She turned out beautifully! Thank you so much!

You are very much welcome! I honestly thought that I didn't do her justice in my drawing.

She looks like her wicked faerie self to me ^w^

Thank you so much! Umm, could you please make moth give my voice back? It's easy to type with these blackened fingers, it's not so easy to talk when she cursed me to bray.

Oh... um... I'm afraid I can't make her do anything if she doesn't want to do it... but I can persuade her to hear you out.

Moth: *appears, arms crossed and an eyebrow raised* Well! If it isn't one of my greatest critics. Tired of paying for your insults?

Insults? I ju- Look, let's forget about that now. I've made a piece of artwork about you, I have drawn you at the best of my abilities. You're lucky that I even tried to draw you with these stiff fingers. So, are you going to accept my piece of art as an apology so we can discuss what happened or are you going to finish the job and change me completely? *whispers* Maybe I wouldn't be your critic if you just broadened your mind a bit more.

Moth: *looks pensively at the picture* Darling, one thing you will learn about me is that I never forget. However, this is a very flattering picture and I'm in a good mood, so... *she snaps her fingers and removes the braying portion of the curse* We'll see if you play nice long enough for me to want to remove the rest of this pesky spell. For now, enjoy your ears. *she disappears in a green puff of smoke*

No, no, no, wait! I can't be stuck like this.

???: *appears through fog* How unfortunate for you, dear writer, but I believe it is what you truly deserve. Is a spell from the one I've heard about, this "Lady Moth"? That ladybug has done a good job, but it is nothing impressive. Now, who is this "Dearshul"?

*covers me in fog, removing me from the area*

???: Right, now that he's gone, I finally get to talk to the one who writes that bug "Lady Moth"'s story. *a woman in her early twenties walks out of the fog* Don't worry about that writer friend of yours, I've given him to a good home, where he can eat all the hay he can. Now, I need to know who I'm dealing with. Tell me about that Moth friend of yours.

*furrows brows* First thing's first. Who am I talking to?

???: Oh, names are not important right now, I prefer a bit of mystery for my victims. Now, Moth. Tell me everything. Oh, by the way, that writer friend of yours is now in the company of Lady Acrathia, braying away as her pet.

At least he's somewhere safe... she does take good care of her charges. But what business do you have with Moth? I may put her through a lot, but I still do have a fondness for her. If you are a danger to her, I'm afraid I can't tell you anything.

???: I'm a danger to everyone, sweetie. Including you. *Vines surround you and hold you so you can't move*

*stares the figure down and does not struggle* I have no doubt of it. I can respect the power that you wield, but baring your fangs will not get me to talk. Why don't we do this civilly?

???: That depends. Will you talk?

You first. Will you harm her?

???: If she doesn't harm me, or any of my victims, she won't be harmed. Now, talk. Tell me about her.

Thank you. Now I'll happily share. *rolls shoulder a little to relieve a little of the tension from the vines* She is wise about the world, smart, a little paranoid, and has a thing for punishing humans that she feels have insulted her. You know, typical fae stuff.

???: Hmm. While she is smart, I'll give you that, she is also quite weak. Her love for "Costa" is one of the reasons why. She has a weakness that could be exploited by anyone. She is also quite slow with her spells. The writer, that is now Acrathia's pet, was under her spell. Yet she took so long to do so. Within seconds, I finished her job, transforming the man into a donkey. Thanks to Acrathia, he believes that he is nothing more than a common donkey. I warn you, the same might happen to you.

You may try, friend, but I have a magic of my own. I believe you underestimate Lady Moth. Just because she likes to draw out her spells to thoroughly embarrass her victims doesn't mean she is inherently slow with them. She enjoys the poetry of it, and prefers to keep the mind intact so they know exactly what is happening to them. I suppose it's just a difference of style, really. If she liked, she could do just as well as you have. But I think you and I are at odds. The author you handed off to Lady Acrathia is a friend of mine, and he has stories to tell. He can't do that with the mind of a common donkey, so I fear that I will have to go against your magic. Please don't take it personal.

???: Hmph. Magic of your own? Well, there is a difference between myself and Moth, she likes to keep the mind intact, I do not, and since there is no one else around, that makes you a prime target. Poetry in magic is fine, as long as it's quick. That author can stay as that common mule, I have no use for him.

Yes, but my magic is neither here nor there. However, when it comes to your author, the world has use for him. And, whether you want to admit it or not, you've prevented him from writing a good ending to your story. You seem like a smart entity. Why not act in your best interests and give him back his mind at least? There are plenty of other victims in this big wide world to toy with.

Other victims? Like you? *chuckles* There is no true ending to my story, darling, I get to make that up myself. No need for him to finish anything. Now, you might be in the big wide world, but all I see is you, so you'd better be on my good side and I'll let you keep your mind.

I mean no disrespect to you, whoever you are, but your threats don't scare me. I have been transformed several times. If it happens again, so be it. But, so I understand your boundaries, what have I said that makes you want to threaten me?

???: It's in my nature. I don't think you understand, your transformation might happen, but you won't think that you've changed at all. I do enjoy watching someone's humanity slowly slip away, leaving nothing but the simple mind of an animal. So, watch your tongue, you could join the others on my farm.

Oh, I understand perfectly. You have made your intentions very clear.

???: Now, tell me Dearshul, why should I spare you from your upcoming change? Why shouldn't I make you just a common animal, roaming around that farm of mine? Or should I change you like I've changed Sebastian and Laura? Leaving you stuck on my farm for the rest of eternity. Hmm... The choices are endless for me, but I need a reason. Why should I consider your freedom?

*tilting my head to one side* I'm sorry, but I'm not inclined to beg for my freedom. Call it pride, or stupidity, or whatever you like, but it isn't something I'm going to do. Someone hurt you at some point, that much is clear, but it wasn't me. If that angers you, so be it. You'll still have to wrestle with your demons long after you're done with me.

???: Hurt me? No, they hurt everybody I knew. But I've solved most of that issue myself. Now, as for what angers me, it looks like you are the only one who is making me angry. I wonder what animal would suit you? Something prideful with a "hint" of stupidity... I know. *points as your face pushes out a horse muzzle*

*snorts in surprise* Hold on, because I wouldn't pleeeeighhhhh your game? That's why you're upset?

???: No, you wouldn't tell me more about this Moth. What is the power behind her bell? Be careful or you'll be locked up in the stables, eating hay for the rest of your life.

*blows a sigh that becomes more of a loose flapping of lips* That information is hers to give, not mine. Given the way you're reacting, I doubt you should be trusted with it anyweeeeeiiiigggghhhh.

???: So, it's removable? If that is the source of her powers, then someone can easily remove the bell, correct? Now, where were we? *points as your ears stretch and shape into horse ears*

*pausing at the momentary strangeness of the new ears, but then soldiering forward with them pinned back* Whether it is removable or not depends on how versed you are in old and wild magics. But you seem rather young compared to Leeeeiiiggghhhdy Moth. I wouldn't try it.

???: Rather young? I've been here for centuries, since I first cursed those who destroyed my home and cursed my father to be their slave. *points as a tail starts to grow and be covered in hair* I shall repeat what I said. Is. It. Removable?!

My point stands. *leans forward obstinately* I answered your question. *snorts and swishes tail in irritation*

???: *growls, points towards your body as it goes from standing to being on all fours, points towards your hands and feet as they become hooves* I warn you, one last thing and that precious mind becomes the simple mind of a horse. One last question, is she a threat to me? While I do have my own weaknesses, it will be a while before you or Moth get to stop me. Is she a problem that I'll have to fix?

*totters on the new hooves, attempting to keep balance* She's only a threat to you if you are a threat to her. Keep out of her territory and she won't bother you. It's Azura you need to worry about. She doesn't teeeeiiiggghhhke kindly to rogue magic.

???: Azura, a name that I've heard from Acrathia. I know of her position and her stance on my type of magic. The idea of being a goody two shoes about magic sickens me, no fun allowed on the side of sidhe. You have one more chance, or else that mind is mine. Where is she? Where is Moth?

*pauses, weighing the options for a few long moments* If I knew, I still wouldn't tell you. You are a danger to human and feeeeiiiggghhh alike.

???: *smiles* I warned you. *she grabs hold of your muzzle and touches your head, as her words sooth in your mind* You don't need to tell me where Moth is anymore. You don't need to at all. Why would a regular horse like you need to tell me where Moth is. You don't even speak human and the humans don't understand you either. You're just a common horse, feeling hungry for some hay.

*the words wash over me like a gentle hypnotic melody, and I begin to feel the sentiments she describes*

Moth: *suddenly appearing in a cloud of green smoke* Oh, no you don't, little girl. I don't share my toys, especially not when they're still writing my story. *Dearshul disappears in a puff of smoke* Who the hell do you think you are?

???: Oh, Moth, what a "delight" to see you. It's quite rude that you barged in here, I was having fun with my new pet. I'm sure if my writer was here, you would do the same, but now he's Lady Acrathia's pet now. I'm sure he'll have fun grazing and braying his life away, as you couldn't finish the job of changing him. I find it unfair that you seemed to take away my fun, so let's bring her back, shall we? *she clicks and Dearshul returns, still feeling the effects of her words*

Moth: *snarling* No, darling, it's you who are the rude one. She was mine before she was ever yours. When you meddle with her, you meddle with me, and I won't have it. *Dearshul briefly flashes with a protective internal green light before disappearing again* And I will not stand to have my magic mocked. *she takes her dragon shape* You will pay for your insolence!

???: As if your threats frighten me, you ladybug. Your magic is still not powerful enough, you may have "protected" her but her mind is still erasing your story, becoming that of a common horse, and you have no way of changing that. You think your form will stop me? *chuckles and then chuckles turn into loud evil laughter* You are wrong. Dead wrong. *her form changes into those of a griffin, equal in height of Moth's form*

Moth: *raises a ridged brow in triumph* So certain of that, are you? We'll see who is the insect. *she lashes her tail toward the griffin, sending a jet of green magic rocketing forward*

???: *flaps her wings, missing the energy as it leaves the fog covered area* You don't understand, Moth, you are not just facing me, you are facing this area. An area that I control. *points with her claw as bright orange energy shoots out towards her*

Moth: *sends up a shielding ward with a flick of her claw, causing the energy to ricochet back at her adversary* I've played in all kinds of realms, I think I can manage, darling. *she flaps her wings in order to raise off of the ground and rears back to expel a stream of blue flame toward her target*

???: *swoops down under her and pulls her tail* Then you've clearly never played in mine! *flies upward, still pulling on her tail and speeds towards to the floor, just swooping back up so she doesn't hit the floor*

Moth: *swiftly produces a charm to soften her landing, but miscalculates its placement. She lands heavily, but shakes it off and rockets toward her quarry with bared teeth* Be that as it may, I will make you will regret having dabbled in my realm!

???: *ducks, watching her go flying* Your "realm" is now my pet. Her mind is changing, and soon, you'll either fade away, or become my next pet! *charges at her, claws through fog to reach her*

Moth: *swiftly snaps up another shielding ward, making the claws bounce off harmlessly* You keep telling yourself that, darling. *she dives, snapping her jaws at her adversary's feathered wings*

???: Ahh! *while hurt, she claws on Moth's scales* Soon, you will fade away, your cursees will be free and your "friend" will be a common horse. Your time is near the end. *she claws her again, leaving her to escape from Moth's clutches*

Moth: *hisses in pain and twin curls of smoke flow from her nostrils* You underestimate my abilities. I will remain, as eternal and dangerous as the Magicks themselves! *she flaps in pursuit, shooting another gout of blue flame in the griffon's direction* You will regret making an enemy of me!

???: *ducks down again, scraping her claws against the floor, shooting another ball of energy* Your magic is nothing, your protection of that girl will do nothing, soon your writer will change, and while we are on the subject... *speaks as if Dearshul was still in this room* Why do you need to worry about writing and driving and drawing? You know that horses don't need to worry about those human things, and you are a horse. You've always been a horse. Born a horse and lived like a horse. You don't to worry about anything human, you are a strong horse, free to roam around the fields. Have about you have some hay and forget about humans altogether? After all, you are just a horse. *turns back to Moth* You will regret trying to stand a chance against me, Moth. You are weak, just like your love for Costa. Soon you shall fear the name of Eneida Zeredah. Your soul changer. *shoots another huge ball of energy*

Moth: *just barely dodges the first burst of energy and bares her fangs in a laugh before warding the second away* Darling, you are mistaken. It is you whose magic is nothing. Speak if you like, author.

*Dearshul's voice echoes from an unknown source* Don't gloat, Moth.

*her mood sours* You're no fun. Fine! Let's end this. I'm tired of your taunts. *She releases a vast pulsing wave of green energy that seems to shift with Eneida's movement*

Eneida: *she's hit by the wave, but she still bears a smile while being shocked* Nice try, Moth. *she starts to laugh* You really believe that I would believe that was the voice of your author, all safe and sound? *she laughs harder* What a joke. You do better impressions than you do "magic tricks". No, she is in my control still. In fact, why do you see for yourself? *something was coming through the fog, something four-legged*

Moth: *laughs mirthlessly* You think an illusion will fool me? I won't be goaded into revealing my author in the flesh, little girl.

Eneida: Oh, an illusion, you say? *the fog becomes clearer, the sound of hooves echo throughout the room* I think your writer might have a different opinion. Isn't that right, Dearshul?

Moth: *smirking smugly* Nice try, darling. It isn't her. In body, yes, but I have her consciousness kept safe.

Eneida: Oh really? Safe from me? You really are stupid, do you know that Moth? I always keep track of a soul. Your writer's consciousness is not safe. It's mine and it will forever be mine!

Moth: *shakes her head slowly* You're making a fool of yourself. I don't have time for a paltry sorceress like you. Soul magic is impressive, but what my bell contains far outweighs such a young form of the magical arts. You haven't touched her, no matter what you might think.

Eneida: Oh, what I might think? No... *she shoots towards Moth and grabs her head with her talons* It's what you might think. *she feels her soul inside Moth, trying to alter it. It's difficult, but something was happening* Why bother trying to fight me, Moth. You'll just lose like you lost Costa. In truth, he hasn't fully left Earth, his soul lives on...

...and it's owned by me. You are left with a choice, Moth. Your writer's consciousness for Costa's soul. Who knows, I might put his soul into some form of body. Your one desire, Moth. Costa to come back. Are you willing to sacrifice this horse's consciousness for your lover to return?

Moth: *with a roar she blows Eneida back with a flash of magic and pins her to the ground* I will rip. Out. Your. Throat. *she tightens her claws around the griffon's throat enough to draw blood* Don't you dare say Costa's name again and don't you dare touch me.

Eneida: *struggling to manage a laugh* It's your choice, Moth. It's either a horse or him. Ripping out my throat will do nothing to me, Moth, his soul is still mine, unless you give the consciousness of that writer to me. She is of no importance to you, you can write your own story, and if you give that consciousness to me, the story might be happy for once. Are you really willing to risk completely losing him for this common animal?

Moth: Don't you get it, you crazy woman? You are a character. She holds far stronger magic than either of us, just as your author does. You can say you have Costa's soul all you like, but it is up to her whether or not that's true. But what happened to your author? Oh, that's right. You turned him into an ass. He can't write you back into existence after I kill you and make your magic mine, can he? *she snarls and tightens her grip further, muttering an incantation as she does*

Eneida: No, I don't think you get it. My writer already knew what was going to happen to me. I know my weakness, I know my power and I know how I'm going to die. Bad news for you though, all the cuts, bruises, scars, they are nothing, and they'll continue to be nothing. The wounds are healing, Moth, all the damage that you've done is fading away. I didn't change my author into a donkey, you started it and I merely finished the job. You only did one thing, give him the ears, you didn't even try to finish. You are weak, as weak enough as it is. Your writer has plans for you too, your life has been written ahead, it's pointless to think that if her consciousness is kept that your story will continue going. Your story has been written, you are still awake and alive if I had her consciousness. If you need her back, I will give her back, but to worry about the continuation of your life because of this writer is pointless. She's written you as an immortal and powerful person. If she's mentally changed by me, you're still an immortal and powerful person. You have a chance to save Costa, release her consciousness, I'll change her mind to bring back Costa and you'll continue to live on, happily ever after. Your life will continue, Moth, after you realise her mind and I'll alter it to making you both live forever. Are you willing to lose him again?

Moth: *she twists her claws deeper, not to kill, but to cause pain* Don't pin his transformation on me. His choice to insult me was his own, you played with the spell he earned. My hands are clean. As for you, little witch, insult me one more time and I'll send every manner of Unseelie abomination to haunt you. They may not kill you, but they will make your existence a living hell. You'll wish to die. Then we'll see just how weak you think I am.
But you give my author too much credit. Even she does not know the end of my story yet, so yes, I do need to worry. Don't take me for a fool. She is mine, and if you think I'll align myself with you, you're as much of an ass as your author now is. *her voice lilts in a singsong taunt* And to think, you could have made me your ally. I do not forgive and I do not forget. This is the worst mistake you could have made, darling.

???: *blood starts to seep out on Moth's claws* You think I'm lying to you? Changing her mind means that the story is yours to control, you write the ending. You seem to know the setting, the characters, their emotions and motives, why not write your destiny? You have a chance to make the story yours, rewriting your own history to make you do whatever you want. Henry gone, Candle gone, Azura gone, Costa back. Do you think that this is an insult? Her mind could be in your hands, you could rule your world as I rule mine! She may not know, but you could make it whatever you want! If you want him back, you'll have to change her.

Moth: *gritting her fangs together* No, your arrogance and presumptions about me are an insult. *her breathing slows as she relives a painful memory* I tried to write my story once and it ruined my life. I will never make that mistake again. I may feel hatred for my author, but I am intelligent enough to know that she will do a better job than me. *her anger intensifies again and her bell flares with magical energy* Give her back, wretched human!

Eneida: *smiles and thinks for a bit* You tried to write your story, correct? Perhaps it's best to let another person write your story, but not this horse here, perhaps someone who could make you more powerful than you are now. Someone who would let you win the fight between you and Azura, someone who would take care of your cursees, making them get what they deserve. Maybe someone who would let you have Costa back into your life. Someone like me. Let me alter her mind and this feud will be over. You'll get Costa, you'll be rid of Azura. No more arrogance and presumptions about you. You'll even get my author, since he's just out braying and eating hay, I have no need of him.

Moth: Like hell I'll trust you after all the crap you pulled. Give me my author back intact. Now. *fire builds in her throat and she prepares to burn Eneida's face*

Eneida: Burning my face won't do anything, it'll just reform back without a scratch. How much do you want Costa back, Moth?

Moth: *slamming her dragonish weight onto the griffin in a rage* I want my author back! What part of that don't you understand?

Eneida: But your author won't bring Costa back! You'll be left unloved by anyone! Henry, Bottom, all of them! Do you want Costa back?

Moth: You don't know that! *she pulls back a clawed hand to rake the griffons face* Give *rake* her *rake* back! *digs in viciously*

Eneida: You know she won't! She said she wouldn't give back Costa, even after you made her into a donkey! Are you getting it now? SHE'LL NEVER BRING HIM BACK!!! You know it, I know it, she prevents it. How much do you want him back? Don't avoid the question, Moth, how much do you want him back?!

Moth: *snarling* I've killed for him! Of course I want him back! But I don't trust you any more than I can kill you. She is my hope and you are an annoyingly persistent little pest. *she flaps a few times to draw away from the griffin and takes the horse in her claws* I will find a way to end you, Eneida. Just as I will find my own path to Costa. *she disappears with her author in a puff of smoke*

Eneida: Oh no, you don't! *flaps her wings to try and find the area through the fog* You don't understand, Moth. I have the soul of Costa, your precious lover. You are weak, limiting yourself to your author, she is nothing anymore, just a common animal, like you will be. You'll never kill me, never. My story is written, I know everything I need about you, your author shall return, Moth. *lands down on the floor and returns to her body. She starts to laugh* Moth, you fool. Have you never realised that your dear author has a horse's mind? Yes? Did you notice that that wasn't the only thing I have done with her mind? No? I've changed it so that her body will return to me, and naturally, you will follow. Her mind is still that of a horse, you now finds me to be her "carer", and she now sees you as the threat. Soon, you will allow me to write your story. I'll grant you happiness with Costa coming back, but you'll only be the one who's happy. Your world will burn, Moth, and you'll be completely unaware. After all, all I had to do to change your mind was to grab your head and start soothing your mind to what I wanted.

Moth: *grins wickedly* Perhaps in your realm, darling. But my reality is intact. Enjoy the dream you have made for yourself before it crumbles. You will never best me. *drops the shell of her author, knowing she can find a loophole in the magics, and disappears into a realm beyond Eneida's reach*

Eneida: *growls and launches herself at where Moth was, disappearing into the void*