In the middle of the field, in a hole in the ground, there lived some gnomes. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, nor a dry, bare, sandy hole. It was a gnome-hole, and that means comfort...
if you're less than four feet tall.
At six feet and three inches, Ruslan was quite uncomfortable and Ludmilla was even worse off, having four legs to deal with in addition to her height.
"Listen, now, I think there's been some kind of mistake..." Ruslan continued his efforts to stave off the gnomes.
"A mistake? Are you comfortable enough? Would you like some tea?" One of the gnomes asked.
"I'm not comfortable at all and... now that you mention it, have you any coffee?" Ruslan asked.
"Brother Daisy, fetch the hero some coffee." The gnome commanded. Brother Daisy went for coffee, and a handful of other gnomes scattered to find pillows.
"What brings you to our humble dwelling?" The gnome asked.
"I fell in. Look here, Mr..."
"Brother Helianthus hirsutus, but you can call me..." the gnome batted his eyelashes, "...Sunflower."
"Sunflower. I lead a wandering band of heroes, and they'll be quite upset that I'm gone, so I really must be getting out of here." Ruslan said, attempting to stand up and promptly smashing himself into the ceiling.
"You would reject our hospitality?" Sunflower asked sadly.
"It's just... my companions, they're hopeless without me... ooo, coffee." Ruslan accepted a mug of coffee from Brother Daisy.
"Surely they can find another hero. We don't have any heroes of our own, and you're so strong and handsome." Sunflower said. About five gnomes came in with pillows and made efforts towards making Ruslan more comfortable.
"Oh... hey, now, watch what you're... WOAH, heh heh, don't touch that..."
"We can easily provide for..." Sunflower licked his lips, "...all your needs here."
"I say... what's going on here?" Ruslan cast a suspicious eye over the gathering of tiny men in brightly-colored robes with tastefully coordinated accessories.
"HELLO DOWN THERE!" Pasha's voice came echoing down from the entry-hole.
"HELLO!" All the gnomes called back.
"Well, holy gods... Eva, there's somebody down here."
"Oh. Field gnomes. Ask them if they've seen Rus and Ludmilla."
"HAVE YOU SEEN A HULKING GUY ON A DONKEY LATELY?"
"YES."
"ARE THEY DOWN THERE?"
"YES."
"CAN WE HAVE THE DONKEY BACK?"
"Of course, stranger! Your animal would be much happier in the open air. Brothers, escort the donkey surfaceward." Sunflower ordered.
"THANK YOU."
"Pasha! Eva! HELP!" Ruslan called out.
"JUST THE DONKEY PLEASE, THANK YOU."
"Oh, come now, you wouldn't actually LEAVE me here, would you?"
"OF COURSE WE WOULD." Eva's voice came through.
Sunflower and his gnome friends squealed in delight.