Arnold is the absolute cutest thing! I adore her. May I draw her?

YES! Absolutely you can draw her! I'm glad you like her.

Arnold: Hello, the one known as Dearshul, how are you on this fine day?

I'm so excited! ^w^

Hi, there! I'm doing quite well! To be honest, I'm thrilled to meet such a rare magical entity. It isn't a privilege most get to have. How are you?

Arnold: I am glad that you're thrilled. I am currently worried, my master has wished for something that might take a while to change out of.

Susan: *snorts in anger and disappointment*

Understandable, of course. I imagine you're magically bound to her? *to Susan* And nice to meet you, too. I'm sorry that we're meeting under such inconvenient circumstances. I... er... can empathize with how awkward it is to try to get used to a donkey body.

Arnold: Indeed!

Susan: Let me guess, you have a genie too, right? At least you don't have to be stuck in this body for months.

So, of course, you'd only want your master to be happy. That must be a difficult thing to figure out when she has had such a bad day. *turning to Susan* Oh, far from it! I'm a person, just like you. I just happen to know some very -how to say this nicely?- difficult faeries, who like to turn people into things. I've only been a donkey once, but it was not an experience I want to have again. But really, you should count yourself lucky that it's only temporary. Some folks get stuck that way.

Arnold: Yes, I might of came at the wrong time. I was unaware of her troubles.

Susan: Oh, there are faeries now? First genies, now them? *sighs* Temporary? Lucky? I'm stuck like this for months! Why should this count as lucky? Temporary or not, I didn't *stares at Arnold* want to be a donkey! *stares back at Dearshul* And now, I'm stuck on a farm. How thrilling!

You could hardly control when she rubbed your lap, surely?

I can get how aggravating this is. It probably won't help your mood for me to compare your sorrow with someone else's, so I won't. You really have been dealt a bad hand lately, but maybe finding some positives might help? I mean, at least the farm is quiet and far away from the things that have been stressing you out. You don't have to worry about a cow robbing your house, after all.

Arnold: Once my master rubbed the lamp, I had to follow her wishes. If she wished for the change to happen, I had to obey.

Susan: *glares back at Arnold and turns back to Dearshul* There would be positives if still had my hands! I could have cooked so many things, cakes, treats, but how can I cook with these? *looks down at her hooves* No matter how quiet and far away this farm is *looks back at Dearshul* I am still stressing out about this! Honestly, cows robbing my house is more likely than me calming down and enjoying this peaceful place while I'm stuck like this.

And you did your best with the instructions you were given. I'm curious, though, did you choose the animal yourself or did it just happen at random?

I didn't know you were into baking! It's a lovely pastime. What if you and Arnold figured out a way to make it easier to bake? Maybe she could conjure up some ingredients and cooking utensils that obey orders or something. *shrugs, aware how silly it sounds, but presses forward* It definitely doesn't solve your problems, but it might take your mind off things for a while. What's your favorite recipe?

Arnold: Thank you, the one known as Dearshul. Uh, it's best not to say, I believe the wish could find an exact animal that suited the person, so an animal with four legs was the closest the wish went.

Susan: The wish made it so that a donkey suited me? You've got to beee-HAAWW! *ears shoot up in shock* *ahem* Sorry. The idea that Arnold creates some ingredients and utensils that use and cook themselves like some Willy Wonka, Mary Poppins stuff is not that great of an idea. I don't even know if she knows what goes into food. Maybe genies only eat clouds and smoke, I don't know. My favourite recipe is Toblerone cheesecake, but it's very unlikely that we'll find Toblerones in a farm. The most likely thing will find is truffles but I am not searching for them.

Arnold: Perhaps, master, to find the truffles easier, it may still be likely that you could wish to be a pi-

Susan: Don't. Push. It. Arnold.

Ah, I apologize. Didn't mean to bring up a sensitive subject. And I definitely didn't mean to bring up the whole truffle thing! ^^' Instead, maybe I could I acquire what you needed? The farm's just over there, and I'm sure I could convince whoever lives there to part with some ingredients. Though, Toblerone might be hard to come by... hm. Oh! I know! *puts my fingers to my mouth to whistle and a fairly large raven comes flapping into view* Ratchet, buddy! If I pay you, could you go find a very particular type of candy bar for me? *the raven cocks his head to one side*

Ratchet: As long as you understand that the price will depend upon the rarity and amount of the object...

Of course, of course. I would expect nothing less. Oh, uh, Susan, how many would you need?

Susan: That's a talking bird...

Arnold: Hello, the one known as Ratchet! How are you this fine morning?

Susan: A talking bird...

Arnold: Master?

Susan: What...? Oh, *ahem* sorry. I should come to expect this now, I guess. It would be ten pieces of Toblerone that go around the top of the cake, one piece for each slice. *whispers* Oh, this is insane, I'm talking to a bird.

Ratchet: I am well, dear, very kind of you to ask. *to Susan* Now, now, let us not be too hasty to judge. You are a talking donkey, after all. Ten pieces. I see... *to Dearshul* That will be twenty shinies. Are we agreed?

Seems fair. Quickly, if you please. I'll throw in five extra shinies for your trouble.

Ratchet: *scrambles to fly off and earn his tip*

Susan: *growls as she watches Ratchet fly away* Damn bird.

Arnold: Farewell, Ratchet! Return safely, I will be thrilled to talk to you again!

Susan: *glares at Arnold and looks back at Dearshul* Any other rude animals that you have? I clearly can't get enough of their commentary about this situation I'm in.

Ratchet: *caws his farewell as he flaps off*

*with a smile to Susan* Ooh, that's a question you don't want to ask. I have at least four that would probably ruin your day.

Susan: Four? How many talking animals are there around here? Are they all going to mock my appearance? What is it with you and talking animals?

Arnold: *waves goodbye to Ratchet and stops as she notices her master complaining to Dearshul* Master, are you alright? You do seem to be in a bad mood, may I-

Susan: *growls and glares at Arnold* Don't.

Believe me, I don't have the energy to deal with them, so I certainly won't sic them on you. Hm... but I do know one who might improve your mood, if you feel up to it. He has a curse that is very much like the spell you're under.

Arnold: Please, master, it might be helpful to know how to handle your current situation with this person.

Susan: *sighs* Alright, fine. As long as the person doesn't mock me, we can meet up.

Arnold: Oh, goody! This is wonderful news!

He would never do such a thing. I promise. Now, how to get him here? Mmmm... Sprink? *a portal opens immediately and the brownie pokes her head through*

Sprink: *a little flustered* Is busy, what you want?

Can I bug you for just a quick portal to wherever Candle is? We could use him here.

Sprink: *mutters something and the portal closes with a pop, another opens immediately and Candle steps through, looking confused and vaguely concerned*

Candle! Just the fellow I wanted to see! Perhaps you could lend a little comfort to a friend of mine, here? She's under a rather unfortunate spell and having a hard time adjusting.

Candle: *ears perked forward toward Susan* Hhhhello.

Susan: *her ears shoot up, surprised to see both a "brownie" and another donkey in the exact same predicament as her* I- I- I-

Arnold: Hello, the one known as Candle, I hope you are doing well! My master seems to be stuck in the body of a donkey due to a misunderstood wish, is there any way to either console her or help her? It is of the utmost importance to me.

Susan: I- I-

Susan: *faints*

Arnold: Master? Master! Oh no, what has happened to you? Quick, the one known as Candle, please help me recover her. I do not want to lose my master. Please, Candle!

Candle: *gives a short bray of surprise as she faints and immediately goes to her side* I... um... *he nudges one of her forelegs with his nose in hopes of rousing her* Miss? Miss, pleee-hawww... please wake up.

Dearshul: Uhhh... *hurries to get some water into a bucket from a nearby pump* Just hold on!

Arnold: Oh, please master! Do wake up! *turns to Dearshul* Please hurry, the one known as Dearshul, I am deeply worried. I do appreciate your help, but I'm unsure if the water might cause a reaction with the wish. Please hurry. *turns to Candle* While it is an honour to meet you, the one known as Candle, I'm so sorry for this occurrence. It is unknown why my master has felt that this is a moment to slightly lose consciousness. I do apologise. Please, master, wake up. I'm so sorry for creating this problem. Please *slightly tearing up* please wake up.

Susan:...l-long...

Arnold: Master?

Susan:...winding...road...

Dearshul: Oh! Uh... *steps away from the pump, drying her hands on her pants*

Candle: *pauses, confused* Laaawng winding road? Do you know why sheee would say that?

Arnold: It is unknown why. Master? Can you hear me? Perhaps it is best for you, the one known as Dearshul, to get the water. Perhaps a drink will wake her from this state.

Susan: ...leads... to... your... door...

Arnold: The one known as Candle, have you heard of this road and door?

Candle: *looking very worried* No... is she dreaming?

Dearshul: *resumes collecting water from the pump and brings it to Susan* I think I've heard a song like that once before... *wets fingers and gently wipes them across Susan's fuzzy forehead*

Susan: ...see ...road before... me...

Arnold: I'm sorry, the one known as Dearshul, it appears that it is not working right. We must try to wake her up from this cursed song that must have put her in this trance. Perhaps a drink will work?

Dearshul: *worriedly* Okay, Candle, lift up her head so she doesn't choke.

Candle: *uses his muzzle to prop her up a little*

Dearshul: *pours a little water into her mouth*

Susan: *spits it all out, coughing and gagging* WHAT WAS THAT FOR?

Arnold: We're sorry, master, but had collapsed into a state of unconsciousness. We were all afraid that the wish was changing you more.

Susan: Well, thanks, I gu- *she looks at Candle in surprise and shock. she walks around him* You're.... you're like me...

Candle: *lowering his head, uncomfortable at the scrutiny* Y-yes. It is very nice to mee-HAAAAW! *he pauses, mortified* To-to meet you.

Susan: H-h-hooooawwww! *coughs, slightly embarrassed to bray again* Sorry. How did you end up like this? Did you meet up with her? *gesturing to Arnold*

Candle: *lowering his head further* No, no. Your friend hhhhad nothing to do with it. I did this to myself. Foolish boys make asses out of themselves, especially when they visit il Paese dei Balocchi. This is my faaaawwwlt.

Susan: il Paese dei Balocchi?

Arnold: The Land of Toys, master.

Susan: Land of Toys? Okay, I must seriously be dreaming at this point, I must have passed out in the car, listening to the Beatles because I was upset, and dreamed up this situation. Land of Toys, what a joke. So, if this is real, Candle, if that even is a name, show me.

Arnold: Master, please, I am sure th-

Susan: Not. Now. Candle, show me that this isn't some sort of dream.

Candle: *looking a little confused and nervous* What would you hhhh-hhave me do?

Susan: *stomping her hooves down repeatedly* I don't care whhhat it is, just show me that this isn't some weird dream caused by me passing out in the car out of frustration.

Arnold: Master, please, he is only trying to help, your anger might cause more changes to your wish.

Susan: *brays angrily*

Arnold: I do apologize, the one known as Dearshul, she hasn't been herself lately.

Dearshul: I completely understand. It has to be pretty unnerving for her. But, if she's as stubborn as she seems, maybe she'll need a little jolt of reality. Here, Candle. Let me help. I'd rather she was mad at me than you. *sharply plucks a hair from Susan's mane* Does this feel like a dream?

Candle: *bowing his head* I promise I'm not lying to you. I try not to do anything bad anymore.

Susan: OW! What was- ... oh... no... this can't be... Oh, please this must be... THIS IS REEAAAWW!

Arnold: Master, please, you must remain calm. Th-

Susan: REMAIN CALM?! I'M A DONKEY! WOULD YOU REMAIN CALM?!

Arnold: The one known as Candle, could you please explain to me what you had done?

Candle: *very gingerly and timidly touching his forehead to Susan's neck comfortingly* It is okay to be scared. I was, too. *he turns his attention to Arnold* I... I did many things that I am naaawt proud of. I ran away from hhhhome. I avoided school like an illness. I broke things, got drunk, smoked... I made so many poor decisions. I made so many bad choices that I became the thing I was acting like. And now I am stuck this way. I thought I could get rid of the curse by working haaaawrd and beehhhhaving... but it hhas been almost two hhhundred years, and I am still a jackass.

Susan: *almost leaps back in surprise* TWO HUNDRED YEARS?!

Arnold: I understand where you are coming from. It has been a long time since I had awoken due to some trouble I had caused before, but I have learned to appreciate the times spend in the lamp, learning from my mistakes. *looks at Dearshul* Perhaps that wish of yours, the one known as Dearshul, would be of good use for the one known as Candle. Perhaps I can grant him a wish of his own.

Susan: You are not going to wish anything until I get fixed, you blue genie thing! *looks at Candle* I didn't go through all that, so why am I stuck like this for months?! You went through that "Land of Toys" or whatever it's called, I was just in my apartment! I didn't drink, nor smoke, nor ran away from home, nor broken anything. Why am I stuck like this? Or better yet, why are you stuck like this for TWO HUNDRED YEARS?!

Candle: *worriedly* I wish I knew what to say, but I don't know hhhhow your spell started. Mine will go on until I find a cure... if I find one at all. The cursed water of Il Paese dei Balocchi made the spell permanent.

Dearshul: *quietly taking Arnold aside to speak privately* It is very kind of you to offer to help Candle, Arnold, but as his author I must not interfere. There are plenty of things I have laid out to make his future a bright one, but he will have to endure this hardship so he might learn proper perspective.

Susan: How many are there that went to that Land of Toys? You say the water made it permanent? Let me think, let me think... maybe you need some other drink to balance it out. Milk? Buttermilk? Maybe oil? Alcohol? Vinegar? Look, I'll help you if you help me, okay?

Arnold: I understand, the one known as Dearshul. It is best for me to not meddle with your friend. I do hope that you do give him a wonderful life, and not make his struggles unbearable for him. I do believe that he has a female friend known as Juni, I know that they will have a good life together. Perhaps, while I cannot help the one known as Candle, you could help me with my master's situation. It may be difficult, but I would really like your help.

Candle: *ears falling* So, so many. I cannot count hhhhow many boys must hhhhave passed through that place. *smiles sadly* If it were that eeee... easy, I'd be a man by now.

Dearshul: *smiling* He is strong. I know he will get through it. What can I do to help your master?

Susan: Look, if you're going to act like that, you'll never get to be hhhh-human again! Is it hhharder to talk for some reason? I've been fine all morning, whhhawww *ahem whhhy is it hard to talk now? *looks at Candle* Did you do this? I've been fine, well, as fine as a donkey is, but as soon as you came, all this has been happening. *she takes a short breath* No... no... I shouldn't blame you for all this.

Arnold: There is a slight possibility that she could be stuck like this for the rest of her life. The wish that she had made was vague leaving the rest to be on the wish's own accord. She didn't say how long she wanted to look like an animal, nor what animal she wanted to be. If she was to know this, my master would wish for my disappearance. I must serve her, but my own life would be at risk, as well as her own. If I don't serve her, her mind might start to alter, believing that she is a donkey because no one is there to prove that idea wrong. I need you, the one known as Dearshul, to visit her or take care of her so she is still my master and not a donkey that was formally my master. This is something that I need you to do. Please, Dearshul, I don't want to disappear and I don't want my master harmed.

Candle: *his ears falling back in surprise and confusion* All I meant was that I hhhhave already tried those things... It isn't me. I don't hhhhave any magic at all. Maybe weeee-haaw should ask your genie?

Dearshul: I must admit, this is a magic that I know very little about. But if I can help by visiting her, I'd be happy to do that. Are you not able to do magic that you decide on yourself, or can you only do magic that someone specifies with a wish?

Susan: NO! She's already done enough to make me into thhhis beast! *sighs* Do you knoaaaw anyone who could hhhhelp with this? And also, could you hhhelp me to stop braaawww *coughs* b-braying?

Arnold: I thank you, the one known as Dearshul, a thousand times thank you! Sadly, if the wish is not specific, the magic tries to fill in the gaps. I would control it more, but sadly since I was trapped in the lamp, I haven't learnt to update my technique. This usually happens to most genies, unable to control the magic which ends up causing chaos for their masters. I won't be able to forgive myself for this.

Candle: *frowning* I hhhave to stop myself when I fee... feel one coming on. Maybe that will hhhh... help?

Dearshul: Then I know how I will spend my wish, if that is alright with you.

Susan: Maybe, hhhopefully it will work. Let me try that out... I'll say a simple hhhelloaaaaw!! *she sits down* Whhhat's the point? I'm stuck like thhhis. Are you stuck like thhhis completely? Are you able to be hhhh-human again?

Arnold: I am not quite sure if it is wise, the one known as Dearshul, the magic might not completely work because of the previous wish. This wish did not specify any details, the wish might work for a few seconds, but she might revert back or something completely worse would happen. All we can do is hope that the wish works.

Candle: *ears falling* Not without outside hhhhelp. This curse was supposed to be permanent.

Dearshul: I would not want to endanger her in any way. I was just thinking that if I were specific enough it might work. But, you know much better than I do, Arnold.

Susan: Great. It’s not like shhhee-haaww’s any hhhelp.

Arnold: Perhaps the specifics of your wish might help, the one known as Dearshul, it might reverse the effects. We only have the hope that this wish might work. I will allow you to say your wish.

Candle: *quietly* And there are some kinds of hhh-hhhelp that you just don't want to try.

Dearshul: *gives a long exhalation* Okay. Let me think this through for a minute. I don't want to say the wrong thing... I've never actually used a wish like this before.

Susan: Like whhhat?

Arnold: I will help if help is needed, the one known as Dearshul. I must really give you the title of honourary master.

Candle: *guiltily* Bad faeries. They'll promise anything you want, but you can't trust them.

Dearshul: That's very kind... okay, I think I have it figured out. Arnold, I wish that the spell that turned Susan into a donkey would only last a week from this moment, and would not change her memory, personality, or mental capacity in any way before she is returned to her human form. How's that?

Susan: Well, you don't want to try ditsy genies either.

Arnold: Your wish is my command. *nods her head as all around is a bright flash* Did... did it work, Honorary Master Dearshul? *her form is now that of a donkey*

Susan: What did you do? What did you wish for? *she pauses and looks shocked at Dearshul* What did you wish for?

Dearshul: *rubs her forehead* Definitely not that...

Arnold: *changes back her form back* I'm sorry, Master Dearshul.

Susan: Master Dearshul?

Arnold: I do think that the wish has not worked the way that it has intended... or at all. I do apologize, Master Dearshul.

Susan: Well, isn't that great. Your wishes are useless, Arnold. Only one has worked and now... now... now I'm getting... drowsy... *she falls onto the floor*

Arnold: Perhaps it worked. Master Dearshul, I believe your wish might have been delayed, but now that does concern me. Did you or the one known as Candle see the flash? If you did, you are in danger of passing out like my master. Perhaps the wish that you asked reacted badly with the previous wish?

Dearshul: *blinks* I didn't see anything, but... is this supposed to happen? That doesn't seem healthy...

Candle: *nudges Susan gently with his nose* Susan? Awwwre you alright?

Arnold: The first wish was unstable, Master Dearshul, I did warn my master that this would happen but it was already to late. This wish... is... bouncing back at... us... We... can't... let... it... *fades back into her lamp*

Susan: *nose twitches*

Dearshul: Arnold? *examines the lamp anxiously* Can't let it what??

Candle: That's right, wake up, caro amico.

Arnold: *some smoke forms a hand* ...change ...us *the hands starts to turn dark, her fingers black*

Susan: *a slight bray leaves her mouth*

Dearshul: No, no, no, no! I never should have tried to intervene...

Candle: *replies in bray speech* Say it again? I couldn't understand.

Arnold: *the hand starts to fuse together*

Susan: *addressing Dearshul* No... you helped... me... thank you... *her hoof moves to the lamp* She'll... change back... soon enough...

Dearshul: Arnold, I'm sorry!

Candle: *looks concerned, unsure of what to do to help*

Susan: *her hooves are changing back to hands but her skin is changing colour. It’s blue*

Arnold: *her body keeps changing into that of a donkey*

Thank you so much! Donkeys need to be more appreciated on this site!

Boy I do wish I could relax and just get away from all this stress!

Dominus tecum

Susan: NO, DON'T, I-

Arnold: *Already completing the wish accidentally* Oh no. I'm genuinely sorry, the one known as MatthiasRat. I do apologize.

Huh? What are you talking about? Who are you? Why are you apologizing?

Dominus tecum

Arnold: My name is Arnold. *she moves to the donkey* This is my master.

Susan: *snorts* Yeah, I didn't plan to be though!

My goodness, a talking donkey!! What the! *stumbles backward in shock* Uh, uh.... master? What... what's going on?

Dominus tecum

Susan: *groans in annoyance*

Arnold: No, no, my master is not a donkey. Well... she may currently look like one, but she was human.

Susan: I STILL AM!

Arnold: I do apologize, master. The one known as MatthiasRat, I am a genie.

*I stammer and stumble as I take a few more steps backward* Human? Donkey? And you're a genie? That's.... wow... seriously? Okay.. um... so why did you apologize to me, Genie?

Dominus tecum

Arnold: Please, the one known as MatthiasRat, you can call me by my name.

Susan: She should be apologizing to meeEEE-HAAWWW! ...tell anyone that I did that and you will get a hoof-full of pain.

*I blink in confusion, but beginning to catch my breath* Okay, Okay, Arnold... Master, ummm, Donkey, no, I won't tell anyone. So um, why did you say you were genuinely sorry?

Dominus tecum

Arnold: I... might have... granted your wish...

*I blink and scratch my head* My wish? What did I wish for... to relax I think... so what's so bad about that? I could use it. Been so stressed lately and all.

Dominus tecum

Susan: Apparently you have to specify what you want.

Well, I thought Genie's were supposed to be able to understand what we really want. I honestly didn't expect anybody to actually grant my wish... so, you um... wished to be a talking donkey? I am pretty sure that's not my wish. I just wish I could get rid of all my stress and get away from everything for a while. I don't know what that looks like, some place relaxing perhaps, beautiful to see, wonders to behold and marvel at. You know, something to make me feel excited again and full of verve and life and wonder. Is that something you can do, Arnold?

Dominus tecum

Susan: *growls and snorts with anger*

Arnold: I absolutely can! I must say, please do not anger my master. I have upset her and I do not want to upset her more.

Susan: Well, where are we?

Arnold: It seems to be another place that the one known as MatthiasRat has wished for. Full of life and wonder, yet it doesn't seem of this Earth.

Susan: ...we... we're on another planet?

Sorry, but how else did you become a talking donkey if you didn't wish for it? What's it like to have hooves and stuff?

*I blink and almost stumble in disorientation as everything changes around so suddenly* Oh my! Everything is so huge here! Wow, this is amazing! Wait are you guys getting bigger too?

Dominus tecum

Susan: I MADE A MISTAKE, OKAY?!

Arnold: I... I am unsure how that is possible... but... it is true, we are getting bigger. If it makes you more comfortable, I could shrink us down.

Susan: Don't. You. Dare.

*I nod toward Susan and hold out my hands* Sorry for pressing! I guess that happens a lot with wishes... but...

*I glance around the trees, distant mountains, and then at the wildflowers, grass, and mossy rocks nearby, and then down at my feet and the grass climbing around them and I gasp* Um, no, sorry, I was wrong. I don't think you are getting bigger... I think I'm getting smaller!

Dominus tecum