She shied away from this, more than she had the compliment, but it was clear his words had an impact. She was thinking them over, taking the time to really find how she felt before she lifted her gaze to him with a warm smile on her lips. "I am glad." She was so much more than that, but they were the easiest words to roll off of her lips first.

"In my home blood only matters so much." She drew her hand back, touching over her heart. "My neighbors' children are my siblings, and I am theirs, in the way we choose our bonds by those who we share our life with. Our love and heart." She drew the hand from her heart to tap Gareth's with her fingertips in the same gentle way. "And we have chosen each other. A new family, but much the same.

"I am honored to have such a thing with all of you." She didn't miss the importance though and just smiled more. "You are as much a part of this as I am." He had been there since the start of her adventure, changed over time perhaps, but still holding things together. Still a part of what kept Winter here through all the changes.

"You will always be welcome in my family, Gareth Shire."