[ IP ] The Source

The dwarf sniffed as he beheld the Source, the Living River. 
 `` We-ell, it's certainly got a theme, but the carving's a little bland. What do you think?'' He turned to his steed, who towered over him. 
 `` I think that I do n't care *what* the blasted carvings look like so long as it works, Hollin'' replied the horse. A long sigh that ended in a morose whinny escaped his lips. `` I hate being a horse.'' 
 Hollin snorted. `` Well, it's your own damn fault for pissing off that witch, Mr Love-and-leave'em. A curse is a curse, and *that*'' he jerked his head towards the stream `` should cure you. Now, get along, little horsey.'' He slapped his companion's rump and quickly dodged a hoof aimed at a sensitive place. 
 The horse trotted up to the Source, and gingerly meant down to sip from the stream. He screamed with suprise as he was pulled lips-first into the water. 
 `` Huh. I could've sworn that was only a foot deep'' grunted Hollin. He made no move to help his friend: magic was a tricky business, and he did n't care to get caught up in it. A thought hit him. 
 `` Oh damn. He had my lunch in the saddlebags.'' As he pondered on whether he could still catch rabbits at his age, the stream heaved and spat his friend Garin, to the surface. 
 `` Ow.'' His friend lay face first in the mud. `` Did it work?'' 
 `` Yep. Back to your old, ugly self'' Hollin replied cheerfully. 
 `` Good. Now Hollin... take this blasted saddle off me!'' Garin wriggled under the weight, before Hollin heaved the saddle off him, allowing him to sit up. 
 `` Good. Now where're my clothes?'' Hollin grinned and pointed to the saddle. 
 `` In there lad. But...'' he interjected as his friend reached for the bags strapped to the leather ``... would you trust clothing immersed in a magic stream?'' 
 His friend sighed and stood up. `` Nay, Hollin. What are you laughing at?'' 
 `` Never mind. Come on, it's a long way to walk back to the village. I had a horse but...'' 
 `` Ha. Ha.'' They set off for the village as dusk fell, ready to commit more misadventures.
