Trigger Warnings: Aftermath of rape..

Enchanted Forest, A Long Time Ago:

Regina watches grimly as Morrigan runs off into the darkness, a flurry of unbending emotion following in the woman's wake, After nearly tearing a man in two who wouldn't want to be alone.. Regina saw the horror in green eyes, it was painful to witness, such sorrow and anguish, its as though Morrigan was trying to apologize for all of the wrongs in the world.

Brendon soon looms over her, his shoulders not as square as shes used too and dim green eyes refocusing on Puck behind.

"Puck I need you to prepare Morrigans tent for the Queen. Take out the weapons and get some clean blankets." Brendon signals one of the men at his side, they nod and walk off into one of the tents.."You'll stay by the Queens side tonight, watch over her."

"I'm sorry sir but why me?"

Brendon sighs, wiping a rough hand over his sweaty forehead.."Because Morrigan trusts you. Now go, I'll take care of her."

The bulky man moves to grab the Queen but Regina flinches away violently.."Your Majesty, I'll do you no harm I swear. If you'll permit me, may I carry you to your quarters?"

Brendon holds out a muscular hand and waits patiently while curious brown eyes watch him closely, but after a few seconds Regina gives him a gentle nod and he carefully changes places with Puck, watching as the boy dashes into Morrigans tent.

"I'm going to lift you now so I apologize for any discomfort. A physician has been sent for and he'll take a look at you when your settled."

"No." Regina shakes her head weakly, I will not have a man poke and prod me, they will not touch me again..

Brendon frowns, clearly too tired to argue as he gently stands, cradling a fidgeting Regina against his chest and makes his way over to Morrigans tent just as Puck dashes out with a handful of swords.

"The erm, weapons and blankets are done..sir."

Puck eagerly raises the piled weapons making Regina grin through the pain in her abdomen, the boys so nervous around his superiors, so young and naive, he can't be older than fourteen..

"Good, now put them in my tent and get back here."

"Yes sir."

Puck fumbles with the mountain of weapons and quickly heads off to the other side of camp while Brendon slips into the Morrigans dirty tent. Regina notes the simple lodgings, something she hasn't seen in many years of living at the palace. Even back at her estate nothing would ever be so..basic, her mother would never allow it but the simplicity of Morrigans little tent speaks to her. Gently shes laid on the bed, a small whimper escaping and Brendon doesn't hesitate to wrap her in blankets.

"I'll have some food brought, I know you haven't had a chance to eat since our first encounter."

So they do feed there prisoners..Too bad her appetite has all but gone. Regina turns her head passive and stares at the dirt colored tent.

"Sir? Your majesty? May I come in?"

"Come in Puck."

The boy pensively enters with a blanket draped over his shoulder and a small pillow under his armpit. Puck shuffles anxiously, messing with the blanket idly as Brendon's green eyes roll and he jabs a finger at the bottom of the bed.

"Lie there tonight. If the Queen needs anything tell Ralph, he'll be stationed outside all night and get you what you need. Not under any circumstances are you to leave this tent, do you understand boy?"

"Y-Yes sir."

"I'll have food brought for you."

"What about Morrigan?"

Regina rolls her head in their direction, her interest piqued as Brendon walks up to the boy and slaps a hand on his skinny shoulder.

"Don't you worry about her lad. You know she can take care of herself. She's as stubborn as a royal so she wont let what happened bring her down."

Regina feels a grin tug at battered lips as Puck smiles and the bulking man exits leaving them in silence. Puck stands aimlessly, focus darting from curious brown eyes to the various objects around the tent. Eventually he clears his throat and unceremoniously throws his blanket and pillow down at the bottom of the bed.

"Puck.."

The boy freezes and quickly stands to attention.

"Here.."

Regina reaches a hand out from the blankets and points to the floor alongside her bed. Puck is quick to stand where she pointed and a ghost of a smile slides into place on cracked red lips.."No. Sleep here."

"But the Boss, he said.."

"Please."

For some reason his presence is relaxing..Regina can see the timid boy is more than what he appears, maybe that's why the rest keep him around. She'd like to know his story, how he came into the service of these bandits but she has an inkling Morrigan has something to do with it.

Puck smiles weakly, moving to retrieve his things and throws them alongside the bed. Regina watches the boy sit cross legged aside her and fiddle with his grubby fingernails for a while.

"Puck?"

A burly voice from outside the tents entrance has the boy jumping to his feet, ready for attack but Regina's pretty sure if someone else wanted to get to her, they would easily knock the skinny boy down, but her heart warms at his dedication.

"There's some food for ya' out 'ere."

"Oh.."

Pucks cheeks flush in embarrassment as he retrieve the food and plods back over to his station.."I can help you up to eat if you like?"

Regina shakes her head and he frowns, I don't feel like eating. I cant sit up even if I wanted to..The memory of her wedding night flashes in her mind, but even then it didn't hurt as much as this. Perhaps she should have let the physician assess her.

"But you haven't eaten yet your majesty."

Regina rolls her head away and closes her eyes, hoping the boy doesn't press the issue any further. Puck eventually understands the cold shoulder and sits back down on his makeshift bed.

"It's okay, I'm not really hungry either." His stomach lets out a low rumble and his cheeks flush a bright red.

A genuine smile graces Regina's lips and she wonders how after everything, this boy manages to make her smile. But her thoughts race through the days events and the small smile on her battered lips fades, Sleep, just try and sleep..With the nightmare shes just been through, tomorrows got to be better, right?..

The last of the moonlight radiates over the tranquil and secluded clearing, a blockade made by thick vines and dense brush guard it from the outside world. Dotted around uncut grass, shimmering white and purple blossoms twinkle like diamond dust and surround a large rock structure positioned just at the edge of a 200 foot drop. A waterfall cascades out of a hidden chasm in its center showing off a beautiful display of natures power.

Atop the structure, perched on a smooth stone engrave and deep in thought sits Morrigan. This is her happy place, a place she finds herself going to when she needs to think, or to just get away for a while, How long have I been sitting here? A couple of hours..maybe more?..Dawn is breaking as the forest begins to wake for the day, she fiddles with a purple flower in her hands, almost clinging to it as some sort of anchor to the real world, Last night was a royal fuck up..

Morrigan sighs heavily, eyes sliding to the twinkling blossom. Shes never lost control like that before. The look on everyone's faces, on the Queens, the woman was petrified, I just wanted to teach that fat fuck a lesson, set an example but I went way too far. I'd just proven to the royals that we're nothing but a bunch of savages..She had planned to take the Queen to the next village today so the royal guard would pick the woman up and take her home, Guess that's not happening yet. When its time I might leave Brendon to it..The fear in the Queens eyes last night makes her stomach churn, She must think I'm a monster..As little contact with her as possible, I don't want to upset her further..

The nights sky drifts away as bright yellows and purples begin to settle on the horizon, I better head back, cant avoid the camp forever..With that, Morrigan drops the purple flower over the edge of the chasm where it enters the raging water twenty feet below before plunging down a 200 foot drop into the large pool at the bottom..

Morrigan wanders back to the outskirts of camp, her heart thumping rapidly against her ribcage and palms getting sweaty, Get a grip will you..She inhales deeply before taking a confident step towards camp. A sentry in the tree tops whistles informing others of her return and her anxiety bubbles back to the surface.

Camp is quiet, most of the men asleep in their tents no doubt as green eyes glance at Stevens and Hawking stood idly by one of the tents, Looks like Brendon kept them on duty all night for being total morons..

Morrigan steadily makes her way towards her tent noticing a tired bandit swaying on his feet.."Go get some sleep Ralph, I'll stand watch."

Ralph hesitates, contemplating Brendon's previous orders which infuriates Morrigan but eventually Ralph nods and paces towards his own tent. She grimaces at the slight fear seen in the man's apprehensive brown eyes, Fear is a powerful thing, its used to control but its a lonely path if chosen..

With stealthy footsteps Morrigan enters her tent and scans the room, Everything seems okay..She frowns at the two plates of food left untouched, The Queen should eat something..Her eye is drawn to the small frame of Puck sound asleep on the floor and she smiles. He's always done what she's asked, ever since she rescued him six years ago from king Georges soldiers. Puck's village had been raided and burnt to the ground along with his parents in a suspected rebels conspiracy. Truthfully there were no rebels, the village just happened to be on a strategical vantage point if neighboring armies would try to attack. The royal bastard just wanted the land for himself without having to reason with the townsfolk.

With one last look, Morrigan reaches to retrieve a white basin, At least she can have a wash before shes needed for the morning hunt. The Queen whimpers and Morrigan pauses.

When the royal begins to fidget, uttering incoherent sentences Morrigan slowly approaches. The royals thrashing increases, a desperate voice whimpering protests and causing Puck to stir.

"Please stop...No...Your hurting me.."

Tears roll down Regina's flushed cheeks as Morrigan hesitantly hovers over the bed, I have to wake her, even if she is scared of me..Suddenly a devastating scream shatters the silence of camp and Puck bolts upright scurrying away from the bed, That had enough force to wake the entire forest!..The screams continue, Regina's desperate limbs trembling and thrashing wildly.

Morrigan immediately attempts to grab the flailing arms not wanting the woman to injure herself further and tries to keep her own panic at bay. Puck curls his knees to his chest, eyes rapidly dancing between the frantic pair.

"Your Majesty! Your having a nightmare!..Your Majesty! You need to wake up! Puck go get me some water!" Puck continues to stare absently.."Puck! Water! Now!"

The boy snaps out of his daze and scrambles from the tent. One of the Queens arms breaks from Morrigan's grip and a fist barrels into her mouth busting her lip.."Shit!"

Morrigan flinches back from another attack whilst grabbing Regina's shoulders and shaking her.

Brown eyes finally snap open and Regina stills, where am I?..The events of the previous day flash in her mind, her stomach burning and abdomen throbbing painfully. Something pins her shoulders down with a hefty weight and she panics, the images of Dermit touching and violating her body flashing behind glazed eyes, No! Not again!..Her gesperate hands try to pry at firm wrists, a tear rolling onto the damp pillows.

"Please not again!"

"Hey hey your safe, no ones gonna hurt you I promise."

Regina's weak struggles slow, her hazy focus staring up to find a familiar face hovering over her, its that witch from last night..

Morrigans hands release her shoulders hesitantly but they both startle when someone bursts through the tents flap. Brendon, half dressed and barefoot, holding a sword examines the room for danger. His eyes dance between the alarmed women and he sighs, frowning and eventually lowers his sword just as Puck squeezes in behind him with a bowl of water.

Morrigan lets out an equally measured sigh, her anger rising at the glare from her sibling, I shouldn't have come back yet..

"I'm not attacking her Brendon she had a nightmare, I was just trying to help."

Morrigan moves to leave but Brendon blocks her path with his muscular frame.

"I never said you were gonna to hurt her."

"You didn't have to say anything. Now move!"

Brendon stands his ground, staring defiantly and she looks up meeting his scowl with one of her own.

"And let you take your tantrum out on the men?! If your going to continue to sulk then go back to your rock Morrigan!"

"MOVE!" Morrigan steals her jaw, eyes blazing and Regina can feel the tension rising dramatically.

"You forget who your speaking to little sis!" He takes a threatening step forward, his muscle toned chest inches from her face. The feisty witch continues glaring, snarling and oblivious to the uncomfortable pair mixed up in their little standoff.

"I swear to god Brendon if you don't get the hell out of my way I'll.."

"You'll what?! Use your magic!? Torture me like Dermit?!"

Morrigan's frown drops, angry tears slowly gathering in hurt green eyes, Does he really think I'd be capable of hurting him like that? I wish I could take last night back, it was never supposed to happen..I should never have come back at all if this is what my own brother thinks of me..There's a loud smash and angry glassy eyes dart towards the frightened child in the corner. Puck trembles slightly with his bowl of water broken at his feet.

Regina sits up slightly, clutching onto the many blankets draped over her. The boy's a quivering mess but you cant really blame him. The confrontation between the two adults can go either way, and for Puck's sake, she hopes Morrigan doesn't choose the latter. The pain around her ailing body spikes and she releases a small whimper.

The groups attention darts to the Queen, Regina's brown eyes clamped shut and face twisting painfully. Quickly wiping her eyes, Morrigan rushes to the woman's side immediately noting how pale smooth skin is. Her hesitant hand slowly attempts to move the blankets to get a better look but Regina grips her wrist.

"Please I need to see."

Please?..Regina's eyes clamp shut through a wave of pain but she keeps a hand firmly gripped on the woman's wrist. Cautiously with her free hand, Morrigan pulls the blankets back and gasps. Blood soaks green sheets and a fresh stream is slowly making its way down pale thighs.

"What kind of half assed job did Jayson do?!"

Brendon scowls.."She didn't want him to help, she didn't even eat."

"Then you make her!"

"Oh yeah and that's an attitude that's going to convince a Queen!"

Morrigan turns to her sibling, eyes sparkling with detest and jabs a firm finger at the tents exit.."Get out!"

"Fine! You think you can handle this on your own be my guest! But if she dies, its on your head Morrigan!" He storms out of the tent with an anxious Puck moving to follow.

"Puck? Please can you get me some warm water and fresh towels."

Morrigan watches how the boys focus remains on his feet as he nods and rushes out of the tent leaving her alone. Green eyes quickly look back to the mass of blood on the sheets, her stomach rolling and she shifts anxiously before noting curious brown eyes watching her, I have to get at the damage..She sighs, closing her eyes briefly to compose herself, couldn't hurt to ask..

"Your Majesty, I need to get to your wounds and see if there's any exterior taring." The grip on her wrist tightens.."I wont hurt you I promise. But I need to look, and then I'm going to use magic to heal any internal injuries."

"..Magic?"

Morrigan almost missed the weak voice but nods.

I didn't think you could use dark magic to heal, I knew fairy dust had the properties to do so but obtaining it is very difficult. It may be the blood loss or a result of the pain but..I trust her..Regina reluctantly nods.."Okay."

The hand wrapped around Morrigan's wrist falls onto the bed as Puck cautiously enters with a basin of water and several towels draped over his shoulder.

"Set them down here. And I need you to stand guard outside, don't let anyone in okay?"

Puck nods weakly, and after setting the water and towels down, he rushes from the tent without a word. Morrigan sighs deeply, Ive scared him badly..The last time she shouted at him he didn't talk for days, a few words here and there but nothing but passive behavior, Damn Ive screwed up..She refocuses on weary brown eyes.

"I'm going to start okay?"

Regina nods vaguely as Morrigan quickly retrieves a towel and positions it between the Queens legs. With shaky hands she parts olive thighs prompting a quiet whimper.

Nearly an hour later a bloodied rag is discarded with Morrigan carefully moving off the bed and covering the exposed Queen as she goes.

"Puck?"

The boys head pops into the tent, his eyes drifting down to Morrigans bloodied hands before gliding to the weak and unmoving Queen.

"I need to move the Queen to another cot, tell Jayson to move his things, he can bunk with Ralph tonight."

The boy simply nods and leaves as Morrigan drifts back over to the exhausted Queen. She cant help noting how beautiful the woman is, how fair smooth skin and raven hair make her stomach flip uncertainly, but she suddenly frowns at the woman's dangerously pale complexion and with a delicate hand shakes Regina's shoulder.."Hey? Your Majesty?"

"Regina..."

Morrigan smiles.."Regina, I'm going to use my magic now."

"..Hurt?"

"I wont lie, It's going to sting a little but it will make you feel better."

"'kay.."

Regina's shallow breathing worries Morrigan, Its now or never..Shes never used magic to heal a person before so this is all new. Although she did manage to heal a birds wing once, its not much different right?..

Morrigan pulls back the blankets, placing bloodied hands over the Queens ailing form and concentrates, I can do this..Green eyes squeeze shut as Morrigan desperately attempts to reach for her magic, but after a pause, nothing happens. She takes a deep breath and tries again, pulling at the warmth in her muscles, willing to expel it onto the body below. Another few seconds and finally she feels something, a shallow buzzing ebbs at her fingertips before a nurturing green glow pulses from within the tent..

Brendon sits alone next to the burning fire at the center of camp, his mind chaotic and trying to process the nights events. He knows he shouldn't have goaded an angry response from his sister but she has a way that always seems to get under his skin.

Jayson suddenly scurries across camp with bedding in his arms and disappears into another tent. Brendon sighs, knowing full well Morrigan's issued some form of orders without his confirmation but a soft green glow catches his curious eye, ushering him away from the fire and towards Morrigan's tent..

Sweat pours from Morrigan's forehead, her chest heaving and eyes clamped shut, this is a hell of a lot harder than I thought it would be..She continues, pulling the tares in the Queen's flesh together but feels a sudden slip of magic, I cant keep this up, but I cant stop now or she'll die..There's a large burst of green light, her eyes rolling back as warm crimson trails from her nose.

Brown eyes dart open, Regina inhaling deeply from her trance as a blissful warmth like nothing shes every experienced seeps into every fiber of her being, healing all wounds and soothing the darkness in her heart for a wondrous moment, Who knew magic would feel like this?..The pain in her abdomen slowly fades and she takes a peek at Morrigan only to find the bandit on her knees, eyes closed tight and blood leaking from her nose. Morrigan pants heavily, hair sticking to the sweat pouring from her brow and Regina feels an unplaced amount of worry for the woman's well being, She needs to stop..

Brendon suddenly bursts inside, green eyes wide and littered with concern for his ailing sister.

"Morrigan stop!" He moves to grab her but stops apprehensively when Morrigan lets out a weary groan.

"Almost..Done.."

After one final push, the healing green light slowly fades. After a pause, Morrigans forearms thump onto the sides of the cot and she leans on them heavily, trying to get enough air back into her lungs. Black spots fill hazy green eyes, her skull pounded by invisible hammers, Maybe this wasn't such a good idea..Brendon's firm hands are quickly on her shoulders.

"Morrigan speak to me.."

Speaking seems too hard, I need to breathe first..

Regina slowly sits up, the pain in her body gone as she looks at Brendon worrisome.."Whats wrong with her?"

He runs a gentle hand through Morrigan's sweaty hair.."Healing isn't exactly a specialty of hers. She possesses a more..kick your ass kind of magic instead."

"I'll kick your ass..if you keep..talking about me like..I'm not here.."

Brendon grins.

Breathing painfully, Morrigan pushes herself off the cot with shaky arms to be met with her brothers firm chest. Regina notes the woman's sickeningly pale complexion and she reaches tentatively to take a bloodied hand in hers.

Straining to keep her glazed eyes open, Morrigan flops her head back onto the crook of Brendon's shoulder, refocusing on concerned brown eyes and the warm hand suddenly in her own, She's..holding my hand? When did that happen?..

"I'm..sorry.." Without further protest, Morrigan finally submits to darkness and regrets leaving concerned chocolate eyes.

Regina watches green eyes roll back and her own begin to water, Shes not dead is she?..She looks to Brendon alarmed as he shakes the limp body in his arms.

"Morrigan?..Hey Morrigan?!...Damn it! We need some help in here!" He bellows his distress, continuing to shake an ailing Morrigan in his lap.

Regina slips off the cot, keeping a firm hold of Morrigans limp hand and squeezes it for comfort as Puck, Luke and Stevens charge into the tent.

"Luke, wake Jayson and send him to my tent now!"

Luke quickly sprints outside as Brendon scoops Morrigan into his arms and stands, but he glances distastefully noting the Queens hand still clutching his sisters.

"I need to take care of my sister!"

Regina feels heavy hostility from the scowling man and she reserves flinching, He doesn't seem pleased with me..Brendon barges forward, ripping Regina's hand from Morrigans and leers down on a timid Puck.

"Puck stay with the Queen, and Stevens get her some new clothes will you!" And with nothing more, Brendon disappears outside with Stevens hot on his heels.

Regina looks down at the splodges of blood coating her palm as a strange tingling spreads around her body and the warmth she felt in her heart is slowly being replaced by sorrow, I can still feel..Why do I care so much?..She steels her jaw, She'll be okay..she has to be...