Wendell and Emily go to the local tavern where he swiftly charms the locals and takes an interest in the oblivious, beautiful woodcutter, Lilja. Wendell has a one-night stand with a red-headed local who Emily must share a tense breakfast with the following morning while Wendell takes Henry and Lizzie to visit the local changeling. The interns are spooked by its malevolence. Wendell instructs Emily on the ways of the locals, revealing again her social awkwardness. Wendell tells Emily she offended Aud by rejecting Aud’s offer to pay for her first meal in town. Wendell wouldn’t have made this mistake because he did prior research about local customs and understands social cues far better than Emily. Wendell advises Emily to accept Aud’s help when offered.

Wendell decorates the cottage to make it cozier. Henry and Lizzie flee Ljosland without a word, despite the dangerous travel conditions, and Emily infers that it is because of Wendell having exposed them to the changeling. As winter rapidly approaches and makes living conditions more difficult, Emily and Wendell realize them must chop more firewood or freeze. When Wendell refuses to help Emily chop wood, she continues on her own and accidentally slices his arm with the iron axe.