Chapter seven

Morrigan had remained as beautiful as ever, with just a few bags under her eyes. She wore something similar to her old purple ensemble, but a bit less revealing. Her hair had been kept in its original messy bun, and her eyes shone with much wisdom. Her son, Nickadeemus (or Deemus as Morrigan fondly quoted) was a bit taller than Asala. He had Alistair's blonde hair, his mothers lush lips and his fathers luscious blue eyes. He wore simple clothes, and thought very highly as himself being an Old God. Morrigan reminded him for whatever millionth time, that his SOUL was that of an Old God, not he. She rolled her eyes as he proceeded with a, "No, mummy, I really AM an Old God,"

After four years of parenting, Morrigan had become more patient with certain things. For example, she remembers the gracious nights where she could bathe alone. Now she could only dream of such a thing. Sten found this to be quite amusing, but Neria kicked him in the knee under the kitchen table. Morrigan then proceeded to ask such questions, such as, "when did the two of you become an item?" and, "I figured the elf would leave you," These questions brought womanly laughter and reminiscing of an old time.

After they had sent the children to bed (Neria graciously inviting Morrigan and Deemus to stay in Asala's room), they began to talk privately, about the previous incident.

"So what do you think they wanted?" Morrigan asked, lazily as the three adults sat outside under the stars. Fireflies went by as a warm summer breeze took them.

"I don't know. But what ever they wanted, they can't have it," snapped Neria, uncapping a bottle of rich wine. She poured everyone a cup.

"Have you been noticing anything… strange… about Asala?" Morrigan asked quietly. Neria looked at her, then back at Sten. Her eyes fell in sadness. "Perhaps its none of my business, but I do believe she's showing magic," Morrigan proceeded. Sten sat straighter than he was before.

"It ISN'T any of your business," Sten barked, defensively. Morrigan put her hands up in surrender.

"Calm down, Quinari. Tis just my opinion." she replied. Neria had her head in her hands. She noticed the way she'd tried so hard to ignore such things.

She flashed back to the other week when Asala had conjured pure fire in her small hand. Neria remembered begging Asala to stop before 'Papa Sten' saw, but at what cost? She knew what she had to do…

"I'm sending her to the circle," she said quietly, getting up from the mildew covered grass. Her dress blew in the wind as they gave her a look.

"I disapprove, Warden," she turned to her lover and shook her head.

"Don't call me that. And it's what's best for her," she turned to Morrigan. "Isn't it?" Morrigan looked into her friends eyes and she bit her tongue. She didn't like the circle, in fact, she despised it with her every being. But on the other hand, she couldn't possibly take another child. Nickadeemus was rambunctious enough. She shrugged.

"I may not… agree… with the Circle, but tis' best for the child." Neria hung her head in frustration. "Besides, they can prevent this abduction nonsense if it were to happen again," she looked at Sten. "Because, maker knows she's not well protected."

Sten jumped up. "And what the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Tis' entirely how I meant it. I know what the two of you were doing while the Crows entered your home," she stood up now too. "and I highly recommend that she be put in a safe place until everything is straightened out." she retired to Asala's bedroom without another word. Sten was furious.

"How dare that wench -- I can protect the Imekari!" he paced angrily back and fourth. Neria put her hand on his chest and looked up at him.

"Paschera, my love. There's no need to be angry," she cooed, softly stroking his chest. He turned to her.

"How can you be so calm, Kedan? How can you be so calm to find out your daughter is something you hate?" he stepped away.

"I don't hate mages, Sten."

"Somehow I doubt that statement,"

"Look, I'm brining MY daughter to where she needs to be." she got on her tip toes and reached for his face. "Now will you make the three day journey with me?" she asked, begging.

Sten looked at her and back to the house. He let our an angry growl. "Fine," he stormed to the door and turned ever so slightly. "Make sure you pack Lilly. She is her preferred companion,"