Pretty crazy ^^

This is why it's good to be a talking animal.

It certainly would have its perks ^^

Acrathia: *sighs* That is why when you learn a spell, you learn it inside and out. When you know every fabric of how the spell is composed you can cast it with out having to recite the words or make the gestures. Amateur.

Enedia: I'm surprised that even the basic spell can be muddled up by this one. Speak, or bray, quicker.

Anything is pAWWssible for the inexperienced! ^_^o *flashes the sheepiest grin a donkey can* Was mostly focused on not jumbling the spell, but you're right. I didn't count on my lips turning AWWll rubbery so soon.

Weren't you once an apprentice yourself?

Acrathia: Once, before even the concept of time existed. Of course to be an apprentice one would have to have a mentor, and I could hardly call mine that. I am mostly self-taught.

I see. I figured I wouldn't expect the same ability from Gregoro as I would From someone with your experience.

Acrathia: Few have the time or the dedication to the art that I have. I suppose I should just be impressed that he knew how to cast it at all

I can certainly appreciate your diligence.

Acrathia: Glad you approve

You're not wrAWWng. ^_^o You sound like his lordship. I knew trying so early in my studies was a bad ideEE-HAWW. I just... didn't think I'd get another chance and risked it. "Amateur's" putting it kindly.

Mm! And I've seen and heard much of you, but don't think we've ever spoken. I wish I were more myself, but it's a pleasure to finally meet you, LadEE-AWW-- *clears throat, proceeds very deliberately* Pardon. Lady Acrathia.

Acrathia: No I dont believe we have. I had the pleasure of witnessing some of your antics, and they were most amusing. For what it's worth the invocation was flawless... well it was while you had the proper mouth to recite it. Keep at it and you may come to be a rather competent practitioner of the art.

Heh, I do aim to please; glad to have entertained, even if nAWWt on purpose. ^_^

And... *ears perk up at the praise, surprised* Th-Thank you for the kind words. I don't expect you give cAWWmpliments lightly. *gives a smile and as gracious a bow as a donkey can, while a tasseled tail begins to swish* Heh, kinda glad I'm in a shape this humble: words like that could go to a guy's head -- and mine's gAWWtten big and lAWWng enough as it is.

Acrathia: No I do not give compliments lightly, and you are wise to recognize it. Always remember love transformation is an opportunity, a chance to change and grow. * with a hint of bitterness* Even if the magic of this isle has been twisted and corrupted beyond its original purpose.

*I nod* Good advice, that. I've mostly tried to drink things in, make the most of my time as something else. ^_^ Embarrassing or nAWWt, though it might be.

*my ears droop* Yeah... Little room for growth or hope hheeere... *I shudder, remembering the mystic pressure when I tried the incantation* What even hhappened to this place?

Acrathia: It might be better to ask Moth for the full details, but as a basic overview the magic of this isle was originally intended for reformation and redemption, mortals being transformed to donkeys for their ill behavior and being returned to human form once they had learned a lesson. The magic now has been altered for permanence keeping the transformed as they are.

*I nod* Hmm, I see. Thank you; the primer's helpful. Maybe I'd hhave felt better about my plan, if I'd known. That it was Wild Magic surging around, too much for MAWWth to bring to hheeel, was about as much as I knew.

I might ask her for more sometime. If I get outta this one.

Acrathia: Fate prevents me directly interfering, but I will cast a blessing for your success. * She out stretches a hand, and black and indigo energy swirls around Gregoro* Best of luck getting off this island love. When next we meet may they be under happier circumstances. *Acrathia vanishes into black and indigo mist.*

*I jerk back a moment, more startled and surprised than frightened* I-- *I give a grateful bow, flustered and adjusting to the feel of the settling magics* Thank you for your the boon, my lady. *a smile* I think I'll need it.

Farewell. *unsure what else to do, I lift a forehoof and wave into the mist as gracefully as I can manage (read: gracelessly)* To better times.

Okay. So... NAWW-HEE quite to plan. ^_^o *leans against a wall, a bit wobbly from the incomplete spells and ongoing changes*

Heeere's hoping nobody noticed that little stunt...

*A hulking bearded man with a sinister looking whip on his belt chuckles from a small distance away* Not your lucky day, signore. What was that incantation? Dei le fate?

*my ears perk, then droop a bit at the sight of the man, and especially that whip* *smiles as wryly, if nervously, as my equine face can manage* It really isn't. And... that is an impressive ear for origins you hhhave. Anyway, just a simple bid for protection I bAWWtched. *supposes this is true, if incomplete* If it worked any, I don't think it was enough.

I don't suppose you'd kindly help me slip away to somewhere safer and forget you sAWW mEE? ^_^o

The Man: *shrugs* I am familiar with the tongue. Spiacente, signore, but your freedom is not worth angering L'Omino. I hope you understand. Ah, ma forse I should hope you do not have the misfortune of seeing his anger at all. *he crosses to the wall and leans his back against it* Do you have a name, signore?

HAWWnh. And... how did you become familiar, if you don't mind my asking, sir?

*nods and brays a sigh* Yeah, I guessed as much. Just figured asking wouldn't be the worst lAWWng-shEE-AWWt I took today. *flashes a self-effacing smirk* The well-wishes and warning are welcome, though. And the surprisingly polite cAWWnversation.

*with fingers stiffening, I shift my grip to stay balanced* *keeps eyes on the man as he crosses over* Ah, yes, manners. I go by... Mm, don't suppose you'd indulge me? *unsteadily holds out a hand to shake, changes slowly starting* Quickly? I don't know how much lAWWnger I'll have fingers; doing it with a hoof'd feel like a pet trick. I go by Gregoro, anyway. ... *ears droop* At least until some buyer gives me a new one, I guess.

The Man: *quickly indulges in a handshake* A pleasure, Gregoro. I doubt L'Omino cares about names. I believe he will keep you, so you may keep it yet. Hmph... how to say... I think to you my name means Burn-Eater? No... eh... Fire-Eater. Forgive my English, I am learning. My teacher has shown me some language of le fate as well. *he observes you curiously* You are not so frightened by these changes?

Thanks. And that is... *my brow furrows as one ear lists at news of ownership* Iiiinteresting, if hheee does. Do you know the reason, or just... "luck" of the drAWW-HEE?

Hhehh. If your English is poor -- and I'd say it's nAWWt -- my Italian is... Ohh... CatastrofAWWle...? And your name... Hm, mangEEE-HAWW di focoso? Am I anywhere close? *my long ears perk; 'Something like that rings a bell... ...! Possibly his teacher's bell...'*

Oh, I'm worried, AWWlright. I just pride myself on composure. CAWWll it a coping mechanism. *I flash a strained smile* That and this, er... may nAWWt be the first time I've changed like this. ^_^o It's less fun sober, but I know what's coming. *I suddenly wince, then let out a pained, startled bray, scrabbling at the wall with mostly-hooved forelimbs, as new hindquarters tear through my pants* *I look back, breathing deep, and spying my new tail and furry hide* ... NAWWt that I'm immune to freak-outs, o'course.

*I shake my head* 'sides, I knew I was taking a risk with this. I accepted it. *I feel a little heat start to simmer* Most 'guests' don't really know what they're getting into, do they?

Mangiafuoco: *sympathetically* Lean forward, amico mio. Your back will hurt if you remain standing straight. *he fiddles absently with one of a few gold rings on his fingers* You are matured. He keeps the older ones to work on il paese.

Permit me to return the compliment. You are very close... sono Mangiafuoco.

Eh... *he tentatively puts a broad hand on your shoulder* this cannot be simple, even if you have felt it before. As you say, most are surprised when the rumors are true. It is not something they can accept so quickly.

AhhWW. That makes sense. *I nod* And yeah... You're right. HaAWW, not like I'm impressing anyone. *I look over what used to be hands, pawing at the wall with one* Hooves are about done, anyway, so... *I hesitate, but turn from the wall and let myself fall with an awkward clop, limbs not quite finished* Oof. Yeah, that's better. *I stretch my back and neck in more ways more natural to them now*

Mm, there we go. A-and... *feeling vulnerable, I tremble a moment at his touch, then collect myself, appreciating the sentiment* You're right, again. It isn't easy, feelingyour humaniteeEE-HAWW slip away. *I cough* I'm still better AWWff than the kids, though; I-I'm nAWWt so worried about myself. *a nervous tail's twitching puts the lie to that*

Have to say, though. I didn't expect this kind of kindness from one in... this line of work. I, uh. Hhope I'm nAWWt an exception and that whip's mostlee just for show.

Mangiafuoco: *removes his hand as it isn't helping matters, and raises a bushy eyebrow* Brave, but I do not think less of you if you are worried. *he smiles and shakes his head* I almost never have anything to do with gli asini. So, you are an exception, vero. *he rattles the whip on his belt, causing the nine tails to clatter against each other* This is for theatre tricks and to keep my puppets in line. Living wood does not often listen, you see. You must... how to say... intimidire?

*he pulls a small pepper from a pocket and chews it while he takes a long look around* We will not be alone long. When you can walk, we will go together to the stables. It is better I take you than the others. Their whips are not for... eh... how did you say? You call it show? They are not for show.

That's AWWpprEEciated. Since I might be. *I quickly move on, brightening* Oh, those puppets in the show were yours? I didn't stay lAWWng, but they were impressive; I'd wondered if there was some trick to them. *I pause, then broach what might be an awkward subject* Erm, and you're sure they're... nAWWt people, of course? I remember a story about a wooden boy, once.

*my ears twitch, focusing in on a sound, then nod* Aye, I think I hear someone; a ways off, but not much. *I frown* And if they're freEEAWWr with the whips, then more's the pity you don't much deal with guests after they've changed. A fAWWl's a fAWWll, but a cushioned one's better than a hHAWWrd one; you've made this EEeasier than it could've been. *I give a momentary look of gratitude, then tilt my head* Was it just the right place, right time, or more... purposeful that you're the one to take me?

*I notice all four legs feel much more stable* *I paw at the street with a new forehoof, then stretch my limbs a bit before taking a few practice steps, shaking off a few scraps of clothing* ... Yep. Feels just as alAWWrmingly natural as I remembered. *gives a sheepish grin* I think we can go. Mm, and any last changes still going or am I AWWll done?

Mangiafuoco: All originally wood, I assure you. The wooden boy escaped from here only days ago... how do you know of him?

I cannot stand to see the changed children day after day. It is too much to- to- *he sneezes and shakes his head, leaving the thought unfinished* Maybe it is my penance to help you. Non so.

*he pushes off of the wall and begins to walk down the path. He glances back sympathetically* You will not be able to speak at the end. Often that is the part that holds on the longest.

Ah, a relief. *I mentally file away this supremely helpful and interesting timing tidbit, then realize I have no clue how to answer this question* Umm... W-Well, ehehh, stories spread fast, y'know, ahahAWW, and I did say it was just a story I hhheard, so... *asinine body language is absolutely giving me away, even if my delivery wasn't*

*I shake my head for a different reason* Mmm, no, no. I don't wAWWnt to repay your kindness with lies. SAWWrr-HEE for that, Mangiafuoco. I just... don't know hhow much is safe to say. NAWWt from lack of trust -- *thoughts: 'Okay, maybe a little from who might hear about this.'* -- but more... mystical reasons. It is true I thAWWt it was just a story when I first heard it. And how I'm hheeere knowing about it does boil down to "bEEcAWWse magic."

*I nod solemnly* I see. I'm thankful AWWll the same. *I wait a bit* If I don't overreach... If you feel so torn up, what keeps you heere? ... Would this teacher you mention play a role?

*I start clip-clopping after* *I pause a moment, throat tightening at his words, then continue forward, ears low* Yes... I certainly hhoped otherwise -- I may like the sound of it too much, ehehEE-HAWW. But I knew. ... Truth to tell, a friend of mine spent time AWWn this island. Couldn't speeak for ages, until hhee gAWWt some magical hhelp. So, I knew. Hehh, come to think of it, maybe I wouldn't have come hheere to try the stupid thing I tried if I hhadn't met hhim. *I shake my head, plodding along*

Mangiafuoco: *slowing his pace to walk beside you* I know better than to question magic. It is too dangerous to do anything else.

Vero... I stay so I can provide for my teacher. She is much more to me than language lessons. *he rifles through a pocket and pulls out a very modest ring to show you* I want to ask for her hand soon. She is my sea and sky. Everything I have done has been for her. *he sneezes and puts it back into his pocket*

This friend. His curse lasts long? Is he still un asino?

*I nod* Wish I could speak more plainlee, but yes. Thanks for understanding.

Ahh, I see... *I put on a smile, whilst trying to mentally shelve... many, many thoughts I doubt I can helpfully share* ... I-I wondered if she was just a teacher. Your tone was so wAWWrm when you spoke of her before. I'm... hhhappy you found someone who makes you feel that way. I've heard love like that should be cherished, every day like it was the last. It's AWWlways seemed like good advice.

*I tilt my head at the question, ears half-pinned back in sudden annoyance* Yes, of course hhee is. Why would y-- *I pause, ears perking at a thought* AhhWW-HEE... You didn't think it was permanent, did you.

Mangiafuoco: This is wise advice. I will remember it.

*his brow furrows* I had this small hope that the magic would go wrong and it wouldn't do as we had planned. It was a foolish hope. *he sneezes* I wish I had never thought of using the magic like this. I wish even more that I had never spoken it. *he sneezes more violently* But we cannot take back our sins, can we? We must face it one way or another. *he glances your way guiltily and stifles another sneeze* I am trying to say this right... eh... "I am sorry" non è abbastanza. It is not... eh... *he gestures helplessly, searching for the right translation*

*I nod, hopeful it doesn't prove to be painful guidance in the end*

*I stop in my tracks, jaw fallen open and eyes widened* This was your idEE-HAWW!? I-- You-- *I breathe for a while, trying to collect myself* ... You're right. SawwrEE isn't enough. *I take another breath, my voice has some sympathy, but a certain hardness to it* But you know that. It eats at you, I can tell. *I shake my head* So, what's done is done. But how AWWre you going to make things better for those you hurt? Showing kindness to me like this is a beginning: your cAWWnscience shouldn't let it be the end.

Mangiafuoco: *resolutely avoiding eye contact* What can I do? I do not know magic, L'Omino will hardly let my teacher reverse what has been done... This, this does not seem like *he tries to recall the word you used* enough. Being kind while I see them off to their new sad life does not fix what I have done. *He sneezes again and sighs heavily. The sparse trees that were present seemingly as landscaping are now beginning to clump together on either side of the path. It stretches on straight ahead, quiet and unpopulated.*

*I look absently at the change in scenery, then notice him avoiding my eyes and snort in annoyance, ears flattening* Okay... Let's try this... *I take a breath to steel myself*

*from walking side-by-side, I pick up my pace to get in front of him, then suddenly stop, turning on my hooves to face him and stretching my neck out, even rearing up and resting my hooves on his chest if that's what it takes, to get up in his face* You're hung up on the wrAAWng thing. You prAWWbably can't fix this. Hhheh, nAWWt that you're alone: my stupid plan sure couldn't. Hell, after what I felt... *I get a moment's faraway look and shiver, recalling the sheer terrifying pressure of that magic when I tried to push it back* ... I don't know that anything could.

*I shake my head to clear it, refocusing and hardening* Point is! That doesn't matter. The... Ohh, what's the phrase...? Il... meglio è... nemico del bene? You can't fix this, but if going to the stables more AWWften and making some kids feel less scared and miserable is AWW-HEEll you can think to do? Then do that: you'll make things better than if you hhhadn't. *my voice softens again* It's nAWWt enough, but it counts for more than you think. Keep doing it, even if it's hAWWrd, until you find ways to do something more. Then... do those. Keeeep going, and don't forget why.

*my ears perk as my brain catches up with one of Mangia's examples* *I tilt my head, part animal gesture of confusion and part set-up for uncharacteristic dose of very mild side-eye* And... uh, let hher? She's... of the fey, you said? The ones I've known AWWre many things, but 'pushovers' isn't one. What makes you so sure hhhee could stAWWp hher?

Mangiafuoco: *Stands very stiffly with his feet braced to keep the two of you balanced, stunned by the sudden unexpected gesture and unsure how to respond. After a few long moments of, judging by the look on his face, deciding whether to shove you away or intimidate you into backing down, he does neither.* If you were young, un ragazzo piccolo, and stuck the way you are, what would you want me to say to you? What would make you feel better? I cannot think of what to say.

*he blinks* They made a contract. The fae do not break contracts. I do not know why.

*I open my mouth, but close it after a bit* No easy question. I don't even know what I'll say when I get in there. *I look sympathetic* And different kids might need to hear different things. But... I wouldn't like fAWWlse hhope, for one. Tell them you're sAWWr-HEE, and can only imagine hhow hAWWrd it is. If one tries to do something hhhuman that might hhurt them, like me with my back, gentlee wAWWrn them.

*I frown, not exactly impressed with those; I gently push off and drop back to all-fours* You might not find the right words right away. But hhaving someone there who cares and who clearly tries to treat them with kindness and dignitee-HAWW... Might be what they need in the moment. Your HAWWrt's in the right place; you'd get better at giving comfort with practice.

And... Oh. Yeah, breaking their word isn't something they do, no. *my ears droop on that score* Mmm... But entering ironclad cAWWntracts isn't something they enjoy, either. It might nAWWt tie hher hhands as much as it seems. ... Hhhave you tAWWlked to hher about your regrets?

Mangiafuoco: *he listens in uneasy silence and finally nods* I will try.

*his shoulders fall* And seem weak right before I ask for her hand? That is not wise. She does not like weakness.

*I nod back in approval* Thank you.

Mm, granted. I can't pretend I'd know hher hhAWWrt better than you. Still, there's more than one kind of strength, isn't there? You've realized you're AWWff-course: you might show more strength by admitting it and openly working to get back on track than by pretending everything's fine. I mean, the fey're pretty shAWWrp; she might've already picked up that something's bAWWthering you.

Mangiafuoco: *with increasing unease* Non so... Perhaps... she is hard to understand sometimes. *the surrounding foliage thickens and the distant sound of distressed braying can be heard*

*I nod* The fey awwften can be. Coming from a different world alone... If it hhelps, we can sometimes be hhEE-HAWWrd for them to understand, too. Communication: it's important.

*my ears perk up and I shiver at the cries as we walk along* *I think I can make out bits and pieces of what the voices are trying to say* ... Hhhow lawwng do they tend to stay hheere?

Mangiafuoco: *he nods silently, brows furrowed as he tries to pick his way through the idea until the question is posed* A week at most... usually less.

*Drawing nearer, you can make out snatches of the desperate cries. It is less of a direct understanding and more of a vague translation of each plea as they hit your ears. Cries for help, attempts at bargaining, despairing wails, feverish apologies, and promises to change echo around you as the tops of two large barns peek out before you.*

>w<