The little girl smiled when the elf mentioned gold in payment for her stay. She had wondered precisely the same thing the year before, and had asked Pappa why he had let the man with the fearsome battle-ax and armor to stay the night, eat their food and leave the next morning with some supplies. She had asked why Pappa hadn't demanded gold from the man for the food, supplies and shelter. He had turned his powerful gaze to her with a rare smile, ruffling her hair, which had been short at the time over a bout with lice," Gold has little use in the wild, my heart."

"But everyone in the village likes it. It buys things there," She had said, observant little creature that she was.

"We don't live there, Kora," He had said with a chuckle," We live here, where the things we need are food, warmth and shelter from the elements. And we can't eat gold. You will find that I profited quite a bit from the man's stay. I hope you learn this one day, child."

She still didn't understand what he meant, but Pappa would want to learn of an elf in the woods. Maybe he would extend her the same courtesy as the warrior," Pappa doesn't need gold. And if he's in a nice mood, he might give you some supplies to be on your way. Either way, you don't want to be asleep out here when night falls. It gets cold, and there are wolves. You will sleep better with us,' She started moving back towards her and Pappa's cabin," My name's Kora. Pappa told me not to be afraid of anyone that doesn't want to harm me or mine. Come!"