Private Down the beaten path

Lebeda's live has turned around for the better since she's arrived on the island. No more wandering Russia and Eastern Europe, hiding in the guise of a swan until she was needed. Here, she could live openly and pursue a job, finish her education and be, well, just about whoever she wished to be! She's already made so many friends, and has been able to help the swan maidens living on the island.

She readily agreed to meeting Valerian for a walk. Lebeda arrived in swan form, and swooped down beside him for a gentle, elegant landing. A flash of golden light, and from within she formed as a human, her swan-feather cloak draped across her shoulders. "Hello, Valerian." She greeted him with a warm smile. "It's wonderful to see you again."

She had many questions, but she could be patient. "Shall we walk?" She said first, and motioned towards the woods. Lebeda did not fear the woods, though she respected the dangers that lurked deeper on the island.

Lebeda smiled, pleased by the compliment. "Thank you." Ever since Valerian said he was a prince, she could see those qualities in him. Valerian had an air of royalty about him and a dignified way of speaking. "Yes, let's." Not to mention he was such a gentleman, she thought as she linked her arm with his.

She was content to let Valerian decide their path, and let him lead the way. It was nice, really, to focus only upon making good conversation. "Would you tell me about your court?" She asked as they walked beneath the leafy canopy. The forest was bursting with the sounds of animals making the best of the good weather. "What kind of fae live there, what is the culture like. The food." She stopped herself before she could ask every question she had all at once.

Not right to share these things with his bride? Lebeda blinked. Why wouldn't he wish to share about his home with his bride? The goddess wondered who it was, and if she was nice. Valerian deserved someone nice and kind. Though, the way Valerian's eyes turned to her, as though watching her reaction, it made her feel as though. . . . as though.

She gasped, "Me? You mean I am your bride?" She was shocked, and wondering when she had engaged herself to Valerian.

To be promised to someone. . . meant to be engaged? Lebeda could recall that conversation. She had misunderstood his meaning, and made her own assumption. Oh, how silly she was! Lebeda started to chuckle. "I did agree, didn't it?" She stifled her giggles and put a more somber expression upon her face. "Do not worry, I will honor my agreement. It would be remiss of me not too."

Lebeda hummed, her gaze cast towards the leaves and the sun shinning through them. It was strange, she had accidentally entered this agreement, yet. She turned to Val, her green eyes studying him. Yet, she did not feel concern. Was she not taking this seriously? Perhaps, but her heart told her that Valerian was not a bad person.

"I hope I have not caused you trouble." She smiled apologetically. "And I beg for your forgiveness if I had disappointed you." Her mind was still reeling a little. Her! Engaged!

Lebeda could breathe a sigh of relief. She had not disappointed Valerian. In fact, his smile brought warmth to her heart. "I think so too." She said in agreement. Her instincts about Valerian have not proved wrong. "I'm starting to think I should invest in a language charm." She added with another light chuckle. "Russian is my native tongue, and English my second. Though I would consider myself fluent. . . many of the nuances slip past me. "

"But, I really am curious of your home and the fae that live there." If she is to be his bride then she should know of his customs! Lebeda would not wish to accidentally insult someone. She could imagine how badly that would reflect upon Valerian as the prince. "Please, tell me everything!"