Note: And I'm back to present time in the story. I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, hope you enjoy reading it. Your thoughts and reviews are always appreciated

53 Unmentionables

The stars were out this clear night. A chill breeze blew in from the window and caressed Morrigan's bare arm making her cross them to her chest. She leant upon the rough stone frame as she looked out over the lake, her thoughts constantly turning to the Warden. The past week had been a sea of emotions for her, waves cresting high with every time they made love then crashing low with every life threatening battle they fought together. The last wave near drowned her, seeing a glimpse of what it would be like lose the Warden forever. Morrigan's brow creased suddenly as she remembered the day's near tragic events. Her mind reeled. It had been tragic. The Warden had died, leaving her bereft of joy and… Morrigan took a shuddering breath. Whether the Warden was near or far, she felt it, coiled deep inside her, just waiting to be acknowledged. Her brow creased again and she shook her head softly out of irritation. Life was simpler in the Wilds. She took what she wanted and who she wanted, casting them off after she was satisfied. Her heart was colder, calmer. The Warden changed all that with her easy smile and teasing words, those lingering glances, sweet red lips and her voracious appetite that matched that strong, attractive body. Before the Warden, she was asleep and wasn't even aware of it. Now she hungered for the tender touch as much as the fierce embrace that rocked her body, mind and soul. Before the Warden she had never felt so satisfied yet at the same time ravenous for more. Today however, she felt something else entirely different - immeasurable pain and grief, a taste of her life after the Warden's wake upon her soul. Her chest ached suddenly as she fought back the sting in her eyes. The Warden had died and though by some miracle she came back, things still didn't feel quite right to her.

"You're thinking of her." The soft tone of the mewling boy had startled her. Languidly she turned her gaze to Alistair beside her, hiding every effort she took of masking how she had been caught unawares. She scoffed at his words even as she desperately hoped her eyes didn't glisten.

"T'is only natural." Morrigan gazed toward the lake once more disregarding the boy's intrusion on her thoughts. "We are at war and we are leaderless, for now." Half-heartedly she emphasized the words hoping to belittle his existence but her barb was lost on him. Any other day she would have enjoyed ripping shreds from his pride and dignity, but tonight she was in no mood and it showed. She frowned again, hoping he would just go away.

"Though I know she is back, we lost her today and I have to keep reminding myself she's alive." Morrigan gave him a quick sidelong glance. How can she possibly feel the same as this fool? "I suppose it will all feel right again when she's back from the tower." He continued speaking, his sentiments near mirroring her own. She scoffed at herself. The boy became irritated, mistaking that the sound was directed at him. Morrigan smiled a little. "We are all feeling it, I only wanted to let you know you aren't the only one Amara's death has affected." Alistair shook his head and threw his hands up resignedly. He started to walk away. That suited Morrigan just fine except…

"I know she's alive. But I still lost her... for a long moment." The words were out of her mouth before she could stop herself.

"It will feel better when you see her again." The young Warden looked back at her once and nodded before walking out of the room. Morrigan stared at the lake once more. Somewhere her lover was on a boat, travelling further still before she can come back. She hoped she slept peacefully.

Amara's dreams were peaceful. She hunted with her brother once more, taking in the lush forest around them. They laughed, like they hadn't laughed together for months spooking all prey from their vicinity. They gave up the hunt as lost and wended their way to the grove. She sat in the middle of it; her eyes closed feeling the life around her. Morrigan's wolf stalked past, her golden eyes regarding her with wolfish curiosity. Amara reached for her, letting her fingertips trail along her side. Light shimmered before her as Morrigan's human form returned. Her lover looked down at her mischievously before lowering her body on top of her lap. The scent of her filled her senses. Her graceful hands running across Amara's shoulders then coming up the side of her neck. She felt a lingering kiss on her lips, sweet and spicy at the same time. Golden eyes pierced her as the witch spoke within her mind. Come back to me Warden… I'm waiting… we have much to do, you and I... Come back… Abruptly she was in the distance, transforming back into her wild shape. Amara smiled and got to her feet. Hurried steps took her towards the witch only to find her ahead again whenever she neared. A teasing laugh tumbled from her lips. Amara ran after her again.

"Morrigan wait…" Amara's eyes shot open. The cabin was dim with the half light of the morning leaking through its small window. Amara's heart began to slow as she remembered where she was. The dream was so familiar, every feeling and every word. She had dreamt all of it before but her mind couldn't place it. She felt a toned arm move against her waist, fingers lightly resting on her naked skin. Leliana's warm body pressed against her back under the covers, her breathing soft and even with sleep on the back of her neck. The boat rocked lazily along. She placed her hand over Leliana's and grasped it gently. Sleep beckoned her again and she happily followed.

Morrigan walked down an empty hall. She had been up for hours now and she was glad her watch over the boy was at an end. So far the potion had held making her feel quite proud to have created such a potent batch. She knocked on the enchanter's door firmly to ensure she didn't have to do so a second time.

"A moment please." A sleepy rasp from within sounded. They were all exhausted, not just from the vigil but from every fight that brought them to this moment. Magic had been the main weapon employed the last couple of days and though she firmly felt she had plenty more, Morrigan was quite happy to take the opportunity to rest. The door opened slowly as a bleary eyed mage met her cool stare.

"How is the boy?" Wynne was tucking the last few locks of her hair back in a matronly bun.

"The same." She stepped away from the doorway to allow the enchanter to exit her chamber. "I will take rest in the inn. Shoot a red spark into the air if your need becomes dire and I shall hasten back." Morrigan turned her steps to leave the castle as the enchanter nodded her assent. Wynne continued down the hall and entered the boy's quarters. A rather dishevelled Isolde leant her head against a tall backed chair; her eyes never leaving her son. Alistair, looking quite worn sat across the room in the corner, his eyes lighting up as they found the enchanter.

"Dear child, have you not slept at all?" Wynne frowned with worry as her steps took her before him. He was still in full armour, hair messed and eyes red. A rough layer of blonde stubble had started growing along his jawline.

"I slept a little but not too deeply." Alistair stood up and offered his seat to the elder mage.

"Always so gallant my dear." Wynne smiled at him and sat down. She was quite fond of him. Since the tower she had received many compliments from him, surprisingly some of it bordering on flirtation. It made her feel young despite the obvious age difference between them so she was quite happy to return the favour, laughing heartily whenever she had him blushing.

"I'll be back shortly with some tea." Alistair's smile reached his eyes. She watched him go, shaking her head to herself as her eyes settled on his gait. Had she been younger… she thought wistfully then shook her head some more.

Morrigan walk through half deserted streets. It was early yes, but the great loss of life had given the village an almost ghostly air. She entered the tavern doors then inclined her head in greeting to the woman behind the counter before her steps took her up the stairs and into their room. Their room. Morrigan held a pent breath as she thought about those words. She shook her head and wondered if this was the foolishness that resulted from the weakness her mother had warned her about. Perhaps she was foolish but she was not weak. She entered the room and looked about. Their bed was a rumpled mess, vases and ornaments had been knocked off the dresser. The torn red curtain crumpled on the ground made her smile. She placed her staff against the wall and lay herself down on the bed with a sigh, burying her head in the pillow that held their mingled scent. Her heart thundered as a disturbing thought crossed her mind. This moment could have turned out quite different. Just as quickly as her mind explored the idea of returning to this room knowing the Warden was dead, her mind shied away from it violently. A frustrated angry huff escaped her lips. That simply, cannot happen and she was bent on doing everything in her power to prevent it ever happening. That thought led her to considering her power. Surely she was formidable in battle and an expert in mixing various potions that could aid the Warden if needed. She frowned then. There was something she could not do and irked her to frustration. Healing magic was not something Flemeth had taught her and she wondered if it was out of her mother's assessment of her capabilities or a skill the old woman jealously guarded for herself. Flemeth had always enjoyed being superior to her in years and knowledge. That power over life was one she had hoarded and never shared with her daughter. Naturally she thought of Wynne. The woman had brought the Warden back from the brink of death twice. But if Wynne had not been with them on those occasions she would have lost the Warden long ago. The thought made her blood boil. That was yet another scenario she wanted to prevent. Resolutely her mind came to a decision. She will have to ask the mage to teach her and she was not taking a refusal for an answer.

Morrigan clutched a pillow to her chest and breathe in the Warden's scent deeply as her mind prepared the various points of arguments she could use to coerce the enchanter to be her mentor in this necessary task. Despite her racing mind her body slept and woke only when her face was touched by the sun streaming in from the uncovered window. It was just before midday from the sounds coming from the tavern below her. She sat up and went to her pack, pulling out a change in small clothes. Her face twisted as she felt slime spread through her fingers. Disgusted she pulled out her unmentionables from the pack. All but one was covered in drool and two had the distinct markings of a canine savaging. "That mongrel of a dog!" She huffed loudly in annoyance. She bundled the underwear in a small sack and stormed out to the bath house to wash them.

The bath house was blessedly deserted. She took herself to the furthest stall and washed her clothes as her bath filled. The soap she washed them with had an alluring aroma of musk rose, jasmine and ylang ylang. Sharply it brought her mind back to the Warden, making love to her over and over again. She smiled as her body hummed in response to the memory. Her annoyance with Blade melted away with the suds that she rinsed from her hands. Her tub filled, she took the opportunity to soak her body in the delightful scent, rubbing her aching shapely legs with the enticing lather before just sitting in the water and letting its warmth suffuse her. She thought of her Warden again. By the day's end she would know just how to recreate this blend for her.

Leliana woke to find Amara's hand on her stomach. She admired the Warden's strong but graceful fingers and smiled. The weight of them was as light as a lover's touch through her soft linen shirt, despite the sword it constantly wielded. Gently she stole a caress over the top of it, running her fingers lightly over the skin of her wrist then up a well-muscled forearm before coming back down to rest her hand on top of hers. She felt them move slightly beneath hers, splaying against her abdomen briefly before relaxing again. Leliana held her breath, her eyes looking at the Warden's face resting on her shoulder. She looked well rested, sleeping soundly with a slight smile on her lips. Plucking up the courage, she dared to softly stroke down one cheek and along her jawline with one careful finger. The Warden responded to her touch by grabbing at her shirt and sleepily bunching them up in her hand. Leliana let out a long silent breath as she closed her eyes and bit down on her bottom lip. Desire welled up in her chest and resolutely travelled between her legs. Her eyes furtively followed up Amara's arm then around the curve of her bare shoulder before coming to rest on the generous mounds of her breasts, accentuated by the press of her body against her own. Leliana let out another breath, one shakier than the last as she became suddenly aware of two pert nipples that pushed against the side of her body with only her shirt separating the Warden's skin from hers. Knowing she was indulging herself she turned her mind to the leather she felt across one thigh and noticed the Warden's knee sat just below the aching, wanting flesh between her legs. She felt her sensitive button hum almost painfully as her flesh moistened with arousal. Unable to help herself she dared to touch the Warden's face again, this time lingering on her soft skin with a longer, slower stroke. Amara's made a soft noise that had the bard holding her breath. The Warden stirred a little more, her hands going around Leliana's waist and grasping her tighter. She buried her face in the crook of her neck while her whole body pressed in closer. Oh Maker! Leliana let out a silent gasp as she felt one leather covered knee slide along her inner thigh and press up against her opening. Her underwear was soaked and she found herself thanking the Maker for giving her the sense to leave them on last night. Emotions warred within her as she grappled with the decision to wake Amara and ask her for what she so desired or let her sleep knowing her body couldn't take much more of the Warden's sleepy advances before she came undone completely.

For a few short moments Leliana desperately tried to lie still hoping not to disturb the Warden into further movement. Heart racing she thought it best to try and get up and thus remove herself from her predicament. Slowly, gently she eased the covers from her body, sliding away from the Warden's sleeping form. Amara sensing her leaving grabbed on to her tighter and pulled the bard's body closer to her. Her knee slid up again making Leliana gasp audibly.

"Amara!" Leliana quickly shot her hands against the Warden's chest, half whimpering and half chuckling as she called out the Warden's name to wake her. Amara woke suddenly and bolted up on one elbow, her hand protectively going to Leliana's stomach as she looked about confused. She looked down at the bard next to her whose chest was heaving.

"Leliana? What's wrong my dear?" Gently she cupped the bard's face.

"I'm ok, it's ok." Leliana closed her eyes, her hands still pushed up against Amara's chest. "I'm sorry I had to wake you."

"What is it?" Amara still worried searched her face. Leliana's brow was slightly creased and she trembled a little beneath her.

"Amara… your knee… it's on a very delicate…" Leliana's breath was quick as she tried to slow her body down desperately. Amara looked down at the covers her eyes widening as she saw the curve of both their legs.

Gently and as quickly as she could, she moved her knee away. "I'm so sorry! Did I hurt you?" Her eyes sought Leliana's face again.

The bard closed her eyes and gave her head a tiny shake. "Uh-uh." She opened her eyes again. Amara noticed wildness to them. She looked down at Leliana's hand firmly against her chest, her mouth slightly parted, her breathing still slowing.

"Oh!" Realization dawned on her and she moved her body away a little more. "Did I... Leliana?" Her brow creased with worry and guilt.

"No!" Leliana sensed it. "You didn't my dear, its ok." Relief came over the Warden's features. Gently she lay back down and tried to wrap her arm about the bard. Leliana stiffened a little so she took it away and turned on her back, rubbing her closed eyes.

"I'm sorry Leliana. I didn't realize I was doing that." She took her hand away from her eyes and looked at the bard who was sitting up a little gingerly. "Are you sure you're ok?"

Leliana met her eyes, a little amused. "Yes, truly." She rubbed the sleep from her eyes then patted Amara's arm, her body well under her control again. Sensing the best way to get through any resulting awkwardness was to engage in conversation so she asked Amara if she slept well.

"I actually did." Amara smiled and turned on her side facing the bard on the bed, a small amount of respectable space now between them. "Thank you for helping me." She laughed as Leliana flourished a theatrical bow.

"Don't mention it my dear." Leliana thumped her with a pillow playfully. "Now, let's get up. We should be nearing the Tower shortly." Amara smiled and placed her hand on top of the bard's knee.

"Oh, can't we linger a moment longer?" She closed her eyes sleepily, refusing to be drawn back into her duties.

Leliana chuckled. "Ok, a little longer and only if you cover up." A cheeky grin crossed her features. "You're a little too attractive naked for me to resist at the moment." Amara's mouth hung open before she laughed heartily. She then drew the cover over her body and arched her brow smugly.