Trigger Warnings: Violence, Dub-Con (nothing heavy)...
Enchanted Forest:
Its been four months since the events at the village, since she lost her family..lost everything. But Morrigan gained something that day, she gained her incentive to enact vengeance on Prince Charming.
During the last couple of months the Queen has trained her, quite brutally, in magic, pushing her to focus on inflicting devastating methods of pain and suffering. Every time Morrigan would flinch or refuse the exercises, she would be punished, but she eventually got the Queen's harsh message and submitted. Her training in obedience has only intensified as well, pacing through the rules and proper etiquette on a daily basis. To add to her preparation, every day she'd report for an extensive battle Regimen with the Huntsman and black guard.
Morrigan ducks, narrowly avoiding steel, tucking into a roll and striking out with her own wooden sword. The black guards legs slip from under him and he crashes to the floor. Quickly rising to her feet, she sticks the wooden tip firmly against the mans throat and grins triumphant.
"Yield!"
The man nods and her weapon is lazily pulled away. Its ridiculous that she still has to use a wooden sword when they get the real deal. She kills one guard during practice and is reduced to using toys, Its a fucking joke! The cry babies..
"Keep your stance shoulder width apart or next time you'll find your legs severed and splayed next to your worthless carcass."
The young guard immediately scrambles to his feet recognizing the condescending tone of his superior. Unlike all of the men now at attention, Morrigan simply waves her wooden sword idly as the Knight Captain saunters into the courtyard, I hate him, acting like he's invincible. One minute with me and my sword and he'll find out that he's not so untouchable..The Captain stalks towards her, shoulders squared, chin raised and expecting her to bow in his presence, I'd rather burn alive then give him the satisfaction! The Queen is one thing but this arrogant little shit will get nothing!..
"How many times do we have to go through this filth! You show respect when you're in my presence."
"And how many times do I have to say, I don't show respect to arrogant little shits half my size. Grow another foot or two and then we'll talk."
His face flushes red and Morrigan cant help grinning. He takes a large step forward invading her personal space.
"I'd watch my back if I were you filth! You may have the Queens favor but your nothing but a pet, an amusement, and as soon as she's board with you, I'll have the greatest pleasure of running you through!"
Morrigan chuckles.."You talk a hard game but I think your scared to take me on in single combat. Especially after the last time I kicked your ass." She lets out a taunting laugh and his eyes narrow. Swiftly he steps back, pulling his sword from his belt.
Oblivious to the both of them, the Queen curiously steps out onto the side balcony observing the brewing battle. She narrows dark eyes at the fuming Captain.
"Its about time you show some respect and kneel before your superiors!"
He nods to one of his men and a sword clatters at Morrigan's feet. She raises an amused eyebrow and he leers.
"Pick it up!"
Morrigan chuckles, slowly bending to pick up the blade and stabs it into a patch of grass. He glares and her grin only widens as she raises her wooden sword defensively. The Queen watches, an amused smile sliding onto red lips when Morrigan taunts the short man.
"Come dear Captain, I believe an ass kicking is well overdue."
With a low growl, the Captain lunges at her but she blocks easily. Quickly he slices downwards and she sidesteps, dancing around him as he releases strike after strike. His temper flares. Lashing out, he kicks her in the stomach and she stumbles, falling onto her back before steel slices down, her wooden weapon rising to effectively protect her face but the metal is slowly pushed towards her with a grunt. With one swift kick to the Captains leg, the mans attack falters and she pushes the sword away, rolling quickly to her feet. They both circle each other, predator on predator.
Morrigan pounces, aiming for his ribs, he blocks her consistent strikes and attempts to hit back but she anticipates, spinning and hitting him in the spine with the hilt of her wooden sword, got you back bastard!..The man stumbles to one knee and she kicks him onto his front, quickly her boot presses into his back and she jabs the wooden sword into his neck.
"Yield!"
"Never!"
He slaps the weapon from his neck grabbing his sword and swinging it at her legs. She glides backwards, missing the blade by mere inches as he jumps to his feet and advances. They both block and attack in rhythm but he manages to land a blow, the blade nipping at her stomach and breaking through her defense, Wrap this shit up Morrigan!..He grabs her hands, pulling her towards him and snarling, then with brute force, he throws her back several feet where she lands heavily on her back. The Captain rushes forward, sword raised and Morrigan's mind races, Time to try something a little different..She drops to one knee, bowing her head and the Captain pauses mid step, eyes wide with a smirk forming.
The Queen frowns deeply, the vein on her forehead protruding viciously as she glares at the altercation below.
The Captains sword dips slightly and Morrigans head darts up to quickly refocus. She throws the wooden sword at his head and he reels back, clutching his face and almost dropping his sword. Quickly she dashes straight for him and her shoulder collides harshly with his chest. His body sails through the air, crashing to the concrete floor in a commotion of clangs and thumps.
Morrigan calmly walks to the sword still stuck in the grass and pulls it out before returning to hover over the fallen Captain. Blood pours from his nose and her self satisfaction piques, Yes broken nose a hundred points!..He attempts to get up but she pushes him firmly back to the floor. A sword is raised to his neck, pressing firmly on his Adams apple.
"Yield!"
"Never!"
Morrigans smirk twists into an ugly snarl as she presses her sword harder onto the mans neck drawing blood.."I said Yield!"
"You'll have to kill me first filth!"
He spits blood on her boots and her anger flares, Oh I'm gonna enjoy this..
"With pleasure!"
Morrigan lifts her sword quickly, ready to deliver the killing blow when the smell of lavender hits her and she freezes. Green eyes take note of the black guard quickly kneeling and her spine tingles, Crap..She feels a body slide in behind her, hot air ghosting over her ear and the sword above her shakes slightly.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything important dear."
A shiver runs down her spine at the silky voice wrapping around her as the Knight Captain hastily pushes himself onto one knee, Double crap..Morrigan's sword cautiously descends and slowly she turns, her wide eyes meeting devilish chocolate inches behind, Etiquette Morrigan!..Quickly her head lowers and she takes a step back, careful not to trip over the Captain before she drops to one knee aside him.
Dark eyes study the bowing pair, the Queen pursing her lips at the Lucid Captain.."I didn't know you elicited training personally Captain. Isn't that what my Huntsman's for?"
"Yes my Queen but this..woman, thought it fit to challenge and attack me whilst I was on duty."
Morrigans nails scratch at the concrete, her teeth grinding together, The fucking liar!..
The Queen raises a questionable eyebrow.."Oh? Is that true my pet?"
Don't fucking call me that! I'm no ones pet..Morrigan's rage builds, the collar heating up and shocking her lightly.
"No my Queen." The words are pushed through gritted teeth and the royal frowns before the Captain quickly interrupts.
"Your Majesty, I must insist that she be reprimanded as punishment for attacking your personal guard. Who knows what..."
"Who knows? I do. I watched your little altercation and know it was you Captain who enforced the challenge."
Morrigan glances sideways, grinning as the man squirms under the Queen's scrutiny, serves you right you little bastard!..
"My Queen I didn't.."
"YOU DARE LIE TO ME?!"
Everyone jumps at the sudden explosive ferocity before the Queen's reaching down and grabbing the mans bloody face harshly.
"I witnessed what took place! In pleading your innocence even now would be stating that I myself am a liar, Am I lying? Did I hallucinate your transgressions Captain?!"
"N-No my Queen."
"Then its you who is the liar, correct?!"
There's a moments pause, the Captains eyes darting from place to place, the Queens black nails slowly digging deeper into his jawline but before long, he pushes his answer from bloodied lips.
"Yes my Queen."
The Queen release her hold and glares.."I don't like liars in my court Captain.." With a wave, two black guards slide alongside her.."I think its about time we have a change in command. Take the captain here to a cell and make sure Teach pays him a visit by the end of the day."
The Captain's mouth drops open and Morrigan's startled green eyes dart to him, What the hell?! The Queen never punishes the Captain..The black guard grab the mans arms, dragging him to his feet.
"Y-Your Majesty please I.."
"Enough! I don't want to hear excuses! Captain you are relieved of duty and stripped of your knighthood. Think of this as a lesson in respect.."
The Queen steps forward, grabbing his face roughly and Morrigan can only glance up disturbed.
"You don't ever touch what's mine again or I'll make sure Teach removes every single finger..very, slowly!" She pushes his head back, waving her hand dismissively and the guards drag the struggling former Captain from the courtyard. Brown eyes settle on the bowing woman at her feet, a smirk gracing blood lips.."You did well.."
Morrigans head slowly lifts, her face impassive.
"Its about time I sought a new Captain, Come."
And with a whirl of her royal gown, the Queen gracefully glides across the courtyard leaving a stunned Morrigan still kneeling, Captain?..She blinks, noting the billowing royal dress disappear inside and jumps to her feet, sprinting after the royal..
Dark green eyes sweep the Queens bedchambers and a shiver runs down Morrigans spine. The memories of when she was first collard flash in her mind, I haven't been in this room since it happened, and to be honest, Ive never really wanted to come in here ever again..Green eyes eventually settle on a spiral mirror and she shifts, creepy mirrors..Having enough of her trip down memory lane, she sweeps the room for the Queen and finds the woman smirking, dark eyes staring back at her.
"I believe this room brings back memories for you."
"Yes my Queen." The response is robotic.
"Hmm.." The Queen paces lazily, the sound of dangerous heels clicking to the roof and back.."You have exceeded in all aspects of your training with your willingness to submit.."
Morrigans eyes narrow, submit, That word grates on my nerves just as much as Pet!..The royal frowns and quickly Morrigan's focus darts ahead.
"I see you still have a problem understanding what has exactly happened Morrigan."
Morrigans frown drops and she swallows harshly, she only calls me that when she needs to make a point..This isn't going to be good..Her attention flickers to the advancing Queen, the collar heating her skin irritably as she instinctively backs towards the door with the royals frown deepening at her attempt to flee. With a flick of a slender wrist, the door slams shut just shy of Morrigans escape and her heart leaps into her throat.
The Queen pounces, pushing Morrigan roughly against the door. Her head bounces off oak and lolls forward, eyes clenched shut at the sharp pain. A determined hand wraps around her neck, sending her lolling head straight back against the wood before startled eyes snap open as pressure increases on her windpipe.
The Queen leans in, teeth bared and scowl lowering the temperature in the room.."You belong to me! You submitted when you wanted revenge against the person who murdered your family!"
Morrigans eyes flash in exasperation, the collar immediately heating up and the royal glances at her hand. A heated moment passes before red lips curl playfully.
"And you'll rightly get your vengeance. We'll get what we want and destroy anyone in our way. This.."
Morrigan gasps for air when the Queen releases her throat, fingers brushing lightly against the collar and their bodies pressing further against one another. She panics, her body pulling away at the intimacy, what the hell is she doing?!..
"This is my mark. It makes you more powerful than you could possibly dream of. It also declares to all that I own you, so that means.." The Queen whispers in her ear and wide green eyes stare unsteadily ahead.."I can do whatever I want with you.."
Morrigan attempts to push herself further into the door, her back straightening uncomfortably and the Queen chuckles darkly eliciting a shiver. The heat of breath on her neck prompts her arousal and she firmly pushes it back, God damn it! Focus!..But just as she begins her composure, a warm tongue slides up her neck.
Immediately Morrigan tries to pull away but a hand clamps into ebony hair keeping her trapped. The Queen licks towards her ear, sucking her tender earlobe as pearl teeth delicately nip at the skin. She whimpers, green eyes glossing over but with one last nibble, the Queen pulls back and observes. Morrigan continues to stare unnerved ahead until the hand in her hair tugs harshly and her eyes are forced to meet the Queens.
"Have I made my point? Or do I have to find other ways of convincing you?"
On the brink of tears, Morrigan simply shakes her head leaving the Queen to dart forward, blood red lips almost touching hers. Her breath hitches, heated air mingling and she represses a shiver.
"Use your words."
Morrigan stutters, desperately trying to avoid the bizarre purple swirls spiraling throughout the Queens dark eyes.."N-No..your majesty."
"Good girl.."
Red and pink lips brush and for a second, Morrigan thinks the woman might kiss her. But luscious red lips pull away abruptly and the Queen spins, heading towards her vanity determined.
"Come here."
Morrigan snaps from her haze and cautiously moves to stand over her Queens shoulder. Dark eyes stare through the reflection of a large mirror poised on the desk.
"Mirror, show me Charming."
Morrigan frowns as the mirror shimmers like a stone dropping into water. Eventually an image appears, Charming and Snow smiling as they load barrels onto a cart in a village. Anger rages inside of her, eyes flickering red at watching the happy couple laugh, It isn't enough for them to ruin one village but they go and endanger another! Do they even care that my family died because of their selfishness!..The collar on her neck burns her skin, They're going to DIE!..Instantly the mirror cracks in two and the image recedes, leaving red eyes to stare at the broken image of herself, I'm ready to kill him! I need to kill him!..
Consumed by anger, Morrigan doesn't notice the Queens reflection staring wickedly back at her.With a flick of the royals wrist, Morrigans enveloped by purple smoke and when it clears, the Queens own personal Dark Knight is stood in all her glory.
Morrigan takes in her new appearance, a black chest plate with intricate burgundy carvings fill the edges as it comfortably fits her bust and waist. At the center is the emblem of the Evil Queen while a light but strong black cape flows from the belt around her waist to shield the back of her legs and trail across the floor. Black leg guards fit on top of fine burgundy chain mail covering her thighs and just below, black knee high boots comfortably house her feet. Her arms are covered in burgundy chain mail, black shoulder and bicep plates protecting vulnerable areas. On her hands black metal gloves with spiked fingertips connect easily to the cuffs protecting her wrists and forearms. Excluding her neck and head, no skin is left exposed as a black cosy material covers her entire body underneath and thrums with power, the Armour's practically weightless, I cant feel anything..Its a little overwhelming..
The Queen stands back momentarily, letting the woman get a feel for her new wardrobe change while she slowly circles the knight and admires her handy work.
"I assume you like my gift?"
"I..Yes my Queen."
"Hmm.." The Queen traces a finger across Morrigans shoulder plate.."I couldn't have you representing me without making a statement."
A cruel grin slides onto the knights lips.
"But there's one thing missing.."
Purple smoke surrounds the Queens hands and green eyes look down to a black and burgundy helmet, but its the design that keeps Morrigans attention glued to the metal. The front doesn't stick out like normal helms of the realm, instead its flat and only seems to go as far as her chin, black spikes rise from the temples and stick backwards like horns, the back engraved with burgundy grooves almost like the shape made by molten steal after it cools in an obscure way.
"Here.."
The Queen lifts the helmet and Morrigan quickly bows allowing the metal to slide over her head. She rises but the helmet clamps onto her skull and she panics, quickly attempting to pull it off.
"Calm yourself, the helmet is magical and needs to adjust to its new owner. The pain will pass in a few moments.."
Morrigan drops her hands slowly, grunting at the burning sensation eating away at her skull.
"The Armour your wearing is specifically designed for your magic. You can probably feel its power already and the helmet is simply accommodating that."
The pain in Morrigans skull fades and she blinks rapidly to push through her dizziness. There's another swirl of purple and in the Queens hand appears her black and silver sword. In another plume, the Huntsman and several other members of the black guard appear. They look around confused at their sudden new surroundings before meeting the eyes of their ruthless Queen.
"You will witness!"
The guard and Huntsman bow as the royal runs a delicate hand over the ebony blade and refocuses on intrigued green eyes.
"Kneel."
Morrigan complies, her stomach rolling anxiously.
"Morrigan You have proven yourself ready for the rights and responsibilities of Knighthood. Do you pledge fealty to your Queen and the Dark Kingdom?"
Morrigan reels, Knighthood?!..There's a pause, can I really accept it? Do I really have a choice? No, I dont, and If this is what it takes to get my revenge then so be it!..
"I do."
"Do you swear obedience, to protect your Queen and all the people that prosper in the Dark Kingdom?"
"I do."
"Will you answer your Queens call and do what is asked of you, pledge your sword and your service from this day to your last?"
"I will."
"I accept your oath and here by appoint you Knight Captain of the Dark kingdom." The Queen presses the flat of the black blade on each armored shoulder.."Arise my Dark Knight and accept the vestments of your new position."
Morrigan gets to her feet smoothly, her sword extended to her and she bows, taking the weapon and sliding it into its sheath.
"Huntsman, you will prepare the men on the outer southern village for the Captains arrival. Do not under any circumstances make yourself known to anyone! Then you are to accompany the Captain to the village and capture Snow White, is that understood?!"
"Yes your majesty." The Huntsman bows before turning to leave.
"Oh and Huntsman?"
He turns back pensively.
"Do not fail me."
With a nervous flinch, the man bows and scurries out of the room. Morrigan cant help an amused smirk, its funny when its not happening to me..
"You will head to the village and make yourself known. I want all of those pathetic denizens to see what happens when they defy their Queen. Kill Charming and bring me his head on a platter."
Morrigan nods, her evil smirk hidden.."What of Snow White?"
"I want her captured, but make sure she watches as you rip the shepherds head from his shoulders. Then she'll finally feel my pain, she'll watch her whole world crumble as I destroy everything she loves. And when she asks me to end her, I'll simply deny it and let her rot in my dungeon for the rest of her days!"
Morrigan recoils at the woman's intensity, her hatred for Snow White is profound and it comes from something more, something deeper than I first realized. I know the spoiled brat ruined the Queens life but Ive never worked out how or why. No matter, time to take the head of the bastard who killed my family!..Morrigan bows, making her way towards the door.
"Oh and Captain?"
Morrigan turns slowly.
"I don't have to tell you what happens if you fail me."
"Never my Queen."
"We shall see."
With the lingering threat, Morrigan spins on her black booted heels, eager to enact her revenge..
A whirl of burgundy smoke announces the knights presence amongst the black guard. Morrigan steps out of the smoke, her new black Armour dimming the sunlight that breaches the tree tops as the Huntsman hastily walks up to her and tilts his head in respect.
"All men have surrounded the East and West sides of the village. None of the villagers know of our presence and we await your orders Captain."
She shifts a little at the title. It doesn't sound right.."Keep your men back Huntsman, I'll be entering the village alone."
"But the Queens orders.."
"I don't care for her orders! You'll only enter when I give the signal, and if Charming or Snow White attempt to escape, move the men in and prevent it! Understood?!"
The Huntsman reels but nods reluctantly as she stalks towards the village, I will get my revenge without interference, The Queen and her orders be damned!..
Morrigan paces forward, her boots crunching into the dirty road leading to the center of the village. People curiously look her way and when spotting the insignia of The Evil Queen, they immediately cower and scurry away. Some bound into their homes, slamming doors shut as the armored Knight stalks towards a cart filled with barrels, Where the fuck are they?!..Two boys run out into her path, laughing and swinging sticks at each other. She stops dead before one of them trips into her and falls on his backside. His startled eyes look up and comically widen as she leers down at him through the V shaped slit in her helmet. The boy's friend quickly sprints off towards the village huts as green eyes continue to study the boy at her feet, he isn't much older than Elinor..well much older than what Elinor used to be..Her grief makes her blood boil, even more so when a woman in dirty rags runs towards her. Instinctively she draws her sword and the peasant woman instantly drops to her knees and crawls the rest of the way to the boy.
"I'm sorry my lord, forgive my son. Please don't hurt us."
The peasant woman wraps the boy in her arms, cradling his head away from Morrigans glare as tears shimmer in pleading grey eyes, the way she looks at me is wrong. Have I really been reduced to terrorizing innocent woman and children to get my revenge?..
"HEY!"
Charming's voice booms across the silent space immediately getting Morrigans attention and promptly her rage consumes her, finally!..
"You will not hurt these people!"
"And your going to stop me?!" Her voice drips with venom.
"And who are you?!"
Snow Whites voice echos from behind and Morrigan quickly steps to the side keeping a watchful eye on both heroes. The former princess has an arrow primed as Charming levels his sword towards her heart. The Peasant woman and boy dash for the nearest hut, eager to avoid the fray. She never would have hurt the boy and his mother, but it seemed a brilliant way to draw out the heroes.
"Me? Why I'm your executioner of course, and I think I'll start with your lover boy Snow White!" She points her ebony sword at Charming and Snow frowns, slowly sidestepping to face the Dark Knight head on.
"Regina sent you to kill me."
"No but you'll suffer. I'm going to tare your boyfriends head from his shoulders and your going to watch."
"Yeah that's never gonna happen sister!"
Morrigan steps forward as Seven dwarfs flank her from the rear and her smirk only deepens, this is going to be fun..
"Your outnumbered."
She chuckles darkly and the heroes twitch.."Do you think me so foolish that I'd come alone?"
The heroes eyes widen and the princess immediately releases the arrow notched in her bow. Morrigans hand darts up, grabbing the shaft centimeters from her neck. All stunned eyes are on the wood in her hand as the metal tip sets alight.
"You have no idea who your dealing with little girl." Morrigan flicks the arrow into the air passively, there's your damn signal Huntsman..
"You have magic?!"
"Of course, all the better to tare you limb from limb with my dear..Care for an example?"
Quickly Snow notches another arrow with Charming and the dwarfs charging forward. Morrigan raises her free hand sending the dwarfs flying backwards while her sword collides with the princes blade.
"Why are you doing this?"
"Why indeed!"
She snaps, pushing Charming back roughly and brings her blade down. He blocks just as another arrow is caught in her free hand. The furious Knight snaps the arrow in two and he knees her in the stomach making her stumble backwards, THAT'S IT!..The dwarfs charge at her again but black guard rush into the clearing intercepting them.
"Snow run!" Morrigan pounces on the prince, striking blow after blow.
"Not without you!"
How fucking touching!..Morrigan pushes Charming back into a tree, swinging her sword at his head. He ducks and the black blade embeds in the soft oak. He elbows her harshly, pushing at her chest plate and relieving her of her weapon as she stumbles backwards. He advances, sword firm in hand but both are distracted by a yelp followed quickly by a thud. Both Morrigan and Charming turn to see the former princess sprawled on the floor, blood leaking from a gash on her head with a black knight advancing.
"NO!"
Charming sprints forward, swiping once at the Dark Knight and running towards his fallen princess. Using her anger, Morrigan launches the man to the side with magic and he tumbles to the dirt, sword clattering aside him. The black guard raises his sword, ready to deal a killing blow when Morrigans hand darts out immobilizing him.
"No! The Queen wants her alive!" She hears heavy feet behind her and spins in time to side step a pickax. She snarls as the little man attempts to pull it from the ground, disgusting little shit..She grabs the shaft and tugs the weapon from the dirt, discarding it and grabbing a handful of the dwarfs clothing. With abnormal strength, Morrigan lifts him into the air, throwing him at his advancing brothers and they all tumble to the ground.
Red eyes swiftly scan the area for Charming only to find him fleeing with Snow White in tow, No you fucking dont!..She raises her hand and roots string from the ground, lacing together to create a wall in front of the fleeing couple. With another flick, the cart with barrels atop glides through the air. It crashes meters from the couple as they dive to the side, falling roughly to the ground. They attempt escape again but red electricity blows up several boxes and crates in their path.
"Nowhere to run! You cant stop me, I will deliver you and the shepherds head back to my Queen!"
Snow White stares at the advancing knight, holding her arm injured and panting heavily.."What did Regina do to you?"
The woman's gentleness halts Morrigans advancement, her guard faltering, what did the Queen do?..
The heroic couple steal glances.."Whatever she did, its not too late. We can help you get away from her.."
Morrigans hand subconsciously rises to touch the collar on her neck.
Snow looks on questionably and takes a step forward, Charmings hand protectively squeezing the woman's arm as she goes.
"I can help you take that off if you like?"
Morrigans hand pulls away sharply and she looks down studying her black metal gauntlet, take it off? I cant, it wont come off. The collar gives me power, makes me stronger..doesn't it?!..Charming takes a steady step after his princess.
"The Evil Queen doesn't control you, let us help you."
The Queen..made me who I am. She made me strong!..Morrigans shoulders square.
"Help? I don't need your help! All I need from you Shepherd is your head!"
She quickly raises her hand and her ebony sword detaches from the oak tree flying into her palm. She lunges at the prince, swinging for his head but he ducks, pushing Snow to the floor and rolling to the side. Blind fury fuels Morrigan as she swings time after time but the prince quickly hurry's from the path of the weapon. Rolling and diving, he eventually finds his sword and blocks an attack attempting to sever his head. He kicks her in the ribs but she increases pressure on her blade.
Grumpy suddenly barrels into the knights side, pulling them to the floor with a loud thud, Fucking dwarfs!..Morrigan rolls to her feet and slashes at the little man who attempts to scurry away. He lets out a shallow scream as her blade slices the flesh on the back of his leg. Her magic spikes as an arrow bounces off her chest plate and then another on her shoulder guard, Fucking Snow White!..A black gauntlet raises and red electricity explodes from her palm. The princess ducks as streaks of red splinter into the hut behind. The magic tares through the huts stone and fragile straw roof setting it ablaze.
Villagers scream, dashing away from the blaze as a mother and her daughter tumble out of the smoke. Morrigan freezes, watching the mother cradle the unmoving girl in her arms. The woman shakes her child lightly, sobbing over the sooty body and calls out for help. But after a brief moment, there's a sudden cough and then the girl begins to stir as the mother cry's joyous tears.
For a second Morrigan saw herself cradling Elinor, but no that's not what happened. There was no happy ending, my daughter was taken from me!..She snaps from her daze, and just as she turns, an arrow pierces the skin above her collarbone. She reels, crying out in anger and pain and stumbling backwards. A moment later she whirls to face her assailant but the prince and princess are nowhere in sight. Red eyes sweep the area finding most of her black guard dead or unconscious and she screams frustrated as the Huntsman runs towards her.
"Captain, Snow White and the Prince have escaped. I sent men into the woods but they.."
Morrigan grabs his throat with her uninjured arm and lifts him into the air. His feet dangle uselessly as he attempts to draw air into his lungs.
"You let them escape! You let HIM ESCAPE!" She throws him through the air where he lands roughly on his back clutching his stomach and neck.
"Useless! I give you one thing to do, one thing and you fail!"
Morrigan paces furiously, the stupid fucking bastard! Not only has revenge slipped through my fingers, but when I return to the palace I'm going to be severely punished for my failure! I messed up. That woman and her daughter distracted me and now I'm going to pay the price..Shit! Shit! Shit!..The bouncing of feathers catches her attention and she notes the arrow still embedded in her shoulder. With one swift tug, she rips it from flesh, clamping her jaw shut at the pain, Well no point delaying it!..Morrigan furiously paces passed two black knights and a sheepish Huntsman.
"Bury the dead and clean up this mess! I'll be taking a horse and departing for the palace!"
"Yes Captain."
Without another word, Morrigan mounts her horse and gallops into the forest. The pain in her shoulder is forgotten as her stomach churns with anxiety over what awaits her when she returns...