The Golden Perch Inn

[Folwren]

Before Daisy quite knew what was happening – before she had even overcome the shock of running into the dwarf in fact – she had been swept up by powerful hands and placed on the tabletop. From this perch she could straight into the dwarf’s face, and for a few moments, her entire attention was locked on those eyes. He and two other dwarves were speaking, but none of their words registered until he asked her what her name was.

“And you, little master,” he went on, looking over toward the boy, “have you come to give greeting, also?”

The siblings glanced at each other, their eyes wide and their faces confused – both unsure quite how to answer.

“Don't mind these three,” a fourth dwarf said. Daisy turned her head to look at him. He was smiling kindly. “They're just teasing you. They really do like you. Go on. Tell us who you young un's are."

“Daisy,” she said, shyly shrinking back. She looked around again at the dwarf holding her gently. “Daisy Boffin, sir. I’m sorry I ran into your chair. Dorlind was chasing me.” She waved her hand towards her brother.

“I woulda caught her, too,” Dorlind said, walking forward the last few paces. He stood right by the table now and stared around from one dwarven face to the next. “I’m Dorlind Boffin. Daisy's my little sister. Are you going to tell us a dragon story tonight?”