After eating some what can only be described as rusty oatmeal, I look around to see what others are doing. I see that some of the cupboards around the edge of the room have been opened, and a few card games, dice, and basic board games have been pulled out and the kids are playing with them. Someone also has a pile of worn wooden blocks and many of the younger kids are busy stacking them up. As I near the fire, I start to sweat, its heat is intense, but Eldrin is still there, shirt on and tossing in logs regularly.

“Be’a ge’ some more wa’er in ya ‘fore ya pass ou’ again,” he states in a jovial tone

“I’ll be moving back towards the wall in a second. Still, how hot are you trying to make it?! We are not trying to forge metal here!”

“Aye, bu’ we be tryin’ ta keep this place warm. ‘Tis made of wood, with a stone founda’ion, so we lose hea’ fas’. ‘Tis why we wear so many layers. Maerwen woul’ be on me case as well save for me being almos’ in th’fire.”

Thallion approaches at this point, stretching his hands towards the heat. “Too true. Surprise she is not yelling at me for not having my mittens on even though I am with you now.”

“What I find surprising,” he continues, “is that you are so warm all the time! It doesn’t get much colder than last night, and yet, you went out and rescued Lena, and a kid, and were even able to move after jumping INTO the river! If we get wet, we’re pretty much done for in a few seconds!”

Surprised at this, I turn my attention to Eldrin.

“‘Tis true! Even worse for me! If I get sligh’ly cold, i’ can take hours to rewarm! Plus, I am na’urally cooler than everyone here. Being this close ta th’fire feels quite nice. ‘Nother reason I became a smith.”

Thinking about it, I remember something from my biology classes, and metabolism. Bigger animals do not need to burn as much energy per unit volume due to being larger. They hold heat better due to the square cubed law, meaning they have less surface area to lose heat for a given volume. If they had the metabolism I have, they would likely overheat!

Zoning back into the conversation, I notice both of them are staring at me.

“Sorry about that. Lost in thought again. Makes sense though, bigger things need more food, but not as much as you would think, it is not directly aligned. You retain heat better, but don’t generate it as fast”

Thallion, ever the scholar, whips out a notepad from his back pocket and starts writing, I assume what I just said.

“Careful what ya say ‘round ‘ere,” Eldrin whispers, “Most assume you are still a lost kid, but keep talking like that, and more will think otherwise”

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I gulp, and shake my head vividly, agreeing to keep quiet, worrying about what others would think.

Realizing I just did a really dumb thing by being a kid that ran out into the snow, I ask “How’s the reaction so far with me bringing Lena and Rynar in the front door?”

Eldrin looks at me, and then to Thallion. I then am suddenly aware that there are multiple sets of eyes glancing at me, trying not to eavesdrop. As I try to stealth away from the fire, with Thallion tailing me, I run into Maerwen.

Maerwen stands before me, her arms crossed and a stern expression on her face. "Ethan, I need to have a word with you," she says, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I glance at Thallion, who gives me a supportive nod but doesn't seem eager to get involved.

"Sure, Maerwen," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. "What’s going on?"

She narrows her eyes at me. "What exactly happened out there? How did you manage to find Lena and Rynar in that storm and then bring them back safely? And don't give me any half-truths; I want the full story."

I take a deep breath, trying to collect my thoughts. "Well, I knew they were missing, and I thought about where I would go. The river seemed like a good place to check, so I went there first. I found some tracks that looked like theirs and followed them. Eventually, I found them huddled under a tree, trying to stay warm."

Maerwen's gaze doesn't waver. "And how did you manage to carry them both back, especially after falling into the river?"

I hesitate, trying to bend the truth without outright lying. "I... well, I guess adrenaline kicked in. I knew I had to get them back quickly, so I just kept going. The cold was brutal, but I focused on getting them to safety. Also, both were able to walk when I left the tree, with Lena only becoming unable after falling in the river"

Thallion steps in, attempting to help. "It's amazing what people can do in dire situations, Maerwen. Ethan here just did what he had to do to save them."

Maerwen's eyes shift to Thallion briefly before returning to me. "And how do you explain not getting hypothermia yourself? You seem remarkably resilient for someone your age."

I swallow hard. "I... I guess I just got lucky. Maybe the fire warmed me up faster than usual."

Maerwen seems to consider this, but I can tell she's not entirely convinced. "Ethan, I appreciate what you've done, but there's something unusual about you. If there's anything else you're not telling us, now's the time."

As she speaks, I notice more people in the room turning their attention toward us, pretending to be engaged in other activities but clearly listening intently. I realize anything I say now will be all over town by the end of the day.

I glance at Thallion, who looks as uncertain as I feel. I then turn my attention to her and as sweetly and as innocently as possible, reply "That's the whole story Maerwen. I just did what I could do to help."

She studies me for a long moment, then finally nods. "Alright, but I'll be keeping an eye on you. We don't need any more surprises around here."

As Maerwen walks away, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. Thallion claps a hand on my shoulder. "You handled that well. Just be careful, alright? People here don’t like change. While they may not turn you in yet, they probably only hesitate a little unless you win them over"

“And how am I to do that?!” I whisper angrily. “I just rescued someone, and all I get are weird looks!”

“I am unsure, but with time, you shall learn what is the best way for you.”