Sylvia

by K. Li
Once he had seen her and thought she had simply been a little girl. Now, bowing before her, with a line of gifts of candy ranging from Kit-Kats to Dum-Dums leading up to her lofty tent... he still could only see her as a little girl.
"Wow, thanks," said Sylvia. She accepted a lollipop and ripped the wrapper off, tossing it to the side. A moment later and one of her freckled cheeks was bulging, and she spoke with difficulty around it. "Wanna shee 'f I c'n ea' i' in one bi'?"
He wasn't sure how to answer. All he had wanted to do was establish a friendship with this clan, and he had come prepared for a serious discussion about the increased benefits they would enjoy together in an alliance. Instead, the only thing Sylvia seemed to be thoroughly enjoying was her lollipop. He didn't waver, however. It was possible that this was just a test and the true commanders of teh clan were listening in... "Uh, no. That might be dangerous for your teeth, and you might choke."
The girl let loose a laugh that seemed to move every inch of her small body - he could even see her hair ripple behind her. "Ha, you're funny. And by "funny," I mean the kind of funny that's not intentional. I guess the reason why you're here's the same as the others?"
"If they were also here to establish a relationship between their clan and yours, then yes," he replied testily, already finding himself losing his patience with her. She seemed nonplussed by his attitude, spitting out a lollipop stick and grabbing another.
"Cool. That's fine. Your lollipops are B-grade, by the way. If you're going to give out lollipops, make sure they're Jolly Ranchers."
He exchanged a glance with one of the men carrying gifts, who stared right back with a bewildered expression. If it wasn't for the 20-lb or more load of candy on his back, he would have given a shrug.