"Now that the ground rules are understood, it's time to discuss your role in the household" Elspeth continued "Before we do that I would like you to get onto all fours"
"But Mistress!"
"I strongly recommend you do as I say without argument"
Fearing the consequence of disobeying, James grudgingly did as he was told. Elspeth gave the merest hint of a smile as she walked over to him.
"Clearly, you cannot expect to be treated on equal terms with myself. Furthermore I don't need a servant and I already have a familiar. Therefore you will be my household pet"
James looked up at Elspeth and opened his mouth as if to complain before thinking better of it and remaining silent.
"It really is quite a privileged position. You will have very little in the way of responsibilities and you will be well looked after. Doted upon, even. It may not be the future you had planned but there is no reason to fear it."
James seemed too overwhelmed with disbelief to even argue.
"You will remain bound to the house, for now at least. Once you have fully embraced your new role that may change. But it will naturally take time for you to accept you ate no longer on equal terms with the humans you would come into contact with in the outside world"
James looked like he wanted to speak urgently.
"You are wondering about your form?" Elspeth deduced correctly "well, that is a very fair question..."