Time passed, though I was aware of it more as periods of hot and cold, dark and light. The elves guided me, taught me until my actions were automatic. I was a perfectly trained work horse, content with my life and my masters. I was never sick, any injury was healed as soon as it was discovered, and though many years passed, I never aged a day. So it was more confusing than alarming when I 'woke' up one day to find my masters gathered around me. They also looked the same, except for longer hair on one and perhaps a bit more maturity on another.
The leader smiled as he looked into my eyes. "I can tell you are fully intelligent again, or at least, fully aware. We have reached to end of our time to be logging and will return home to find another activity. I offer you a choice because you have been a faithful and willing beast of burden for us." He gestured to the camp. "Another group of elves will be here in a few days to take over our work. If you choose, they would be very happy to have your muscles. They would care for you as we have, and your life will continue to be one of contentment."
"Or - you can come back with us and be a valued animal within the Elven city. The work will be quite different and easier in many ways, with a comfortable stall of your own and mares to mount."
"Or..." A new voice came from behind me, and I turned to see a handsome young boy with horns and a barbed tail. Runt! The elves looked unhappy when they saw him but said nothing. Runt continued. "He can resume his adventure with me. Still a horse, but possibly finding new adventures and some excitement instead of the predictable life of a work animal."
The leader looked annoyed, but nodded. "That is true. "However, you would not have Elven magic to protect and heal you, or stop the advances of time. You could die."
Runt shrugged. "I have plenty of magic to protect, heal and keep him young. Tell me, horsey - how much of the past hundred years do you remember? You have lived a full century as a work animal - has any of it stuck in your head?"
I struggled to remember - each day was much like the previous, weeks, months, and years all run together. I had been happy, content to work and be a beast. Is that all I wanted? It was time to make a choice.