Alistair scratches the bridge of his nose, the better to hide a smile.

(It's far more due to Cullen's expression than the suggestion of finding a rug.)

"A fixed roof, heating, and some insulation," he says, gravely. "No, that's clearly a step too far. Every part of us except our feet is allowed to stay warm." And, dropping the gentle teasing: "I like it. If nothing else you could probably yank down an old tapestry from somewhere. It'd be a start. And there's -- "

He hooks a thumb in the general direction of the ladder.

"That brazier I hauled in last night. Bit beat up, but it does the job fine."