'Everything is done,' Janie announces with a triumphant smile. 'All that remains is for us to wash up and change into our travel attire. Then, we can embark on our way to Felderia!' Her cheerfulness fills the room.
'As soon as it's dark enough, we shall make our way,' Xander adds, his voice filled with caution. 'I cannot risk anyone seeing you as you pass through the portal.'
'Alright, well, I have first dibs on the shower,' I declare playfully, already racing up the stairs in anticipation.
As I swing open the bathroom door, ready to claim the shower, Xander appears from a shadow, holding Janie in his arms. ‘Looks like I got to the bathroom first,’ Janie smirks as Xander puts her down. Janie walks towards the door and closes it in my face.
My mouth hangs open in disbelief. 'That's cheating! You used magic!' I protest, pounding on the door in playful protest.
I hear Janie's laughter echoing behind the closed door and the sound of handles turning and water cascading. 'Unbelievable,' I mutter with mock exasperation, impatiently awaiting my turn.
As the time draws near for our departure to the magical realm of Felderia, a sense of anticipation fills the air—Xander peers out of the window. The night sky stretches above, adorned with twinkling stars that seem to wink. The moon, a benevolent presence, graces the darkness with a gentle smile.
'It's time,' Xander declares, his voice carrying a hint of seriousness and determination. His gaze sweeps across the room. ‘Is everyone ready?’ he adds, looking us up and down.
Janie stands poised and ready, her attire perfectly suited for the enchanting realm of Felderia. She adorns a simple yet elegant long-sleeved maroon dress, its rich colour accentuating her natural beauty. The dress gracefully reaches her ankles, lending her a touch of modesty and charm. A sweetheart neckline adds a subtle hint of femininity, enhancing her features with a gentle glamour.
Completing her ensemble, she wears sturdy leather boots that offer comfort and protection. Janie swiftly reaches for her brown cloak, draping it over her shoulders and securing it with a bow at the front of her neck.
Her long, flowing blonde hair cascades down her back, the radiant strands catching the light. Janie keeps her hair simple and chooses a plain headband to wear.
Imogen, with her fiery red hair, dons a simple dark green gown that also gracefully brushes against her ankles with simplicity. The gown's long sleeves lend a touch of warmth while accentuating her graceful movements. Her dark blue cloak lifts as she spins around. A brown belt emphasises her waist, matching her sturdy brown boots in preparation for the travelling of the enchanting landscapes of Felderia.
Imogen's vibrant red hair is artfully arranged in a scruffy bun adorned with delicate flower pins.
Xander smiles at Imogen and Janie approvingly. However, his smile fades to a look of dismay with a frown as he stares at my attire. I've opted for a more masculine attire that speaks for my free-spirited nature.
I wear puffy trousers that effortlessly tuck into my black boots, allowing for freedom of movement and a touch of whimsy, having more room and comfort than wearing a tight dress. I figured this attire will be easier for when running.
My shirt is a simple long-sleeved cream top with a brown vest over it, which I choose to leave open, showing a lack of femininity with a touch of ruggedness.
To accentuate my waist, I wrap a brown scarf around my trousers, using it as a makeshift belt. This unique styling choice adds a hint of individuality to my ensemble.
As I move about, my fluffy wolf tail wags behind me, exuding my excitement of entering Felderia to hunt down a Blossom fox. My hair cascades down my shoulders, much like my tail, granting my mauve-coloured werewolf ears the freedom to be seen.
'Where's your cloak?' Xander asks in disapproval.
I pull it out of my satchel. 'Here, why?' I ask.
'You need to wear it at all times and keep your ears and tail hidden while we're in Felderia,' he explains
'But werewolves exist in Felderia. So why should I have to hide who I am?' I argue, challenging the notion of concealing my identity.
'Because, for one, werewolves don't walk around partially shifted. They are either in human form or wolf form, period. Secondly they typically stay within their territories and packs. A travelling lone werewolf is rare and is known as a rogue, and tends to be hostile and aggressive which would cause Felderians to panic. And last but not least, I do not want anyone to know that I'm travelling with a werewolf, let alone be seen with one,' he explains, his arms crossed firmly over his chest.
My frustration seethes within me. 'Whatever,' I huff angrily, draping the brown cloak over my shoulders. 'I don't want anyone to know I'm travelling with a whingey, whiney Warlock either, so the feeling is mutual, buddy!' I retort, my stubbornness refusing to yield.
'Good,' Xander replies.
A tense silence hangs in the air, Janie and Imogen exchanging worried glances as Xander and I engage in a battle of wills, staring daggers at each other. The atmosphere crackles with a clash of personalities, each of us refusing to back down.
Reluctantly, I flick the hood over my head, concealing my ears that have flattened in defiance as I mope about having to hide my identity still. 'It feels as though we are about to go back in time, dressed like this,' I say, gazing at Janie and Imogen.
'Well,' Xander says, 'Felderia is a place of magic, not technology. The most advanced township, the Starlight Citadel, boasts vast and intricate buildings. Everything operates and moves through the power of magic rather than technology,' he says.
I address Xander, my tone laced with discontent. 'Well, since I'm now cloaked away and hidden to save you the embarrassment of being seen with me, can we please go and get my blossom fox flower, so I can finally be normal again?' My griping manner is still bubbling within me. I turn away, crossing my arms and pursing my lips.
'Yes, let's go,’ Xander replies.