Morning came, and blending into this world wasn't optional. Step one: figure out what people wear. Step two: avoid magical explosions. Step three: don't trip over your own feet.
Naturally, I failed step two spectacularly. I grabbed a glowing potion, muttered the wrong incantation, and BOOM!—a blast of sparkling fireburst covered my hair in harmless but smelly soot. The burnt herbs stung my nose. "Uh… anyone know a spell to dry my hair?" I groaned.
The grumpy hero muttered, "You're insane… but somehow… entertaining." His eyebrow quirked, just a hint of amusement breaking through the usual scowl. My cheeks warmed—was he actually smiling at me?
The cheerful one laughed so hard, I almost forgave the explosion. "See! You're already part of the gang!"
We headed out for a small quest—a problem only I could help with, surprisingly. I stumbled slightly, then managed to lift a massive, magically-locked door that even the strongest hero couldn't budge. "Ha! Told you backyard training pays off!" I puffed proudly, feeling a surge of swagger.
The original hero shook his head, smirking. His eyes softened for a brief moment as he studied me. A subtle, protective tension lingered. "You really are something… dangerous, but in a fun way," he said.
A rustle in the leaves made me pause. The forest smelled damp, mossy, alive. But then I shivered—a cold shadow flickered far off. (What's going to happen next?)