Today was a significant day, one that Lilly had been building toward ever since Charcoal had entered her life. Today, she would ride him.

Charcoal’s ebony coat gleamed in the early light. She cautiously approached with the saddle that she kept putting on his back, getting him used to the weight of it. His eyes, a sharp contrast to his dark coat, were a clear, penetrating shade of blue, almost akin to ice. These eyes, which once held a guarded wariness, now regarded Lilly with a hint of fondness. Lilly knew how fast that fondness could turn to fear, so she moved slowly.

"Easy there, Charcoal," Lilly whispered, approaching him with soft, even steps, her heart pounding in her chest. The process of gaining his trust had been slow and deliberate. Each day, she'd spent hours with him, speaking softly, brushing his mane, and feeding him treats. She felt like they were finally developing a bond cultivated through patience and genuine care.

She reached up to touch him, her fingers gently tracing patterns on his coat, feeling him vibrating with energy, like magic pulsing beneath her touch. His broad back, which would be her perch, was intimidating. She had ridden Snow numerous times, and Snow's more delicate frame had made for a comfortable ride. In comparison, Charcoal's sheer width would surely present a challenge.

Taking a deep breath, Lilly gathered her resolve. She hefted the saddle and began to secure it in place. Charcoal let out a huff but otherwise remained still, the trust evident in his demeanor. This was the part the unicorn was used to. Her weight was going to be new.

"Are you ready, Charcoal?" Lilly inquired, her voice laced with a mixture of excitement and anxiety.

Charcoal responded with a gentle nudge against her arm, almost as if reassuring her. Taking a deep breath, Lilly carefully swung a leg over Charcoal's back. Charcoal instantly darted forward, and only her tight grip kept her from tumbling to the ground.

“Easy, boy. It’s just me. I won’t hurt you.”

Lilly settled on his back as Charcoal moved his weight from one leg to another as if getting used to the new weight on his back. It felt thrilling and a little scary to be so high on such a magnificent and dangerous creature. What was important is that she did it. Charcoal and she had overcome the big hurdle of getting a rider on his back again.

Her initial sensation was unlike anything she'd felt with Snow; it was like balancing atop a wide, uneven surface. The broadness of his back meant she had to sit more widely than usual. It was a bit uncomfortable and felt less natural compared to riding Snow. She could feel every muscle of Charcoal's body tense beneath her, and she knew he was feeling her own nervous energy.

Lilly took a few deep breaths, calming herself as she did nothing but sit atop Charcoal for a few moments. When she felt ready, she gently nudged his side with her boot; and he took a step forward. She directed him with such ease that she knew he had been trained well, at least before his mistreatment.

Yet as Charcoal began to move, Lilly's awareness of her discomfort melted away. She became one with the unicorn, feeling the surge of power and grace with every stride. His gallop was smooth as they went in circles around his corral, the world around them turning into a blur of colors. The sensation was intoxicating—the wind whipping through her hair, the rhythm of Charcoal's powerful hooves hitting the ground, and the exhilaration of speed.

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When they finally came to a stop, Lilly was out of breath, her heart racing with adrenaline. She leaned forward, wrapping her arms around Charcoal's neck.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.

Lilly dismounted, and her legs were incredibly sore after their short ride. He was an amazing creature to ride, but it didn’t feel as natural as riding Snow. She didn’t regret getting him. He was still one of the most beautiful, magical beasts she had ever met, and he needed her when she had bought him. But she would have to think about another use for him than her primary mount. He would definitely be powerful enough to plow her fields in the spring, but it seemed unfair to turn a unicorn fit for a king into only an everyday plow horse.

Later that afternoon, the familiar sound of Yorik's footfalls reached Lilly's ears. She was in the process of bringing fresh water to her animals and sloshed just as much on herself as she was getting into the animals’ water buckets. She grinned as Petunia, his flying pig companion, glided over the pasture’s fence so she could scratch between her ears.

Yorik, in his usual earth-toned attire, appeared slightly weary from his day, but his eyes held the spark of curiosity as they landed on Charcoal.

"Lilly," he greeted, a warm smile on his face, "how was your day with our ebony friend here?"

Lilly grinned. "Amazing, actually. I rode him today." Her eyes danced with excitement as she shared the memory of her morning adventure.

Yorik's eyebrows rose, genuine surprise evident on his face. "You did? That's impressive. How was it?"

She chuckled. "At first, a bit like riding a boat through a storm. He's so broad compared to Snow. But he’s well-trained and made me feel like I was flying when he went fast."

Yorik hesitated for a moment, glancing at Charcoal, who was now eyeing him curiously. "Do you think...I mean, would you mind if I gave it a try?"

Lilly tilted her head, considering. She trusted Yorik implicitly, but it wasn't just her trust he needed to win. It was Charcoal's.

"Well," she said slowly, "I don't see why not. But it's up to Charcoal, really."

Yorik hoped into the corral and approached the massive creature with a respect that spoke of his deep connection to these magical beings. Petunia stood outside the corral watching, not daring to enter herself.

"Hey there, Charcoal," he murmured, reaching out a hand to let the unicorn sniff it. "Mind if I try to take a ride?"

Charcoal huffed, gently nuzzling Yorik's palm before stepping away. Taking this as a sign of acceptance, Yorik carefully mounted the unicorn, adjusting himself to fit the broad back beneath him. As he began to ride, Lilly could see the initial struggle. Unlike her, Yorik's larger frame seemed almost too big, even for Charcoal. The two of them appeared off balance, their movements not quite in sync.

Then, without warning, Charcoal bucked, sending Yorik sprawling onto the ground.

Lilly rushed forward, concern evident in her voice. "Are you all right?"

Yorik groaned, pushing himself up. "Yes, just a bit winded. And perhaps a tad embarrassed."

Lilly offered him a hand, pulling him to his feet. "Maybe you should—"

Before she could finish her sentence, Yorik was approaching Charcoal again, determination set on his face.

"I think we just need to find our rhythm," he murmured more to himself than to Lilly or the unicorn.

His second attempt started off shakily; but as moments turned into minutes, something shifted. Yorik and Charcoal began to move as one, their motions harmonizing. Lilly watched in awe as the two of them cantered around the corral, their silhouettes blending in the dimming sunlight. By the time they completed their circuit, they looked like they'd been partners for ages. The sight reminded Lilly of legendary tales of centaurs, but this was even more profound. It was as if Charcoal had been created with Yorik's frame in mind.

When Yorik finally dismounted, he looked elated. "That was...intense," he admitted, his eyes shining with adrenaline.

Lilly chuckled, patting Charcoal affectionately. "Well, it seems like you've found your mount. You can come over and ride him anytime you want."

Yorik grinned, reaching out to stroke Charcoal's mane. "Count me in."