AN: I apologize if this doesn't seem at my best writing, or if I am rushing the feel with Ellie and her mother, but I'm currently not thinking straight due to my nasty cold. I hope you enjoy it anyway, and please, PLEASE R&R!! Thanks!

"Nerva, Nerva!"

Minerva came out of the house, drying a mug on her apron. At first, her eyes saw nothing. She swept her hair back, and squinted to see who was calling her name in the distance. Not a moment later, she saw her sister, Ellie, flying down the hill, kicking up dirt behind her as she went.

"Ellie?" she questioned quietly.

"Nerva!"

Ellie sprinted down the dirt path, across the chicken's feeding area, and jumped over the fence surrounding the house. She dropped as soon as soon as she had stomped up the porch, heaving.

"Ellie, what's the matter?" her sister was crying and shaking. Minerva bent down and patted Ellie's back, hoping she could comfort her.

"…..Dragon…." was the only word she uttered among her muffled tears. Minerva went rigid.

"It talked to me, Nerva, it…..it wants me to meet it tomorrow."

"Well, you'll not be going." Minerva's tone was that of a final quality.

Ellie raised her head out of her hands. "I must, else it will put a curse on the whole family."

"Listen to me Ellie, you cannot go. A dragon's threats of magic are empty, they mean nothing. Nothing will happen, trust me, but you must not go. Do you understand?"

Ellie was not convinced. She smiled a fake understanding.

"Alright then. Wipe those tears away now, and let us go check on mother."

Minerva wrapped her arm around Ellie's shoulders and encouraged her to stand. As they walked in the house, Ellie swept away her tears with the back of her hand, as instructed.

"Mother." Minerva whispered, kneeling by the bed.

"Hello darling." She replied weakly.

"Ellie is back from her walk."

"Is she now…." Ellie's mother scanned the room. When she could not find her daughter, she said "Bring her forth into the light."

Ellie stepped out from behind her sister and held her mother's hand. "I'm here." She spoke softly.

"Oh my, you have been frightened to death." The exclamation in her voice was weak, but there. She sat up a bit, resting on her elbow.

Patting her cold hand, Ellie lied ever so sweetly "Just a spider Mama, only a spider."

The pale woman leaned back on the pillows, a breath of relief coming from her mouth. "Ah, that's just fine then. Tell me, little darling, what is the world like outside? Is it gloriously beautiful?"

"It is Mama. The trees are dancing in a cool breeze, and the birds and squirrels and rabbits are especially friendly today."

"What of the sky? Is it a clear blue? Is it like it was when we sat by the lake in late summer, and watched the little clouds go by?"

"Yes Mama, it is that sort of blue."

"And the grass? Does it smell ever so fresh and green? Is it lush?"

"The wind is carrying the scent as we speak. Shall I open the window and let it in?"

"No dear, that's quite alright. I should like to be left to sleep, little darling."

"Of course mother, Nerva and I shall come by later with supper."

"Nerva is here? Hmmm….I thought she went for a walk….."

Ellie and Minerva each kissed their mother's forehead and whispered "Sleep well, and may Angels watch over you." Before closing the door gently behind them.