The sound of light, rhythmic wings fluttered near the doorway, and Vell turned his head just in time to see a small bird perch on the threshold.
Its head tilted in a distinctly human-like manner as it regarded the two of them.
Sonder straightened, recognizing it immediately. “That’s the bird! The one I met earlier.”
The bird ruffled its feathers as if amused and spoke in a voice that was smooth and resonant, unlike the typical chirps and whistles. “You should have asked, little one,” it said with a hint of laughter in its tone. “I would have told you.”
Vell raised an eyebrow. “Tell her then. Are you a druid?”
The bird shook its head, a strange motion for a creature of its size, then leaped from the doorway into the room.
As it landed on the floor, it began to change shape, feathers vanishing as arms and legs took form. In a shimmer of soft light, a woman now stood before them, tall and graceful, her presence filling the room with a quiet authority. Her robes were woven with vines and leaves, and her hair cascaded like a waterfall of wildflowers and branches.
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“No, not a druid,” she said, smiling. “Much more graceful and connected to that around me. I am the Queen of the Forest.” Her eyes met Vell’s and then drifted to Sonder. “I was curious about the Black Wizard and his companion stirring up trouble and magic in my lands.”
Sonder’s curtsied to the queen, and Vell inclined his head.
“We didn’t mean to intrude. I didn’t think my presence would stir the interest of the queen,” Vell said and stood.
The queen laughed softly, a sound like wind rustling through leaves. “I rarely reveal myself to visitors, but of course I have to, to visitors of such importance- and such destruction.”
“I am sorry about that, though I am doing my best to repent.”
The queen nodded. “And I sensed an earnestness—unusual, rare.” She paused, her gaze lingering on Sonder. “You have a way with plants, even if your tea leaves may need some work,” she added, smiling.
Sonder’s blushed. “I was only trying to learn,” she stammered. “I’m new to... well, all of this, really.”
The queen smiled a toothy smile. “I’d like to invite you both to stay with me for a while. I have much to teach and much that I think you may benefit from seeing.”
“It would be an honor.” Vell immediately accepted.
The queen extended her hand, vines unfurling from her wrist like bracelets, and gestured for them to follow. “Come. My dwelling is deep in the forest, a place few ever see.” She turned, her robes gliding over the floor as she headed back through the door.