Johnny purred contently as his mane was stroked. Unfortunately, when he tried to answer Circe's question, all that came out was a series of growls and hisses.
"What's wrong with him?" Eric asked worridly.
Circe frowned and brought her hand to Johnny's forehead. A moment later, her expression cleared.
"Ah, that makes sense. When I changed Johnny, I was obliging his request to be just like you were. That's why he can't talk."
"But I can speak. I'm doing it right now."
Circe shook her head. "Not originally. I had to use an extra spell to let you talk to Johnny, remember?"
Eric nodded. "Right, so then can you let him speak?"
Circe frowned as she continued to scratch along Johnny's mane. "Maybe later. I find this rather refreshing--an echo of my days on Aeaea. In any case, he does not seem to mind, do you, Johnny?"
Johnny shook his head. No, he did not mind.
"Excellent. Let us be off then. I have just remembered an important addition I need to make to the manor."
As the three made their way back to Spellstorm, Johnny couldn't help but marvel at his new form. He kept running his hands along his strong, furred chest, and he loved the feeling of raw strength in his legs and paws as he walked. Not being able to talk was a bit disorienting, but there was such a pleasing rumble in his throat every time he sounded that this seemed a minor problem at most. Johnny was so distracted that he failed to notice they had arrived back at the manor, and he walked straight into Eric's back. His friend smirked and they both turned their attention to Circe as she cast a spell upon the grounds.