Brian stretched out, enjoying the warmth of a fire that was crackling nearby. He came slowly awake, aware that he was lying on a wooden floor, but apparently on some thick blanket or fur. Strange smells assaulted his nose and a rocking chair creaked loudly. Opening his yes, he saw that he was in an unfamiliar room that seemed to have no color to it. No, that wasn't right. There were colors, just very muted and faded. He blinked a couple of times, trying to clear a curious distortion, and a dark spot that blocked part of his view. The dark spot moved with his head. He reached up to feel his face, and both felt and saw a massive black paw brush the side of the dark spot.
Rolling up to his belly, Brian perked his ears and twisted around with a surprised 'woof'! Memories flooded in - being in the bar, that huge barbarian hefting him up, and then... running? Snarling, chasing. The powerful scent of a stag triggering the instincts of a trained hunting dog. His ears drooped - had he killed the transformed barbarian?
"Awake at last?" Brian turned towards the voice, and saw Llandros watching him from a rocking chair on the other side of the room. I suppose a full belly and a warm fire are conducive to sleep."
Full belly? Brian whined, fearful of what might be in his belly. The wizard chuckled. "Don't worry. You caught a rabbit after losing the stag in the forest. It usually takes several dogs to bring down a beast like that. You chased him pretty far, though. Most likely he is waking up to his new life as a stag about now. I doubt I'll get bothered at the bar again for a while."
Brian sat up and hung his had low. He did not want to be a dog! Llandros grinned. "What? Being a handsome mastiff isn't good enough for you? Well, then. Back to the stables with you, urchin!" He muttered a spell, and Brian fell backwards as his body twisted back to the naked boy he'd been inside the bar. Relieved to at least be human again, Brian scrambled up and started for the door. But then he remembered what had happened before. He was not really a stable boy, either.
Llandros raised an eyebrow when he saw Brian stop and look back uncertainly. "Do not test my patience, boy. You provided me with some amusement last night. I am no longer amused. Begone!"
The former elf swallowed hard. If he left now, he might never get another chance to speak to the wizard. But if Llandros did not give him time to explain, he might end up a dog again, or worse.