John woke to the soft glow of morning light filtering through the curtains, casting gentle shadows across the room. This room was becoming familiar now, with its rustic wooden furniture and the faint scent of lavender that clung to the linens. As he lay there, John felt a mix of trepidation and excitement flutter in his chest. The uncertainty of the future loomed over him, but it was tempered by a budding sense of hope and the promise of new beginnings.
With a deep breath, John stretched, pushed himself out of bed, and got dressed, his movements still a bit slow from the lingering fatigue. As he made his way downstairs, the delicious aroma of breakfast wafted up to greet him, and his stomach rumbled in anticipation. The sound of clinking dishes and friendly chatter grew louder as he approached the dining area.
When John entered the room, he saw the familiar faces of the Arcane Vanguard gathered around the table, already engaged in lively conversation. Marcus was serving himself a generous helping of scrambled eggs, while Rowan leaned back in his chair, a sly smile playing on his lips as he listened to Tobias recount a previous hunting trip.
Lele noticed John first and waved him over with a warm smile. "Good morning, Bright eyes. Sleep well?"
John gave her a curious look. "Bright eyes?"
Lele shrugged. “Still kind of like hooves more”
John shrugged in acquiescence. "Better than I have in a while," he admitted, taking a seat next to her. "Morning, everyone."
"Morning, Elena," the group chorused, their greetings accompanied by nods and smiles.
Gareth and Agatha bustled around the kitchen, bringing out platters of bacon, fresh fruit, and warm bread. Agatha placed a steaming cup of tea in front of John, her eyes twinkling. "There you go. I hope you like it."
As John took a sip of the tea, a delightful blend of flavors danced across his tongue. The first taste was a gentle, floral note, reminiscent of freshly bloomed jasmine, delicate and soothing. This was followed by a hint of citrus, bright and refreshing, like a squeeze of lemon on a sunny day. Beneath these lighter tones, there was a deeper, more robust undertone of earthy spices—perhaps a touch of cinnamon and cardamom—adding warmth and complexity to each sip. The blend was perfectly balanced, comforting yet invigorating, and John immediately felt himself perk up.
"Thanks, Agatha," he said, taking a grateful sip. The warmth of the tea spread through him, chasing away the last remnants of sleep. John stopped as he felt his body become more awake and looked down at the cup in amazement. He took a third sip, slower this time. This drink tasted like it had some caffeine in it.
As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and light-hearted teasing. It felt good to be part of this group, to share in their camaraderie and sense of belonging. It also reminded John of the conversation they had last night and Lele's suggestion.
After breakfast, Lele stood up and stretched, her movements graceful and fluid. "Alright, ladies. It's time to get Bright eyes here some decent clothes. The shopping district awaits." She smiled deviously at John.
As the group began to clear the table, John found himself lost in thought about the upcoming shopping trip. He couldn't quite remember the specifics of shopping for clothes back on Earth, but he had a nagging feeling that he used to handle such tasks alone. The prospect of shopping with others, especially a group of women, struck him as oddly unfamiliar.
Lele's voice cut through his musings. "Elena, are you ready to go? We should head out soon if we want to beat the crowds."
John nodded, standing up from the table. "I'm ready," he said simply, his mind already racing ahead.
"So, where to first?" Lele asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The girls in the room all turned to look at John.
"I don't know," he replied hesitantly. "Are there clothing stores in town? I figured I'd grab a few shirts, some pants and be on my way. Maybe some boxers too? Any good chain stores for that?"
Lila's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes, we have so many wonderful shops to show you, Elena. We had some discussion about this before you came down for breakfast. Lele is anxious to have you try on all the clothes."
John looked at Lele and gave her what he hoped was a withering look. She smiled at him. "You're a girl now. Girls do this sort of thing."
Lila looked over at Lele and started to speak. Lele looked at her and repeated herself. "She's a girl now and girls do this sort of thing." Lila shrugged.
Rowan chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Try not to overwhelm her, ladies. Remember, she's still adjusting."
John gave a nervous chuckle. To date, his clothes shopping had consisted of the occasional trip to a chain store and grabbing a shirt off the rack, or online shopping. The idea of going to a store and being forced to actually put on multiple sets of clothes was not his idea of a great time.
Lele placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Bright Eyes. We'll take good care of you. Boys, don't get into too much trouble!"
John looked around and saw that all of the girls were going. He glanced at Agatha, who had also gotten up and started heading towards the door. "Wait, you too?"
Agatha looked at him like he was crazy if he thought she was going to miss this. "Demons take you if you think I'm going to miss a chance to both get a new dress AND see you be forced to replace that thing."
John tried to remain seated, but between Agatha grabbing his left arm and Lele grabbing his right, he was ushered out the door. Thomas waved at him and gave him a smile that both conveyed joy and excitement about all the new things he'd get to tease John about.
As they stepped out of the tavern, the vibrant energy of the bustling shopping district enveloped them. The sun beamed down, casting a warm and inviting glow over the lively scene. The air hummed with the melodic calls of merchants and the cheerful chatter of passersby. The cobblestone streets reverberated with the rhythm of the morning market, adorned with stalls overflowing with colorful fabrics, dazzling jewelry, and exotic goods.
They strolled through the bustling streets, the cobblestones echoed with the lively rhythm of the morning market. Everywhere they turned, stalls adorned with colorful fabrics, shimmering jewelry, and exotic goods enticed their senses. The air wafted with the alluring aroma of freshly baked bread and sweet pastries, mingling with the delicate scent of blooming flowers from nearby gardens. The market was alive with the chatter of passersby, creating an atmosphere of vibrant energy and excitement. One couldn't help getting excited if they stayed immersed in the energy of the place for too long.
Lila turned to look at them while she walked backwards. "You're in for a treat! There's a tailor here who creates the most exquisite dresses, and a shop with the softest silks you've ever laid your hands on this side of the evergreen," she exclaimed excitedly.
Lehara, walking beside John, hooked her arm in his again. "We'll make sure you're well-equipped for anything, luv. Now that you’re one of the girls, you’re going to need to re-think your idea of what’s what. Instead of whatever is best, you need to view clothing as an extension of yourself. Clothes above all need to be practical and beautiful. A good dress will be as useful to you in a social setting as armor in a combat setting."
Agatha chimed in “Just like you!”
Lehara hugged John’s arm and smiled ecstatically. “Plus it’s fun!”
John felt a blush creep up his cheeks at the compliment. "Uh...thanks," he said, not knowing what else to say.
Lele looked at him and laughed. "You know, you might need to learn to take compliments better. Especially if Thomas finds out how bad you are at receiving them."
Agatha linked her arm with John's, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ooh, if we have time, we should find a nice hat for you. Every woman needs a good hat."
John let out a defeated sigh. "Fine, just...don't make me try on a whole store?"
The girls looked at John like he had six heads.
Their first stop was a charming boutique, its sign proudly reading "Maelis's Fine Garments." The shop was a sight to behold, filled with elegant dresses and luxurious fabrics adorning mannequins and shelves. The shopkeeper, who John learned was Maelis, greeted them with a kind smile, her vibrant silver hair standing out against the richly colored fabrics. Her nimble fingers moved effortlessly as she worked on a piece of clothing, giving off an air of seasoned expertise. It was evident from her warm and inviting demeanor that she was no stranger to the world of fashion. In her sixties, she exuded a timeless grace, which only added to the allure of her charming boutique.
The shopkeeper was clad in a green blouse and black skirt, with random pins and metal clips all over. She came over and started looking them up and down. John could tell she spent extra time looking at him. "Welcome, ladies! What can I do for you today?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity as she looked at John.
"We're here to get our friend, Elena, a whole new wardrobe," Lehara explained, her enthusiasm evident. "She needs everything from everyday wear to formal attire. We're looking for comfortable clothes for lounging at home, sturdy outfits for travel and adventure, elegant dresses for social gatherings, practical garments for daily tasks, and maybe even some nightwear."
John's eyes widened in alarm. "Wait, what? I don't need all—"
Lehara swiftly placed a finger on John's lips, silencing him mid-protest. "Shh, shh, shh," she cooed, as if soothing a fussy child. "The grown-ups are talking about fashion now, luv." She turned back to Maelis with a bright smile, leaving John sputtering silently. "Basically, we need to outfit her for every possible situation."
John stood there, momentarily stunned. As much as he hated how effectively it shut him up, he started to smile at the audacity.
He pulled himself away from Lehara’s finger to once again voice is objections. "But seriously, I don't need—" he started to say again, only to be interrupted by Agatha who gave him a mischievous grin.
"You know, Maelis, while we're at it, perhaps you could also get Elena some undergarments and lingerie. I'm sure she'd appreciate a complete wardrobe update," Agatha suggested, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She grabbed a negligee and held it up to him.
Lehara clapped her hands together, her face lighting up with enthusiasm. "Oh, that's an excellent idea, Agatha! Elena definitely needs some new undergarments and lingerie to complete the wardrobe."
John's face turned a deep shade of red. "Absolutely not! This is getting ridiculous!" he objected, but it was clear his companions were far too entertained to stop now.
Maelis chuckled, nodding in agreement with Agatha and Lehara's suggestions, while John could only stand there, caught between embarrassment and laughter. She looked over at Lehara and gave a knowing wink. "So, she needs the premium package." She looked at John and smiled, whether because she was in on it or because she had dollar signs in her eyes, John couldn't tell. All he knew was that this was going to be a miserable time. Maelis continued. "I have a few hours this morning. I'm certain we can find some acceptable choices. Just two moments if you please."
She walked away to let the other shopkeeper know she was going to be busy for a while. When she came back, he tried pleading with the woman a final time.
"Miss Maelis, I think my friends are blowing this out of proportion. I was hopeful to just grab a few shirts and some jeans and be on my way."
Maelis nodded thoughtfully as she slowly walked around John, taking him all in. Her eyes sparkled with the challenge presented, seemingly unfazed by the brief interruption. "I see," she said, already scanning her shop with renewed purpose. "We certainly have plenty to work with here. Shall we start with the basics and work our way up to the more specialized items?"
Lehara, Lila, and Agatha all shook their heads in agreement as Joh’s head drooped in defeat.
Maelis nodded thoughtfully, her confident smile doing little to make John feel at ease. The girls followed behind Maelis as she walked through the shop. Occasionally, she carefully ran her hands over the various fabrics, choosing a few items with precision. Sometimes she didn't even look at what she was grabbing; she just removed it from the rack and handed it to the girls behind her.
They wandered back and forth through the store, going from rack to rack as she grabbed random things. John couldn't make sense of what she grabbed, or how she knew what to grab. But after what felt like an hour, she seemed to have a third of the store in various carts, baskets, or hands.
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He could tell Maelis had a keen eye for clothing. But spending God knows how many hours putting on these dresses was going to be the least amount of fun he could imagine. But John knew deep down he wasn't a clothes guy. He had a feeling the girls were holding more clothes in their arms right now than he might have owned in his entire house. And that was counting his work suits.
Yet even with his untrained eye for fashion, he could tell that each piece seemed to have been made with care and attention to detail. Maelis's commitment was to provide garments that were not only functional but also beautifully designed.
As he stood there, surrounded by a sea of fabrics and styles he'd never considered before, John felt a mix of resignation and bewilderment. The sheer volume of clothing options was overwhelming, and the enthusiasm of his companions and Maelis only added to his sense of being out of his depth.
Despite his discomfort, a small part of John was curious about the process. He wondered how these clothes would look his new body, and whether he might actually enjoy some of the styles once he tried them on. But for now, as he watched the pile of potential outfits grow ever larger, he couldn't help but feel a sense of impending doom mixed with a touch of reluctant anticipation.
John found himself being gently but firmly shoved into a changing room by Lehara and Agatha. "Alright, Bright eyes, let's see how you look in these," Lehara said, her tone a mix of encouragement and amusement as she handed him a bundle of clothes. He stared at the assortment of fabrics in his hands, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "You...do know how to wear these, right?"
He grabbed one off the top and went to hand her back the pile. "This one doesn't look too bad," he said. Lehara looked at him like he had started speaking in tongues again and just closed the curtain behind her. "Try them on and then come out. The runes'll be straight with us."
He assumed that the shirts were supposed to match the pants, but when he looked at the piles, he could tell that he was either missing pieces, or that his sense of color and what went together was vastly under-performing. The first outfit was a deep green tunic with intricate embroidery. It looked straightforward enough, but as he tried to figure out which way was front and which was back, he felt a twinge of uncertainty. “Buttons should be on the front” he mumbled to himself as he tried to fasten the shirt.
He fumbled with the strings, eventually managing to get it on, but the trousers that came with it were another story. They seemed to have more buttons and ties than he'd ever seen in a single piece of clothing. Clothing is supposed to be pre-assembled, he thought. This looked like it needed an instruction manual. He gave up, pulled the items into his inventory and used that to put it on. The clothing fit on him, but only as far as he had gotten with trying to put it on the old fashioned way.
“Damnit” he said to himself.
"Everything alright in there?" Agatha called out, a hint of laughter in her voice.
"Fine! Just...uh...fine!" John replied, struggling to fasten the trousers.
He finally emerged, the tunic slightly askew and the trousers feeling a bit too tight in odd places. "How's this?" he felt a mix of embarrassment and frustration as he stood there, acutely aware of how out of place he felt. The fabric of the tunic felt strange against his skin, and the tightness of the trousers in unfamiliar places only added to his discomfort. He couldn't help but feel like he was failing at something that should be simple, which only heightened his sense of unease.
Lehara and Lila exchanged glances, trying to stifle their giggles. The girls were sitting on different comfortable looking chairs, turned in a semi-circle to face the dressing room. There were a few tables between the chairs and on each table was a bottle of wine, several glasses and a plate of cheese. The girls were snacking and drinking as they took her in. "It's... unique, Bright eyes," Lehara said diplomatically.
Maelis got up from her own chair, came over and adjusted a few strings on his pants and helped with a few buttons. Once she adjusted the clothes, it felt considerably more comfortable.
Maelis motioned for John to turn in a small circle as the girls shook their head no almost in unison.
"Let's try another one," Lila suggested, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she got up and and picked out a flowing dress in shades of blue and silver.
As Lila handed him the blue and silver dress, John hesitated, eyeing it warily. The prospect of figuring out how to put on a dress seemed even more daunting than the tunic and trousers. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for another round of sartorial confusion.
"Do I... is there a trick to putting this on?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of resignation and genuine curiosity. The amused looks on the faces of his companions did little to boost his confidence, but he knew he had to press on. Agatha held out a glass for John to try. He took it and sipped from the wine which was surprisingly sweet.
He handed the glass back and went into the room. Just to see, he pulled the clothes into his inventory again, and then put it back on. This time the clothes fit perfectly. He nodded in understanding.
John looked at the next article of clothing feeling a bit like a child playing dress-up. The dress was beautiful, but he had no idea how to put it on properly. After a few minutes of twisting and turning, he managed to get it on, though he wasn't entirely sure he'd done it right. He took a moment feeling the fabric billow around him. It looked…kind of good on him. It felt soft to the touch, felt like it breathed quite nicely and even looked halfway decent on him. He was quite proud of himself. Arms in the right holes, head and legs in the right ones too. He even had a slit for his tail, which made the whole ordeal much more comfortable than the first one.
"Well, how do I look?" he asked as he walked out, spreading his arms wide.
Agatha burst out laughing. "Oh dear, you've got the sash tied around your waist instead of your shoulders!" John's hands instantly went down to the sash.
"And the back is supposed to be the front," Lila added, barely containing her own laughter. John looked down, trying to figure out what they were talking about.
He looked down at himself, a mix of confusion and embarrassment flooding through him. "So, not quite right then?"
Lehara stepped forward, her eyes kind. "Here, let me help you, Bright eyes." She gently adjusted the dress, showing him how to tie the sash properly and turn it the right way around. "There, much better."
As John looked in the mirror, he was taken aback by the reflection staring back at him. The dress was truly stunning, a flowing cascade of shimmering blue and silver that seemed to catch the light and sparkle with every movement. The fabric was light as a feather, draping elegantly over his form, with delicate silver embroidery tracing intricate patterns along the bodice and hem. His cerulean skin contrasted beautifully with the dress, creating a striking image that seemed almost otherworldly. The neckline was modest but flattering, framing his collarbones and the subtle curve of his shoulders. The sleeves were long and flowing, ending in silver-trimmed cuffs that fluttered slightly as he moved. The dress cinched at the waist, accentuating his figure before flaring out into a graceful skirt that swayed with each step. He turned slightly, marveling at the way the fabric moved, feeling both regal and ethereal.
His white hair, usually wild and unruly, had been tamed into soft waves that framed his face, enhancing the contrast between the dark dress and his pale features. His eyes, a deep, rich blue, seemed to shine even brighter, reflecting the colors of the dress and giving him an almost luminescent quality. For the first time since arriving in this world, John felt truly beautiful. The dress, the way it fit, the way it made him feel—it was like stepping into a dream. He took a deep breath, letting the sensation wash over him, feeling a mixture of awe and disbelief.
"Wow," he whispered, barely recognizing the person in the mirror. "Is that really me?"
"Yep," Lehara said with a warm smile. "Now, let's see what else we have."
They went through several more outfits, each time with John managing to find new and creative ways to wear them incorrectly. It was at the point he emerged with a blouse on inside out and a skirt that he'd somehow managed to put on as a cape that he decided he was done with clothes shopping. Lehara looked at him, several glasses of wine into the shopping experience, and suggested he try on one more. John sighed defeatedly. He threw his hands up in the air in an "I give up" gesture and then gave her one finger. "You get one more. Lele, please. Just the one." Maelis came out from the back and brought one more article of clothing. John snatched it out of her hands and stomped back into the dressing room.
John examined the new blouse and skirt he had just put on, admiring how well they suited him. The blouse was crafted from a soft, durable fabric that felt incredibly comfortable against his skin. It was a deep, rich burgundy color that contrasted beautifully with his complexion. The rounded neckline and three-quarter length sleeves were modest and practical, yet the slight flare at the ends gave it a touch of style. Intricate embroidery in the same burgundy shade adorned the neckline and cuffs, adding a hint of elegance without being overly flashy.
As John smoothed down the fabric, he found himself wondering if the color would complement the blue dress he'd tried on earlier. Maybe they could be worn together for a more formal occasion? He caught himself mid-thought, realizing he was already planning outfit combinations like it was the most natural thing in the world.
The skirt was equally impressive, falling to just below his knee. It was made from a sturdy, dark gray fabric that promised durability while maintaining a polished look. The simple, straight cut with a slight flare at the hem ensured he could move easily, whether walking through town or on a more adventurous outing. A discreet, braided belt in the same burgundy as the blouse cinched his waist, pulling the whole outfit together seamlessly.
From outside the stall, Maelis spoke up. "How do you like this one, dear?"
"I mean, I think it looks good, but I'm not the person to ask," John replied, finally fastening the last button. "Although I do love the embroidery."
"I'm glad to hear that," Maelis said with a smile in her voice. "That outfit is more than just beautiful, though. It's enchanted with a few useful spells."
John paused, intrigued. "Really? What kind of enchantments?" He started brushing any small wrinkles out of the dress.
"Well," she began, "the fabric of the blouse is enchanted to repair itself from minor damage. So, if you get a small tear or fray, it will mend on its own. Now do keep in mind that there is only so much this blouse and skirt will repair."
"That's amazing," John said, genuinely impressed. He turned around and looked over his shoulder to try and see his back.
"The skirt as well, dear. The entire outfit has been charmed to repel liquids and minor amounts of dirt," Maelis continued. "If you get caught in the rain or spill something, it will bead up and roll right off, keeping you dry and clean. It's practical and ensures you'll always look your best, no matter the circumstances."
John couldn't help but smile as he thought about the enchantments woven into the fabric. If his past week had been indicative of the kinds of repairs he'd need on an outfit, this would pay for itself in just a few days.
He looked at himself in the mirror, turning slightly to see the outfit from different angles. The combination of practicality and style made him feel ready to face the challenges of this new world. John ran his fingers over the embroidery, appreciating the craftsmanship and the subtle magic that made this outfit not just functional, but also something that made him feel confident and comfortable.
"Alright," he said to himself, smiling at his reflection. "This will do nicely." He felt the soft fabric against his skin, appreciating the thoughtful magic woven into it. "That's really impressive. Thank you, Maelis. This outfit is perfect."
“I’m glad you think so, dear,” she replied. “Now, come out and let’s see how you look. I’m sure it suits you wonderfully.”
John took a deep breath and stepped out of the changing room, feeling a sense of confidence in the enchanted outfit. Maelis, Lehara, and Agatha all looked up as he emerged, their faces lighting up with approval.
"You look stunning, Bright Eyes," Lehara said, her eyes shining with pride.
"Absolutely lovely," Agatha added, clapping her hands together.
Lila looked up at him and started writing something down. "Beautiful!"
Maelis nodded, a satisfied smile on her face. "It suits you perfectly, Elena. Practical, beautiful, and ready for anything. So, what will you be taking today?"
"Oh, that emerald green blouse is simply divine," Agatha exclaimed, holding it up.
Lila shook her head, "I'm not sure about that ruffled collar, though. It might be a bit much for everyday wear."
"But the blue dress with the silver trim is perfect," Lehara chimed in. "It brings out Elena's eyes beautifully."
John, meanwhile, just spun around a bit in his skirt to see what it looked like, feeling a mix of fascination and discomfort at how the fabric swirled around his legs.
Lehara noticed John's twirl and smiled. "What do you think, Elena? Which ones do you like best?"
John hesitated, caught off guard by the question. "Well, I'm not sure... That yellow one seems a bit bright, and I'm not fond of the frilly sleeves on that pink blouse." John paused, surprising himself with his own opinions on the clothes. Since when did he have preferences about sleeve styles or color shades? He shook his head slightly, trying to clear the strange feeling of color preferences with fashion choices he'd never considered before.
"Come on," Lehara encouraged, "you have to choose at least three that you like. And the one you're wearing now doesn't count - we already know you love that one."
John paused, looking over the array of clothes spread out before him. After a moment of consideration, he pointed to a deep blue tunic with silver embroidery. "I guess this one's not bad. And... maybe that gray dress with the green sash? Oh, and that simple white blouse could work with a lot of things, right?"
Lehara beamed, pleased with John's choices. "See? You're getting the hang of this!"
Selections had been made, and they stood at the main desk, a pile of dresses, blouses, and skirts in front of John. Maelis started putting the clothes to the side, putting the ones the girls wanted to keep in a different pile and in a third pile were clothes that John still had to get fitted.
"And now for the price. So the 9 blouses, 13 skirts, 3 dresses and nine sets of underwear will come to 1 shard 8 clips," Maelis announced. Lehara looked a bit confused and Lila looked happy at the price. Agatha was looking at hats. Lehara looked at a tag and then held it towards Lila.
Maelis looked at Lehara and then at John. "Yes miss. Normally this would cost more, but you are forgetting the discounts. For instance, there's the fact you're buying sets instead of individual pieces for most of these. Then you've got to factor in that you're buying more than 20 articles at once. And of course, we cannot forget the Golthorr discount. Although I would point out that while the clothes you're buying are fit for any environment, perhaps be cautious how you don't make yourself a target for a wild Golthorr."
John froze and his face contorted in thought.
Maelis smiled and took the coins. "My dear, Golthorr don't just appear in town. When one does, people chat."
He hadn't realized that news of his encounter with the Golthorr had spread so quickly. A mix of embarrassment and curiosity washed over him. He wondered how much the townspeople knew about his situation and how it might affect his interactions going forward.
"I... uh... thank you for the discount," John managed to stammer out, still feeling flustered. He glanced at his companions, wondering if they had known about this 'Golthorr discount' all along.
Lehara, noticing John's discomfort, quickly stepped in. "Well, we certainly appreciate your generosity, Maelis. Elena here has had quite the adventure already, hasn't she?"
John nodded, grateful for Lehara's intervention. "Yes, I have," he said, his mind still adjusting to being referred to as 'she' and 'Elena'.
As they gathered up their purchases, John couldn't help but feel a strange mix of emotions. Pride in his new appearance, gratitude for the kindness of both his new friends and Maelis, and a lingering sense of unease about his place in this new world. He looked down at his new outfit, running his fingers over the enchanted fabric, and took a deep breath. Whatever challenges lay ahead, at least he'd face them looking and feeling more comfortable than he had in days.
John picked up some of the packages, marveling at how light they felt compared to the amount of clothing inside. "These enchantments really are something," he mused, more to himself than anyone else. He caught his reflection in a nearby mirror and paused for a moment, still not entirely used to the face and figure staring back at him. It was a constant reminder of his new reality, one he was slowly learning to navigate.