Private Down the beaten path

So fae cannot tell lies and honor their oaths and debts. Lebeda listened intently, commuting all of this information to memory. When focused, she would tap a finger against the corner of her mouth. "I shall be very careful with my words. Gifts. . ." That would be an important one to remember as Lebeda, being a generous person, always offered help or gifts to friends. Perhaps there is a loop-hole. . . "It is not unreasonable at all."

Lebeda smiled, "You will find I am a fast learner. And. . . I am thankful to have a patient teacher. I shall rely on your wise council." She paused, and waited to see his approval or disapproval for not thank you thank you. "Swan Maidens are not bound to tell the truth, but we must take care with our cloaks." Lebeda lightly brushed her hand down the side of her own cloak. "Should someone take their cloak or robe they must obey them."

A fae court connected to all forests in the world. Lebeda could imagine it, one large forest with many hidden paths that could take one anywhere. She thought of the woods by her childhood home, and the forest that surrounded the lake by her school. Lebeda gasped as Valerian turned invisible, completely gone from her senses. His voice spoke to her from the right and she instinctively looked there first before turning her gaze upwards.

Valerian was above and she smiled at the sight of his grin. "You threw your voice! What a clever trick!" Bramblesnare fae are not foes to take lightly. With a flash of golden light, Lebeda took swan form and flew up to land on the branch beside him. Another flash and she assumed her hybrid form. "I can have claws too." She grinned, curving her fingers to show off her sharpened nails.

"And you know I can speak with birds." She hummed. "I can purify lakes and people of curses and disease. And I have the power to grant transformation." A short pause as she considered her words. "I can turn someone into their desired state so long as they complete a trial equal to the desired transformation." Though Lebeda knew she had that power, she has not used it yet. She wasn't even sure how to.

"I'd love to know what a wolf talks about." Lebeda chuckled. Wolves were such majestic creatures, they must have many wise things to say. "Though, I don't think there are any wolves on the-well, non werewolves on the island." Maybe there could be a pack running deep in the forest. "I enjoy chatting with birds, even if sometimes all they seem concerned with is well," She blushed and waved that particular topic off.

Lebeda tilted her head, her interest piqued by Val's power of transformation. "Hmm?" The flash of light forced her to blink, and when she opened her eyes it was not Valerian at the base of the tree but a magnificent fox-like beast of red and white. She slipped off the branch, much like he had, her wings out and curved to slow her descent. Her reaction was that of open awe and wonder. "Amazing." She whispered, too distracted taking in all the details of this form to say much more.

Her hand extended towards him, as if to pet his fur but she realized what she was doing and pulled her hand back. "Ah," She blushed, embarrassed. "This form is amazing! Quite fearsome." If she had not known it was Val she would have been intimidated of this large beast capable of breathing fire.

That growl was enough to chide Lebeda for thoughtlessly trying to pet Val's fox form but she noted the way he moved his head away, flames still spilling from his mouth. She had the feeling he wouldn't mind if she did a little petting. . . and embolden she gently brushed her fingers down the fur along the side of his neck, close to the shoulder.

Lebeda gasped as he reverted back to human form and blushed once again in embarrassment. It was quite silly, right? To be caught up in petting the fox-form of her betrothed. As that thought sunk in she couldn't help but chuckle. What would have seemed fantastical off the island was quite normal on it! "Fascinating." It made sense, to have such a strong bond with the natural hunters that the speech of prey would be lost to him.

She smiled and said, "I like this." Her emotions were plain on her sleeve, "Getting to know you, learning about your culture. It makes me really happy."

"I shall do my best," Lebeda said in answer. She had full confidence in her ability to learn about Val's people and his home, as she was quick to learn. Honestly, she couldn't wait for that day. Meeting new people, forging connections with them, all of that made her heart soar. And to learn of a new culture and way of life as well? It was too much to bear! But she must temper that feeling as that day could be a long while off. In the meantime she will listen and learn.

"If you trust them with your life then so shall I," She said then added, "It must feel wonderful to have friends like that." There was a string of melancholy to her tone, and seen in the way she looked to the woods. "I'm envious."