A/N Warning: My stuff is NOT for everyone. Please read all author notes.
This series will be a polyamorous tale. If that's not your thing, that's okay. Just move on.
There is no telling who the relationship endgame (of the series) will be. It could be two characters, or four. Stories have a way of twisting themselves in unconceivable ways. It will also depend on which sequel you choose. I can tell you, all candidates will be female as I only write femslash. It will be between F!Cousland, Morrigan, Leliana, and Isabela.
But again; if that's not your thing and you're worried about wasting your time, please move on.
The Cousland Warden will have a completely different background from the game. Morrigan is a little AU as I wanted to explore her softer side. This story will be focused on Morrigan/F!Cousland
After reading this fic, two separate sequels will be written to give reader a choice in which direction this story takes. Please read all author notes to stay updated.
GRAPHIC WARNING throughout story! This will be the ONLY warning so future chapters are not spoiled. Lots of sex, gore, violence, temporary G!P, etc. Ye have been warned...
Crystal awoke to the coldness of stone that was her bed and stretched out her aching muscles. Slowly sitting up, she held her head with sweaty palms and rubbed at her temples while squinting against the dim firelight illuminating her chambers.
It had been a rough night. A nightmare had plagued the young assassin. She dreamt of the void, a cosmic realm of darkness and utter nothingness. She had learned early on to see the void as an eternal heaven of night.
But the nothingness had consumed her mind; she couldn't cope with the deafening silence of the environment. She couldn't see. An entire world of blackness engulfed her, blinded her. It drove the assassin to the brink of insanity. Trapped and desolate, Crystal screamed out against the darkness, beseeching any being willing to listen to come to her rescue.
Only after endless pleading was she greeted with the hauntingly melodic whisper of an unknown deity. As the mysterious voice repeated its message over and over like a mantra, an unsettling feeling nested in the pit of her stomach.
Delusion is thy Mother, no longer will that be, embrace me so I may save thee. Trust the path ahead and catch it when it flees.
Catch it when it flees? What in Skyrim did that mean? Shaking off the dream and its eerieness, Crystal rose and crossed the room to her wardrobe. As her hand sifted through her robes, she let the implications of the day settle over her.
Today was Crystal's eighteenth naming day, which meant a great deal in the Dark Brotherhood. Today, the assassin would pledge her undying loyalty and offer her soul to the Night Mother. If the dark deity judged her worthy enough, she wouldburn her mark into Crystal's flesh, sealing their bond forever.
Bearing the Mark of the Night Mother was a great honour, and bestowed to few. The clan had high expectations of Crystal and her worthiness of becoming a dark agent. She was raised from birth to be a killer, and trained by every member of the Dark Brotherhood firsthand. She had a talent for the art of assassination and showed promise like no other. A life of killing was all she knew.
Her hand paused on a garment when the Dark Brotherhood symbol came into focus. A black handprint encircled. Few knew its significance. The symbol had burned its place into her memory over the years. She would never forget. Could never forget.
Suddenly a plethora of thoughts flooded Crystal's mind. What if the Night Mother does deem me worthy? Has this day truly arrived already? So soon? What will happen to me? What would the Night Mother demand of me?
Crystal shook the thoughts away and continued to dress. There was no certainty the Night Mother would take notice of her, let alone make her an agent. If she was worthy she'd be ready. And if she wasn't, well, she'd be ready for that too.
Once dressed, she headed for the heavy wooden-paneled door of the bedroom. As it creaked open, she was immediately met with one swaying slurring Gabriella, the clan's seer.
The assassin wasn't surprised to see the woman hovering in her doorway. The dark elf often turned up in the oddest of places acting ridiculous. Beady crimson orbs stared through Crystal from beneath a dark red hood. That glassy glare didn't seem to see Crystal, which meant the seer was either having a vision, or drunk.
"Your life will be forever changed after this night. Rage will fuel you; death will surround and follow you. And not the kind of the good variety. The pain to come will be yours. Ohhh, the pain you have coming!"
Rolling her eyes, Crystal shoved Gabriella to the side and headed for the dining hall.
"Heed my warning, young assassin!" Gabriella trailed after her. "This rage will blind you. Should you lose yourself to it, all will be lost."
Ignoring the warning, Crystal continued on unfazed. She was used to Gabriella's outbursts. After a time, she stopped paying attention altogether.
Laughter rang out as she neared the dining hall. Voices gained clarity as she grew nearer. It sounded like Festus Krex; her grumpy mage mentor was bickering about, and Nazir was laughing at something the old man had said.
Crystal couldn't help but smile and shake her head at the old goat's crotchety behaviour.
"Give it up old timer." Nazir chuckled.
Festus and Nazir seemed to be in a standoff of sorts when Crystal entered the hall. Festus had a fireball blazing readily and aimed at Nazir who also was at the ready to attack. His scimitar looked especially shiny that evening. Nazir smiled when he noticed Crystal.
"Well good evening, young one. Although, that term may be inappropriate now that you're eighteen. Come, eat with us." Nazir offered, gesturing toward the long dining table filled with fruits, bread, and meats.
Festus snuffed out the flame in his hand and turned to greet Crystal too. "You will need your strength tonight, my student. I look forward to the summoning. We expect great things from you."
Crystal allowed a brief smile at Festus' words. "Thanks, but I just came to feed Babette before heading out for a few last minute ingredients."
Upon hearing her name, Babette turned in her chair across the hall, excitement evident in her dark blood-lusting gaze. At first glance, Babette appeared to be a ten-year-old child. But in reality, was a three-hundred-year-old vampire.
Her victims never seemed to suspect the angelic looking child; that was her strategy. She was the clan's alchemist and taught Crystal everything she knew about poisons. Often when Babette couldn't leave the sanctuary due to the discomfort of sunlight, Crystal would offer up her blood.
"Hungry dark sister?" Crystal asked as she exposed her wrist.
"Thank you, child," Babette replied in that hushed scratchy tone of hers.
Taking the wrist offered, sharp fangs pressed into soft skin. Crystal winced at the fierce sting to follow, but then came the pleasure. Babette had the ability for a bite to bring pleasure or unbearable pain.
The assassin let out a long breath and let her shoulders relax as the comforting euphoric feeling rushed through her. Once nourished, the vampire released her grip and wiped her face before thanking Crystal again.
The assassin raised her wrist for closer examination of the bite mark left behind. Not wanting a scar, she raised her other hand over the fresh wound and began a low-level healing spell. The palm obeyed, glowing brilliantly and sealing the wound back to its natural state.
Crystal knew little healing magic but could heal small things such as this. With a nod and a quick wave, she turned to leave.
"Before you go dear, take this healing potion. It's always good to keep one on hand until you get better at healing magic."
"Thank you, Babette. I'll see you at tonight's ritual."
"I look forward to it, dear."
The potion was tucked into deep pockets as Crystal proceeded toward the sanctuary's exit. She was almost to the door when she heard someone clear their throat behind her.
"And where would you be sneaking off to this gloomy evening I wonder? Ritual preparation I hope. It's an important night for you."
Crystal turned at the sound of Astrid's smooth hypnotic tone.
"Yes. I need a fresh human heart and blood-soaked nightshade for my blade."
Astrid hummed her approval and sauntered closer. Her eyes closed a moment as if hearing something that wasn't there.
"The Night Mother wishes you to go to the abandoned house instead. Hide nearby, and wait."
Crystal couldn't help the shiver that ran down her spine and swore she felt an icy grip clasp the back of her neck. She felt this every time Astrid closed her eyes in concentration.
Astrid, leader of their clan, had come to the Dark Brotherhood at a young age. She was recruited shortly after the murder of her uncle, he had made unwanted advances, and she was all too happy to get blood on her hands.
"What about the heart and nightshade?" Crystal asked.
"Babette will see to the nightshade, and I will gather you a fresh heart myself. Now go." Astrid ordered.
Used to these situations; Crystal turned and left the sanctuary without further question. It was not unusual for her to receive an immediate task from the Night Mother when in the middle of something. Though an order today of all days, was unexpected. Midnight was approaching. It would not be long before she summoned the Bride of Sithis herself.
The frost of the night air bit hard. Crystal breathed in deeply, allowing the crispness of the cold to alert her every sense. She stepped with familiarity through the dark forest; that was her home.
She knew these woods better than she knew herself. She had grown up in them after all. The Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary in Morthal was the only place she ever called home. Living among murderers and learning countless ways to kill others was the only life she had ever known.
Unseen animals growled their warnings as Crystal neared and passed them to no avail. The young assassin wasn't afraid and paid them no attention. Fear was a rare feat to someone of her status. She was a born killer and raised as such.
She trudged on through broken sticks and muck all the while keeping her steps silent until she neared the damaged building. Choosing to trust the shadows of the trees to hide her, Crystal crouched low and waited.
The brunette let go of her vision and focused all her energy on hearing while still maintaining peripheral vision. No surprises. Isolating every fleck of noise she could hear, she next deciphered what was behind each sound.
Crickets, frogs, lightning bugs, a gliding atronach, a fox, a flowing stream of water and…
were those footsteps? Zoning in on the sound, Crystal strained harder to separate and hear the soft rustle of thumping feet. The steps sounded rushed, someone was attempting and failing to be silent. They were frantic, unskilled in stealth, and trying desperately to stay hidden.
Suddenly, the atmosphere seemed to thicken and she couldn't decipher why. Something felt strange, not off, just unversed, yet all too familiar at the same time. Her heart began to beat erratically, threatening to break free of its confinements; her palms grew sweaty, a fluttery sensation began to bubble in her chest. What is coming over me?
Shrugging off the odd sensation like a professional, Crystal resumed waiting for the figure to emerge. It wasn't long before Crystal caught the silhouette of a woman near the building. She watched the shadow move past the building, but something was wrong.
The silhouette began to shift like shadow. The formless mist twisted and distorted beneath the moonlight before the assassin's scrutinizing gaze. Crystal blinked and wondered if her mind was playing tricks on her. What was she seeing?
When she reopened her lids a moment later, a wolf emerged, all traces of the unshapely shadow gone. The assassin stared in awe at the transformation she had just witnessed. The footsteps she heard before were human, she was sure of it.
Could this be a real life shapeshifter? Observing the hound, Crystal wondered why she was sent to this house. Was she meant to kill the wolf? Witness an event that had yet to happen? As if to answer her thoughts, a ghostly whisper came floating on the wind.
Follow it.
Crystal startled for the first time in her life. Disconcerted and surprised by the voice that seemed to have come from directly behind her. Whirling around, Crystal surveyed her surroundings again but saw no one. Slowly, she turned back toward the abandoned shack only to find the wolf had left; most likely disappearing amongst the trees.
Follow it, now! The voice repeated with more urgency. Its tone both threatening and comforting.
Rising quickly, Crystal charged toward the beast, steps still silent and stealthy. She kept to the shadows of the forest in pursuit, wondering all the while where this night was headed.
The wolf picked up speed and didn't slow until it reached a nearby stream. Once the animal came to a halt, Crystal used the opportunity to sink into the shadow of a bush to catch her breath. The wolf gaged its surroundings first before taking a drink.
Catch it.
There was that demanding phantom-like voice again. Crystal's eyes widened in realization as she finally recognized the voice, it was the same voice from her nightmare! Haunting and melodic, both threatening yet soothing.
Crystal then recalled the message, Delusion is thy Mother, no longer will that be, embrace me so I may save thee. Trust the path ahead and catch it when it flees.
The wolf! Catch it when it flees!
Usually, she would murder her target, but the command was to catch, not kill. Trust the path ahead. Going against her natural instinct to kill, she decided to obey.
Crystal's hand glowed a deep blue as she silently conjured a dagger and crept closer. Inevitably, the wolf smelled her presence. Alarmed, the creature's head snapped around at the intrusion, then bolted into the trees. Crystal let out a frustrated breath and followed at full speed.
She couldn't outrun the beast; it was too fast. Summoning the will within, she used an assassin rush spell to spring forward past the wolf in a blur of light. Now ahead of the wolf, Crystal stood just out of view behind a tree. With an outstretched dagger, she would wait for the wolf to run by and slice it from shoulder to ass.
Crystal tightened her grip on the ethereal blade as the beast drew closer. As expected, the wolf didn't notice the assassin or her dagger and raced right through the knife's serrated edge creating a long horizontal slit along its body, guts spilling from its side.
The wolf cried out with a horrible screech of agony, its legs gave way and collapsed in a heap on the forest floor as it whimpered and wheezed. It tried to crawl away as Crystal approached but couldn't. Shel stepped even closer to the wounded animal with the coldest of expressions.
She took in the scene before her and let it shape her just as she always did with her victims; but this time, her target would live. Kneeling beside the beast, Crystal assessed the damage. Deft hands raised over the deep slit and began to glow.
Before she could commence with the healing process however, she noticed an enchantment already seemed to be at work. Magical sparks surrounded the wolf like crawling dots of gold before yet another transformation took place before Crystal's eyes.
After the swirling, winding shadows of the transformation subsided, golden eyes of a young woman who seemed similar in age to the assassin stared back at Crystal. Those gorgeous orbs were piercing and profound, beautiful, but held traces of fear. Strands of jet black hair fell from a messy bun framing an ivory face.
She was beautiful to be sure; Crystal was mesmerized. They both froze as their eyes locked, Crystal held her breath, and her heart began to beat wildly all over again, accompanied by the same fluttery sensation from earlier as well.
She didn't snap back to reality until the other woman's eyes fell unfocused and slowly rolled back into her head. The assassin blinked, what was happening?
Realization hit when she remembered she had just sliced this goddess to shreds moments earlier. The wolf-woman was bleeding profusely! Analyzing the stranger's injury, Crystal noticed the blood seeped steadily out of the now unconscious body and began to pool beside them mixing with the mud and grime of the earth. There was so much, too much blood.
Crystal raised her hands over the gash and started the healing process once more. As her hands glowed, the wound mended. A large scar would inevitably be left behind on the once clear skin. After a few more minutes, the woman's eyes finally fluttered open.
"Does it still hurt?" Crystal asked.
The beautiful stranger tried to sit up; Crystal went to help her, but when nimble fingers touched slender shoulders both felt the curious spark of unseen emotion. Breathtaking suns snapped to Crystal's and stared hard with pointed brows.
The assassin was desperate to know what the other woman was thinking. Why, she didn't know. The mysterious shifter had already made her feel things unlike anything she had ever experienced; all before even knowing the golden-eyed wonder's name.
Crystal held the woman's gaze until finally, the damsel parted full chapped lips to speak. "Yes. But I'll manage."
"I'm sorry. I don't get much practice with healing magic-"
"You cut me!" The girl burst out. "And chased me through the woods and now you're healing me? I demand to know why!"
Crystal's brows shot to new heights. She demands me? Although it excited her, Crystal couldn't let it fly. This woman needs to be put in her place.
"You demand me?" Crystal snorted.
With a smirk she shoved the girl roughly to the ground again before straddling her, intentionally putting pressure on the still healing wound. Screams of agony penetrated the air. A sick smile spread to the assassin's lips.
She removed her hand from the laceration and dangled the ethereal dagger she conjured earlier over the girl's chest before speaking again. "You demand me?" Crystal shoved her companion back again. "What right have you to demand anything of me?"
Shock and frustration stare back at her. "I'm… sorry," was the angry response.
An evil grin plastered itself across Crystal's face. Satisfied the girl learned her lesson, she stood up and offered her hand. Hesitating first, the mysterious woman accepted and rose to wobbly feet before regaining her balance. Crystal noted the softness of the touch.
"What's your name, shapeshifter?"
"I don't see how that's any relevance to you."
"Do I need to put you on the ground again?" Crystal spat.
With crossed arms and a roll of her eyes, she muttered, "'Tis Morrigan."
Well, now what? Crystal wondered. She needed to return to the sanctuary. She had to perform the summoning soon, and she couldn't take Morrigan with her. Nor could she just kill the woman. Nor do I want to, she realized. Crystal locked eyes with Morrigan as she decided what to do.
The assassin felt an unnerving pleasantness envelop her as she continued to stare into those golden suns and wondered why an unusual sensation of bliss continued to swirl inside her chest. Indeed, Morrigan was pleasing to the eye, but Crystal couldn't help feeling drawn to the woman somehow.
"Where are you headed?" Crystal asked.
Morrigan looked around but didn't answer.
"I just want to make sure you get out of these woods safe." The words felt foreign off Crystal's tongue. What is happening to me? Why did I just say that? And why did that voice have me catch this woman?
"I… don't… actually have a place to go," Morrigan answered.
Crystal let out a breath as an idea came to mind. "Come with me. You can stay at that abandoned house where we first crossed paths."
"You've been following me since that wretched building?" Morrigan asked, clearly outraged.
"Let's go." Crystal insisted. "I'd rather not have to drag you."
Morrigan looked as if she was about to challenge the assassin but then followed a moment later. They walked on in silence until finally, Morrigan broke it. "So, you've never told me your name. What am I to call you?"
"Crystal."
"Are you going to tell me why you followed me, Crystal?" Morrigan asked carefully.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"'Tis unwise to assume such things. You might be surprised by my answer. I am, after all, unlike so many."
Crystal slowed to a halt and turned toward Morrigan, locking eyes once again. She continued to feel the draw to this woman. "My superior told me to come out here." Crystal started. "While I was waiting by the abandoned house I heard a voice in the wind. It told me to follow the wolf. Then to catch it. I don't know why."
They resumed walking. Morrigan was silent for several moments before she spoke again. "I admit there are many things I do not know, but it sounds that you and I were meant to meet, for some unforeseen reason."
"Where are you from Morrigan?" Crystal asked, deciding to change the subject. "What are you doing out here? In the most dangerous woods in Skyrim no less."
A pained expression crossed Morrigan's face, but she managed to school it back to a neutral one. "I… was running away. My mother is quite… powerful. I needed to get as far from her as possible. So I came to Skyrim. I've been running for days without a destination, foolish I know, but I had to get away."
"So you're not from Skyrim?" Crystal asked surprised.
"No. Thedas. I lived in the Korcari Wilds. T'was nice for a time. But when I became of age I had to flee. I feared my mother would feast on my soul, you see."
Crystal's eyes widened and gaped at Morrigan who let out a hearty laugh at the expression. A laugh Crystal wanted to make sure she heard one day again.
"My mother is a peculiar one with a dark and mysterious history. To keep her immortality, 'tis said she feasts on her daughters. She has never confirmed nor denied this. Nor has she ever answered if I have or had siblings."
Crystal wasn't sure if it was true or not but didn't doubt it either. She knew anything was possible. Her cult worshipped a daedric deity, who was she to judge?
A few minutes later the girls arrived at the abandoned house. Crystal opened the door and conjured a ball of flame to illuminate their path. Morrigan did the same. Looking back, Crystal was impressed.
"Shapeshifter and mage are you?"
"Yes. Like you, however, I'm not much for the healing arts."
Crystal snickered in understanding.
Finding a couple of lanterns on the floor, each girl picked one up and lit it.
"Will you be okay here? I have somewhere to be at the moment, but I can come back if you would like." Crystal secretly hoped Morrigan wanted to see her again.
"I should be fine here until morning." Morrigan paused while she tested out the rickety bed. "I suppose I would not mind if you came by. There's something about you…"
Morrigan didn't need to finish her sentence. The assassin understood, her heart leaped with joy that the shapeshifter might be feeling the same conflicting emotions.
Crystal gave a nod then headed for the door. Looking back, she noticed Morrigan gripping her side. The wound must have been troubling her. A sense of regret washed over Crystal for her earlier actions. Remembering the potion Babette gave her earlier, Crystal turned back toward Morrigan.
"Here," Crystal said, holding out the potion.
Morrigan accepted the health tonic, no hesitation this time which for some reason made the assassin inwardly cheer. Crystal turned to leave again.
"Thank you, Crystal. I look forward to the next we meet."
Crystal realized if they did meet again, she would be a sworn agent of the Night Mother, Bride of Sithis.
Thank you to all the members of my writer's group that encouraged, inspired, and helped me to write this story. Without you, this would have never left my desktop.