"At least I was trying to be better than I was. At least I regretted the evil I'd done. Better that than be someone who's never loved anyone or anything, least of all herself. Anything but that."

"It seem that at least you got the self-righteousness down part. Well done."

Morrigan and Leliana were complete opposites. Morrigan was more cynical and pragmatic, while Leliana considers herself an optimist with compassion. These women will never see eye to eye. Sometimes they just need a reason.

Chapter 3

The boat ride to the Circle Tower was supposed to be a short one, but somehow with the nature of the conversations and the state of my stomach reacting to the sight of the bright shiny ball called 'the moon' 'reflecting' on this so called lake...it felt I was at sea for days.

My head was leaning on the side of Leliana, as the red headed bard decided to ask Morrigan; "I'm wondering Morrigan... do you believe in the Maker?"

The sound of the witch's sudden laugh startled the templar rowing, "Certainly not. I've no primitive fear of the moon such that I must place my faith in tales so that I may sleep at night."

I rose my head up slightly in an attempt to look at Morrigan, "Then...what do you believe in?"

When the witch gave no answer, Leliana seemed only slightly appalled, "But this can't all be an accident. Spirits, magic, all these wondrous things around us both dark and light. You know these things exist."

Morrigan sucked her teeth in annoyance before straightening up, crossing her arms and legs, "The fact of their existence does not presuppose an intelligent design by some absentee father-figure."

"So it is all random, then? A happy coincidence that we are all here?"

Alistair sighed, "Give it up Leliana, she is an evil witch, just the mention of Andraste and she might hiss at you." He told the bard.

"I don't believe that." Leliana said with the shake of her head, the tendrils of her fiery red locks swaying with her, "I believe we have a purpose. All of us."

Morrigan stuck her nose up at that, "Yours, apparently being to bother me."

"So you truly do not believe in any sort of higher power?"

Morrigan laughed again, and Alistair shot me a 'See?' look, "Does this bother you, Chantry Sister? No, I do not. Must I?"

"What do you believe happens to you after you die then? Nothing?" Leliana asked in genuine concern.

"I do not go sit by the Maker's side, if that's what you mean." Morrigan pointed out.

"Only those who are worthy are brought to the Maker's side. So many other sad souls are left to wander in the void, hopeless and forever lost." I found this Andrastian religion rather interesting. It was almost similar to us dwarves and our Ancestors, but for some reason I found this surface religion...too pure? And it seemed no matter who you spoke to they had a different answer.

Morrigan scoffed again, "And what evidence of this have you? I see only spirits, no wandering ghosts of wicked disbelievers."

The bard let out a sigh, absentmindedly brushing her delicate fingers through my hair in an attempt to soothe me, "It must be so sad to look forward to nothing, to feel no love and seek no reward in the afterlife."

"Yes, the anguish tears at me so. You have seen through me to my sad, sad core."

"...Now you're simply mocking me." Leliana muttered, displeased.

"You notice? It appears your perceptive powers know no bounds."

DAO

It was the early morning during one of the last days at the Circle Tower. Despite the hour, I noticed several of these mages already going about their day. I was greeted by every single one of them, some even by name.

Very different from Dust Town, that was for sure. I was also surprised to see Leliana and Morrigan conversing with each other in the Great Hall, which only now had a little bit of that disgusting abomination mess after the cleaning duties.

I was unsurprised that they were continuing their little conversation from the boat ride. "Let me ask you this, then," Leliana began, not backing down as the witch stared at her in mild amusement. "Morrigan, what if there really was a Maker?"

"Then I would wonder why He has abandoned His creation. It seems terribly irresponsible of Him." She countered, ready.

I only just now noticed Sten was not far away actually appearing to be eavesdropping. Though he made it seem like he was busy playing with Barkspawn. "He left us because we were determined to make our own way," Leliana continued, "even if we hurt outselves, and He could not bear to watch."

"But how do you know?" Morrigan followed up with a question, "You cannot ask Him this. Perhaps He has gone to a new creation elsewhere, and abandoned this as a dismal failure, best forgotten."

"I do not need to know because I have faith. I believe in Him and feel His hope and His love."

Faith was an interesting concept that humans had. I've heard it mention several times in Ostagar by Chantry people similar to Leliana, but didn't quite understand what it entirely meant. But it seemed to ease their minds somehow in their religious teachings. Leliana continued on with her argument, "How can someone who practices magic have so little capacity to believe in that which she cannot see?"

Morrigan conjured up a purple flame in her hand, and I noticed Sten slowly recoil in defensive against the witch, as Leliana's stance was unwavering. "Magic is real. I can touch it and command it," She closed her fist and the flame was gone, "-and I need no faith for it to fill me up inside. If you are looking for your higher power, there it is."

A long silence followed before Leliana took a step closer, "But only if you can control it. I do not envy the loneliness you must feel at times Morrigan."

The strangest expression crossed Morrigan's face, as if surprised by Leliana's sudden accusation. Then Leliana added, "Alistair had told me that your mother is Flemeth. The Witch of the Wilds."

Morrigan crossed her arms, getting slightly more guarded by Leliana's consistent prodding, "They also say that washing your feet in winter makes you catch cold in the head, but we all know that is not true. But sometimes they are right and they are right in this."

Now it was my turn to speak, "What is the deal with Flemeth anyway. I never heard of her because...well, I'm a dwarf, from Orzammar. But everytime Flemeth is brought up...everybody looks either scared or intrigued. Is she really that big of a legend?"

Morrigan answered for me, "Of course she is. I'm sure this pretty minstrel has heard all sorts of tales of my mother's endeavors from her youth."

Leliana pursed her lips, "I...have heard stories, yes. My mother used to tell me...she was from Ferelden you see...She was the one who kindled my love of the old tales and legends."

"Lucky." I muttered, "My mom told me lessons on why never get pregnant when you got no money to feed the baby or yourself."

Morrigan followed it with, "Hmph. my mother's stories curdled my blood and haunted my dreams. No little girl wants to hear about the Wilder men her mother took to her bed, using them till they were spent, then killing them. No little girl wants to be told that this is also expected of her, once she comes of age."

Silence.

"Well, damn Morrigan, that's bleak." I responded.

Leliana appeared pale, "I...I see."

Morrigan snapped her attention to Leliana, "No...you do not. Do not pretend to, bard." And then she left, leaving an icy chill behind.

Leliana appeared guilty, "I fear I may have offended her."

"That's just Morrigan's personality. You get used to it. And...yeah, I've met Flemeth. She seemed more like a nutty old bat than any old woman I've encountered begging in the streets of Dust Town. So I would like to hear these legends."

"I...I don't know. I feel it might be inappropriate to speak of such tales when her daughter is in my presence."

"Then do it when she's not around. And maybe I'll get the truth out of Morrigan someday and then I can compare and see what adds up." I said excited at my plan.

Remembering the Grimoire hidden in my backpack, I reminded myself to give it to Morrigan as a present when we make our leave.

DAO

Leliana had wanted to see the halla pen when we arrived in the Dalish Clan. Of course, most all of these elves were looking at us with great disdain. Muttering 'shemlen' under their breath. They seemed most fearful of Sten, and bewildered by me.

The others received looks of pure hatred. Morrigan and Leliana were instructed not to touch the halla. Didn't quite understand what harm it would do, but we obliged. Alistair was eagerly listening to a storyteller at the campfire, like a grown child on the ground amongst the other Dalish children, Wynne quietly sitting beside him on the log.

"Do you have any tales of the wilds?" Leliana confidently asked as the three of us watched the caretaker tend to the creatures in the pen.

"None of the sort you like." Morrigan denied, "No princesses in tall towers or knights throwing themselves at whole armies."

"Then what kind do you know then?" I asked, curious myself.

Morrigan glared down at us, unamused. "Do you want tales of the Chasind Wilders who dwell in the marsh? Do you want to hear of the slow deaths they inflict on their enemies? Perhaps a tale of the poisonous creatures of the Wilds that lay their eggs on your skin so that their young may eat you alive when hatched? Or a tale of my mother's marsh cuisine? That, in my opinion, is the most terrifying of all my tales."

Leliana audibly swallowed, as the Morrigan was about a few centimeters away from her face. "Uh... no. I don't want to hear about those things…"

I sighed, "I guess we'll just enjoy each other's silence then."

Morrigan smiled, still close to Leliana, and I noticed a change in the redhead's expression as Morrigan began walking away. "You are so beautiful."

Uh…

Morrigan harrumphed, seeming flattered, "Tell me something I do not know."

Now it was Leliana's turn to approach the witch, ignoring me, with a quizzical look on her face, "But you always dress in such rags." Morrigan seemed appaled, but before she could retort, we both noticed the way Leliana was looking at her up and down. "It suits you I suppose. A little tear here, a little rip there to show some skin. I understand."

"You understand I lived in a forest, I hope?" Was Morrigan's reply, appearing for the first time...uncomfortable.

Leliana's eyes glistened suddenly, as she gasped and clapped her hands together. It reminded me so much of Rica when she got excited, "Maybe we could get you in a nice dress one day. Silk. No, maybe velvet. Velvet is heavier, better to guard against the cold in Ferelden. Dark red velvet, yes. With gold embroidery. It should be cut low in the front of course, we don't want to hide your features."

And now she was staring at Morrigan's rack, "Hey, uh...Leliana. Gettin' a little carried away there, aren't you?" I asked. It was like Leliana was possessed or something, and even Morrigan adjusted her rags to conceal her barely contained breasts together.

"You don't think so, Ada?" Leliana asked for my input, "And if it's cut low in the front we must put your hair up to show off that lovely neck."

Morrigan flinched away from Leliana's feather like touch, "You are insane. I would sooner let Alistair dress me." And then she marched off to get away from the overly friendly bard.

Leliana called after her, running, "It'll be fun, I promise! We'll get some shoes too! Ah, shoes! We could go shopping together!"

It was as Wynne came to me when she saw the exchange as Morrigan continued to deny Leliana's plea to dress her, and the redhead ignoring said complaints. "They act like sisters."

"Reminds me of my sister Rica and I whenever she gets an extra gown that's a little too big or too long. She chases me around the hovel trying to put the thing on me while my ma is passed out."

Wynne chuckled to herself, "Sounds as if you have a more...colorful past than what you care to admit."

I merely shrugged as I continued to watch the two women bicker.

DAO

We set up camp near the cross in between Honnleath and the path leading to Denerim. Leliana was absentmindedly playing with her lute, which often created the ambiance after an end to a long day. Her pet nug I got her, Schmooples nuzzled up beside her.

Morrigan, surprisingly was sitting next to me, fixing her hair in front of the golden mirror I gave to her, when Rica rejected me. "Hey, Morrigan, I am surprised you are not in your tent reading your tome."

"I...am almost done with it." She stated, but the tone she was using said something else entirely. She seemed...distracted.

Before I could ask what was wrong, she turned her attention to Leliana, setting the mirror down, "I imagine you have already composed a suitable ballad to commemorate the events at Redcliffe, Leliana?"

Leliana stopped playing, looking to Morrigan in curiosity. "Why would I do such a thing?"

"Actually," I admitted, "I thought that was what you were working on as well. You usually have a song ready for every main accomplishment. I liked the one about...the Deep Roads."

It was really a song for me she written, and it brought me to tears. Though I hid them from everyone else. Leliana stared into the fire for a long moment, sitting up as Schmooples adjusted himself accordingly, "Redcliffe...so many people died...and they were violated by unimaginable evil forces."

Morrigan nodded, "That was not so difficult, was it? You may wish to add music however."

Zevran made his appearance known, his gloves and boots discarded to keep preservation as he described, taking a seat right next to Leliana, "I dare say, Morrigan, you appeared to be enjoying yourself at Redcliffe. You must be fond of the disturbing and utterly gruesome."

"And so what if I was. We were successful in the end, were we not? Victory without cost has little worth."

Leliana put away the lute, "I just think of what that poor little boy went through... no, I don't want to glorify what happened there."

Zevran said this, "Then who will learn from these events? I would think on it some more, were I you."

Leliana shook her head, "I think I am going to go to bed. Good night everyone, I will see you in the morning."

Morrigan and Zevran exchanged looks of confusion and shrugged. I began to take off my armor, leaving myself in my tunic and pants, getting ready for bed. "I guess I should be turning in as well."

Morrigan had a strange expression, continuing to stare into the fire. Usually she preferred to be away from all. I headed into my own tent, hearing Zevran attempting to conversate with Morrigan, and dropped dead away from exhaustion.

DAO

After the attack, we learned that it was an old associate of Leliana's that sent the assassins after us. We were circled around in the bedroom Leliana and Wynne shared, discussing what to do in this situation.

Leliana told us her tale. The truth this time. In mostly great detail. Morrigan listened with a mischievous glint, "So I see you are quite the little deceiver, after all."

Leliana sighed, having expected this from her no doubt. "I knew you were waiting for this, Morrigan. Yes, I am not perfect. Not that I ever claimed to be, but yes...I am...a murderer...and a liar...and...a thief. You must all be so disgusted with me."

"Actually, " Oghren spoke up, "I am aroused."

"I as well." Zevran agreed.

"Do not forget…" Morrigan sneered, "You are also...a hypocrite."

"Morrigan, that is not fair!" Alistair argued for Leliana's sake.

"No, Alistair. She is right." Leliana said, staring down at the ground, "There are good people in the Chantry. Many good people who are just there to help others."

"And apparently at least a few who are simply pretending to be good." Morrigan spat again.

"Come on, Morrigan." I tried to reason this time, "It was very brave of Leliana to open up like this."

Morrigan rolled her eyes, already put off by a lot of things that I have put up with as of late. Leliana confidently glared up at Morrigan, "At least I was trying to be better than I was. At least I regretted the evil I'd done. Better that than be someone who's never loved anyone or anything, least of all herself. Anything but that."

The witch stood up, perhaps feeling out-numbered, "It seem that at least you got the self-righteousness down part. Well done." She shoved me and Alistair out of the way as she made her leave.

DAO

After the Alienage we had two days before the Landsmeet. Of course...Alistair was still not talking to me, and he pretended Morrigan did not exist. As a result of this, Wynne as well treated me with disdain, with her usual air of 'I told you so'.

I was not the only one having troubles with the ways of the heart. Morrigan was happy enough with Cousland, but upon learning of the selected part of Leliana's past that she deliberately left out was...her relationship with Cousland.

She stated that it was a romance...he presented her flowers in an act of courtship, they shared very intimate moments. A kiss or two were exchanged some...more passionate than others.

Her words not mine.

But she made sure to clarify...the two never slept together. He tried to, but she didn't want to be more entangled with this noble than what was allowed. And it was all a secret from Marjolaine...it was...in a way, an affair.

Now, out of all people to tell Morrigan...was the person we felt was beyond gossip. "Shale, really?" I asked the usually stoic golem.

"She did not tell me that I had to keep it a secret." Was her argument.

"I thought that was a given, Shale." I admitted.

And so...during a later dinner, having to share a table with Morrigan, Leliana, and to make the tension even more awkward, Alistair was there. Not looking at any of us. "I am not fond of sharing. You should know this." Was Morrigan's response.

Leliana appeared perplexed by the accusation, "I haven't asked to borrow anything of yours."

"Nor would I lend it if asked. You would be best to desist and find your own."

The gears began to turn in Leliana's head and she narrowed her eyes in a sort of challenge. "Find my own what?"

Morrigan set down her fork, annoyed, "This facade of yours is unconvincing. If 'tis a competition you wish, a competition you shall have."

Alistair continued to glare at his plate, blatantly ignoring this juicy exchange, "You wild folk are very odd." Leliana countered, popping a grape into her mouth, "And possessive."

As if to add fuel to the fire, Castiel made his grand entrance. Morrigan sat up from the table, as she and Castiel exchanged very lovey dovey eyes. Leliana didn't turn around, even as Morrigan circled around to the Teryn's son and planted a kiss.

Alistair in disgusted pushed away from the table, taking his plate with him to make his leave. Leliana gave me a discreet look, and I realized that this conflict was far from over.

"How classy of her." Leliana muttered as we were in the armory with Sten. We were checking over the equipment for the Landsmeet. Loghain might try to pull something, and I wouldn't put it past him.

"I thought that was a long time ago. Are you still-" I asked, Sten ignoring us.

"Of course I am over him. I am not the sort to dally with another woman's man. Or…"

"Leliana you did cheat on him with Marjolaine...or was it the other way around."

"It was complicated Ada."

"That is what they all say." I pointed out.

Suddenly, Morrigan entered, and the tension returned. "Morrigan," I began, "we were just...checking the armor and gear...Bodahn is bringing Sandel to do some enchantments. We don't know what's going to happen at the Landsmeet so-"

"Morrigan," Leliana clarified, "Castiel and I were a long time ago. Whatever was there is no longer. I have not even properly spoken to him."

"Do not speak to me as if I am a petty housewife, constantly worried about my man's endeavors. This is a mere dalliance. I know your Maker has told you bad things happen to those who engage in such activities but...as you might understand it is all sheer folly."

"Whatever your implications are, Morrigan. I have dignity."

"You and your faith and dignity. How you cling onto them so to validate all the things you are."

"Talk is cheap."

Sten for once, spoke up, "There is much to do besides squabble over such nonsense. I will finish the task. I would prefer it to be done in silence."

And that was how Sten kicked us out of the armory, claiming that it was not a place for women anyway. For once, we could all agree Sten was wrong.

DAO

I was exhausted, Leliana and I were helping Wynne and Willa with some herbalism, while I also checked in with Sandel's enchantments. Leliana clung to me like a security blanket.

Usually a free spirit, I suppose with the tension (Wynne still did not speak to me during the whole task), we were the only ones on each other's sides. Zevran was too, but he wanted to stay on Wynne's good side for some reason so he was mostly absent. And Oghren was mostly drunk, and Shale was a catty gossiper.

Alistair was being a child.

Leliana volunteered to walk me to the room I usually volunteered to share with Morrigan...but we stopped when we heard moans. Coming from Morrigan.

She was loud. Overly loud. Clients have even came to my house to see Rica and I have never heard the woman tumble in my life. Leliana gritted her teeth, "That...she is doing this on purpose."

"How would she know I was coming and that you would be with me?" I questioned. "Damn...where am I supposed to sleep. I don't want to go in there."

"Did you wish to stay in my room?"

"Wynne doesn't like me right now either. Damn…"

It was then the noises subsided, and I gave them several moments before I braved in knocking on the door. I glanced over at Leliana, "Um, you don't have to stand with me, Leliana. I wouldn't want for you to-"

Castiel opened the door, in just his trousers, chest glistening with sweat, his long mane of a hair an unruly mess. Morrigan sat naked in her bed, expectantly. Castiel laughed sheepishly, "Apologies, I did not expect for you to come so soon."

"It is closer to being dawn…" I noted.

"Oh!" Morrigan exclaimed, stretching by arching her back, "We were doing this all night. How embarassing."

"I agree." Leliana muttered.

I realized quickly that Leliana has always been a deceiver. She was still about Castiel...and she was ready to come to blows with Morrigan.

"I shall make myself scarce then." Castiel let us into the chambers, changing into his tunic and stuffing his feet into his boots. He reached over and kissed Morrigan on the cheek.

"Where are you staying?" I asked, curious that he was not fearing at all braving the streets of Denerim at this hour.

Castiel seemed perplexed by the question, "I...am not far. I am staying in the Tavern. Under an alias. Anyway, I will see you first thing in the morning."

And then he was away. Once he went gone, I noticed Morrigan shamelessly put her bra on and underwear. "Well, that was rather pleasant."

"I am surprised he would risk a tumble with you," Leliana accused juvenilely, "especially the way you smell."

Oh Ancestors.

"Does not seem to bother him, as you clearly see, we were making love all into the night."

I stared wearily at my bed, "You didn't...no...not my bed!"

"Yes," Leliana noted "I am sure the whole Estate heard you! All the better, as he will soon discover you have nothing else to offer."

Morrigan curled up in the bed, continuing to argue with the bard, "The world of flesh is one of many weird varied delights. What do you think that he will do when he discovers that you offer only frigid incompetence?"

"Making love is such an intimate thing, it should only be with someone you truly love. Look at Alistair and Ada. They waited until they found the one."

Ouch.

Morrigan immediately looked to me, "And yet their love became rotten on the vine so quickly. A sour fruit that offers only a memory of sweetness, what is it worth, truly? Could you answer this, Ada?"

Now I was feeling attacked, getting dragged into their little catfight. Leliana attempted to defend me, "Love is about hardships! This is just a setback, but I know Alistair and Ada still love each other. I know they will work things out! Right, Ada?"

Her voice was so hopeful, but I couldn't give the reassurance she was asking. Morrigan scoffed, "We shall see. Now, if you are quite finished, can you go. I would like to sleep. I am exhausted." She chuckled.

Leliana stormed off in an angry huff, and the more frustrated the bard became, the more I realized she really did have strong feelings for this man. Just as she did Marjolaine. Leliana...was a romantic.

DAO

Morrigan was not done. At breakfast, Zevran and I were in a middle of a conversation when I heard the two ladies arrive, still arguing. "This must be a record for the longest argument I have ever been witness to." Zevran stated aloud.

"The way you look at him so intently, so hungrily... one would think you have never seen a man before." Morrigan noted.

"I do not." Leliana denied.

Zevran sighed, "If only your gaze was directed at yours truly." He tried to make light.

Leliana ignored him, continuing to attack Morrigan, "You're confident, for a woman raised in a swamp, far from anything remotely resembling civilization."

Morrigan continued, "And maybe that is my appeal? A woman like you, why, he could find in any city in Thedas. You think you are cultured? Worldly?" She attempted to touch Leliana's face in a condescending way, but the bard smacked her hand away, "Powdered, perfumed, you ooze elegance, but what man wants a woman who lies limp beneath him, frozen in place by the thought that she might ruin her hair?"

Leliana snapped at Morrigan, "So you're saying you're wild and uninhibited? I suppose he must like your shrieking, you sound like a genlock being murdered-"

Zevran and I gasped, that was so brutal.

Leliana's hardened side came out even harder, "You should try a little harder next time he takes you. I don't think they heard you in the Anderfels."

Morrigan was challenging her, and I felt a fight coming on, "Tsk, tsk, Leliana. Watch your jealousy, or you'll give yourself wrinkles."

Leliana pushed Morrigan away, and I got up from my seat, "Zevran...get somebody strong, and get them fast!"

"Get away from me, or I shall have to take drastic measures." Leliana said, rage in her eyes.

"Resorting to violence. And here I thought you were civilized." Morrigan teased.

And then they lunged at each other, with a shriek. Morrigan was slammed against the wall, Leliana being swift and faster than anything I have ever seen. Morrigan tried to push her off, but her lithe frame was nothing against Leliana's might.

Morrigan blasted Leliana, and she collided against the breakfast table. I stood inbetween the two women, as Morrigan casted a fireball. It seperated when it hit against my frame, and I had to push Leliana back.

But I was small, and my strength could only seperate them, as I was crushed inbetween their bodies as they began clawing at hair and scratching at faces. I heard Oghren let out a whoop, as he must have just arrived, and Wynne started yelling at us.

"What in blazes is going on here!?" She exclaimed.

I then felt someone pulling Morrigan back, just as the woman delivered a solid kick right in my eye. I winced at the sharp pain and Leliana stopped resisting me, with a shocked gasp. Morrigan grunted, and I saw her on the ground, the Queen was watching by the archway in disbelief. Alistair was the one to pull Morrigan off, stopping the fight.

Castiel just made his presence known, seeming to understand what has happened. I covered my eye, feeling something warm mixed in with my tears. Alistair pried my hand off, "Wynne, she is bleeding from the eye, can you treat it?"

DAO

After the fight (a bandage strapped across my left eye where it was still throbbing from impact), I searched the Estate for the redheaded bard. Morrigan found me first and offered a sincere apology for the injury. "Don't worry about it, salroka," I reassured her, "I've been hit far worse than that."

The witch crossed her arms with a strange expression on her face, "If you are looking for the bard...she is outside. Talking to Cousland."

Perhaps due to my surprised expression, Morrigan continued, seeming a bit muddled for once in her life, "She...she needs will be needing you right now. I am quite fine." When I continued to stare, waiting for further explanation, she turned me around, "Go on, my friend. I will not hold any resentment for you just because you care for your fellow comrades. As I have said before, she needs your comfort far more than I do. Trust me."

Finally leaving the Estate, I found Leliana outside sitting by the well. She was crying. I was thoroughly confused. First of all at Morrigan's secret concern for Leliana. Castiel was talking to her...and now here she sat, in uncontrollable tears. When she saw me she looked guilty, attempting to wipe the tears from her eyes, "I am so sorry, Ada. I do not know what came over me. I...I was such a barbarian."

"Nothing I haven't seen in the Carta. And they never have reason to." I admitted.

Leliana continued to wipe the tears from her eyes, "I...spoke to Castiel. Told him how I felt. Told him everything. I…" She looked down, seeming humiliated, "He told me he was in love with Morrigan. She...lied to me. She told me it was nothing. I would have never been so...against it, if I had known it was something true."

It was interesting. Despite the loathsome nature of Morrigan and Leliana's relationship, in the end...despite Castiel having clearly chosen Morrigan, proclaiming his love for her over Leliana, the witch didn't gloat like everyone assumed she did. She knew Castiel was in love with her, and it was proven to be true.

"You think Morrigan was just...embarrassed?" I asked.

"Morrigan believes that love is a weakness. And was ashamed for it. That was why she always hated you and Alistair." Leliana confessed.

My heart stung a bit when she brought up the soon to be king, "Well, she wasn't wrong." I remarked.

Leliana reached for my hand, "Alistair was concerned for you. He sure gave me a talking to on how you could have been seriously hurt due to Morrigan and I's actions. He still loves you Ada." She informed me, looking up earnestly. "I...never known someone who loved me...so purely. And...I suppose I am jealous. The thought that even someone like Morrigan could find someone...but I never found it."

That's what it was. Exactly that. Morrigan pitied Leliana. Not even in the condescending way, but in a way where both the women were thinking the same thing. Why would a Nobleman choose to be with a Swamp Witch, declare his love for someone like Morrigan, over the beauty, over the sweet and pure heart of Leliana.

"Love's confusing." I admitted, "I never thought I'd find it here. Especially with a human. But...it is as Morrigan says. I just feel bitter...and sad. And...maybe Alistair feels it more so. I had to end it. But Leliana...you deserve happiness too."

She scooted over, pulling me to sit beside her. Leliana rested her head on mine, as we embraced. I felt a tender kiss on my forehead, as we stayed like that for what felt like a blissful eternity.