F-free? Lyra asked, blinking again. Her head tilted a fraction as she swallowed. A fae wanted a favour. Actually, fae wanted something for free. As in, not be owing Lyra anything atall for a stay of an indeterminate amount of time... permanent ownership, even!

Well, that wouldn't do.

But refusing a pregnant fae too summarily was likely to bring bad consequences down on Lyra's head and all the Howff's. The friendliest looking ones were no doubt the most wiley.

We could certainly board ye an' yer newborn fer the one autumn an' winter. Lyra began carefully, But I'd 'ave t'insist on some form fair o'trade. Protection from evil spirits, mayhap, if ye've such magics. This was a primary concern, since last winter the entire world had nearly ended over it.

But perhaps something else would appeal. Lyra would provide options: Tendin' t'inngoers needs as a barkeep, brinin' 'em vittles an' whatnot. Well... Diver hadn't any especially dextrous fingers. That might not work.

Or, Lyra tried, 'elp plantin' gardens an' bringin' us useful forage come spring.

Quickly then she appended, An' ye'd 'ave t'promise not t'be trickin' or vexin' anyone else under our roof. Our 'owff must be a safe place fer all types what can pay.