[ she's squirrelly about it, same as the mask he's wearing now. men have died over the name "river tam," died screaming as their insides boiled, and she thinks maybe it's a curse that will follow her forever. there's no saying the liánméng won't find her here - but he's been pleasant and welcoming, warm even. it's more likely she might spring it on him when he ain't expecting it. ]

Maybe some fancy folk in the Core might have a button they can press to make their chǒulòu de pò bù a bit warmer. Can't say there's anything magic about it though.

[ when she finally climbs out of the fountain, dripping water onto the cold stones beneath her feet, the first thing she does is pat down the dress alyx offers searching for wires or filaments that might do such a thing. but no; the cloth is fine, the dress is stunningly beautiful, and there's no rational reason she can find for why it's emanating such a comforting warmth.

she's suddenly quite eager to see what it's like to wear, so she drops the towel completely and accepts the dress from alyx to start climbing into it. once it's properly in place, river marvels at the thing and flaps her hands a few times the same way alyx had before. then she looks at him with the same wonder and surprise. ]

This place is weird.