Mark was still deciding upon what to do when he felt another strange feeling in that costume. The fur started to tingle upon his skin. First upon his calves then the sensation spread over the rest of his lower body.
"What the...?" he grunted.
The oddest thing was that the tingling made him feel quite comfortable. It was pleasantly ticklish. He felt he quite liked this costume, after all! Even the odd little pouch and sheath for his privates were the most comfortable coverings he had ever experienced! He was ready to bet that even silk boxers couldn't be as soft and natural-feeling! He could spend all day in this cool costume! And the when the tingling sensation reached his groin, the caresses over his testicles and penis were so delicate! It made him forget the slight headache he was experiencing upon his skull. A strange headache that was too. Two dull pains on either side of his upper forehead. He rubbed his hands there but could only feel the two horns of the headdress protruding. He hadn't realized they were so realistic though. He could have gotten them confused with real ram horns! This thing was so realistic he couldn't feel the headdress itself! He couldn't tell it was there! Amazing! He laughed and then a goat's "baah!" suddenly erupted from his mouth. He clamped his hand to his mouth but luckily, it seemed everyone else in the changing rooms were too busy with their own costumes. Well, it was time to go back to the party anyway. It was a great costume and worth the price.
As he stepped out, he did feel a little dizzy. His lower body had dull muscle cramps. He'd have to ask Merlin if the platform hooves were not bad for one's posture in the long run. It'd be a shame to give up the costume though. Ah, here was Merlin! He was in luck.
"My, you cut a dashing figure! All the ladies will adore laying eyes on you!"
"Thanks," said Mark. "But it still feels strange on my skin. And are you sure the hooves are that good for my feet?"
"Oh, it's all perfectly normal," reassured the vendor. "It's just a consequence of high quality material and the hooves always create that effect. But do you like the costume?"
"Oh, lots! It's awesome!"
But just then Mark felt a wave of dizziness and he stumbled, clutching his head. Luckily, Merlin was there to catch him and guided him to a bench near the rows of costumes. The others were still busy in the changing rooms.
"Ate you all right?" asked Merlin with solicitude. "Did you eat or drink recently?"
"Yeah, but... But maybe not enough," mumbled Mark.
"Rest here. I'll go get you a drink," said Merlin.
He promptly came back with an orange liquid. It was sweet but tasted not exactly like orange juice. Mark thanked the seller and drank everything in one gulp. The flavor wasn't bad. He then yawned, saying he had to pay Merlin and go back to the party.
"Of course. But rest here first. No need to faint later. You can come find me and pay for the costume once you feel ready."
"Sure. It's kind of you. I'm sorry," slurred Mark.
"No worries. It's very normal," smiled Merlin. "Let me go check on your buddies."
Merlin went off towards the changing rooms. As he disappeared out of view, Mark yawned again. However, as his eyelids drooped and he slid down from the bench to lie down on the floor, overpowered by an irrepressible desire to sleep, he was barely conscious.
On his way to the changing rooms, Merlin smiled. One transformed. Eleven to go. And all with promising costumes. His master's Zoological Park of Mythology was going to see a welcome increase. As much as his own coin purse and power abilities.