[It's happened a couple of times now, and is likely to happen again. One thing Erwin has learned is that this place is one for throwing curveballs at you, but at least the Christmas Village seems relatively benign and harmless.]

Tea, then. Or hot cider. [He notices the way Peter flinches when he mentions hot chocolate, and files that information away. Something about it upsets him, and Erwin is sure there's a story there.]

I can come with you, if you like. [Erwin smiles a little, his eyes going slightly out of focus; Peter reminds him of his soldiers, his young recruits, and of being a commander again, and it's surprising how much he's missed feeling this way.]

You don't have to apologize. It's a lot to take in. [And there's clearly something else going on here, some other trauma Erwin doesn't know about, which makes him not want to let the kid go through on his own.] What's your name, soldier? I'm Erwin Smith.