"Our first priority is not to upset her," Nightingale said as she moved over to the sleeping Poppy and nosing her with concern. "I cannot say how she would react if she knew of our true nature. Humans have done too much to her, and even a Horse Witch may elicit a poor response. So, we must let her think we are as she is for her own comfort. Also, we need to keep her calm, especially if we are to take her from this place."
Citrine stepped forward. "I could cast a calming spell on her."
"But would that not wear off too quickly?" Saffron asked. "Escaping from here and avoiding pursuit may take time. If she suddenly panics at the wrong moment, it could put us all at risk."
"Yes, that would be a problem," Nightingale acknowledged. "I would also prefer not to cast any spells on her while she is awake, as it would betray the fact that we are no ordinary Witch's Ponies."
"There is another option," Glory said. "She is asleep right now, which is a good time for implanting information."
Saffron nodded. "Ah, you mean false memories, similar to how we train our hunting dogs."
The others also considered the suggestion. Training dogs and other domestic animals through false memories was reasonably common amongst noble houses as it was relatively easy and quite humane. After all, it was not supplanting the dog's existing personality or life experience, simply conditioning it to the standard command words typical of dogs. Really, it was no different than training the conventional way, only faster.
The spell could be used for horses, too, though the Copperstones preferred not to rely on such things, thinking it too much of a shortcut. Also, traditionally trained horses were priced higher than magically trained ones. Thus, the magical method was reserved for the dogs, whom the Copperstones had no intention of selling anyway.
"A good idea, though risky," Saffron pointed out. "We usually do this when puppies are very young and very open to new things. This mare is an adult, and her temperament is unknown to us. Are you certain her mind will not reject the memories?"
"That is my concern, as well," the palomino mare said. "How do we ensure this will work?"
Together, the mares thought for a while.