“Welcome to Ballade!” The shopkeeper smiled at them as they entered his store. “You kids must have travelled a long way to come to our fair town.”

“You could say that.” Benni nervously put his hand behind his head. “Any-”

“We need to buy some clothes,” Darcy interrupted. “We didn’t pack enough for our trip and it would be cool to have some local styles.”

“Here, let me show you what I have in stock.” The shopkeeper began to guide Darcy and Benni through the shop.

Darcy and Benni tried on an assortment of beautiful clothing, ranging from medieval in style to Victorian steampunk. After price checking several outfits and debating what they needed, Darcy and Benni purchased a pair of pajamas each, a hooded cloak each, a pair of steampunk goggles each, and a set of formal clothes. Darcy got an elegant brown Lolita style dress with a gear pattern and matching riding boots. Benni chose a tailcoat, pants, shirt, and boots. After paying, the clothes were folded carefully and tucked into their backpacks. They headed out of the shop after thanking the shopkeeper.

“All that and we’re still in the clothes we started in.” Benni sulked.

“Well, the cloaks and goggles are enough for now, we needed something to sleep in, and the formal clothes might come in handy. We had to save some money for staying at inns and for food.” Darcy explained.

“You really think we’ll be here that long?” Benni paled.

“If the professor has been missing this long, I doubt we’ll find her fast.” She stated. “Besides, I can’t wait to explore more of this country. I’ve been reading the journal some more and there are fairies, werecats, unicorns, pegasi, alicorns, talking animals, and way more!”

“Darcy, you mentioned different types of magical horses at least three times.” Benni pointed out.

“Yeah! This place sounds great!”

“Sure…”

Darcy and Benni continued walking down the street, passing more entertainers performing for groups of people. Soon, they realized they had no idea where to go. Stopping at the steps of a stately stone building, Darcy sat down.

“Benni, I don’t know what to do. This world is so amazing but it’s also so vast. How are we going to figure out where to go?”

“Darcy, maybe we can-“

“Ask a new friend for some assistance, perhaps?” A shadowy, slim, male figure suggested.

“I believe I can help you,” the young man stepped out of the shadows.

“Oh really?” Benni gave the stranger a suspicious look. “And you are?”

“Jack Robin at your service,” the man took off a large blue hat with a golden feather plume and held it in front of himself as he swept down into a theatrical bow. He was attired in a pastel blue jacket and brown breeches and boots. “Local Bard, trained here in Ballade. I have traveled far and wide and shall assist you on your quest.”