As we neared our target, the city where Queen Aerin lived, I contemplated our approach. The good news was, we were kind of famous. But I had no idea how easy it would be to get an audience with the queen. We did not even have real business with her, we just wanted access to the lady of the forest. And I had no idea where that gate was. Was it rude to visit a queen and only ask for directions?

Maybe I should bring a gift. Did I have something fitting? Or should I just offer a favour? I did not know much about etiquette. Also, I was a countess of the Dominion but I was also an archfey. Was there even a protocol for my situation?

While I contemplated things, I noticed something in the trees. We were on a road through a forest. It was made from cobblestone, possibly because it led to Waldonia, the seat of Queen Aerin. Generally I was impressed by the local roads. And I was getting sidetracked again.

Considering my current companions, an ambush was not very concerning. We did not have anyone who really needed protection. So I simply watched the trees with curiosity.

I did not have to wait long until people emerged. Some of them stepped out of the trees themselves.

Dryads! This group had dryads, among other things. I spotted two of them and four wood elves. No, there were only three wood elves. The fourth was a shade of green I had never seen on an elf and the pointy ears looked slightly different. Three wood elves, two dryads, and one fey.

“Weird ambush.” Lucy mused.

“Do we slaughter them? Can I slaughter them?” Shani asked.

“I don’t think they are hostile.” I said.

“That is not a no…” Shani mused.

“That is a no, for now.” I replied.

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I studied the fey as he approached us. His skin was green, like grass and his long hair brown, like the earth. He studied us with his light blue eyes, then he bowed.

“Greetings, I am Delwyn, the keeper of this forest.”

I had no idea what that was. Lily reacted quickly, as usual, and provided the introductions.

“Greetings. Let me introduce my Ladies Amaya Delphinium and Lucy Delphinium. With them is their honoured guest, Queen Lilith.”

“The presence of a demon lord is concerning. Might I inquire about your intentions?” He asked.

I decided to be direct. “We want to contact the lady of the forest. We are hunting the archfey Beira and are hoping to gather more information about her base in the fairy realm.”

He nodded. “I can relay your request to Lady Izanami. In the meantime, I could offer you our hospitality.”

Lady Izanami? I assume that was the name of the lady of the forest. So far everyone had used her title. It was good to know her name, and likely less embarrassing.

“Sure.” I agreed. This would save us some time. And solved my Queen Aerin dilemma. Actually, would I be expected to bring a gift when visiting a fellow archfey? Meeting important people always caused headaches.

“So, where is this place you are leading us to?” Lucy asked.

“It is not far. We have a small settlement next to a lake in the forest. My presence is part of a deal between the Dominion and Lady Izanami. I am part diplomat and part guardian to ensure that this area remains safe.”

“Why is there no road towards this settlement?” I wondered as we were walking straight through the forest.

“There is, just not from here. My apologies but this is a faster path and your group did not seem bothered by the wilderness.” He explained.

“I do not mind. I enjoy your so-called wilderness.” Lilith replied.

“I assume hell is a lot wilder?” I asked.

“It depends on the region. We do have large areas filled with rock, ash, lava and such things. But we also have vegetation, even forests. Just with a lot more monsters. Demons are magical creatures, which is part of their strength, but mostly the weak do not survive long.” Lilith explained. Then she looked at Lucy and smiled. “It is great for hunting though.”

“We should visit! And go slaughtering!” Shani suggested.

“Lady Shani, we could arrange a hunt for you, if you desire.” Delwyn suggested.

“Yay! Do you have something with blood? She asked.

“That can be arranged. Those woods house certain beasts that we keep in line. If Lady Izanami permits it, there is also the option of a true hunt in the fairy realm.” He added.

I was genuinely surprised that he reacted so calmly. But it was Lucy who asked the question: “Have you met many elementals before?”

“Not many elemental lords, and certainly even fewer who are part of a fey court. But I am well aware of their nature. You cannot cage a storm. Besides, hunting is a common pastime among the noble fey.” He explained.

It was a good reminder of how little I actually knew about fey customs. I looked at Adhira, who was currently talking to one of the dryads, while buzzing around excitedly. It looked like she was showing off her armour.

I guess we made a decent first impression.