Notes: This is my first Fanfic I've ever attempted to write. I don't have a beta reader so please excuse my grammar and spelling, I do go back to each chapter occasionally and fix up any errors I find. Also my aim is to flesh out the characters, not write them word for word. It is my hope to explore Morrigan's personality beyond what we see in the game. I love all the little moments where we see her soften especially when she interacts with the Warden. Hope you enjoy and fall in love even more. I'd appreciate and love hearing your thoughts so please leave a review when you feel like it.

Disclaimer (just in case): Everything you recognise from the game ie concepts, charcters, story, history, conversations is owned by Bioware. Everything else you don't recognise, come from my active imagination :)

Update 22/8/15: Slight amendments to grammar.

...

1 Witch of The Wilds

Pup! Pup, wake up…

"No father, surely it is not sunrise yet. My eyes want to remain closed. I bet Caleb is still sleeping… wake him first."

Pup!

Knock Knock Knock!

Amara's sweaty brow creased… why did everything hurt? Slowly her eyes opened a small crack. The room was dim except for a small brazier in the corner. This was not her room. The gentle light played across her face as she slowly open her amber eyes to her surroundings. It was a small room with windows on three walls and a door on another. Still confused she wondered if she had been injured while hunting and was now in a trapper's hut. There were similar furnishings, except for the some small plants in the corner, books on the table… books? She closed her eyes for one moment trying to gather her thoughts.

Tap Tap Tap!

Her eyes snapped open again and she swung her gaze to the darkest corner of the room. A figure stood, her head bent over a wooden bowl. In one hand, she held a pestle and was grinding away at the bowl's contents. Judiciously her brow creased and she placed a pinch of something in the mixture. Amara tried to speak, her mouth so dry it came out in a croak. The woman swivelled her head to the sound. She looked so familiar but Amara's mind was so foggy. Gracefully the woman straightened up from her chore. She wore a robe and it clung to her in all the right places. Tresses of black cloth swung from her hips as she walked towards Amara. Small hands with long fingers were wiped on a dishcloth. Her arms were bare except for an armband that rode high near her shoulders. Amara's eyes slowly travelled the curve of her shoulders and along the slope of her graceful neck. Black tresses met her moving eyes followed by a delicate jaw and deep red lips. Her eyes paused at those lips for a moment till they made a noise.

"Ahem… you are awake. Finally." Amara's eyes were torn from those lips into a deep golden pool.

Ah! Yes, now she remembers - those beautiful eyes just as unusual as her own. Morrigan came to the side of the bed. She tentatively placed a cool hand on Amara's forehead and cheek.

"Your fever has abated but you are still too warm to be well. Amara swallowed hard, creasing her brow as a sharp pain shot up in her throat.

"Where and when am I? My mind… I can't place anything except you… Morrigan, right?" The woman inclined her head towards her and a small smile played with the corners of her mouth.

"Yes, and you must be thirsty from the sound of you. Here." One hand reached for a wooden tumbler and the other went around and beneath Amara's neck, cradling her head. Morrigan brought the tumbler to her mouth, her own mouth parting slightly has she directed the liquid within Amara's lips. Slowly she sipped like newborn sucking the liquid coughing slightly as the coolness soothe her throat. Morrigan nodded in encouragement as she took the tumbler away and laid her head back down.

"Do you remember anything at all?" Morrigan's voice was deep and soft.

"Pain, panic… I think. A battle? I'm hurt aren't I? My stomach and sides…" Amara looked down at herself for the first time. Soft sable fur draped over her body. Slowly she lifted the covers. Bruises covered her, the side of her lower abdomen begged for the most attention. A wadded cloth was placed against it. Her eye widened at the sight and she began to sit up. Pain wracked her body making her gasp, shortening her breaths. A cool hand lay on her smooth bruised shoulder.

"I do not advise that movement, Warden." The witch's tone was firm as her hand arrested her movement.

"Warden? Ostagar!" her brow creased with pain as her memory slowly trickled back. She did as Morrigan bid and lay back down though she wanted to jump up out of bed and pace around the room. The pain was definitely less when she was still.

"Twas lucky that my mother and I got to you in time."

"What happened?" her brow creased as panic raced through her mind. "Alistair! Where…?" stupidly she made another move to get up. Pain in her abdomen lanced her again.

"He is fine! He is fine… safe and well. Better than you are faring…" Morrigan's answer was quick and comforting, her words bringing an instant relief. Amara's eyes began to sag shut again. She fought it with all her might. "You need to rest. Mother has healed you as best she could but your wounds were deep and many. " Amara nodded, her eyes closing more. "You will have answers soon." Slowly her window to the outside world was closing as sleep began to claim her again.

"Your voice is beautiful…" she said, her eyes shutting completely. She heard a small chuckle from her nurse. The sound made her smile then she lapsed into oblivion.

Morrigan watched the sleeping Warden. That silly smile, her brows now uncreased. She looked almost peaceful. She hoped the draught was strong enough to allow a longer sleep. T'was the best healer after all. She covered her body with the furs again and walked back to her mixture.

Flemeth walked into the hut. Morrigan's eyes lifted from her work, interrupting her thoughts of the Warden's words. Flemeth looked at her as smile crooked the corner of her mouth.

"Daughter. And how is our poor injured Warden fairing?" her eyebrow quirked as she spoke.

Morrigan quickly cast her eyes down from her and looked back at the bowl. Damn keen eyes and ears. Always hearing… always knowing. She felt a slight blush touch her cheeks. Instantly she fought it down.

"Mother. You are back. How goes the scene in the valley below." Her voice was soft at the start then stronger as she regained her composure.

"Much quieter now, Daughter. There are fewer humans left. Most are dead and others being dragged off into the dark." Morrigan's eyes flit to the sleeping Warden.

"Then I take it, the battle is over."

Flemeth chuckled, low. "No, my dear, the battle was over before it began." Nearly half of the army retreated as the fire was lit." Flemeth walked over to the Warden's form and lifted the covers, inspecting her wound. "I suspect treachery." She pulled the covers back down. "This will need changing soon. I take it you are up for the task daughter." Morrigan sighed and nodded. "Good. I shall keep watch tonight least stragglers find this place."

"The Warden, asked of the other. How is he?"

"Alistair? Well, the boy seems to have lost everything he's ever held dear. He is morose and despondent. He will not die from it." Flemeth turned to walk out again. "Tell your Warden that when she wakes next."

Morrigan sighed and continued her work. "I will - Mother."

...

Sunlight touched her closed eyes. She stood in the middle of the clearing, waiting. A snap of a twig to her right had her swing her weapon in that direction. She was rewarded with a dull thump.

"Ow!" she opened her eyes and was met with the sight of her brother Caleb, vigorously rubbing his arm. She laughed at his expression.

"I win again." She smiled as she sheathes her sword.

"You are getting much too good at this game Sister." He was tall, built like a warrior where she was lithe and strong. His blond curls to her dark long waves. Their faces were similar in look, their jaws strong, their noses narrow. Only their eyes differed much. But then her eyes differed from most.

"C'mon, Father comes soon as do the Dalish delegates." Caleb smiled as he walked to the stream and laved his hands arms and face with the cool water, washing away dust and sweat.

Amara looked at her brother and laughed. "Trying to look decent for someone are we?"

Caleb looked up at her, one eye closed squinting from the sting of the water. "What!?"

Amara chuckled and shook her head. "Oh, come on brother! You don't fool me. You've had your eye on The First for a long time now. Since Father approached them with this negotiation." Despite her brother's discomfort just now she came down to the stream and wash as he did. Her father had worked all his life to broker this peace between his house and the Dalish. She was not going to meet them looking like a savage.

Washed, they walked back up to camp. Gress on watch waved to them in greeting and pointed down the path. Blue heralds met their eyes. Their father was on his way.

"Time grows near, let us meet him, Brother." Amara mounted her horse alongside Caleb and trotted to their father.

"Caleb, Pup!" How goes our wait for our friends?" Amara pulled up beside her father's horse and leant her head to his shoulder in greeting.

"Well, Father. They should be here at any moment." Caleb stated as they rode back into camp together.

Amara dismounted and patted her steed affectionately between the ears. "I'm going to wait for them by the clearing and will bring word as soon as they show themselves." Her father nodded and she turned away and walked back go the clearing where they were playing a moment ago. She stood to towards the centre closed her eyes once again. Eventually, that familiar feeling came back. The hair on the back of her neck stood, though not in an unpleasant way. It was more like excitement, like a hum thrumming through her body. She opened her eyes and found the Keeper across the way from her. 'Why were elves always so beautiful?' She thought then she smiled in greeting and bowed slightly. As the elf lady came to her she placed her hand on her heart, deepening her bow then bringing her hand to her lips as she straightened up. "Welcome, dear Lady." Her greeting always as warm whenever they met.

"It is good to see you Lethallan." They clasped hands and walked toward a small shaded area.

"Pardon me, Lady, I must let my father know you have arrived." She left the Keeper seated on a log in the customary place they used whenever they discuss their relations. She returned to camp quickly to bring her father and brother news. She came upon them talking; her father smiled as her brother hung his head and sighed. No doubt it was about the courtship again. She dragged her feet slightly to make a noise and give her brother time to compose himself. She fought the smile that came to her face when she announced that the delegates had arrived.

"It is time then. Come Caleb, Amara. I need you both to attend this with care." The siblings nodded and walked to the clearing with their father

....

Amara opened her eyes. Sunlight trickled in from the window, weak and washed out. It must be a foggy morning. She stirred in the covers gingerly expecting immense pain but her sides and abdomen only emitted a dull ache. "How long have I been out?" she wondered out loud.

"T'is been two nights and two days, if you count today." That voice again. Amara scanned the room and found Morrigan once more walking towards her. She had the tumbler in her hand again. Warily Amara sat up and scooted her tired frame away from the oncoming witch. She shook her head quickly.

"No, I need no Valerian root today, Lady." She cautiously watched Morrigan smiling as she handed her the tumbler.

"'Tis but water Warden. Your fever has well and truly broken and I see you are able to sit up without assistance."

Amara took a careful sip from the tumbler and noticed no bitterness or honey in the brew. She relaxed and drank the rest down thirstily. She looked up at Morrigan how was ready to refill the cup with a pitcher of water.

"I'm sorry for my caution Morrigan, I hope I did not offend." She quickly said as her eyes flitted back to the witch. "My mind is still trying to cope with it all."

Morrigan chuckled again a small smile crawling on her lips. "Amazing how you would know what I gave you that night. You could barely remember your name." Amara handed her back the cup. Morrigan turned and walked away to place the objects back on the wooden table at the centre of the room. Amara's eyes couldn't help but wonder down the witch's back and her hips and lower. Her gaze snapped up to Morrigan's face just in time as the witch turned back around to face her. Softly Amara cleared her throat as it caught inside. Morrigan walked back to her, a bandage in one hand and a smile on her face. She had felt Amara's eyes on her and it pleased her much to elicit such attention from the Warden.

"I need to change your dressings. Will you lift your shirt for me?" She began to unroll the ends of the bandages as Amara swallowed hard, lifting her shirt slowly. She felt a blush come up to her cheeks as the witch's fingers and eyes inspected her wound. "Hmm, 'tis certainly much better today." Amara flinched a little as her cool fingers smeared ointment on her belly. She looked down as Morrigan spread the medicine on her. It's pungent smell reaching her nose making her eyes water a little. The wound was the worst she'd had yet. Jagged skin and flesh knitted closed by magic. An angry red could be seen underneath the new shiny skin. Amara gasp and looked away.

Morrigan caught this. "It will heal better; do not let it upset you. My mother's magic is strong and my ointments are good. It won't always look this bad." Morrigan began wrapping the wound again. She finished by tucking the end into the previous layers. She placed her hand on Amara's bandaged wound caressing it gently before remembering that the girl was awake and watching her intently. Quickly she pulled her hand away and cleared her throat. Her eyes flashed to the Warden's before resolutely they found somewhere else to look. Amara smiled, small and secret. Interesting… she thought to herself. Morrigan stood from her side and went to the table again. She sat across from the girl and waited for her questions.

"Thank you Morrigan, I appreciate your healing and words." Morrigan casually inclined her head to her and played with a knot on the table's surface. Silence ensued for a minute or two. Amara shifted in the bed and chewed on the corners of her thumbnail. She still couldn't quite piece everything together. She looked at Morrigan again, her raven hair in a bun, a small amount pulled to one side framing part of her face. Her golden eyes danced in the morning light, almost like a wolf's. Amara's mouth opened to form words but the first few didn't come out. She tried again. "What happened to me?"

Morrigan's eyes looked up at her then blinked. She recounted the scene she saw from her mother's back. "You and the boy, Alistair were up at the beacon, fire blazing in front of you. You both looked confused as you watched for help that never came. Darkspawn found you." She cleared her throat and looked at the table again. "You fought them off well but there were too many. You fell, as Flemeth flew us past you. Her wings drove them off as her talons plucked you both from there. And here you are, commandeering my bed for a few days." Morrigan smiled as Amara looked at the covers.

"I thank you and I'm sorry..." Her voice small as she locked eyes with Morrigan. "You must be tired with not a bed to sleep on and having to constantly nurse me back to health."

Morrigan scoffed, shaking her head. Her tone amused. "No dear Warden, I haven't spent every waking hour with you. Deep in the night after changing your bandages I roam the woods, usually in animal form then I den in a small hollow, the ground so thick with debris and undergrowth I'd say I was in some noble's feather bed." She smiled, arching a brow. "I was quite comfortable."

Amara looked aside and remembered her feathered bed. Unbidden an image of Morrigan laid on it. Heat crept along her cheeks again. She cleared her throat and pushed the covers away.

Morrigan's eyes went wide momentarily as she curiously watched the girl. "What are you doing?" hearing her voice catch slightly she covered it with a small cough.

Amara swung her legs to the side of the bed and attempted to stand. It was a slow process. She saw Morrigan stand suddenly, imagining perhaps the witch backed away a little.

"Well someday dear sorceress I will repay you." She managed to stand on her feet if a little hunched. She took a small step towards the witch watching her intently. Morrigan becoming impatient with her slow progress walked over to her and decided to offer her assistance. Morrigan's cool arm hesitantly snaked around her waist as the witch ducked under her bruised arm supporting much of her weight. Acutely Amara became aware of how close their faces were, those golden eyes locking onto hers again as she whispered her thanks. She smiled cheekily still looking at the witch. "Apparently today is not the day."

Morrigan's eyes lit up as her smile reached them. She chuckled low and led the Warden to the door.

Outside the air was brisk and the light brighter than when she first woke. She squinted her eyes, allowing them time to adjust. A few steps to the side of the house and they found Alistair sitting on the log, staring at a small fire. Her slow shuffling made a noise making Alistair snap to attention. He turned around and walked to her side.

"Maker! You're awake!" He took her from Morrigan's arms and guided her down onto the log. He looked at her intently noticing her pallor. He shook his head at the sight of her. "You look terrible my friend."

"I'll be ok. I'm healing well and Morrigan has reassured me that she has taken the greatest care to ensure that." With a smile, her eyes flitted to Morrigan. Morrigan scoffed, rolled her eyes and turned away.

"There are things I must do. I'll leave you in this boy's care. For now." As she walked away she called back. "I'd advise you do nothing too strenuous today." Her steady footfalls receded leaving the two Wardens alone.

"How have you been Alistair?" Amara stared into those craven eyes.

"The battle, everyone dead or taken." He began to breathe fast and hard. "The old witch told me she saw the Teyrn turn his men the other way as we lit the beacon." He pounded is fist on the log they were sitting on. Amara closed her eyes as she felt the jolt. "I… I'm so sorry! Are you ok?" Amara nodded and encouraged him to go on. "I'm just so angry, I failed them. I should have been there. Fighting by Duncan's side. By the King's side. It was my duty." He closed his eyes tightly. "I think he fell with Darkspawn all around him. Duncan. Oh!" Alistair covered his eyes with his hands as his breath went ragged. When he took his hand away they glistened as they stared into the fire again.

"Loghain will pay for his treachery." Amara said softly next to him. "We two are still alive, we will avenge our brothers and sisters and Duncan. And damn it! We will end this Blight if it's the last thing we do!" Alistair stared at her in wonder. Saw the strength in her though she was broken. He could see her doing all those things. He could see himself following her for the rest of his life. They would fight side by side, for vengeance and for justice. Maybe this was why Duncan had travelled so far to recruit her.

"What did you want to do now?"

"I need a couple more days I think. By then I should be fit enough to walk the roads unaided." A smile crossed her lips as she stared into the fire. "Morrigan, she's mended me well."

At this Alistair quirked a brow at her. "Oh, I see."

Amara gave him a sidelong look and cleared her throat. "Ending this blight and bringing Loghain to justice is going to take a lot more than two grey Wardens. Perhaps we can find more who survived or ask the nobles for help. Damn, my family would help if they were still…" She shut her eyes tightly and sighed. Pain lanced through her heart and she fell silent for a few moments.

"Of course, you are right!" Alistair's declaration snapped her out of near overwhelming pain. "The treaties - we have them. It allows us to ask for aid from anywhere in the kingdom during a Blight. Elves, Men, Dwarves, even Mages. They must all honour it." Alistair stood and paced around the fire. Finally he had a direction to start in.

Amara thought and nodded. It did sound like a good plan. "Then soon as I've recovered enough we shall leave shortly. We need supplies. It's not going to be an easy road my friend." Amara's hand wondered to her side. They would be on the move soon and she hoped Morrigan was right.

…