Audrey looked at Jayrene quizzically. “Can you tell me why you want to be a stableboy again?”
“Because it’s fun.” she replied.
“Just what part of it is fun? Mucking out stalls? Grooming the animals? Having no real responsibilities?”
Jayrene paused for a moment. “I.. don’t know. I guess it was just… more fun than anything else I’ve ever done?” She pondered for a while, and suddenly her eyes lit up. “I got it! What really mattered was having a friend my own age, a good friend who took care of me.” She smiled down at Ander, who looked back at her awkwardly.
“Got it! Hey Mika, just turn that kid into another sixteen year old girl. Problem solved.”
“WAIT!” Ander cried out in alarm. “I’m a GUY okay, always have been, never wanted to be anything else.” He slowly backed away, and for emphasis pointed repeatedly to his groin.
“Yes, yes, we can all see THAT. You’ve had it out all day.” Mika sighed. “And we’re not turning anyone into anything against their will. Now, do you happen to remember the name of the wizard that Jayrene was betrothed to?”
Ander scrunched his forehead again. Well… we were on the way to Arlor, he’s apprenticed to the Archmage there. I think his name is Mika.”
Mika’s eyes widened, and Audrey gave him a big slap on the back. “Congratulations, MIKA!” she shouted merrily.
“YOU are Mika?” Ander looked at him in wonderment as he put his arms on his hips. “Well… urm… I guess thanks for saving us the trip?”
“Actually you’re not creepy at all. No, in fact you’re kind of cute. And kind. And really nice….” Jayrene approached the panicking Mika with lips puckered. But before she could make contact, her form shifted, and she became Luka again.
The little boy’s face turned red as a tomato. “Why did you do that?” he shouted at Mika.
“Well, it’s what you said you wanted, wasn’t it?”
“You change me back RIGHT NOW.”
“But I just changed you back.”
“Oh that’s so mean. You should never change your wife into a naked stableboy.” Audrey teased.
“She’s NOT my wife!” Mika turned and yelled back. That proved to be a big mistake, as Luka took the opportunity to stamp hard on his foot, causing him to yelp and drop the stone. Luka snatched it up immediately and pointed it at Mika. “You’re a creep just like all the others!” he cried.