My Mentor returned just before sunrise at the end of those two long weeks. A strange pony ambled up to me, greeting me with shared breath, before he reared back on his heels and seemed to flow like water into his pooka form. He sat beside me as we watched the sun rise.
"So, laddie, have ye come t'any decisions on what ye want? Ye can stay here in Avalon or return ta Earth as ye will, but the real question is; in what form?"
I nickered and nodded "Its hard to decide. I have been a pony for a month; stronger, faster than my old body by far, and yet I worked with little more freedom than when I was a man. Both sides of me want to be free in either form."
He chuckled "Oh, ye could have walked away from the carosel at any time. It was you who worked even when ye were free to run and play. T'was part of my herd's duty to volenteer time for the children of the mortals who settled Avalon. Ye have responsibility deep in ye. I like tat in a possible herdbrother."
My muzzle hung open in shock! I had been free this entire month and never knew it. ...And yet... "Herdbrother?"
He nodded and patted my muzzle "Oh, Aye. If ye so choose, ye can be a pooka with me or a normal lead stallion o' my herd; assumin' ye dont choose bein' a man."
I shivered in excitement as if shaking flies. "Its so much to offer, I cant decide right away."
My Mentor whuffled cheerfully "Then let yer heart decide. Live for yourself..." and reached out to touch my forehead.
Energy poured through me, and I knew I had chosen for keeps.
I looked down, and saw I still had forehooves.