Dan's more pleased than he should be, he thinks, and again, that's the sort of thing better analyzed by light of day, for the hour that comes, or for whenever this winter is done. The one thing he's picked up from people is that this sort of thing usually draws to a close.

Taking the glass, and then a long swallow, wincing slightly at the movement of his throat, Dan finds he's extraordinarily comforted by the realization that he's not going to be alone.

"Wonderful," Dan says. "Because I'm not sure how long I'm going to be awake, regardless of location." He stands up, muscles shrieking in protest. "Lead on."