"You are going to be a parrot until further notice" Elspeth informed James.
"A parrot?" James repeated.
"See, you're getting into the role already" the sorceress cackled wickedly.
James tried to protest, but all he could get out now was an awkward squawking sound which only served to cause Elspeth more amusement. He then looked down in horror to see red, yellow and blue feathers quickly starting to cover his body. The rest of the changes happened so quickly he was barely able to notice them all but he could feel his arms morphing into wings, his feet becoming talons, his nose and mouth pushing out and forming into a beak and,most noticeably of all, the strange sensation of shrinking until Elspeth was towering over him.
Once the spell had completed, Elspeth briefly left a shocked James to take in his new form before return with a spacious looking (from James' new perspective at least) cage.
"Get in, please" Elspeth ordered more than asked, holding the door open for James. Not in any position to defy her, he flapped his wings and was somewhat awkwardly able to manouvre himself into his temporary prison and onto a perch near the top which looked more comfortable than anywhere else in his new abode.
"Oh don't you look wonderful" Elspeth enthused as she closed and locked James' only exit "You know, I've always wanted a parrot. Perhaps I might decide to keep you like that permanently!"
James squawked disaprovingly.
"Now, you won't be a very impressive parrot if you don't know any words" Elspeth told her new pet "But you shall only be able to speak words you are specifically taught. Understood?"
James squawked. Elspeth chuckled.
"Ok, so I am going to teach you your first words, they will be your most important" she leaned in close "Yes mistress"
"Yes mistress" a strange warped version of James voice came from the colourful bird.
"Excellent" Elspeth smiled.