"I sleep in the dome barracks with Spencer and Lyric and a few others," he replied. "A bed is better than the ground. I have not had need to find other shelter, ye ken?"

Twenty yards more and they broke through the trees. Nearby were the cottages, and up to the left stood the dome, menacing with its brutal architecture.

"If you would like your own home, I can show you the empty cottages for the taking," he said, taking her by the hand to lead her to a door. The place was in decent shape, a bit run down from disuse. Inside it was just as cold as out, but there was an iron stove and a pile of wood next to it. Dust clung to every flat surface and there were cobwebs in the corners of the ceiling. A quick look around lead them to an office, a kitchen, the living room, and a bedroom with dust, but mysteriously fresh bedding.