brought some small chairs and a very comfortable wooden table that rolled up on itself with folding legs on which he placed a large lantern inside which was a magical agate that, through a mechanism, caught fire and then began to emanate light and heat together. Bailey immediately sat down next to it to warm up, enjoying the warmth.

<< Now I need a nice cup of hot coffee to warm me up inside too. >> commented the girl.

It felt more like a day of camping than a photographic “hunt”.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

<< At the end of the day, we'll drink as much as you want. >> Zirko told her, inviting her to get up.

<< But the tent is set up, and you said we can set up the rest of the camping gear later. >>

<< For the camp, exactly. But I was referring to the work we are here for. >>

While she was warming up, Zirko had finished preparing a camera.

Even an inexperienced eye could immediately tell that it was a professional model, it even had a large lens mounted on it.[2], it looked like one of those that paparazzi used to photograph celebrities.

<< Come with me, let's take a walk around. I want to find a good spot to stake out. >>

<< Why? >>

<< To hide myself. >>

<< Are you kidding me? Do you have to do this in your job? >>

<< Sure. It allows me to photograph animals without scaring them and above all to stay away from them. You don't think they pose for me on purpose, do you? >>

They walked along the riverbank observing the landscape all around. Zirko took the opportunity to explain to Bailey some aspects of his work and she was surprised at how much detail there was to consider.

The purpose of nature photography is to obtain images of wild animals in freedom in their natural habitat, as such it is necessary to know both the natural environment in which one operates and the habits of the fauna that inhabits it. An important point that a photographer of the branch must consider is not to influence the environment with his presence, and therefore to wait for the best moments for the shot without creating them artificially.

<< It seems incredibly complicated. >>

<< No, in the end, you just have to be patient. >>

Having found a spot that the troll considered suitable as a workstation, he asked for help in setting up a sort of second small tent whose colors were almost like those of the surrounding nature, they covered it with leaves, and then inside they reassembled the large camera and a small chair on a tripod.

<< Are you comfortable in there? >> Bailey asked Zirko after a few minutes after he entered.

<< No, it's tight. >> he replied uncomfortably.

<< Isn't it more convenient for you to take pictures from the bigger tent? >>

<< I have seen this “hideout” used by some colleagues. It seemed appropriate for unicorns since they run away from the first strange thing they see. >>

<< You're more likely to get a bad backache first. >>

<< Yes, maybe. But I'm willing to do anything to photograph a unicorn. >>

<< Ok… and what do I do in the meantime? >>

<< Go back to the big tent and make yourself comfortable. Make yourself some coffee if you want, I have everything under control here. >>

<< Oh. Okay. >>

Bailey returned to base camp where, with some hesitation, she managed to set up the electric oven to heat water for coffee.

Alone in the tent, as the water boiled lazily, she thought back to old times, when a tent like this one had meant something special.

She had never camped in the woods, but in the gardens of her house or at the seaside during the summer there had always been a tent to keep her company to play or daydream, sometimes too small to accommodate all those who wanted to stay inside, sometimes so big that it gave the impression of being able to contain the world. It had not always been comfortable, but it had certainly always guaranteed a happy moment, something that now seemed to be a privilege of childhood that had been taken away from her the moment she became a legal adult. She wondered if her friends still remembered those moments and considered them important too, or if she was just too nostalgic.

She looked at all the gadgets they had brought with them to make their stay more comfortable, like the folding pot that boiled water, the small table, and a bunch of other things. She had always thought of camping as a more sober pastime while being in contact with nature, that is, where a limited use of objects was necessary. Maybe the reason was that they were inside a dungeon and therefore a quantity of different objects was needed.

“Two weeks… I’ll probably get bored.” Bailey thought naively.

The next few days were anything but boring.

The Halfling learned to live in a place far from civilization and its comforts, where one had to adapt without a kitchen, bedroom, and especially a bathroom. They stayed three days in the dungeon looking for unicorns, in the meantime Bailey juggled cooking, assisting the troll with the equipment and surviving the incursions of insects and reptiles.

On the afternoon of the third day, they had to go out temporarily due to a sudden change in the weather. The rain fell heavily in the White Warthog Forest, the colors of nature seemed to intensify and the river current increased so much that it formed bubbles on the surface, the sound of the drops falling on the tent was different from what Bailey heard from inside her house and it was not easy for her to sleep at night. It would not have been a problem for the troll to stay in the dungeon in the rain, but for Bailey's safety, he chose to go out and thus avoid a possible cold. Bailey had to admit that going back to sleep in a real bed was comforting after two nights in a sleeping bag. It had not been a bad experience, but a mattress was always better than a canvas cocoon.

They returned to the dungeon on the fifth day, when the weather gave them a break. When they returned, the path was completely different. It wasn't a strange thing, it was a characteristic of those magical places to change their internal structure, Bailey knew it and Zirko had taken it into account; therefore, it was more than likely that they would not find the river where they had camped the first time. In their second attempt to find the unicorns, the forest seemed to have decided to further complicate the girl's life. The further they went into the labyrinth, the more difficult it became to continue exploring it. Their life was not in danger, but it certainly put their physical and mental resistance to the test. If insects and reptiles had not been enough to make her give up, this time she had to deal with carnivorous plants disguised as splendid roses and even large monster mushrooms that spread stinging spores, even, one day she had to deal with aquatic elemental spirits that did nothing but spray water at her from the puddles of rain in which they had hidden. At several times Bailey, unaccustomed to that kind of effort, felt the need to return home, but as a Halfling she was stubborn and did not want to abandon the enterprise.

<< But didn't you say this was a safe place?! >> exclaimed the exhausted girl, after escaping yet another carnivorous plant.

<< Look, so far we're doing very well. Usually, the dungeons that form in places like that are much more dangerous. >> Zirko replied, fresh as a daisy.

<< Sure, as if nature hadn't tried to eat or crush us until now." Bailey said displeased.

For a moment she tried to sit on the cut tree trunk, but it slipped out from under her bottom.

She growled through gritted teeth; she couldn't take it anymore.

<< Wasn't being a photographer supposed to be a calm job? >>

<< I never said it would be. I warned you it would be hard. >>

<< Seriously, why go photographing animals in their natural habitat, when you can do it from a zoo? >>

<< You are such a funny girl, you should go out of the city more. You would discover that being in contact with nature is a positive experience that leaves its mark on you. >>

<< I have many signs on me, but I don't consider them positive at all. >>

Bailey was serious when she spoke, but the troll didn't seem to take her very seriously.

They took a hilly road that overlooked a large lake that stretched like a silver spot in the middle of the dark green of the forest, the ground there was soft and moist, it felt like walking on a waterbed. Another day they came to a point where the dungeon overlooked a local dam, from which at that moment a lake monster had emerged, swimming slowly on the surface for a breath of air. Zirko stopped to take some photos of the beast, managing to capture the image with a clarity that made it seem like it was only a step closer when in reality it was far away.

“He really likes his job.” she thought looking at him.

“I wish I could say the same about mine. I wonder if it’ll be fun when I find piles of backlog.”

She took a deep breath, trying not to think about returning to the office. Just then she noticed something unusual.

<< Hey, look at those weird markings." Bailey said to Zirko, pointing to a tree.

There were grooves on the trunk that looked like scratches and a dust-like substance was shining inside. Zirko examined them and his ears perked up again, he grabbed the camera that was hanging from his neck and took a couple of shots, while Bailey watched him curiously.

<< A unicorn passed by here. >> he began excitedly.

Bailey began to look around, expecting to see the legendary horse appear at any moment.

<< It trimmed its horn, that's why there are those peculiar marks. Look, there are hoof prints on the ground. Maybe there's more than one. >>

<< I knew they did not move in herds like common horses. >>

<< They do, but it is so rare to see them in groups that they are thought to be solitary animals. >>

<< So, is it possible that we will see more than one? >>

<< Who knows, it would be a great move. >>

<< Are you saying this from a professional or monetary satisfaction standpoint? >>

<< Professional satisfaction. >>

<< You don't say that with a convincing face. >>

<< Okay, even monetary. But that's the last thing on my mind right now. If we can get to the lake, maybe we'll have a chance to see them. >>

Bailey was excited, she hoped she would have this stroke of luck. How many people in the world could boast of having been able to see a herd of unicorns? She began to descend the path towards which the footprints were heading, happy to finally be approaching the unicorns; behind her, Zirko warned her to be careful.

She stopped only when he could no longer see the footprints, she looked around moving the dry leaves or peeking behind the bushes, and now and then she even checked the tree trunks for signs of horn. At that moment she heard the typical creaking of wood, she turned around thinking of a unicorn, but what her gaze met was that of a large, slightly opaque eye, enclosed in a wooden frame.

Trees, everyone knows, can't walk... unless you're talking about a forest elemental. An old pine tree had decided to uproot itself from its bed because it was annoyed by the presence of strangers in its forest, the roots moved like large feet towards Bailey while the two large eyes didn't stop looking at her and the mouth camouflaged in the trunk slowly opened revealing a thick set of teeth made of chipped wood. Bailey had heard of that type of monster, but she had never seen one before... but she had heard terrifying stories about people seriously injured or killed. Two of the largest branches became arms and hands that slowly bent over her, she knew she had to run away but fear at that moment had blocked her legs, and even though in her head she was screaming to go away, she couldn't.

Zirko caught her just in time, carrying her into his arms despite the added weight of his backpack. He hissed at the monster tree like a cat and they ran away from the creature, too slow to chase them.

<< Mother troll! We had a narrow escape! >> Zirko exclaimed, stopping only after he had distanced the monster.

<< You were lucky, lil’ crumb, those creatures are quite dangerous. Luckily that one was too old to chase us. You must be careful when exploring a forest dungeon because you could… >>

Zirko stopped talking, only realizing at a certain point that Bailey, still in his arms, was shaking and crying silently. Zirko knew that the girl was thirty years old, but her childish appearance, at that moment shocked by fear, broke his heart and he tried to reassure her. The journey had been far too long, he decided that he would go on another day if they hadn't found the unicorns, they would have abandoned the enterprise. The health of his traveling companion was more important than a photo with a wanted subject.

One late afternoon Zirko and Bailey managed to reach the lake, accompanied by a light, cold drizzle.

The lake was flat as a table and blue-gray, on the white pebble banks grew thick bushes of Lake Lisca and Stiancia, the sound of the water breaking on the shore was melodious, it reminded Bailey of the sea that, at that moment, her ears perceived as a nostalgic song that she had not heard in years. They walked along the banks for a long time before Zirko suggested stopping for a well-deserved break.

<< I'll take care of putting up the tent, you just rest. >> the Troll told her.

She just nodded, too tired to give a verbal response.

Zirko occasionally tried to start a conversation, but he failed to get her to chat even once, finally giving up on it until dinner time, when they only opened their mouths to eat a light but comforting vegetable soup.

<< Tomorrow afternoon we leave the dungeon. I don't think we'll find any more unicorns. >> The troll announced at one point.

Bailey didn't react outwardly to the news, but inside she was shocked.

It made sense if they couldn't find the unicorns, but she quickly realized that the real reason was because of her, and that made her feel guilty. If only she had more strength, she would have tried to convince him to continue... but she was too tired to do that, and honestly, she couldn't wait to go back to her apartment, or more precisely, hide inside it again.

<< Anyway, thank you for accompanying me. >> Zirko began.

Bailey looked up in surprise.

<< It was nice to have some company for once. I'm always alone when I have to work, so… it was a nice change. >>

The girl nodded faintly, wondering whether he was telling her this to keep her from feeling melancholy or whether he was being honest… either way, she thought about how difficult it must be to do such a job on your own.

<< What are you going to do next? >> Bailey managed to ask him.

Zirko, surprised by the question, took a few minutes to answer.

<< I don't know. Maybe I'll try to join some scouting group to make ends meet, or I could go home and see if I can find work there. >>

Zirko spoke with a sort of serenity, but Bailey noticed an unusual expression… almost insincere.

Then the troll took out two beers that had been hidden until then and proposed a toast.

<< What do you want to toast? >> the girl asked, perplexed.

<< Whatever pleases us. >>

§§§§§§

The next day Bailey woke up unusually calm.

That morning, she didn't feel tired from the trip or the headache from the strong beer, she left the tent calmly as if she were going to work and stopped to listen to nature waking up while, over the top of the mountains, the sky began to light up with the light of dawn. There had been other times when she had woken up relatively early, but the sunrise seen from the shore of a lake was a special experience. She sat near the shore and watched the view, with the water gurgling and the birds starting to sing gently. It was strange that right there, in a place she had never been before, she felt at peace with herself for the first time in a long time.

She thought she didn't want to leave there anymore. Rather than go back to the city to continue a job she didn't like and lead an unsatisfied life, she was ready to become a hermit and live in the middle of nature among monster trees, carnivorous plants and annoying insects.

“Now that could be a blog post I could write.” She thought not very seriously.

She continued to admire the view in silence.

Then suddenly, like a vision, she realized that unicorns were cautiously approaching on her right.

There were four of them, three adults and a colt, with snow-white coats, silky manes that flowed over long necks with light curls scattered throughout and long, shining horns on their foreheads.

Majestic. That was the only word Bailey could think of to describe them. Even though it was the horn alone that set them apart from other equines, few creatures could rival their regal presence.

She didn't dare move so as not to scare them, she tried to call Zirko in a low voice, trying to turn towards the tent but failing. The colt, whose horn was shorter and less shiny than the adults', approached her with curious eyes. It came close enough to touch her legs with its muzzle, Bailey could smell its scent that reminded her of a mix of berries and vanilla.

“What do I do? What do I do?” she repeated anxiously.

At one point the little horse began to rub against her shoulder, perhaps to get a reaction from her, but the adults didn't seem worried but continued to stare at her intently with their pearl-grey eyes.

“Come on little one! What do you want me to do?” the girl said to the colt.

It was then that the little one rested its muzzle on her lap, half-closing its eyes with a serene expression. Bailey, taken by surprise, could not help but be moved, it seemed to her as if she had a child in her arms who was sharing a simple act of sweetness with her. As the tears flowed, she slowly brought her hand closer to the colt's head, unsure if she could dare so much. Usually, that kind of reaction leads to consequences, but she was so enraptured by such tenderness that she did not even think about it. Soft... warm... Bailey had never petted anything so innocent in her life, was it perhaps due to the magic that unicorns were imbued with, or was it their natural innocence? The little unicorn seemed to enjoy it because it sighed satisfied, and Bailey also felt equally content.

After enjoying a nice free cuddle, it trotted back to its parents and the whole family quietly and silently returned to the forest, just as they had come. Bailey began to breathe again, excited by the experience. Only then could she turn around and see that Zirko had managed to photograph the whole scene, smiling incredibly satisfied.

<< It was… fantastic! >> he told her, equally moved.