"Well," Aspen sighed while waltzing down the corridor, "in basic terms, the Grimm brothers have yet to release their book of tales to the queen, so she has created a law that for every day the book remains missing, she shall kill an innocent from each of the realms. To me, upon arriving in her kingdom, it seemed like the people didn't agree with her policy too strongly. So to ease their nerves and give her a report of the situation, we will be travelling to the woods." As she spoke, her hair grew longer and darker until it reached a shiny auburn, eyes lightening to a bright green-grey. Her fingers darkened while they tugged a chamber door shut, and methodically, she worked the current dress off her body with Fin propped up the other direction.
"I believe I might snag a horse while I'm at it," the Princess continued as she changed. "I will ride on its back to keep the 'peasant' image realistic. What should my name be, Fin? I simply cannot find it in me to settle on one or another. Feel free to write it down if you must; I've my magnifying glass." Sparks of electricity danced up her spine as she envisioned it; riding free through the woodlands without the burdens of her skirts or husbands or even household chores. She hadn't discovered how deep her longing for freedom was until it was right beneath her fingertips, practically in the palms of her hands. She was sure Fin would enjoy the space to fly about and the minimal responsibilities as well - by now, Aspen had grown aware of Fin's memory issues, and having little responsibilities could make this impediment less obvious and less debilitating. Still, as her mind worked through possible issues and the logic required for the journey, she couldn't help wondering if perhaps bandits lived in the forests, though she had never heard of any residing there, so dangerously close to the queen's palaces. But Fin could defend her, right? Surely with her magic, she would have the abilities to fight off any creature, no matter the size. "Fin," she began in a curious tone, "can you fight? In a physical manner, that is?"