Moira watched the boy carefully as he spoke and then nodded.
“He’s telling the truth. Let him up.”
Lonán stepped back and then even offered a hand to help up the strange elven lad. Puck took it warily and let himself be pulled to his feet. Donovan clapped him on the shoulder and led him, confusion evident on his face to the wagon.
“Come on, lad, lets discuss the particulars.”
“The...the what? The particulars?”
“Well of course. Can’t just marry my girl off to any stranger that comes calling. What do you do for a living, lad?”
“Well...uh...I’m...uh...luthier...and...I’m one of the lords of Arcadia...”
Puck’s voice betrayed him, cracking dramatically in the middle of the sentence. There was a slight snerk and then the man spoke again.
“A lordling, is it? Aren’t you a bit out of your depth?”
“You’re going to find my girl is a bit more spirited than the sort of lass you’re used to. Are you sure you can handle a tinker girl?”
A blush mantled Puck’s cheeks.
“I...don’t know what you know about my people, sir...but elves aren’t like humans. I have no intention of trying to rule over her or anything like that. To elves, husband and wife,” or whatever, he added silently, “are equals in all things. Partners.”
The quiet might have taken on a slightly less stifling tone, it was hard to say. After a moment, Donovan nodded.
“So, your family...They’re nobles, then?”
“Yes sir, my mother is the Queen of Arcadia.”
Donovan looked to his wife who just nodded and then he turned back to looking at the boy.
“Yes, sir.” Puck said quietly.
“I have a feeling,” Moira said quietly, “There there’s something you’re leaving out. What was your name again?”
“And the part you’re skipping?”
He looked down for a moment and then back at Donovan. He had to make a good impression, he had to win them over.
“Arcadia is...its another plane. Its the home of the Fae. We’re...well, not exactly elves. Many Fae created elves.”
“Yes, sir...Arcadia is ruled by my mother, the Queen, and Lord Lugh. They’re more or less the gods of the elves.”
“Gods, lad? If you’re trying to impress me, try something a little more-”
“He’s still telling the truth.”
“So you’re telling me you’re a god?”
Puck nodded slowly, glanced at Moira and then said.
“Yes, I’m a god. The Trickster of the pantheon, actually. Patron of children, bards and travelers, among other things.”
There was a pause as the two humans looked at other and then Donovan shifted slightly.
“So, you make instruments?”
Puck smiled, thoroughly relieved.
“Yes, I do! Mostly drums, but I make harps and lutes too.”
“And they’re quality? They sell?”
“Last time I set up my shop, they sold really well. I could go get you the drum I’m working on for Brannagh...” His voice trailed off as he realized what he’d just said.
At least the tension had dropped. They talked about instruments for a bit, and Donovan continued to interrogate Puck about elven married life while Moira inquired as to his knowledge of children and gauged how responsible she thought the boy was. Eventually, they relented and told him they’d give him an answer...if he brought Brannagh next time he came.
