[It does feel like everything's simply stopped for just a moment - a few seconds of just feeling her best friend close to her. Maria relishes the closeness, the warmth of Shadow's body in her arms, his voice. She doesn't know her future, but Maria has a guess...it's not exactly difficult to puzzle it out, so she stays. And she holds. For Shadow's sake and for her own, because they both need this. Unfortunately, their moment is short-lived, because when someone accidentally bumps into them, the world seems to come back into focus, and the moment is over.

Yet he's still here, he's still solid, he's not racing away, and that in and of itself is more than Maria could ever ask for. She allows Shadow his space, but keeps as firm a hold of his hand as she can, and it's clear that she does need to get inside - her fingers are icy even against his gloves.]

Oh, yes...I suppose it is quite cold, isn't it? Um, I was told there should be a Lodge somewhere in this place. [Or even just a nice little shop or cafe. Just somewhere inside, with a fire or good heat.] Let's ask someone - the people here have been very, very helpful!! I'm sure they'll give us both directions.