Despite her quiet air of maturity and wisdom, Arv got the impression she didn't get out much — hence her eagerness to wander off with a strange man. It also explained why she might consider that someone could think her a bore, when in fact she was one of the most curious souls Arven had ever encountered on British soil.

He lowered the stick-sword and smiled to discover he had not yet earned her name. "Then I'll have to keep trying."

Arven continued to lead the way along the trodden path through the woods, alert once again for the roaming ferret. "For what it's worth, my name is free. All you have to do is ask for it", he remarked good-naturedly. "Or you could make one up for me if you'd prefer; I wouldn't mind that."