“Don’t tell me this isn’t the best tea you’ve ever had!” Dendup gulps down another cup of the steamy brew while I curl my bare feet against the stove. The chilly morning breeze caught me washing myself in the yard, sending me straight inside with a stern reminder of the early arrival of Autumn.
“Oh, brother.” I peer at my ruddy toes. “I bet you say that to all the ladies.” The tea is excellent indeed, but I’m sure it’s the innkeeper’s loving arms that attract Dendup to this guesthouse so much. He puts on one of his quasi-frowns, followed by the ever-playful glance from under his furry eyebrows.
“Now, sister of mine.” His voice raises with his cup in front of me. “You shouldn’t be thinking so ill of your elder, let alone speak like that.” He pinches his lips, and a rueful smile curls fro
