Crystal chased after Morrigan, quickly losing her in the sea of Raiders. When the assassin finally managed to weave her way through the masses and emerge from the cave, Morrigan was nowhere in sight. It didn't matter though; Crystal could feel her. The days they spent together had somehow strengthened their connection and the pull she felt toward the other woman. All she had to do was follow the draw.
The assassin sprinted toward Shadowmire and vaulted onto the horse's back kicking the steed into high gear. Her heart raced with her as she guided Shadowmire through the darkness of the forest. A fork in the road forced them to come to an abrupt halt. Which way? Crystal shut her eyes tight and concentrated on the swirling thunder inside her chest that she now associated with Morrigan. The familiar sensation of desire and longing ballooned within, the soft energy tugging her heart gently and urging her along the left route.
Reopening her eyes, Crystal resumed course, chasing after the woman that had become more than just an acquaintance, more than just a friend, but possibly a treasured counterpart of herself.
Morrigan sat alone on the ground, attentively observing a waterfall; the moonlight reflected off the water, illuminating the witch's ivory skin beautifully.
Crystal slid from Shadowmire and unhurriedly approached the witch, not bothering to keep her steps silent. Cautiously, Crystal placed a soothing hand on Morrigan's shoulder. "Can I join you?"
No response. She didn't pull away from the assassin's touch, so Crystal decided it was okay to sit beside her. The ground was covered with a thin layer of snow now, a few random flakes falling from above. It wouldn't be long before more came to blanket them both.
Crystal fiddled with her hands, unsure of what to say. She couldn't bring herself to apologize for her jealous act. It was in her nature to react as she did, if she and Morrigan had any chance, the witch would need to understand that, Crystal needed to tell her everything.
"I killed my family, you know."
That got the witch's attention. Gold eyes darted to Crystal, staring intently, but the assassin couldn't bring herself to meet Morrigan's gaze. "That night, when you found me covered in blood?" Shock and sorrow swept the assassin all over again as she recalled the events of that evening.
After leaving Morrigan, she had successfully performed the sacred summoning. The Night Mother appeared but not as the ethereal being Crystal had expected. Instead, the dark deity had chosen to possess the body of Astrid. It came as a shock when the Night Mother had then proceeded to make love to Crystal's bloody form on the altar before sealing their bond, but in truth, was a welcomed fantasy.
She squeezed her eyes shut tight at the memory of Astrid's flaming hand coming down hard and fast, burning and searing the dark mark into sensitive unsuspecting flesh. The hand in actuality had belonged to the Night Mother herself, Crystal could remember the ghostly hue emerging from the underside of Astrid's palm, the texture of it unnatural.
The feel of white fire had been blinding; the pain, agonizing when coupled with the viciousness of the Night Mother's bite. It had been excruciating the way those razor tipped fangs had plunged into the base of her neck without warning; as if being pumped full of toxic fire while simultaneously being sucked of life.
Why the deity bit her remained a mystery, perhaps it was just a daedric sexual custom of some sort or a way of claiming another. Although honored, it wasn't something Crystal ever wanted to re-experience.
After the branding, Crystal had collapsed with complete and utter exhaustion. She felt devoid of something she could not identify. What had the Night Mother taken from her? Was that how it felt to tie your soul to a dark god?
She could barely breathe, hardly move. The blacks of Astrid's eyes had stared at her for the longest time; the bonding is complete. You are eternally mine.
Then Crystal was given her first order. An order that was surely a test of her will and undying loyalty, an order that nearly crippled the assassin and without a doubt had changed her forever.
A warm hand suddenly slipped its way into Crystal's, breaking her from her thoughts. Morrigan continued to gaze at her compassionately, squeezing her hand and urging Crystal to go on.
"That night, I performed a dark ritual. I was successful in summoning the dark deity of my clan. We call her the Night Mother. That's the voice I heard the night we met, the voice that led me to you." Crystal couldn't help the trembling that shot through her then. Morrigan shifted closer, wrapping her free arm around Crystal's shoulders, waiting patiently, for her to continue.
"She burned the dark mark into my skin; I think you felt it earlier." Morrigan nodded, "I'm not just another member of the Dark Brotherhood, I'm an agent of the Night Mother. I pledged my soul and promised to obey her every command. It's her will that I establish the Dark Sisterhood in Thedas; it's her direction we've been following."
"Is there anything else?" Morrigan asked gently.
Yes, there was something else. "My first order was to murder my clan. My family. The Night Mother said Sithis demanded their lives, so I sent them to the void."
It had been like a dream, an out of body experience, hovering somewhere outside looking in as she had watched herself slit the throat of each unconscious family member laying on the sanctuary floor. The family that raised her, her mentors, her friends, the people she had sworn to protect. But her loyalty to the Dark Lord and Night Mother came first. That's what they taught her. She was bred to be unyielding.
A tear fell from Crystal's unblinking stare. Morrigan hugged her close, squeezing her tightly. Crystal's arms reached up to hug the woman back. No one had ever offered the assassin comfort in such a way, it was an odd feeling, but a welcome one.
When the hug finally ended, Morrigan pulled back just far enough to level her face with Crystal's; a soft hand cupped the assassin's jaw as she slowly pulled their lips together. The kiss was a slow one, sensual and passionate. Crystal kissed back firmly, trying to pour into the kiss everything she felt for Morrigan, reveling in the moment that their lips were finally connecting.
A slick tongue pushed past her lips, Crystal eagerly sucked it in, bringing her arms around Morrigan's waist and pushing her back into the snow covered ground. Neither seemed to mind the winter's bite; they were too wrapped up in each other. Morrigan swiftly rolled them over so that Crystal had her back pressed against the cold surface. Morrigan gently pulled away, two hands cupping Crystal's face.
"I accept you," she whispered.
And that did it, Crystal could no longer hold back the rest of her tears, they burst forth like a dam breaking, the liquid streamed non-stop as Morrigan kissed her again. She gently wiped Crystal's tears away when they drew apart, "We should find a place to camp, it seems a snowstorm is imminent." Crystal would never grow tired of that husky whisper.
Although reluctant to let the moment end, Morrigan was right. They needed to elude the storm before it hit full force. Morrigan got to her feet first and offered her hand to Crystal who graciously accepted. Crystal smiled when Morrigan refused to let go. Hand in hand, the women proceeded toward Shadowmire.
"Any idea where we might find shelter?" Morrigan asked over Crystal's shoulder after they had mounted and resumed their journey.
"Yes. I know where we are, there's a cave not far ahead where we can sleep and wait out the storm. And you're in luck; it has a hot spring."
The witch squeezed tighter at the mention of hot spring. Crystal couldn't wait to be alone with her companion in such a romantic setting. She planned to cuddle Morrigan through the night and slake her needs the first chance she got. Perhaps in the morning, preferably while bathing in the spring together.
OoOoO
Just as the assassin foretold, a cave came into view. The entrance was narrow; Morrigan would have easily overlooked it had Crystal not pointed it out. Shadowmire had just barely fit through the entryway, had he been a few extra inches in height or width Morrigan wasn't sure he would have gotten through.
The cave was dark, spacious, judging by the echo of their steps. She was about to ignite a fireball when Crystal's hand began to glow a brilliant white, a moment later, a ball of light floated above their heads, hovering over them wherever they went. She created two more light spheres to follow Morrigan and Shadowmire as they ventured further into the cave.
Morrigan could hear the bubbling of the hot spring as they neared the warm pool.
"Found it!" Crystal called out excitedly. She was knelt beside the spring already feeling the water with one hand. "We'll be warm in here, but I'm still going to make a fire."
"I will unpack the horse and lay out the bedroll." Morrigan turned after seeing Crystal's nod, but her actions were halted by a rough but gentle hand on her arm. Gold orbs flickered to Crystal's; the faded ones darkened considerably; perhaps it was from the odd lighting.
"We'll share tonight."
Morrigan wasn't sure if it was an order or a question, it didn't matter, she wanted it no other way. She stepped closer and pulled Crystal into an alluring kiss before answering, "I look forward to it," she said, her tone seductive.
Morrigan sat on the bedroll; the fur draped across her legs as she watched Crystal effortlessly light the fire. The flames twisted and danced, casting shadows and contributing to the ambiance of the cave. When Crystal looked up, Morrigan gave her best come hither look, beckoning Crystal over. A predatory smile crossed the assassin's face as she hurried over, unlacing her boots and slipping under the fur beside Morrigan.
Morrigan caressed Crystal's cheek; this is it, she thought. She could not wait another second. She wanted this. No, she needed this. It was time to make Crystal hers. Slowly, the hand caressing Crystal's smooth skin glided lower, delicately pushing the assassin to her back as Morrigan straddled her.
"Do you want this, Crystal?"
"More than anything," Crystal answered holding onto Morrigan's hips.
Both hands grasped Crystal's shoulders and slid down her torso stopping to give plump breasts a much-needed squeeze before trailing lower and hooking her thumbs under the hem of the shirt. Crystal's hands sprang to Morrigan's, halting the action.
"I— uh, my body's not—"
"Shhh," Morrigan soothed. "I promise not to judge." She leaned in to plant a kiss of promise on wanting lips. "Let me see you."
Morrigan could feel the tensity drain from Crystal under her. She slipped her hands under the blouse first, feeling Crystal's lean stomach until a hand brushed against the rough patch she had grazed earlier, it was still un-naturally cold, deathly cold. The mark of the night mother. The mark she knew was there but had yet to see. Crystal had mentioned the night mother burning the dark mark into her flesh but hadn't been offered the chance to see it… before now.
Carefully, Morrigan lifted the shirt over Crystal's head and discarded it to the side. Morrigan thought Crystal was the most beautiful woman she had ever laid eyes on, she was perfect, her milk white skin was free of blemishes, her breasts looked plump and glorious though trapped in the confines of a binding, Morrigan would remedy that soon enough. Though slender, Crystal was well toned with light ripples of muscles peeking over her stomach and biceps.
That's when Morrigan's eyes fell to the dark blue veiny line traveling from Crystal's bite mark down her left arm. It was significantly darker than the first time she noticed it; light bruises took residence on either side of the line. Before Morrigan could mention it, her hand graced the icy patch of rough skin near the bottom of the assassin's abdomen. Her gaze flickered to the mark; she should have expected it to be a handprint. That was the symbol on the back of Crystal's mage robes; she had seen it countless times over the past few days, but she didn't expect it to look quite like this. The mark looked angry; the skin had certainly singed and burned with heat of the most intense kind, warping and crinkling the surface.
The actual handprint was a mix of black and crimson while its perimeter fringed a dark ashy color. Lightly, Morrigan matched her right hand over the symbol; it fit inside the shape completely. What were the chances of Morrigan having the same sized hands as the Night Mother? The skin was frozen to the touch but showed no visible signs that it would be. Morrigan could not only feel but sense the dark magic emanating from the mark beneath her hand. Crystal let out a long breath as Morrigan pushed firmly onto it.
Morrigan straightened her posture as she brought both hands to the lace holding her vest closed, "I'm going to make love to you, Crystal. But in the morning, we will have to talk about the repercussions of this bite mark and how you are to behave in public, understand?"
Crystal nodded earnestly, eyes growing wide when Morrigan let the vest fall away, her breasts bouncing proudly. Crystal's hands traveled up Morrigan's stomach and seized the soft mounds of flesh, rubbing them in all the right ways as the witch did away with the rest of their garments. Crystal sat up just then, sucking a nipple into her hot mouth until it pebbled. Morrigan let out a moan of pleasure as heat pulled at her core. A stealthy hand slipped between them toward her slick center, circling her clit expertly, the pleasure building wildly inside until she could wait no longer. She needed to come now! She had wanted this for too long, and now all she could think of were her own selfish desires.
Roughly, Morrigan pulled Crystal in for a hungry kiss, their lips wet and sloppy, their tongues wrestled as Morrigan shoved her back against the bedroll. She pressed their mounds together and rocked Crystal into the earth without reserve.
Her thrusts became erratic as the overwhelming intensity built within, the heat flourishing in her as a shiver skittered down her spine. Too quickly Morrigan's orgasm crashed over her. But it didn't matter, she was just getting started, that had just been the first one of the night. She stiffened as the intense pleasure burned through her, causing her bucks to become short and jerky as she continued to thrust against Crystal.
After catching her breath, Morrigan sent energetic fingers toward Crystal's most private parts, dividing her folds as she circled her clit. She was pleased to find her lover soaked and wanting; it wasn't long before Crystal was bucking into her palm. Wanting to please, Morrigan slid her fingers further into the abyss, teasing the assassin's entrance with short dips of her fingertips.
"Don't tease Morrigan; pleeeease, fuck me!"
A laugh escaped the witch as she kissed Crystal again, her tongue met no resistance as she slipped inside and explored every crevice of her lover's mouth. She swallowed Crystal's moan as she plunged two fingers deep inside her partner's slippery heat, setting a brutal pace that had Crystal squirming and writhing beneath her in pure ecstasy. Crystal's grip on Morrigan's shoulder tightened as her breathing became frantic, she screamed out Morrigan's name as the witch worked her into a state of delirium.
Morrigan slowly stroked her down from her climax, a smile spread across the witch's face, pleased with her handiwork. She placed sensual kisses along Crystal's stomach, around her belly button, and toward the mark, giving the cold patch of tattered skin a few firm licks, eliciting an unexpected groan of arousal from her partner. She continued to trail her way up to Crystal's heaving breasts and sucked an erect nipple into her mouth provoking another moan of pleasure from the assassin.
Crystal's rough hand hooked under Morrigan's chin, bringing her back up to face level. Morrigan was pleased with the hungry passion that pressed against her lips; the assassin was still hungry, hungry for more, hungry for her. Morrigan allowed herself to be rolled over as Crystal switched their positions. She took the same care and attention Morrigan had, giving attention to breasts, kissing her stomach, only Crystal took her time as if trying to memorize the entire layout that was Morrigan. The assassin gave special attention to the witch's still healing scar; a warm tongue traced the mark several times.
The witch got the sense that Crystal was silently seeking forgiveness, so she caressed the back of the assassin's neck in reassurance, silently conveying that everything was okay. Morrigan could lay there all day beneath her lover's ministrations, but her needs were growing impatient, she needed them sated before they took their time exploring one another. Smooth fingers buried themselves into Crystal's silky bun, guiding her head further down to where Morrigan desperately desired her.
Crystal's mouth was heaven, true bliss as she flicked her hot tongue skillfully along Morrigan's clit, coaxing out the nub. Morrigan bucked into her partner's mouth as her arousal grew fiercer with every lick. Two deft fingers eased inside her wet dripping core as well, pumping and licking synchronized. Morrigan couldn't control the endless string of moans to escape her then, gasping for breath as she twisted and trembled beneath Crystal's talent. Stars exploded behind closed lids as Crystal's sucks became harsh and relentless; her body arched with passionate fire before being shoved over the edge.
She came long and hard with a scream echoing throughout the cave as she rode out the waves into her lover's mouth— the scream being an involuntary action no one had ever coaxed out of her before. But from the beginning, Crystal had felt particularly special; there was just something about her.
Morrigan's body turned to jelly; collapsing onto her back breathless and satisfied. Crystal placed one more kiss to her clit before crawling back up her body and plunging her tongue past Morrigan's lips, sharing the taste of her previous activities. The action aroused Morrigan all over again, Crystal's kiss was demanding, her partner was still on fire for her. A rough hand lightly circled Morrigan's clit again, "I think you have one more in you, don't you?"
With a laugh, Morrigan eagerly nodded as Crystal's face disappeared from view, she arched into Crystal's mouth again and pulled the assassin's head firmly against her as she was brought to orgasm once more.
