4 Apostate, Witch, Maleficar

Morrigan sat by the fire's side just outside the hut. Amara's injuries were just about completely healed and they would be leaving soon—she would be leaving soon, possibly today. As her mind wandered back to Amara's naked body a tremble go through her sharply, making the hair on her arms neck stand up on end. Annoyed she stood up shaking her head and walked back into the hut. Dimness and warmth welcomed her. She closed her eyes as she stood still in the darkened room. She noted all the different smells of home and etched it into her memory. She opened her eyes and touched the worn surface of the table; many lessons were learnt while sitting at it. She wondered over to her bed and touched the soft sable covers. She remembered how her mother would tuck the covers close about her neck as she sang her to sleep as a child.

'Twas an old ballad, telling of a woman and a man who loved each other very much. Then came an evil lord, who desired her with envious eyes. The lord killed her love and claimed her for himself. The woman distraught and broken by her loss swore vengeance. With the help of gods, she amassed power beyond reckoning and slew the lord and his entire house. The woman then vowed that love would never touch her again and turned her heart to stone.

Morrigan gasp as a sudden tear slid down her cheek. She wiped it away with scoff along with the memory of her first lesson of love.

She crouched down and pulled a small chest from under her bed. From inside she took out one fingerless bracer and slipped them on. They were her mother's and upon donning them on the enchantment magnified her power. She found a long pair of gloves that slipped all the way up her arm, unfurling in a cluster of black feathers as it got to her shoulder. Her whole arm thrummed with power. Her mother had given her these, to use on the day that Morrigan would leave her protection. She slid the chest back under the bed and felt around the floor towards the wall. Her fingers reeled in shock as she first touched the wood. Hesitantly she grabbed the staff and pulled it from its hiding place. It hummed in her hands as she gave it a small twirl. She sighed and with the staff in hand she walked to the other wall across the room. She removed a light cloth hanging from the wall and revealed a tarnished looking glass. Morrigan stared at herself as the world would see her: Apostate, Witch, Maleficar... They would fear her, hunt her and if she was careless destroy her. But beyond that she saw power there and strength. They would be right to fear her. She smiled to herself as she covered the looking glass once more.

She placed her staff on the bed and walked about the hut to gather some supplies that may be useful on the road. She thought about the Warden again and for the first time remembered how Amara threw herself against a wall of Darkspawn, hacking away relentlessly with little regard for the injuries she sustained. Morrigan mused. That was really when all these feelings started—watching her fight for her life. The Warden's display of power, strength, bravery and command had aroused her. Morrigan closed her eyes, a smile coming to her face as heat crept up to her cheeks. This time she didn't fight it instead she let it suffuse her whole being making her body tremble and her stomach clench into knots. With a shuddering breath, she opened her eyes and wisely began packing extra bandages and pots of ointment into her pack. From the window, dried herbs that relieved pain and swelling went in as well before she drew the bag's opening shut and tossed it to the foot of the bed. She sat on top of the covers and brought her feet up as she lay down. Eyes closed, her head resting on the pillow that now held the Warden's scent, she breathe deeply and fell asleep.

Some time had passed and Morrigan heard voices as she stirred from sleep. "Understand this Warden. As your need is so great I'm giving you that which I hold most dear." Her mother's voice slightly muffled by the walls reached her. Morrigan opened her eyes and listened intently.

"You have my word lady, I will protect her to my utmost ability." Amara's voice came across strong and sincere. Morrigan's breath caught as she realized what was going on. She bolted straight up and ran outside the door.

"What?!" Her eyes wide at the sight of the two Wardens in full armour standing by her mother.

"The Wardens leave shortly and you my dear will go with them." Her mother's voice was firm.

"But Mother!" One look from Flemeth silenced her once more. Morrigan looked to the side. Amara noticed this and stepped closer peering at Morrigan's face until her anxious eyes met hers. Reflexively she reached out a hand to her arm but caught the motion in time to stop.

"You have a choice Morrigan. I won't force you to come if it is not your wish." The Warden's words were gentle, encouraging but not forceful. It was an odd tone to Morrigan's ears. Her brow creased, heart racing at sight of the Wardens earnest gaze. She had to look away from it.

"I will come. You will need my help." Morrigan answered as confidently as she could. Briefly her eyes flit back to the Warden. "My mother is right." Amara nodded and silence lapsed momentarily.

"It is settled then." Amara turned away from her and walked back to the log and fire. She rubbed her hands in front of it more by habit than the need for warmth. "We will leave within the hour."

Morrigan walked back into the hut. "Let me get my things."