"Ah, there is our missing Warden! We have been waiting for you."

Zevran greeted the two of us as we entered the door and touched my arm as I drew closer.

I nodded greetings to those in my immediate area, embarrassed with all of the sudden attention. I tried to move to a seat but Zevran was in my way and Oghren joined him, raising his mug in greeting.

"Warden! Bloody hell! Where have you been?"

Oh...there she is.

Shivers went up Leliana's back and she tried to remember she was talking with Alistair but what he had just said was gone from her head already, the sight of me entering the room throwing her off balance.

Alistair smiled as he saw Leliana look at me as she did and laughed as she tried to act as if she knew what he'd said even though he knew she had no idea. She feigned innocence and was just thankful that I was talking and walking with Levi when I came in and didn't notice her little 'bump in the road' so to speak. Alistair stood up to offer greetings to me as well but Leliana stayed seated, not wanting to get in the way.

I found my way around the table and it seems that the only seat available was next to Leliana. And I do believe that was intentionally left for me.

I nodded to Leliana, not wanting to be rude.

"Evening."

Leliana nodded back and responded in kind, moving over a bit to allow me more room on the bench. Levi sat down across from me and placed the journal in front of him after making sure the table was clean.

Zevran put his hand on my shoulder after I'd settled in and had a question for me.

"How did you like my stew last night, Detra? Wasn't it the best stew you've ever tasted?"

"Oh, I ended up going to bed early last night and didn't make it for supper."

"Oh I know that. Did Alistair not bring the bowl of stew last night?"

A few pairs of eyes settled on Alistair and I saw him blushing suddenly.

"Um, everyone told me not to disturb you so... I didn't."

Alistair wanted attention off of himself so he asked Levi what the book was.

"The Warden and me just found this in... servant's quarters I guess. It actually mentions my grandmother."

There were now several serious inquiries across the kitchen and Levi was invited to tell the story again and he obliged, happy to be discussing his main purpose for being here again.

I knew the story already so I offered to get everyone's supper for them, spooning portions into bowls one by one and carrying them back towards the table.

Leliana suddenly appeared next to me and took the next bowl from me, taking it from my hands and bringing it to the table before I could say a word.

"Let me help."

It was a bit awkward to see Leliana now but I would just have to get over it and do what I was meant to. Be the leader, defeat the Blight and all the other good things that came with that.

Leliana returned for two more servings and then we returned to our seats, everyone having supper before them.

"So it actually mentions the beginning of the fight with the King's knights? That is amazing! I wish she had written more."

Alistair was engaging Levi and I knew if it wasn't for the stew in front of him, the questions would never stop.

I sat down and felt something poke my side, then remembered the pouch that I still held for Leliana. I fished it out of my pocket with as much stealth as possible and quietly placed it on the table next to Leliana's bowl.

"This belongs to you."

Leliana was shocked by the movement towards her but nodded quickly, not wanting to give anything away.

I returned to filling in blanks for Alistair and Leliana took the pouch into her hands, intent on stuffing it straight into her pocket.

It's still warm. She must have carried this with her all day.

A slight smile appeared on Leliana's face as she tucked the silken cloth into her pocket and began eating.

"So there was a big fight here then? I'll drink to that!"

Oghren broke his silence finally and raised his mug in a toast to the brutality.

I was going to say something to him, but just ended up shaking my head. Dwarves were, by nature, an aggressive people and believed everything could be resolved by fighting or war and nothing I could say now would change Oghren's opinion.

"So where are Wynne and Sten?"

I also thought to name Morrigan but she hardly ever joined us for meals, preferring for the most part her solitary nights.

Alistair answered about Sten, pointing with his thumb.

"Sten finished eating just before you got here and has built some recreational room. He's practicing or something in there."

Zevran told me that Wynne had already claimed her supper and brought it to her room, talking of wanting to finish books before we left.

"She knows she can bring some with us I hope. She will never finish them all."

I laughed, picturing Wynne speed reading in her room, or perhaps using magic to remember the wisdom within the books.

Alistair spoke through his chewing again.

"Have you seen the books around here? They are huge! I wouldn't want to lug them around."

I remembered how heavy those few were in the library a day ago and nodded in agreement.

"True, but if it's going to be beneficial, I'd like Wynne to bring it with us. Anything to help with the Darkspawn."

Zevran was looking through Levi's journal and talking and I was just about to compliment him on the stew when suddenly the kitchen grew very quiet.

Alistair added something as he swallowed then giggled.

"Speaking of Darkspawn..."

Those who didn't notice already now looked up and saw Morrigan entering the kitchen, not stopping until she reached the pot of stew and then she spooned out a portion for herself.

I could suddenly feel Leliana bristle at Morrigan's presence and was afraid something might happen but neither appeared to acknowledge the other. Morrigan stepped towards us, starting to eat the stew and nodding her greeting to us.

Zevran was the first to break the silence, smiling his crooked smile and asking how Morrigan liked the stew.

Morrigan daintily finished chewing and made us wait a bit for an answer.

"'Tis a good recipe. Perhaps one from your whorehouse upbringing?"

Zevran laughed his nasty laugh. It was obvious he liked Morrigan's sarcasm along with her other...assets.

"Actually, a curious thing. It is a recipe from a fellow Crow who was one of the best assassins I've ever known. Aside from myself of course."

Alistair laughed and couldn't resist the pull of the conversation and a chance to dig at Morrigan.

"An assassin making something this delicious? You'll have to teach me that recipe, Zevran so Morrigan doesn't tell me she hates my cooking anymore."

Morrigan turned to Alistair.

"I said nothing of the sort. I simply said it was barely edible."

Alistair laughed, surprised by such a tame response.

"What's the difference?"

"Barely edible 'tis still edible, just not as palatable as it could be."

You could feel everyone relax as Morrigan spoke no words of malice, but what appeared to be actual conversation. Alistair, along with the rest of the table, just watched her for a moment and then returned to their own bowls.

I felt something warm poke my back and turned to see Mabs, that look of hunger once again in his eyes.

"Oh, I'm sorry, boy. Seems it's always time for you to eat."

I immediately left the table and retrieved his bowl from the floor and used the scrap bits of boar and vegetables still on the cutting boards to fill it up.

Morrigan actually sounded to be involving herself in conversation with the group as I heard her ask what we were discussing and then even she and Alistair said a few things back and forth that were not abusive in the least.

I could not help but be surprised that Morrigan was capable of such exchanges, considering how she has been in the past. Perhaps she was getting the hang of her social skills. Or maybe she was just getting used to us.

As I was finishing up feeding Mabs, I heard Morrigan agree that it was a good plan and then she actually excused herself, moving towards the basin to place her bowl and we bumped into each other.

My body shuddered a bit and I quickly responded.

"Pardon me."

"Excuse me, Warden. Good night."

Morrigan hastily continued her path to the basin, placed her bowl inside and then made her way out of the kitchen door.

Alistair could barely wait until Morrigan had left the doorway and did his best to whisper.

"Does anyone know who that was because I thought it looked like Morrigan but...it really couldn't have been her."

Zevran smiled at Alistair.

"The true way to a woman's heart is first through her stomach, Alistair, no matter what she tells you. If you can impress her that way, then you move on to the next stage of impressing her and that is just a little bit lower."

Levi and Alistair blushed at Zevran's sexual talk but I laughed, used to it by now.

Leliana decided to join in the conversation for the first time tonight.

"There are even some foods which enhance that 'lower part' so you could perform a combination as well. Good food and good sex."

Zevran was surprised but pleased at Leliana's addition and turned to her.

"Ahhh, that is very true, Leliana. And why am I not surprised that you know this, eh? Such a crafty little bard, aren't you?"

Zevran winked at her.

"They used to keep shellfish on hand at the whorehouse all the time and the sailors would go crazy for it. Even though one would think that they had eaten enough of it being on the sea all the time."

Leliana wrinkled her nose.

"The way seafood looks is so...ugly and wrinkly. I never understood how people could get aroused eating such food."

I was a bit surprised that Leliana would engage Zevran in such a way as it would only lead to more deviance, but it was her choice. I leaned back so they could have a better view of each other beyond me on the bench.

"You have not had it prepared in such a way to make it so then, Leliana. It can be done."

Zevran's expression served as an invitation for Leliana to try his recipe out sometime and she finally understood that she needed to conclude the conversation.

"Thank you, Zevran. But I think I will stick with my current diet."

Zevran smiled again and then winked at me, thinking he understood.

"I must say that I am a bit jealous, but my recipe will always be available."

Catching his meaning, I was suddenly very uncomfortable with his suggestion, mainly because now I had a picture of Leliana and myself in my head. Conversation was needed, and now.

"So, Levi, will you be bringing your family here to the Peak? You've told me they are fantastic traders and this place could do with some life in it."

Levi finished off his stew and pushed his bowl away, wiping his mouth.

"I was going to ask you about that, Warden but I wasn't sure when to bring it up."

"Now seems like a good time. What do you propose?"

"My family is only a short few days away and could get their wares together and make it here before the Blight hits. Not that the Darkspawn are interested in this place, but at least my family won't encounter Darkspawn while traveling."

"This place, according to that journal, was rife with traders at one point and seemed to do very well. Maybe with your help we can get it back to its former glory."

"One of my brothers happens to be a blacksmith, Warden. I was thinking... maybe he would agree to stay on and after you Grey Wardens get more...Wardens, he could keep your equipment and armor in order for some pay."

Alistair and I looked at each other and smiled. Things were definitely looking up for the Ferelden Order. The Peak already seemed to be shaping up and so far all it had been was just talk of change.

"We'll have more Grey Wardens in the making in no time if everything works out."

We talked a bit more about Levi's family getting here but all it seemed to require was an okay from Levi and they would head out so there wasn't much planning to be done.

"I think I'm going to head to bed for tonight, Warden. It's been quite an exciting day."

All of the day's happenings had gotten to Levi and he did indeed look ready for sleep.

"We can look for more tomorrow if you want. Just come and find me."

Levi turned and smiled at me, holding the now sacred journal up.

"I don't think it will get much better than this, Warden. Thank you."

Levi nodded at all of us and then left the room with his treasure held carefully in his hands.

I decided it was time to move on as well and said my good nights all around. I still felt out of place with Leliana beside me and nothing to say to her, so I decided to end the night in good spirits.

"On that note, I believe I'll go pay Wynne a visit and tell her to bring some of those books she loves so much with us to Denerim."

I got up and repeated my good nights and left the kitchen, Mabs in tow.

Leliana felt herself frown, watching me leave the room.

I will just have to speak to her tomorrow.

I'm not going to interrupt her time with Wynne.

There's always tomorrow.

Shmooples woke up just in time to distract Leliana from her thoughts and poked at her hand for scraps. While she fed him from her bowl, Zevran began an exciting tale from his assassin days and my absence was no longer such a sore spot as she listened in.

I walked towards my room in the Peak, never intending to see Wynne at all tonight. She was my easy escape and now I could concentrate on nothing but the mission, which is what I needed to do. Remember who I was and that I was there to lead, nothing more.

Mabs walked into my room before me and laid down on the blankets I'd set out for him. His belly full, he was ready for dream time but I was still far from that. I had gotten plenty of sleep the night before and I was restless, thoughts of two certain women floating through my head. Unwanted, yet still there.

"Sod this."

I searched my belongings for that last bottle of strawberry wine that I had, pulled the cork and immediately took a long pull on the bottle itself. After all, I wouldn't be sharing this with anyone again. Chances are I would empty it myself anyways tonight.

Knowing that the wine would work its magic, I felt better in a moment but I still needed to leave my room. I decided to check out the courtyard as I remembered seeing some doors out there and it was the perfect excuse so I headed out, telling Mabs to remain behind.

Just in case I needed it, I brought a torch from the pile in the front room and lit it, easily finding my way outside. It was incredibly bright outside and I knew it couldn't be from the torch. Looking up, I discovered there was a full moon and I smiled, leaving the torch behind after I put it out. I did prefer darkness to be honest. It seemed the less I saw, the better off I was.

I stumbled down the stairs through the snow a bit, the wine already taking effect and headed towards the door I'd seen days earlier. It was a simple wooden door but there was a thick lock on the handle and a quick pull on it proved it was still functioning.

Rust and force made the lock finally surrender to my will and it fell off in pieces. The door creaked open slightly and I pushed further in.

It was a room for the guards, you could tell from the simple furniture. Although it could just as well have been a servants room. There was a lopsided wooden table with two chairs in the middle of the room, an empty bookshelf behind that against the wall and a simple fireplace at the head of the room beside the table. The table was littered with dishes and empty bottles and I giggled as I pictured bored guards out here, biding their time until the shift change and drinking all the alcohol they could get their hands on.

I grabbed some broken barrels from the corner of the room and piled them into the fireplace, thinking to light a fire and warm this place up. This would be where I would spend the night. It was nice, quiet, not so much clean but it would be where I would be free of thoughts and temptations and I could just cuddle up with my wine bottle and my temporary indifference.

I shook my head and sighed angrily as I tried to light the pile in the fireplace.

"Should have brought the torch." I grumbled to myself.

Finishing my fireplace pile yielded me no way to light the fire as I'd left the torch back up the stairs. I grumbled to myself and finally decided that I would have to brave the cold again to get the torch as it was simply just too cold in here to spend the night without a fire.

I made a quick dash up the stairs again, falling once to my knees on the icy stairs. Swearing to myself, I continued on to find and light the torch and make my way back towards my newfound escape zone.

Morrigan sniffed the air, recognition stopping her in her tracks.

The Warden?

Surely she would not be outside in this weather.

Morrigan took a few steps forward and sniffed again. This time the scent was stronger.

I settled down into the wooden chair in front of the fire and sighed relief. The crackling and warmth of the fire set me right at ease and I took another long pull on the wine bottle, closing my eyes for a moment in peace.

The door creaking broke my meditation and my eyes drifted to the door.

I yelled out as I saw a white wolf push its way into the room and I fell over with the chair, scrambling for a weapon that I had not brought with me.

The beast must have tracked my scent and was descending upon what it thought would be an easy meal.

My body tensed as I waited for the wolf to close in as I hid behind the chair but it simply approached me with no apparent attack plan, just watching me.

Then I noticed the eyes.

Amber eyes.

I could not help but say it aloud.

"Morrigan?"

The wolf then positioned itself by the fire and turned its back on me some, evidently more interested in the fire.

Yes, it was unmistakably Morrigan.

Only she could ignore me in this manner.

I watched her, impressed at the sight of her as a wolf, she was splendid. Morrigan was covered in a coat of glossy, white fur with slight smatterings of grey and black throughout and she stood proudly, as any predator would.

She is even ravishing in her wolf form.

I didn't know what else to say but I recovered myself and righted the chair, planting myself in it once again with my bottle in hand.

Morrigan-wolf just stood by the fire, staring into it and I wondered aloud if she was going to stay that way.

"Morrigan, are you just going to stay... wolfy?"

I giggled as the wine gave me such courage.

The wolf turned to me and stared for a moment and I imagined that if I could have seen Morrigan's face, it would have shown unmistakable irritation as usual.

A sudden purple and black haze surrounded the wolf and then Morrigan stood before me, human once again.

I smiled, impressed by the witch's power.

"Wow...that's... I like that."

I held a silly, drunken smile on my face as Morrigan looked back at me and I could have sworn she giggled.

I prodded her.

"Did you just laugh, Morrigan?"

Morrigan turned to me and she still wore the smile.

"Warden, watching you fall from that chair was very amusing. I truly enjoyed it."

I smirked.

"I am glad that I can amuse you, Morrigan. It's my mission in life."

Morrigan turned back to the fire and we were silent once more for a bit until I found my voice again.

"It was good to see you at supper."

Morrigan simply nodded her head at me without a reply.

Another longer silence followed as we watched the new fire claim its wooden victims, hissing and crackling its approval.

I leaned into the back of the chair, taking another pull of wine and was about to offer Morrigan the other chair when I saw the dagger I'd given her in her belt once again. With all the wine in my system, there was no way I would not comment on her wearing it now.

"So you like that dagger I gave you, Morrigan? I never thought I would see you wear it."

After a bit of a silence, Morrigan answered me just before I gave up on any response at all.

"It suits me."

Morrigan closed her eyes, admonishing herself.

"It suits me"?

"Really?"

Morrigan found words to redeem herself.

"I apologize for not thanking you properly."

Better.

I waved my hand at Morrigan and told her not to worry about it.

"Ah, that is just you, Morrigan. I understand."

My eyes settled on the fire again and Morrigan turned to me.

"Do you?"

The tone of Morrigan's voice startled me and I watched her then as she looked directly at me.

"Why did you give me that dagger, Detra?"

I was confused as well as quite drunk.

"You are asking me... why?"

Morrigan kept her eyes on me.

"Why of all things would you gift me a weapon?"

My eyes returned to the fire, thinking of an answer. The only answer.

"Magic is a wonderful ally but it never hurts to have steel at your side. And... I want you to be safe."

I shrugged at my own comment but normally this kind of admission would have set me on the edge.

Our eyes met and we held our gaze until I felt myself get out of the chair and move towards Morrigan, getting dangerously close. I felt no fear as the wine flowed through me and my actions spoke for themselves.

Morrigan stood safeguarded with her arms folded, looking uncharacteristically nervous.

No, Warden. Do not come to me.

Morrigan closed her eyes again as I now stood beside her.

"I do not want anything to happen to you...and a dagger can come in handy as a last resort."

Morrigan now wrung her hands together in front of the fire as the usual sarcasm she oozed was replaced by nervous energy.

Please...no.

"No one..."

Morrigan took a breath and I waited to see if she would complete her sentence.

"No one has ever... given me a gift without a price, Warden. You must wish for something in return, of course."

I felt sad she felt the need to offer me a gift in repayment but I needed to humor her for just a moment.

"All right then."

Morrigan turned to me, expectant of a wish from me that she could grant with a spell.

"I wish...that you would be honest with me, Morrigan."

Morrigan shook her head, wrinkling her nose.

You know not what you ask. Please stop.

Morrigan looked away into the fire, regaining her usual expression but fear was within.

"Ugh... You smell of wine, Warden. Are you drunk?"

My silly smile reappeared and I continued on the path I had made for myself.

"Actually it's strawberries but you still have not answered me."

Morrigan's eyes returned to the floor and she sniffed.

"Honesty is for fools, Warden. You already know this and that is why you are drinking right now."

I moved in front of Morrigan and gingerly reached for and lifted her chin with my fingers so that our eyes met once more.

No. Please no!

"Is it really, Morrigan? Or are you afraid of what you might say?"

Morrigan looked back at me indignantly and pushed my hand away and that was not what I had expected.

"You come at me as you have while you are drinking, Warden? Even you are not brave enough to face my wrath. Move away at once, you drunken excuse for a warrior!"

It took a moment longer for Morrigan's words to sink in but they did and I was offended.

"I am not drunk, Morrigan but tonight I am most definitely not a warrior either. I need a rest and I came out here to get one but then you showed up."

Morrigan scoffed.

"And what is it that you mean by that, Warden? Are you implying that I am interrupting your night off? I will leave at once if that is what you wish."

"I did not say that, Morrigan. But you do have a way of darkening a room."

Morrigan was seething.

"You are treading deep water, Warden. I advise extreme caution."

I laughed the confident laugh of a person who has entirely too much alcohol in their body.

"Or what, Morrigan? You'll turn me into a nug? A toad, perhaps? Bring it on. I'm ready for you."

I continued laughing and waved my hands at Morrigan in invitation, enjoying this game that we had begun.

Morrigan moved quickly towards me and then I felt her palm connect with my face followed by a slight sting.

I was not prepared for that to happen and was genuinely shocked at first, then embarrassed, and then angry.

"Hey!"

"You are making a complete fool of yourself, Warden. Feel lucky that slap is all you get from me."

Ah, Morrigan really did want to play.

"Really now? You think that little love tap is going to dissuade me from my fun? I think not, witch."

Morrigan's face questioned while my palm met her cheek, delivering the same as she'd given me and I roared with laughter.

"Ha ha! Now we are even, witch!"

I had never seen a look on Morrigan's face as she wore now and if I had been sober, I would have run from the building. But I did not, even as she bolted forward towards me.

Morrigan swung her hand again at my face but my reflexes were still quick enough and I caught her by the wrist.

"Now what? I've got you!"

I knew Morrigan would simply either swing the other arm or just electrify me to death so I waited. Sure enough, here came her other hand which I also caught and I held her in place, catching her gaze.

"No more."

I pulled Morrigan towards me by both wrists and I kissed her with all my drunken might, her body slightly against mine.

We parted just seconds later and I gasped for air, discovering the fatal mistake I had just made. I spent the next few seconds trying to distance myself far from it, Morrigan's expression scaring me now as it should have earlier.

Morrigan caught me as I turned away and I had just a second to take in her beauty as she moved towards me, kissing me right back full on the mouth.

Both of us gasped and backed away from the other just a bit, staring in shock. When I did not see regret in Morrigan's eyes, I lunged right back at her and we landed against one of the structure's wooden beams, my lips pressed into Morrigan's and my hands fell against her body just as tightly. I wondered if I was the first woman to feel Morrigan's tongue inside her mouth but those thoughts soon tapered off as more important things began happening.

Morrigan returned the lust that I was giving to her two fold as her hands around my waist pulled me against her tightly and her hands began wandering immediately, up my back and my neck and then down my front, stopping there for quite a bit.

It took several minutes for my mind to catch up with the unfolding events and my body was alive in her arms but this was still like a dream.

Never did I think I could reign the mighty Morrigan in.

Time seemed to slow down as I felt Morrigan's fingers working at the strings on my shirt, loosening them for removal and she slid her chilly hands up the front in order to fully remove it, pulling it off over my head.

My own fingers sought out release of her clothing as well and soon both our tops were thrown to the side with us molded together beside the fire, our hands wildly exploring the others body. Our pants came off swiftly after that, kicked off and aside, shoes following.

I still had Morrigan against the beam and I worked my thigh in between her now exposed legs and received a moan in return. As I moved against her, I gasped myself as she was considerably wet and I could feel her throbbing need just inches away.

I licked my lips as I watched Morrigan's reaction first hand as she groaned at my intrusion, opening her legs a bit more to allow me a better angle.

I heard myself groan in response and Morrigan's breath was ragged in my face suddenly, a look of lust in her eyes.

Morrigan moved us off of the beam and reached behind us and with one quick movement of her arm, swept most of the items off of the table behind us, continuing the fluidity of her movements by lifting me onto the edge of it and then pressing me down into the table with her own body. I barely noticed the clatter of all the dishes as they fell to the floor as Morrigan mounted me and found my lips again.

Morrigan's forcefulness excited me and I gasped, relinquishing all control to her, the alcohol helping with that.

"Yes..."

My legs opened around Morrigan and I felt her against me, her warmth and wetness becoming one with my own, my heart pounding in my head.

"Morrigan...take me."

Morrigan moaned her approval of granting my wish and each thrust against me made me shudder and fight continuously for air.

"Detra..."

Our movement anxious, we rocked against one another, clinging and sweating and crying out until finally that moment came. I felt Morrigan dig her nails into my shoulders as I saw white flashes before my eyes, pleasure traveling the entirety of my body and time seemed to slow.

Moments of stillness regulated our breathing and my hands stroked Morrigan's slick back as she nuzzled my neck. Morrigan moved slightly now and then and I groaned, still extremely sensitive to her touch as we were still in the same position. My lips found Morrigan's shoulder as her own lips were unreachable right now.

I felt closer to Morrigan than any other woman I had shared my bed with at this very moment and so very relaxed and my mouth continued on to make a very bad mistake.

Not the usual kind either.

"I love you."

I could feel the words fall from my lips, feel myself try to grasp them and pull them back as they emerged into audible noise but I could not get them back.

It was done.

All movement of our bodies ceased and I felt Morrigan take a deep breath, not letting it out.

Morrigan pulled away and looked at me.

"What a silly thing to say, Warden. 'Tis only lust and not love that you feel. Love is a dead end that leads to no place that I would chose to be. You... should have been well aware of this."

I was on a precarious cliff right now and I could not get any clear words from my mouth, stumbling over meaningless rubbish but could not stop insisting on the one thing that would chase Morrigan away.

My feelings.

"You cannot presume to tell me how I feel, Morrigan. Can you tell me you feel nothing?"

"What I felt, Warden, was just a moment ago. As pleasant as it was, it does not obligate me further."

Morrigan separated herself from me as if she had just finished some meaningless task and began locating her clothing, dressing as she found it.

I sat up on the edge of the table.

"Obligate? What..."

I shook my head as Morrigan ignored me and continued dressing, obviously immune to any of my words.

"So...this is it? That's all there is?"

Morrigan faced me with such denial in her eyes.

"Love and beauty are fleeting and have no meaning. Power has meaning and survival has meaning, but love is an abyss that I would never look upon."

Morrigan was completely attired once again and I stood up, anger boiling over.

"I do not accept that, Morrigan! I know that you feel..."

Morrigan interrupted me.

"What you think you know and what actually is are two different things, Warden. You seem to confuse feelings all the time and that- that will be your downfall."

Morrigan was smug as she looked back at me, exuding ten times her usual sarcasm as her arms folded in her defensive stance.

I felt my heart shatter in my chest as I looked into Morrigan's now-dead eyes. She had closed off to me now and she did not care that what she was saying was tearing me apart.

"You are sodding heartless, do you know that?"

Morrigan smirked.

"And you, Warden, are a woman-chasing fool."

After what Morrigan and I had just shared, my brain imploded with the bite of the words she was speaking to me and I felt like slinking from the room into the darkest possible shadows.

How could she act like this?

What is wrong with her?

When I did not reply to her but continued to stare like a wounded Mabari, Morrigan turned towards the door.

"I believe the time has come for us to part company, Warden. There is nothing further that I can provide for you."

Morrigan had gotten and taken what she had wanted all along and now she was finished with me it seemed. Even I have not ever been so callous towards any woman.

The same woman whose mouth I had just kissed minutes ago disgusted me as I looked upon her. I was seething with fury and then I gave her what she wanted to hear.

"Go on then, Morrigan. Run. But don't you ever look back."

Morrigan's eyes flashed at me and she slowly turned away.

"As you wish, Warden. I shall be gone tonight."

After she was gone, I got up and found my clothing strewn about and put it back on. My mind was a black hole of nothingness until I felt fire in my veins and flew into a rage, throwing the table to the other side of the room and then smashing some boxes, falling to one knee in despair.

I slumped back down into the chair after righting it, the ghost of Morrigan's touch holding me hostage and tears seeped from my eyes as I held myself for comfort and reached for what alcohol was left in the bottle that had spilled onto the floor. I don't remember much else after that.

Maker help her if I ever see her again.