Winter passed slowly, I didn't see Micah for most of it due to his father taking the boys on a extended hunting trip. It was just Norma and I in the cabin for those last months of winter, reminiscing about my parents.

"I'll never forgive the dragons for killing them." I started to her bluntly without much thought.

"What are you talking about?"

"The dragons. They killed my parents for trespassing on their hoarde."

"Oh honey whoever told you that? "

"The king did when he took me in."

"Ellie dear, the dragons didn't kill your parents. Our families were trusted with the care of the dragon eggs. Your parents were treasured by the dragons they would never harm them."

"If they didn't then who did?!" I demanded becoming more furious by the second.

"The king killed your parents, he was trying to recruit them so he could gain access to the dragon eggs. When they refused he hunted them down, much like he had you hunted down."

"That makes no sense...Why take me in then?"

"Well, only he knows for sure but if I had to guess I would say so you would develop a hatred for the dragons and not reject him like your parents had."

I grew silent, standing up I grabbed my cloak and opened the door.

"Where are you going dear?"

"Nowhere, I just need some air..." Walking outside I let my tears fall freely. My entire life is a lie, I knew the king was evil but this was a whole new low even for him. I'm so glad Flora was able to escape him now hopefully she can live a decent life and marry whoever she wants. Marriage. I sigh as I recall micah's conversation with me about love. I couldn't stay here with him, I wanted to that's for sure but he deserves someone so much more. I walked to my loft in the barn, I just need a rest.

The months dragged by, I found I missed Micahs company more and more everyday and I wondered if he missed mine. Eventually the snow begun to melt, daffodils started to poke their heads through the ice. Spring is near, hopefully they would return in time for me to say goodbye.

"I'm just glad you're all safe." I said before retreating to the cabin.

I could hear Jon and Norma chuckle as I closed the door.

"Ugh! So embarrassing!" I groaned. I needed to leave before I did anything else I would regret.

That night at dinner I decided I was going to tell them I'm leaving.

"The snow has started to melt." I started abruptly.

"Yes, yes it has." Norma replied absent mindedly

"I appreciate everything you all have done for me, but that egg needs to be back with the dragons. I need to leave as soon as possible."

"Dead man's cliff will still be plenty dangerous and icy." Jon said with a mouthful of food.

"Yes, I know, But the sooner this is done the sooner I can move on with my life."

"Aye that is true." Jon scratched his beard, " Alright we'll help you get ready to leave in a few days."

"Thank you for your help. " I said as I took a bite of my meal.

Micah stood up abruptly causing his chair to fall to the floor.

"Micah?" Norma seemed worried.

"I'm coming with you. " And with that he left the cabin.