the village spoke. “One of the good ones. Wasn’t always, of course, but … well, I changed sides. And it cost me,” he added, his eyes flicking down to th withered arm she’d noticed. “So you’ll understand if I get a bit impatient with people looking at me like I‘m about to start trying to feast on their eyeballs.”
“I’m so sorry,” Helen said faintly, trying to regroup. “I honestly didn’t mean to offend you. I just — I haven’t met — I haven’t seen — you took me by surprise a little,” she finished lamely, her cheeks burning. “I’m not from around here.”
“Oh, I know. I could sense it a mile away.” The goblin — the Glashtyn — smiled at her, an oddly endearing gesture that made him seem a great deal younger. “You’ve been touched by the Sidhe.”
“I have,” she said, blinking. “Have you met them?”
“Oh, no. But I’d like to.” He tilted his head. “Do you remember much?”
“No, I’m sorry.”
“Shame. Please, come in. Maggie’s out gathering herbs, I’m sure she’ll be back promptly. Are those for her or me?” he added, raising an eyebrow at the impromptu bouquet in her hands. She’d forgotten she was holding it.
“You, I think. Call it an apology for my rudeness.”
“No need,” he said, but there was a broadening to his smile that he couldn’t quite hide as he accepted the gift. “Thank you. Can I have your name?”
“Of course! I’m —”
“Nope!”
Niall’s voice, shocking her from the porch — he strode to her side, putting a protective arm around her waist as he glared down at Darter — but there was a twinkle in his eye. The little goblin raised his hands innocently, and Helen looked between the pair of them, confused.
“Sorry, Niall. Old habits. I wouldn’t have done anything with it.”
“Sure you wouldn’t have,” he growled, wagging a finger. “I’ve got my eye on you.”
“What’s happening?”
“I see you two have met,” Niall said, rolling his eyes. “Darter’s a Seelie Fae, but even the Seelie can get up to mischief if you let them. You have to pay close attention to what they say, not just how they say it.”
“And what did I say, exactly?”
“You asked what my name was,” Helen said blankly.
“Try again,” the goblin said, mirth dancing in his eyes and making him seem a lot less innocent than he had earlier. “Really think.”
“You asked me — if you could have my name.”
“And you almost gave it to him,” Niall said disapprovingly. “The Fae can get up to all kinds of mischief if you give them possession of your name…”
“Fine, let’s start again. Would you mind telling me your name?”
Helen hesitated, shooting a wary glance at Niall, who nodded reassurance. “Helen.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Helen,” Darter said brightly. “And good to see you again too, Niall, even if you spoiled all my fun. I’d have given it straight back,” he added to Helen with a roguish little wink. “Now. Please, have a seat. Can I offer you some tea?”
They both settled down in a pair of squashed and ancient armchairs that happened to be the most comfortable Helen had ever experienced. She sank into the softness, tempted to shut her eyes and drift off to sleep… but before too long, Darter was pressing a hot cup of tea into her hands, and she sipped at it gratefully, raising an eyebrow at the unusual taste.
“What kind of tea is this? I’ve never had anything like it.”
“Maggie’s own blend.” Darter shrugged. “Don’t ask me, she won’t tell me how she makes it. There’s a touch of magic in there. Nothing too special,” he added as Helen’s eyes widened to the size of saucers. “I think it’s mostly just to make the taste better. Frivolous, some might say, but… well, it’s good tea.” The little goblin had poured himself a cup, too — Helen couldn’t help but smile at the dainty way his clawed hand wrapped around the mug.
“So — how did you come to live with Maggie, Darter?” Helen asked into the silence that had fallen. Now that her initial shock at the creature’s appearance was fading — thanks in part to his manners — she was keenly interested in knowing more about him. He gave her a toothy smile as he lowered his teacup.
“It’s a rather long story, but I suppose Maggie won’t be back for a little while… hm. The short version, I think. As a younger goblin, I fell in with an unruly band of Unseelie. Their leader promised