Lumberling then turned to Liraeth.
"How is it? What do you think of this place?"
Her eyes wandered over the village, human and monster children still laughing as they played near the houses.
"It's beautiful here," she said at last. "There are… a lot of things I find strange. But Jen has been teaching me about them."
"I'm glad you like it here."
"I do," she admitted with a small nod.
"Want to walk with me?"
She hesitated, glancing at the sky. "It's already turning dark."
"That's better," he said with a faint grin. Then, in a gesture, he extended his hand as though asking her for a dance.
Liraeth blinked, color rising to her cheeks. After a moment, she placed her hand in his, letting him lead her. Together, they walked slowly through the village streets, fingers intertwined.
