"Really," Dain affirms. "Most of them don't know each other well enough." Plus, you know, people tend to be wary of travelling executioners, at least in his case.

He unwraps his scarf as he sits down by the kettle, and momentarily looks for all the world like a sunbathing cat as he basks in the fire's warmth; that expression fades as Finian reminds him there are still other Shepherds in the world, even if he happens to be alone at the moment.

"Of course I don't mind your saying it," he says solemnly. "It's the nature of our profession, that people believe our arrival means someone is in trouble. I tend to prefer when misgivings are given voice, because it's difficult to address them before that." He gives Finian a small smile. "In this case, I was sent here to investigate those ghosts appearing, and my timing was just terrible enough to ensure I'd be trapped here all winter. As far as I know, no one is in trouble."

He gives the kettle a longing glance. "Can I ask what happened, the last time Shepherds were here?"