“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked from outside the bathroom, as I prepared for the coming challenge.

“Yes, I’m pretty sure I can handle it.”

“Barb, this is not just a game to most of the guys that will be there, you don’t understand what they are capable of…”

“I can handle myself, Steven, and will you please try to call me ‘Savra’ while we’re there?”

“I still don’t understand why you’re using that, I thought that was a nickname for me? It does mean ‘lizard’.”

“I know, and those who know it would think I’m a guy, and not treat me like a ‘wimmenfolk’ as you’ve suggested they will.”

“But they’re going to find out at the end, when you go home with me…”

I came out of the bathroom, the black scarf wrapped around my face, and the black cloak wrapped around me, disguising any features that could be interpreted as male or female.
He sighed. “You’re determined to do this, aren’t you.”

“Yes, absolutely.”