“I know.” My tone was harsh, but I didn’t want to take questions right then. Or ever, really. Wasn’t planning on baring any more than I had to for Jasper.

“Are you okay? The scepter is pretty sturdy if you need to lean on it.” He handed it to me quickly, like I was in danger of falling right that moment.

“I’m fine. And uh…that’s your costume?” Gripping the scepter tighter, I was actually grateful for the prop’s support as I took in Jasper’s outfit. He’d dropped a few hints in chat that I wasn’t going to like the Frog Wizard’s costume, but I’d figured on a hideous mask, not this.

“Yup. Warned you. Still want to switch?” Jasper’s outfit was various shades of purple with teal and gold accents. Close-fitting velvet coat that was short in the front, long in the back. Lacy lavender neck scarf that probably had some fancy British name. Embroidered vest. Tassels in more than one location. Short, tight pants, sort of like the kind on the covers of the historical novels my mom loved, but with sheer teal stockings over the lower legs that tapered into gold high-heeled shoes. Oh and a floppy velvet hat.

“Um. No. No switching.” I itched behind my ear, wondering if I was supposed to compliment him or what. He looked ridiculous. Also…surprisingly good. Like the outfit clung to his lean frame in a way that made him seem less skinny and more stylish. Elegant even. And if I were drawing a character, I wouldn’t ever put red hair together with those colors, but somehow on him it worked, almost too well. “I thought wizards wear, like, stars and big robes.”

“Not in Odyssey. There’s all types of wizards. The Frog Wizard is almost more like a court jester. Some of his cards transform. Sometimes he’s tricky, and other times downright devious. But he’s known for his style.”

“I can see. Those are some shoes. How do you even walk in them?”

“With practice.” Jasper laughed, then sobered. “Wait. Speaking of walking, I didn’t think… Is your leg going to be okay with the sandals?”

“It’ll be fine.” That was half-true. I would be fine, but I’d also be hurting later as my leg did rely on my shoe for a certain amount of stabilization. But I’d been putting in the time with the physical therapy exercises and figured I could spare an hour in sandals with no support.

“Whoops!” Two younger doctors in white coats and scrubs came in, door almost hitting Jasper. Both of their eyes went wide before they grinned slyly. Oh heck. This wasn’t going to be good. I braced myself for some insult.

“Is it Halloween already?” The taller of the two doctors had a deep voice and was apparently in no hurry to take care of his business.