Cricket could be a lot worse, under the circumstances. He had a weird kind of pep talk that brightened his mood, in a way, and now he can walk on top of the snow without sinking into it. If there's anyone at all he's going to tell, it's Loki, but right now he's more interested in just being close to him. Even if the shape he's in is too tiny to hug.

"You be careful," he says. "Out there. And just as careful when you come in here. People're starting to get at each other, on account of there not being much food to go around, and seein' another mouth to feed might not make 'em real happy."

"But I want you here," he murmurs, stroking under the stoat's chin. "I miss you a lot."