Taylor looked around at the other creatures. By Itaea's side sat another goblin who looked a lot like Everett. Everett clapped his hand on the goblin's shoulder and cheerfully introduced him to Taylor as his brother, Waskel. Next, he introduced a badger named Hammond, and a happy-looking beaver, his mouth parted into a perpetual grin, called Lyric.
"And this is Ulysses, the dark fairy." Itaea motioned towards a strikingly handsome young fairy of perhaps six inches high perched on the back of Hammond's chair, who Taylor had overlooked. Ulysses stared at Taylor insolently, without acknowledging her greeting, until she blushed and turned her head away to escape his scrutiny. Taylor's cheeks burned as she stood awkwardly where she was, hoping that someone might offer her a seat.
Itaea rose
