Brian frowned. "Well, if all of your kind are as rude and threatening as you are, I can see why the Wizard cursed you."
The chicken squawked angrily and lunged to peck at him, only to be caught up by a young man and tossed gently off to the side. "That's enough harassing our guest, Gerta. Go on, I just put out fresh grain."
The young man grinned down at Brian. He was perhaps 19 or 20, with a tousled mop of golden-brown hair an curiously yellow-gold eyes flecked with green. He looked strong and powerful, with a handsome, squared face. "Welcome to our town, elf. What Gerta said is true, but there is no reason to be nasty to you. I am Leon. Come with me and I will answer questions." He raised an eyebrow. "Maybe even persuade you to join us. I would very much enjoy making you an ani-magus, and I am sure you would enjoy it as well."
Brian flushed a little, feeling attraction to the handsome young man that he knew was out of place. But to become an ani-magus! "Could I choose the animal I become?"
The young man shook his head. "No, I'm afraid that would be determined by the one who selects you. Come with me and you can have golden fur, powerful fangs, and deadly paws. I am a lion. WIll you join me?"