Snow is wonderful. Having enough food and warmth and being able to walk around without snowshoes is also wonderful, and it's hard to blame anyone for wanting their wonderful in moderation.

He's amused by her response, and it takes him a minute to figure out why she should be so shocked about this. "Oh! Oh, dear. The reports of my torment via serpent's venom have been greatly exaggerated. I'm sure it occurred to Odin, but where I come from he never did get around to doing it."

He shivers from head to toe and the scales turn from green to cobalt, eyes going red like little embers. "I am shedding my skin. Metaphorically. That's why this form."

"Also, it's easy to sneak around in."