Dragons and Thrones: A Dark Shadow Looms

Chapter 54 of my crossover story, enjoy.

Reviews

Marina Ka-Fai: Thanks.
raw666: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it :)
Boris Yeltsin: Thanks :)
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it :)
Veridissima: Thanks.

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin. Dragon Age belongs to Bioware.


Morrigan

Still smiling at the memory of her encounter with Briala, Morrigan entered the palace in Val Royeaux, ready to report to Celene about the negotiations so far.

'Things are definitely getting interesting, I wonder...' She thought to herself.

She knew that, with the war at a stalemate and Briala and her forces attacking both sides, as well as recent events, things were almost certain to head a certain way, but what the outcome would be, that was anybody's guess.

Entering the throne room she began to approach Celene, ignoring the looks she knew she was getting from the various councillors and members of the nobility present in the room.

"Your Radiance." Morrigan greeted Celene, bowing. "I have returned from my negotiations with Grand Duchess Florianne."

That brought some whispers from those assembled; Morrigan wasn't surprised; it was known there was hope of peace talks; that negotiations were being made, but to finally have confirmation and to know that terms were already being discussed, they were clearly all eager for news now.

Dropping her voice so only Celene could hear, Morrigan added. "I also have news, for your ears alone."

"We will talk about that afterwards then." Celene replied just as quietly, before announcing. "Welcome Morrigan, what news do you bring, how fared the negotiations?"

Morrigan stepped back slightly and looked around, they had the full attention of the entire room.

She couldn't help but note the way the nobles looked at her now, something was different.

Brushing it off however she calmly spoke. "Things have gone very well; Grand Duchess Florianne believes she can convince her brother to agree and we may yet have a chance at securing peace. Arrangements have been made to enable the peace talks to be held under a veil of secrecy, to reduce the risk of them being...interfered with."

She could see the spark of interest in the courtier's eyes.

"I see; this is good news, have we further details of these arrangements?" Celene replied calmly.

Morrigan nodded. "Yes, Your Radiance; Grand Duchess Florianne, now once more resident in the recently liberated Halamshiral, offers up her own home, the Winter Palace to be used for the peace talks, under the guise of a Grand Ball."

Celene smiled. "Excellent, what better place to hold talks, than under the noses of so many who might wish said talks ill. The niceties that must be observed at such a ball would prevent all but the most determined enemy making a move."

Morrigan nodded; she had a feeling that was indeed the very idea; therefore, not only could the talks be held, but they could, if they were quick enough, intercept and stop anyone who was brazen or determined enough to sabotage the talks.


Shortly after this discussion, Celene excused herself and she and Morrigan moved to a more secluded chamber.

"So, what news do you bring?"

Morrigan paused for a moment, quietly using her magic to check for eavesdroppers, then spoke carefully.

"I had an interesting encounter on my way back." She said at last. "Briala and her forces."

Celene immediately went rigid, although her face betrayed no emotion. "Oh?"

Morrigan nodded. "Yes; it seems they grow even stronger and now, well, they know about the negotiations too."

"Are we to expect them at the Ball?" Celene asked, her tone rather clipped, very different than usual.

Morrigan shrugged. "I wouldn't put it past them, but, that is pure speculation at the moment."

With a soft sigh Celene nodded. "I see, very well, thank you for telling me."

There was a pause, during which Morrigan reflected that even if the Freeman hadn't resurfaced, even if Corypheus wasn't such a threat, Briala's attacks on both sides of the war might just have given them just cause for peace talks in the first place.

She didn't share this thought with Celene of course. It was clear that, despite herself, Celene still held a special place in her heart for the Elven woman.

'But will that be Celene's ruin...or saving grace?' She wondered.

It was definitely something to ponder.

Just then however, Celene smiled and spoke.

"Oh I forgot to mention, there was an...assassination attempt." She remarked. "Nothing, too special, just the typical sort of attempt you'd expect for someone in my position."

Morrigan nodded. "I...I see."
She almost cursed, naturally this would have happened, wouldn't it. The assassin had probably waited until she was away before striking.

"Yes, thankfully, he was stopped, thanks to your boy."

Morrigan tensed. "Kieran?"

Celene nodded. "He warned me just in time, then the guard made short work of the assassin. It is just lucky he was there."

"Lucky indeed." Morrigan replied, relieved.

Kieran hadn't revealed his magic; so he was sill safe; nevertheless, she knew there was no luck involved in Kieran's appearance just before the assassin struck. Noting that Celene seemed eager to the peace talks, Morrigan excused herself, leaving Celene to her duties.


She headed back to her chambers, quickly, she needed to talk with her son.

She found him sitting reading, waiting for her.

"Hello mother." He greeted her with a warm smile.

She smiled back. "Hello Kieran; so, I hear you saved Empress Celene."

He nodded. "Yes, I...I was worried, I had to find a way to do it without revealing what I could do."

"So I heard, I'm glad you found a way, but please, be more careful in future, we cannot afford even the smallest mistake." She replied.

He nodded and Morrigan smiled, so, things were almost all set, her son was safe. It seemed things were going well. So why was there still, in the deepest part of her, a feeling of disquiet.


End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.