Ever-vigilant, save for all the times he isn't, it's Barkley that notices Fifi first. The short-legged dog comes snuffling over, ridiculously fluffy tail wagging as he sniffs at Fifi's feet and up her legs. Hello, new friend! He barks once, as if saying as much, and that's when Merrill glances over.

"Oh, Barkley- I'm sorry, he's really very nice! Barkley, don't bother her!"

Elves and dogs, she knows, have not always historically gotten along. At least Barkley isn't a mabari.