Jack was wary.

Spring had called him to her glen that morning. At first, he'd outright declined because at the time he was busy avoiding any seasonal interactions, including Hiccup, on account that Mother Nature had asked him to be a spy in the Court for a bit. He had declined and she'd been quite cross with him, threatening to tell his siblings about his seeming betrayal. Pippa of course, would never believe that, but even Hiccup had shown disdain for traitors bordering on a violent distaste. Spring was still looking for any opportunity to hurt the Winter Spirit, so Jack was extremely suspicious the second time she asked to meet.

He hesitated as he slowly approached the glen, careful to not brush any plants with his clothes or staff. The few spring fey who flittered around ignored him or giggled sweetly as he passed. The few animals who took refuge in the greenery looked at him innocently, and he smiled back. He'd always loved animals.

"Winter?"

The voice startled him, and he felt a surge of urgency and pity because that was not the voice of the spirit who had nearly killed him with a tree countless times. That wasn't the voice of the witch of the vines that strangled him just for fun. That was the voice of a princess who was suffering from a terrible curse. His core burned in worry as his seasonal bonds felt the weakened state of a fellow Season, and he forced his legs to move as fast as possible, all caution forgotten as he flung open the ivy that served as a door to Spring's chamber.

"Spring!" He dropped to his knees at the side of the robin-down bed where the Spirit of Spring lay, her hair paler and skin almost matching his own tonewise. He took her hand in his own and gasped at how cold it felt. He almost spoke, but Spring coughed harshly, clearing her throat and cutting off his question before he could even ask.

"I never thought...you'd actually answer, Jack Frost. After all...I've done such terrible things to you."

"Never mind that now" Jack said softly, using his staff to pull up the leafy sheets, "Who did this to you, Suzie?"

The woman chuckled shakily "Time, Winter. You know I'm much, much older than you or our siblings. But unlike you, Autumn, and Summer, my existence is not, nor was my predecessors, immortal. I am the season who must return to the Earth after my time is up. That is what renewal means."

"But the balance-"

"Mother knows my time is short. She has already slotted my replacement. The balance will be kept. What's more, I have a feeling that your troubles will finally be over, Jack Frost. Any day now, Mother will ask you to go get my successor. You will be free from family attacks. But that's not why I summoned you here."

Jack was too sick with worry to be curious about her meaning, so he simply squeezed her hand and asked solemnly, "Why did you then? I mean...I thought you hated me."

"I wanted to apologize. As I said, I have done you harm over your short life. I was not as rough as Summer, but that does not excuse my actions." She squeezed his hand back, and his heart broke as he felt how weak the pressure was now as she continued in a small voice. "I claimed it was because of the way you annoy Aster...but I just told myself that to justify what I did. I can't ever atone but….will you forgive me?"

The Winter Spirit put his hand on her cheek, being gentle and careful to not frost the paling skin. His eyes were sad but kind as he whispered, "Oh, Suzie, you know I don't hold grudges. I forgave you a long time ago."

The look on her face put his heart at ease. She smiled at him in clear relief and sighed, a weight lifting from her shoulders.

"Thank you, Jack Frost."