"For your punishment, it has been decided that you are to remain a horse for the time being, serving as one of the school's animals for beginning riders. Once it is deemed that you have earned your humanity back, you will be allowed to resume your previous duties."
Theia nodded. Honestly, she was thankful to be getting such a light punishment. Sure, carrying inexperienced young people on her back could get old really fast, but they would also feed, groom, and exercise her, too, which could be nice. Still, she would be glad to get this over with as soon as she could.
"As for you, you rascal," Dmitri continued, turning to Thunder. "Do not assume you are exempt from punishment yourself. Even animals must be disciplined for poor behavior, and you are no dumb animal with no awareness of consequences. My brother has reached the limit of his patience with you. So, come now. He wishes to administer your punishment himself."
The stallion suddenly lost all his bluster and meekly allowed himself to be led out of the stable.
Now alone with the other mares, Theia gave them a brief glare. They had ratted her out, for sure. On the other hand, she only had herself to blame, and who could stay mad at such lovely horses? At least, for now she could admire them to her heart's content until being moved to the school's stables.
Meanwhile, something was bothering her. With her serving her punishment, who would take her place as the school's Horse Witch? Ellany did not have the needed training to fill the spot. So how would they work things out?