Elfred's eyes went wide when the beautiful Elven lady approached him and set the ale on the table. Though a friendly gesture, it somehow seemed unsuitable; as if Elbereth herself had decided to put on an apron and take up the life of a serving maid.
But no matter how astonished, the old shepherd never forgot his good manners. Standing up and bowing low before Piosennial, he declared "Elfred Thistle, at your service, Fair Lady, and may a star shine on the hour of our meeting."
Nop had stood up and was smiling up at the Elf, and he turned his head to cast a laughing look at his master, never having heard such high-faluting speech come from him before. Elfred noticed with embarrassment that Nop had a cockleburr tangled in the fur behind his ear. He hoped that the dog would not offer his paw to the Lady, else she might see how muddy it was.
Mae govannen Master Thistle." The tall Elf-woman smiled and gestured towards the rough table. "Might I be allowed to join you?"
She may as well have said "Might I be allowed to sprout wings and fly around the room?" Elfred's jaw dropped open in even greater astonishment, and his face turned even redder than before.
But once again remembering his upbringing, he scurried around the table and pulled out the battered oaken chair, first dusting off any crumbs with his hat. Then with a strangely courtly gesture, he bade Piosennial to be seated.
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