Childermass is quick enough to shift back down to just a feathery man rather than a huge feathery beast, offering a quick, somewhat chagrined apology as he helps Lambert and Peridot both back up — or perhaps only Lambert, with a bat-shaped Peridot still attached.

There isn't much room to fuss, though, as they carry on after the fall. He does find himself slowing down some when he catches that cold, crisp feeling in the air, like a cold morning, the smell of snow.

"Does anyone else feel that? It's getting colder."