IA: Ari Finds Gabby - a Ponygirl?

As she looked at Gabby, Ari couldn't help but feel a profound sense of sadness and concern. It was as though Gabby had been brainwashed into embracing this existence, finding contentment in it. The juxtaposition of the humiliating treatment and the gentle care from Sam left Gabby with conflicting emotions. She was stripped of her humanity by the goblins, reduced to a mere shell of her former self, and yet, there was an undeniable comfort in the pampering.

Gabby's face blushed with a mix of humiliation and self-discovery. She was being treated as an animal, an object of servitude, but the tenderness in Sam's gestures had an oddly soothing effect. She hated what had become of her, loathed the goblins for their cruelty, and yet, the pampering seemed to fill an emptiness inside her.

As Sam completed her tasks, Gabby summoned the courage to speak, her voice submissive as she addressed Sam, "Miss Sam, could you please fetch me an apple?" Sam responded with a playful swat on Gabby's behind, nodding in agreement. "Of course, little one. I'll be right back."

Ari couldn't help but be struck by the marked subservience in Gabby's tone and actions towards Sam. It was a painful sight, and a surge of determination washed over Ari. She couldn't bear to watch Gabby endure this life any longer. Something had to change, and Ari felt an overwhelming urge to help, to rescue Gabby from this torment. It was clear to Ari that this life was not only miserable but also fundamentally wrong. She couldn't simply stand by and witness such a heartbreaking situation; she had to take action.

Strawberry, aka Gabby, cast quick, furtive glances around to ensure no one was within earshot, especially Sam. She lowered her voice to a hushed whisper, revealing a shocking revelation to Ari. "Ari, I know what you're thinking. You believed they'd completely broken me, right? But trust me, I'm doing just fine. I had to go undercover to retrieve that artifact that GC wants. This Goblin tribe possesses crucial information about it. They're unaware of its significance, and if I'd just approached them openly, there would have been dire consequences. So, I chose to play this role to avoid suspicion. No one, and I mean no one on this planet, knows I'm an otherworlder. I was afraid you'd blow my cover," she confided, punctuating her revelation with a mischievous giggle. "I suppose I make a pretty convincing actress, huh?"

Ari stood there, her mouth hanging agape in sheer shock and disbelief. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place, and everything suddenly made sense. The act had been too convincing, and Ari had been completely fooled. Gabby had ventured deep undercover into the heart of the enemy's territory, taking on this surreal role to achieve their mission. It was a daring, audacious plan, and only someone as fearless and resourceful as Gabby could pull it off. The revelation left Ari in awe of her friend's abilities, and she couldn't help but smile. "You're amazing, Gabby. I shouldn't have doubted you for a second. We'll get you out of this mess, don't you worry."

Gabby vehemently shook her head, her determination unwavering. "No, Ari, you can't interfere. I'm on the verge of a breakthrough. My so-called owner's teenage daughter--she's surprisingly cute for a Goblin--has been a vital ally. She thinks she's an adventurer, and she allows me to talk. I'm gradually persuading her to journey to the Utan mountain range. The Goblins mention it occasionally, unaware of its significance, believing it to be just a glowing rock."

Ari listened intently, feeling a mix of admiration and concern for Gabby's audacious plan. She was ready to assist in any way she could, but she couldn't help but worry about the risks involved. "I'm here for you, Gabby," she reassured her friend, her determination showing in her eyes. "Just let me know what we need to do."

As they were about to delve into the details of their plan, Gabby swiftly shifted back into her "Strawberry mode," nuzzling Ari with her nose. Ari was momentarily taken aback, but she quickly understood Gabby's need to maintain her act, especially with Sam's return.

Sam, oblivious to their conversation, joined them, offering an apple slice to Ari and then presenting one to Strawberry in a manner that demonstrated her complete acceptance of Gabby's pony persona. Ari marveled at Gabby's ability to play her role convincingly, even to the extent of taking the apple slice with her tongue.

Ari accepted the apple slice from Sam, her mind racing with newfound determination and a sense of purpose. She was ready to support Gabby in her mission and would do whatever it took to bring her friend back safely.

Ari couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly Gabby transitioned into her "Strawberry mode." The act was not just convincing; it was downright impressive. Ari knew she could never execute such a role with the same level of authenticity. Gabby's ability to maintain this facade was astonishing, and it filled Ari with hope because the success of their plan relied on it.

Sam completed the grooming and then patted Strawberry on her ass. "There you go little pony. All new and shiny spiffing clean. All ready for the ride back home now. Who's a good pony? Yes you are" she coos in a sing-song voice. "Now I am to get you back in your tack. You ready my dear" she asked Strawberry. Gabby whinned and nodded her head. Sam took the bridle and pulled it over Strawberry's head securing it to her collar. She then untied the leash from the pole and tugged on it. Strawberry followed Sam meekly. Sam stood in front of Ari "see all nice and clean" she said pointing at Gabby. Ari did not know what to say.

"Can you please take this pony inside and hand her off to Ruth?" Sam asked Ari as she offered Strawberry's leash to Ari.

Ari nodded, still in shock at the whole scene, but she was also somewhat impressed by how completely Gabby had embraced the role of "Strawberry". She's really committed to the act, and Ari had to admit that it was actually kind of fascinating to see her play the part so well. Ari took the leash from Sam, then she went inside. Once inside she handed the pony off to Ruth just as asked. She still felt somewhat stunned and overwhelmed by everything that had happened, but she knew this is just the first step in a much larger plan. She was eager to see what came next.

Ari wanted to spend some time with Ruth understanding the whole picture but she had a job to do. She had to talk to Gorlm to get time with Gabby. She waved to Ruth after handing her Gabby's leash - it still felt weird that she was holding a leash to one of her naked teammate - her friend.

Ari sighed inwardly thinking "I guess Gabby is better at keeping things compartmentalized than I am". She told Ruth "Ruth, I will come back after some time and continue our earlier discussion".

She headed out with the goal of getting some time with Gorlm to discuss the plan in more detail. It was kind of a weird thing to have to do, but she knew that she had to keep her focus on the main mission. She would come back to Ruth later to continue the discussion, but for now, she had to stay focused on the bigger picture and what she had to do here.

Ari walked inside and found Gorlm sitting at his table, sipping ale with a few other Goblins. He looked up at Ari with a leering smile and raised his mug in a toast before taking another sip. Ari's heart sank a little, knowing this encounter would be awkward, but she steeled herself for what she had to do. She approached Gorlm, took a deep breath to compose herself before speaking.

"Hello, Lord Gorlm. I needed your help with something."

Gorlm's self-satisfied smirk widened, his expression akin to a cat savoring a mouse. He leaned back in his chair, leisurely sipping from his mug as Ari approached and addressed him. With a single nod, he looked amused, and his tone oozed condescension and an air of self-importance.

"Go on, little one. How may I assist you?"

Gorlm's demeanor exuded a sense of entitlement and arrogance as he reveled in the situation. It was clear he enjoyed seeing Ari in a position where she had to request his aid.

Ari took a deep breath, stifled her anger, and swallowed her pride as she addressed Gorlm. She knew that appealing to his ego was her best chance at getting what she needed.

"Lord Gorlm," she began with a carefully measured tone, "I heard from the villagers about your reputation as a wise and influential leader. Your judgment and generosity were renowned among your people."

Gorlm leaned back further in his chair, clearly pleased with the flattery. He raised an eyebrow, encouraging her to continue.

"I had a request," Ari continued, her voice respectful but with a hint of vulnerability. "I found myself in a bit of a predicament. You see, I heard so much about your prized possession, Strawberry."

At the mention of Strawberry, Gorlm's chest puffed out slightly with pride. Ari had hit a chord, and she pressed on.

"I couldn't help but admire how well she was cared for and how she thrived under your ownership. It was a testament to your skill and power as a leader. I couldn't help but wonder if I might be able to borrow her for just a couple of hours. I promised to treat her with the utmost respect and care. It would be an honor, and it would mean so much to me."

Gorlm's ego was clearly massaged by Ari's words, and he leaned forward with a smug grin. "You recognized the value of what I possessed, I see. Tell me, what did you need Strawberry for, and why should I have granted your request?"

Ari maintained her composure, choosing her words carefully. "I had a personal matter that required Strawberry's unique qualities. I had been so impressed by the stories of her and your wisdom, Lord Gorlm, that I believed she could help me in a way that no one else could. It would have been a testament to your graciousness if you had allowed me this favor."

Gorlm seemed to savor the moment, reveling in the admiration. After a pause that felt like an eternity, he finally said, "Very well, you could have borrowed Strawberry for a short time. But remember, she was a prized possession, and I expected her to have been returned in the same condition she had left. Do not have underestimated the generosity of Lord Gorlm."

Ari forced a smile and nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Lord Gorlm. Your kindness knew no bounds, and I assured you, Strawberry would have been returned to you in perfect condition."

As she turned to leave, Gorlm's voice stopped her in her tracks. "But," he added with a sly grin, "I would have required something in return for this favor." He couldn't help but smile at the thought of the power he held over Ari and his pet.

Ari had swallowed her anger and pride, realizing that appealing to Gorlm's ego was her best option. She took a deep breath and spoke in a more conciliatory tone, "Lord Gorlm, I understood that you were a powerful and wise leader, and I came to you out of the utmost respect for your authority. I needed your assistance, and I was willing to offer something of value in return for your favor."

Gorlm had raised an intrigued eyebrow, his smug demeanor still present but slightly more subdued. "Oh? And what might you have to offer, little human?" he had asked, curious.

Ari had hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "I had 10 gold coins, a small token of my gratitude for your help," she had offered.

Gorlm had scoffed at the mention of gold coins. "Gold means nothing to me, little one. I have enough wealth," he had replied dismissively.

Ari hadn't given up. She had continued with a different idea, her voice filled with flattery, "Of course, Lord Gorlm, gold is beneath you. But what if I could offer you something far more valuable? Something that could enhance your status and reputation among your people."

Gorlm's interest had been piqued, and he had leaned forward slightly. "Go on," he had said.

Ari had smiled and said, "I had knowledge of ancient rituals and ceremonies that could solidify your position as a respected leader and further your standing among your kind. With my guidance, you could earn the admiration and loyalty of your subjects like never before."

Gorlm had considered her words, his ego clearly tempted. After a moment of contemplation, he had nodded slowly. "Very well, human. Your offer intrigues me. But be warned, if your 'something important' does not meet my expectations, for each hour you spend with your friend, you will serve me as my pony - hour for hour."

Ari had swallowed hard, feeling her stomach drop as Gorlm's words had sunk in. He wanted Ari to do what? Ari had been frozen in stunned silence for a moment, feeling her heart sink as the implications and the shocking nature of the bargain he had just proposed had hit home. She had been completely taken aback and could barely believe what she had just heard...but she had known he was serious. Gorlm truly had been a slimy slime ball. Ari had known what Gorlm wanted... and she had not wanted to do it, not for a single minute. Her heart had pounded in her chest. Ari had been very aware of how cruel and dangerous the goblin was. She had needed to tread carefully. She had been playing a very dangerous game here... and it had been all too easy to make a misstep in that situation.

Ari had responded, "I promise I would give you that information after I get to spend time with Gab..." correcting herself quickly she had completed, "Strawberry."

Gorlm smiled in response... a cold and cruel smile. He knew he was holding the power there... and he had not been afraid to use it.

As Ari and Gorlm had continued their tense negotiation, the atmosphere in the tavern had become charged with curiosity and hushed discussions among the patrons.

The human patrons, observing the unfolding scene, had exchanged wary glances and murmurs. One of them had leaned over to his companion and whispered, "Was she out of her mind, making a deal with a Goblin? It was like making a pact with the devil himself."

An Orc seated nearby had nursed a tankard of ale and chuckled darkly to himself. "Humans," he had muttered with a low growl, loud enough for those around him to hear. "Always too brave and foolish for their own good. They'd never learn."

Across the room, a group of Goblins at their own table had exchanged curious glances, their pointed ears twitching with interest. They had leaned in closer to one another, eager to witness the outcome. A Goblin with a crooked grin had said, "This could be entertaining. Let's see if the human ends up as Gorlm's pony."

Another human at the bar, a regular patron, had watched Ari with a furrowed brow. He had leaned over to a newcomer seated beside him, a traveler who had seemed unfamiliar with the local customs. "Did you see that? That girl ain't from around here," he had remarked quietly. "I should warn her about dealing with Goblins."

The Orc sitting nearby had overheard the conversation and had interjected, his voice gruff but cautious. "Best not to interfere, friend. You're just thinking with your dick. We don't want to start a bar fight over a foolish human."

The bar's patrons had continued to observe the unfolding negotiations, a mix of concern, curiosity, and amusement in their eyes as they had wondered how this daring deal would play out.

Gorlm had been pleased and proud of his negotiating prowess. "Very well, you have yourself a deal," he had replied. "You can take Strawberry for the night, but don't forget - *you* must give *me* something of equal value or else be my pony - hour for hour."