Midnight Clear

Solveiga had heard the whispers. Rumors of things happening up north, truly awful things that sent shivers down her spine even more than the chilling weather already did. But winter would be over soon, and the earth would begin to warm up again. Not that she was able to enjoy it very much with the discomforts that came from being in heat.

The little healer huffed, and tried to shift to a more comfortable position in her little alcove. It was still practically overflowing with herbs, leaving her little space to curl up and sleep. Luckily, Solveiga didn't take up much room. Most nights she was able to tuck herself into a snug little ball and find sleep in no time. But tonight was different. The insomnia was almost palpable. She stood and stretched herself a bit, sifting through her herbs to find a bit of lavender to soothe her mind and hopefully help her sleep. She placed the lavender on the ground a few inches from her nose and curled up again, taking deep breaths until finally her mind and body found rest.

She slept for a couple of hours, but even the lavender wasn't enough to stop the nightmares from coming. She hadn't seen Regulus in a week. He had gone north to investigate the rumors, or at least, that was all Solveiga knew. But after hearing what was happening up there, Solveiga had fears of never seeing the man again. And these fears manifested themselves in her dreams that night. Horrifying images of blood on snow. Images of her late mother, causing guilt to twist inside her. Then, a voice. One that was somehow Regulus and her mother all in one. Saying Solveiga, why weren't you there? Why weren't you there for me in my final moments?

And that was all she could take.

Solveiga startled awake, gasping for air as if she'd been held underwater. Her body was trembling, and she let out a soft whine as she put the lavender back in its place and decided to go for a walk. Yes, it was freezing outside, but she needed some fresh air. But then, as she left her alcove, a scent hit her nose and with it came a flood of relief. Regulus had returned. He was safe. Oh, thank heavens. She trotted toward his alcove, hesitating for a moment before making up her mind and poking her head inside. He had offered to share his alcove with her, hadn't he? Maybe sleeping beside him would clear her mind of worries and fears so she could finally get some sleep.

"Regulus?" she whispered, not wanting to disturb or wake anyone else by being too loud. "Are you still awake?"