Royal Steed
Added 2025-01-20 00:24:59 +0000 UTCFor most of her life Jade trained to join the royal guard. She quickly worked her way up the ranks and was trusted with being the princess' personal guard. When the princess came of age, it was expected that she would travel to other realms and meet dignitaries as an envoy.
Due to some archaic laws of the land, no weapons nor private guards were permitted in most cities or on major routes, but travelers were allowed an animal as protection (usually a horse).
No typical animal would be sufficient protection for royalty, so some guards would go though a transformation that would reconfigure their body, legally becoming a horse or other guide animal.
Jade was offered this prestigious position and after accepting, powerful mages merged her soul with a horse's. She lost her arms, but gained four legs, hooves and a tail. Her breasts were relocated to her lower abdomen. All of these changes were necessary to meet the legal description of a horse and not be considered a hired mercenary. While she can still talk, she has taken an oath to only whisper to the princess. A trade inspector wouldn't take kindly to a talking horse.
Jade takes pride in her new duty and position. On the road she protects the processes from thugs, carries their supplies, and navigates the routes. At the castle she has her own small team of 'stable hands' that feed and groom her.
The princess is honored by Jade sacrificing of part of her humanity to become her protector, but she does sometimes think she takes her job a little too seriously. Maybe one day Jade will relax and find a partner. Human or otherwise.
