Reunion

May opened her eyes, and stared up at Winter. "Winter? Your-"

"Shh, May. Don't use up all your energy."

"Winter, you don't understand, I'm fine! The poison, the pain, it's all gone!" she lifted up her shirt slightly, "See? Only a scar now." Winter smiled, whispering her thanks to God. May's smile faded, then she looked up at Winter." You killed him, didn't you?"

Winter nodded, smile broadening, "Isn't it great? I-"

"Winter. He'll come back."

Winter shook her head, "No, God gave me a sword. Shadow can't come back, May. He can't."

May smiled, "Good." then she looked past Winter, smile broadening, "Have you seen who's here, Winter?"

Winter turned around, embraced in a large hug. It nearly suffocated her. A hand stroked her back, "Oh, Winter! Darling, you're alright!" Winter winced at the pain, instantly pulling away. She looked into her mother's eyes, and smiled painfully.

"Hey mom." Her mother's eyes started dripping tears, and almost hugged her again. Winter pulled away again, surprised about how much pain she was in. She staggered as her legs nearly gave way, caught by her father's loving hands.

"Dad," she said, smiling. Galena's enormous head looked her over as her father put her on her feet.

"Winter, you've been hurt."

"You think?"

"No, Winter. I don't think you know how much. It's a miracle you're alive." Winter grew a confused face, and May set a piece of metal before her. Winter tried to look away but couldn't. Her arms were cut through her armor on her forearms and from the elbow up. Her legs were cut jaggedly on the calves. On her cheek three sharp, red, jagged streaks were etched into her skin. Her mother lightly embraced her.

"Oh, sweetie. Stay with us here, stay with us."

"Mother, I'm fine-"

"You're not, Winter. You need to rest. We'll take care of things." Her mother started leading her to a crude, hay bed. She set Winter down and prayed next to her.

"Please, Lord. Heal my daughter. Please." everyone joined in and her mother smiled and waited for Winter to close her eyes. Winter coughed hoarsely, and her mother was there to comfort her. Winter laid down, and her mother was there to stroke her hair. Winter smiled as Jake leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

"Every thing's going to be alright," he whispered in her ear, "we'll take care of you."

Winter smiled, "I know you will."