''You made my horse talk?'' You said in exasperation.

''Indeed I did; not to worry, though; he can still talk horse or pretend not to understand you if you think it's embarrassing. Anyway, it is about time I am off. Isaduilinda has invited me for the dance in the meadows, and I hate to be late. Goodbye and safe travels!'' The White Stag took off and melted into the forest as if he dissolved.

''Now hang on! Wait! What if neither of us – oh, never mind. Whelp, I hope he imparted the routes into your head as well.'' You looked at Wittekind.

''You wouldn't believe it, but I have. Come along now, blondie; those sluggards who ride upon my brothers and sisters might start to miss you.'' You suddenly didn't like your horse as much now that he could talk.

''Were you always such a snide stallion, or did you learn that from elsewhere? And don't call me blondie; not even my wife calls me that.'' You impatiently said.

Wittekind neighed mockingly. ''I can call you however I want, blondie, especially out here, or do you want to walk?''

You rolled your eyes and resigned yourself to your fate for now. The journey out of the Deepwood was a peaceful one, annoyingly; with the amulet now in your possession, the denizens of the woods came out to greet and meet with you. Ents and dryads waved their branches, fairies of various sizes flew over to greet you, and a collection of talking animals also came to look at you.

Eventually, you were out and back in the regular forest.

''You were always a prickly animal; I still don't understand why you bit the hand of that stable hand or why you kicked old Jürgen back when he was giving you new hooves.''

''Because they annoyed me, that dim witted stable hand tried to give me oats when I wanted carrots, so I took those pale carrots with which he was holding the oats.''

''You bit off his fingers?'' You asked.

''Worst meal I ever had. As for that blacksmith, he insulted me while shoeing me, so I gave a little treat.''

>Hearing you talk has been one of the worst moments in my life.
>Are you even capable of compassion, or are you just wrathful by nature?
>Shut up, or I wont have you buried, but sold to the butcher.
>Write-in