Happy Monday everyone!

Whilst I'm completely behind on Christmas shopping (and trying not to panic about it), I'm looking forward to Christmas as I have some days off plus time with family. These 10 hour shifts the past month have been slowly destroying me haha.

I'm not sure if I will post a chapter next Monday since it's the beginning of Christmas week. If you don't see a chapter from me next week, it's because I decided to have a little break so i wish you all a wonderful Merry Christmas in the meantime x

Trigger Warning: As the title chapter suggests, there's a mother daughter dynamic here that might be triggering if you have any wounds with your own mother. If you need to skip, I completely understand.

Thank you for all the love and support with Lara's story so far. It means the world to me x

Without further ado…

—-

Chapter 33:

The gates of Skyhold welcome her, the magic instantly humming throughout her body. She was back home where she belonged. It was her safety and she planned to stay here for as long as she could until the next mission swept her off her feet. The nerves in her stomach formed as it meant she was close to him. Cullen. She could already smell the familiar scents of oakmoss and elderflower and her heart skipped a beat at the memory. All she wanted was to be in his arms again.

As usual, the people of Skyhold gathered at the gates cheering and welcoming them. Soldiers were at the ready to unload the carriages and assist her and her party in descending. This was the part Dorian loved which always caused Lara to smirk at him. He was meant for her noble life more than she was; the one she was only too happy to run away from. Her eyes searched through the crowd but there was no sign of blond curls or a fur collar anywhere. Disappointment hit her.

Why wasn't he here?

She recognized some of Cullen's men as they rushed to her side and helped her descend the carriage. They all looked way too pleased to see her much to her confusion. She thanked them and was greeted by none other than Rylen who had a grin on his face.

"Welcome back, lass," Rylen greeted her.

"Why are you all so overly happy to see me? It's weird," Lara arched an eyebrow at them.

A few of the men chuckled at her response.

"Ah, you weren't here to deal with the damage. Now that you're back, you can take it from here," He patted her shoulder.

"He was that bad?" She whispered.

Rylen let out a laugh. "Aye, some of the men thought he was going to snap at one point. Maybe strike someone down. Who knows what would've happened."

"Now you're being dramatic," Lara rolled her eyes.

A soldier scoffed, causing her to look his way. The soldier looked away, immediately regretting his reaction.

"I wouldn't say that," Rylen answered, pressing his lips together as if he wanted to say more.

Lara looked around again, feeling her heart sink into her stomach. She needed the time to process the truth she had learned but she didn't imagine it would have caused this much pain to the point where he took it out on his men. A realization then sunk in; the men knew.

"So I take it you all know…" Lara started, looking around at the soldiers.

They all laughed nervously. Rylen shook his head, laughing.

"Lass, they've known before the two of you figured it out," Rylen shook his head, laughing.

"This was just confirmation then?" Lara continued.

The men nodded.

"Fantastic," Lara rolled her eyes.

She didn't entertain the men any longer. It was already embarrassing enough knowing their Commander was with his superior. She did mentally note that none of them were against it.

"Just never do that again. Or at least give us a warning so we're prepared for storm Cullen," Rylen called after her.

She waved her hand at him, dismissing him. The nerves intensified not knowing what state he was in or how she would find him in his office. Surely her letter had improved things?

What if it didn't?

There was only one way to find out.

—-

Without knocking, she opened the door to his office a bit more forceful than intended. His back was towards the door, mounds of papers shuffled around his desk. Lara also caught sight of mugs on his desk, books not put away on the shelves, various items littered across the floor. His office was nearly taken apart. Her heart sank at the thought of him staying hidden away in here.

"Rylen, for the love of the Maker, you better have something important…" Cullen started.

He turned towards her in annoyance and then froze in place. His eyes widened as he took her in, a paper slipped from his hand, gliding through the air as it eventually lay on the ground by his feet. The air was taken from her lungs at the sight of him. He was finally here in front of her but the ache still intensified. She needed him close. She needed to be in his arms. The lines in his face were prevalent and his eyes gave away the lack of sleep. Fear erupted as she noticed he had lost weight again, even under all the armor he covered himself with. That fear was soon replaced by pain, knowing she was most likely the cause of it.

"There you are," He whispered.

The words were so familiar to her. He had greeted her this way so many times, only this time, it held more meaning. More depth. He too had been aching for her just like she had for him. They couldn't believe the other stood in front of them. The time apart had felt like months even if it had only been weeks.

"I love you, Cullen," The words blurted out of her before she could stop them.

She had wanted to say it for so long. Horror had washed over her when she realized it. For so long she repressed it, keeping it locked away but she was so tired. She couldn't fight it any longer. He immediately strode over to her quietly but quickly, his hands cupping her face, bringing her to him.

"Say that again," He urged, his eyes locked in with hers.

He held her tightly as if to ensure that she was real and this wasn't a dream. That she had actually uttered those words to him.

"I love you," She repeated, surrendering herself to his touch.

Oh, how she fucking missed him. If she could stay here forever, she would.

His lips crashed on hers in an instant, his grip on her tightening, pulling her in even closer as he kissed her. The kiss was intense, filled with yearning and urgency. Like she was the last drop of lyrium he'd ever taste in his life. His need for her was unmistakable as his mouth claimed hers. She gripped him tightly as she held onto him, letting him carry her, trusting herself in him completely. He was the balm she needed to soothe all her fears and doubts. His tongue skimmed against her lips and she wasted no time in granting him more access to her. She barely felt the cold stone against her back as her mind and body was lost in him. He broke the kiss slowly, peppering her mouth with small, gentle kisses. His grip on her remained.

"I thought I lost you. I feared it was the end of us. I thought…that's it…" His voice was hoarse, his forehead pressed against hers.

"One day you will," She whispered back.

He pulled away quickly, panic visible in his eyes as they widened.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Her mark.

Her trip to the Fade with Solas before he left revealed something she had never thought about before. She knew it was killing her slowly but she thought she'd have more time. She couldn't see her future because the mark was her future. In killing Corypheus, she would also kill herself. A sadness had plagued her since then. All these people she came to love, had actually gotten close to, she would now lose. A man she had fallen in love with, only to not have a future with him. A green hue emanated from the corner of her eye, betraying her.

"Your mark?" Cullen had caught sight of it.

"I realized when visiting the Fade. If I destroy him, I destroy me. I think I've known for some time, I just never put it together. There's no future for me. There never was," Lara looked away, trying to stop the tears from falling.

"You cannot believe that, Lara. I refuse to. There is another way," He shook his head.

"There's no point in denying it," Lara scoffed.

"You would give up so easily? After all you've been through? My stubborn girl would never give up without a fight," He remarked, the corner of his lips twitching slightly.

"I may not be able to give you a future. Then there's a matter of the Divine. What if the new Divine reforms the templars? Your future lies there," Lara said bitterly, refusing to look at him.

Cullen sighed and grasped her chin, turning her head towards him.

"It seems your ability to see the future really is poor. I told you I gave up that life for good. My future is elsewhere. A life that is finally my own; a family, marriage, perhaps continue the rehabilitation center in Ferelden. I want that with you by my side," Cullen's voice is soft with promise.

"And if I don't survive? What if I can't have that with you?" Lara responded, her eyes stinging.

"I will have you for as long as the Maker grants me, Lara. There is always a way," Cullen brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

"And I'm stubborn," She sighed.

"I do not believe for a moment that the Maker placed you in my life only to take you from me."

Lara scoffed, rolling her eyes. "I hate to tell you your Maker can be fucked up at times."

"Not where you're concerned. You are my future. My light that I needed to find my way out of the dark. My strength that I needed when I believed I wouldn't survive my withdrawals," He stroked her face, his eyes never leaving hers.

Her heart hammered in her chest, her body forgetting how to breathe at his admission. She would never get used to anyone worshiping her the way he did. The way he loved her. It was foreign to her but so welcome. She hadn't realized how depraved she had been of it till Cullen. He reminded her all the ways in which she was never loved before. It was apparent in the way he spoke to her, the way he held her, the way he comforted her, the way he protected and defended her.

"You always say things like that…" She whispered.

"I will never stop telling you what you mean to me even if the words don't come close to it," He laid a kiss on her forehead.

"I'm not good with words," She closed her eyes, swallowing hard.

"It hasn't escaped my notice," He smirked as he looked at her.

"I am also aware love wasn't a common theme in your upbringing. I don't need the words, Lara. You show me in your own way. How you look at me, your body language, your reactions, the way you melt into me when I hold you. Don't think I don't notice," Cullen continued.

"My favorite place is in your arms," She admitted, feeling a heat creep up her neck.

"I know, my love," He kissed her forehead again, wrapping his arms around her.

My love.

A phrase that had once brought fear and haunted memories was now replaced with happier memories and butterflies. She would never tire of it. She secretly prayed that she would have more time with him and that her future wouldn't be so cruelly taken from her. He wanted marriage and children, neither of which she was ready for but she would take it over not having anything at all with him.

"Cancel any plans you had. I have no intention of letting you out of here tonight," He spoke firmly.

"Do you like ordering me around?" She asked, a smirk playing on her lips.

"You had asked me that once. I couldn't answer at the time, but now I can. My answer is very much so."

"Lucky for you, I like when you do," She replied, excitement coursing throughout her body.

"So I've noticed. Upstairs, Lara."

Cullen's voice was strong and sure yet it soothed her. She was safe with him and she knew that. As Cullen was locking the doors, she made her way up the ladder, entering the bedroom. It was almost as disorderly as downstairs. Pain stabbed her again as she witnessed how troubled he was by their time apart. He hadn't been looking after himself. She didn't regret taking that time but she hated that he suffered. His footsteps soon reached her ears, her heart fluttering. His armor was now discarded and he appeared in his tunic and trousers. The sun peeking through the roof shone on him as he entered, highlighting his golden curls, and his honey eyes. She swooned at the sight of him. Her Commander. Her ex-Templar. Her lover.

"What do you plan to do with me?" Lara asked shyly.

"Wherever the day takes us. All that matters is you're here and that you're mine," His eyes shone with pure emotion as he made his way to her.

Please, Maker. Don't take me away from him.

—-

Lara hated to end her Cullen-filled bubble but there were other tasks and people that required her attention. Memories of their night together and how he worshiped her body for hours drifted to the surface here and there despite her trying to shoo them away. Tingles ran down her spine at the memory and she unconsciously bit her lip in response. Suddenly, she realized Morrigan was nowhere to be found in the Courtyard. Not even Kieran was here.

"Inquisitor!" Leliana shouted towards her.

She turned around, heading towards the room she called from. The eluvian.

Oh no…this isn't going to be good…

Lara hurried her steps towards that room to speak with Leliana. Panic erupted inside of her. If Leliana was here, that meant something happened with Morrigan. Did she disappear into the eluvian?

"I know that Cullen wants this mirror removed today but I can buy you some time. Morrigan chased after her son into the eluvian. She was terrified!" Leliana exclaimed.

Worry was etched on her face which meant Lara was now double worried.

"She was chasing Kieran?" Lara asked, confused. The mirror was dormant after the Arbor Wilds so why was it now shining at her? The magic from the eluvian was humming throughout her body.

"She said he activated the mirror somehow, and then he ran into it. I've never seen Morrigan like that. You must go after her. I will buy you some time from Cullen and his men," Leliana replied.

"Cullen wants this removed today?" Lara didn't know anything about this.

"Yes, but I will not let him until Morrigan and Kieran are back safe in Skyhold. I will buy you time and I will also get help from some of the mages," Leliana nodded at her and departed.

Silence was only filled with the hum of the eluvian. The blue wisps danced around her the closer she stepped to it. Her body tingled from the rhythm, feeling the pull. Where did this take her? Where did Morrigan end up? There was only one way to find out. Taking a deep breath, she surrendered to the eluvian and let it take her wherever it may. She felt the drop as her body traveled and just prayed it would take her to Morrigan.

—-

When her feet found sturdy ground again, she sank down to her hands and knees trying to regain her balance. She opened her eyes, and her body jolted backwards at the sight in an immediate reaction. Fear filled her as she instantly knew where she was.

"No, no, no…" She chanted to herself as she was now face to face with the Fade.

"How the fuck did it take me here?" She whispered harshly.

Vomit was already threatening to make its way out as the memories came rushing back in. Her body trembled in response and she took another breath, closing her eyes, trying to steady herself. Traveling here in her dreams with Solas by her side to guide her was one thing. Being here physically by herself again was a whole other. One that she had no intention of doing but it seemed there was no alternative. Standing up slowly, looking around for any sign of the nightmare demon, she tried to steady herself on her feet.

The only way out was through. So that's exactly what she had to do.

"Okay Lara. Stop being a little bitch. You did this once, you can do it again. You're here for Morrigan and Kieran. That's it," Lara gave herself a pep talk as she cautiously made her way through.

This was a different part of the Fade. She wasn't familiar with this area nor did it feel like hers, which made it slightly easier for her to navigate. No nightmare demon after her, no fears being used against her, no unwanted memories to recover. She preferred it this way. This place was traumatizing enough, she didn't think she could handle it another time round.

"Morrigan!" Lara shouted once she recognised the figure standing below.

"Go back! I must find Kieran before it's too late!" Morrigan shouted back.

Lara could've sworn she heard tears in Morrigan's response. It was an unfamiliar feeling to her. She wasn't a mother herself but she never had a mother figure. None that was worried about her, that would go looking for her to make sure she was safe. Instead, she had a mother who got rid of her the moment she could and didn't look back. Pain stabbed her but she quickly ignored it. This wasn't about her. Lara approached her, standing next to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. Morrigan didn't shrug her off.

"Why would Kieran do this? How could he do this? We stand in the Fade. To direct the eluvian here requires immense power. If he is lost to me now after all that I have sacrificed…" Morrigan sighed, shaking her head.

"We'll find him, Morrigan. He can't be too far," Lara reassured her.

"The Fade is infinite. He could literally be anywhere," Morrigan cried.

"Whatever happens to him, 'tis my doing. I set him on this path…" Morrigan took desperate steps forward, looking around.

Lara felt her heart twist. Whatever reservations she made about her, she couldn't deny she was an amazing mother. A mother she never had.

"Please help me look, Inquisitor. Just a little longer," Morrigan hung her head.

Lara walked next to her.

"We have all the time you need Morrigan," Lara gave her a small smile. Morrigan returned it.

—-

"Are you trying to start a war? You let his lover go through the eluvian not knowing where she ended up? What if she isn't with Morrigan at all?" Dorian shook his head.

"The Commander can kill me later. We need to distract him and his men in the meantime till she can find Morrigan and her son," Leliana crossed her arms across her chest.

"You don't scare me, you know. You can save the intimidation for someone else but I'm telling you from now, there is only so long I can distract the man till he realizes his lover is missing," Dorian stood up, putting his books away.

"Where are you going?" Leliana asked, arching an eyebrow.

"To play who knows how many games of chess with the man until he realizes his lover isn't here," Dorian answered, making his way past the Spymaster.

Leliana watched him leave but didn't say anything. She made her way to Solas hoping he would be able to detect where Morrigan and the Inquisitor were. Something deep inside her told her their location wasn't a good one and that she would indeed have Cullen to answer to.

—-

As they navigated through the Fade, Lara had to fight the memories that came flooding in her head. They weren't as strong as they once were, thanks to Solas's help, but they were still there reminding her of what was. A small part of her hoped they would find Hawke here somewhere but she didn't hold on to that hope. It would destroy her.

"There he is!' Morrigan shouted, taking her out of her thoughts.

"Who is that with him?" Lara asked, noticing another figure with him.

"That's…no, it can't be…" Morrigan whispered in disbelief.

As they approached, Kieran had a blue orb emanating from his hand, illuminating both him and the white haired woman kneeled before him. In an instant, he closed his hand, and the blue orb disappeared. He looked up at them, a big smile now appearing on his face at the sight of Morrigan.

"Mother!" He exclaimed.

Morrigan's face was soft as she took in her son, but then it soon turned sour as she took in the white haired woman who was now rising to stand behind Kieran.

"Mother," She said bitterly.

Mother?

"Now, isn't this a surprise?" The woman spoke, sending a chill down Lara's spine.

The woman wore feathers across her clothing, something that resembled horns on the back of her head and a fancy headpiece. Lara didn't quite understand what the meaning of her attire was but if Morrigan was a witch, she didn't compare to her mother. Lara also noticed that Morrigan was not particularly warm towards her mother, which meant they shared that in common at least.

"Trying to organize a family reunion?" Lara asked the white haired woman.

The white haired woman only laughed at her.

"Mother, daughter, grandson. It rather warms the heart, does it not?" She answered.

"Kieran is not your grandson. Let him go!" Morrigan shouted.

"As if I were holding the boy hostage. She has always been ungrateful, you see," The white haired lady spoke to Lara, almost ignoring Morrigan.

"Ungrateful?" Morrigan spat. "I know how you plan to extend your life, wicked crone. You will not have me, and you will not have my son!" Morrigan's voice trembled as she shouted.

Lara suddenly realized there was more to this dynamic than meets the eye. She took comfort in knowing she wasn't the only one with a complicated mother relationship. This was how Gabriel must have felt when their mother threatened to take his son away. Because of her.

A light green hue illuminated Morrigan's arms as anger coursed through her. No doubt she planned on attacking her mother. Solas would have been angered at this misuse of magic, especially in the Fade. The white haired woman wasn't bothered at all. She sighed.

"Be a good lass and restrain her," She spoke and her eyes turned a bright blue as magic appeared from her arm.

Suddenly Lara had lost all control of her body as the magic was aimed at her. Her arm moved under the control of the white haired woman and grabbed Morrigan pushing her away, disrupting her magic. Lara was out of her depth here with this kind of magic and couldn't stop it.

"What are you doing! What….are you doing?" Morrigan exclaimed, pushing the hair out of her eyes.

Control of her body returned with such a force, she stumbled onto the cold floor underneath her.

"I don't know! She was controlling me," Lara shouted back at her.

"Of course you know. You drank from the Well, did you not?" The white haired woman replied.

Lara suddenly went cold as she turned to look at her. How could she possibly know about the Well? What the hell was her mother doing in the Fade in the first place?

"You…are Mythal," Morrigan whispered but Lara heard it.

No…that's not possible. Mythal was murdered, Abelas said.

"That's not possible…" Lara shook her head in disbelief.

The white haired woman only laughed. "Explain to me, dear girl, why I cannot be what I am."

"Mythal was an elven god for starters," Lara rolled her eyes.

Another laugh. "And I am human? Not a word many have used for me in a very long time."

Confusion now took over her expression. There was more to this backstory than she realized, and she was sure they were only scratching the surface. She looked at Kieran properly for the first time since he had been at Skyhold and her stomach sank. He had a resemblance to someone she knew but she couldn't quite place it. He had a smile on his face, as if not at all bothered by what was going on. As if he knew the truth Lara didn't know. The white haired woman gave the boy a short nudge and he ran straight towards Morrigan who picked him up in a tight hug. Lara felt her heart twist at the sight, feeling a pang of loss at the mother she never had.

"I'm sorry, Mother. I heard her calling to me. She said now was the time," Kieran spoke to his mother with sorrow in his voice.

"I do not understand," Morrigan shook her head, her voice hoarse.

Kieran now stood in front of the white haired woman. Lara had the strangest feeling they wouldn't be leaving with the boy.

"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," She explained.

"So…Mythal is inside you?" Lara clarified.

"She is a part of me, no more separate than your heart from your chest. You hear the voices from the Well, girl. What do they say?" She looked at Morrigan.

Morrigan closed her eyes and then opened them in shock.

"They say…you speak the truth," Morrigan looked in disbelief.

"But what was Mythal? A legend given name and called a god, or something more? Truth is not the end, but a beginning," The white haired woman continued.

"A Herald, indeed. Shouting to the Heavens, harbinger of a new age. As for me, I have had many names. But you…may call me Flemeth," She cocked her head at her.

Lara couldn't tell if she was mocking her or not. She was certainly no Herald, those memories had proven that much. She was an inconvenience, a mistake. That much was true. Her mind halted to a stop as the name became familiar to her. Flemeth. She had read about that name in a book of Ferelden Legends that Gabriel had brought her from his travels there. Suddenly Mythal made sense.

"Wait. I know that name. It belongs to an ancient Ferelden legend. Long ago, you left your husband for a lover. Your husband then tricked you, killed your lover, and imprisoned you. Then a spirit came to offer you vengeance. I just didn't know that spirit was Mythal," Lara whispered the last few words, now putting the pieces together.

"One day, someone will summarize the terrible events of your life so quickly. But, yes, I was that woman. That is how my tale began."

I sure hope they don't…

"Flemeth also appears in other legends, helping heroes for reasons of her own," Lara continued.

"I nudge history, when it's required. Other times, a shove is needed," Flemeth chuckled.

"I assume you know what we're up against," Lara arched an eyebrow.

"Better than you can possibly imagine."

"So will you help us?" Lara asked desperately.

"Once I have what I came for," Flemeth answered as she looked at Kieran.

No…

—-

"Where exactly is she, Dorian?" Cullen's voice was firm.

They had played three long chess matches, thanks to Dorian's chatting, but time was now running out. There were only so many excuses. Rylen had just excused himself and Dorian didn't need to hear him to know what his message was: Lara was nowhere to be found.

"Well, she did say the Commander can kill her later so I suppose I can tell you now," Dorian waved his hand, trying to hide a smile.

Cullen tensed at his words, bracing himself for a truth he wasn't going to like.

"Where. Is. She." He gritted out, his patience wearing thin.

"If I were you, I would have had that mirror removed a long time ago," Dorian answered.

Cullen turned pale at his words, already putting two and two together.

"Morrigan ran through it after her son. Lara then went after her to find them and bring them back from Maker knows what side of Thedas they ended up on," Dorian shrugged.

A tense silence engulfed them and Dorian could feel the anger radiating from Cullen. He knew this wasn't a good idea and tried to warn their Spymaster but he needed to put Cullen out of his misery. There was no point in denying that Cullen knew she was missing. A voice soon caught his attention and Dorian suddenly lost the smugness he once had. If the elf had seeked him out, this wasn't good.

"The one time I actually require your presence and you're nowhere to be found. Convenient. Do you want to explain to me why Lara is in the Fade with the witch?" Solas asked, annoyed.

"Oh Andraste's asshole…" Dorian sighed, covering his face.

"She is WHERE?" Cullen nearly shouted, drawing attention to them.

"Do not give me that look! I did not know they would be in the Fade of all places. Lara had mentioned a crossroads when they last went," Dorian defended himself.

Before Cullen could respond to either of them, he roughly stood from his seat and was already stalking towards whatever destination he had in mind. Dorian had no doubt it was towards Leliana.

"Pleased with yourself? I was trying to tell him nicely and you had to drop that on him," Dorian narrowed his eyes at the elf.

"Do not place blame on me when you were the one hiding the truth from him," Solas fought back.

"I was following orders from our Spymaster, if you must know, and I don't plan on crossing her," Dorian replied.

"You should have known the better alternative was to tell him."

"Funny, seeing as you are the one with the Fade abilities, you should have known she was there from the beginning. Shouldn't you have said something earlier?" Dorian cocked his head, a smirk playing on his lips.

"I am not playing this game with you," Solas turned to walk away.

"Ah, so you admit I am right?" Dorian's smirk grew.

"I did not say that," Solas deadpanned.

"You didn't have to," Dorian replied, pleased with himself.

"Fenedhis!" Solas hissed under his breath as he walked faster away from the smirking Vint.

—-

"No! I will not allow it!" Morrigan angrily shouted.

"He carries a piece of what once was. Snatched from the jaws of darkness. You know this," Flemeth replied.

"He is not your pawn, Mother. I will not let you use him!" Morrigan shouted.

"Have you not used him? Was that not your purpose, the reason you agreed to his creation?"

"That was then. Now, he… he is my son," Morrigan pleaded, her voice cracking.

An eerie silence engulfed them. Lara felt her heart break for Morrigan. She couldn't imagine what it was like losing a child. To her own mother, it was a relief letting go of her daughter. The alternative was hard for her to imagine, even as it played out in front of her.

"Flemeth extends her life by possessing the bodies of her daughters, Inquisitor. That was the fate she intended for me. I thwarted her, and now she intends to have Kieran instead!" Morrigan explained.

What the fuck…

"Wait, the way she spoke about Kieran…" Lara started.

"I am not the only one carrying the soul of a being long thought lost," Flemeth answered.

"He is more than that, Mother."

Wait…what god is he carrying in him?

"As am I, yet do you hear me complain? Our destinies are not so easily avoided, dear girl," Flemeth replied, annoyed.

"Mother. I have to," Kieran's voice croaked as he looked at Morrigan with pain.

"You do not belong to her, Kieran! Neither of us do!" Morrigan begged.

"Why now? If he's so special, why wait this long?" Lara asked, annoyed.

"I did not know where he was. Morrigan cleverly hid him from me…until now," Flemeth smirked.

That explains why she clung to Kieran for dear life. They were hiding from her.

Suddenly it clicked. The Well. Morrigan had drank from it and it led Flemeth right to her. Their days of hiding were at an end. Kieran indeed was Morrigan's sacrifice for drinking from the Well. Guilt slashed through her as she realized she should have drank from it. Morrigan's son was too much of a sacrifice to give up.

"The Well…" Morrigan whispered in defeat. She realized it all the same as Lara had.

"He is still a child, Flemeth," Lara hissed angrily.

"And so much better behaved than his Mother was at this age," Flemeth looked at Kieran.

Morrigan sank to her knees in defeat. "Kieran, I…"

Kieran looked at his mother, desperately wanting to be with her but torn between his fate. He looked back at Flemeth, silently pleading with her. Thankfully, Flemeth respected him and answered his plea.

"As you wish. Hear my proposal, dear girl. Let me take the lad, and you are free from me forever. I will never interfere or harm you again. Or, keep the lad with you…and you will never be safe from me. I will have my due," She emphasized the last words as a threat.

"He returns with me," Morrigan answered without hesitation.

"Decided so quickly?" Flemeth sounded surprised.

"Do whatever you wish. Take over my body now if you must. But Kieran will be free from your clutches. I am many things, but I will never be the mother you were to me," Morrigan threatened back.

Lara felt the tears prick her eyes at Morrigan's words. At the hurt that was now exposed between a mother and a daughter, and a daughter who hid her child from the harm she once experienced. It gave her hope that maybe one day she would be a good mother as well, not doomed to be the mother she had. Flemeth actually appeared hurt by her words. She grabbed Kieran's hands, a blue orb withdrew from Kieran's chest, lingering between them. Lara instinctively took steps forward, ready to grab the boy away from her if need be despite the powerful magic Flemeth held over hers. The orb spread throughout Flemeth as if she took something from him, and then disappeared. Kieran blinked a few times in disbelief. Something had happened.

"No more dreams?" He asked hopefully.

"No more dreams," Flemeth confirmed.

With a smile, Kieran ran towards Morrigan. Morrigan held him close, still protecting him from Flemeth in case she had a change of heart.

"A soul is not forced upon the unwilling, Morrigan. You were never in danger from me," Flemeth replied, her tone softer.

"Listen to the voices. They will teach you…as I never did," Flemeth continued, and turned away.

"Wait!" Morrigan cried out.

Despite all that had occurred, Morrigan was still crying out for her mother. She still needed her mother even if she had nearly taken her son away from her. Deep down, there was always still a part of Lara that needed her mother as well despite the fact that her mother abandoned her and wanted nothing to do with her. They shared a common pain; crying out for a mother that was never there for them. That was only there in all the wrong ways.

It was too late. Flemeth had disappeared into the abyss of the Fade, and they were slipping out of it.