The fact that Dain had gotten so caught up with the snowball fight not to think about his position, and that by comparison Lorne had been, says quite a lot about Dain. So too does the easy way he introduces himself. Lorne is a little bit regretful that he's reminded Dain to be more serious, though he's well familiar with the mantle of duty. Perhaps too familiar, seeing as he's barely cracked a real smile this whole time.

"That's a philosophy I can get behind. It's refreshing," Lorne says. For a Shepherd, he does not say. He's accustomed to dour and grim faces, not fun. Ever. But Lorne has witnessed the hardship children have experienced in this village and elsewhere, and people who are kind to children in an unkind world are worth paying attention to. "Shepherds usually keep their distance," he adds diplomatically. "And adults here are often so fed up with snow, year after year, that it's hard to take any enjoyment from it."

Speaking of hair being down, Lorne glances around for the missing scarf. "I imagine you didn't plan to be stuck here for the winter. Are you staying with the vicar for the time being?"