[Dunwen]

As she waited for Miz Bella to make up her mind, Ebba noticed two nearby children gazing at the colorful pile on the table. She kept an eye on them. Youngsters invariably wanted to touch the brightly colored goods. While sympathetic, Ebba’s familiarity with the frequently grubby state of childish hands made her protective of her wares.

These two made a strange pair indeed. The merchant had to smile at the small chattering hobbit girl and her friend, who towered over her. Why, the lad was nearly as tall as Ebba herself – not that it was hard for a boy child to top her. As handsome a young fellow as she ever remembered seeing, too! And well-mannered, she noted with approval. As he took the girl's arm and headed toward her table, Ebba was startled to see he had a resemblance to the dark-haired Elf who had been chatting with Miz Bella earlier. Could this boy be his son?

Seeing their determined approach, she stepped aside so they could see. “Come and look if you want, but don’t you touch unless your hands are clean,” she said firmly.