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The three figures, two reindeer and one young woman, stood in a tableau. Jane could not even begin to accept what just happened. Her best friend turned into a reindeer in front of her eyes! It wasn’t even possibl

Martha stood, the shock of her transformation left her unable to move and the myriad alien sensations she was now feeling kept her still. The ground under her new feet. The air on her new fur. The strange weight on her head. The almost overpowering scents. The most bizarre was her new field of vision. It took up way too much of things beside her and the mass of her muzzle was all she could see forward.

It was becoming disorientating, so she closed her eyes. As she did, she felt a tingling on her ankles and wrists as her clothes disappeared. Then there was a strange, yet comforting weight on her face and shoulders as a halter and bell harness appeared. Still, she kept her eyes closed. A quiet voice in the back of her head told her to stay calm, that panic would help nothing. Suddenly a feeling that was almost a sound shuddered through her body and her eyes snapped open.

And things felt a bit less alien. Not quite comfortable but, not uncomfortable. It was as though she’d gotten used to wearing a strange suit of clothes. She knew she had been a girl and was still Martha but, her muscles felt under her control, her vision felt correct and the smells, the smells were wonderful. Scents that were once lovely notes on a beautiful day became parts of a complex symphony. Evergreen, woodsmoke, the leather of her harness, the soap Jane used this morning all smelled amazing.

As she was enjoying her olfactory tour, Sven stepped forward and bumped his muzzle against hers. His scent filled her nostrils and it was richer and more complex than before. It was not an arousing smell but, it was definitely attractive. His scent comforted her even more. Relax, it told her, her’s a fellow creature who’s just like you.

She felt a hand on her head and turned to see Jane who looked as though she was going to cry.

“I’m sorry, Martha!” her voice was husky, “ I’m so sorry”.

Martha sought to comfort Jane and tried to rub her muzzle against Jane’s face.

“Are you still in there?” She whispered, “Is it still you?”

Martha tried her best to nod.

“Really?” Jane brightened

Martha nodded again. Trying to make Jane understand that she wasn’t scared and felt pretty good considering.

“What are we going to do?” Jane asked, her face on Martha's hairy cheek.

“Hello!!” came a cheery female voice and Jane looked up to a round-faced older woman who waddled up and took Sven and Martha’s halters.

“Sorry to interrupt, but, I’ve got to get these two ready for the sleigh ride.”

“But-but,” Jane stammered.

She didn’t know what to say that wouldn’t sound crazy like "But, that's my best friend who got turned into a reindeer.

“You can come back and see them anytime we’re open,” the woman continued, “Even sign up for a sleigh ride. Sven and Marta love their sleigh rides!”

“M-M-Marta?” Jane stammered.

“Yup! Marta. That’s the cow you were petting. Oh, and I’m Astrid!” she smiled at Jane “All good Nordic names! Come back anytime! I’m sure they’d love to see you

Jane just stood bewildered as Martha, now Marta let herself be led away…