"I also got to watch the man's son go on a fool's errand of vengeance, with nothing but his hatred and wits to keep him company. Those troubles were not forgotten that first Winter - the weight of them hangs on me still. As something left undone, I curse every day I'm here and not back home. I have much left to do in my world - most of which involves letting my friend truly rest by helping his son."

She takes a long, deep breath before continuing. "I've seen the suffering of others during Winter - the nights with no place to sleep, the days with no food. I have helped some, hurt others. Such is the life I have chosen. Such is the very essence of life."