Ralph and the Pixie

When Ralph reluctantly acquiesced, Pran added, gauging them, ‘There is another matter, which might help assure Malina’s personal safety, and also carry some weight where Elven law is concerned.’

Malina and Ralph waited silently for him to continue.

‘Under Elven law,’ Pran told them, ‘for Malina to be taken seriously, indeed, to be acknowledged as a person, she must have some sort of official title; that is to say, the sort of title that is recognised under Elven law. For example, my former title was soldier, and is now landowner. My title carries over to my property and those who live upon it, my wife, and my children.

‘For those that are not landowners, title refers to their trades, however humble.’

‘And for those who don’t have a viable trade?’ Ralph asked, frowning.

Pran winced at this, ‘That is where Elven vagrancy laws apply. As you might guess, our vagrancy laws are never applied to Elvenkind. The most shiftless thief, cutthroat, and vagabond, is considered above those of Faeriekind. Excuses are made, and the most ludicrous of activities are labelled as “occupation” whenever such a wretch comes to trial.

‘The purpose of the vagrancy laws,’ he added bitterly, ‘is to facilitate the forceable and ruthless removal of Faeriekind from their own lands-