out of the oven and into the frying pan

“Come on” he said gently, encouraging her to follow him into the closest unoccupied den in the communal space. It got them out of the snow that had begun to gently fall, and cut off some of the cold. There was a pile of furs tucked in near the entrance, he used one to drape over the entrance hooks built in. that helped keep out the wind, too.

He grabbed another coat and placed it down near one wall, then backed away from it, giving her space. “You can sleep there” he offered, pointing to the fluffy sleeping pad. “Did you mind if I slept in the other corner? Or I can sleep outside, if that makes you uncomfortable” he shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other. The girl hadn’t spoken yet. He wasn’t even certain if she could. Maybe he should just sleep out in the snow. He had done it before. His wings would protect him somewhat. How was he supposed to help this girl? What was he supposed to do? He couldn’t fathom what responsibility his father had thrust upon him.