Chapter 128: The Unicorn's Blessing, Aurora
"Whinny—"
The foal's soft, short call sounded in the Forbidden Forest.
Leonardo lowered his wand and carried the unicorn foal to Seleneia.
Most of the toxins in Seleneia's body had been cleared, and her wounds were clearly knitting faster.
She bent and gently licked her child. Clear tears gathered at the corners of her eyes.
Leonardo set the foal on the ground. It planted its four legs, staggered a few steps, and finally found its balance.
The foal pressed against its mother, but those big, wet eyes kept turning to Leonardo, warm and familiar in their gaze.
Seleneia straightened her legs, then slowly dipped her head and laid the spiral horn on her brow against the back of Leonardo's left hand.
A pale silver light peeled from the horn and coiled across the skin of his hand.
Asterion stepped forward next and did the same. From his longer, straighter horn, a brighter glow flowed into Leonardo's hand.
The two halos twined, congealed, and fused into a totem of a spiral horn.
It was very faint, visible only in moonlight.
It carried a quiet sanctity and peace.
"The unicorn's blessing…" Newt murmured at last, uncertain, as the process ended.
At that, Leonardo glanced at the mark and asked, curious, "Mr Scamander, what is the unicorn's blessing?"
Dumbledore, too, waited for Newt's answer. In the field of magical creatures, his old friend was a walking encyclopedia.
Newt's gaze moved between Leonardo's hand and the unicorn family, and his voice held relief and satisfaction. "Unicorns rarely approach humans, and when they do, they prefer women. That is their nature, save for special cases."
His look at Leonardo turned a touch wry. He remembered the boy had long been at ease among unicorns and had even noted signs of a unicorn's pregnancy. It seemed the one he had been observing was Seleneia.
"Even when a unicorn allows a human near, it will not permit a touch to its horn. That is an absolute taboo.
"If a unicorn willingly meets a person with its horn, that person receives a blessing, a blessing of magic.
"The blessing should have three clear effects: Tongue of Beasts, Pure Halo, and Heart of Healing."
He paused and explained each in turn.
"Tongue of Beasts stirs fondness in animals and lets you communicate with them without barriers.
"Pure Halo clears away filth on its own. Dust, blood, and stains will not cling to you, and your resistance to curses and poisons will be stronger than most.
"Heart of Healing strengthens the effect of healing magic, and the healing you yourself receive will also be better."
Leonardo's thoughts quickened.
Tongue of Beasts overlapped with the beast‑affinity he had as master of the Qilin, but the barrier‑free speech was very good indeed. Aurelius could translate, and an Animagus form could carry on a conversation, but he meant to raise a fire dragon soon. Being able to talk directly would be far more convenient.
Pure Halo's resistance to curses and toxins was valuable. In a real mishap, it could buy him time to act. And if it cleared filth by itself—no washing or scrubbing? That would leave a little more time for study.
Try it. It might be a very practical little buff.
As for Heart of Healing, stronger for others and for himself alike, that had plenty of uses.
The unicorns' blessing was excellent.
"Mr Scamander, may I try the blessing's effects?"
"Of course. To be honest, I am curious as well. This is the first time I have seen a unicorn's blessing with my own eyes. Before now, it was only in the books."
Leonardo looked to the unicorns and said softly, "She will need continued treatment. May she stay with me for a time?
"Do not worry. I will take good care of her."
Without Aurelius to carry the words, Asterion and Seleneia understood. Two currents of intent rose and brushed his mind.
"We are deeply grateful for your help."
"You have given our child new life. If you are willing to continue treating her, it is her great good fortune."
The feeling was much like the speech of an Animagus in animal form.
Only smoother still.
For now, he had repaired the foal's pathways in part. By the map of Magical Pathway Weavecraft, he still needed to use spells and potions to settle them firmly.
"Also, may I ask you to give her a name?"
Leonardo agreed at once. A name—what would be best?
He thought of a fitting meaning.
A sliver of light touched his eyes. He looked up. A pale whitening had begun at the edge of the sky.
"Aurora," he said. "For dawn and new life."