Chapter 2

Neal leaned on the windowsill, staring out to his daughter playing in the snow with Merric's daughter, Amyl. The snow fell lightly and the wind was a biting chill, but despite that they kept warm by running around and playing a game of snow war. It was a childish game where one of them would pretend to defend her fortress from the other, throwing snow balls as weapons, until one of them fell over, pretending to be 'dead'

It had been ten years since Yukimi's death and Midori had grown. Her black hair tumbled around her round creamy-brown-skinned face, the cold pinking her cheeks; her green eyes were bright with life.

She had not inherited Neal's healing Gift but was quick to learn with the glaive, taught to her by Kel.

"It's ironic isn't it Yuki?" Neal whispered, to nothing in particular, "She doesn't like the spring much but loves playing in the snow..."

"It is ironic" said a voice.

Neal whirled around but was met by Kel's hazel eyes, his face fell, but he smiled nonetheless. "She could be a fine lady knight someday" she remarked casually.

Neal frowned. "Oh no, don't put any ideas in her head! She's not—I'm not losing her in the field, I'm not going to lose a daughter too..." He trailed off.

Kel sighed, seeing his pain. "Neal..."

"No, Kel. Just don't put that idea in her head"

His dread was clear; she could see it in his eyes. "She's already got the idea, Neal, with her father being a healer and a knight..." the lady knight whispered.

"No"

"You remember the prophecy?" Kel asked.

Neal was slightly taken aback by this sudden change of topics but knew where this would lead. Rolling his eyes he turned and faced the window once more. Kel would not convince him, he was sure of this.

"Just think about it, alright?"

He heard the scuffling of feet and the soft click of the door being shut.

When he was sure Kel had left, Neal propped his elbow on the sill and put his forehead on his hand. "I don't know what to do, Yuki...should I let her? Should I let Midori train?"

The fading fire suddenly flared to life, then died as quickly as it had flickered. Neal sighed and shrugged. "I guess you say I should then?"

The fire was silent.

"I'll think about it" he whispered.