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ćÉĪ¹Ī±ĘĻgĻ Ń cĻĘĻŃ:#BDA0CB ā ŃŠ½ĻĻ gŠ½Ń cĻĘĻŃ #F7B3DAć
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
"How are you feeling today?" He sat across from her, legs crossed, glasses perched on the tip of his nose. Winter was sitting in her wheelchair, opposite, feeling numb. "Tired," she replied. "Well, I would assume so, you haven't touched your meal tray in three days." He leaned over, pointing a temperature gun against her forehead. "A mild fever, I'm sure you're suffering from the beginnings of dehydration." He rose, looming over her. She wore a loose white gown that tied at the back and a bracelet, like in the hospital. Only this one was made of metal and no matter how much she pried, it wouldn't come off. "008, can you please escort Winter back to her room?" He nodded, stepping forward and taking her wheelchair by the handles. "Let's go," his voice was oddly chipper. She stared at her lap, her temples throbbing. "You know, if you don't eat, you're not going to grow." He taunted, opening up the door to her room with his keycard.
It was a large room that had a view of the city. There were stuffed animals sitting neatly on a shelf, as well as books and games that went untouched. "I don't care," Winter replied quietly, wheeling herself to her bed. She clambered onto the mattress, curling up as much as she could and facing the wall. "Tch, kids." 008 turned away, the door locking behind him.
Her dress swished around her as she walked down the hallway, the morning light streaming in through the large windows. Winter pivoted suddenly, stopping an oncoming attack. The sand was suspended in midair, Carter too, frozen. She sighed, releasing him and his attack. "How did you hear me coming?" He asked, "I was silent!" Winter crossed her arms. "I could feel the vibrations of your footsteps." Even after regaining her vision, Winter had noticed that she could still feel the vibrations of sounds against surfaces. Was she more in tune with her power because of what Arke had done? Winter did not know. "Where are you off to on this fine morning?" Carter asked, jogging to catch up with her. "I have an appointment on the other side of Olympia, so I'm in a hurry."
"Okay, I'll go with you."
"No," Winter replied quickly, "I have to go alone." She turned towards Carter, who seemed hurt by her rejection. "But there is something I need you to do for me," he nodded, grinning. "Anything, just ask," Winter looked around to make sure that they were alone. "Elise has been acting strange and I don't know if Ezra checked on her like I asked him to." Carter nodded, "You can definitely trust me with this, don't worry!" Winter smiled, "Thank you." She turned, meeting Zed at the door. "Ready?" He asked and she nodded, taking his hand. They walked to the carriage together, Winter sitting across from him. "Don't be nervous," he leaned over, kissing her. She smiled, "I'm not, I'm never nervous." He laughed, taking her hands. "This is a bit different than performing, I'm afraid." She nodded, "I know."
Their destination was in the mountain, what looked to be a temple, carved into the rough stone. Winter could not babysit the new Heirs everyday, she had her own duty and responsibilities. "I'll see you soon," Zed nodded, they were separated at the entrance. "Winter Matsuri, I presume?" An elf asked, dressed in white robes. "Yes, that's me." She followed the elf to a dressing room. "Remove all of your clothing and jewelry, none of it can go into the sacred pool." Winter stripped down to the nude, taking the offered robe from the elf. They walked deeper into the cave, their path illuminated by torches. Eventually, they reached a set of steps that Winter walked down alone to a glowing pool.
There were two elves waiting for her there, "hold your arms out." Winter did as told, scented oils spread onto her skin. They stepped back, gesturing to the glowing pool. Winter removed her robe, allowing it to fall to the ground. She placed one foot in, finding the water to be warm. "It's nice," she murmured, going in midway before dunking beneath the water and immediately passing out.