Here's a new chapter for you. Also, you might be interested to know that the two of us are working on an Omegaverse Legend of Korra story, with lots of Kuvira, and arranged marriages, and all kinds of other goodness. I don't want to give away too much, but it's going to be epic.

Morrigan dreamed of flying.

Streams of wind raced under her wings and beneath her belly, but she felt no cold, only elation. Even as a bird, she had never soared so high. A tapestry of green stretched out before her, smooth and unbroken, the tops of the trees blurring together. It all looked the same from this height, but in spite of that, she knew where she was going. There was somewhere she needed to be, and a force beyond her knowledge drew her there.

She circled lower, folding her arms—no, her wings—in and swooping toward the canopy. At last, she caught sight of what she was looking for: a small clearing, a pinprick of brown amidst the emerald ocean of the forest. She dove, cutting the air faster than an arrow from a bow. The trees trembled and parted for her descent, and the ground quaked beneath her as she made her landing. She stood before an abandoned altar, its stone cracked and covered in vines, its mysteries lost to the ages.

A wave of familiarity washed over her as she examined it. This was the place that had called her, and its pull was as ancient and powerful as she felt. Words whispered in her head, speaking in a language she couldn't understand, but something within her knew what they wanted. The Well wanted her to go here. It promised knowledge, power, a chance to defeat Corypheus.

Then, finally, a word she could understand—a name that offered more questions than answers. 'Mythal...'

She woke with a start, trying to jerk upright, but she couldn't complete the motion. Warm, strong arms held her fast, and she realized that Cassandra had her trapped in a lover's embrace. Although the dream had left her somewhat shaken, she smiled at the pleasant surprise. What they had shared last night felt a little dreamlike as well with the rising of the sun, but she remembered every moment.

When Cassandra stirred beside her, Morrigan sighed and cuddled back against her chest. The vision she had been granted, for surely it was a vision from the Well of Sorrows, could wait for at least a few minutes. It wasn't as if she could travel to the Arbor Wilds immediately in search of the altar...

"Morrigan?" Cassandra's soft brown eyes had opened, and they were staring at her with a mixture of worry and sleepy affection. "Are you all right?"

"Yes," Morrigan said, staring at Cassandra's face until she realized a somewhat more romantic answer was necessary. Instead of searching for one, she cupped Cassandra's cheek and leaned in for a good morning kiss, hoping her bluntness would be forgiven. When Cassandra's lips parted beneath hers and a possessive arm looped around her waist, she knew she had succeeded. The kiss lingered for a long time, until Cassandra had fully awoken and Morrigan had nearly forgotten her dream altogether.

"This is... unusual... for me," Cassandra panted when they pulled apart. "But I must admit, I am glad to wake in your company." She blinked at the rays of sunlight breaching the horizon, and a furrow formed in the middle of her brow. "Although I did not intend for us to spend the night out here on the ground."

"'Tis no matter." Morrigan rested her cheek on Cassandra's shoulder, and it was so comfortable that her eyes almost drifted shut again. "I have spent my share of nights asleep on the ground, although none were nearly so pleasant."

She felt rather than saw Cassandra's smile. "Pleasant?" she repeated, with so much innocent hope in her voice that Morrigan would have been repulsed if it were coming from anyone else. Since it was Cassandra, however, she remained where she was. The Seeker still grated on her nerves, but in an increasingly endearing way.

"If you are asking whether I enjoyed your company last night, the answer should be obvious. I would not have stayed if you were unsatisfactory."

It was as close to a compliment as she was willing to give this early in the morning, but it seemed to mollify Cassandra. The Seeker relaxed, and Morrigan let her mind wander. The thoughts in her head were all tangled. One moment, she remembered Cassandra's fingers pushing inside her, filling her deep and drawing out shudders of pleasure. The next, she was hurtling over the forest again, trying to understand what the Well wanted of her.

"How long do you think it would take the Inquisitor and I to travel back to the Arbor Wilds with a small group of our companions?" she asked.

Cassandra blinked in confusion. "The Arbor Wilds? What are you talking about, Morrigan?"

Morrigan did not hesitate. If she had any say in the matter, Cassandra would be coming with them anyway. "The Well granted me a vision while I slept. I am to go to the Altar of Mythal and receive knowledge that will help us defeat Corypheus. Perhaps spending the night beneath the stars proved more helpful than you or I could have imagined."

Morrigan sighed in annoyance, picking her way free from the cluster of thin branches catching at her cloak. The foliage was just as hindersome as the last time she had visited the Arbor Wilds, though at least there was no army of Red Templars to further spoil her mood. Unfortunately, Vivienne's presence in their party more than cancelled out that small blessing. As their band walked down the overgrown path that led toward the Altar of Mythal, her predecessor seemed determined to demonstrate her particular brand of charm.

"My dear, do you really think that outfit is an appropriate choice for this particular excursion?" Vivienne asked, her smooth tone a complete contrast to her stern words. "I have come to expect interesting fashion choices from some of our other companions..." She fixed Sera with a disapproving glance while the elf picked at something inside her ear. "But surely you own something more suitable?"

Morrigan didn't want to converse with Vivienne, but while they were traipsing in the wilderness, she supposed she had little choice. It was only slightly more irritating than talking to Sera anyway. "More suitable for whom? The gnats and mosquitos? Perhaps if we are lucky, a bear will wander across our path and admire your footwear."

Vivienne was less than impressed. "Sarcasm doesn't become you, I'm afraid." Her gaze slid over to Cassandra, who was walking a few paces in front of them, and Morrigan bristled instinctively. The way the First Enchanter was staring at her lover made her uneasy. "I merely wonder why you chose to display so much flesh in the middle of a forest. As you said, the gnats and mosquitos are an issue. You'll notice my dress draws the eye where I want it while covering a great deal more."

The comment, coupled with the knowing look on Vivienne's face, set Morrigan even further on edge. "I had no patience for your Grand Game when I was in Orlais, Vivienne, and I've even less for it now. If there is something you wish to say to me, by all means, say it plainly."

That got the rest of the group's attention. Sera stopped skipping and turned, watching them with a wide grin. Herah did as well, although her expression was nervous instead of eager. Even Cassandra slowed her pace, allowing the rest of the group to catch up. Morrigan appreciated the way the Seeker hovered almost protectively by her side, as if to defend her honor. Foolish and unnecessary, but a sweet gesture nonetheless.

"Very well," Vivienne said. "I can appreciate directness when appropriate. Since you asked for my opinion..."

"She didn't, did she?" Sera piped up, mouth pulled to one side to make an uneven line and emphasize her dimpled cheek. "But you couldn't resist spitting it out anyway, yeah?"

Vivienne raised her eyes to the heavens, as if asking the Maker for patience, and for once, Morrigan was glad they had brought Sera along. Seeing the First Enchanter so wonderfully annoyed was worth whatever irritation it cost Morrigan. "As I was saying, since you asked for my opinion, I think your budding relationship with the esteemed Seeker Pentaghast is ill-advised on both your parts."

Morrigan had suspected from the start Vivienne's problem wasn't with her clothes, but hearing the words aloud made her angrier than she anticipated. "Truly? And what makes you think we are in a relationship?" She could not bring herself to outright deny her connection with Cassandra, but she was very interested to find out how the news had reached Vivienne. Once they got back to Skyhold, someone would be waking up with spiders in their bed—and for once, Sera wouldn't be to blame.

Vivienne laughed. "My dear, the entire Inquisition knows. I didn't even need to listen to the local gossip. The Seeker's interest in you isn't exactly subtle."

Cassandra fell into a coughing fit, eyes popping out as her face went beet red. She pounded on the front of her chestplate, trying to get ahold of herself, but Morrigan could tell she was mortified. A strange protectiveness rose within her, and she aimed a sharp glare in Vivienne's direction. She was prepared to come to Cassandra's defense, but to her complete surprise, Sera beat her to it.

"Sod off, Vivvy. Not everyone pairs up for gold or fancy titles like the stuffed shirts in Orlais. If they care about each other now instead of sniping like your lot, that's a good thing all 'round. Morrigan and Cassandra are happy and shite, and that's all there is to it. No one bloody cares about your opinion."

Morrigan struggled to conceal her shock. Not only had Sera taken her side, and rather eloquently, despite the littering of profanity, she had used both of their names. Hearing Sera call her 'Morrigan' instead of 'spooky' or 'witch' was a refreshing change.

Even more unusual was Vivienne's response. Instead of lashing out at Sera, the First Enchanter's expression became almost sad. "Now, that is a surprise," she said in a softer vice. "I assumed their relationship was merely physical."

Morrigan didn't need to confirm or deny the assertion. Sera took off once again, still indignant on their behalf. "Pfft, now that'sright stupid. Can you really picture Cassandra fucking around?" The Seeker's coughing fit, which had finally ended, resumed almost immediately. "And just because Morrigan shows more of her tits than most doesn't mean she's sleeping her way through Skyhold either. They're sweet on each other, so good on them, and the last thing they need is you spewing your poison."

For what Morrigan assumed was the first time in her life, Vivienne didn't have an immediate retort at hand. Instead, she stopped walking and nodded her head up and down as she considered Sera's words. "I was asked for my honesty, and so I gave it," she told the elf, "But do not presume you know the limits of my understanding when it comes to matters of the heart."

"Didn't know you had one one of those," Sera snorted.

"There is a great deal you do not know," Vivienne informed her, having found her acid tongue once more. "About me, and a great many other things. But in this case, you may have a point. If they are sincere in their feelings, than I offer Cassandra and Morrigan my best wishes."

Sera seemed to decide to take that as enough of an apology. Rather than continue the argument, she joined Herah's side to share some sentiment that Morrigan neither heard nor cared to.

Instead, she looked over to Cassandra. The Seeker had regained her composure, and Morrigan told her, "My apologies for that. I did not mean to involve you in my dispute with that woman."

"It is… all right. I suppose the opinions of others are something we'll have to get used to if this relationship is to continue."

A relationship? I suppose that's what it is. It was a thought that Morrigan didn't mind. Indeed, her only response was to say, "I suppose we will, at that," and when Cassandra gave her a smile, she was happy enough to return the gesture.

It was clear that the Altar of Mythal had once been a place of tremendous grandeur. Huge statues of the goddess stood on its sides, and an even larger one of a dragon loomed above the broken stone pedestal. The carvings were not as ornate as some Morrigan had seen, but there was a potency to them, and in spite of its fallen state, overgrown with vines and grass, the place still retained the power to inspire.

Morrigan sighed as she climbed the stairs. "'Tis all that remains of the great altar." She looked down, brushing aside the dust that covered its face. Words were carved there, in the same ancient form of elvish they had encountered at the temple, and she read them aloud. It was a task that no longer required any effort on her part.

"We few who travel far, call to me and I will come. Without mercy. Without fear."

Herah frowned at that. "Without mercy? That sounds rather ominous."

Morrigan gave her a wry smile. "Indeed it does. Now, your companions will need to go elsewhere before we can begin the ritual."

That prospect didn't make Sera very happy. Her forehead crinkled, and her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "And leave Inky alone with all this elf-ie crap? Sounds like a bloody rotten plan to me."

"I will admit, it makes me uneasy as well," Cassandra agreed. "We don't know quite what this ritual of yours will summon. I would prefer to remain here."

How kind of you to worry. "Not to worry," Morrigan said, not unkindly. "If there is shouting, you will hear it readily enough."

"Fine." Sera gave an unhappy snort. "But if I see anything go wrong, arrows in the fuckin' eye all 'round."

Cassandra's nod of assent was more dignified, and the three other women walked back up the path, leaving Morrigan alone with the Inquisitor. Once they had their privacy, she raised up her hand, summoning the green glow of her magic and reciting the words the voices had taught her. "You know who I am," she intoned, losing herself in the liquid tones of the spell, "From high priest to high priest, I am the last to drink of sorrows. Come to us, Mythal. Whoever you are, whatever you are, I invoke your name and your power."

For a moment, the only response was a gleam of sunlight, but then smoke began to form in the middle of the courtyard. The whispers of the well grew, a chorus of voices swelling in anticipation. At first, all she could tell was that the figure seemed humanoid. Gradually, it became clear that the shape was female. And then, as she smoke dispersed, she could see that it was...

"Mother." Shock and rage mixed in her voice. Of all the possibilities she had considered, this had to be the least appealing.

Herah turned towards her, almost as surprised as Morrigan was, though for very different reasons. "Mother?"

Flemeth placed a hand on her hip, her face bearing that same insufferable smile Morrigan had seen a thousand times growing up. "Now, isn't this a surprise?"

"I take it you know her," Herah said, seeming to take some amusement in the situation.

Morrigan began to panic. The only reason Herah wasn't afraid was because she had no idea how dangerous Flemeth was. "She is a deceiving witch!" she yelled, not caring how frantic she sounded. She raised her arms, wrapping her powers around her.

She never got the chance to choose between attacking or shielding herself. Flemeth lifted up her hand, surrounded by a blue glow, and Morrigan felt her magic stop. Something stood in-between her mind and her ability to make its wishes real. A strong will, strange and yet all too familiar, blocked her path, and she had no power to resist.

"Now, now. That is quite enough of that," Flemeth said disdainfully.

Morrigan's mouth moved, but the sound was delayed, heavy with the weight of her fear and sorrow. "What… what have you done to me?"

Flemeth sounded insulted by her question. "I have done nothing. You drank from the Well of your own volition."

"Then… you are Mythal?" Morrigan stammered. She knew she must sound like the idiot child she tried so hard not to be around her mother, but there was no helping it.

The Inquisitor fell to one knee in a gesture of respect. "Thank you for coming. I had no idea what to expect."

"You see, girl?" Flemeth spoke as if she was very simple while favoring Herah with an indulgent smile. "Those are manners, as it seems you require a demonstration."

Morrigan didn't bother answering the jab. She had bigger problems to deal with. That her mother was something strange and arcane came as no surprise, but a goddess? What does 'goddess' even mean? I'm her daughter. What does this make me? "I do not understand. How can you be Mythal?"

Flemeth took a deep breath, a wistful look filling her timeless yellow eyes. "Once, I was but a woman, crying out in the lonely darkness for justice. And she came to me, a wisp of an ancient being, and she granted me all I wanted and more. I have carried Mythal through the ages ever since, seeking the justice denied to her."

"Then you have Mythal inside of you?" Herah asked, sounding nearly as confused as Morrigan felt.

"She is a part of me, no more separate than your heart from your chest." Flemeth turned back to her. "You hear the voices of the Well, girl. What do they say?"

Morrigan closed her eyes and searched within herself. She wanted to hear a denial, but only awed whispers answered her call. Mythal… Goddess… Queen… We are truly blessed. "They… say you speak the truth."

"But what was Mythal? A legend given name and called a god? Or something more? Truth is not the end, but a beginning." Flemeth walked up the stairs, stopping in front of Herah. Though she was shorter than the qunari, she filled the space none the less. Her eyes ran over the Inquisitor, seeming to drink in every inch of her. "A herald, indeed," she finally declared. "Shouting to the heavens, harbinger of a new age. As for me, I have had many names, but you... may call me Flemeth."

Herah's big eyes were wide as she tried to sort through the chain of events that had lead them to this point. "This meeting was no accident, was it?"

Flemeth nodded. "Clever girl."

Morrigan's mind struggled to catch up. "The voices… they came from you?"

"The price of the Well seemed no dire thing when you saw so much gain, hmm? The voices did not lie, Morrigan. I can help you fight Corypheus." Flemeth extended her hand towards her, and in spite of Morrigan's unease, she couldn't turn away. Flemeth's, or perhaps she should call her Mythal's, mind linked with her own. Together, they dived into the sea of memories and knowledge that filled Morrigan's mind. She had no power to control the journey, but what she saw was truly remarkable.

A twist of magic, the key to a door within herself, giving birth to scales and flame, her dream made real...

"Do you understand, child?"

Morrigan felt wain from the experience, only managing to stammer, "Yes, I… think I do."

Flemeth turned and walked back down the way she had come, but before she could vanish entirely, Morrigan held up a hand and yelled, "Wait!"

Her words halted Flemeth, who pivoted back toward her. She seemed to know Morrigan's question even before she asked it. "I wished to see who drank from the Well of Sorrows. It has been a very long time since anyone did that." She chuckled. "Imagine my surprise to discover it was you."

"And that is all?" Morrigan asked. "What of us?" Do you still plan to take my body, now that you have me in your power?

"A soul is not forced upon the unwilling, Morrigan. You were never in danger from me."

Flemeth did not wait for a further response from her. She turned, more imperious than any queen, and the smoke gathered around her once more. Even after she had vanished, however, her presence lingered. Morrigan could still feel her power, lingering in the voices of the Well inside her. It had been waiting there all along, a trap she had stupidly blundered into.

"All things considered, Inquisitor," she said blankly, "I now wish you had drunk from the Well."

That remark earned her a shake of Herah's massive head. "I can see why. Are you all right?"

She was most certainly not. Even in a world filled with bad ends, being bound to her mother was one of the more terrifying fates she could imagine in. But she was not willing to admit her fear, and so she merely answered, "What she said is true, at least. I have the answer to your problem. I can match the Archdemon's power when the time comes. All that remains is for you to find Corypheus."

And what remains for me now? I wish that I knew.