Morrigan slowly sat up with a groan, looking around to find her room which had been devoid of life except for a fully clothed Nora haphazardly sprawled out next to her, snoring loudly.

They had spent the entire day at Pandora’s Box talking and catching up with her family reaching into the early hours of the morning before Nora gave her family use of the apartment she rarely used and having Morrigan carry her home. Nora, by that time, had been too drunk to walk straight leaving Morrigan to wrangle her and give her mother the address of Nora’s apartment before they retired.

Morrigan snorted at the memory of her drunk-as-a-skunk girlfriend as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes and looked at the clock that hung on the wall across from her bed.

She rolled her sore shoulders realizing she had only managed a couple of hours of sleep before nudging Nora firmly. Nora responded with an aggressive groan before landing on the floor with a loud thump, shaking the end table violently as she tried to roll away from what disturbed her sleep.

“Fuuuck meee… my head!” Nora groaned in pain as Morrigan started laughing. She did not like laughing at Nora’s misery however, the comedic value of her fall was too much to pass up.

Morrigan poked her head over the edge of the bed to find Nora haphazardly tangled against the bed and end table.

“I am soooo hung over… what time is it?” Nora groaned as she peeked up to see her girlfriend's smiling face. Nora snorted as she sluggishly rubbed her face, “Stop being so pretty in the morning,” Nora complained.

Morrigan snickered and swung her bare legs over the edge of the bed, carefully stepping between Nora’s legs, “It’s seven AM.”

“Why in the hell did you wake me up this early!” Nora whined as she yawned into a wince from the pressure in her head and the alcohol induced migraine responding to her movement.

Morrigan looked at her before standing and stepping over to her closet to fish out clothes, “Because Mo’Emori and Torvil are leaving…” she replied sullenly before turning to Nora who looked up at her, “I want to spend as much time with them as possible, plus I need to speak to Solomon about taking Qiote home since I forgot about that…I figured you'd want to hang out with everyone before, well, you know.”

Nora snickered as she slowly sat up, “Speaking of, that Eskarii girl sure is adorable, how long has that been going on?” she mused winging her eyebrows suggestively.

Morrigan chuckled as she shook her head, “There is no “that” hun. I won’t lie, she was my first girl crush, but there’s nothing between me and her, we were barely friends before my life went crazy…”

Nora chuckled as she cocked her head to the side in disbelief, “Oh please, that girl was attached to you like a Arista monkey,” she mused.

She shook her head and eyed Nora, “First of all, I don’t know what that is, and second, she missed me, which I’m thankful for because I missed her too. Not getting jealous, are you?” she asked giving Nora a questioning glance.

“Ch’yea, but for entirely different reasons,” Nora laughed before giving her a bright grin, “I certainly wouldn’t mind having her sandwiched between us.”

Morrigan’s face burned at what Nora implied as she laughed as she dressed, “Oh jeez…you’re ridiculous, love,” she pointed out incredulously though her mind ran with the idea into very perverse places.

Nora shrugged smiling before taking a whiff of herself, wrinkling her nose, “Ugh okay, if we’re going out, I need a shower something fierce,” she stated before hoisting herself up with the assistance of the bed. She stumbled as she clutched her head.

“Yep, too fast… still drunk, why did you let me do this!?” she complained as she righted herself.

Morrigan chuckled and shook her head as she crossed her arms over her chest defiantly, “You were having fun and you’re a big girl, you should know your limits.”

“Have you met me?” Nora asked rhetorically with a knowing smile as she fumbled around in the closet to find her own clothes. Morrigan wrapped her arms around her and pressed her face into the base of Nora’s neck.

“I’m glad everyone liked you…” she said wistfully.

Nora snorted at that before turning around and wrapping her arms around Morrigan’s waist, “What’s not to like? I’m awesome. To be fair, your mom is pretty awesome too as well as your aunt, she’s all sorts of fun. Did I try fighting her last night?”

Morrigan smiled and nodded, “and Torvil but Dora wouldn’t let you especially once the crowd showed up. He knows you well enough to know you would’ve wrecked the bar,” she stated in amusement.

Nora leaned back against the edge of the closet laughing, “But he could’ve made money! Do you know how many people would’ve placed bets? Oh well, you’re probably right.”

Morrigan kissed her sweetly before pulling back, her nose wrinkled in disgust, “Okay, you do need a shower, you smell and taste like a brewery…”

Nora quirked her eyebrow with a sly smile, “You’re welcome to join me, you know.”

Morrigan released her and turned, “Not if you want breakfast, I’m about to call mom and tell everyone to meet here so I have a bunch of food to make.”

“Ugh! You already have me wrapped around your fingers, why you gotta tease food like that?!” Nora whined.

Morrigan laughed and shrugged as she stepped to the door, “Go shower brat and I’ll make it extra greasy,” she promised before stepping out of the room.

She listened to Nora scramble as she walked into the living room, chuckling lightly before finding her small Marmuro’k clan.

Xol grunted in greeting as Yekku snapped to attention hearing her step out of her room.

“Morning everyone, just so you know we’re having my family over today,” she announced.

Yekku went off on a long string of inquiring chirps and warbles that she couldn’t decipher but his energy bespoke his excitement and curiosity.

“I’m making food, so I hope you’re hungry,” she noted to shift Yekku’s attention as well as informing the group.

Xol was surprisingly quiet, as she noticed him sitting along the far wall, glancing away from her. Morrigan frowned, realizing that perhaps she had been too harsh with him. She knew how high Xol held her and for whatever reason, it was more of a faith than opinion in a sense, leading to the conflicting mindset of demanding obedience of those around her, especially the Marmuro’k who were around during her appointed rise to station given by him.

He’s like a sulking dog, what is with you and collecting such creatures? Apollyon mused.

“Xol… I'm sorry,” she breathed out, ignoring Apollyon.

Xol snapped his attention to her like the loyal warrior he was, staring back at her, noticing the disappointment and remorseful look on her face.

“I've been unfair, I know the way you see me… just know that unless someone threatens me I’d prefer you to treat everyone with the same respect I give them. Is that fair?” she inquired.

“I follow the will of Red Death,” he stated in his rumbling tone with a nod.

Good boy, kneel before your goddess hehehe

Morrigan scrunched her face at both statements but relented. She knew she would have to live with Xol’s blind devotion one way or another, at least this way she knew Xol would not mistreat any of her companions.

◇◇◇

“Holy fucking lizards!” Jen exclaimed as she, Helen, and Mo’Emori walked through the front door to Xol’s defensive surprise, enticing a fit of laughter out of Nora and Morrigan by the surprised looks on their faces.

Morrigan could barely stand by the time Xol realized there was no threat and set his energized mace down against the wall, letting out a hissing chuckle all the while Yekku squawked adamantly at the new arrivals.

“Sweetie…” Helen said nervously as the energetic S’randin started to invade their space with little regard.

Morrigan pried herself off the floor with spatula in hand as she forced herself to contain her laughter, eyeing the three nervous women with levity, “Yekku relax, let them get settled before begging for attention,” she chuckled through.

Yekku immediately started sulking with a long sullen clicking noise before Nora snapped her fingers from her stool, “Come here buddy, I gotchu.”

Yekku darted to Nora and shoved his face into her lap while she pet and scratched along his frills, cooing him like a puppy.

Helen and Mo’Emori both giggled at that while they found their seats, Jen still eyeing Xol warily as she found a spot to sit.

Morrigan went back to cooking for a moment before turning and introducing everyone, “Marmuro’k, this is my mother Helen, my aunt Jen and my, sist… friend, Mo’Emori...” she tried putting words to her mother adopting Mo’Emori unofficially, though she concluded that sister was way to awkward as she blushed. “Everyone, these are the Marmuro’k, Yekku-Kri’ket, Xol-Tau, Hi’tet-Tau and over there is Qiote-Arak’tarul.”

“What are Marmuro’k?” Helen asked her daughter.

Morrigan went back to cooking as she replied, explaining the short speech she had memorized by that point. Morrigan heard a loud thump and turned to see Xol bending a knee to her mother.

“Xol-Tau hakkî jî dax’ikakunê lô Mirina Sor,” Xol rumbled with a respectful bow just in time for Morrigan to witness it.

“Really Xol? That's not… okay, okay fine,” Morrigan sighed in defeat as Xol ignored her as he stood and went back to watching everyone in the room.

Helen’s wide eyes shifted from the massive white Kêzi’kân to her daughter in bewilderment, “What was that?”

I am just loving this ha! Apollyon snickered.

“Yeah, this is interesting alright…” Morrigan replied in her head with exhaustion.

Morrigan smirked and shrugged at her mother, “I don't know, he said some new words but I think he was either respectfully greeting you as a higher rank than he is or swearing fealty, could go either way,” Morrigan guessed while turning to Xol who merely nodded to her questioning stare.

Helen quirked an eyebrow and cocked her head, “But why?” she asked looking between the white Kêzi’kân and her daughter.

“Mirina Sor,” Xol stated, pointing at Morrigan.

“What the hell is a mirnasol?” Jen asked blatantly confused, earning an annoyed hiss at her mispronunciation of her title.

Morrigan glared at Xol before looking to all three women, “Mirina Sor. It means Red Death in their language…”

Jen gave her an inquisitive look, “How the hell did you earn a title like that?”

Morrigan didn’t want to talk about her darkest point in her life to her mom, nor Jen and Mo’Emori for that matter as she looked away towards Nora, who wore a concerned expression before she looked back to Jen, raising her free hand and calling forth her crimson claws of destructive energy, “I think it’s obvious…” she said in a disheartened tone. Helen frowned at that, her heart hurting at the notion of the horrid things her daughter must have gone through.

Morrigan turned her back on the conversation and pulled out plates and silverware. She set it out as she watched Mo’Emori pander to Yekku’s attention seeking nature as she pet him, giggling each time his forked tongue flicked out poking her.

“You hungry Yekku?” Morrigan asked expecting his reaction with a sly smirk.

Yekku’s head shot up as his wide eyes homed in on her and began squawking and bobbing his head spastically to which Mo’Emori squealed like a little girl to.

“Oh my Goddesses, you’re so cute!” she said shrilly before wrapping around his long neck and pulling him towards her, only to get pulled off the stool and pulling Yekku to the ground in a dramatic flourish.

Yekku chirped and warbled dramatically as Mo’Emori proverbially attacked him with adoration.

Nora smirked at Morrigan as she pulled a massive stack of broiled meat from the bottom of the stove and began serving food onto the various plates.

“I think we just found the perfect playmate for the little shit,” Nora mused.

Morrigan chuckled as she watched Mo’Emori and Yekku roll around the living room without a care in the world, “Right? Hey, where is Torvil?”

Jen leaned across the island and snagged one of the steaks before anyone else could get to them, “Talking with the ambassador, I tell you that man is all work and no play, well, unless I make him,” she chuckled as she started eating with avarice.

Helen chuckled at that as Morrigan shook her head as she started passing out plates of food, “Okay gross, keep your sex life to yourself please,” Morrigan complained.

Once food was dished out, the time was mostly spent in silence aside from Yekku’s chirping as he ate. Morrigan spied Qiote mindlessly eating and staring off into space and let out a deep sigh, “Hey, Qiote?”

The S’randin’s head shifted just enough to put one eye on her as he let out a click in response. “I'm going to talk to Solomon today, I promise sweetie,” she said sweetly with a tinge of remorse at forgetting about speaking to Solomon the day prior.

Everyone watched Qiote slowly stand and carry the nearly empty plate towards her, setting the plate down and booping his snout against her temple with three soft clicking noises.

She smiled and kissed him on the snout, running her hand over the crest of his right eye, “You’re welcome buddy, if you want you can go stay in my room.”

Qiote sighed and bobbed his head slowly as he turned and walked towards her room, “Sorry if it smells a little! That was all me dude!” Nora called out behind her, earning a smirk out of Morrigan.

“What was that about?” Helen asked as she eyed the alien lizard sulking off.

Morrigan sighed and picked at her food, letting it sink in that she would soon give up one of her friends to their home world. The more she thought about it, the more it hurt but she knew it was the right thing to do. “He’s homesick, so I need to tell Solomon that I’m going to take him home…”

“You’re going to Tik’taq’to? Mori that's so dangerous!” Mo’Emori blurted out in surprise and worry.

Morrigan gave the Eskarii girl a soft smile, “yeah, it probably will be but he's not a captive. If he wants to go home then I have to get him home, besides, I think Xol and the others can vouch for me.”

Xol let out a deep rumble in thought, “Yes. Mirina Sor is safe by Clan Tau word,” he stated slowly.

Mo’Emori furrowed her teal eyebrows as she looked between Morrigan and Xol.

Morrigan chuckled, “Yes, he can speak Terran… well sort of. Only he can and it’s a little broken but his Terran has improved dramatically since I met him.”

Xol hummed and raised his chin in pride, “You honor me Red Death,” he spoke in his own language.

Morrigan narrowed her eyes at him playfully, “Quiet you, I see what you're doing,” she responded in near fluid Marmuro’k as she smiled knowingly at him.

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

His sinister fanged grin proved her point as everyone besides Nora looked at her, dumbfounded. Even while being complimented, he still managed to make it about her.

Morrigan spotted the emotionally wide smile on her mother's face as she stared at her, the glossy sheen of tears filling her eyes.

“What?” Morrigan asked with curious amusement as she smiled awkwardly under her mother's gaze.

Helen shook her head slowly, taking a deep breath leaden with emotion, “I just… it’s a lot you know?” Helen started as Morrigan cocked her said to the side, “Yesterday you were my baby girl, Mori, and within two years so, so much has changed…”

Morrigan frowned as she watched a stray tear slide down her mother’s cheek, “Mom…”

Helen shook her head as she wiped her tear stained cheek, sniffling, “I can’t change what happened as much as I wish I could. None of us wanted those last two years to happen but… you were just a girl going through the motions and you went through horrible things…”

Morrigan frowned as she set her fork down, sighing, “Mom, it’s okay.”

Everyone stopped eating to watch the conversation, Mo’Emori’s long ears curving downward slightly in sadness as Jen shook her head.

Helen looked at her daughter, drinking her visage in, “I’ll never be able to agree with that Mori. I don’t even know everything that happened to you… I know there are things you haven’t told us,” she said, watching Morrigan bite her lip and shift her gaze away.

“In time I’ll tell you but…” Morrigan stated only to be cut off.

“Its okay sweetie, we understand… I think what I’m trying to say is with everything that has happened… I couldn't be more proud of you!”

That grasped Morrigan’s attention. Even Nora shifted in her seat with a tilted head in confusion.

Helen stifled a chuckle as she glanced around the room, “I mean, look at what you’ve become. You’re an Inquisitor, Mori… you’ve built a connection with the Marmuro’k, even some Eskarii adore you,” she said glancing at Mo’Emori who grinned brightly, nodding at Morrigan, “It’s just a lot to process… one day you were a wide eyed teenager who was just beginning her life and the next… you’re a strong, beautiful, and independent woman making a huge name for herself, who found her place and even found love in the dark,” Helen said as she gave Nora a sweet smile.

Nora rubbed her eyes and sniffed, “Oh hell, your mom is totally going to make me cry babe!” Nora complained as she gave Morrigan an emotional smile.

Morrigan already had tears streaming down her cheeks as she gave Nora a tight lipped smile before stepping around the counter and throwing her arms around her mother, holding her tight.

“Thank you…” she pushed out as her mother hugged her just as tight.

There was a knock at the door that broke the emotional tension as Xol stood up and stomped towards the door, opening it to reveal a bright eyed Emily.

“Hey everyone,” Emily chirped as Xol stepped aside letting her enter.

Morrigan wiped her face on her sleeve, regaining her composure, “What’s up Emily?”

Emily looked around the room before Yekku barreled into her, nearly knocking the red head over with an excited squawk as he rubbed his face against her. She laughed as she wrapped her arms around his neck and giving the S’randin a hug, “Hi Yekku!”

Emily divided her attention between the needy S’randin and Morrigan, “Lord Solomon asked me to escort Mrs. Clarke to the Cathedral.”

Nora scrunched her nose in disgust, “Dove, you shouldn't call him that, it makes it sound like you have an old man fetish!”

Emily turned a bright shade of red that nearly matched her red hair, all the while Apollyon started cackling like mad in Morrigan’s head.

See! I told you that was a real thing!

Morrigan snorted as she smiled, “Oh, now you speak up, and here I figured you would’ve been complaining about all the sappy emotions,” Morrigan fired back sardonically in her head.

Apollyon chuckled at that.

Eh, at this point I'm kinda used to your bleeding heart, kid. Sure it's still annoyingly nauseating but it could be worse, hell it has been worse.

Morrigan nodded to herself before taking a deep breath, “I’ll come with, I have to speak with Solomon anyways. Besides, we should probably find Torvil and kick his butt for missing breakfast.”

Mo’Emori giggled at that notion and nodded, “Yeah! Bra’cut brawder!” she exclaimed excitedly.

Helen snickered and eyed Mo’Emori, “Language missy, I didn't let Mori curse and I won’t let you either,” she playfully chastised, Morrigan and Jen both laughing at that notion.

Mo’Emori playfully stuck her tongue out at Helen as Jen wrapped her around Helen’s neck, “Come on momma, let the kids be kids! What’s a little bit of naughty language?”

Helen laughed and side eyed Jen, “Just wait until you have kids, see how you like it when they start cussing up a storm.”

Morrigan watched as Jen’s demeanor shift into a manner she had never seen in the aloof woman she grew up around, “Yeahhh…” Jen sighed before jerking Helen’s face towards hers and dragging her tongue along her cheek.

Helen sputtered and wiped the saliva away as Jen laughed, switching back to her joyous nature, “Besides, you think I could keep kids from swearing? They’ll be just as bad as I am!”

“Nora, are you coming with?” Morrigan asked.

Nora stood from the stool and sauntered around the island, “Nah, I’ll stay and clean up, maybe I'll get them to do something useful and help clean,” she shot Yekku a wild eyed glance that caused him to perk his head up and offer a warbling reply of insult.

Xol hissed in low rumbling laughter as Nora wrapped her arms around the back of her girlfriend's neck and pulled her in for a tender kiss, “You go have fun with your family love,” she said pulling back before beginning to collect dirty dishes and utensils.

Morrigan watched Nora with appreciation and adoration as she focused on cleaning. She had never known her girlfriend to clean so it meant a lot that she was willing to take care of the mess so she could spend more time with her family.

“Thank you… alright, I guess we should get going,” she stated turning to her mother who nodded with a sincere smile.

Morrigan, Emily, Jen, Mo’Emori and Xol made their way in the direction of the Cathedral, Morrigan pointing things out along the way that she felt they would find interesting such as the training areas or the quartermaster areas.

Helen never stopped watching Morrigan with such a loving gaze as they continued down the main thoroughfare, however, a question continuously gnawed at the back of Helen’s mind.

“Mori?” she said sweetly to garner her daughter’s attention. When Morrigan focused on her she finally brought up the daunting question, “How did you get your mage abilities? We don't have the bloodline for it… and your power is, as far as I know, one of a kind.”

Oh this should be fun hehehe Apollyon mused.

Morrigan sighed in dejection, unsure how to really explain what happened without revealing the existence of gods.

“Do you remember when I fell down that crevasse? I um… ended up knocked out from that and when I woke up I was seriously injured…” she started before biting her lip thinking, “At some point during that time, something… kind of like, awakened within me…” she watched everyone but Xol look at her with intense, questioning stares.

Ah come on little goddess, that's a lame explanation!

Morrigan looked away from their inquisitive stares and focused ahead as her heart hammered within her chest, “I healed… painfully. What ever woke up inside of me cause all of my injuries to heal rapidly… broken bones, split skull… I thought I was going to die down there as I blacked out from the pain, but, when I woke up I felt new… like a whole new person.”

She could feel their eyes on her though she did not look, her story encapsulating them in perpetual disbelief and confusion, “I found my way to the waterfall and in one of my fits I, well, I beat on the wall of the waterfall until it collapsed, my power responding to my anger…”

Helen finally spoke, “But genetically, you’re not a mage…”

Oh she couldn’t be more correct, you are something far better, something far more powerful… Apollyon stated with a sinister hiss

Morrigan nodded at that and let out a deep breath. “I know, but I don't know what I am… all I know is this power, what ever it is, saved my life and has kept me alive for the past two years…” she told them in a partial lie. She felt guilty for not telling them the truth but the existence of her power was dangerous enough as it was, to throw in the existence of living gods would only cause greater strife in the universe that was already threatening to pull itself apart at the seams.

Mo’Emori gently placed her hand on Morrigan’s shoulder causing her to flinch, though thankful that her power did not respond violently as she turned to look at the beautiful Eskarii.

“You are Mori. The same Mori who did silly things to make me smile. Sweet and gentle Mori who loved the Eskarii and little furry animals, the one who cried in my arms after yelling at Mr. Yuma. You are our Mori,” Mo’Emori sharply stated with profound certainty. The image she saw her in was enough to make Morrigan want to cry because deep down, she knew she wasn’t that awkward, silly girl anymore.

Morrigan pursed her lips and gently nodded, unable to sell the belief that there had not been too much torture and violence between her two lives for her to remain the same. She appreciated to no end what Mo’Emori was trying to tell her, but she could not make herself believe it after all that she went through.

She’s not wrong little reaper, you’re very much the same before we met, Apollyon pointed out.

“How?” Morrigan asked incredulously as she faced forward and led them up the long road to the stairs of the Cathedral.

Who you are is who you've always been. Deep down within that infernal core of yours that burns like the hottest of stars is where your true self has always lived. The only difference between now and then is simple; you've evolving into what you were always meant to be. Apollyon stated with a dark passion, sending a shiver down Morrigan’s spine as she contemplated of its words in silence.

The massive archway doors expanded in their glory as the sensors detected her Inquisitor’s badge that she had clipped to her belt, her family taking in the magnitude of the beautiful gothic cathedral that served as the Inquisition’s headquarters.

Morrigan spied Solomon in his normal spot in front of the massive computer terminal atop the raised platform, where he was speaking with Torvil and Ambassador Gra’taul, who spoke adamantly in return, while his personal guard were standing off to the sides, all turning to eye the approach of her group.

“Torvil! You missed breakfast and cute S’randin!” Mo’Emori shouted across the expansive room, her voice booming with an echo that caused her to blush as everyone in the Cathedral turned to look at her. Morrigan smiled as the group chuckled at the Eskarii’s adorable antics.

Torvil looked down at his bubbly sister with his usual stern demeanor before stepping down the platform, “My chwaeda, I hope your time was good?”

Both Mo’Emori and Jen stalked towards him, though Jen hooked herself around his arm and planted a big kiss on his cheek, to Morrigan’s surprise, causing a small smirk to crack his deadpan visage.

“You missed out on so much fun brawder! Mori is going to kick your butt!” Mo'Emori sang before giggling innocently as she turned and gave Morrigan an evil sisterly grin.

Morrigan grinned her best evil grin she could muster before shifting her gaze to Torvil, who's amber eyes went wide at the implied threat.

“Sogesau, I hope you enjoyed your time but it is time to leave,” Gra’taul’s voice thundered throughout the room.

Mo’Emori’s childish demeanor shattered into panic, “What, no! I don’t want to go home! I want to stay with Mori and Mem aní fy Mo’dryb!” She yelled as anxiety fueled sadness encompassed her features.

“Sweetie… if you’re needed at home you should go, I’ll still be here when you can come back,” Helen stated as she stepped forward, sadness resonating through her tone though she tried to uphold her stoic persona. Morrigan frowned at the silent heartbreak she was witnessing as Mo’Emori plunged herself into Helen’s arms and began crying.

“Mo’Emori, we can’t say no…” Torvil stated though even Morrigan could see he did not like seeing his sister so upset.

Mo’Emori turned to her brother with tear filled eyes, “Then they come with us…”

Torvil scoffed and shook his head, “You know that is not possible, it would not be allowed,” he stated as if it were a common truth which caused Helen and Morrigan both to give him a questioning look.

“But Mori is an Inquisitor! She can go! And Mem can go to and you would take Auntie Jen! How could you think to leave your cy’mar!?” Mo’Emori cried as Solomon and Gra’taul approached, the ambassador’s scowl made Morrigan grind her teeth.

“Enough of this foolishness Mo’Emori, your queen demands your return,” the ambassador said aggressively.

“Shut up! I won’t leave without them!” Mo’Emori screamed as Helen pulled her tightly against her chest to keep her from blasting the ambassador again.

“Mo’Emori…” her mom said softly, but Morrigan watched the ambassador balance on the cusp of loosing his cool.

“Torvil, a word?” Jen said prominently before dragging him off to a quieter corner to whisper in his ear.

Morrigan’s divided attention watched Torvil pale to a shade of white she never imagined while spotting the ambassador’s face turning a shade of red that spoke of his breaking point.

Just as he went to chastise Mo’Emori, Morrigan stepped between them and flared her crimson wings in a brilliant and threatening display, “You may wish to be wary of the next thing you say,” Morrigan snapped darkly as Solomon took a single step back, the retinue of Eskarii guards snapping their weapons up ready to defend their ambassador. Xol also let out a threatening hiss, she could hear the crackle of energy from his mace which caused several of the guard to flinch.

Helen and Mo’Emori both gasped at Morrigan’s intervention. “Inquisitor Clarke, I don’t think this is necessary,” Solomon stated retaking a step forward stoically as an authority figure.

“Oh, it is quite necessary,” she drawled out with a sinister tone, her crimson claws slowly enveloping her hands as she stared down the ambassador who glared at her indignantly, “Mo’Emori is the kindest, most warm hearted being on this hive world and she will not be talked down to like a mere child!” she growled out at Gra’taul.

Without provocation, Torvil stood between Morrigan and the ambassador and his personal guard, his back to her as he addressed Gra’taul in a frantic and panicked figure. They’re coming with. No arguments! Yr Maw’yéda éwý l’roeso gída agoré brié.”

Ambassador Gra’taul's face twisted in anger and shock at Torvil’s interjection, “This is ridiculous!”

Morrigan’s energy dissipate as she watched Torvil come unglued as he stepped forward and grabbed Gra’taul by the collar, “By the Goddesses shut your mouth or I will throw you out of an airlock! They are coming and that is final!”

Morrigan looked back to see Mo’Emori and her mother’s shocked expression before turning to see a smug looking Jen striding back up to the group.

“What the hell did you say to him?” Morrigan loudly whispered as Torvil continued to berate the man.

Jen just gave her a look filled with levity as she put her finger to her lips, watching her lover terrorize the ambassador into submission through zealous panic.

You don’t feel that? The tiny little seed of my sister’s energy coming from within her? Apollyon pointed out.

Morrigan scrunched her face in confusion and scrutinized Jen, trying to focus on this supposed energy. “I’m not feeling anything… wait you said tiny? Like tiny-tiny? That would mean…” she glanced between Torvil and Jen quickly, slowly connecting dots with the fact that Jen oddly chose not to drink last night when she was the first one drunk normally.

“Jen? Are you… pregnant?” Morrigan leaned closer and whispered inquisitively.

Jen’s eyes snapped to her wide in surprise to find she figured it out and slapped her hand over Morrigan’s mouth, “Shhh! Say nothing!” Jen whispered harshly.

“Mo’Emori, we’re leaving!” Torvil demanded as she turned and hooked his hand around his sister’s arm. She jerked back and gave him a concerned look.

“Torvil, what’s going on?” she demanded.

Torvil looked to her, then to Jen who gave him a knowing smirk, scanning everyone who now stared at him in confusion. He let out a deep breath as he turned his attention back to his sister, “Just… trust me, my chwaeda.”

Mo’Emori frowned but nodded as Helen gave Solomon a questioning look, “But Mr. Solomon… I thought I was here to discuss a new role here?”

Solomon chuckled as he absorbed the change of events, “On the contrary Mrs. Clarke, I’ve spent much of the morning advocating your passage to the Eskarii home world. I think it would be significantly more productive and helpful if you went with as a liaison of the human race given your relationship with Mo’Emori and Torvil.”

Helen cocked her head in confusion, “But… how could I be a liaison?”

Solomon stepped closer, “Given your experience both with the Federation and the CoU, as well as your vast knowledge, and your kindled relationship, I think you would serve as a shining example of what a Terran truly is,” he said with a smile before giving Morrigan a respectful glance.

Morrigan and Helen were both surprised, though Helen was more dumbfounded by his words as Morrigan struggled with the idea of her mother leaving again.

“Solomon… I was really hoping my mom could come with me…” Morrigan interjected sullenly.

Solomon gave her an understanding smile, “I am not surprised, though your mother would be significantly safer with your companions here rather than aboard one of our star ships, or even on the Void Star for that matter. Your mother is the best candidate to visit and solidify relations with the Eskarii and their queen.”

Morrigan sighed dejectedly as dozens of arguments spun through her mind, none being worthy enough to voice, “I get it…” she said as she looked to her mother, who stared at her with wide eyes.

“It may be for the best, I needed to talk to you about traveling to the Marmuro’k home world to bring Qiote home… his recent depressive attitude stems from homesickness and wishes to return there…” Morrigan said shifting the topic as well as selling his own argument.

Solomon’s eyebrows raised at that as he hummed thoughtfully, “Well, if anyone were to travel there unharmed, it would be you, Morrigan. Though I will say it is still a substantial risk, the Marmuro’k are not known for their hospitality within their territory. I have no arguments but I do advise caution.”

Morrigan nodded at that, “Xol has already promised us safe passage. So that shouldn't be an issue…” she trailed off as she watched Torvil begin ushering Mo’Emori and Jen towards the door, following the ambassador who managed to slink around her with his retinue.

Helen also noticed and waved her arms in defeated confusion, “I don’t know what’s going on…”

Morrigan stepped to her mother and threw her arms around her, “Its time to say goodbye again… just, trust Torvil mom, his reasons are, understandable…” she said with sadness lining her words.

“I guess… but I’ll be back I promise you Mori… I just didn't expect to be sent anywhere when I got here…” Helen responded with equal sadness.

Morrigan nodded her understanding, “It’s okay mom, I think you’ll have fun. I have my own adventure to start, just be safe, mom. I hear the Eskarii home world is gorgeous,” she said trying to sell her mother on the idea.

Morrigan caught Mo’Emori looking back at her and gave the beautiful Eskarii girl a small wave and reluctant smile as she watched Torvil lead them towards the slowly opening doors.

Mo’Emori broke rank and sprinted back towards her, disregarding her brother’s aggravated protests. Morrigan was prepared this time as Mo’Emori barreled into her and wrapped around her neck tightly with a stifled cry. Morrigan held her tight, pressing her cheek against Mo’Emori’s long ear, feeling her warmth radiate against her as Mo’Emori’s grip tightened around her.

“It’s okay Mo’Emori, we’ll see each other soon and we can finally go get that coffee we talked about,” Morrigan said softly to her.

She felt her nod against her cheek with a saddened giggle as she pulled back enough to look Morrigan in the eyes. Morrigan saw her acceptance shift as Mo’Emori calmed, giving her a soft smile with her bright yellow eyes boring into her.

“I’m so happy to see you happy and healthy, my Mori, I know where you’re going…” she said with a complete shift in demeanor, her tone speaking with a higher dignity and stoicism as she brushed her slender fingers along Morrigan’s temples before cupping her head tenderly, “Be cautious and safe, my Mori, so we can see each other again,” she added in a soft yet commanding tone.

Before Morrigan could react, Mo’Emori pulled her face to her and kissed her deeply, throwing Morrigan’s mind for a loop as all cognitive thought stopped, her grip on the Eskarii girl loosening in surprise as she stared into the closed eyes of Mo’Emori.

Apollyon snickered and catcalled in the back of her head as the deity radiated amusement.

Mo’Emori pulled away, out of Morrigan’s frozen stance and turned walking down the long corridor of the Cathedral, looking back with a coy smirk as she waved over her shoulder.

“Did, she just…?” Morrigan sputtered pointing to Mo’Emori as she looked at her mother who sniggered in amusement before nodding.

“You should've have seen her on the way here, I've come to learn that she has a very interesting personality especially when it comes to you hun… I guess this means it's my turn to take my leave…” Helen stated before hugging her daughter one last time.

Morrigan’s faculties slowly restarted as she gently hugged her mom, her brain still trying to process what had just happened, “Yeah… you’ll be safe mom and I’m sure you’ll have fun,” she said with mixed emotions. She knew she could not have everything she wanted, as much as she hated the idea of saying goodbye to her mother again, but Solomon’s idea was a good one and took solace in the fact that she would not be alone.

“Yeah, I’m only just going to be meeting the queen of an entire species,” Helen said sarcastically as she pulled away, taking in the view of her daughter one last time, “Take care of yourself sweetie… and tell Nora I said to watch over you otherwise she’s in big trouble,” she said trying to leave on a humorous note.

Morrigan chuckled at that, “Mom, you’ve met Nora, she’s nothing but trouble.” Helen laughed at that with levity as she touched Morrigan’s cheek.

“Give the Queen my regards when you meet her Mrs. Clarke, and have no fear, she is a pleasant woman,” Solomon interjected with a wide smile, giving her a respectful nod.

Helen snorted at that, “That doesn't help me much, though I guess I should be thankful for the opportunity to meet such a person…” she noted before stepping away, giving her daughter a reluctant wave as she turned.