Chapter 14

"Lessons Learned"

Powdery snow exploded into the air as the former branch slammed against the tree stump. Attacks against an imaginary enemy were made in quick succession, each blow hitting a vital area, slicing through nonexistent armour and flesh. Sweat soaked his shirt as he moved around the stump, countering attacks while finding new openings to exploit. Eventually Aedan executed his foe, one blade driving deep into it's torso, the other swinging above his head, driving down and knocking the rock from the top of the stump. Satisfied with himself, Aedan panted as he wiped the sweat from his brow, his training for the day done. So intent he had been, Aedan failed to notice he had gained an audience, only to be surprised to hear a pair of hands slowly clapping behind him.

"Most impressive, that tree never knew what killed it." Morrigan stood on a small hill overlooking the Warden, her cloaked draped across her shoulders. "'Tis a shame then that you are battling against the Darkspawn and not against Ferelden's dead trees, else this Blight would be over already."

His lips broke out in that ridiculous grin, his teeth white as the snow that fell around him. Laying the two carved swords against the stump, Aedan turned towards the Witch and nodded before he spoke. "Yes, entire flowerbeds fear my approach, lest I cleave my way through their stalks, shrubs cower in terror, wondering if I will brutally prune them with my Shears of Doom."

Must he always act the fool? Walking towards Aedan, Morrigan took note of the swords Aedan had been carving whenever they had made camp for the past week. They both had the basic shape of a sword, though the blades, if they could be called that, were rough, slivers of splinters still marked the grain of the wood. Leather strips were wrapped around the grip, protecting the hands from the splinters. Seeing where Morrigan's attention had turned to, Aedan offered his explanation.

"Get a piece of heavy wood like oak, and if you shape it right, you get something that has roughly the same weight and feel of an iron sword. I only have to worry about the training sword breaking and not a difficult to repair weapon. It's also allowing my left arm to get used to using a full sized weapon again."

Morrigan thought back to the day when Flemeth rescued the two Wardens from the Tower of Ishal. Both had been injured by the Darkspawn infesting the tower, though by sheer luck, Alistair had only been rendered unconscious. Aedan had fared worse against the Darkspawn, several black arrows had pierced his armour, one lodged deep into his shoulder, a second his thigh, a third had nearly gone through his chest, barely missing his heart and lung. Blood poured from the wounds as the arrows were removed, Aedan groaning as the pain overwhelmed him. Afterwards, as Flemeth tended to Alistair, Morrigan had watched over the Warden, curiosity filling her mind. Even granting her mother's magical abilities, it would take Aedan some time to recover from his injuries. Even more curious to her were the names the Warden had mumbled as he slept, names that she had difficulty understand through Aedan's fevered dreams. Still, in the end it didn't matter, Aedan had woken up and left with Alistair to try to stop the Blight, Morrigan journeying with them, the payment, her mother had told the Wardens, for saving their lives.

And now, looking at him, Morrigan could see that Aedan had fully recovered, the wounds he had suffered in the tower now healed. There had been a time when he feared his left arm would not regain its full strength, he had never spoken of this to her or the others, but his eyes told her, the worry, contrasting the determination set in his eyes. 'Tis strange that I would notice that or even care for it. No matter, he is well enough to battle the Blight, and that strength is certainly impressive.

"'Tis an unusual way you fight. One would imagine it difficult to wield two weapons, especially in the chaos of a real battle." By now, Morrigan was leaning against the stump, the dead tree between her and the Warden. She watched as he tried to think of a suitable answer, unsure of what to make of what Morrigan had just asked of him.

"Concerned for my safety, are you?" The glare in her eyes told Aedan that she was in no mood for humour. "Forgive me, I couldn't help it. Yes, it is an unusual style to see in Ferelden, but it suits me. Don't get me wrong, I was raised to use a sword and shield and even a two handed weapon, if the need were to ever come up, and I'm also a fair competent archer, but wielding two weapons allows me to control my battles."

Morrigan realised she must have looked confused, as Aedan laughed, picking up the two training blades. "A shield might grant more protection from the likes of arrows and melee weapons, but more often then not, the bearer has to react to an attacker, to counter a blow and to protect themselves. A double handed weapon offers a great deal of hitting strength, while at the same time it slows a warrior to the point where they have to plan ahead for every attack, which leaves them open to a more agile opponent."

Aedan winked at Morrigan as he performed a flourish with the blades. "An agile opponent, like me. I sacrifice the protection of a shield for the ability to dictate the flow of melee, I force my enemy to react to my terms. I sacrifice the power of a double handed weapon for speed, and the ability to strike when my enemy is at their weakest. And then we get into the various melee weapons, and without beginning to sound like my old trainer, each has their own advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation."

Pausing for a moment, Aedan studied the swords, hefting them in his hands before throwing one into the air. The sword hung in the air for a spilt second, before it began to fall again, the Warden catching the sword and offering it to Morrigan, grip first, in the same movement. "Of course, it's one thing to talk about it, you can only really learn by trying."

Another game? Hmm, perhaps it would be a welcome distraction. Very well, I will play his game. Morrigan took the offered sword, the weight surprisingly reassuring in her hand. "What now?"

"First to score three hits on the other, is the winner. Does that seem fair?" His lips still kept their smile as he offered the terms.

"'Twould hardly seem fair, you are the warrior after all, this is the first time I have held a sword, real or not. You do have the distinct advantage. But out of curiosity, what shall the winner receive?"

Aedan instantly tossed the sword into his left hand, placing his right behind his back. Shrugging, the Warden tilted his head. "I could always wear a blindfold if you wish, maybe spin around a few times. Its up to you."

Morrigan shook her head. Fool. "That will not be necessary, I prefer a challenge. I accept, and you still have not told me what the winner shall receive."

"Oh? I didn't? Well, that can be up to the winner then. Ready?"

Morrigan smiled and made her move, charging the Warden with the blade raised above her head, swinging down. The blade was swiftly and deftly deflected away by Aedan. Her attack and it's momentum had propelled Morrigan away from Aedan. Suddenly she felt a swift, yet soft rap on her…He didn't!

Regaining her footing, Morrigan spun around, glaring at the Warden, his laughter dying away as he saw the indignant look in her eyes. "Forgive me. I shouldn't have done that. It was remiss of….whoa!" Aedan ducked as the blade narrowly missed his head. Morrigan swung the blade again, only to find the sword once again blocked by Aedan on the return, the young warrior pushing Morrigan away and rolling behind her. "That's two." The sword tapping the Witch on her shoulder.

"Do not think you have won yet Warden!" Her arm stretched out, a chill wind blowing from her extended hand, aimed at Aedan's feet. The Warden tried to keep his footing, only to fall on his back as the ground beneath him became solid ice. Dazed, and staring the sky, Aedan attempted to push himself up, as Morrigan stepped into his field of vision, planting her foot firmly on his chest. As she stood over him, the blade in hand, Morrigan smiled, taunting him. "I win." The blade tapped each cheek, followed by a swift tap to Aedan's head.

He chuckled. "So that's what it feels like to have my ass handed to me…." Resting himself on his arm, Aedan looked at the Witch and shrugged, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, still smiling. "But Morrigan, there is just one thing you should know about me." Suddenly Morrigan felt his legs entangle hers and pull her down, the Warden rolling on top of her, leaning in close. "I usually hate to lose."

Morrigan's eyebrow arched as he moved closer, his scent filling her world. She could feel her heart beat faster. He will not get to me that easily. Pushing herself away from him, Morrigan whispered, teasing the Warden. "Usually?"

There was that lopsided grin again as Aedan looked into her eyes. His eyes were fascinating, bright green, almost like emerald or raw jade, even in the dying light of the evening, they shone. His hands slid over her body, holding her as he gently lifted her from the ground with ease. "I don't think I'd mind losing to you, Morrigan."

Once again, Morrigan teased him, her finger trailing across Aedan's chest, slowly working it's way to under his jaw, caressing it. She would never admit it to him or anyone else, but the two day growth of stubble tickled her. "That's right, I did win. I think I will claim my prize now." Grabbing his hair and head, Morrigan pulled herself towards the Warden, kissing him deeply, his lips still tasted as sweet as that first kiss in the forest. She was pleased when he returned the kiss, his arms enclosing around her, lifting her closer to him.

The kiss became more passionate, more intense as they ignored the world around them. Morrigan was surprised to feel his tongue against hers, though she did not complain, instead enjoying the sensation. Aedan's hand ran up her back, dragging his fingers against the fabric of her blouse, sending a shiver throughout Morrigan's body.

Pausing, Morrigan broke away from the Warden, a mischievous smile on her lips. "'Tis cold out here in the woods." From the look in his eye, Morrigan knew that Aedan understood what she meant.

Aedan response was to draw her closer to him, whispering as he kissed her neck. "I'm sure we can do something about that, don't you?"

Her eyes closed, Morrigan purred as he moved across her neck. "Hmm, I agree, Warden."

Aedan stopped, and brought himself back to her lips. "My name isn't Warden, it's Aedan."

Amazing herself, Morrigan giggled. "Whatever you say… Aedan."

As he removed her cloak, Aedan tried to reach for his own, to lay it on the ground, before he laid Morrigan on the woollen cloth. Aedan helped her remove her clothes, as she did with his, his lips never leaving her skin, save for when Morrigan pulled his shirt over his head, both ignoring the cold as their bodies warmed each other. Morrigan began to stroke his back as Aedan's hand caressed her leg. His body was firm, muscular, the result of years of training, yet the Witch was shocked to feel a scar running from Aedan's shoulder to the base of his back. It was an old wound, long since healed and knotted.

Aedan had begun to nuzzle Morrigan's neck before whispering in her ear. "It's a reminder of a lesson from my youth, one that I learned the hard way."

Hmmm, he knows what to do, and how to do it well. 'Tis good to know this is not a total waste. She managed to ask Aedan what that lesson was before moaning.

Laughing softly, Aedan had continued to whisper to her "Know when to duck!". As Morrigan moaned, Aedan kissed her, silencing her, his hand slowly lifting her leg. For Morrigan the rest of the night began to fade into a blur of passion, lust and pleasure.

Awakening the next morning with a smile, the Warden's arm draped over her, Morrigan searched for her clothes, stirring Aedan. Watching him as he dressed, Morrigan rested her head on his shoulder, murmuring into his ear. "I see the tales of Grey Warden endurance have not been exaggerated."

Taken aback, Aedan took a moment to realise what Morrigan had said to him. "There are tales?"

"Oh yes, legends abound about Garahel and his prowess on the battlefield, and off it. The real question is if it's the taint within you, or if Grey Wardens are by their nature so very… healthy. I prefer to think of as a little of both, natural prowess, driven by a dark side."

Placing her hands on his shoulders, Morrigan pushed herself away from the Warden. "Simply know, that I desire no claim to your independence. I wish only to do what I desire, and if that coincides with what you desire, than so be it. And should you wish to not continue our… misadventure, then so be it. Simple, is it not?"

"What? You don't want to mark me as yours?" Aedan motioned to the marking surrounding his eye, still smiling all the while. "As you can tell, I'm not averse to such things. But thank you for spelling things out for me. I'm not sure my tiny little mind would have comprehended all that!"

Rolling her eyes at his sarcasm and with a retort at the ready, Morrigan was interrupted by the sound of barking, as a mound of fur and slobber crashed through the trees, landing in front of Aedan. Morrigan had almost aimed an icicle at the creature only to realise that it was Aedan's Mabari hound, Beast. That animal is troublesome at the best of times, still, I must admit, he is faithful to his master, and protective of him. I wonder how they met? No mind, 'tis nothing of consequence now.

"He must have woken up, saw I wasn't there and came searching. I can't get a moment's peace with him around. Ten years together and he just has to wake up at the foot of my bed." Aedan rubbed the hound's ears, the stub of it's tail wagging with joy, pleased for his master's affection.

The Mabari had sat, looking at his master and Morrigan, unsure of what had happened. "Beast, keep this to yourself, and I'll get you an ox bone." Whining, the animal lowered it's head onto his lap, Aedan throwing his hand in the air. "Fine! A beef bone! Happy?" Satisfied, the hound trotted back to camp, leaving his master to rub his head in exasperation, talking into his hands. "I should never have taught him how to negotiate."

Turning back to Morrigan, Aedan appeared bemused by the hound, but smiled as he saw the Witch fasten the cloak around her neck. Taking her by the waist, Aedan spun Morrigan around, and kissed her again. "Thank you Morrigan…. Well, lets get back before the others realise we're gone and form search parties."

She mulled it over in her mind, a little annoyed that Aedan was jesting, even now. "Oh, and how can there be a search party when there are just three people?"

He grinned, shrugging as he made his way back to camp. "I don't know, maybe have really small parties? I'm hungry, you feel like having some breakfast? Lets see what's in the supply wagon."

Morrigan watched as the Warden walked into the morning mist now forming on the icy ground, utterly confused by the man.

As she slept in her bed, Morrigan dreamt of that first night, and of all the nights she spent with Aedan, her Warden. And smiled as she slept.