Their concern is clear and quite touching. Despite her breathless state, she smiles as she does her best to reassure them, “I...I’m okay. ...cold just makes me...really tired.” Here in the tunnels, at least there is a little more warmth to the air. “It was silly...to try to run.” She even offers an open palm if any of the mice want to go there.

Gradually steadying, Nel’s breathing is slowing rapidly back down towards normal. A few more deep breaths taken as the dormice with her come to a consensus, and she has her words back. “Right. That’s good...”

“Are they supposed to be that big?”