Audrey fumed as she watched Jess deluge Mia with an endless shower of hugs and kisses. “Looks like I’m not needed here anymore.” she thought glumly to herself.
“Hey Audrey! Can you run back to the inn and fetch me a set of girl’s clothing from that wardrobe downstairs?”
“What’s that?!” she sputtered. “That… kid just wore me as a loincloth, and now you want me to get her… new clothing?”
“Hey just chill alright? I’m certain that you’re going to grow to like her, I’m going to bring her along on our journey, and you can be her second mommy! Won’t it be fun to bring her up together, we can teach her how to fight and….”
Audrey’s mind spun furiously as she tuned out on Jess. Bring Mia along? How could this have happened? She wanted, no needed, Jess all to herself, and there was no way she was going to share her affections with a stupid kid, and especially NOT a kid who had just utterly humiliated her.
Unable to bridle her escalating emotions, she swung her sword at Mia again in desperation. Jess barely managed to pull her to safety this time, and the sword lopped off several locks of her golden hair. Terrified, Mia burst into tears and buried herself in Jess’ arms.
“That’s ENOUGH!” Jess shouted, grabbing the rock in her hand. In an instant, the strong warrior was gone, replaced by a naked little stableboy, wide-eyed and filthy from head to toe.
“You shall remain Aubrey the stableboy until you learn how to control your temper tantrums! I think it’ll be good for you to spend some time as a powerless little tyke. Therapeutic.”
“But… but am a mightee wa-rear…” Aubrey stammered, then looked down at his skinny, scrawny body in confusion. Was he really a warrior? It was getting increasingly difficult to think, and much easier just to let the stableboy mind take over… “Ya’ ma’am, gotta get ta work.” he mumbled subserviently, then ran over, picked up a brush, and began to carefully groom the mule.