Quick one or two shot written as a challenge from my husband. Could be part of "In the Family" universe or stand alone 'romance' for Alistair and Morrigan. Lyric line breaks from the musical Galavant.
- 0 - End A/N - 0 -
-You're frigid and demanding; I shudder at your call. The moment you come near me my flesh begins to crawl. But sometimes there are moments I'm not repelled at all. Maybe you're not the worst thing ever!-
They were traveling with the daughter of the witch of the wilds. While the newest Warden seemed to be of the opinion 'What more could go wrong' Alistair quickly answered the question in his head and grimaced as his thoughts provided 'Blood magic.' Just because she hadn't used it yet didn't mean she was unlikely or unable to after all! The very concept scared Alistair into vigilance. After all, nothing can stop a quest faster than being killed in your sleep by an apostate.
Morrigan was exactly what Alistair feared in wild magic. She was powerful, able to blend in by changing to a beast at a moment's notice, and from everything he has seen she was also emotionless. It was a dangerous combination, even if his companion didn't see it...
"Camp here tonight," the other Warden suggested. "We'll never make Lothering by nightfall, and I'd rather avoid any night bandits or Loghain's soldiers."
Alistair had to agree, but watched the witch. Morrigan seemed about to speak against it. Did she hate rest?
"This is a chasind burial ground," Morrigan finally explained. "If we head into the trees 'twil provide better cover and honor their dead."
The Warden agreed, but Alistair quietly was astounded. She was thinking of something honorable, something kind. Maybe it was just to keep them from attack, or maybe...
Maybe she wasn't quite his worst nightmare after all.
-You're utterly disgusting, and I loathe your manly stink. I see your mouth start moving and gods I need a drink. Then from out of nowhere I'll look at you and think maybe you're not the worst thing ever.-
Morrigan rolled her eyes. Of course it was Alistair who had gotten hurt. The sniveling child, and of course he wasn't quiet about his displeasure in it. Morrigan hated that she was the closest thing to a healer- they really needed someone strong in spirit magic, since she could do only so much with poultices. Plus it put her far too close to the wounded man.
Alistair was no princely figure. Morrigan actively held her breath while she worked, the smell of sweat and battle too strong for her delicate nose. At least hurting he wasn't...
"So you are the group's nursemaid now?"
Creators, why was he talking? How was he talking, even? This was deeper than she'd initially thought. Maybe she should have taken their Warden leader up on the offer of a drink before this to 'steady her hands.' It would have at least helped her shut out his voice. She tried to ignore him, an attempt that worked to silence him until she twisted tautly and he gave a quick shout.
"Are you trying to make it worse?" Alistair quipped with a hiss under his breath.
"Were I attempting such, you would know."
Alistair sighed. "Maker... I meant no offense."
"And I took none." Morrigan pulled back, the extent of her skills spent and her charge significantly less wounded than before she started. A thought occurred there, however. "Might I posit a question, Alistair?"
"Depends. Might choose not to answer if I don't like it?"
Morrigan nodded and asked. "You were nowhere near that bandit when we started, but still managed to take the hit. Why did you choose so?"
Alistair looked up, confused. "He was coming towards you. I know I can handle some damage, but I wasn't sure of your... constitution."
Morrigan accepted the answer as she stepped away, though that was more to hide the shock of his answer. He had willing put himself in the way to protect her- for whatever reason.
Maybe there was more to him than originally thought.
-You're worse than crabs, worse than scurvy, worse than lice or plague, but truth be told you're growing on me just like mold...-
"Now we have a dog, and Alistair is still the dumbest one in the party."
"You hurt my manly feelings. All one of them."
The words flew between the pair as they walked through the Deep Roads in search of the ancient thaig, but the acerbic cruelty was gone. Somewhere in the last month it had dissipated into friendly banter.
There was still mistrust. Of course there was. But on the other hand...
The group of hurlocks attacked. Before Morrigan registered them fully she heard Alistair's sword clashing to her right. She cast towards him with flame, filling the area to keep his opponents busy. From her other side she heard the other Warden and Wynn beginning their own battle, but she was fully focused as she took spider form and attacked alongside Alistair. The others disappeared for a moment.
It wasn't that Morrigan trusted him or liked him; he just worked well with her and seemed to have her back...
-I know you're so annoying, so easy to despise.
I'm sure there's something scary beneath those cold dead eyes.
Although I'll never like you it's nice to realize that maybe I shouldn't quite say never...-
The group had been together for six weeks, and Morrigan had never joined the others at their fire. Alistair had noticed, and decided something had to change. If she wouldn't come to them...
The witch seemed surprised to look up an see him sanding there. "Can I be of assistance?"
"I just was wanting to see how you were getting on," Alistair fumbled quietly. "So- how are you, Morrigan?"
The witch now looked dumbfounded. It was a subtle look, but Alistair was getting better at reading them. "I am well," she noted, confused.
"That's not..." Alistair sighed. "This was a bad idea." He turned to walk away, but was called back.
"Wait. If you wish to... sit and talk, or sit quietly, from time to time..."
Alistair smiled. That was exactly what he hoped. Perhaps in learning about her, he could put the last misgivings he had about apostates to rest. And if it turned to friendship or... Well, let it come as it would.
-Maybe you're not the worst thing ever.-