Sithathor’s parents answered the door together, her mother, a large, homely woman introduced herself as Jane and her husband as Stefan before inviting the pair of them in.
The door and its frame had been widened several years earlier to accommodate Sithathor’s bulk, but Ashley still had to stoop and move into the house sideways. Luckily, the hallway was short and quickly opened out into a living area with a high A-framed ceiling that ensured the two Minotaurs were able to move freely. A large chair, clearly designed for when their daughter came to visit, dominated one corner. Given Ashley’s superior bulk, he was invited to take the seat once pleasantries were dispensed with. Sithathor sat on the floor between Ashley and her parents. In another corner of the room, a small altar was positioned, upon which a miniature sculpture of Hathor sat impassively surveying the room.
As befitted their chosen deity, the house was lined with pictures of the large, extended family, the emphasis on Motherhood being a particular tenet of their religion. Images of Sithathor and her many brothers and sisters were pointed out to Ashley, some as a human child, some following her modification, though few photos, if any, were present of her teenage years.
The early evening passed relatively smoothly. The Minotaurs were given bowls of various leaves and herbs, as the humans partook in a simple buffet-style meal, so as not to highlight the obvious schism in eating habits. Small talk was exchanged regarding how long Ashley and Sithathor had known each other, and what Ashley did in terms of employment, and whether he intended to change profession now that he was modified. It was clear that the subject was gently being steered round to one particular angle of questioning.
It was Sithathor’s father who eventually asked a question which would begin to lead to the evening unravelling.
“Ashley, our daughter received a great gift from the Goddess, a vision to show the path in life that she must take. I understand that you, yourself however, are not a person of faith so I wonder, if you could tell us about your motivations in requesting to be modified?”
Ashley had expected this question, but it still made it no less difficult to explain. Sithathor began to protest at her Father’s question, but Ashley gently made a calming gesture that indicated it was alright, and that he was prepared to answer.
“Well sir, first let me say, that the Corporation ensures that a deal of psychoanalysis takes place, in addition to the physical and genetic tests. This ensures the person requesting modification has a sound psychological basis for doing so. In my case, I experienced a strong desire to become not just a male, but a large, strong male. Given the current state of technology, I opted for the largest, most muscular male appearance possible.”
“So, the basis for your decision was purely sexual?”
Ashley felt his fur bristle slightly at the challenge, despite his earlier tolerance. It felt like a typical ages-old “What are your intentions towards my daughter?” conversation. He decided to meet it head-on, there was no use in dressing up such matters.
“I wouldn’t wish to lie about the sexual nature of a minotaur; it is part of our existence, and regular mating is a necessary function both biologically and psychologically speaking. I never experienced sexual fulfilment as an unmodified female, and I knew that I would continue to feel incomplete until I had been modified. Now, with Sithathor, I have found utter contentment, both as a partner, and a mate.”
Sithathor groaned a little. This was not going well.
Jane looked at her daughter with a meaningful look. “Sithathor? Is there something you want to tell us?”
*
The door shut behind them with a definite, but not aggressive clunk.
“That could have gone better.” Ashley growled as they made their way down the street.
Sithathor sighed. “I guess they thought that I would dedicate my life solely to being the Daughter of Hathor. It never even entered into their heads that I would take a mate, much less become pregnant by him.”
“Or that said mate had once been a woman who wanted to breed with a bull’s body and penis.”
Sithathor hugged Ashley’s arm. “That too” she said, burying her muzzle in his fur. “They’ll come round, for my sake, as well as for…” and she ran her hand across her belly as they continued to amble home.