Fix 5/18

Alistair had to get home to Denerim. He'd been away for months after all, and Fereldan needed its king. Now that the Call was silenced, and Orlais visited, it was time to get back to work. Morrigan however chose to stay behind for a time as an occult advisor to the Inquisition. She may not be on the best terms with the Hawke clan, but she had uncovered a section of her mother's journal that spoke of a hidden place- a quiet whisper. She stared at her own eluvian, a gift from Alistair many years ago that was hard won. Likely Corypheus sought another.

Possibly he would succeed.

Bethany had many concerns however. The youngest Hawke sought to right many things that had been destroyed in the past, and Morrigan could only respect the choices she made. Every time she came to the war table, and every time it was unnecessary as the woman infuriatingly- yet rightly- chose a different path.

The lack of attention necessary alongside Marian's increased workload meant that Morrigan was often with both her son and the Howe girl. She observed their interactions with growing interest- and concern.

Morrigan Theirin would never admit it to her husband, but she actually did dislike Marian Howe. Something about the woman had always grated on her nerves. They were friendly enough in public, and did try to get along for Alistair's sake, but they hadn't really gotten on. Not since he had chosen Morrigan, ignoring what the witch was sure had been latent feelings for the former Templar. Sometimes she still wondered if the two harbored emotions beyond those of the best friends they presented at court...

What was not in question was the children. Kieran was quite taken with the young, dark-haired child in spite of her childishness. Perhaps de to it even, as she truly had a childhood while he was a special case due to the old god inside him. The difference was not obvious when they played together- chasing each other, laughing together about silly childhood things. This was what Morrigan had missed growing up in the wilds with Flemeth; the fact pained her, but also made her more resolved to talk with Marian.

Or... not Marian. Maybe Bethany would do as a go-between. She would ask her fellow Mage then. That was... perfect.

0-0-0-0

"I don't understand," Cole admitted as he spoke with Bethany. His brows were very much furrowed in confusion. "If you like Sister Nightingale so much, why would you want to consu..."

"Those are very complicated, VERY private thoughts," Bethany warned as she stopped the spirit's questioning. "I'm sorry Cole, but I am not comfortable answering that one." Then, wickedly, the Inquisitor grinned and suggested, "Why don't you ask Dorian? I'm sure he'll be up for answering that question."

Bethany watched the spirit flit away, disappearing as though he never existed, and leaned back in her chair. As she did, she felt a pair of well-practiced hands hit her shoulders after appearing from a different shadow.

"That was cruel," Leliana tisked.

"Serves the 'Vint right for guiding the boy to me to ask about slavery."

Leliana chuckled. "I didn't say I don't approve. I just wanted to thank you. For... Natalie."

"You are welcome, love."

"Mon coer." Leliana pressed in harder to the kinks in the Inquisitor's shoulders, eliciting a satisfied groan from the other woman. "I know you have done well in the Emprisse and the Graves, but it is time to focus on the greater matters."

Bethany sighed, but had to agree. "Tomorrow. Set it up, and I'll give the order officially then."

"That's my Dove." The elder songbird practically cooed into Bethany's ear. The mage sighed and whimpered, grabbing up in hopes of demanding a kiss.

"Leliana?"

"Yes?"

"I love you."

Leliana paused, wrapping her arms around Bethany. "I have come to need you. Desperately."

It wasn't I love you, but it was close enough./p