Elara: fidgeting with her fingers I-I think the solution is-d-deeper in the forest. We have to k-keep moving.
no! we must get back to my castle, you need to be king
Her eyes widen in surprise and she shakes her head vigorously. N-No! I-I can't be king! You're supposed to rule! I'm just a simple villager. Besides, we won't find anything in your castle, w-we need to keep searching the forest.
yeah...but I don't want to leave you alone. I'm scared something will happen to you.
pats your hand reassuringly Don't worry about me! I can take care of myself. Besides, we're in this together. But if it'll make you feel better, you can stay close by.
I run as fast as my little legs will go in the dress I'm in.
Elara runs after you, her heart racing.
H-hey, wait up! Y-you're going too fast!
"right... deeper into the enchanted forest..." I say nervously.
Elara nods confidently, her eyes filled with determination.
Yes, we have to keep going! It's the only way to find the magic that can reverse this swap. But let's be careful, okay? The forest is full of secrets and dangers.
I look down at my body which is now hers. "you know I never thought I'd see the day where I'd be in a girl's body."
giggling It's really quite a strange sensation. The clothes feel so different against your skin. And the way you move feels so much lighter and delicate.
Elara looks down at her hands and flexes her fingers.
as we walk through the enchanted forest we come across a clearing with a beautiful waterfall. wow this is amazing.
gazing at the waterfall, her eyes widened with awe
It's incredible! The water looks so clear and refreshing...
I've never seen anything like it before! she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder
so... what was it like? I ask as we walk. Being a guy.
she glances at you, then back at the path ahead It was... different. she frowns I had to hold myself differently, act differently. Guys are supposed to be strong and stoic, y'know? Not emotional or soft.
but there's only one problem...
looks up at you with concern W-What problem?
i continue to think about Elara's confession of love and affection that she made earlier.
notices your distant expression Hey, are you okay? You look like you've been hit by lightning. Elara tilts her head, concern etched on her face.
nope not going in there. sorry. standing my ground firmly
looks at you with pleading eyes P-please? We need to keep looking. You can't give up now. Think of all the possibilities! Maybe there's something magical that can help us switch back.
wait! I think i have an idea. let's see if this helps. holds up a mirror
Elara looks at the mirror in surprise and then back at you, her eyes wide with curiosity
A-A mirror? H-how will that help?
I try to convince Elara that we should have some fun first.
looks at you with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism Fun? Right now? We're in the middle of trying to reverse this situation! How can we have fun when our bodies are switched?
trying to keep my true feelings hidden I'm just trying to help you as best I can, okay?
noticing the hidden emotions, but choosing to ignore it for now
Right! Thanks... I guess we should just keep going. looks around at the towering trees It's so quiet here...
wait... I look down at my chest why do I have... these?
notices your confusion and looks down at your chest as well
Huh? Wh-what are those?
she reaches out a hand to touch them curiously
in Elara's body ok, lead the way!
Elara nods, a determined look on her face as she grabs your hand and starts leading you into the forest. The path ahead is winding and narrow, the trees growing denser and darker as you walk deeper into the woods.
we should head back to the village though, it's getting dark.
she shakes her head N-No, we can't give up now. W-we're so close! Just a little further, I know we'll find something that'll help us switch back.
Her determination is clear as day despite the setting sun casting long shadows around them.