Author's Notes: This tale was inspired by a wonderful drawing I saw over on dA. It is called Meeting and it was created by Sia-Chan.
As much as I'd like to take credit the concept and inspiration belongs entirely to her.
Beta: None as of yet. So my apologies to any and all grammar nazi's out there. This story will make your eyes bleed (not intentionally of course!) but you have been warned.
VI
Alisa watched as Morgan stared at the Black Grimoire in shocked silence. The barely contained mix of excitement and joy in his amber eyes was difficult to ignore. 'You found Father's Grimoire?' he exclaimed. 'While I spoke of it to you I did not truly hope. This is a most fortuitous event!' The warlock fell silent for a moment, as his expression grew suspicious.
'Where exactly did you acquire it?'
If Alisa had any doubts about his response she needed not have worried, it was like catching fish in a barrel. A smirk crept onto her features. 'Now wouldn't you like to know?' Alisa teased stepping back just as Morgan stepped forward, ensuring the tome was just out of his reach. The mage frowned, as his eyes narrowed.
'What is it that you desire of me?' he asked in guarded tones.
'An apology and an explanation,' Alisa stated.
Morgan's silence spoke for itself. Alisa grinned, clearly enjoying this more than she should. 'Fine, I'll make you a deal. One compliment, one sincere compliment, and an explanation.'
'This is ridiculous. By what reason do you require an explanation? Tis a book. One only needs to open the cover and read the contents within. Unless of course, you have yet to learn how to read,' Morgan sniffed.
Had it been anyone else Alisa would have given in. This was Morgan, and she would be damned if she let the apostate have it without earning it first. 'If you want the book you're going to have to do a bit better than-'
'Tis called the Black Grimoire,' Morgan cut in, clearly not amused by Alisa's games. The former Templar recruit continued as if uninterrupted.
'If you want the book you'll have to give me one sincere compliment,' Alisa repeated. 'Oh, and an explanation. I want to know what the Grimoire contains.'
The sight of Morgan attempting to glare at her was almost too amusing. Try as he might he could not keep his eyes off the tome for very long. The mage was like a child in a sweets shop. Try as she might to torture the obnoxious apostate, Alisa could not bring herself to do it. She was too proud to fish for compliments, especially from the likes of Morgan. With a heavy sigh, the warrior placed the tome into the mage's eager hands.
'It was found in the Kinloch tower. The First Enchanter kept it under lock and key,' she said before adding, 'so what does it contain?'
'Secrets. My Father has many of them and this tome represents the one time they were able to get away from him. I do not intend to squander this opportunity to learn more than my Father wished me to know. This should be…interesting.'
Morgan's amber eyes studied the tome intently. It was clear the young warlock wanted time alone to examine its contents. Deciding she had about enough of him for one day, the former Templar recruit turned to depart back to the main encampment.
'Alisa-'
She was not very far before the mage called out to her. There was no sarcasm or condescension in Morgan's voice as he spoke her name. If Alisa did not know any better, she would have sworn he actually sounded kind. Pausing, the warrior's blue eyes met the warlock's own amber gaze.
'You have my thanks,' he admitted in soft tones. Alisa's cheeks grew warm as silently she cursed herself for it. Offering an awkward response of her own, she soon turned back toward the encampment. Morgan's insults and arrogance she could handle, his sincerity and shyness was another matter entirely.
'Do you no more desire a compliment?' Morgan called out in challenge. Alisa gave a shrug as she glanced back over her shoulder.
'Truthfully, I prefer sincere silence, over lies laced with sweetness,' she replied, quoting the words of an elderly Chantry sister she had known in her childhood.
Morgan hummed thoughtfully in response. 'Tis more to you than I once believed. Perhaps you are smarter than the dog after all.'
Alisa shook her head and rolled her eyes in response before continuing her way back to the Warden's encampments. It was not the finest compliment she had received, but it was a definite first for Morgan. Clearly, there was more to him than she once believed too. For reasons Alisa could not explain, the discovery made her smile.