Barrow Fields beyond the reach of human rage

Maia was too preoccupied with not choking to death (could have happened!) to notice she wasn't alone until someone made a noise.  She jumped, then turned, self-consciously trying to stifle her issues.  It only took forever.  No big deal.

Ah, sorry, she said sheepishly when she finally got them for the most part sorted out, though her voice was still breathless and one or two coughs still followed.  I'm... Maia.  This snow is terrible! Do you live here? Those didn't really follow but she wasn't eager to dwell on her spaz coughing fit in front of this strange boy who seemed around her age.