Dragons and Thrones: A Dark Shadow Looms
Chapter 52 of my crossover story, enjoy.
Reviews
Marina Ka-Fai: Thanks; yeah :)
Boris Yeltsin: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it; yeah, she is :)
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)
raw666: Thanks :)
Ahrimal: Well, Tyrion has no real reason not to spare him, plus do remember, at this stage, Lancel is at the borders of the Crownlands with the army there. So there isn't much he can do regarding the Westerlands. Yes indeed, all things like that need to be carefully considered. Well do remember that she is seeking allies in Westeros too and do recall which Templars are present there. Hmm, good eye, we can only wait and see :)
Veridissima: Thanks.
Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin. Dragon Age belongs to Bioware.
Morrigan
Morrigan smiled lightly as she sat casually in one of the large decorative chambers of the Winter Palace of Halamshiral.
'Despite Celene's best attempts, it was Gaspard's forces who reclaimed Halamshiral from the Red Templars.' She mused. 'But that's hardly surprising, since the owner of this palace is Gaspard's own sister.'
She knew that, while both sides had strong desire to take back Halamshiral, Gaspard's forces had a personal motivation which might have given them an edge. Morrigan truly didn't care however; what mattered was the Red Templars had been forced out, the place was, slowly, recovering, and she was here with a purpose.
She looked up as her host entered the room. A tall thin woman with short blonde hair, shaved along the sides, and brown eyes, she was fair skinned and clad in an elegant dress and the typical mask expected of an Orlesian, especially a noble. It was Grand Duchess Florianne De Chalons.
"I am glad you could make it Lady Morrigan." She said, smiling as she too sat down.
Morrigan nodded, remaining unflappable, knowing full well any kind of thoughts could be hidden behind that smile. "Grand Duchess, let us get down to business please."
The woman nodded, clearly happy that Morrigan was eager to talk.
Pausing briefly to pour some tea, Morrigan refused a cup, Florianne began to talk.
"We need understand our main problems, after all, these peace talks are important." She explained. "Neither Celene or Gaspard will budge on their claims to the throne, but..."
Morrigan nodded. "Yes, I am aware; if we are to stand a chance against the threat we face, then they must at least agree to a ceasefire. Add to that, the various...complications."
Florianne agreed. "Yes, those Elves...the deserters, the war benefits no one...If Celene and Gaspard continue their plans, there won't be an Empire to rule for the victor."
So the women continued their discussions, trying to figure out various terms, dangers and details.
Morrigan then explained. "Our main concern, is how to...cover these peace talks, it will be known they are happening, but we cannot allow any...details to leak. For fear of both of them being targeted."
"True, which is why I've formulated my own ideas." Florianne replied. "We can have the peace talks here, in the Winter Palace, under over an a grand ball."
Morrigan was about to reply, but Florianne held up her hand and began to explain in detail. The more she heard, the more Morrigan had to admit she liked the idea. So she accepted; it was certainly their best chance.
Morrigan continued to reflect on the planned peace talks; she was now on her way back to report to Celene about the negotiations and to convince her to agree to them. Florianne had reassured her she would be doing the same with Gaspard.
'It's hardly surprising, even Celene and Gaspard themselves can see how desperate things are getting.' She mused to herself. 'All the same, they still have their ridiculous pride that prevents them from backing down...but, Celene hasn't been the same lately.'
She considered that, it was worrying to her. Celene needed to be at her strongest for this, but she was distracted and Morrigan had a strong suspicion she knew just what, or rather, who, was distracting her.
"Alright, enough games." She said as she stopped her journey. "Why don't you come and face me instead of hiding like cowards in the trees?"
She turned with a grin to observe the two Elves who emerged, one was a Dalish Mage she didn't recognize, but she knew the other.
"Ah, Briala, how nice to see you again." She remarked casually, grinning.
Briala glowered. "You, what are you doing here, I demand you tell me..."
Morrigan shook her head, already seeing Briala's movement. "I could easily dodge, or kill you, before you even attempt to throw that knife, your threats are meaningless and don't think all those Elves you've got hiding in the trees with their bows are a threat either."
Briala tensed and then snarled. "I assume you have a good reason for insulting us, as well as meeting with Gaspard's sister of all people, aren't you supposed to be loyal to Celene�"
Morrigan sighed, this was getting nowhere.
Shaking her head she replied.
"You are one to talk of loyalty, aren't you the one leading this Elven Rebellion, didn't you betray Celene?"
Briala's expression tightened and her response was clipped. "No, Celene betrayed me!"
Morrigan shrugged. "Semantics, I will never understand all this nonsense and why people think it's important. Survival of the fittest it all it is."
The Dalish Elf shook his head. "You talk big...Shem, but you are the one caught in our trap."
"Hardly a trap, when I can easily escape, you are a mere normal Dalish Mage...I am a Witch of the Wilds."
There was a stony silence, it was clear Briala and this other Mage were trying to come to a course of action. Morrigan decided to take advantage of this, seeing Briala's frustration and deciding to make things more interesting, just for fun.
"Very well, I will answer your original question." She said casually. "I was visiting Florianne since she and I are helping Celene and Gaspard in arranging peace talks, to bring an end to this war."
She grinned, noting the shocked expressions of the two Elves. Before quickly transforming herself into a giant spider and making her escape in the midst of their shock.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.
