Flutter

Flutter: Dix

"You're much too kind."

"Did you know anything about this, Blaine?" Nora asked.

"I must say I didn't. He didn't consult me on this plan of his. Though I don't think it's a bad idea at all."

"I suppose." Nora shrugged. "I guess we should be off then Tifa?" Nora decided she did all the fighting she could and she was outnumbered, three to one.

"Mmm. Indeed. Nice to meet you." Tifa said to Blaine, bypassing him.

"Yes. A pleasure. I'll be seeing you then." Baline replied, eyeing the ladies departure.

o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o

              Nora let out a guffawat a joke that Tifa had made. She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. Tifa was turning out to be quite the companion already.

           "How did you get yourself into such a mess?" Nora said, questioning Tifa about the embarrassing story she was relaying to her.

           "I really don't know! I don't ask for these things to happen to me! When he stepped closer to me, my hand shot out like it had a mind of its own. Let's just say he saw stars for a good two weeks." Tifa answered with an ear to ear grin.

           "Wow! I could never!"

           "Why of course you can! I'm just the very person to teach you."

           "Well, my mom used to say, 'Never count your chickens.'"

           "Wise words, but make this your exception."

           Nora smiled and sipped from the glass of lemonade that Mary had kindly set out for the two of them. She looked out at the grounds surrounding the estate. All was at peace as the afternoon came to a close. Nora and Tifa spent the entirety of it getting to know one another. Turns out Tifa wasn't all too bad. From what Nora gathered, Tifa had been in the defensive ranks for five years now, recruited eight years ago. Tifa knew the ins and outs of defensive and offensive fighting strategies and was more than equipped to train and fight for Nora. Tifa had rejected her mate and pursued her dream of joining the militia.

           While Tifa was explaining all of this, Nora couldn't help but feel envious. Tifa was unrestrained by anyone – talented and accomplished. What could Nora say for herself? Nora couldn't help but feel that her life had come to a halt abruptly. Here Tifa was, with all the opportunities before her – so much possibility. Nora...well Nora's future was already predestined. She was to bear Quinton's heirs. That was her duty. It left her feeling wanting.

"I don't know about you but I could use a bite to eat." Tifa mentioned, rubbing her belly.

           "Yes. I feel a bit hungry now so thankfully dinner will be soon." Nora relished in the thought.

           "Oh...well I guess I'll be taking my leave then." Tifa said, making to stand.

           "Wait? Aren't you staying for dinner?" Nora said, halting her.

           "I wasn't asked."

           "But of course you should come! I mean you came all this way at the drop of a hat. You have to stay for dinner. I insist. You don't have somewhere to be do you?"

           "Nope. Not at all."       

           "Great. Then come. It'll be worth your while. The kitchen staff is comprised of some great cooks."