ꜱᴛᴏʀɪᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱʜᴀᴅᴏᴡꜱ

Chapter one

With a wry smile concealed beneath her helmet, Xenovia couldn't help but appreciate the anonymity it provided. The visor shielded her face, sparing her from the potential wrath of the eccentric cat lady they had encountered the previous night. If her face were exposed, Xenovia imagined the woman wouldn't hesitate to direct her frustrations at her directly.

Recalling the peculiar events of the previous evening, Xenovia couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. They had sought refuge at the old lady's island, unaware of the unexpected consequences that would follow. To their surprise, one of her cats named Mittens had grown twice its size seemingly overnight. Absurdly, the blame had fallen upon Xenovia and Aphmau, simply because they had brought Aphmau's dog, Thorgi, along for the journey. Yet, they had kept Thorgi securely within the Golden Lasso, rendering his involvement in the feline's growth impossible.

Now, to their astonishment, the indignant cat lady had audaciously demanded that they retrieve a potion from the nearby village of Meteli. Xenovia couldn't help but roll her eyes beneath the protection of her helmet. The absurdity of the situation was not lost on her. "What am I, a postman?" she muttered under her breath, a hint of exasperation coloring her voice.

With their task at hand reluctantly established, Xenovia and Aphmau prepared themselves for the journey to Meteli, knowing that they had no choice but to appease the demands of the irate cat lady. While the request seemed outlandish, they understood the importance of restoring peace and tranquility to the feline-infused household.

Taking a moment to adjust her helmet, Xenovia shifted her gaze towards Aphmau. A silent understanding passed between them, their shared determination and unwavering commitment to fulfill the task before them. They would venture to Meteli, not as mere postmen, but as heroes on a quest, navigating the whimsical yet unpredictable path that lay ahead.

As the boat glided smoothly through the water, Xenovia and Aphmau maintained a steady course towards the village of Meteli. The sun hung high in the sky, casting its golden rays upon the surrounding landscape, illuminating the way to their destination. Aphmau skillfully maneuvered the boat, her hands guiding the rudder with a sense of purpose and confidence.

Soon, the village of Meteli came into view, nestled within a swamp biome. The distinct charm of the village revealed itself through the sight of quaint cottages and rustic buildings, their architecture blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings. The air was filled with the lively buzz of villagers going about their daily tasks, their faces etched with determination and a strong sense of community.

Navigating the boat towards a small dock, Xenovia and Aphmau secured their vessel before stepping onto the solid ground. Their eyes scanned the area, searching for someone who could provide them with the information they sought. Aphmau's gaze settled upon a red-haired guard stationed nearby, his presence exuding an air of authority and refinement.

She nudged Xenovia gently, pointing towards the guard. His attire commanded attention and admiration. Clad in a tailored black tunic with intricate gold trimmings, the garment accentuated his lean physique, exuding a sense of both strength and elegance. The tunic itself boasted intricate embroidery in gold thread, a testament to the village's craftsmanship and attention to detail. Beneath the tunic, a crisp white dress shirt peeked out subtly, adding a touch of sophistication to his ensemble. Paired with fitted black trousers that tapered at the ankles, his attire emanated a sleek and polished aura.

Xenovia nodded in agreement, acknowledging the guard as a reliable source of information. Together, they approached him, their footsteps resonating with purpose on the cobblestone path. As they drew closer, Aphmau mustered her most charming smile, her voice carrying a warm and friendly tone. "Excuse me," she called out, capturing the attention of the red-haired guard. "We're new in town and could use some assistance. Might you be able to help us?"