Author's Note: So this mini chapter popped into my head and I'm not sure I should be including it, but…here it is. I'm in the home stretch of my story, but unfortunately I'm not getting a lot of time to write right now. And I'm really sorry to do this, but I might end up taking a long break again (or have extremely sporadic postings) until I get a chance to really focus rather than scramble to write what I can and not be happy with it...anyhow, hope you enjoy!

~Is it Fate~

Faint streams of sunlight filtered down through the leafy canopy covering the forest, giving the area a peaceful glow. Small bits of fluff floated gently in the air, sparkling as they passed in and out of the dim light before getting caught in the soft, mossy trees. Even with the gentle rustles of animals hidden from sight, it was blissfully quiet as though no creatures wished to disturb the dreamy moment. And yet, even then, something dark drew near.

Although the forest was quiet and still, her presence had somehow gone unnoticed. With detached interest, she watched the woman and her baby as they sat only a short distance away. In a nearby tree, a bird began to happily sing, delightfully ignorant of the danger lurking closer.

An exhausted looking Morrigan blankly stared into the distance as her infant son quietly fed. Finally blinking, she looked down at him, noticing just how quiet he was being. It was almost as if he carried the same uneasiness in his heart as she did in hers. Forcing an awkward looking smile, she ran her fingers over the soft skin of his head, wordlessly trying to assure him.

The uncomfortable gesture was not missed by the predator as she moved in a little closer.

It was the muffled snap of a twig that alerted Morrigan and her head darted towards the sound. The infant let out a surprised gasp as she pulled him from her chest. In a smooth motion she set him into his basket and on the ground at her feet. Unable to see who the intruder was, she still somehow knew. Fighting off all emotion, she hastily stood and pointed in the direction of the noise to accuse in a booming voice, "You dare to approach me, Flemeth?"

Inwardly, the white haired witch smiled to herself, both at how close she got before being noticed and that her daughter instinctively knew who tracked her. Stepping from the shadow, Flemeth casually replied, "I do as I please, child. I dare nothing."

"So it is you," Morrigan confirmed, a hint of disappointment seeping into her tone. "I should have guessed the Warden would lie about killing you."

"Not at all, she killed me quite dead. She was rather protective of you in fact," Flemeth replied as her lips curled in an obscure smile. For a moment both women were silent, but the disbelieving frown on Morrigan's face spoke for her. With a disgusted scoff, Flemeth added, "You don't believe? Even after all I've taught you, all you've seen with your own eyes, you're still just looking for the easy answer? Something you can wrap up with a pretty bow? And here I thought you would come to be something more…not like all the other mice that scurry beneath me. Your shortcomings are a fountain of everlasting disappointment."

"'Twas you that raised me, so you can blame yourself for my shortcomings," Morrigan bitterly retorted as she defensively crossed her arms.

"Ha! So I can," Flemeth agreed, genuinely amused by her response. Mimicking her daughter's stance, Flemeth also folder her arms across her chest although she retained a hint of amusement in her eyes.

Again, both women fell quiet in another silent stand off. A hush fell over the woods, and even the oblivious bird abandoned its song. Not flinching, Morrigan broke the stillness, "You cannot take me."

Raising her eyebrow and cocking her head to the side, Flemeth replied, "And where do you expect I would take you, I wonder?"

Clenching her jaw, Morrigan reminded her, "I've read your Grimoire. I am not some empty vessel just waiting to be filled."

"Oh right…that," Flemeth answered flippantly. Even as she gave an understanding nod of her head, her eyes flickered down to the baby in the basket.

Almost in response to her passing gaze, the boy let out a sharp cry as his limbs involuntarily jerked. Morrigan narrowed her eyes in a dark expression as she spoke in a low tone, "And I will not let you have my son."

Flemeth threw her head back as her maniacal laughter crackled through the forest. "Son? Is that what you are calling Urthemiel? Foolish girl!" Morrigan finally flinched as she glanced down at the infant. Before she could say anything, Flemeth finished, "And I hardly need your permission to do anything."

Despite Flemeth's calm demeanour, Morrigan understood the peril she was in. In a sudden, decisive move, Morrigan violently flung her hands outwards, sending a large blast of fire towards Flemeth. The Witch of the Wilds was thrown back several paces before landing hard on the ground. Without hesitation, she sat up again, propping herself with her arm. As she expected, the spot Morrigan stood seconds before was empty – the infant gone as well. Turning her head, she calmly stared at a small, white wolf as it raced from the area with a basket hanging from its mouth. A slow smile spread as she watched it leave.

"I like games, little mouse…" Flemeth whispered under her breath, unconcerned that Morrigan ran from her sight.