The birch-woman sways and murmurs something softly unintelligible, but sympathetic. Caspian's not wholly sure the tree-sisters quite understand human emotions – they're so rapid and intense and changing – but the sentiment is clear: You are welcome, sapling. No need to hide your pain from us.

"Come along, Su," Caspian says, injecting warmth and confidence into his voice. He takes out her scarf and tucks it warmly around her throat, then reaches for her gloved hand with his. "Kiseki is this way."