Acrathia: Someone new? I look forward to meeting this Don

You are welcome to if you like, milady

Acrathia: *Materializes out of the nearby shadows* Having trouble love?

Don: *panicking and looking as though he wishes he could escape from his own legs* H-hooves.... I have hooves!

Acrathia: *Dryly* Just noticing this now? How very observant of you.

Don: *finally looks up from his predicament and flinches at Acrathia's faerie traits* Look, ma'am, I don't want any more trouble. I- *his voice dies in his throat as his nose slowly begins to take up more of his vision*

Acrathia: *Shakes her head* And you shall have none from me. It is obvious you are cursed, and it is dangerously rude to alter another practitioner's curse. *She looks around for a moment and spies a rattlesnake not too far from her. She picks it up effortlessly and holds the serpent's face up to each of her ears. once she is done she puts the snake back down and he slithers off.* There. that should allow me to understand you when you lose the capability of human speech...If you have not lost it already...

Don: *clutching his nose as it broadens and pushes forward* Cripes... hnnng... I thought she had a screw loose, all that talk about magic... what am I going to do?! *he huffs heavily through his equine nostrils and squeezes his eyes shut*

Acrathia: That would entirely depend on the one who cursed you, and the reasons behind it. It wouldn't have by chance been done by a young woman with cerulean hair and amber eyes would it? Perhaps one you were romantically involved with?

Don:Yes... but, no. We weren't going steady or anything. She just seemed lonely and I thought she could use a friend... *he draws his hands away from his growing muzzle in panic as his fingers start to fuse* I'm supposed to be going to college again soon! They won't let me in if I'm a horse!

Acrathia: I do not know the extent of the curse love, but I have it on good authority that you will at least bring it to a point where the curse will at least become managable.

Don: *brows knitted in cautious hope* There's a way to handle this? *He attempts to stand, but finds that he is very ill-balanced with how his hips have been reshaped and has to lean against a tree. His tail swishes instinctively and he flinches at the odd sensation* I don't want to have to get used to that.

Acrathia: There is always a way to manage it, the difficult part is being able to find it. *She laughs to herself for a moment thinking on the situation. Starts talking more to herself than him* He was about to go to college and so was Jonathan. *Laughs some more* She and I really are alike...

Don: *voice starting to rasp* She's done this to someone else?

Acrathia: * Laughs heartily* I would be surprised if you were even the tenth. Be thankful you do not appear to be bound to her like the others

Don: Why... why does she do this? I was kind to her! *his back beginning to twist and elongate* Aa-aah!

Acrathia: Were I the one doing this, it would be because I saw potential in you, and wanted to see how you would adapt and give you an opportunity to grow. Knowing her, it was likely that she was beginning to have feelings for you, and she did this either as a means to distance herself from you, or an attempt to bind you to her.

Don: *huffing as his neck stretches* Bind... bind how?

Acrathia: Tell me boy, how do you intend to regain your humanity? The only lead you have at this point is her. By holding your human life in her hands she is holding all the cards, forcing you to strike a deal that will ultimately be to her benefit in the end.

Don: I don't know ma'am, and please pardon my language, but there's no way in hell I'm going to her for help. *his hips reshape further, forcing him onto all fours* She can't be the only one with an answer.

Acrathia: She would be the easiest as it is her magic, however you are correct in that she is not your only option.

Don: Then I'll find one of these other options. *the final stages of the transformation shudder to a close and he finds that he can only whinny at her. experimentally, he says* I know that it wouldn't be right for you to help me with this, but do you know anyone who would be willing?

Acrathia: I have been far too lenient as of late in providing help without expecting anything in return. If I am to aid you in this, I will need a payment or favor of some kind.

Don: *ears falling backward* I don't have much in the way of money... maybe I could work for you to pay off whatever I'd owe? I'm a decent mechanic... when I have hands.

Acrathia: I do not know if I will have need for a mechanic in the future, but seeing as that is all you have to offer me at this point, I will accept your offer, and will utilize it when and if I require it. What I will tell you is to seek out a being known as The White One. As I understand it she will help aid you in making this curse more... manageable... for lack of a better word

Don: The White One? *he knits his brows* How will I know her?

Author: He gets his curse reduced from the white one right? I hope I didn't misread that somewhere.

Acrathia: That is why you think before you post. It's not just you who looks foolish when you do so.

Author: In a fairly roundabout way, yes ^^ No worries!

What have we here? I do believe I detect the fear of a startled workhorse. *I tut and shake my head* Someone got on somebody's bad side tonight. *I offer a hand* May I help you up?

Don: *hyperventilating and deathly pale* So you see them, too. I'm not imagining this. *fur begins to bristle from what scant part of his chest is exposed by his unbuttoned shirt collar*

Yes. And it's going to get quite a bit worse. I'd recommend shedding those clothes, while you still can. That shirt and belt are going to get very tight very quickly, if I'm judging correctly.

Don: Worse? *he goes paler, if possible* No kiddin'... *his fingers fumble for the zipper of his jacket and then to undo his belt. As he attempts to unbutton his shirt his fingers start to meld together and stiffen. He snorts uneasily* She did it. She really did it... I thought she was crazy...

Nope. She told you straight up. She feels like you used her, you know. I'm curious. Did you?

Don: What? No! I thought she needed a friend... *the thought is interrupted as fur springs up on his face* I see now that that was a mistake.

Yeah, women tend to interpret our actions differently. What seemed like being helpful and getting her to come out to social events, etc. for her health to you, seemed more like you were coming on to her. Hence her upset when she found out you don't actually feel that way about her. *I sigh* You likely reminded her of someone she lost a long time ago. Those are generally the only people she bothers to curse, when things don't go the way she wants with them.

Don: And I'm getting the shaft for it. *he watches with growing unease as his nose begins to broaden* How long do you think I have left? As a person, I mean.

The rest of your life. She doesn't curse people to lose their minds, if that's what you're worried about. And there is potential to learn to control it. It will take time, of course, but you can and likely will be able to achieve human form again one day. You'll likely find a lovely woman, settle down, have kids, and then those kids will have kids. I think you'll have a legacy you can be proud of. It's just going to take time and effort to get there. For now, best to just roll with the punches. *I run my hand down his torso briefly to undo the buttons quickly, before they burst off.* Best to get this and the pants off, before you burst the seams. Trust me, it's a huge bother trying to replace clothes after a change.

Don: The pants went when my legs did. I think they're kaput. *he gestures to the tattered fabric clinging to his thighs* So... roll with the punches... Nnng! *his back contorts as his spine lengthens*

*I quickly remove the shirt.* "Best you get onto all fours and head off any awkwardness. Your arms will likely follow soon enough. And let's not forget the tail.

Don: *panting and gritting his teeth as he complies* If this... is what I get... for being friendly... *the thought is interrupted by a whinny* D-damn.

Easy, boy, easy. Calm down. Take a few deep breaths. Let the change happen, and don't fight it. Trust me, you won't lose anything of yourself. Getting worked up will just spook the horse part of you that's developing.

Don: *breathing heavily through his elongating nose, he snaps* Easy for you to say, pal. You're not turning into Mr. Ed. *he shakes his head* I'm sorry... It isn't you I should be upset with.

Don't worry about it. I'm familiar with how the instinct works. A stallion tends to lash out when it's wild and upset. And you've every right to be. Here. Let me try something to help calm you down. It may feel demeaning, but it should help. Most of my centaur friends equate it to a massage for humans. *Bristles start running over his side and back as his chest begins to barrel out.* I admit, I'm a little curious to see what breed you become.

Don: *skin quivering as if he is attempting to ward off a fly* This is... is... *his breathing slows and his ears relax* I've never had a massage before, but this is probably better. *His neck lengthens and his tidy hair grows out into a mane, bringing the change nearly to a close. He looks every bit a thoroughbred. He looks around at himself and snorts* It's over? I thought there... would be... *His voice begins to rasp and undulate until it becomes a series of nickers and whinnies. He looks very concerned*

You'll be able to speak again eventually. Don't worry. For now, just relax and enjoy. I'll be able to understand you, thanks to this little beauty here. *I raise a ring engraved with a series of musical notes and symbols to one of his large eyes on the side of his head, so he can see it.* You have to stay calm. Calm and relaxed. *I continue the brushing* Just let yourself be for a little bit, acquaint yourself with your new self. Feel the snow crunch beneath your hooves, the steam of your breath on the air, the whistle of the wind in your ears. It's a still night. Enjoy it. And then maybe we can talk about something that's been nagging at me since we met, hmm? *The rhythmic scrape of the bristles over the hide accompanies my gentle talk as I brush over his thick neck, and a second brush starts to run through his mane.*

Don: *still very uncomfortable with the idea of speaking like a horse, he murmurs* What?

I've got the distinct impression of a ... gamble of sorts? Would you happen to know anything about that? (And I just realized Gamble may have to do with horse locomotion as a pun, rather than actual gambling. *Facepalms*)

(You were right about gambling being a vice rather than a locomotion. Unfortunately, the reason he'd be called a gambler hasn't happened yet)
Don: *his ears twitch backward in confusion* No? I mean... we are in Kentucky, and betting on the races is a big deal, but I don't have money for that kind of thing.

Huh. Maybe something in your future, then. *I shrug* So, how do you feel now? You're clearly a good size. A stud like you would probably do pretty well in the circuit, or possibly in breeding. Granted, I wouldn't know much about that. Not really my area of expertise.

Don: *snorts* I'm going to find my way home. *he turns, turns again, and pins his ears* Wherever that is.

*I sigh* She teleported you out here, didn't she?

Don: *he stares around warily* It is all a blur. I don't really remember. I was in my car one minute, then she shoved me out the door and onto the pavement, then I was here.

So that's a yes. *I sigh again* Got anything from your car on you?

Don: *shakes his head* I only had my keys, but they were still in the ignition.

I see. Do you at least have an address for where you were?

Don: I was driving her to her place... we were on Mill Road. *his ears twitch back and forth as he tries to figure their location* It's near the woods, and now we're in the woods, so it might not be far.

*I wince* The car wouldn't happen to have still been in motion at the time, would it?

Don: I'd barely put it in park... *his brow furrows in concern* I hope she doesn't wreck it. I don't think she knows how to drive.

She doesn't need to. Portals are a lot easier for her, unless she wants to stretch her wings. Now, I'll need a few more specifics. There are a lot of Mill Roads in the world, so if you could just give me the township, county, and state for extra precaution, I should be able to take us there without difficulty, though we may have to hike a little to find the exact position where you left your car.

Don: Well, I was driving out of Corbin, Kentucky, into the next town. *ears twitching* Do you need more information than that?

Guess we'll find out. I've never been there, so I can't use my usual means of teleportation. But, assuming that you haven't drifted far from the portal Moth opened, I don't see why we can't just trace it, assuming there's enough of a magical signature to give me an exact location.

Don: You'd know better than me... I didn't know magic had more substance than fairy tales before tonight.

Yeah, a lot of people don't realize that. *I raise my hand and a few sparks shoot out.* Now, if I can just locate the exact spot where she pushed you ... there! *a portal opens a few feet to the side, rimmed with golden sparks.* After you, good sire. And please, forgive the pun.

Don: *briefly twitches his ears backward when he catches the pun and cautiously steps through the portal*

*I follow soon after and close the way behind us.* So, recognize anything?

Don: *turning, ears twitching as he tries to get his bearings* This is Mill Road... *he paws at a set of skid marks on the asphalt* and this is probably where she ruined my tires.

Hotwired your car, eh? *I sigh* She never was one to take things half way.

Don: *snorts* Wish I would've known that earlier. *he begins to pace* What happens now?

Well, you are a horse. We could always trot back to your place.

Don: And whinny at my landlord until he lets me in? Somehow I doubt that'll work... *he pauses when a strangely glowing white shape passes through the trees* What...

Let's just say that fate has a way of working out when you've been wronged. Isn't that right, m'lady? *I call into the forest.*

The White One: *bows her head in affirmation and lithely leaps through the trees*

Don: Do... do we follow the ghost deer?

We do. Or perhaps you do. I'm not sure if she wants me present or not during this meeting. Regardless, following is definitely a good idea.

The White One: *speaking into your mind* Your company will not disturb the flow of fate, though it pleases me to know you are wary of it.

Don: And I thought tonight was weird enough... *he hesitantly follows the deer that leaves no tracks*

Trust me, you're only just touching the borders of it. The stories I could tell you. *rolls my eyes as we follow*

Don: *ears flicking backward* We've got nothing but woods and a ghost deer. Let's hear one.

Try literally being split into two core enities each embodying he best and worst attributes in you respectively. And both being exceedingly powerful.

Don: *eyes wide with disbelief and unease* How'd that happen?

A magic ritual performed to save me after a different spell basically shoved me into the back seat while my darker half took control. I supplied pieces of the incantation to four individuals to combine into the spell that released me from the enemy's control. Unfortunately, it also banished my other half and gave it physical form. We clashed a lot after that, until we finally reached a compromise and became one again. He still comes out from time to time, but he acknowledges the fact that evil and dark aren't necessarily the same things anymore. Still likes to employ less savory means of accomplishing our duties as balance keepers, but sadly, that is sometimes necessary to keep worlds from falling apart. *I shrug* Fate's funny like that, sometimes.

A tangled web indeed. At this point, who is doing what to whom?

That is the question, isn't it?

Hello? Don, is it? Are you alright?

Don: *panicking* N-no! I'm... I've... I have hooves!

Calm down, calm down, you don't want anyone else to notice them, right? Okay. Okay. What did you do before you had them?

Don: I... I don't know why I have them! I just told this girl that I wasn't interested in her. I tried to let her down easy, but- *he pauses as his teeth broaden and reshape* Ack!

Okay, okay, okay, just be silent for a bit, you don't want to let the changes overcome you. Now, what was her name? What did she look like?

Don: *trying not to panic* Caroline. She had blue hair... wore a bell around her neck. *his tidy hair begins to creep down the back of his neck to form a mane*

Did you tell her politely? Because, well, let's just say you aren't the first to end up... like this.

Don: I did. I really did try to let her down easy... *his ears swing forward* She does this a lot?

You have no idea. I was turned into a donkey because I had an arguement with her. We're still friends, but I have to be cautious of what I say or do.

Don: Why you'd want to be friends after that is beyond me. *his nose pushes outward little by little and he clutches at it* No, c'mon.

Well, it's better than being in this position, isn't it? Right, can you still stand up?

Don: *he attempts, but finds that he has to lean against a tree in order to stay balanced* I don't understand what I did to deserve this. I only tried to be friendly.

Well, with Caroline, she's not that accepting to the answer "No". Was there anything else weird that night? Whale noises? Donkeys?

Don: *very confused and a little unnerved* It only happened a little while ago, but I didn't hear any animal sounds... just her yelling at me for leading her on when I hadn't.

*Spots his rapid changes continue* Look, I best get you safe, even if that place is a farm.

"Curse the gods, another one. Did Moth do this to you? Where is she?!"

Don: *recoiling at the sight of what he thinks might be a werewolf* Hells bells! What are- wait... you know her? Did she do it to you, too? *fur begins to poke out from what skin is visible at the end of his jacket sleeves*

"Yes and no. Not important. Where is she?" He repeats as he draws a sword, "Quick now, in case you lose the ability to speak."

Don: *points back behind himself* In my car... which she's probably already driven away. *the fingers on the pointing hand begin to fuse together*

(This isn't taking place in a storyline where Trixie is a thing, is it?)

"Damn," Qadir says as he sheaths his sword, "she is slippery, the serpent. There are people who can help. I am Qadir; what is your name, human?"

(Nope ^^ You're talking to her grandfather)

Don: *slightly relieved at the sword being sheathed* Don. Don Jones. You said there are people who can help?

(Ahhhhhh, cool...timelines...)

"There are. I can take you to them, if I can figure out where we are, precisely. Never did get the hang of travel by portal..."

(You'll find that things get very convoluted here XD)

Don: You're in Kentucky, smack dab in the middle of nowhere... which isn't good if I'm going to be a horse. *as if on cue, his nose broadens*

(Probably wouldn't be anything that would tip Qadir off that he is talking to her Grandfather...right?)

"For what it is worth, Don, I am sorry this is happening to you. I will do what I can to help, if I can find the damned portal back. Do you have family here?"

(Maybe the similar eye color, or mannerisms of speech. Do with that what you will ^^)

Don: *he shakes his head and rubs worriedly at his lengthening nose* I moved here for my education. My family are states away... what did she do to you?

"She made me the man I am today," he said wryly as he scanned the treeline behind them, looking for something. "You know, you remind me of someone I used to know. The horse thing is a hell of a coincidence, but she does seem to like equi...." he trailed off and his eyes widened as he finally considered the tattered remains of the clothes Don wore. "What year is it here?"

Don: *brow knitting* 1953. Why?

"1953...how is it 1953?! We need to leave, now. Can you walk? 1953! The bloody fairy has made me a time traveler!"

Don: *getting shakily to his hooves and finding it very difficult to balance* W-what? Fairies? Time travelers? You're going to have to slow down- *his back contorts as it lengthens and he falls lopsidedly onto all fours*

"You are talking to me, someone who looks as I do, as you yourself are being transformed into a horse, and you want to question Fairies? Look, the person that did this to you was not human, she was Fae. And unless I miss my guess, you do remind me of someone--your own granddaughter. If you wish to know more, I am afraid I have very few more answers to give. Where is that damned portal?!"

In his mind, Qadir focused on a single word, 'Captain!'

*in an instant, seemingly sourceless ash and smoke pull together to create the bear-sized figure of Dubhgall*

Dubhgall: *glancing around* Did you find the Traitor?

Don: *stares, pale and dumbstruck* W-what...

"No sir, it appears I was a few minutes too late. She has stolen this mortal's vehicle and escaped. Don Jones, this is Captain Dubhgall, sorry to spring another thing on you, but it was necessary.

"We may have another problem, Captain. This is the mortal world, but in the past. I did not think such a thing possible."

Dubhgall: *exhaling frustratedly through his nose and creating a hissing plume of steam* Then we must leave him to the devices of the Hand of Fate. Stealing a cursed one away from her is one thing, but disrupting time is quite another.

Don: Wait, so you're just going to leave me here? Like this?

Dubhgall: It is an unfortunate thing, but yes. *his eyes flash* You are a resourceful soul. You will find your way.

"Is there nothing more that can be done for him now?"

Dubhgall: *circles the horse-man in thought* The magic upon him is strong... even by the Traitor's standards. It cannot be fought by any of our practitioners. Unless we are willing to alter the path of his family line, there is little to do other than offer our company and protection for a time.

Don: *crestfallen* Nobody can help me? How am I supposed to even have a family line if I'm some half-horse freak? It's not-*he whinnies and shuts his mouth, mortified*

"He did not say no one, just none of ours. There are beings that do not like to choose sides."

To the Captain, he asks, "Do we take him back with us? Perhaps the Magister could show him some guidance? Surely a day or two in the Sidhe would not alter the timeline too drastically."

*A familiar warm voice echoes in your mind* It is surprising how much can transpire in one night, warrior.

Dubhgall: I suppose... we would have to gain clearance from the Judicator...

I make it a habit to be surprised by as little as possible these days. Is that you, Guardian?

"Belay that a moment, Captain. There may be a development," he says as he returns to concentrating on the presence in his mind.

The White One: It is. I am pleased that you have gained such standing in your time among the Seelie Court. The unfortunate mortal is not so unfortunate as he appears. There is a ranch not far from this place. It would welcome him if you would bring him there.

Dubhgall: *eyes flashing in an attempt to divine what his happening*

I do what I can, we all do. Would this happen to be the same ranch his kin will later use as a refuge, where you will first contact me? Will he find help in regaining his humanity there?

To Dubhgall, he says, "There is a Guardian present, the White One. She is speaking with me."

The White One: It is not the same, but it will lead to the creation of the place where you and the young Giacomo will find healing. He will find help in this place. Whether he will find his humanity is his decision.

Dubhgall: Understood. *he bows his head in submission to the unseen entity*

Understood. If you would please show me the way, we will see him there.

"You are in luck, Don. A Guardian appears to have taken some interest in you. She informed me of a ranch nearby where you may find help. We are to take you there. It seems you yet have a significant part to play in things."

*A sudden knowledge of the surrounding area floods your senses and she withdraws*

Don: If my part involves being human again, I'm all for it. *he makes an experimental attempt to walk forward on his mismatched legs*

Dubhgall: *with mild suspicion* Do you know which of the Guardians spoke to you, Qadir?

"It very well may, though as with all things it will largely be up to you. If you are anything like your granddaughter will be, I think you will be fine."

"The White, Captain. This is the second time she has spoken to me. The ranch is this way."

Don: *groaning as his forelegs shift to catch up with his hind legs* Here's hoping.

Dubhgall: *regarding Qadir curiously* Indeed? You must have a bigger role in the fabric of fate than I realized.

Qadir scoffed, "Indeed, but I do not know about all of that."

Don: What is a Guardian, exactly?

Dubhgall: A Guardian is one of the Hand of Fate, the agents through which the Master of Fate operates. *he looks to Qadir* To be spoken to by such an entity is to be marked for great deeds. To be spoken to twice is something truly rare.

Qadir nodded, accepting, "Her guidance has been valuable, to be sure. Would be nice if she could guide us to the means to remove Moth, prevent others from falling victim, but I will take what I can get."

Don: *flatly* I wish she could, too.

Dubhgall: Well, what she will not give we shall find on our own. Fate is not left entirely to the Guardians.

"Aye, surely enough. In any case, a victory given and not won loses some meaning." He begins to walk in the direction he knows the ranch to be, but pauses and turns to Don, "The ranch is not far, only a few miles. Can you yet walk? I do not believe we would be able to carry you very effectively, and I would rather not be forced to commandeer human transport."

Don: *he nods and lifts an awkward foreleg* I'll keep up. You're doing me a favor already by showing me the way. I don't want to make it any more complicated.

Dubhgall: *smirks* This one's a fighter. Good.

Qadir nodded in agreement, "He will need to be, likely. All things considered, you do seem to be taking things rather well, Don. Something I told--or, I suppose, will tell in 60 years--someone else, take this one step at a time...if you are strong and determined, you will make it through. One way or another. But remember one step at a time, one day at a time."

Don: *wincing as his neck lengthens, seemingly on cue* Nnn... one step at a time. *he snorts* This feels like a lot of steps at once.

"Aye, it is that now. When you begin to make sense of things, though, do not overwhelm yourself by attempting to tackle all problems at once. Come, we have miles to cover yet. Will you be accompanying us, Captain?"

Don: Right... right... *his tidy hair lengthens and creeps down his neck*

Dubhgall: *with a swish of his tail* Horses tend to become nervous around me. I believe I will return to the sidhe. Can you manage on your own?

"Perhaps that is best, then. I will see him there safely, yes."

Dubhgall: *nods to Qadir, then to Don, and dissolves*

Don: *whickering anxiously* Is he supposed to do that?!

"He does, from time to time. He is one for theatrical entrances and exits, I suppose. Come, we should be on our way."

Don: *eyeing the pile of ash as it dissipates* R-right... lead the way.

Qadir started down the snow covered bluff in the direction he knew the ranch to be in. He craned his neck back a moment to consider the former man as they walked. He was nearly completely horse now, with only a few last vestiges of his humanity remaining. His clothing had mostly been destroyed by the transformation and left behind, though the remains of his shirt still clung about Don's withers by a strip of torn fabric. The Varn turned back and, with a quick jerk of his paw-hands, removed the shirt as well.

A beast would likely not be bothered so much by the cold, Qadir thought, but he reminded himself that Don was not a true beast. The man-turned-animal seemed to he trembling slightly, but whether that was in response to the stress of what had happened to him or the cold itself, Qadir was not sure, "Are you warm enough? The ranch is still a fair walk from our position."

Don: *puffs of steam leaving his nose as they walk* I am. I never thought I'd say this, but the fur helps. *he eyes his guide* If you don't mind me asking, what'd you do to make her blow her lid at you?

Qadir snorted, "I came across her in the woods one night, didn't know who--or what--she was. She acted strangely and I was tired, in no mood to deal with it. I may have said some uncharitable things, and she tried to turn me into her guard dog. I objected." He did not mention the human those things had actually happened to, or the deal the human had made with her; he didn't feel like explaining that particular can of worms.

Don: She must have some really thin skin if she turns me into a horse for telling her I only wanted to be friends and turns- or tries to turn- you into a dog for being in a bad mood. *he is frozen in place momentarily as the transformation shudders to a close* Thank God, it's over. I've had enough magic for one nnn... n-nnn... neeeeiiiigghh!

"What she is is a crazy b--oh, no..." Qadir trailed off as he realized what was happening and hurried back to the former human. He put one paw-hand hand on the horse's neck and stroked his mane with the other, in part as an attempt at calming the man, but also to hopefully prevent him from bolting.

"Shh, Don, breathe, just breathe. Let it pass, calm down and let it pass. Try to speak again, when you're ready."

Don: *eyes wide and ears flat against his skull, he tries to calm his panicked breathing* Nnn... nnn... neeiighh *He tries a few more times but finds he is only capable of whinnies and nickers. He looks devastated*

"Shhhhh, it's alright my friend, you are still you. She will not take that away from you. I hoped it would not affect your voice, but I have known others that have had that taken, it can be recovered."

Don: *one very tentative ear twitches forward, as if to say, "Really?"*

"Aye Don, it is so. Be easy, you will get through this. There are those who have the ability to communicate with you magically, though I do not have the knowledge of this myself. If needs be, I will get them for you. For now though, we should keep moving, yes?"

Don: *Nods his head and resumes following Qadir. The crunch of snow beneath his hooves and the cold whisper of the wind keeps his ears constantly swiveling as they progress. After a while, he noses at Qadir's armor and looks a question at him: "Where'd you get the get-up?"*

"My armor? Fae made. Long story, but when Moth made me...me, she brought me from another world, one where I had been trained as a knight. When i escaped her, I joined the Seelie Guard, to try to keep this from happening to others. Seems I was a bit too late this time."

Don: *Ears falling back at the thought that all of this could have been avoided. Still accustomed to typical human communication, he mutters something wryly but it only comes out as grunts and whickering*

Qadir laughed, "Easy there, I think I can pick up what tyou mean through body language for the most part, but you need to take it slower if I am to understand you."

Don: *he snorts in mild frustration at the sudden language barrier, and does his best to get across, "If I'd only known."*

Qadir pursed his lips and wrinkled his brow, trying to comprehend, but eventually just shook his head, "Nope, sorry, cannot figure that one. If it is important, you could write it out in the snow with your hoof."

Don: *shakes his head and exhales a sigh through his nose*

"Not to fret, though. The ranch is not far now, perhaps another mile and a half or so." Qadir chuckled and added, "Let me up on your back there and we might arrive in minutes."

Don: *scoffs at the idea at once, but, after a moment of consideration given the situation, attempts to make his back more easily accessible to the Varn*

Qadir chuffed out a laugh, "Huh, I had not expected you to be willing. Will make progress faster, not having to wade through this snow...if all else fails, I have always wanted a smarter mount, could offer you a job!"

Don: *gives a "watch it" kind of squeal*

"Ha!" Qadir laughs, "Just a joke my friend, trying to lift the mood. I am not certain how these things work with time, but this is not the end of your story, Don. I know this because I think if it were, it might be the end of mine as well, and I am not prepared to surrender to circumstance. Right on through that clump of trees there, we should see the lights of the ranch house soon."

Don: *Looks over his shoulder at Qadir and raises his eyebrows hopefully. Then, he turns his attention back toward the path ahead and, a little impulsively, tenses his muscles to see what it's like to run full-pelt with his new legs*

Not expecting his mount to bolt, and lacking any sort of saddle to help keep him secure atop the man-turned-horse, Qadir shouted in surprise as he was thrown bodily from Don's back. He tried to twist and grab for the horse's flanks but only succeeded in spinning his own body in an awkward fall. The back of his canid skull smashed into a rock barely covered by the snow, and he sprawled out in an unconscious, boneless heap.

Don: *Skids to a halt, immediately regretting the decision when he sees his companion unconscious. He awkwardly pokes at Qadir with his nose and whinnies in hopes of waking him*

Steam rises steadily from Qadir's nostrils, proving that the Varn is still breathing, but he does not stir at the touch. A small patch of red steadily begins to spread through the snow beneath his head.

Don: *Paces in panic before carefully grabbing a mouthful of Qadir's tunic between his teeth to drag him toward the ranch in hopes of finding help.*

Don had to stop a few times to resettle his grip on Qadir as he dragged the wolf-man through the snow, but the high collar on his gambeson, coupled with the power in Don's new form, proved capable to the task. Twenty or thirty minutes later, just as Don noticed that Qadir had stopped shivering with the cold, he mounted a small bluff and saw the farm house just down the slope, orange light spilling out of the windows onto the surrounding snow.

Don: *Believing Qadir's sudden stillness to be a bad omen, he begins making as much noise as he possibly can without straying too far from his companion.*

*A man of small stature comes rushing out into the snow with a flashlight. He sweeps it across what he can see of the property until the beam lands on Don and the crumpled figure near him. He hurries to calm the horse and see what has happened*

Man: Whoa, whoa, boy! Easy big fella. Didya lose your rider? Huh? *he freezes upon seeing the strange wolf-man* The hell... *he begins to back away*

Don: *gets behind the man and shoves him toward Qadir with his nose, whinnying urgently*

Man: Alright, alright, cool it! I'll just... uh... *he tentatively prods at one of Qadir's shoulders*

Qadir groans and stirs weakly at the touch, and his eyes flutter slightly, but he does not wake.

Man: *to Don* If he bites me and I go all Lon Chaney, I'm blaming you. *After a few clumsy tries and much quaking from his tiny frame, he manages to drape Qadir over Don's back. He leads the man-turned-horse beneath the chin toward the barn. Once inside, he barely manages to get Qadir situated in some hay without whacking his head a second time.*

As he is lowered into the hay, the senseless Qadir mumbles out, "Whass Lon Cheney?" He stirs a bit more, but does not appear to have fully regained consciousness.

Man: *rubbing his head* Alright... it talks. Uh... bandages. I need bandages. *he leaves to collect supplies and bolts the barn door behind him*

Don: *nickers worriedly at Qadir*

Qadir's eyes flutter open, rolling wildly in his skull, and settle on Don a moment. The eyes attempt to focus, fail, and roll back into the Varn's head as he struggles to raise his head. "Don? Whassis? Whas goin' on?"

Don: *presses his nose against Qadir's chest to keep him from rising*

Man: *unbolting the door, now with another larger man clad in pajamas in tow and an armful of first aid supplies* There, Alfred. Look at him and tell me he isn't an honest to God werewolf!

Alfred: *rubbing his balding head in disbelief* Good lord.

"Nahr werewuff," Qadir slurs as he tries to rise again. "Mm nah werewuf. Dun call werewuf."

Alfred: *blinking in surprise and taking on the tone one would use when talking to a stray and possibly dangerous animal* Sorry 'bout that. We won't call you a werewolf. Now, I'm not going to hurt you, I'm going to bandage your head. No problems with that, right?

Man: Well if he isn't a werewolf, what the hell is he?

Alfred: *hissing* Shut up, John.

Qadir blinked at Alfred and finally comprehended what he was saying after a few moments, "Healer? Go'n, healer."

Alfred: *chuckles and begins to clean the wound* Never been called a healer before, but I'll take it. John, get the poor guy some water. He needs it.

John: But... you wanna be alone with that thing?

Alfred: Does he look like he can stand up? Go get him water! And some of Ruth's chicken broth while you're at it. *pouring out a bit of iodine onto a gauze patch as John leaves* This'll sting a little, friend. Just hold tight. *He presses the gauze gently to the wound*

Qadir winces as the iodine came into contact with the wound, but he didn't fight it. "Thing? Nah thing...name's Qadir. A-armor...," he fumbles at the buckles of his breastplate with one paw-hand, but is unable to work the straps to remove the steel by himself.

Alfred: Qadir, huh? Well I'm Alfred. *he begins undoing the straps* You can call me Al, or Fred, or anything in between, so long as you're polite about it. What do you need armor for out here, anyway?

Don: *peeks over Alfred's shoulder and whinnies apologetically*

Alfred: *looking from Don to Qadir* He yours?

"Al," Qadir says, pushing himself up onto one arm and struggling to clear his head. "Thanss, Al. Though' ah migh' have ta fight a witch. An' he's nah mine, he's 'is own man. Name's Don."

Alfred: You'd best take it slow. You took a good knock to the head. *he deftly wraps a bandage under one of Qadir's ears and over the other to keep a generous wad of gauze in place* This horse, Don, you say he isn't yours? We'll have to call around and see what ranch he came from...

Woman: *enters with a glass of water and bowl of chicken broth and nearly drops both when she sees Qadir* John wasn't kidding. *she passes the food and drink to Alfred, who offers both to Qadir*

Alfred: Check the horse for a brand, would ya Ruthie? Might've gotten loose from one of the neighbors.

Qadir takes the bowl of broth and quickly guzzles down half of it, feeling the liquid suffuse his body with warmth, and push a bit of the fog from his mind. He presses one paw-hand to his temple and says, "No, you dun understand. Not a horse. Man, named Don. Cursed, like me...needs help."

Don: *nickers in hopes helping prove Qadir's assertion*

Alfred: *exchanges a concerned glance with Ruth and returns his attention to Qadir* Cursed? Like hoodoo magic, cursed?

Ruth: Is it really so odd to think when we have a wolf-man in our barn? Don, if you're really a person, what's your last name? Write it in the straw.

Don: *takes a long while to spell out "Jones" with a hoof*

Qadir struggles to stand, bracing himself against a pillar to keep from falling drunkenly, "From the horse's...hoof." He pressed a paw-hand to the knot on the back of his head, wincing even at the slight touch, and kicked demonstratively at the discarded armor, "Thought I might have'ta fight the one that did it...was too late...fate brought us here, said you could help...hit my head..."

Alfred: *cocking an eyebrow* What do you mean fate said we could help? Is this fate a person?

Qadir shook himself again, the fog finally clearing from his head, though the splitting headache stuck around, "Kind of. Look, I know this is all strange, but I am assuming that since you did not attempt to kill me while I was senseless, or run from this place, you either have a very open mind, or you have seen things you cannot understand. In either case, an agent of the fates brought us here, told me that Don here would be able to find help to hopefully wear down the curse, become human again. This agent has led me true before, and I am inclined to trust her word, her instincts, but she does not compel action of mortals, at least not to my knowledge. My question to you is, will you help?"

Alfred: *scratching the back of his neck* Truth told, and I hope you don't take offense, I didn't kill you because I thought you were some escaped act from a circus or the like. No sense in killing something that didn't try to kill you first.

Ruth: I don't see how we can turn him away now, knowing what we know... but I don't understand what this "agent of fate" thinks we can do.

"Fair enough, I suppose," he said to Alfred. "Just keep the other one from anything stupid, like contacting any authorities to draw attention. None of us need that right now."

Qadir turns to Ruth, "It is simple, just give him a safe place to stay, treat him like a man and not a beast. Help him to deal with what has happened to him so that he can regain his humanity, if you are willing. It is possible; I have seen it done, just not in this place. That work for you, Don?"

Alfred: John? I'll keep an eye on him. Kid's trouble, anyway.

Ruth: *still skeptical* We can certainly try.

Don: *nods, then prods Qadir's shoulder and gestures to the lump on his head worriedly*

"Leave off it, Don; I will be alright. My fault for not having a better grip. Bit of a headache for now is all, they will set me right when I return to the Seelie...not so steady on my feet yet, need to sit back down I think," he says as he takes a seat on a bale of hay.

"But yes, Lady Ruth, that is all anyone can ask. I will try to check in every now and then, if I am able."

Don: *snorts unhappily and attempts to figure out how to settle onto the floor*

Ruth: *eyebrows raising in amusement* I don't think anyone has called me "Lady" before. Just Ruth is fine. If there's a way to avoid John when you come by to check in, I think that would be the smartest thing. He's our best jockey, but you can't trust him.

Qadir nods to her, "Very well then, Ruth. I do not believe I will worry over him so, when I return I will likely not be suffering a head wound. If he tries anything, I will endeavor to leave your best jockey intact."

In his mind, Qadir did his best to reach out to the white guardian without feeling rediculous, I do not know what to tell them, how they can help. You have provided me guidance so far, please help me to guide them.

The White One: *her voice entering his mind, but sounding removed and distant* Your part has been played, warrior. What help they may provide will come naturally, but the Blue Child must still visit him once more first. You have done admirably.

Ruth: *she chuckles* I appreciate it. He could do with someone putting the fear of God -or wolf-men- into him.

Qadir had questions--who was this Blue Child? could she be referring to Azura?--, but he did not ask. Somehow he doubted he would get a direct answer, not that it particularly mattered, anyway. It is my pleasure, Guardian. If I am able, I would like to check in on him from time to time, make sure he is getting along alright.

"I think I will need to leave before long, will you be alright here, Don?"

The White One: We shall see if the flow of time permits it.

Don: *nickers his misgivings*

Alfred: Now, now, we won't hurt you, Don. We happen to respect both horses and men, here. *he holds up his fingers for comedic effect* Scout's honor, we'll take good care of you.

Ruth: *nods* As best as we know how.

Don: *sighs and nods*

"Take care, my friend," Qadir says to Don. "I am not sure when I will he able to return, or if the flow of time will permit me, but should I be able to, we will talk then, yes?"

He turned to Alfred and Ruth, "You two seem like fine people, I am grateful that fate has been kind this time, I think. I doubt it will be easy, but I believe you can help him. You may be the only ones who can help him. I do not think it is much, but this may help," he says as he reaches into a belt pouch and removes four small nuggets of gold.

Alfred: *holding up a hand* Now, there'll be none of that.

Ruth: My father is a very wealthy man and I am in control of his estate. Don will be provided for, don't worry.

Don: *whinnies an unhappy goodbye*

"Please, I insist that I leave something. I cannot ask of you a service without giving something in return." Qadir says to them.

Ruth: *smiling a little slyly* But you didn't ask us. Fate did, didn't she? Let her foot the bill.

Qadir shakes his head, smiling at the kind woman, "I am afraid it does not quite work that way." He reaches out, taking her hand in a gentle but firm grip, and presses the gold into her palm, "Don, this is for you, when you are human again. I do not know how much it is in human currency, but it may help. Is that acceptable, Ruth, Alfred?" He asks of them.

Alfred: *chuckling at Qadir's insistence* Go on, Ruthie. Let the man help out his friend.

Ruth: *with a sigh* Alright, but only because it's for Don.

Qadir nods his thanks and steps back over to Don, placing a comforting paw-hand on the horse's mane, "Keep your chin up, huh? You will be a man again, I am certain of it. When next we meet, I want to be able to speak to you again, yes?"

Don: *nods and, in an awkward gesture of thanks, presses his nose to Qadir's shoulder*

Qadir could not help the smile, "You are welcome, friend."

He stepped back and shut his eyes in concentration, silently calling for a portal to return.

*the portal comes, swallowing him in a brief second, and depositing him before the entrance to the barracks*

Qadir sighs, his shoulders slumping slightly, and braces himself as he steps through the door into the barracks.

I haven't nominated a song for Don yet... 'Get Back' from the Beatles seems appropriate, if you look at it about misunderstandings and what they lead to.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=p-E7kt2IbCE

True, true

Or as an alternative, about the predicament he's left in: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GYrA1VqLm40

That really does encapsulate his current fear

Wait, I think I've got it now - reverse the gender pronouns and it's 'Steppin' In A Slide Zone'.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FLES11HG4GA
https://genius.com/The-moody-blues-.....de-zone-lyrics

That definitely fits!