A Flower that Blossomed in the Winter

Chapter I

Cecil wakes up startled, he feels it cold so he judges it is not morning yet, a loud and continuous noise comes from Alessia's farmstead, he thinks about waking her up, but to his surprise there's no one there. His heart fasten up and he runs towards the back of the temple. The cold wind hits his face as he runs through the woods and as he crosses the densest part of the forest, he can see a strong glow coming from the pomegranate tree.

Alessia looks back and sees Cecil impressed by the strong light and the loud noise.

- Alessia, what is going on here? – asks he worried holding her cold hand.

- It's the tree, Cecil, it's glowing and making noise, I don't know what's happening. – says Alessia with a shaky voice trying to stay calm.

The noise gradually reduces and the brightness decreases, although it is still impossible to see the tree trunk, Alessia still looks worried when she sees a silhouette coming from that light the shadow she is scared by the whole situation but a familiar voice coming from the light makes gets her rather tranquil. A voice she could never forget.

- I see you did exactly as instructed, friend, I'm glad you actually found someone with whom you could plant the seeds I gave you, no matter how unlikely that was - a calm and jolly female voice, which also carries a firmness that Alessia has known for a long time.

- Alessia, who is it? – asks Cecil worried but realizing the person means any danger as he feels Alessia's pulse decrease and hears a pleasant smile.

She steps out of that glow as it fades and the annoying noise gives way to the calm sound of insects. She carries two puppies in her left hand and a small cloth bag in the other hand. She ignores Alessia, in a first moment, as she gets closer to Cecil.

- My name is Megala Thea, goddess of herbs, flowers spring and so on... or former goddess, I still don't know if I'll ever go back to that damned place, what about you? – asks she with a firmness worthy of a goddess, even without seeing Cecil feels the pride coming from that voice, so he extends his right hand and speaks happily.

- My name is Cecil Hathowulf and I thank you for your blessing on our union, Persephone, goddess of the underworld – he says in a provocative but still friendly tone – even though we didn't depended on your approval, it was really important to Alessia – Cecil, eloquently, replies with the same posture equally proud, which makes her break into a wide smile that soon turns into a gleeful laugh.

- Without an ounce of fear of calling someone who represents such danger, many think that calling my name is calling death itself. I wouldn't expect less from someone who joined Medusa herself – says she looking at Alessia's direction who was still looking stunned but unable to let that smile go away – Hey! I'm real, you can let go of that empty look, besides your curse is gone so I can look into your eyes and say... – before she is even able to finish her sentence Alessia hugs her tightly and spins her screaming with joy – missed ya... – whispers Thea.

- I can't believe you're right here in front of me – says she holding back tears – I can't believe I can finally see you, it's been so long, I didn't even know if you remembered me.

- Of course I do, I just didn't expect it to take two thousand years for you to fall in love, since the those pomegranate were my escape door from Hades – says she smiling and pushing Alessia away holding her shoulders - but I knew I could count on you. Since you were Athena's priestess you have never let me down and I hope I have lived up to your expectations, 'cause your escape worried me a lot.

- I don't even know what to say, it's been so long, we have so much to talk, get to know each other all over again, and you need to meet Cecil, he's amazing – says Alessia pulling Thea and Cecil by the hand – there was no better time for you to arrive.