"You intrigue me, young human." Circe smiled slightly, and then gestured for him to follow. "We will go to my stables where your wish will be granted."
Ryan felt a flush of excitement combined with fear. Was this really going to happen? He scrambled to follow the woman, making sure to stay back a few steps. "How complete is your transformation?" He was bursting with questions, and was afraid he would lose his voice to whinnies if he waited to ask them. "Will I think like a horse?"
Circe chuckled. "Indeed. The fate you so eagerly walk to is total. My magic twists not only the flesh, but reshapes the very soul of my victims. You will not only become, but will have always been and be forevermore a beast. If there is an afterlife, yours will be with other beasts, not with men. Are you still so willing to exchange hands and feet for hooves? To trade that bright and curious mind for the dull contentment of an animal?" They were approaching an open field with a large stone building at the far end. Several large animals were grazing - some cows and a bull, and a large donkey or mule.
"Yes, m'am!" Ryan's reply was immediate - he was determined to become a horse, regardless of the cost. Even he could not explain the desire, the need to be equine, but with realization of his dream so close he would not waver.
She stopped and turned to face him, an amused look on her face. "Strip, boy."
Hesitating only a moment, Ryan quickly pulled off his clothing. He couldn't help being embarrassed, but this was no time for modesty.
Circe smirked. "I can understand your desire to be a stallion." It was hard not to cover himself with his hands, but he remained still and looked her directly in the eyes. That earned a nod of approval. "I could use a draft horse to do heavy pulling, perhaps plow occasionally. A Clydesdale? I do like the gold and white breeds."
Ryan nodded. "I would be happy to be a Clyde for you, Madame Circe."
"You will be happy to be whatever I choose to make you." The woman looked at him curiously. "Do you not understand? When I transform you into an animal, you will be that animal in all ways. It is likely you will not even remember being human - your animal self will be all you can comprehend."
Fear once more wormed its way into Ryan's thoughts, but he forced it back. "If that is the only way, then that is a price I will pay gladly."
"Very well, my very strange and foolish young man." Circe's expression darkened and her smile became cold. "I have never before had a victim volunteer. It will be quite a treat to see your face as you understand the terrible mistake you have made."
Fear swelled again, but even if Ryan had wanted to change his mind, it was already too late. A crackle of blue-white energy shot from Circe's outstretched hands ands struck him in the chest. He gasped and staggered backwards as his muscles and bones began to shift in an agonizing convulsion.