"Heeey," Garrett said, standing up to peer over Therin.   "Take it easy, little person.  I didn't mean anything by it.  Imagine if you were traipsing through the woods, and saw a tiny little person.  Wouldn't you assume that it was one of yours?  I mean, the last time I saw a gnome was during a noetic experience.  You're just so cute!  I want to grab you and squeeze you and hug you and nurse you back to health."<br/><br/>He grinned again, then sat down on a rock.<br/><br/>"You wouldn't have any big people food, would you?  I'm not sure what gnomes eat, you see.  Probably seeds and pine cones, right?"