\
Minor Edit: March 22nd, 2014
A Very Brief Overview for New Readers
1. Drama materializes beginning in chapter 4; Morrigan realizes her budding feelings.
2. Then simmers at chapter 6; somewhat happy days.
3. Then returns to a boil at chapter 9; Morrigan is reminded of her true nature.
4. Then eventually erupts onwards; a darker side begins to manifest.
And please use this mix I created if you would like to save time from searching. It contains all the songs featured in this story. Just replace -dot- with a . because FF is being a betch. tinyurl -dot- com / skinnylovesongs
Skinny Love
by Archristol
Disclaimer: I don't own Morrigan or the other Dragon Age characters. Ophelia Cousland's all mine, however. Song lyrics aren't mine.
Chapter 1 - Stars
I can give it all on the first date,
I don't have to exist outside this place,
And dear know that I can change.
[-]
Inactive blue glass eyes slowly opened.
It was blurry.
So its feminine eyelashes helped flicker the eyesight to a fix. And they discovered a flimsy wooden ceiling hovering above, faintly illuminated.
Possibly… A shack? Dawn or dusk?
Thoughts scrambled for an explanation, hurting when it jogged rampantly. For certain, the mind knew of itself.
Ophelia Cousland. A noblewoman, rogue, and… Grey Warden.
Suddenly, the thought was interrupted.
"Ah, your eyes finally open. Mother should be pleased," a familiar woman's voice encouraged. Ophelia could hear the floor creak as she ambled closer.
Someone's mother? The one who took the Grey Warden treaties. Flemeth… Was it? And her daughter; that voice…
Ophelia's irises tracked the source of the bold articulation, past her limp arms, the ruffled blankets, and unto the face of a mage equal her age.
Morrigan… She had been saved and cared for.
She bent her upper body, enough to eye the woman, eagerly inquisitive, "Your mother… She saved me?" There was a brief pause as she held some digits on a temple. Saved her from… "Wait––what happened to the darkspawn?"
Morrigan regarded her with concern – but limited patience, "You were injured then mother rescued you, yes. And, to answer your second question, the man who was to respond to your signal quit the field. The darkspawn won your battle," she continued carefully, "Those he abandoned were massacred. Your friend… He is not taking it well."
The Grey Warden's eyes widened to an extent, "You mean Alistair? Is he alright?"
"The suspicious, dim-witted one who was with you before, yes. He is outside by the fire, just fine. Mother asked to see when you awoke," Morrigan quickly shifted topics, hoping to be dismissed.
"Why did your mother save us, exactly?" and another question. Oh, but the woman had merely awakened. She deserved a few more answers.
"I wonder at that myself, but she tells me nothing. Perhaps you were the only ones she could reach," in her wish to not be interrogated further, she decided to tease lightly, "I would have rescued your king. A king would be worth a much higher ransom than you."
Ophelia, not completely despaired by the events, shot back, "I happen to be nobility, you know."
"I stand corrected," the witch admitted with a straight face, but her golden globes twinkled with humor.
"Hmm, well… Thank you, Morrigan. For everything," Ophelia said, in her usual courtesy.
Morrigan was genuinely heart warmed to a degree. That civility she performed previously... And she remembered her name. "I… You are welcome."
The Warden reclined on the bed she rested, eyes lost again on the roofing, "I'll be out in a while. I… I want to rest my head for a couple more minutes, if you don't mind."
"No, I do not mind," Morrigan assured. She circled the bed then tapped on a wooden container – to which Ophelia peeked, "Your belongings are in this chest, once you are ready."
Morrigan left when she received a nod from the reposed platinum blonde head. Unknown to her, its brain reviewed the information gathered in a whirlwind.
Morrigan and her mother could be trusted, for the moment. Though, they would have an initial intent for saving them – this, she was fairly confident of. And Loghain quit the field. Not entirely unexpected, as she had foreseen the shady resolve in his eyes. The gravity of the betrayal, however, was inconceivable – it meant that Duncan and King Cailan were dead – manipulated to be intentionally left for dead. They were murdered, just the same. In addition to her… Family… Especially, her mother and father…
[-]
But if stars, shouldn't shine,
By the very first time,
Then dear it's fine, so fine by me,
'Cause we can give it time,
So much time,
With me.
[-]
"Wow! This place is swarming with refugees," a Templar spoke with mock shock. Ophelia couldn't care less as he plotted with a whisper, "We should pretend to get lost... Then run for the hills when the coast is clear, leaving the evil witch behind." He sounded extra excited at that last phrase.
Her dog, Nutella, barked conversationally as they walked. The Mabari was rescued by Flemeth as well, much to her joyful surprise.
"You're so funny, Alistair," she deadpanned, "But I'm rea~lly too tired to play hide and seek. Not after those bogus toll collectors, anyway. Give me an hour or so to recover, at least."
"Oh c'mon!" Alistair hunched in disappointment. He was very disappointed. That plan was the most perfect plan out of his long list of "Ditch the Witch" schemes and his leader didn't give a rat's ass. Unless the rat happened to be Morrigan. What she saw in her, he couldn't grasp.
The inseparable trio walked together, with the sorceress as their third wheel (which she preferred, nonetheless.) Flemeth had offered Morrigan to be a part of their team for purposes of assistance in their quest to end the Blight. The elderly woman was quite content with the exchange, and her obedient daughter quite the opposite. Either way, Ophelia agreed to let her tag along for the sole excuse that it couldn't hurt. And if it did, she would be prepared. She considered Morrigan's advice, and they traveled onwards to Lothering in a couple of hours with bandits as their only obstacle. Alistair had been quiet for most of the period, save for the times he conspired against the loner. He was back in good spirits once they reached their destination, despite Morrigan's witty remarks to shoot him back down.
It was now noon and the Warden's starving, and thus – easily irritated. In which case, when they neared the end of the crowd and found a merchant squabbling with a Chantry lady over prices, Ophelia was absolutely frustrated. She led her group to interfere when the man shoved the protester aside.
"It's so nice to see everyone working together in a crisis. Warms the heart," Alistair first gained their bothered attention with his intrusion. Ophelia studied the turmoil with a fold of her armored arms.
"You there! You look able. Would you care to make a tiny profit helping a beleaguered businessman?" the trader referred to her, smirking optimistically.
She shrugged, "Get rid of the tiny part, and I'll consider it." Her posture and tone hinted at restricted negotiation.
"A-ha! I'm not the only one with some business sense," the bearded man chuckled proudly.
A whiny grumble came from the Chantry woman, "He is charging outlandish prices for things people desperately need! Their blood is filling his pockets!"
"'Tis only survival of the fittest. All of these cretins would do the same in his shoes, given the chance," Morrigan chimed in.
The merchant added to his defense, "I have limited supplies. The people decide what those supplies are worth to them."
"You bought most of your wares from these very people last week! Now they flee for their lives, and you want to talk business?" the nagging lady cried for pity.
"Look, stranger. I've a hundred silvers if you'll drive this rabble off, starting with that priest. I'm an honest merchant, nothing more," he declared, conclusive.
"Add a discount and you have a deal," Ophelia firmly insisted.
"Fine. Drive off this woman and get your hundred silvers, plus a twenty percent discount."
The two debating individuals were examined thoroughly before she announced, "Alright, let me talk to her."
She directed everyone to wait before she politely steered the priest away to speak privately. Once they were distant from earshot, she shushed the whining woman then sympathized with her, "Listen closely. My name is Ophelia, and I am a Grey Warden. Believe it or not, I'm here to help you." The lady sighed then nodded, still with an ill-tempered expression but noiseless. "The man offered one hundred silvers. Now, I can give you that money to divide amongst the poor folk, if you promise to be silent," she signaled a stopping hand when she predicted an objection, "Or you can leave it up to me to gather the necessary supplies for them, I will be able to collect more with the discount. Lothering will most likely be swallowed up by the darkspawn once my group leaves this place. Until then, you can seek me out if this is not enough. As for the merchant, leave him to feel triumphant about the situation. With it, I can haggle a bit more if needed. Understood?" She gazed upon her with a kind ardor that was calming.
The older woman trusted her reassuring words and bobbed her head in gratitude, "I await for your return then, Grey Warden. Thank you for this generous assistance."
"Don't thank me yet," Ophelia hid a smile as she reverted back to her playacting – and discovered Morrigan observing her dubiously.
[-]
And I can draw the line on the first date,
I'll let you cross it,
Let you take every line I've got,
When the time gets late.
[-]
After her little service, Ophelia made priority of her stomach and headed to the next most sensible stop – or the closest thing that looked like a place to eat – Dane's Refuge. When they entered, all she wanted to do was find the nearest perishable food (that would replace the bitterness, from the Witch of the Wild's stew, lingering in her tongue) and choke herself to death by pigging out on it, maybe. What she totally didn't expect to run into were Loghain's lapdogs, accusing them for the King's death and informing them of their scattered lies throughout Ferelden. She was almost too happy to beat their faces to a pulp and send them packing with a message for Loghain. A Chantry sister, who forcibly helped them, demanded to come with for reasons of a vision. Morrigan and Alistair shared their disfavors, but Ophelia only granted her wish, even without an elaboration, due to exhausted exasperation – and because she was kind of cute. They switched introductions and identified her name to be Leliana, a bard from Orlais.
Not too long after their second quarrel in town, and minor break, they went ahead to do some more benevolent errands – which Ophelia said she required to burn calories and gain several silvers in the process. Alistair and Leliana were easily glad to help. The mage, on the other hand, threw a few scoffs here and there before she did as she was told.
On the way to their next assignment, they encountered a caged Qunari by the name of Sten, who murdered a family, including the children. Funnily, Morrigan suggested to free him out of mercy. Not simplistic to set him at liberty, Ophelia asked him to compensate for his crimes by helping them against the Blight. The gigantic man settled for her offer, and she acquired the necessary permission for his freedom.
What was a party of three, plus dog, was now a party of five, plus dog.
[-]
But if stars, shouldn't shine,
By the very first time,
Then dear it's fine, so fine by me,
'Cause we can give it time,
So much time,
With me.
[-]
Evening was finally at hand. During their excursions in and around Lothering, they managed to eradicate the rest of the troublesome bandits, rid the town of bears and spiders, and report a woman's death.
They were back at the refuge's crowded bar and ate supper together at a large table. Initially, Morrigan and Sten were reluctant to conform and join them, but after a little persuasion, they took their seats. Ophelia used this opportunity for a time to know each other and did so with the help of purchased liquor. Alistair seemed to be having a man conversation with Sten, while the women chatted on the opposite edge – with Leliana doing most of the talking.
"I'm wondering Morrigan... Do you believe in the Maker?" Leliana asked, curious.
Morrigan stirred her food for no apparent goal, looking somewhere else, "Certainly not. I've no primitive fear of the moon such that I must place my faith in tales so that I may sleep at night," then she devoured a spoonful, avoiding eye contact.
"But this can't all be an accident. Spirits, magic, all these wondrous things around us both dark and light," Leliana pushed, eyeing Morrigan studiously.
Not to be dislodged, Morrigan retorted, "The fact of their existence does not presuppose an intelligent design by some absentee father-figure."
"So it is all random, then? A happy coincidence that we are all here?" she tried for a second time.
The witch described pragmatically, "Attempting to impose order over chaos is futile. Nature is, by its very nature, chaotic."
"I don't believe that. I believe we have a purpose. All of us." A hopeful air emitted from Leliana.
And the air rapidly got vacuumed away. "Yours, apparently being to bother me."
When the talkative woman figured she was being disregarded, she looked at Ophelia, "What about you, Ophelia? Surely you believe in the Maker."
"Of course," Ophelia uttered seriously, "I believe in our father's testicles," then she imbibed a mouthful of wine.
Leliana leaned in, unconvinced of what she heard, "Our father's wha–––?" dumbfounded, she sunk into her chair, giggling quite irrepressibly, "Why I've never even thought of it that way!"
A swift chuckle also escaped from Morrigan, "Now that is a more tangible Maker to give credence, if there ever happened to be a parallel dimension where I revered in one." She stopped scrutinizing her plate and glimpsed at the woman beside her who made the comment. What she caught her doing reignited the intensifying dislike she held for the comedian, "Stop looking at my breasts like that. 'Tis most disturbing!"
Ophelia propped on an elbow as her eyes remained on her milky bosom, visualizing, "But they're so bare… So… Exposed. Are you positive you're not asking for it?"
"You are a very ODD woman!" Cut off garments became hastily adjusted after a glare and subtle blush from its wearer.
"They are nice breasts, I will admit," Leliana joked on their leader's other side, laughing. But then an arm was draped around her shoulders, pulling her.
"You think so too, do you?" Ophelia smirked coquettishly as she faced her. Her breath tickled the recipient, whose head was turned by extended slender fingers.
The red head was captivated by the dreamy icicle stare, "Yes–why?"
An inch closer and she was inhaled by a straight nose, "Mmm... You're adorable, Leliana." Then she received a peck on the lips; a short but firm peck.
It had been short, so why could she still feel her dark painted lips on hers?
She was, again, dumbfounded – this time, with her mouth agape. Ophelia simply observed her with an amused smile while every presence, that witnessed the act, gawked at them, waiting for more.
What happened?
Those beautiful eyes…
Did she like her?
Those plump lips that daunted, and now heartened…
Was it just out of enjoyment?
Her perplexingly seducing fragrance that by some means endured the day…
Why was she so capricious?
Mmmmmm…
Nearby, Morrigan's eyebrows crumpled deeply as she inspected them, eyes wide. She was bothered. And baffled. Then mad. Then maddeningly baffled. The woman was unfathomable!
[-]
If you want me,
Let me know,
Where do you wanna go,
No need for talking,
I already know,
If you want me,
Why go.
[-]
SWHOOSH–––!
"Damn it, Sten!" the scoundrel clad with dark red medium armor dropped low with a single bent knee in an effort to dodge a heavy double-handed sword that sliced horizontally over her. The metallic shine of the blade cast a gleam on her face as her eyes followed its swipe. She succeeded, only by a hair, and she renewed her posture rather deftly, "We agreed I'm a woman! Be gentle!"
In spite of her warning, the stoic continued with his mighty swings. Her quick feet two-stepped each evasion, twisting her body effortlessly as she sped up her pace. She trod backwards as he pressed forwards, offensive. Her gaze was steadfast on the man, regardless of the strength of his brute force attacks that nearly divided her into fractions.
The grass they fought on became messy – mainly thanks to Sten's continuous assaults that failed. His controlled countenance was slowly dissipating, whereas Ophelia's was resilient. Her two prominent tresses hung loose over her sharp visage and swayed attractively with her movements.
"Why do you run?" the larger fighter barked wearily after he discerned he had been missing every strike for a prolonged amount of time.
The rogue could've just ran circles around him, had she found it more amusing. "Who's running?" she leaped.
CRASH!
A boulder cracked into fragments from an upright diagonal swing, trapping his weapon – which two nimble boots landed and put a burden on.
Tock–!
Ophelia flicked a small rock she caught, directly in between his eyes, "Looks like I win."
Sten stumbled back and clutched his forehead momentarily, "But you haven't drawn your weapon."
"Alas, did you prefer I flung my dagger unto your head instead? The difference in execution is minuscule, I promise you," she grinned victoriously as she tried to seize his claymore, struggling at that. "This sword… Must be… Heavier than I am!" she huffed.
The Grey Warden was fragile. Easily breakable. If he had planted one solid hit on her, she could be dead.
He orbited around and peacefully withdrew his blade from the pile of stones, "This adds to my confusion. You are incredibly weak, yet somehow a formidable opponent." They sternly stared each other down for what felt like a whole minute. Faraway, muted chuckles could be perceived. "I still don't know what to make of you."
[-]
Alistair and Leliana clapped from the sidelines as Ophelia approached them, cool and composed. Nutella woofed and rolled on the ground, inspired.
"What a great fight!" the Templar complimented ecstatically, "I almost peed myself watching you dodge all those incoming blows, one after another!" He sighed with relief, "Glad I didn't, I knew you'd be oh~kay."
"Yes, you did wonderful! Oh, but I was so scared for you! Why did you have to let his swings get that close?" the bard probed, her face wrinkled with mild worry.
"Thank you, truly, so much," the blonde head bowed professionally as if the audience was plenty. "And Leliana, you should know that suspense is essential for drama in the art of battle. I wouldn't want to bore everyone."
"But you're absolutely amazing… I don't think that's possible," Leliana simpered, flirtatious.
Alistair looked away, trying not to look depressed from realization of his favorite Warden being completely gay.
Ophelia smiled pleasantly for some seconds to acknowledge her praise, before she glanced for the rest, "Anyway, how are your tents? Need help with anything?"
"Not I," Sten spoke from behind her as he eventually caught up, "Mine is stable. I'll be inside," then he hurriedly disappeared.
"Yea… Not me either," the other Grey Warden went and parted his tent covers, "Welp, it's been a fun evening. I'm going to sleep too, good night," then he climbed in and closed them.
"Mine's okay, I guess. Uhm, so..." Leliana tucked strands of hair under an ear, nervous, "Where will you be setting up your tent?" she swayed a tad with her question.
"I haven't decided, really," Ophelia answered frankly.
Was she crushing on her, already?
"I see... I'll see you in the morning then," and the Orlesian faded into her tent, peeping at her sweetly for the last time, "Sweet dreams."
The Mabari crawled to stained boots, sleepy, "Come then, Nutella, I have one last stop before I set up my own tent." The war dog whined. "Or you can stay and sleep here, if you like."
[-]
I can give it all on the first date,
I don't have to exist outside this place,
And dear know that I can change.
[-]
Morrigan busted out of her tent once she heard what could be a disturbance. Unfortunately, it was far worse than what she imagined.
Ophelia was assembling her tent.
"Did you not develop the impression that I wished to be left alone by constructing my camp remote from you imbeciles? For such a cunning woman, you are such an inexplicable FOOL!" she growled in an escalating soprano as she confronted her with a malicious mien and intimidating stance.
There will be a fucking storm tonight, with lightning, thunder, and hail.
Ophelia advanced onto her, as tranquil as a Tranquil, "With that type of animosity, Morrigan, you'll invite the darkspawn sooner than later." She shifted her weight on her rearmost leg and raised a hand above a hip, nonchalant.
"Ah!" the witch giggled sardonically, "So you plan to become my neighbor to protect me – is that your intent?" She didn't provide a chance for a response, "Well, you – whore of a Warden – have miscalculated. I am perfectly capable of defending myself," and she thrust a pointing finger at her shoulder. "Move your tent, unless you desire a demonstration."
The Warden didn't budge but snickered, "Actually, Morrigan, it's rather the contrary. I want you to protect me, because I trust that you are, indeed, the only one sagacious enough to do so." As instant as she played it happily, her face transformed into significance, "Morrigan, I am genuinely concerned for you. You have singled yourself out by isolating your camp. Anything or anyone can easily abduct you short of our notice. Skill or no skill––Precaution. Is. Best."
They shared a focused rivet as Morrigan breathed gradually to a calm. Golden globes held a dimming fire while full moons glimmered with ensnaring sanctuary. When Ophelia established her point to be taken, she blinked and swerved back to her work without a word.
The dark haired contemplated the diplomat's compelling words, and suddenly felt that she had been the immature one. Life out of the Korcari Wilds was utterly new to her, and she mistook their leader's aims as a simple way to aggravate her. She was too used to solitude and overlooked her own safety for selfish reasons. She had never slept alone in the Wilds. At least, if she did, Flemeth had the eyes of an unearthly being. And now that she journeyed with people who have bounty on their heads, she would be safer accompanied.
Unable to be stubborn any longer, she progressed to her neighbor's tent and exhaled for recognition upon arrival, "You are, indefinitely, an enigma. 'Tis difficult to explain, but I am disgusted by you just as much as I am fascinated by you."
Ophelia finished up with her architecture and watched her, engaging and inquiring. She stood but remained silent, allowing her to continue.
"I know about the deal you composed with the obnoxious Chantry woman. Did you honestly consider that I would not see past your ignorant playacting?" Morrigan stated, softer and not offensively, then concealed a gulp, "But what you displayed there was clever and resourceful. People are willing to be influenced by you and follow you, an obvious cause for how several more we are, currently. And, not to mention, that fine performance this evening."
"Hmm… I dare say that this is a side I never expected from you, not one bit," the rogue modeled a faint smile, "Thanks."
"Nevertheless, you are still sickening – kissing a bard you barely even met. How crude. And also, gaze at my breasts, no more," the mage rebuked, easily nullifying her former commendations.
Ophelia snorted gracefully, "Okay." Not in a brazen manner, anyway. "Henceforth, you'll let me stay without dispute?"
"So long as you do not snore like a drunken glutton, I suppose I can tolerate your contiguous company," the dark head showed lenience with a once-over.
"Good to hear. I couldn't snore if I tried," Ophelia twinkled with delight, "You know… If you were formerly opposed to me building my tent next to yours – we could share yours, if you'd like."
"Not in this lifetime, philanderer."
[-]
But if stars, shouldn't shine,
By the very first time,
Then dear it's fine, so fine by me,
'Cause we can give it time,
So much time,
With me.
Song
"Stars" by The XX (Recommended: LAZRtag Remix)
Feedback for What You Are
Arf-Arf-Psycho: Yes, me too. Since I can see how many hits and visitors it's getting, it's the more shocking... You have to wonder what people are doing with it... In any case, thank you for reviewing! I'm glad you enjoyed. Hope you came back for this one. :)
AlexisBlade: Well, here's my stab at "write more." Did you like? Were they just as funny? I know, no Zevran yet. But he'll be joining soon. :D Thank you so much for the review.
Thank you again for the reviews. Even the favorites that didn't review. All of it inspires me to write more.
A/N: Okay... I'm giving this story a shot (if you haven't read What You Are, go read it.) I hope this gets enough love (REVIEWS!) because I do have some good drama (and humor, naturally) stored for it. It follows the Dragon Age: Origins storyline, of course. But it focuses on the Warden and Morrigan's relationship (can you tell?)
I know I did a lot of summarizing for this chapter. I really cut out the bullshet and went straight for the important parts. I might add some more detail to make this longer... The 4k words just isn't good to look at for some reason. LOL. Or should I keep my chapters this way? If you've read my other stories, there's one that's about 10k words long for one chapter. Well... I guess if you're a diehard Bayonetta&Jeanne fan, you wouldn't mind.
Oh, and again, I have art for Ophelia and Morrigan in my dA. Check profile links.
Review if you liked. Anonymous or not. Leave a :p if you want. Or a S2. I even dare you to criticize it! Just give me some motherfokin' reviews. Thanks.
\