Willa sat at the head of the table. Nine scowling dwarves sat along one side, and a menacing mob of fairies stood on the table facing them. Tengu and Robert watched from a safe distance. Willa suggested they start with formal introductions, mainly so she could finally learn the dwarves’ names. A sandy-haired dwarf stood and introduced himself as Fjalarr, then proceeded to name each of his companions: Radsvidr, Vindálfr, Svíurr, Aurvangr, Dólgthrasir, Hlévangr, Eikinskjaldi. The last to stand was their leader, who Fjalarr introduced as “Mjodvitnir, descendant of the mighty Vestri.” “And who was Vestri?” asked Willa. “You do not know of Vestri?” sputtered Fjalarr in disbelief. “What do they teach in your schools? He was one of the four dwarves who held up the dome of the sky in ancient times!” Mjodvitnir bowed proudly. Robert snorted. “Nonsense. A Greek titan holds up the sky. Always has. Everyone knows that.”
