“Damn babe who were you yelling… oh my god-puppy!” Nora squealed girlishly as she stepped into the room with Xol.

Nora bolted across the room with very little finesse as she slid across the smooth stone floor and barreled into Skoll’s fluffy chest, throwing her arms around his neck as her actions caused him to look up.

“Oh!” Nora exclaimed as Skoll sat up, carrying the ice mage with him as she held onto his neck burying her face into his chest.

“So big! So soft-oh-my-god-he's-so-soft!” Nora giggled as she rambled.

Morrigan gave Xitzocl an amused look before shrugging, “Seems I've been replaced,” she mused all the while Apollyon laughed through a snort in her head.

Xol stomped across the room and stopped to inspect the situation.

“Why is the Bïrûskê here? “ he growled out in defensive nervousness.

Xitzocl beat Morrigan to the punch, “It seems your, Mirina Sor, has tamed the beast.”

Morrigan grinned at him, not commenting, she decided that it would serve her better if the Marmuro’k did not know she knew at least most of their language.

Xol watched Nora pander to the massive creature and scoffed, “Good, she talks too much,” he gruffed out in Terran.

Morrigan chuckled at that as Nora spun on her heels, releasing Skoll, “Hey! Don't make me come over there you overgrown reptile!” she chastised before resuming her coddling of Skoll.

Skoll looked at Morrigan with wide concerned eyes though the emotion she felt was an awkward happiness, as if having the urge to run but waiting for the permission to do it.

Morrigan smiled and shrugged, gesturing to Nora.

Skoll needed no other permission as he jumped back and growled playfully at Nora in his husky tone, lowering his head with his paws in front of him.

Nora grinned and laughed as she went to tackle Skoll and falling to the ground as he dodged her. Soon they chased each other around the room, which Morrigan was thankful that there was not much breakable within the room.

Xitzocl laughed heartily with Morrigan as Yekku joined in on the fun. While they watched the trio chase each other around, Morrigan had Xol give Xitzocl the detailed story of his bending of the knee. She knew Xol knew nothing about what happened prior her rampage but knew enough of what he witnessed to satisfy the female Kêzi’kân’s curiosity.

“She is the one who killed Huruk?” Xitzocl inquired, pointing to the blonde woman childishly chasing Yekku and Skoll around the large room.

Morrigan and Xol both nodded, Xol adding, “Foolish yet dangerous,” he gruffed.

Morrigan snickered at that, “I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said about Nora,” she mused.

Nora skidded to a halt as she caught her breath, “I heard my name! Talking shit over there big man?” she called out.

Xol let out a long hiss as Morrigan started laughing, waving her accusation off, “No love, he actually just said something nice about you.”

Nora preened at that and held her hands to over her chest in the shape of a heart, “Awe! Much love big dude!” she yelled across the room before getting blindsided by Skoll, the giant Bïrûskê barreling over her and falling into a slide, cackling like a hyena the entire time.

Morrigan and Xitzocl both stood in worry, only to hear Nora start laughing like a manic five year old as she stood into a sprint, launching herself against Skoll.

Skoll yelped as Nora used her weight to shove him over and proceeded to scratch his belly; Skoll submitting to the belly rubs almost instantly with a pleasant groan.

Xitzocl gave Morrigan a look of intrigue as Morrigan chuckled at the display before sitting back down.

“An odd choice in mates,” Xitzocl mused.

Morrigan snorted at that, “Maybe, but the heart wants what it wants besides, underneath all that energy and borderline crazy, she’s actually a really sweet person.”

The female Kêzi’kân nodded respectfully before giving Morrigan her full attention, “So what is it you desire to do here on Tik’Taq’To? I doubt you made such journey to only bring our kin back,” she asked in a straight forward manner.

Morrigan knew the question was coming though. She let out a deep breath and looked at Xitzocl, “The main reason was to bring Qiote home. Though Yekku, Xol and Hî’tet found meaning amongst the Inquisition, Qiote was unhappy so I promised him I would bring him back even with risking possible hostilities,” she hammered out honestly.

“But… I was also hoping to establish an alliance with the Marmuro’k as well, if I could,” Morrigan added on.

Xitzocl hummed thoughtfully, “Why?” she asked.

She bit her lip nervously as she leaned back against the arm of the backless sofa picking at her nails, “Honestly, I want us all to live peacefully, together. Ever since I was a little girl all I wanted was to learn more about the Marmuro’k as well as the Eskarii… even make friends with them. Truth of the matter is, I sort of accomplished that but there is such a divide between our species and there doesn't need to be, but my biggest concern is the Federation.”

She watched Xitzocl’s eyes light up in recognition at the name, “What is it you have in mind young human?”

Xol let out a growling hiss before Morrigan raised her hand cutting him off, Xitzocl looking at Xol curiously.

“War is coming, Xitzocl. whether it's now or a year from now, the Federation has already begun making their move. They're starting with the CoU but it won't be long until they branch out towards Tik’Taq’To or Gelia and everywhere in between. I want to create an alliance between the Marmuro’k and the Inquisition. It does not even have to include the CoU honestly, though they are allies of the Inquisition too, but seeing as I only saw one of your ships within the territory of your planet, it would be devastation if the Federation decided to all out assault Tik’Taq’To,” Morrigan stated.

“Our kêşti, few as they are, are worth ten of your Federation kêşti in combat,” Xitzocl countered.

Morrigan nodded, “Maybe so, I know I would not want to go against one of yours but the Federation has fleets of ships. How many do you have? How fast can they arrive to defend your home world? The Inquisition may have few ships but ours are the most advanced as far as I've seen. Each designed to take out or disable enemy ships, let alone our soldiers amongst our crews. It’s only a matter of time until this becomes a free for all, Xitzocl, and it doesn't have to be. It should be us versus the worst of humanity. The CoU nor the Inquisition agree with what the Federation does and will do, and we will do what ever we can to stop it, including assisting the Eskarii and the Marmuro’k to snuff the Federation out from existence,” Morrigan stated, her words filled with hate filled fervor at the idea of destroying the Federation.

The female Kêzi’kân stood up and walked away in thought, “Our scouts have seen recently that a black kêsta attacked the Terran world of Mars, destroying one of your Federation’s larger kêşti. Since then, the Federation has been feeling their way farther into territories that are not theirs.”

Xitzocl turned back around and stared Morrigan down with an unspoken question. Morrigan saw the look in Xitzocl’s eyes and pursed her lips tightly before nodding, “Yeah, that was me… and if the Federation has made their move already, then it’s only a matter of time till they come here!”

Skoll lifted his head from the floor and emitted a low growl, picking up on Morrigan’s emotions. She turned to see both Yekku and Nora passed out on Skoll, Yekku curled up on his hind quarters and Nora nestled against his chest, nearly buried by fur.

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The small respite of cuteness helped settle Morrigan some as she turned back to Xitzocl, “The Federation has to be put down. I don't know when, or how, but eventually we will all face them and I would rather face them together rather than them pick each race, each species, apart because that is what they will do. As strong as the Marmuro’k are, even they are no match to an armada that would simply destroy your world than fight fairly, because that is what I would do if I were them…” she said in a morose hail mary. She was not sure if Xitzocl would see her logic or stay with native pride and dismiss her.

You tell her kid, if they enjoy a good fight then there is no way they'll kick you out, Apollyon cheered in the back of her mind. She wanted to smile at the gesture however, the gravity of the conversation was too heavy.

Xitzocl scrutinized her in thought, crossing her arms as she clicked her jaw repeatedly. “You want nothing of the Marmuro’k?” she asked skeptically.

Morrigan shook her head, “No, if the Marmuro’k wish to work out some sort of trade deal or some kind of official treaty with the Inquisition or the CoU then that'll be up to Lord Inquisitor Solomon and the governing body of the CoU, if the Marmuro’k request such a thing. I simply want allies to fight back when the shit hits the fan. I intend to ask the same of the Eskarii queen when I can make my way to their home world.”

Xitzocl looked over her at Xol, “Xol-Tau, you have traveled with this human for some time. On your honor as a warrior of Clan Tau, is her word to be trusted? Should the clans strike an accord with a human that speaks of our enemies in both hatred and love?”

Morrigan did not see Xol’s eyes narrow on Xitzocl as he responded, “Red Death is a legend to her word. As great of a warrior she is, so is her word. She respects and honors all who deserve it, including the long ears she knows. If the Marmuro’k were to trust any human, it is Red Death.”

Morrigan blushed slightly at Xol’s compliment of her character as she pretended she did not understand a word spoken.

Xitzocl hummed and nodded, “Very well, you shall stay here for the time being. I will summon the clan chieftains for a delegation. Be warned, though you have swayed me, others will not be so easy.”

Morrigan nodded her understanding, before standing and looking down clothes with a look of disgust, “Is there a bath or something? I’m…still covered in Iaktai…”

Xitzocl gave her a reptilian grin and bobbed her head slowly, “Yes, I will have a guard escort you.”

Morrigan smiled at that, “Thank you,” she said before turning to her sleeping companions, “Skoll, come. Make sure they come with too,” she mused.

Skoll perked up and moved to stand, dumping Yekku and Nora on the ground. Yekku let out a cry of alarm as Nora smacked against the smooth stone hard enough to make Morrigan cringe as she watched.

“Fucking hell, that was rude you mutt,” Nora complained as she sat up holding the side of her face.

Yekku croaked his agreement as Skoll let out a soft whining laugh before licking Nora's face with his massive tongue.

“Aweee, I love you too buddy!” she said wrapping her arms around his muzzle and rubbing the saliva on the bridge of his nose, “To make up for it, you have to carry me,” she added with a snicker.

Obediently, Skoll lowered himself for her, Nora turned with a look of shock, “Holy shit, he understood me!” she said in surprise to her lover.

Morrigan giggled at that and waved the notion away, “I don’t know, he may have read your emotion or intentions, regardless, he’s pretty intelligent.”

“I love this dog!” Nora cheered as she wrapped herself around Skoll as she laid across his back and shoulders, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck as everyone began exiting the chamber.

◇◇◇

Morrigan’s dreams were a mix of horror and fantasy as her mind was overloaded with the memories of her past, every bad thing that haunted her; the Eskarii girl she tried to save being executed in front of her eyes, her trial where a judge did everything in his power to brand her a murderer and throw her prison for the rest of her life, being tortured by the lunatic Amaranthe, his smug grin as he beat her bloody over and over, the maddening isolation of Castile V that threatened to break her mind and Tyrus, the sadistic man that broke her body and soul by forcing himself upon her only to have unleashed something far more dangerous and wicked; primal hated and cold slaughter.

As if her nightmares were as fluid as water, her dreams would shift to more pleasant things; being rescued by the Inquisition, spending her birthday with her father’s team, falling in love with Nora and their first time delving into their heated passions. From spending time celebrating her promotion to seeing her family and to Mo’Emori’s kiss that left her confused and longing.

Her mind was a tumultuous haze as she felt herself yanked out of her sleep, Nora shaking her hard coupled by a howling Skoll.

“Mori wake up!” Nora exclaimed as Morrigan’s eyes opened wide, her crimson claws hauled back ready to strike only to find Nora’s worried expression looking down at her.

Morrigan's heart hammered in her chest as she felt the cold sweat on her skin rubbing against the hide blanket that covered her. Skoll instantly began licking the back of her hand the was held out, whining in a pleading worried manner.

Skoll’s actions broke her trance of confusion and surprise as she dismissed her crimson claws, “What happened?” she asked, only to wince as the pressure in her head spiked when she spoke.

Nora let out a deep breath and leaned back, sitting on her legs as she waved her hands, “I don't know, the doggo started howling which woke me up and you looked like you were nearly having a seizure- you were twitching so much…” she stated biting her lip.

Morrigan frowned as she saw the worry in her eyes. Sitting up, Morrigan started rubbing the tension from her head, “I’m sorry, I don't know what was with my dreams.”

Shit, experiencing that cluster fuck of emotions made my head hurt. That was one hell of a rollercoaster little goddess… Apollyon complained. Oddly, Morrigan realized that Apollyon even sounded nauseous as it spoke.

“Yeah, sorry… that was all very, freaky, “ she replied internally.

Apollyon hummed in agreement before releasing the sound of a shuttering breath.

“Are you okay, precious?” Nora asked, reaching out and taking one of Morrigan’s hands in hers, gently massaging her thumbs into Morrigan’s palm.

Morrigan let out a deep breath of exhaustion and contentment as she closed her eyes and focused on what her lover was doing, “Yeah, I’m okay… sorry for waking you both up,” she said sadly before using her free hand to pet Skoll. Skoll moved up to the bed and buried his face into her lap and let out his own content sigh.

Nora giggled at the display and gave Morrigan a big grin, “No problem here, I mean I can't be mad or anything, you did get us a puppy after all.”

Morrigan snorted at that and shook her head, “Oh yeah, a probably 800lb puppy that seems to be emotionally tethered to me,” she said with a laugh before giving Nora an inquiring look, “Speaking of, how did you know Skoll wouldn't attack you earlier?”

Nora blew a raspberry before giggling, “Pshhh, I had no idea. All I knew is I saw pup and had to touch pup. If I died in the process then I’d go out doing what I love!”

Morrigan snorted and shook her head as she recalled how vicious Skoll handle the Iaktai the previous day and knew Nora would change her mind knowing so. Then again, she considered Nora's personality for a moment and decided nothing would change in her opinion.

Skoll on the other hand put his front paws on the bed between the women and let out a playful growl before turning his head towards Nora, licking her aggressively enough to knock her over as she giggled and tried to fight him off.

Morrigan leaned back and watched Skoll attack Nora with kisses. The heady earthy scents from the bed wafted into the air the more the two played. As far as Morrigan could tell, the bed was wrapped in some kind of hide and filled with a multitude of various plant matter and to her surprise, the bed was quite comfortable.

The door at the end of the room opened, revealing Xol who stepped in and bowed his head respectfully.

“I see you're awake,” Xitzocl stated as she entered the room behind Xol.

Morrigan smiled as she gestured to the two animals wrestling on the bed, one being a proverbial animal, “Such is my life now,” she mused light heartedly.

Xitzocl chuckled in mild amusement as she regarded Nora and Skoll, Nora wrapping herself around Skoll’s face only for the massive alien canine to merely lift her into the air, completely unbothered by the blonde girl attached to his face.

Nora squealed before losing her grip, Skoll flicking his snout up and sending Nora tumbling to the ground. Xitzocl let out a hissing laugh as Morrigan shook her head.

“So, when does this whole delegation thing happen?” Morrigan inquired.

Xitzocl returned her attention to Morrigan, “Today.” Her reptilian teeth bore into a grin as she watched Morrigan’s eyes widened in surprise, “It is a long journey to Tikal, our sacred city and neutral ground…”

“Neutral ground?” Morrigan asked curiously, cutting her off abruptly.

Xitzocl nodded, “Yes, though we work together often, it is common though that one or more clans war with one another. Tikal, is a neutral ground. If a clan drew blood within our sacred city, every clan would descend on the offending clan. Such is our tribal law,” she stated with utmost certainty.

Morrigan pursed her lips as Nora crawled her way back onto the bed, “Sounds like a good time to me!” Nora chirped.

Xitzocl ignored her and continued, “As I was saying, when you are ready, we shall eat and be on our way. It is a long journey and I do hope you are not afraid of heights,” she stated with a respectful bow and exited the room.

Xol stood at the door stoically, waiting patiently for Morrigan to get ready. Morrigan noticed his increased guardian demeanor which piqued her curiosity as she stared down the large, white Kêzi’kân. He stood more rigid than usual and seemed hyper aware of their surroundings.

“Xol, you can relax,” she stated in a sweet tone as she got up from the bed.

Xol shook his head though, “Clan Arak’tarul is honorable and hospitable however, not all clans will be. We must be on our guard, and I shall remain ever vigilante while we are on my home world.”

Morrigan frowned at that, glancing between him, Nora and Skoll in thought. She knew that being on Tik’Taq’To would be dangerous, especially given they had been shot down which reminded Morrigan to ask Xitzocl about that later, but she did not think Xol would be so wound up about the danger. His promise of their safety seemed to be very ambiguous when it came to the definition of what was considered safe.

“It’ll be fine, Xol. As she said, we're going to neutral ground,” she stated firmly as she changed into her relatively clean clothes. Though he did not argue verbally, Xol let out a disagreeing hiss before bowing his head respectfully.

Morrigan smiled at him. Despite his obstinacy, she appreciated his faith in her as well as having a mind of his own enough to question her decisions or the situations she puts them in.

“Alright, let’s get going,” she stated as she locked the harness of her gunblade holster to her body.