Ydris felt his coat tugged backwards suddenly and looked behind to see the huge irish cob holding it in his teeth. âExcuse me?â he raised a brow at the horse who snorted back at him, giving him another tug and actually making him slightly spin around. âI take it you want something?â he tilted his head, looking over the seemingly agitated stallion.
Eversong pawed at the ground and gestured with his head at the entrance to the bangalow. Ydris only gave him another confused stare before the cob tried to move to the entrance and press his head against the door. âYou⊠want in?â He smiled a bit at how the stallionâs head bobbed up and down excitedly, long mane flying back and forth. âAh, well I could make you a miniature horse⊠how about that?â he smirked, hand raised before stopping as Eversong shook his head again. âWhat, you want me to turn you into something else?â An affirmative snort meant he was on the right track.
âHmm⊠well, I suppose youâre wanting to be with your dear flame arenât you? So unless you want something more pint-sized youâre probably looking for a more fitting form.â Another bob of the head before Eversong stepped forward to poke his nose against Ydrisâ chest. âHuman?â he questioned, getting a far more enthusiastic response that made his lips curl into a wide grin.
âAh, well I can certainly do that! Now, hold still...â Eversong shut his eyes, not accustomed to the pandorianâs magic and let Ydris do his work. He felt his body change, not painfully but it was unlike anything he had ever experienced. Before too long the newly made human wobbled on his two legs before falling to the grass. Ydris held out a hand, lifting Eversong up onto his still weak knees.
âI took the liberty of making sure you had clothes, I donât think anyone wants the image of your body burned into their minds.â Eversong snorted, managing to copy the grin spread across the magicianâs face and nodded. He let Ydris lead him inside, his new form earning him a collection of shocked reactions and questions he couldnât answer. Thankfully Ydris shushed them and led the transformed Eversong back to Azâs room.
At the sound of the door creaking open Azalea slowly opened her eyes. Her heart skipped a beat as she took in the two figures in the doorway. Surprise and shock was quickly washed away as her connection confirmed it was indeed Eversong standing before her. Az moved to get up, making it to a sitting position before her soulmate stumbled forward to hug her. He fell to his knees, still unaccustomed to the two legged form but instinctively held her close. Azalea wrapped her arms back around him, hugging him tightly as tears pricked at her eyes. She buried her face against his thick neck, finding he smelled like home despite Ydrisâ clothes.
The magician smirked as he watched the two struggle to get Eversong comfortably on her bed. Once they were fine however he gently shut the door, leaving them be while he returned to the rest of the group. Az curled up against Eversongâs new body, one hand moving to cup his face.
âI donât know what I thought you were going to look like but I canât imagine you any other way now.â She grinned, laughing softly as Eversong returned it with his tongue sticking out playfully. âIâm guessing you canât really talk yet though, but thatâs fine. I donât mind...â she nuzzled against him, tucking her head under his chin as he wrapped his arms around her. âIâm glad you did this...â she murmured softly followed by a yawn. âI wish I had thought of it sooner...â She felt Eversong nodding and grinned a little. âThank youâŠâ she mumbled into his chest as sleep swept her away again.
Ydris returned to the main room to a collection of confused and curious faces. âEversong desired being closer to Azalea, I simply assisted him in that.â He shrugged as he found a place to sit down amongst the others.Â
Rebecca glanced over at the hallway leading to the bedrooms before scooting over to the pandorian. âIs she doing better?â She asked softly, concern etched across her features.
He hummed softly and nodded. âI believe she is doing far better with him in there now.â A small smile graced his lips but he knew they were all still worried, even him. Especially him. While he lacked the memory of the experience, out of all of them Ydris knew what it was like to come out of the druidâs mental tinkering. Az had been quiet about what she experienced so far but it certainly seemed like she had been tortured instead of mind wiped. He was grateful she had left in one piece, even if it was a further scarred piece. His lips curled into a frown as he fretted over the dragoness.
âYdris!â Rebeccaâs voice cut through his thoughts and he blinked as he realized she had been trying to get his attention.
âYes my goddess?â He asked, gaze returning her as she let go of his arm and sat back.
âDoes Eversong even know how to be a human? Are you sure this was a good idea?â She glanced nervously back towards the room, the others looking up from where they had returned to their own tasks. Scottâs brows rose but he held his tongue. âI mean I know you donât remember when you transformed Midnight and I but he did struggle initially with getting the hang of being human. Iâm doubtful Eversongâs any better at it and heâs just a normal horse from what Az has told me. Heâs never been turned human...â
Ydris hummed softly in thought, to be honest he rarely did think these things through which often lead to Rebecca giving him a long talk afterwards. âAz has admitted they share a⊠connection yes? Perhaps they can share knowledge through that?â
Rebecca gave him a suspicious look before relaxing back into the couch. âMaybe, she did make it sound rather similar to what I share with Midnight after all...â She paused a moment before poking Ydris in the arm. âYouâre sticking around here until heâs turned back to normal. I donât want Az panicking over him because neither you or Eversong thought this through.â
Ydris chuckled softly and nodded. âThatâs fair, I can put the circus on hold a bit longer. As youâve said, our friendsâ health always comes first.â
Jean Prouvaire: The roses at the botanical garden are blooming. Does anyone want to go see them with me today?Â
Enjolras: I have a speech to write.
Combeferre: I have a shift at the hospital.
Joly: I'm allergic to flowers.
Feuilly: I'd love to, but I have work.
Bahorel: I'll go!Â
Grantaire: Since when do you care about flowers, Bahorel?
Bahorel: Going anywhere with my best friend is fun! Are pets allowed?Â
Combeferre: You own a cat, Bahorel. Are you really thinking of taking a cat on a walk through a botanical garden?
Bahorel: Fred knows how to walk on a leash. He basically thinks he's a dog, anyway.Â
Jehan: Yes, pets are allowed. I'll meet you there at 10.Â
Bahorel pulled into the parking lot at 10, as promised. Hopping out of his truck, he went around to the back seat to let his orange tabby cat, Fred, out of his carrier, and put on his harness and leash.Â
Jehan was waiting by the entrance, smiling. Fred bounded ahead enthusiastically as Bahorel walked over to join him. Jehan reached down to scratch Fred behind the ears. "Hey, Bahorel" he said. "Thanks for coming. Hey, Fred."
Bahorel smiled.Â
They walked in the garden, and Jehan chattered about the different types of plants, and occasionally spouted random bits of poetry. Bahorel listened intently. He had to admit, this was very pleasant.Â
"Look!" He heard a child call. "That man has a cat!"
"So he does" said the little boy's mother. "Let's not bother him."Â
But the boy was already running toward them, spouting questions. "What's his name? Can I pet him? How'd you teach him to walk on a leash?"Â
"I'm terribly sorry" his mother said, hurrying over.Â
"No worries" Bahorel chuckled. "His name's Fred. You can pet him. He loves people. And I didn't really teach him to walk on a leash. I just decided to try it one day and it worked."Â
The boy smiled, and pet Fred, who seemed absolutely delighted. "Thank you" his mother said as they walked away.Â
Jehan and Bahorel kept walking. When Fred started lagging behind, Bahorel picked him up and let him ride on his shoulder.Â
"We should do this again sometime" Jehan said, as they stood in the parking lot, later.Â
Az pulled the roasting stick from the fire, blowing gently on the golden marshmallows at its tip. âSo these are supposed to taste spicy? Or spicy and sweet?â She tilted her head looking over at Ydris.
The pandorian nodded and picked the melting ooze of sugar off the stick Az offered to him. âIndeed, it could be a mixture of spice and sweetness but judging by how your magic has been affecting flavor I believe the longer itâs cooked the more spice it should have.â He popped it into his mouth, chewing the squishy mess before swallowing. Az watched intently, brows raised as she took in his expression.
âWell⊠you donât seem too bothered by spice if thatâs the case.â She smirked and popped some hotdogs onto the now empty prongs.
âIndeed flame, but I can adjust my tastes as need be.â Ydris shrugged and picked up one of the spare poles, putting more marshmallows on. âBut yes, it is certainly a mixture of sweet and spicy. I believe⊠you would consider this closest to perhaps cinnamon?â He squished one of the fresh marshmallows as he spoke, smiling at the soft treat before roasting it over the open campfire infused with Azâs natural magic.
âCinnamon huh⊠cuz I definitely didnât taste that, it seemed totally normal to me.â Az carefully twirled the hot dogs over the fire as she spoke, trying to roast them evenly. âCan you make it so I can taste that?â
The magician paused, looking curiously over at his friend before tapping his chin and letting the stick float on its own over the fire. âIn theory yes⊠it would involve making it so you have a pandorian tongue which may feel strange initially but you would be able to taste magic.â
âDidnât you say it seems like Connie and some others can taste magic? Why a pandorian one?â Az leaned forward, lifting her hot dogs off the fire momentarily.
âAh well Iâm not certain exactly how they can to tell the truth.â Ydris simply shrugged. âI know how our tongues work and I know how I could give one to you. Now the question is, would you like to try it?â He grinned a bit too wide, she knew it was probably a bad idea but so far Ydrisâ transformations hadnât been problematic⊠yet.Â
Az thought it over a bit, figuring at worst sheâd probably be able to tease the spell apart by now if it came down to it. âYeah letâs do it.â She grinned, excited to taste things like Ydris could.
The magicianâs grin increased twofold and he clapped his hands together. âMagnifique! Now simply hold still, stick your tongue out and go ahhh for me please.â Az did as instructed, shutting her eyes as he worked his magic. It certainly felt weird and for a moment her tongue felt heavy and huge before it seemed Ydris adjusted. âThere we are, now try this...â Az opened her eyes to see one of the marshmallows floating over to her. âYou should be able to taste what I can.â
Az couldnât help but smile at the sight of how excited the pandorian looked. Gingerly she took the marshmallow between her fingers and popped it into her mouth. Her eyes went wide and she gasped a little before finishing and swallowing. âAhhh you werenât kidding about that cinnamon!â She fanned her mouth as she looked for a bottle of water theyâd brought out and gulped it down. Ydris simply chuckled and put more treats going.
âI suppose now would be appropriate to see how it tastes as a sâmore hm?â He grinned and produced the box of graham crackers and chocolate they had brought out with them. Az nodded and set aside her hotdogs in favor of a slightly spicy sâmore. It was as they pair were nibbling away at them that Rebecca and Connie returned to the bangalow and found them roasting food outside.
âYou guys are having a party and you didnât invite us? How could you?â Rebecca set a hand on her chest, faking offense before breaking into a grin. âOoooh sâmores and hotdogs, nice!â She quickly worked to untack Midnight and let him join the other horses before settling in with Connie at the fire.
âYeah you both should try this...â Az grinned mischievously, Ydris mirroring her as he floated over a pair of sâmores to them each. They watched as first they noticed the sweet and then Rebeccaâs face shifted and looked confused. However Connieâs reaction was even better as his brows furrowed and he looked completely taken off guard.
âWhy did you put so much cinnamon in a smore?â He tilted his head, looking at the remainder of the somewhat sweet treat. âThese⊠these arenât even cinnamon marshmallows, is it in the chocolate?â
Az giggled as Ydris simply grinned and twirled the roasting stick. Az spoke up first while Rebecca looked curiously between the two, only able to taste the barest sense of spice. âConnie itâs my magic, weâre roasting stuff with my fire. It apparently adds spice to things.â Both looked between Az and Ydris incredulously before sitting down to join them in the food experiments that would last into night.
Ydris paused in what he was doing to look over at the redhead who had been staring at him rather intently for the past few minutes. âCan I help you?â He raised a brow, smirking when she seemed caught off guard.
Az made a soft embarrassed noise before quickly looking away. âI just...â she started, flushing slightly at getting caught staring. âWell⊠I never had a chance to ask my Ydris before I left why he has heterochromia. Though I suppose it might be different from your reason...â She shrugged and rubbed at her neck.
âAhâŠâ Ydris said, sitting back in his seat. âWell, I suppose itâs relatively simple actually, I wanted a look that stood out but was still attractive to most audiences. Is this form not that?â He tilted his head a bit, looking curiously at her in return.
âI mean⊠I guess so? Itâs not really my thing though.â Az shifted awkwardly in her seat.
âOh? Well what may be your⊠thing then?â Ydris set his work aside and smiled in that far too easy way as he watched Az.
âUh⊠well⊠I guess I like women more...â The redhead started, uncertain. âI donât really have other big preferences in appearance. Honestly I havenât thought about it.â Az paused, tapping her chin.
Ydrisâ grin grew and he snapped his fingers, body shifting before her eyes into a far more feminine form. âLike this mon cherie?â Even his voice had changed, having grown higher in pitch. Long black hair cascaded down his shoulders and while the pandorian was still tall and slender he now had a few more curves to his form.
Az sat blushing as she took in the magicianâs new form, a whole onslaught of confusing new feelings hitting her like a truck. Oh no⊠heâs⊠she? Ydris is way too attractive like this⊠Az thought as her face grew redder and she quickly stood up. âI-Iâll see you later!â She said a bit too quickly and loudly before hurrying off. Ydris cocked a brow at the curious reaction, making a mental note to ask Rebecca later. He couldnât help but smile however at how rather cute the flameâs reaction had been, perhaps this would be a useful form to use in the future.
The ranch bustled with life as Az and Scott arrived. She had been putting off visiting but with Scott by her side she felt better. It had been years now since she came to the world from her own but still she felt afraid of seeing Lisa. Her mind knew she wasnât the same person but she wasnât sure yet if her heart knew.Â
Az took a deep shuddering breath as she passed the entry to the ranch, clutching her reins tighter than usual. She had been so excited to hear there was going to be a whole area dedicated to western riding coming to south western Jorvik. However her heart lurched when she found out it was Lisa and her fatherâs ranch. It had left her pacing until Scott finally convinced her to go, promising to scope it out before they got there.
Just as he had promised he had popped in and checked it out and there wasnât a single sign of the musician or her blue and white horse. Carl Peterson and Josh had been roaming about but only Lisa made Az as jumpy as she was. Speak of which she couldnât help but flinch when she felt a hand suddenly rest gently on her leg. Looking over she saw Scottâs worried expression as he tried to give her a reassuring smile. Under it she could easily see his poorly masked concern and she did her best to return the kind expression.
âIâll be fine, just⊠nervous.â She chuckled softly and patted her friendâs hand. âThanks again for coming with me.â
âHey itâs no problem, you and Josh are some of the few friends I have that are into western, itâs the least I can do.â Scott managed to laugh with her and for a moment she felt her worries wash away. The pair rode over to where the Oklahoma cowboy was standing with his mare by the new riding arena. âHey Josh!â Scott called out, waving as they approached and the blonde young man turned around.
âOh howdy! I take it this is Az?â He grinned and waved back. âScottâs talked my ears off about your riding skill.â He added once the pair were close enough.
Az couldnât stop the big grin that played across her lips. She wished she hadnât waited so long to talk to the fellow cowboy. Josh was so much like the version of him she once knew and she forgot how much she missed him. âYeah, I hear you got a bunch of new western games set up here?â Az and Eversong stopped near the fence and looked out over the arena where a few riders were practicing barrel racing. âBeen wanting to stop by and try them out I gotta say.â
Josh nodded and jabbed a thumb towards the riders. âYeah we got the standard three barrels, some pole bending and Iâve been cooking up some Jorvik originals.â
âOh well do ya mind if we try them out? Iâve been aching for something new and honestly running the same setup at home over and over gets pretty dull.â
âSure! Feel free to try and break my record but I promise ya it wonât be easy.â Josh smiled so warmly it made Az feel at home. She soon lost herself in the western events, finding even Eversong was managing to enjoy the challenge despite competitive racing not being his thing.
Dusk soon fell over the ranch and between Scott and Josh the pair had managed to completely keep Azâs mind off Lisa all day. Soon she found herself sitting by a campfire roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. As she sat beside Scott she felt a strange twinge in her heart. It felt nice sitting so close beside him in a way she hadnât felt before. She pushed the brief thought aside and focused on watching the fire and listening to another one of Joshâs stories. She had a feeling despite her history that the ranch was gonna end up being a pretty special place.
âThanks Everett.â Az paused as she realized what she said and flushed lightly, placing a hand over her mouth. âOh! Sorry I did it again.â
Evergrey looked at her curiously and shrugged. âI donât really mind but I must admit you pique my curiosity.â
Az rubbed at her neck nervously before sighing softly. âWell⊠the Evergrey in my world was like an uncle to me. The nickname stuck I guess.â
âOh⊠thatâs so nice⊠having a niece-I mean uncle.â He looked away, smiling sadly and rubbing a tear that had pricked at the edge of his eye. Azâs brows rose and a small gentle smile grew on her lips.
âYa know⊠I wouldnât mind having another uncle...â She said softly, placing a hand on his arm.
Evergreyâs face lights up and he pulls her into a tight hug. âWell Avalon wasnât gonna give me a niece so perfect!â Az laughs and wraps her arms around the old man, hugging him back tight.
âI must admit heâs never said that.â Az giggled and Evergrey looked even happier to have something unique from the other worldâs version of himself.
âWell any who, you can call me Uncle Everett as much as you want my dear.â He released her and soon the pair returned to their work and happily chatting away.
âYouâre a good person Az.â Scottâs voice was soft and sincere, making her finally look up at him. Tears ran down her cheeks and she clutched at his hand like a lifeline.
âWhat?â She whispered, certain she had heard him wrong. After everything, after he knew every little detail, he couldnât possibly think it was all okay.
âYouâre a good person.â Somehow the cowboy managed a smile that made her heart go into overdrive and melt all at the same time. She felt every last wall remaining crumble as he spoke. âYouâre kind, caring, dedicated.â He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. âYouâre a good friend, youâre so good at everything you do. You put your all into everything you do even your shows, big or small you throw your entire self into it. You care so much more deeply than I ever felt I could. Az you and Rebecca make me feel like I can achieve that someday too.â He gently pulled her into a hug and held her as she broke down into further sobbing against his shoulder.
Az clutched at him like her life depended on it, fists clenched against his back as she clinged to his shirt. So many new waves of emotions washed over her as her mind reeled.
âHow?â She croaked out once the tears began to finally subside and she could breathe again.
âHmm?â Scott tried to turn his head but she still hid her face from him. âHow? I mean⊠youâre not who you used to be. Youâve changed. I wasnât happy with who I used to be either but Iâve changed too. Weâre allowed to move on and become better.â He rubbed at her back, wanting to comfort her as he felt more tears falling against his shoulder.
She rasped and heaved as her emotions and feelings flew into a confusing tornado within her. Az could barely grasp what he was saying but his words rang true the longer she took in deep breaths and contemplated. Finally the tears stopped and she was no longer heaving. Slowly she pulled back and returned to holding Scottâs hands. They were coarse and a bit bigger than her own but comforting and strong. She finally met his eyes and the way he smiled at her made something twist within her, a feeling she hadnât had since before she had arrived in his world.
âYou deserve happiness, you are a good person.â His smile warmed her heart and she almost wanted to cry again but she focused on the feeling of her own lips curling up to match his.
The rain hadnât stopped all day and night was settling in. Az and Scott sat together watching the 5th movie of the day, no one else had been home since that morning and despite the company the mood remained dour. Az broke the silence with a deep sigh that brought the otherâs attention back from his zoned out state.
âHmm?â Scott tilted his head and looked down at his worn out girlfriend. They had both been in a bad mood recently, Az more so due to her nightmares returning and Scott having hit a bout of bad luck. It didnât leave much for either of them to cheer the other up and the weather had only made it worse.
âI wanna do something fun...â Az mumbled against him, arms clutching one of the couch pillows. âWhen I was a kid my cousin and I used to build huge pillow forts in the ranch houseâs living room. Especially on rainy days like today when we couldnât spend time with the horses.â
Scottâs brows rose, Az almost never talked about her old family. âOh? Would you⊠would ya wanna do that? We got plenty of pillows sitting around...â He glanced at the other furniture, ready for the plucking to make into a fort.
âWould you be up for it?â The redhead glanced hopefully up at him, the tiniest smile on her lips. Scott couldnât say no at the first smile sheâd cracked since heâd cuddled up with her on the couch.
âAbsolutely.â He returned the smile and let her sit up before moving to stand with her. Slowly they tugged all the cushions off the couches, stole pillows from the other rooms and built a sizable fort for two.
The sun had long since set when the two had finally settled into the center of their pillow nest with a big bowl of popcorn and watched videos on Azâs phone of animals. They giggled and almost didnât notice the sound of a key in the lock and the door opening before clicking closed. Az put her finger to her lips and pulled back the sheet that acted as their curtain.
She almost yelped when she found Ydris smiling on the other side, leaning far down to look in at them.
âSalut mes amours, what do we have here?â Ydrisâ smile was easy as always and Az found it contagious. The pillow fort inhabitants glanced between each other before Az grabbed Ydris by the collar of his shirt and tugged him in. The lanky magician tumbled inside and found himself curled up between them. âIsnât this a bit⊠small for three?â He grinned and snapped his fingers. Before Az could say anything she found the fort had enlarged and the three of them sat on a massive plush surface.
âHey what did I say about using magic!â Az crossed her arms but she smiled and quickly pulled him into a hug. âIâll make an exception for now though.â She planted a kiss against his cheek which made the magician blush. Scott pouted playfully before being pulled in and found his face squished between the two of them, kisses planted to either side. Finally as their laughter died down the three settled into watching more videos in their cuddle pile.