Ladybug woke to the sensation of tugging on her udder. She opened her eyes. Sweet little Leksea, her perfect filly, was nudging under her, looking for milk. Silently, Ladybug cast a lactation spell upon herself. Her udder swelled with milk. Ladybug sighed happily as Leksea began to nurse from her.
While Leksea nursed, Ladybug grazed and tried to think of their next move. The odds of them getting asylum from the King had been small when the breeder became little Leks. Now that he was her foal? They wouldn't even make it past the gates of the Capitol!
There was safety in numbers; joining a wild herd would likely keep them safe. But then again, nursing mares in Witch's Pony herds shared their foals. Ladybug didn't want anyone but her nursing little Leksea.
By the time Leksea had her fill, Ladybug had come up with a few options for their next move. But Leksea might deny all of them, if she was angry with Ladybug for what had happened.
"Thank you, Ladybug," Leksea whinnied. Ladybug looked at her in surprise. That was not the reaction she had expected. "This is the best option for us, I believe. We will not struggle to find food, and if we get captured, we will not be separated." Leksea playfully nudged Ladybug's leg. "I would have preferred to be a colt or have some warning, but this is suitable for us, given the state of the kingdom."
"Ah, yes, Leksea," Ladybug said, still surprised by Leksea accepting her change. "This will be better for us." Leksea pranced around in a circle, full of foal energy.
"Now that we have had breakfast, what will we do?"
"I was thinking we would seek out a close friend of mine for shelter. She is a Horse Witch, so we will be able to communicate with her. She will keep us safe."
"Excellent!" Leksea jumped, making Ladybug whinny in amusement. "Do you know how to get there?"
"Yes. Follow me." Ladybug set off, keeping her speed below magical levels so Leksea could keep up. Leksea was too young to use her magic, after all. As they galloped, Ladybug's mind wandered. Why was Leksea so fine with what had happened? Days ago, she had been a grown man, now she was a nursing filly. Surely, there had to be some reason for Leksea's lack of concern.