Having eaten quite a bit of snake I started feeling lazy. “You know, a nap would feel really nice now.” I said.

  “True.” Lucy agreed, then looked around. The forest was slightly destroyed from our encounter. On the bright side, it meant no trees were stopping the sun. “What about over there?” Lucy pointed at a small patch of grass with her snout.

  “It would be nice if we had water nearby. I want to clean my fur first.” I said.

  “Hm. There was a lake next to the village. If we run we could reach it rather quickly.” She suggested.

  I contemplated the suggestion. Running at full speed after a big meal was not the most appealing thought. I sniffed myself. But it was better than being covered in snake bits. Sleeping in the sun would certainly not make the smell better.

  “Ok, let’s go to the lake.” I agreed.

  I had no idea where our companions were. After our transformation we had decided to do our own thing. But finding our way back to the lake was easy enough, even without a guide.

  We found a nice place not too close to the village to take a dip. There was a small patch of grass surrounded by bushes. It was a lovely secluded piece at the shore.

  We dove into the water and started swimming. Sadly, some parts really stuck to my fur, so I decided to transform into my human shape. That way I was able to scrub myself. Cleaning skin was simpler than cleaning fur. Lucy transformed as well and helped brush my hair. Then I did the same for her.

  After swimming, we settled down on the grass, Lucy’s tails were in my lap and I started brushing them. They were incredibly soft.

  “Do you think you will reach nine tails?” I asked.

  “Nine? Why would I grow nine tails?” She responded.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “The strongest kitsune are supposed to have nine tails. I am still wondering if they will give you additional spell slots. Or other abilities.” I mused.

  “I won’t mind more power but nine tails sounds a bit impractical. Just with the second one I had to change my clothes so they fit.” Lucy complained.

  I shrugged. “We can afford a personal tailor.”

  “Sure. I suppose the added fluffiness can be nice.” She said.

  I grinned. “Now imagine nine! You would have your own full mattress, sort of. Imagine snuggling with nine tails!”

  She turned her head around and looked at me. “I am sure you are imagining that right now.”

  I nodded. “Of course.”

  She leaned back and I stopped brushing her tails, then I put my arms around her.

  “Can fey evolve?” Lucy asked. “Is there something beyond an archfey? Is there a more tail version?”

  “Sadly, there are no tails for me. I don’t think there is any physical change if my power grows. But I am not certain. Some archfey look a little less like elves. They can have sharper teeth, for example. But I have never heard of any physical signs being connected with a certain power.”

  Obviously I only knew video game lore and mythology. I did not have any actual experience. I thought a bit more about in-game descriptions.

  “Fey are supposed to be the ancestors of the elves. A magical race with a lot of diversity. They can be beautiful or monstrous. They are also known for some trickery, illusions and their connection to nature. A lot of the higher fey do resemble elves but they are a bit more colorful.” I said.

  “If the archfey all look more like elves, would that not suggest a connection between their body and power? Is there an archfey sprite? What are the odds of a powerful fey just hiding behind illusions?” Lucy asked.

  I pondered that. I just really lacked the real world experience to know for certain but she did make a good point.

  “You know, they could use illusions. But it might just be that the more monstrous archfey interact less with civilization.” I mused.

  “What can I expect at the fey courts?” Lucy asked.

  “Well… I am not a typical fey.” I started.

  “You are just an elf, I know.” She replied, with a smirk.

  “Anyway, they are nobles, with etiquette, rules and a lot of respect for strength. Not just raw power, also the power to plan and manipulate.” I had talked with Adhira and tried to get some information. It was not all based on game lore.

  “So you are saying anyone important is either smart, strong, or both. But there will be no completely useless fools.” Lucy concluded.

  “There might still be some but I would expect a lot less fools. Archfey are on the top because they are powerful and they are immortal. Expect them to be more like Lilith. Scheming, clever and dangerous. Unlike demons, they do trust a bit more in their servants. Elemental knights are granted power through a ceremony. Meaning they have seen the wisdom to elevate some people. Either because of skill, or loyalty.” I said.

  “Do you think we will meet any kitsune?” Lucy wondered.

  “I am not sure if there are any in the fairy realm. Kitsune come from a different continent, as far as I know. Maybe we can travel there one day. Of course, I am sure some of them travel. Powerful beings do have a lot of freedom and kitsune are known to be curious tricksters.” I replied.

  I was really curious about the fairy realm. Tomorrow I would meet another archfey. But for now, it was time to relax. We cuddled in the sun and finally took our nap.