"I like my farm boys big and ugly and dumb." Tobias lay on top of Mika, grinning. "You come pretty close. So, is it my imagination, or are you liking this new life?"
Mika flushed, both from excitement over having Tobias in such intimate contact, and by the admission he had to make. "Well, yeah. I mean, I know it's wrong and it doesn't always feel right to be a stable boy. But I really like being with the animals, and I like having no real responsibilities or expectations. I used to primp and worry about a spot on my cloak. Now I go around naked and dirty and nobody cares. And I guess I'm still smart, but when I relax and let the personality take over, well, it's really peaceful and, well, nice. I think if I had been born into this life I'd be rally happy with it."
Tobias stared into Mika's eyes for a moment, looking thoughtful. "So, if you didn't have that pesky intelligence you'd be happier?"
"Sort of." Mika grinned. "Sounds weird when you put it that way, but I'm happier being your big, dumb and ugly stable boy than I ever was as a wizard."
"Well, you aren't big and ugly enough, and you sure aren't dumb enough." Tobias smiled slyly. "But if you are willing, I could take care of all that."
Mika snorted. "Yeah, right. You're more powerful than the magic stone? I don't think so."
Tobias shrugged, still smiling. "Not more powerful. But if I am just enhancing what was already started, and more importantly, if I have your willing participation, I bet I can do a lot more than you think." He regarded Mika a moment. "You really want to try this life or is this all talk?"
Mika thought about it, and then nodded. "Yeah, I'm willing to try."
"OK. Then just relax and let me do what I can. Let that personality you like so much take over for a while."
Mika breathed in deep, his nostrils filled with Tobias' strong smell of sweat, straw, horses, and dirt. "OK." He grinned up at Tobias. "Make me as big, dumb and ugly as you want."