Some of our siblings, eh?
Well, that was a no-brainer for Morgan. There was only one choice: Severa. But it would not do to only bring her along, Morgan knew that she needed to bring at least one more person. On this she decided that she would ask Noire, another one of her half-siblings. Noire was the only Plegian-born sibling she got reasonable along with, but it might have something to do that she, like Morgan and Severa, was something of an outcast in the family.
Noire's mother was one of the most powerful dark mages in Plegia named Tharja. Her mother was matched with their father, a mighty mage in his own right, in the hopes that the union would produce a mage of unparalleled skill. However, Noire proved to be a disappointment, having inherit none of her parents' magical affinity. Her mother, in her desperation to retain some favour, then proceeded to put Noire through various dark rituals in order to ''encourage'' some magical development. This failed and only resulted in Norie gaining some form of split personality. Noire was by nature a timid and shy girl, but because of her mother's rituals, where prone to slip into an aggressive and violent mood from time to time. She was however a good archer, and a competent herbalist, having often worked as her mother assistant whenever she required some materials for her rituals.
Having made her choice, Morgan proceeded to go and find her sisters. Severa being most likely around the training-grounds, and Noire around the greenhouse.
Morgan found the training-grounds full of recruits who sparred with one another. One would think that it could not be hard to spot a red head among a sea of dark-haired people, but Morgan was a short girl and she had trouble looking over all the fighting soldiers. As she moved around, she heard a booming commanding voice.
''COME ON YOU LADIES! PUT SOME STRENGHT BEHIND THOSE BLOWS! YOU! MOVE YOUR FEET!''
The voice belonged to General Mustafa. A grizzled veteran of many battles. Despite his high rank, General Mustafa didn't shy away from having a direct hand in his soldiers' training whenever he got time. Morgan liked that man; he was always respectful to her and gave good advice. She decided to approach him.
''Lady Morgan! It's a pleasure to see you. Come to train your sword hand?''
''General Mustafa. The pleasure is all mine. No, not today I'm afraid, I come seeking Severa, do you know where I might find her?''
''Aye, she's training around that corner. A shame you're not here to train. A soldier should keep a healthy mind AND body.''
Morgan gave small laugh; she knew Mustafa meant well.
''Another time general. Thank you for your directions. I wish you luck with the greenhorns''
General Mustafa gave a her a curt nod before he went back to shout at the new recruits. Morgan soon found Severa training alone at the corner Mustafa directed her to. Severa was swinging a huge blade with a heavy tip. It was an armorslayer-blade meant to dent the armour of heavily armoured foes.
''Took you long enough, so…what did father want?''
Morgan proceeded to tell her about her task and her meeting with Validar, while Severa continued with her one-woman training. Morgan left out the part about their mothers. When she was done with her tale, Severa stopped swinging her blade and proceeded to dry of some sweat from her brow.
''So, you want me to be your babysitter? Why would I do that?''
''Because you love me?''
''That can be debated. But sure, it's not like I got anything better to do. You better make me captain or something the day you get your own command''
''You couldn't command a picnic dear sister.''
''And you would probably waste your command by ordering the soldiers to build the highest tower of stacked tomes from the library. Yes, I have heard about that incident.''
The girls giggled at their small teasing, but a deal has been made. It was never really to debate whatever if Severa would join her. The redhead might complain from time to time or stir up a scene, but she had always been a faithful companion to Morgan since they first meet on that very same training ground.
Now Morgan only needed to find and talk to Noire.
As she had guessed Noire was indeed in the greenhouse, collecting plants for her mother's potions. However, she soon proved to be a bigger challenge to convince then Severa.
''EH?! GO WITH YOU? NONONONO! Mother would have my head! She would curse me! Make me talk like a horse for a week…or maybe she would turn me into a horse? Nonono! I can't take it! I'm unsuited for this! Yes, that's it! I'm unqualified! I'm sorry but you need to find someone else!''
Morgan frowned. This is going to be hard, and there where no one else that Morgan would be comfortable with or suspect that that they wouldn't just not leave her to the wolves if they thought they could get away with it.
Morgan needed to analyse the situation. She was getting nowhere with talking to Noire herself, as she was too terrified of her mother to do anything without her leave. So, the solution was obviously to talk with Tharja herself.
''Alright, alright. You made your point. I'm just going to talk to your mother and ask her to give you leave to go with me.''
This however did not calm the poor girl, as she quickly began to beg Morgan to not do, or in any way anger her mother. After another long discussion and a reassurance that Morgan wouldn't in anyway indicate that it was Noire's idea or wish. The young mage was finally able to leave the greenhouse and seek out the dark mage.
Morgan found Tharja in the cellars of the castle where the mages quarters where located. At her approach, the dark mage made a clear frown of displeasure.
''Yes?''
Just one word. It's well known that Lady Tharja did not like what she saw as pointless pleasantries. Morgan had learned that it would be wise to keep that mind when dealing with her.
''Lady Tharja, I would like to ask that you give your daughter leave to accompany me for a diplomatic mission.''
''And why would I do that?''
Her words were laced with venom, but Morgan did not take it personally. Lady Tharja did not like anyone much less any other children of her father.
The only exception was of course her father himself whom she seems to worship to a fanatical degree. However, this fact could be Morgan's ticket for getting the dark mage to agree on her request, and she knew it.
So, Morgan proceeded tell Tharja how the task was something their king has placed in the highest priority. Emphasizing how it was her father's will that it should be done, while subtly suggesting how any participants would gain favour with their liege. When she was done, Tharja stood there with a small smile on her face.
''I know you're trying to play me girl, but very well. I'll tell Noire that she has my leave to accompany you on this task. Remember this boon, the day you're able to repay it.''
Morgan was a bit disappointed that the older mage had seen through her so quickly, but then again Lady Tharja was a far more experienced woman and had dealt with matters of court for a long time. In the end it did not matter, the young mage got what she wanted and that had to be enough. Although she feared what favour the dark mage would demand in the future. The price of Lady Tharja's services was not cheap.
''Thank you, Lady Tharja. I'll remember this.''
Tharja made a dismissive wave, and the bluenette quickly excused herself from the room.
As she exited the undergrounds of the castle, Morgan decided that she had enough for today and made her way towards her own quarters. When she arrived, she found a package on her bed. No doubt that it contained her new clothes that she was supposed to wear on the day of the negotiations. She opened it, and found a blue dress decorated with lines of gold and a simple golden tiara.
Morgan found it odd, for the dress was of obvious Ylissean design. She had expected something of a more Plegian-origin, but quickly deduced the implications her father intended to invoke with this choice of clothing.
Feeling a bit annoyed, she packed her new clothes away and prepared to sleep.
That night Morgan had a strange dream. In the dream she was a little toddler, lost and alone in a huge white room. She was searching for someone, but she did not know who. She tried to say something, but the words came out as an incoherent babble.
Then she heard a female voice. It was a voice that inexplicably made her heart jump with joy. She did not know this person, yet all she knew was that she needed to find them and be with them.
''Morgan! Where are you?''
Eagerly she turned around and saw nothing.
''Morgan, come to mommy''
She turned again and this time she saw someone, but before she could make out the persons features.
She woke up.