"I don't see why," Merwen protests, but she's laughing. "I expect most sisters here look much the same. Different colours, perhaps. At any rate, Javert is not as good at hiding his discomfort."

But the growing cold is a problem. "I don't know this word 'frostbite,'" she says, more seriously, "but I admit I may have to accept this custom if it keeps growing cooler. I do find it very uncomfortable."