2 Days Later:
Placid green eyes stare at the ceiling, her muscles aching but her absent mind wandering, I woke up hours ago after a servant was attempting to redress my broken arm subtly. Subtle my ass. Everything hurts again! I'm sick of being the Evil Queen punching bag, I'm sick of her little mood swings and I'm sick of constantly being in pain over every little thing I do. She should have just let me fall, no revenge is worth this..
Morrigan sighs wearily, I have to get out of here. The wound on my leg has closed again but I doubt I can put much pressure on it. I need some fresh air..Morrigan carefully lifts herself from the bed and swings her legs over the side. Her naked body slowly limps towards the wardrobe where she pulls out a thin nightgown and throws it on. She limps to the door and retrieves her cloak before sliding into the hall quietly.
She limps forward after braving several looks from passing guards and servants to eventually enter the palace gardens. Panting, she slowly walks towards a single apple tree before ungainly plonking herself on a bench, gods that was a long walk. Since when is the palace so big..Green eyes stare into the nights sky, watching as billions of constellations twinkle down on her, this is nice, this is what I want, to just relax. No life threatening battles to win, no assassins to fight, just this..She finds herself curling into the bench, hugging her throbbing arm and leg underneath her cloak, what happened is ridiculous. The Queen is a fucking psycho! She didn't even try to help me when I was slipping over the edge. Fucking selfish bitch, after everything Ive done for her and then she tries to absolve her guilt by helping me stand after what SHE did! What the hell was that about anyway?! Why the hell did I have to stand?! Clearly I was in pain so what was she thinking, that I'd just suddenly leap to my feet and everything would be fine again?!..
"Morrigan?"
Morrigans startled from her thoughts by Henry's concerned voice, but she pays no mind to the elderly man and continues to stare at the stars, I cant talk to you right now, not after everything..She hears footsteps and then a hand gently lays on her uninjured shoulder. She flinches at the contact and the hand immediately pulls away.
"Morrigan? Why are you out here? Its freezing and you should be resting."
Resting, It seems like everyday I'm resting because of some sort of injury..She curls in on herself further, attempting to battle the frosty nights air under her cloak.
Henry gently slots in beside her on the bench.."I'm sorry she injured you again."
Green eyes dart to the man questionably. His warm eyes resound around her, almost battling the cold that's attacking her body, why the hell is he apologizing?..
"As you said, we all have our place."
He shakes his head weakly.."Not like this. She regrets deeply what she did to you. She hasn't spoken to anyone let alone left her chambers since it happened."
"Its not like she hasn't hurt me before.." Morrigan pauses, looking at the man guiltily.."I'm sorry for what happened back in the Queens chambers."
"Child there's no need.."
"No there is, I almost..I almost killed you when you were only trying to help, I'm truly sorry." She dips her head a little.
"We all have our demons to face Morrigan. I don't blame you for what happened but Regina needs you now more than ever. And when the time comes, she'll have to choose which path to follow. I hope for all our sakes its the right one." Green eyes slide back to the stars as the elderly man rises from the bench.."Please come inside, you'll catch your death in this cold."
"Lets hope so.."
He looks woefully at vacant green eyes and when Morrigan doesn't move, he sighs and leaves her with her thoughts.
Unknown to them both, a pair of glassy brown eyes watch intently from a distance as Morrigan shifts, releasing built up pressure on her aching legs and continues to stare into the open sky above, Elinor would have loved this, we always used to watch the stars back at the village, when she was good that is because by now it would have been way past her bedtime..A tear rolls down her cheek, she would have loved being here in the palace. Like all four year old girls she wanted to be a princess, to live in a big castle and wear dresses and eat cake and sweetbread all day..
"I'm sorry my daughter. I'm so sorry..I failed you.."
Tears fall freely as Morrigan slowly rises from the bench, quietly sobbing to herself and limps over to the apple tree to gently pick the forbidden fruit, she loved apples as well. There was a small tree hidden away in the woods at the back of the village. Every season when the fruit was ripe, we'd venture to it with Elise and spend the day eating apples, telling stories and singing..She strokes the pad of her thumb against the fruit, her sobs calming, Elise had one day sung the most beautiful song. From what I gathered, the story told a tale about loss and sacrifice. Two words I'm greatly associated with..
"Home is behind..The world ahead...And there are many paths to tred...Through shadow..To the edge of night...Until the stars are all alight...Mist and shadow..Cloud and shade...All shall fade..All shall...Fade."
Morrigan breaths deeply through her sobs, letting the apple roll from her hand and collapsing onto the low marble wall surrounding the tree. A subtle clicking slowly edges towards her and in an instant, her tears stop and she frowns, not now..
Carefully Morrigan pushes herself to her feet, addressing her Queen and stares at the woman's glassy eyes. After a pause, she slowly limps passed the royal towards the palace, never looking back and never seeing a tear slip from regretful brown eyes...
A Week Later:
Morrigan slides her ebony sword into its sheath with a snap, The wound on my leg has finally healed but my arm and shoulder are still a little sore. Ever since my break down the other night, I haven't seen the Queen or been called on any missions or training excursions. The royal has actually left me in peace and frankly, its been quite boring. I've spoken with Henry a couple of times, one night he brought dinner and bombarded me with questions about my health. To be honest, he was probably fishing for information to bring back to the Queen. Henry seems to be the royals relay tool because the woman cant face me directly. I haven't got a clue where this sudden shyness has come from, is the woman actually feeling guilty? Well that would be something wouldn't it. Right, time to get my lazy ass in gear and do some training..
With that thought, Morrigan swiftly exits her quarters, pacing down the black halls and enters the courtyard. Several guards immediately stand to attention and she sighs, briskly walking passed them and heads to a couple of training dummies in the back corner, great, they're probably watching now. I should just kick their asses out..Her thoughts are disturbed by a body sliding in next to her. Green eyes refocus on the placid Huntsman who swiftly pulls his sword.
"I wish to be left alone."
Morrigan pulls her sword, flexing her wrist and shoulder and standing in an attack position. The man ignores her and follows suit. She huffs irritated and strikes at the dummy in succession. At a glance, she notes how he follows her style, both syncing and attacking the dummies with force.
"What are you doing?!" She quickly changes her style, spinning and landing a firm blow at the dummies head.
Again the Huntsman switches and follows suit.."I'm training, what about you?"
Morrigan frowns, lunging forward and striking hard. The blow sends shock waves up her injured arm and she recoils frustrated, throwing her sword to the floor.."Why are you here?! I told you to leave!"
"And the Queen told me to train, so that's what I'm doing. If you ask me, it seems you need to be resting that shoulder not sparing with it."
She whirls.."Well no one's asking you Huntsman, so train elsewhere or you'll be the next mindless piece of shit my sword slices through!"
"Maybe, maybe not, but I doubt that shoulder will do you much good in a fight."
Morrigan takes a threatening step towards the man.."Was that a challenge?!"
"I doubt your up for challenges these days Captain. Lets just call it an observation."
The Huntsman resumes his sparing and Morrigans anger boils over. Quickly her sword launches back into her hand and she pounces on him. He anticipates, blocking and moving into a defensive position. She pushes forward, her arm and shoulder screaming in pain at every swing and blow colliding with his sword.
Soon many curious servants and guards stop in their duties to watch the fray. Henry Sr observes from the second story with the Queen at his side as they watch the heated battle.
Morrigan swings her blade hard, breaking the mans defense and swiftly kicking him in the stomach. He hunches over but soon recovers as her blade quickly darts in from his right. He blocks and both blades slide together until both bodies almost touch.
"Hows the shoulder?"
His taunts push Morrigan over the edge and immediately the collar shocks her at the attempted use of magic. Her hold falters and quickly he pushes her backward and advances. She slips into defense as he lands blow after blow, My shoulder. I cant keep this up much longer..She attempts to expel magic but again, the collar shocks her leaving her open for attack. He slashes at her arm, cutting the skin and she's wrenched to the side with her sword clattering to the floor, He actually got me..He never gets me..There's a small echo of gasps and chattering amongst the crowd as Morrigan dabs the gash on her arm with her fingertips.
"Through common sense you never would have let that happen. You need to rest.."
Morrigans rage explodes, she screams rushing forward and collides brutally with his chest launching them both to the stone. The shuddering impact echos around the courtyard as the mans sword clatters to the floor. They toss and turn, rolling on top of one another trying to get some sort of leverage over the other before Morrigan knees him in the groin and he punches her in the face.
"ENOUGH!"
Quickly Morrigan rolls onto her back and lifts his stomach with her legs causing him to tumble forwards into a somersault. He lands roughly on his back and shes quick to pounce on top of him, pinning his torso and legs. She wraps her hands around his throat, squeezing harshly.."Looks like someone has a death wish!"
He splutters, trying to pry the hands from his throat but hastily punches her in the shoulder instead. She cries out, her grip on his neck faltering before he quickly flips her on her back, pinning down her arms and torso.
Morrigan growls, leering up at him and struggling profusely.."Go on then! DO IT YOU COWARD! KILL ME!"
The man looks down at her earnestly, eyes soft and panting heavily.."But then what would I be without you.."
Morrigans struggles cease and she frowns deeply, What the fuck is he talking about?!..She feels the mans grip slacken and immediately bucks him off, throwing him face first into the stone floor. She quickly launches to her feet, breathing heavily and collects her sword. When green eyes look up, she narrows her glare at the slowly dispersing crowd and then finally at Henry Sr and the stoic Queen, I know this is your doing!..She whirls on the Huntsman who clutches a bloody nose.
"Next time you hurt me, all bets are off and you better be prepared to kill me!" She spins on her heels, stomping towards the palace kitchens, I'm fucking starving and my god damn shoulder is killing me, AGAIN!..
"ARHH.."
Her scream elicits everyone's attention as she spins and harshly throws her sword at a training dummy. The black blade slides through dead center, breaking it from its foundations and launching it backwards. As the dummy hits the floor, Morrigans already stomping off into the kitchens with narrow brown eyes following her intently..
Morrigan grabs a loaf of bread from the rack and a small wedge of cheese before settling herself on a small stool by the fire. She leans back against the stone, legs sprawled as she chomps on her newly required produce. Green eyes dart around the kitchen, taking note of the dozen or so stares that are apprehensively tossed her way. Chefs and servants scurry around, quickly preparing for the Queens evening meal, fucking royalty! They have all this food prepared and they barely even eat any of it!..She takes a large bite of her cheese wedge, watching as a little girl scuttles towards her, well whats this then?..The girl never looks up from the floor and stops just shy of Morrigans outstretched feet.
The kitchen staff seem oblivious to the interaction as Morrigan slowly leans forward.."Hello little one, what can I do for you?"
The girl shuffles slightly, her head occasionally darting from the floor to something under Morrigan. Green eyes glance down and spot a small piece of light silver fabric poking out from under her stool. Gently she pulls the cloth and picks up a small battered doll.."Is this yours?" The girl nods weakly and Morrigan smiles, extending the tattered toy.."Here you go, shes very pretty. I like her dress, did you know silvers my favorite color?"
A tiny hand wraps around the straw and twine doll and then its immediately clutched to the child's chest. Bright green eyes glance up and Morrigan pauses, the girls appearance striking her heart and bringing back memories of Elinor. She blinks away the tears and smiles warmly.
"Thank You."
Morrigan strained to hear it, but the girls gratitude and small smile makes her heart flutter.."Your very welcome."
"Scarlet!"
The girl startles, clutching the doll tightly as an older woman quickly approaches, there's no need to shout!..Morrigan frowns, staring at the frantic chef as the woman grabs the girls arm and bows.
"I'm sorry if she bothered you my lord, I'll make sure it doesn't happen again." The older woman begins to drag the little girl towards the exit.
"It's okay she didn't.."
Morrigans words don't register with the older woman as shes heard harshly reprimanding the small child. Green eyes slide to the bread in her hand and Morrigan resumes her original slouching position despondent, I cant even talk to anyone...I need a drink!..She quickly rises and snatches a bottle of wine from the rack. The sweet liquid glides down her throat as she empties half a bottle into her stomach in one fluent motion. The kitchen staff watch apprehensively but continue their work when she slumps back down on the stool with two bottles of wine, well its not too early to get drunk. If anyone asks, its for my bad shoulder..She giggles to herself, provoking one or two stares from the staff before another hefty swig of the alcohol fills her belly, gods I haven't drank for ages, I used to handle red mewt damn it. What a fucking lightweight..
After a while, unfocused green eyes slide to the flickering flames as Morrigan takes several gulps of wine. Her attention elsewhere keeps her unaware of the kitchen staff quickly vacating the room. Soon she polishes off the first bottle of wine and reaches for the second. When her waving hand touches nothing but air she glances down, what the hell? I cant be that drunk..She frowns, looking around her stool and startles when her focus settles on the royal gown by her other side. She looks up, watching the Queen roll the missing wine bottle in her hands, I'm in no fucking mood!..
"Can I have that back?"
Silence...
Frustrated, Morrigan stands on somewhat wobbly legs and storms over to the wine rack. When she touches another bottle, it immediately scolds her. Retracting her hand sharply, she turns to glare at displeased brown eyes and grits her teeth, fine! I'll drink somewhere else!..She turns to leave when the door slams shut in her face, immediately her anger flares and she whirls on the Queen.."Open the door!"
The Queen stands placidly, continuing to roll the bottle in her hands, why is she just standing there?! DO SOMETHING!..Morrigans rage explodes and she quickly grabs every object close at hand and throws them at the back wall. Porcelain, pottery and glass shatter against stone before she quickly picks up a kitchen knife, I should just fucking kill you!..She wrenches her arm back but at the last second, redirects the blade. It glides through the air, sticking in the hanging tapestry by the Queens head. The royal stands perfectly still, staring and rolling the wine bottle in her hands.
After a heated moment of silence, Morrigan stomps over to another stool at the back of the kitchen, collapsing into it and facing away from the irritating Queen, Why cant she just leave me alone! Hasn't she done enough already!..
"Feeling better?"
"No!..A little!" The click of the royals heels slowly approach behind Morrigan before a warmth spreads throughout her shoulder and she jumps to her feet, spinning and scowling. The purple glow around the startled Queens hand slowly fades.."I don't need your help!"
The Queen frowns deeply, slamming the wine bottle on the counter. The collar slowly heats up and Morrigan scowls, Go ahead bitch! Shock me!..
"Morrigan!"
"Don't Morrigan me! I don't want your help so deal with it!" She attempts to stomp passed the seething royal only to be launched backwards, slamming into the back wall and the pain in her shoulder explodes as kitchen utensils and spices crash to the floor all around her, BITCH!..
Morrigan growls, slowly climbing to her feet and clutching her damaged shoulder.."What's the matter your majesty?! Feeling a little rejected?!"
The Queen scowls, whipping her hand to the side and launching Morrigan in its direction. She harshly collides with a prepping station, crying out as knives and pottery bite into her back and sides. She hits the floor with a heavy thump before unceremoniously dragging herself to her feet.
"Feeling any better?! That guilt gone away yet Regina?!" The collar brutally shocks her and she cries out, falling to her knees.
A few seconds pass and when the pain subsides, Morrigan slowly climbs to her feet again, swaying heavily through her deep breaths and clutching her damaged arm. Green eyes refocus on the fish knife on the counter between them and she quickly grabs it. There's another savage shock but grinding her teeth, she pushes passed the pain and pounces on the royal. She grabs the woman's wrist, forcing slender fingers around the knifes handle.
"You want to punish me?! Well don't let magic do it! Her majesty should personally have the pleasure!" Morrigan glares at wide brown eyes as the blades tip is forced against her stomach. She watches intently, pulling the Queens hand forward and slowly sliding the knife into her skin, Its about time you got your fucking hands dirty!..
"Morrigan.."
The fearful voice pulls Morrigan back from the edge, her snarl receding as she stares into alarmed brown eyes. She can feel the Queens hand shaking in her vice like grip and pauses, is she scared?..Her grip loosens as she gently slides the knife from her stomach and the Queens grasp.
Staggering backwards, the royal takes in a shaky breath, wide whiskey eyes drifting to the blood on her hand and then to the crimson puddle staining Morrigans grey blouse. She quickly raises her hands and in a swirl of purple smoke, shes gone.
What just happened?..Morrigans shoulder pulls back her focus and she groans, I need to see the physician..Quickly she limps for the exit and when the door clicks open with no resistance, she abandons the destroyed kitchen without a backwards glance..
So..I'm back to bed rest again..Morrigan watches the palace physician exit her quarters and she sighs heavily.."Fuck me.."
He said Ive ripped the muscles in my shoulder again but luckily my broken arm hasn't been affected too much. He did have to stitch up the wound on my stomach and the abrasions on my back. Shouldn't have drank when I was angry. No wonder the Queen kicked my ass, I'm kind of surprised I'm not dead, the look in the woman's eyes..She grimaces, she was actually scared, of what? I'm not sure but I feel shit so I have to put this right..
Morrigan carefully stands from her bed, cautious of the sling holding her damaged arm and heads to her wardrobe, I need to do something for her. This nonsense between us has to stop, we have to get back on track and reclaim our vengeance, but what should I do? I'm not really the gift giving type..She opens her wardrobe, pulling out a baggy fresh blouse and carefully drapes it over her shoulders, perhaps I could ask Henry what to do, he knows Regina and the Evil Queen better than anyone..Eventually she pulls on the blouse, leaving one sleeve hanging by her side. She drapes a cloak over her shoulders to cover herself further and exits her Quarters. Taking one step out into the hall, she nearly stumbles into a startled Henry, Just the man I need..
"I'm sorry, I hope I didn't scare you."
"Never child, I just came to see how you're feeling."
She raises a questionable eyebrow.."You mean the Queen wanted to know how I'm feeling."
Henry sighs.."No and to be honest, I'm worried about her. I went to her chambers earlier and well, she didn't sound pleased."
"What did she say?"
"She didn't say anything, I was stood outside the door listening for ten minutes before the banging stopped."
"Oh.."
Sounds like the woman is really pissed or really upset, or maybe both..Guilty green eyes refocus on the man.."Its kinda my fault.." He stares perplexed and she quickly elaborates.."We had a row in the kitchen when she tried to help me and, I was drunk and, well..I tried to get her to kill me with a fish knife." Henry stares blankly and she shifts sheepish.."What do I do?"
He clears his throat, ushering them both down the hall.."Well, my daughter can be quite stubborn and temperamental.."
Morrigan scoffs.."Your telling me.."
"But sometimes subtlety is the best way to approach her."
"Subtlety? Like chocolates on her pillow subtle? Or the heads of her enemies subtle?"
Henry chuckles.."Neither, you knew her briefly before the Evil Queen, perhaps you can remember something."
Before the Evil Queen..There's a pause before green eyes light up.."Something subtle! Thank You Henry!" She smiles at the man and runs off down the corridor.
He watches her go with a smile.."Good luck child."
Well it hadn't been easy but I managed to get them..Morrigan stares at the vase of sparkling purple and white blossoms, Subtle right?..She glances at the doors leading to the Queens chambers and then back down to scrutinize the flower arrangement, Purple and white..hmm, perhaps?..With a gentle wave of her hand, a small amount of magic flows onto the white blossoms turning them a shimmering black, better..Green eyes stare at the hardwood door and she shifts unnerved, I saw her slip into the royal hall earlier and thought it was best to come now. I cant face her yet and I do have to be subtle..She takes a calming breath and gently pushes the door open.
When Morrigan peaks her head through, her eyes widen, holy shit! The room looks like a cavalry squad just rode through it..Quickly Morrigan steps inside, careful to mind the shards of broken glass and mirror on the floor. Burning invades her senses and green eyes dart to the embers on a tattered black canopy, Best not to linger..She steps over the shattered chandelier and approaches the splintered vanity. She gently lays the vase down on the wood, glancing at the fractured mirror, you really are a complicated woman aren't you..Morrigan sighs and turns to leave only to stop dead, her heart leaping into her mouth. The Queens dark eyes burn into her as the royal harshly slams the door shut.
"What do you think your doing?!"
Shit! This isn't fucking subtle!..Morrigan edges towards the vase, slyly covering the flowers from the seething Queens view.."I, I came to.."
"What?!" The royal stalks towards her, shattered glass crunching under her heels with each step.."Came to end your miserable existence right here?! You want me to finish the job is that it?!"
Morrigan can feel the collar heating up as the Queen slowly invades her personal space.."No. I came here because I feel guilty, because I did something stupid that hurt someone when they were only trying to help me. I came here because I needed to at least try and set things right. And above all else I came to apologize to someone I..To someone I care about." Green and brown eyes lock as Morrigan watches her Queen's inner battle.
"Leave!"
Morrigan deflates a little, oh well, I tried..She carefully moves around the royal, cautious on her approach to the door as she reaches for the handle but pauses, might as well say it after that speech..
"I forgive you Regina." It wasn't loud but she hears the Queen take in a sharp breath, I guess she heard..Morrigan slowly pulls the door open and slides into the hall..
Last night had been a little rough, not only did I fail miserably to patch things up with the Queen, but I became an emotional wreck when a tattered gift was left outside my quarters..Morrigan gently caresses a light silver dress, running the pad of her thumb over the straw like face of Scarlet's tattered doll, I thought that the little girl must have lost her doll again but the blatant way it was positioned against my door makes me think otherwise..
Morrigan wanders through the maze of hedges in the palace gardens, her black boots crunching against the pebbles and the sun beaming down on pale skin, I wonder if I'll ever get my revenge? Ive been so distracted recently with all the injuries, with the Queen, but thank the gods my shoulder is out of that sling, at least now I can grab a sword again..She pauses, the sound of subtle footsteps follow her as she rounds the hedges corner, they've been following me for a while now. There's nothing stealthy about their approach, if I were a mark I'd be halfway across the Enchanted Forest by now..She pushes herself into the hedges and slides the doll into her pocket. When the footsteps round the corner, she quickly grabs the persons vest and shoves the body into the hedges.
The Huntsman quickly raises his hands defensively.."Woah, its only me."
"Why are you following me?"
He quickly avoids her glare and shifts awkwardly.."I was.."
She sighs.."The Queen sent you didn't she?"
"Yeah, I think she didn't want you hurting yourself again."
"Again? I seem to recall a less than fair fight.." Morrigan grins at the ugly black and purple bruise around the mans nose.."Anyway its not like I'm the only one visiting the physician these days." She releases his vest and continues her walk amongst the hedges.
A sheepish Huntsman quickly steps alongside her.."Yeah sorry about that Captain I, I wasn't myself."
"I know she was controlling you."
"Oh.." He pauses as she stops at a fork in the path.
"I don't need a babysitter Huntsman, stay out of sight for the next hour and when the Queen asks, just tell her I was wandering around the gardens."
"I'm sorry I cant.."
"Listen, its not like your lying, I am staying here but I cant have you following me around like some lost puppy. I'll meet you at the Queens apple tree in an hour."
Morrigan quickly walks down the right fork leaving an ancey Huntsman alone. She rounds the corner, eager to get away from the man and sighs, I don't need a bloody babysitter!..Continuing her walk, she soon finds herself in the rosary garden.
After a while, Morrigan strolls the garden serene and plucks one of the roses, relieving it of a few petals.."Roses are red, violets are blue, one in a million..and I choose you.."
"Well technically violets are violet."
Morrigan startles, dropping the rose and whirls to face her stoic Queen. Green eyes shift from place to place, never looking at the woman directly. She looks passed the royal and spots the Huntsman shifting awkwardly in the background, taddle tale!..
"Is there something you need my Queen?"
The royal raises an eyebrow, shifting to pluck a single rose from the bushes.."The dark curse will be enacted tonight. You'll accompany me to thorn peak after dinner."
Morrigans mouth hangs open, Tonight?! Shes going to enact it tonight?! Bloody hell that's soon..
The Queen twirls the roses stem between her fingertips and watches intensely.."Problem dear?"
"No no, nothing's wrong my Queen."
"Good. Dinners at six." The royal gently slides the rose into Morrigans vest pocket before twirling and leaving her dazed Captain alone.
What. The. Fuck!..Morrigan clears her throat awkwardly, shuffling and taking in a deep breath, Is it bad that I'm aroused?..Of course it is! Well at least shes not angry with me anymore. Looks like subtlety worked..Taking another deep breath, Morrigan plucks the rose from her chest pocket and stares, Well the Queen wasn't wrong, Violets are technically violet...
Narrow green eyes sweep the area shrouded in thorns and darkness, her attention scrutinizing each of their fellow villains surrounding a blazing campfire, Ive never felt so uncertain in my entire life. After dinner, the Queen had explained that we'd be having company at the peak..
Morrigans focus falls on a scraggy witch opposite her, the old woman's hair hangs limp and knotted, her tattered cloak trailing at her feet and her eyes, they're sewn shut!..She grimaces, Your one ugly bitch lady..
Morrigan stands patiently by her Queens side, pushing back the need to fidget, My stomachs doing back flips here..She stares through the V shaped slit in her helmet at the giant across from her, there are a lot of potential threats here..Green eyes sweep across to the gnome creature and then to the viking man a couple of feet from her right, but its the heavy footfalls of Henry that refocus her attention and she stares at the brown sack in his hands.
"Who among us is tired of losing? That's why I called you here, to put an end to our misery.."
A small vile falls from the Queens hands into the flames and soon after, Henry passes the royal a wove of thick twine and that too is thrown into the crackling fire.
"Today we claim victory and move to a new, better realm. A place where we can finally win!"
"And we'll be happy?" The blind witch quickly speaks up.
"I guarantee it, but first I need something from you.."
Here we go..Morrigan squares her shoulders, pulling forward her magic with no resistance from the collar..When things were explained at dinner, the Queen mentioned that at some point I may have to..persuade our guests. Turns out loyalty will be tested in order to receive happiness. If they're not with us, then I'll just kill them and take what's needed from their smoldering remains..
"A lock of hair from those with the darkest souls. You must trust me because if you don't, there are other ways.." The Queen turns, grinning darkly at her dark knight.
Morrigans eyes flicker red and she slowly extends her arms towards the thorns surrounding the peak. The vicious spikes grow larger, reaching out for the villainous group and cutting off any means of escape. Everyone in the clearing shifts agitated, attempting to move away from the vicious vines and at a glance, Morrigan quickly notes the swirl of purple in her Queens eyes. At the royals sly wink, her heart throbs, I guess she likes the show..They refocus on the sound of a blade being drawn and red eyes dart to the blind witch. Morrigan watches the small group of villains simultaneously pull and cut pieces of hair from their person.
"Wise decision.."
The Queen walks around the group, collecting the various hair samples and all the while being watched like a hawk by a pair of red eyes. The royal looks at her knight pointedly and with a light shock from the collar, Morrigan pulls back her magic and the thorns recede from the clearing. The Queen gently tips the pieces of hair into the fire and passes the small basket to her Knight.
"All that remains is the final ingredient.."
Henry approaches his daughter and opens a large silver chest. Morrigans interest is piqued and she edges forward, eager to see its contents, the Queen never told me what the final ingredient was. The royal had said that she was the only one who could procure the item, that alone it was her task..
"A prized heart, from my childhood steed."
Red eyes widen as the Queen pulls out the large bloodied heart, she killed Rocinante?! No wonder she said she was the only one who could get the final ingredient. If I ever had to kill Magnus to get my revenge, well..I don't think I could go through with it..
"The glorious beast whose passing will fuel our victory. Let my wrath be unleashed!"
They all stare at the large heart as its thrown into the fire with a thud and a crackle. Immediately the wind picks up and a swirl of purple and green magic forms around the fire pit. The tornado of magic plumes into the air, cracking and sparking like lightening in a storm. Morrigan takes in a shuddering breath, this is really it..Red eyes dart to her Queen who revels in the impending chaos.
Suddenly the plume of dark magic recedes and the crackling fire echos around the deafening silence, was that it? Well that was shit, I was expecting at least a little chaos..Morrigan immediately refocuses on the chuckling gnome across from them and steels herself, I wouldn't do that if I were you..Soon a full bellied laugh erupts from the little thing as it jumps on a rock, laughing hysterically at the Queen.
"Yeah, you really unleashed something there."
The creature continues to laugh, pointing frantically at the royal and Morrigan shakes her head weakly, well your dead..She watches passively as her Queens arm darts out, turning the gnome to stone and ceasing its incessant high pitch cackling. Quickly the furious Queen whirls and stomps out of the clearing, well that was disappointing..Morrigan sends out one more nasty leer at the villains before stalking after her Queen...