He can in no way be described as a right jolly old elf.

So who doesn't believe in the jolly old elf anymore?

The old elf closed his eyes and began a chant.

He hurried off, to return in moments with the older elves.

"You will take it," the old elf said firmly as he looked into the human's eyes.

"Sometimes I suspect the old elf of actually having developed affection for me."

I thought you said that most of the older elves didn't much like humans.

"And it would do an old elf's heart good to know you will watch after his son."

It took time, but in due course the old elf was satisfied.

They meet the oldest elf in the village, the Grandmother.