"...I had been thinking of making a familiar for myself" Meredith conceded "you should be able to handle that with the correct supervision"
"What, you mean like a cat?" Nicola folded her arms unimpressed. Meredith laughed.
"Why do your kind always assume that?" She wondered out loud "Your form at any given time will depend on my needs and whims. For much of the time I would allow you to remain human, unclothed of course to denote your status. But at other times it would be appropriate for you to take on a variety of lowlier forms, particularly when I'm in the company of other magical beings or visiting different realms. But for the most part your role is simply to serve me, however I see fit"
"And what's in it for me?" Nicola was bold enough to ask.
"Well, I will restore both you and your friend to your original forms immediately as an act of good will" Meredith promised "I will reimburse you generously financially and if you do a good job...lets just say it wouldn't hurt you to gain the favour of a powerful sorceress."
"How long would this be for?" Nicola asked.
"A year"
"A year?!!"
"The choice is yours" Meredith shrugged "But I need an answer now"
Nicola sighed realising she didn't have much choice "Fine, I agree"
"Sensible girl" Meredith smiled almost warmly. With a wave of her hand both James and Nicola were their old selves again.
"What just happened?" A confused James blurted out "Nicola, you're.."
Nicola was too overwhelmed by other thoughts to even care about her nudity.
"So he can leave then?" She asked selflessly, nodding at James.
Meredith considered this for a moment.