Oh dont worry there is a heavy coal wagon with your name on it all ready for you to be pulling. That coal is not going to move its self so you need to hurry up and finish changing!

Isn't that a bit mean, Rufus? I mean, he's going through alot to try to change on the inside, rather than the outside. It's not like he can shift back and forth whenever he wants, and he wants to remain human, so he can be with his wife. Kinda hard to have that kind of relationship if you're stuck as a donkey permanently. ^^;

Oh no.

Just letting him know what he has something to look forward to when he finishes up changing into a donkey. You know like some encouragement.

Would you not finding out that if your finished turning into a donkey that you would be pulling a heavy coal wagon 16 hours a day 365 days a year not an encouragement?

I'm guessing you're being sarcastic/giving him some more motivation to try harder?

Now wait one minute! Donkeys are suppose to be out in pasture looking cute and adorable. Horses are the ones that are to carry or pull heavy loads!

Henry: *flatly* Somehow this is less than encouraging.

Really?

That's odd...

The thirty pieces of silver that I was offered I find quite encouraging.

Henry: *twitching an ear forward* Thirty pieces of silver or staying at least a little human and searching for my wife... I think I'll choose the latter.

Oh you misunderstood. Coal mine are paying 30 pieces of silver to buy beasts of burden, to which I would collect.

See everyone wins. You have a job for life. The coal mine has a new donkey to pull heavy loads. And I have an extra 30 pieces of silver.

Henry: *ears swiveling backward again* I don't see that as winning on my end.

You don't see a guaranteed job for life where your employer takes care of all of your needs like room and board for you not as winning?

Henry: No. Not when I'm losing the love of my life at the same time. See, the whole reason I'm even out in public looking like this is because I need to find her and save her. I'm not going to be distracted by a job hauling coal while being an ass- two things that I wouldn't want to do anyway- when she could be in danger.

You have a girlfriend that wants a boyfriend that is turning into an ass because he acts like one?

Henry: I... I don't know if she still loves me at all. But I have to try. Even if all I can do is save her and nothing else, it will have been worth it.

You dont know if she does or does not love a guy that is turning into an ass because he acts like one around her...

Don't you think its time to stop that poor woman from having to put up with all this that you have been forcing onto her. Just finish the transformation and accept what you have been asking for all this time and go to the coal mine and be what you really are a real jack ass.

Henry: *ears swiveling backward dejectedly* Maybe you're right. I've been a terrible husband. *he takes a decisive breath* If she doesn't want me after I save her, maybe I'll come back here and work for you. I won't give up yet.

What she needs saved from is the jack ass that she has been forced to deal with.

You have two choices.

Leave her be and take your self to the coal mine and be the jack ass that you have always been.

Or.

Stop being the jack ass and return to her. You will know when you are no longer a jack ass when you no longer look like one.

Go back as a full human or dont go back at all!

Henry: *crossing his arms* I don't have the option to turn back yet, and I won't be guilted into working for you. Yes, I've messed up. Yes, I am an ass. But I am not losing Lottie without a fight, and you won't convince me otherwise.

Acrathia: Wow...and I though I was ruthless

I am not ruthless I just cant say no when I'm offered 30 pieces of silver.

By the way, what are you doing for the rest of your life?

Acrathia: Well lets see obviously delving deeper into arcane mysteries, transforming hapless mortals who displease me, aggravating dragons, setting things on fire, ritualistic sacrifice, and if I have time some knitting, you know the simple things

Oh good nothing of any importance!

You can go to the coal mine in Henry's place. All I need is for Dearshul to turn you into a donkey and that 30 pieces of silver are mine!

Acrathia: *stares at him for a moment then laughs hysterically* And you say.you're not ruthless. Not to mention the sheer gall for saying this to an Unseelie Arch Fae. Im not sure whether to curse or kiss you! I'd rule out getting dearshul to act.against me, as I understand it she is rather fond of my conversations with her character, and I doubt she would want to see.that come to an end.

Hummmm... I wonder if its possible to turn you both against each other and turn each other into donkeys so I can collect that 30 pieces of silver twice....

Acrathia: So persistent. Well love best of luck to you with that.

Acrathia: It just occured to me love, why didn't you just.ask me to transform people into donkeys so you could sell them to this mine you are so obsessed with?

Ok! I will.

Will you transform your self into a donkey so i can sell you as a common beast of burden.

*Waits for you to become a donkey.*

Acrathia: Now your just screwing with me puppy.

I did what you said to do!

Acrathia: Come now puppy, I know you're not that dim. The vicious arguments you made to Henry in order to guilt him in to succumbing to his curse shows a higher level of intelligence than you are displaying now. Having the witch remain the way she is means more people to become donkeys, and more silver in your pocket. The witch becomes a donkey, then that is the end of the silver train. Judging by how merciless you were to Henry, my guess it that you don't like me too much, and thus you think I am deserving of a fate in the mines as a beast.

Or... I am not concerned over long term gain but what will amuse me in the here and now.

Acrathia: Ah! A fellow sadist! And of course why not profit from said amusement. Well as much as I hate to disappoint a like minded individual, I can assure you that I have no intention of joining your mine. You are welcome to keep trying if you wish, though I will warn you; many have tried to best me, few have succeeded, all have regretted it. With that in mind puppy I will bid you farewell. It is my sincere hope you find the amusement you seek, just at another's expense. *fades into black and indigo mist*

Dang it! I lose more toys that way!

One of these days I will need to learn how one tells others lies.

*hugs Henry*

Henry: *awkwardly pats back with a hoof*