Xander strides into the Crystal Cauldron store, and we exchange curious glances before following him inside. As we step through the threshold, a breathtaking sight unfolds before us—a vast array of magical artifacts adorning the shelves. Objects, stones, and crystals of every shape and tone glisten with radiance. Intriguing jars catch our attention, seemingly filled with tiny legs and arms of frogs, adding to the mystical ambience.
Imogen's eyes light up with delight as she makes a beeline for the broom display lining the far wall. Her fingers trace the ornate handle of a particularly exquisite broom adorned with a thick golden ring encrusted with sparkling ruby jewels. The long, brown wooden handle possesses a subtle shimmer, and the bristles appear to have been dipped in liquid gold.
'Such a dazzling broom,' Imogen exclaims to Janie with a sparkle in her eyes.
Xander approaches, taking hold of the broom and examining it closely. A warm smile graces his lips as he gazes along the handle. 'It is indeed dazzling. A very fine broom indeed,' he remarks, glancing at Janie. With a wink, he carries the broom to the old, weathered counter, paying a substantial sum of gold coins.
'Xander, it's too much,' Imogen protests, her voice filled with concern.
He smiles at her, his eyes twinkling. Handing the broom to Janie, he replies, 'No, it's not too much. If anything, it's perfect, just like you.' He leans in to kiss the back of her hand, leaving Janie swooning and the rest of us grinning in delight.
Leaving the shop behind and passing the other stores, Xander strolls along the market stalls, his gaze fixed on the peculiar fruits before him. He approaches a merchant and requests starvine fruit, an orange, star-shaped fruit. 'And some Ember berries as well,' he adds. The ember berries are a dark hue of purple which a subtle sparkle.
The merchant deftly fills two cloth bags with the requested fruits, exchanging them for a handful of silver coins. Janie, now astride her glamorous broom, takes to the air, then flies low to the ground in joyful laps. Her infectious smile spreads to each of us, and we can't help but also smile as we watch her traverse in circles. Her flowing blonde hair whips across her face, and her bright green eyes shimmer with unbridled joy.
Amused Felderians observe Janie's blissful flight, finding it peculiar and endearing to witness a witch revelling in the simple pleasure of a broom ride reminiscent of a child on a coin-operated amusement ride.
'Come, my love,' Xander calls to Janie, holding his hand for hers. 'Let us organise our rooms for tonight at the Starry Hearth Tavern,' he says, his voice full of warmth.
With her glamorous broom in one hand, Janie reaches out with the other and intertwines her fingers with Xander's. Imogen and I follow closely behind as they enter the inn, eager to immerse ourselves in the enchantment of our surroundings.
The inn pulses with vibrant energy as Bear folk in formidable armour outnumber those at the Whimsywick tavern. Fae, elves, wizards, witches, and various other enchanting species fill every nook and cranny of the establishment.
Imogen pouts, casting a disappointed glance around the tavern. 'Where are all the sexy vampires?' she laments. 'There were so many at the last tavern.'
Xander clears his throat deliberately. 'The vampires are currently resting, as it is daytime. Although exposure to sunlight won't kill them, they prefer to avoid it. Once the darkness falls, they will emerge. And, Imogen, under no circumstances should you allow any species here to engage in any activities involving you. No biting, no hypnotizing, no spellbinding, no touching—nothing. In fact, I strongly advise you to limit your interactions to Rose and us. Disobeying these rules could have severe consequences. The rules are in place to keep you all safe from potential dangers,' he warns.
Imogen stubbornly crosses her arms and huffs. 'Fine, but you sound just like my father,' she groans, though I catch a glimpse of two fingers crossed. I tilt my head, smirking at her, and she returns my knowing smile with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
As we savour our meals, we listen attentively to the songs that fill the air, each one a tale of creatures and adventures across the Felderian lands. Stories and poems follow, the entertainment enthralling as we devour our meals. Some tales are familiar, heard numerous times before, while others captivate us with their novelty. However, our appetites wane as the conversations among elves, fae, wizards, witches, and Bear folk turn to that of Gravehaven.
'Did you hear that a powerful witch discovered and used one of the lost spells to prevent the wraiths from escaping their graves?' says a fae.
Some patrons appear shocked and surprised by this news, while others nod knowingly, claiming to have heard the story in other taverns, even as far as the Starlight Citadel.
Xander's face drains of colour as he absorbs the information. 'We leave at first light tomorrow morning, so we waste no time reaching the Witching Woods. The news of Janie's spell and her power has spread faster than I anticipated,' he confides with concern.
We nod in understanding, continuing to eavesdrop on the conversations unfolding among the diverse species of Felderia.
'No one knows who the witch was. Her identity remains a mystery. She fled with two other witches and a warlock,' one of the heavily armoured Bear folk reveals.
'I wonder if this news has reached Gretchen. She's the only known witch capable of casting such a powerful spell, although she has never had the spell to attempt that one,' muses a pixie in a squeaky voice.
'Gretchen would be furious when she finds out. She's always made sure everyone knows she's the most powerful and never to be messed with,' says an armoured she-bear, running a flat stone along her small blade, sharpening it, as she waits for her drink.
A wind fae appears, delicately placing a wooden tray of drinks on our table, startling us from our conversation. The fae’s mid-length white hair bounces with each step as she gracefully hands us our drinks.
'Oh, I'm terribly sorry I startled you all,' she says with a hint of concern.
I smile, trying to ease any worries she might have. 'It's quite alright. We're just weary travellers, a little zoned out is all,' I reassure her.
‘Zoned out?’ she says, unsure of my meaning.
Xander shoots me one of his trademark glowering glances, clearly displeased with my fumbled words. I quickly divert my attention to the drinks before us and take a generous gulp. The effervescent bubbles and the enchanting floral taste create an intoxicating sensation that sweeps through my body.