Xander claps his hands and continues, ‘So, Imogen and Rose are going to Nielson’s party Friday night. However, I will go with Janie to her Grammy’s house where we will wait up for Rose.’
‘I may as well go with Rose after the party to Janie’s new place too, instead of coming over the next night,’ Imogen says.
‘That will work,’ Janie smiles.
‘Okay, and then Saturday, we will bake and cook the appropriate foods to bring to Felderia for our travels. Such as bread, meat, and prepared fruit, which are common foods in Felderia. I will organise some items tonight after my grave shift to provide to all of you, and we will go over a list of do’s and don’ts,’ he adds.
‘There’s a list?’ I ask.
Xander pulls out a scroll. It rolls open, falling to the floor. It must be a metre in length.
‘That’s a big list,’ Imogen says.
‘It’s mainly a list of don’ts if that helps. The only do on there is always to do as I say,’ Xander says.
‘Er, of course it is,’ I groan.
‘If I feel we are prepared, we could leave as soon as Sunday, but if you are tardy and unprepared, then it may be Monday. The sooner we go, the sooner we can return here to this world,’ Xander says.
‘Can you read the list now, so we can get it over and done with?’ I groan.
'Fine,’ he says, ‘Do not talk about your origin or mention that you are not from Felderia.
Do not disclose any personal information or reveal your true identity.
Do not confront or challenge powerful magical beings.
Do not trespass or enter restricted areas.
Do not take or touch anything from stalls or merchants.
Do not engage in forbidden spells or unauthorized use of magical artifacts.
Do not provoke or disrespect the local Felderian magical creatures or people.
Do not engage in reckless behaviour or take unnecessary risks.
Do not underestimate the potential dangers or magical illusions you may encounter.
Do not act suspiciously or draw attention to yourselves.
Do not bring or use modern technology or devices that may not exist in Felderia.
Do not stray too far from the group or wander into unknown areas.
Do not talk to strangers, especially those exhibiting suspicious or dark behaviour.
Do not interfere in local conflicts or disputes.’
Imogen and I sprawl out on the floor as Xander continues to read the list for ten more minutes.
‘And last of all, in order to stay safe and alive, do as I say,' Xander nods.
‘Finally, I thought the list would never end,’ I tell him.
‘Well, there was more. I just ran out of space,’ Xander replies.
‘Thank goodness for that,’ Imogen laughs.
‘So, what’s next in our preparation for Felderia?’ Janie asks Xander.
Xander smiles and pulls a larger scroll from his long trench coat.
We watch with curiosity as Xander unfurls it on the floor, revealing a detailed map of the magical realm of Felderia, showing a mesmerising landscape rich with enchantment. The map is meticulously crafted, capturing the essence of the realm's diverse geography and mystical landmarks.
It’s also edged with an intricate border that resembles ancient Celtic knotwork, with symbols of the sun, moon, and stars woven into it. The border is lined with small illustrations of mystical creatures and magical plants, which seem to be moving and shimmering as if they were alive, but then it gets even better. Xander hovers his hands over the map and says, ‘Holospectra.’
Every landmark, town and village rises into a hologram. The rivers move, and the forest trees sway.
‘Whoa,’ Imogen, Janie and me say in unison.
Janie attempts to touch it, but her hand goes straight through. ‘This is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,’ Janie says.
My eyes widen with awe as I see two small, cute, and adorable magical creatures chasing after each other on the map.
‘What are these creatures called?’ I ask Xander, pointing to the fluffy mystical animals chasing each other.
‘Oh, that’s a Flufflehorn being chased by a Whiskerwisp. They are just some of the common creatures throughout all of Felderia,’ Xander tells me.
The Flufflehorn is the first magical creature I've ever seen other than Mister Kal, Janie's cat. The Flufflehorn's body is small, like a squirrel, adding to its compact cuteness. Its entire body is covered in white fur, which gives it an irresistibly soft and cuddly look. The contrast between its white fur and the vibrant pink colour of its ears, paws, and tail creates a striking visual appeal, making the Flufflehorn appearance even more charming.
Atop its head, I notice two tiny, nub-like horns, which add a touch of magical elegance. The small horns radiate a subtle pink glow, hinting at the Flufflehorn's mystical nature. Its ears stand out prominently, large and perked up, adding to its innocent and curious expression.
The Flufflehorn's most captivating feature is its eyes. Large and round, they shine in a mesmerizing shade of blue, reflecting a glimmer of playfulness.
I watch with joy as its fluffy fur bounces with each step, and I can't help but smile as I hear the soft, contented trilling sounds emanating from the creature, a gentle melody that amplifies its endearing charm.
The Whiskerwisp is an enchanting blend of feline grace, captivating me with its unique and magical appearance.
Its body resembles that of a cat but with a fantastical twist. Its fur is a soft and plush light blue, reminiscent of a cloudless sky. I can almost imagine the velvety texture as I envision running my fingers through its silky coat. The creature's physique is petite and sleek, running swiftly with speed.
Drawing my attention are the Whiskerwisp's long, gracefully curved ears, reminiscent of a rabbit's. They're at least triple the length of a typical rabbit's ears. They flail down its back as it gracefully bounds and pounces. The ears, adorned in a stunning shade of light purple, stand out prominently against the backdrop of its blue fur, creating a striking contrast. But that is not all. At the base of each ear, a delicate surprise awaits—a butterfly wing in hues of shimmering violet and blues. These ethereal wings, resembling those of a butterfly but with a leathery texture akin to bat wings, add an unexpected touch of enchantment. With every movement, the wings flicker and glisten, casting a soft iridescent sparkle that adds an extra layer of magic to the creature's presence.