Flutter

Flutter: Vingt - Deux (1/2)

Sleep was useless, for both Nora and Quinton. They were kept awake by different reasons, though. One bristled in his bed, feverish from the anticipation of bedding his mate. In less than twenty-four, he and she were to be bond as one. The thought riled him and he fought to control his straining wolf. The moon was rising to full mast and it's influence was not shortsighted.

The other wolf, however, struggled to calm her nerves. It was the eve of her mating and she still felt at odds. The entire event was fearsome to her. When she did finally manage to shut her eyes, she was subjected to a vivid nightmare - one of the likes she had never before experienced. The great beast that sought to devour her, indeed did, swallowing her whole. The monstrous being was large and looming and filled Nora with terror. The terror was not brought on by it's appearance however, but by it's familiarity. How could she be so frightened yet so calm at the same time? Nevertheless, the nightmare had Nora waking up, covered in sweat. The sun was just starting to peer over the trees and she refused to attempt any more rest.

Nora just lay in bed, thinking about things long since passed - things that brought her happiness, and erased the black smudges of fear that shrouded her mind. She remembered walking through fields, propped on her father's shoulders, giggling as he would sway her back and forth. There were times she and her brother would rake the leaves, just to jump in the pile. She recalled all the wrinkles that appeared on her mother's face from smiling, when she would be presented with a cake on mother's day. Of course there were so many other memories. Though, as time went on, the details and particulars evaded her, but the love that was present throughout her childhood in Wicks could never be forgotten.

So many pleasures. So many fleeting moments. Remembrances of a past that she would never had the joy of reliving. The gaiety and mirth that she had been blessed with could never be her children's, could it? With Quinton for a father? No, they wouldn't be allowed to bumble, explore, and totter around the world as she did - making mistakes and messes. Nora cringed at the thought of her offspring being subjected to the strict rules and regulations that Quinton sought to enforce on her. "I won't allow it." Nora thought to herself, adamant. She would fill her children's days with as much merriment as possible.

Nora lost herself to her imaginings. The time went by swiftly and she knew that she was going to have to get out of bed sometime. So, she went about her business, readying herself for the day. Though, try as she might, Nora's nerves got the best of her and her skin buzzed as she thought of what was approaching. With every minute that passed, she got closer and closer to her fate. Washed and dressed, Nora left her room and proceeded to the breakfast nook.

Mary greeted and fussed, though a bit more tenderly than usual. Tifa soon joined her at the table. Breakfast was served, and it was as yummy as ever. Though, it was as if something sucked the happiness out of both Nora, and Tifa. The dark clouds of yesterday had certainly not left during their sleep. Not having the children present wasn't helping to alleviating any of the woe.

"Are we going to have a training session today?" Nora asked.

"No." Tifa shook her head.

"It isn't Sunday yet."

"I asked Quinton to have off today."

"Oh." Nora gave half a frown. She wanted to release some pent up energy. The buzzing was only getting worse.

"I won't be at Gillans today at all. After breakfast I have to run off. There's something's I have to take care of back at the base." Tifa said around her glass of milk.

"Aw. Abandoning me, I see?"

"No. Nora. But I need to get out of here for a little bit. Clear my head."