Tye chuckled as the two draft horses started to shift and change. "Pretty odd choice, but it will certainly work for the party." Dan was obviously getting smaller, his body reshaping into a form obviously not equine. At the same time, Mike got larger and more muscular, his legs thickening and body getting leaner. Dan looked confused, and then frightened as he began to comprehend abstract thoughts, his muzzle collapsing into a flat human face as hooves split and softened into hands and feet. Mike snorted, also confused as new memories of training as a warhorse, of forming an intense bond with another horse, no, a human? A young, strong, and powerful human, the one who stood before him.
Dan rose unsteadily to his feet, then looked down at himself before turning to Mike. "I'm..human?" The words were in his head now, along with his own new memories of growing up training for adventure, learning the sword, training and bonding with his beautiful warhorse. He had been training the animal since he was 15 and the horse was a foal. Now he was 20 and the horse was five, both just entering maturity. The animal was glossy black, huge and intimidating to any that opposed Danial. There was a bond between them not only from training, but a mental link of sorts. They were a team, almost one and the same being. As he stepped forward to rub his mount's chin, clothing formed around him, then light armor, all unnoticed. At the same time, heavy tack, leather armor, and a saddle appeared on Mike. Neither of them noticed, each focused totally on the other. Yet they were not equals. Mike was aware of a change in their relationship, but it was what he expected. He was Danial's mount, a beloved and valued asset, but still an animal. Danial was now Master, Owner, a human who would direct his actions and determine the course of the rest of his life.
Tye waited for the two to complete transforming before stepping forward. "Danial, barbarian fighter. I have contracted your services for a party of adventurers. You must complete my quest. When it is done, you will have gold and freedom to do whatever you wish." There was no mention of Mike, as he was simply the barbarian's horse now. Mike was aware of the change, but also totally accepting. Being the warhorse was what was right, what was normal. He snorted and nuzzled Danial, his sole purpose in life now to please his master.