Xander approaches the closest bench top and opens his map. With the irritation of the flour splatter on his shirt gone and replaced with a subtle smirk, he utters the magical words, ‘Holospectra,’ the map springs to life, transforming into a mesmerizing holographic display before our eyes again. ‘I figured while we wait for the final batch of food to cook, I can regale you all with more places in Felderia.
Janie, Imogen, and I smile, nod at one another, and race over to Xander and the map, excited to see and hear more about Felderia.
‘The Misty Marshlands,’ Xander begins, spins the map around and hovers his hand over the Marshlands. We watch in fascination as it emerges from the depths of the holograph. ‘The marshlands are shrouded in a perpetual mist, making it hard to see your surroundings. Both magical and mundane creatures find solace within this marshland, their forms obscured by the veil of fog. Among them, the elusive Skull-hides thrive, their presence a testament to the marshland's eerie side, along with snakes, eels, and frogs,’ he adds.
Imogen, Janie and I cringe and gaze at one another with trepidation, our brows furrowed and our shoulder’s hunching at the thought of all the slimy and slithering creatures amidst the fog.
Xander describes the reeds in the knee-deep waters that sway in the mist-laden breeze, the ethereal glow of the luminescent plant he calls the Gloaming Lotus that illuminates the marshes at night and reveal the unseen creatures that slither and glide beneath the murky waters.
‘There’s a poem about the Misty Marshlands and the Gloaming Lotus. Would you all like to hear it?’ he asks.
‘Is there a poem about everything in Felderia?’ I ask, rolling my eyes.
Xander thinks for a moment, then nods, ‘Pretty much,’ he says. ‘You’ll be sure to hear the ones I’ve already told you and many more I haven’t told you when you’re in Felderia.’ He laughs.
I sigh heavily, my head and shoulders droop, ‘Well, get on with it then. Tell us the poem,’ I grizzle.
Xander’s smile widens.
‘In the Misty Marshlands, so vast and wild,
Where darkness creeps, and shadows hide,
There blooms a flower, fair and bright,
The Gloaming Lotus, a guiding light.
But those who seek to cross the way,
Must heed the Lotus, never stray.
Its glow reveals the hidden way,
Shying deadly creatures away.
So, the only way through the Misty Marshlands is to find a Gloaming Lotus and follow their line to find your way. The flowers connect in long vines, like a rope. If you wander away into the unlit fog, you’ll become prey for the Skull-hides. They don’t like the glowing light the Lotus emits, so they always avoid them. If you ever find yourselves lost in the Misty Marshlands, immediately seek out a lotus,’ he says.
‘Can we just not go there?’ I ask.
‘Well, that depends. If we find a Blossom fox in Moonshade forest, we don't have to. It’s towards the witching woods, but going to the sylvan woods would also avoid it,’ he replies.
I gaze at the map and peer at other places, ‘What’s this place?’ I ask Xander, pointing at a lush village.
‘This is Evergreen Village,’ Xander exclaims, ‘A village surrounded by rolling hills of green, filled with whimsical cottages with thatched roofs.
Many artisans reside here. From master potters moulding clay to carpenters. Each corner of the village brims with workshops. Many villages throughout Felderia are similar, with taverns, inns, workshops, and houses. Some are bustling full of Felderians, while others in the remoter areas are quieter.’
Xander’s finger traces a winding path that leads us to Moonshade Forest. ‘Moonshade Forest,’ Xander declares. ‘A forest where moonlight weaves its gentle embrace among ancient trees. It has the tallest towering trees in all of Felderia, their trunks adorned with moss and draped in delicate vines. At moonlit clearings, you might be lucky enough to see ethereal creatures gather and play.’
‘Like the Flufflehorns and the Whiskerwisps?’ Janie asks Xander, a look of delight on her face.
‘And many more creatures, hopefully, the Blossom fox too. Now for the Sylvan Woods.’
On his map, Xander shows us a dazzling display of flora and fauna in another location. Some of the tree trunks are adorned with intricate carvings. The vibrant mushrooms, with their vivid colours, add an otherworldly glow to the woods, creating an exquisite yet gentle ambience. The ground beneath the trees reveals large patches of wildflowers, their vibrant colours carpeting the earth's floor like a painting.
‘In the Sylvan Woods,’ Xander says. ‘You may even encounter the elusive Dryads who guard the wisdom of the trees. Think of them as wise old men in the form of sentient trees.’
The delightful aroma of freshly baked biscuits fills the air as Janie's cooking timer rings, beckoning our attention. Janie swiftly dons the oven mittens and retrieves the tray, carefully placing the golden-brown treats on a cooling rack. Her excitement bubbles over as she exclaims, 'I can't believe we'll be stepping into Felderia tonight!'
Janie fans her hands over the biscuits, attempting to cool them faster, her joy radiating like a sunbeam. She suddenly remembers the essential accompaniment. 'Oh, I almost forgot!' Janie exclaims, turning towards the shelf and reaching for jars of homemade jam. 'We simply can't indulge in our scones without a dollop of jam, she chuckles.
Xander joins in her amusement, a mischievous smirk gracing his lips. 'Indeed,' he agrees, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. 'Such a catastrophe would be unimaginable.'
We carefully pack the jars into our bags, adding them to the assortment of baked goods we've already prepared. The biscuits have cooled down, tempting us with their golden perfection.
Unable to resist the temptation, I reach for two biscuits and take a bite out of each, relishing the delectable flavours that dance on my tongue. Crumbs escape from my lips, leaving behind delicious remnants. ‘Yum,’ I exclaim, a satisfied smile on my face.
Janie gives me a gentle scolding. Her voice is laced with playful reproach. ‘Rose, you're meant to save them for Felderia,’ she reminds me, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
I shrug nonchalantly, my hunger getting the better of me. ‘But I'm hungry now,’ I confess, whilst savouring the taste.
Janie shakes her head at me whilst wrapping her biscuits up.
Meanwhile, Imogen takes charge of filling the leather bottles with water, ensuring that we each have one to carry on our journey. We add them into the outer pocket of our bags.
Janie places her hands on her hips and looks around. The kitchen is already almost spotless, thanks to the Twigglers as they zip around cleaning. I can't help but giggle as I witness one of them using its leafy hair as a makeshift duster, whisking away traces of flour from the walls.