Six moons spread across the night sky as Morrigan stepped out onto the balcony of the three-story home she was granted, along with Xitzocl and her retinue. After spending some time recounting the events of the delegation to Nora and Hi’tet, Morrigan found herself in the throes of heated passion, Nora finding it too hard to resist after hearing of her lover’s defiance against the clan chieftains.

Despite being exhausted between arguing and a copious amount of much needed release, Morrigan still found it difficult to sleep. When not distracted by Nora, who worked herself into a coma, her brain fought to process and compartmentalize everything she had experienced since her arrival to Tik’Taq’To.

Topping it off was her deeply buried worry about the Federation who had begun to make their move a lot sooner than she had expected. She found it annoying that Admiral Shepard never mentioned it to her especially since it was likely that Morrigan had also been the reason the Federation had grown bold, according to Xitzocl’s intel.

The war started before Morrigan was born, originally fighting against the Eskarii, only to be blind sided by the CoU. The Marmuro’k mostly managed to keep themselves out of the war unless the Federation encroached on their space, leaving only a short amount of time where the Marmuro’k joined in the war until the Terran territories truly divided and became the largest threat to the Federation. However, it was only a matter of time before the Inquisition would be requested to help the CoU and the Eskarii fend of the Federation.

The last thing she heard was that the ground war had ended on Earth, the Federation focusing mainly on the CoU’s vast armada to allow them the freedom to expand out, likely heading towards the Eskarii and Inquisition territory. It hurt her to think that such a wonderful species would soon be in the fight again especially when there were Eskarii so caring, such as Mo’Emori.

She longed for the confusing, bubbly, carefree alien woman and shuttered to even consider Mo’Emori in a firefight, a place Morrigan wanted her no where near. She even worried about Torvil despite him being a seasoned warrior who excelled at espionage, she worried for the broody Eskarii’s safety, knowing full well that he would not avoid fighting.

This also brought her back to her main point. Morrigan stared at three moons that hung in the sky at various distances that set them apart, two blue-hued moons with a bright white moon far off in the distance, while three red moons eclipsed a vast majority of the night sky, each reflecting the dual suns’ light and casting a bright glow over the landscape around her.

“It’s only a matter of time till they make their way here too… there is so much beauty here, and a unique, wonderful culture here even if the chieftains are a pain in the ass… and the Federation will only seek to destroy it…” she thought to herself as a breeze blew past her, the tips of her bangs that escaped her long braid tickling her cheek as she leaned over the railing of the balcony.

She expected Apollyon to say something however, the deity had been silent since the delegation ended, not even a groan from the heart felt situation of Izden recognizing Xol, Yekku and the ever-silent Hi’tet as part of her own little clan, her own family.

“You okay in there?” she asked in her mind.

Hmm? Yeah I’m good just you know, trying to lobodomize myself to remove the memories of your sexy time with your lady hehehehe, Apollyon snickered in it’s usual sarcastic manner.

Morrigan snorted and hung her head as her cheeks heated up from mild embarrassment, figuring if Apollyon had the audacity to take a stab at Morrigan’s sex life, the deity was doing well enough.

“What are your thoughts on the Marmuro’k?” she asked to shift the topic.

Kind of disappointed honestly.

“Disappointed?” she queried.

Yeah, I mean, there is all these stories about how these creatures are warmongering folk yet here they are playing as civilized backwater savages… kind of a let down if you ask me, Apollyon stated dejectedly.

Morrigan shook her head at the lame excuse and thought back, “You do remember I am supposed to fight some champion, right? Assuming this Ancient Lakai lets me.”

Well yeah but what fun is one over grown lizard? I mean sure, Xol has some moves but even he is no match for you. Also, for a fight loving species, they were pretty eager to ignore your warning that war was coming, Apollyon grumbled.

She pursed her lips and nodded, fully capable of being able to understand the deity’s train of thought. She too was disappointed by their disinterest in listening which worried her about the safety of such a beautiful planet. Granted, the planet was also filled with extremely deadly wildlife and probably so much more however, she considered their arrogance to leave a huge gap in their survivability if the Federation came to Tik’Taq’To in full force.

“We need to put a stop to this war… the Federation has spent decades stirring up a self-righteous intergalactic war and for what? Pride? All the while we lose some of the most wonderful allies and friends we could ever hope to make. That’s why we will need their help…” she told herself.

Apollyon scoffed at that, We could just go back to Earth and rain all hell upon it. That would solve the war real quick.

Morrigan sighed and rubbed her face in annoyance, “I get exterminating life is your thing Apollyon but I can’t just wipe out billions of people because the Federation wants to reign supreme. There are so many people who don’t agree with what they’re doing, over half the planet let alone our other planets! The issue is the Federation military, not Earth.” She growled out internally, her irritation spiking at Apollyon’s idea even if it was the deity’s nature.

So you think, but you said it yourself; why does no one stop it if they disagree? Why live their lives as if none of it were happening? Sometimes you have to sacrifice the few to save the many, girl.

She huffed indignantly as her own words were thrown back at her. She didn’t want to admit that Apollyon had a minor point however, before joining the Inquisition, she never had the chance to do anything about the Federation’s atrocities. In fact, she had barely been getting her life on track before she stumbled upon Apollyon much less running from Colonel Sanders and Lieutenant Colonel Amaranthe. Every day citizens were held at gunpoint, figuratively and literally. Her blood began to boil at the flashing memories of the police and military, both killing innocent civilians in a show of power and dominance, that ran through her head.

Footsteps to her right drew her attention and she shifted her focus away from the memories. She looked to see Xitzocl slowly approaching her from the connected balcony of her side of the large home.

“Trouble sleeping, Red Death?” The female Kêzi’kân asked innocently as she stepped next to Morrigan.

Morrigan’s forehead fell to her wrists that sat on the stone railing as she sighed deeply, “Please tell me you’re not going to continue calling me that!” she whined.

Xitzocl hissed in an amused chuckle as she looked out over the railing to survey the western expanse beyond the city, the array of plant life and ranging mountains spreading out underneath the sea of majestic moonlight.

“I thought it was funny,” she snickered, “however, it seems you do not rest well. Given the night before and the current night now.”

Morrigan could not help but sigh again, not remembering the dreams she had the previous night, but able to recall how much Nora and Skoll worried for her. She supposed Xitzocl had a point, though she found restful sleep occasionally ever since Nora moved in with her back on the Void Star, but it was never consistent. She actually couldn’t remember the last time she slept well for more than a day or two.

“There is too much to think about and worry about… what am I going to do? The Federation won’t stop, Xitzocl. When I told you we should become allies, it was not for the Inquisition’s benefit or some secret agenda…”

Xitzocl cast a curious look at her as she ranted.

“I genuinely worry what will happen to this beautiful planet if the Federation makes it’s way here, along with such a unique way of life…” Morrigan stated emotionally as she unpacked her baggage upon the stoic clan leader.

Morrigan watched as Xitzocl looked back into the distance in contemplation. “It’s funny, that a creature known for its softness finds my home beautiful, as dangerous as it is for someone unaccustomed to it,” Xitzocl stated humorlessly as if there was a deeper meaning to what she said.

However, Morrigan still snorted in amusement, “Yeah well, you have deadly cats and giant flying creatures and we have the Federation. I guess to be fair, I’m not the typical human. Besides, you have a point that humans often take the path that’s easier to endure, but there are many who would love a planet like this, a place that would offer them an exciting challenge every day.”

Xitzocl hummed thoughtfully as she nodded before pointing off in the distance. Morrigan followed her finger towards a far distant speck of light near the peak of a looming mountain that stood taller than the rest in the cloudless sky.

“What is it?” Morrigan asked.

Xitzocl’s fangs revealed in an impassioned grin, “That, is the dwelling of Lakai the Ancient. It is where you must go tomorrow and seek his wisdom, and his judgement.”

Morrigan furrowed her brows as she looked back at Xitzocl, “What can you tell me about him?”

The female Kêzi’kân leaned on the railing and watched the city below as a handful of Marmuro’k milled about along with the vast number of guards who stalked the streets much closer to the home housing two humans and a creature of legend.

“He is the oldest of all the Marmuro’k, his life stretching thousands of your Terran years,” Morrigan nearly choked on her tongue as she was told that.

“Just how long do you people live?!” she exclaimed in surprise.

Xitzocl hissed with laughter and shrugged “We do not know. Lakai is the oldest and strongest to ever survive. Through the many lifetimes he has lived, he has gained timeless wisdom, and gained the most reverent honor of all Marmuro’k, even from those who fell to the allure of raiding with humans and long ears.”

The way most Marmuro’k spoke of the Eskarii held a distasteful note however, Xitzocl’s tone spoke of an underlined respect for the third alien race, much like Morrigan herself.

“You don’t hate the Eskarii, do you?” she inquired.

Xitzocl shook her head and looked at Morrigan, “Much like yours, the Marmuro’k have misunderstood the Eskarii. Our latest ancestors gained much knowledge about technology during their hasty war with the Eskarii. The Marmuro’k knew nothing of Kêşti, nor the usefulness of energy, but saw only an enemy in the shocking existence of an otherworldly race of creatures.”

“So, your ancestors jumped the gun so to speak and just happened to learn something by chance?” Morrigan put together.

“Something like that… however, most Marmuro’k are still biased, thinking ourselves the strongest. Yet, if the stories of Marmuro’k raiders are to be believed about the Terran-Mars fight, someone much stronger exists, and she stands next to me,” Xitzocl stated respectfully with the slightest bow of her head.

For once, Morrigan was not embarrassed about the stories told about her. It still hurt to think about how many people she killed that day, even if she was blinded by rage as the Federation killed her father by orbital bombarding Mars. Somehow, the light hearted respect Xitzocl showed her put her nerves at ease.

“I, I hope Lakai thinks so too… I may be human, but I feel deeply connected to the Marmuro’k, especially with Xol, Hi'tet and Yekku being part of my family...”

“Fear not, Lakai will see you for who you are Mori and all will honor his insight. If he deems you as much of a Marmuro’k as you claim to be, none will disagree. His wisdom is otherworldly, and he sees all. Your soul will be bare before him and he will understand you more than you understand yourself,” Xitzocl stated reverently.

Morrigan’s eyes widened at the implication, deeply curious and concerned at how much of Xitzocl’s symbolic words were actually symbolic, and how much was mystic fact.

Before Morrigan could raise the question, Xitzocl turned away and took a step back to her side of the house, casting a stoic glance over her shoulder, “There is too much evidence to not claim you are Mirina Sor, Mori, she who sunders kêşti and tamed the legendary Bïrûskê. Xol chose his new chieftain well, and Lakai will see that in you. Now I will leave you to rest, for you have an eventful day ahead of you.”

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

As Xitzocl began walking away, a worrying thought occurred to Morrigan as she called out, “Wait hold on, would it be acceptable to take Skoll with me tomorrow?” Morrigan asked nervously.

Xitzocl turned with a curious tilt of her head, the moonlight reflecting off her short yet brightly colored crest as Morrigan continued with her concern, “I know Xol can keep Nora in line… she can be a handful and he’s learned how to deal with her but… Skoll seems deeply connected to me and my emotions so I’m worried he might lash out if I’m gone for too long and I know the people here see him as a wild and extremely deadly creature… I don’t want anything to happen to Skoll nor the people of Tikal,” she hammered out.

Xitzocl snorted and faced away as she continued her walk saying, “Of course, I believe Lakai would enjoy a visit from Skoll, seeing as he is also the only Marmuro’k to fight the Bïrûskê and live,” she stated in amusement, knowing full well there was a shocked expression on Morrigan’s face even if she did not see it.

◇◇◇

Skoll whined as he and Morrigan caught the scent of a fresh morning kill in the air. She patted his dense shoulder as she rode on his back before looking back at the city where she left the rest of her family behind over a mile away.

“I know buddy, I smell it too. Maybe once we’re done seeing Lakai we can go hunting or something?” she said before questioning her sanity for considering as hunt in the dangerous wilds of Tik’Taq’To.

Skoll on the other hand, beamed with anticipation and profound excitement as he began trotting gracefully along the well worn path. That raised a question in her mind and hoped Skoll could answer, “Do you know who Lakai is Skoll?”

Skoll groaned before he belched and licked his chops. Morrigan smirked though she was unsure if that was an affirmation or him declining that he knew the ancient Marmuro’k.

“I guess I shouldn't expect everything to be seamless. At least he's easier to communicate with than Yekku,” she mused to herself before watching a large flock of avian creatures burst from the distant jungle canopy. Morrigan could see two of those wyvern things in the distance too, watching them duck into the canopy to scoop up leaves off the tops of the trees.

As she told Xitzocl, Tik’Taq’To was a planet of beauty and wonder, even if most of everything wanted to eat you. Though, she had to make it a goal again to visit Gelia, the historically gorgeous homework of the Eskarii. Perhaps she will even see her mother and her Aunt Jen when she visited, if she assumed they would still be there by then.

The journey to and up the mountain was uneventful for the most part and Morrigan was surprised with how fast Skoll made the trip as the sun began to set. There was a close encounter with a pack of bipedal lizards with large hooked claws similar to ancient Velociraptors from Earth, only twice as tall as Skoll with brilliantly colored feathers of greens, oranges and reds. Thankfully, Skoll and Morrigan simply hid behind an outcropping as the creatures expertly darted down the mountain side and disappeared into the jungle, spotting different prey for them to hunt. As sure as she was that she could fight them off, she still did not want to go claw to claw with a pack of those creatures though she would have to remember to asked Xol or Xitzocl what they were.

There were a few climbing points where Morrigan had to raise her electrified wolf up as they came close to the peak, though after the second time, Skoll seemed much more comfortable about her transparent crimson ability. Though she had no idea how old Skoll was, plus the fact he was the size of a horse respectively, she could not help but feel proud as if he were a puppy learning something new. She also learned that Skoll radiated pride more often than anything whether it be something he did or she happened to do, Skoll seemed almost simply proud of their bond and their existence within each other’s lives.

The peak of the mountain was a massive flat platform that held the entrance to a massive cave entrance that tunneled into the base of the spire-like tip of the mountain. If Morrigan had to guess, it was likely the home of one of those large tree skimming creatures but the giant, still burning brazier that sat in the center of the flat platform. Along with the brazier were over a dozen moisture collecting devices that hung around or sat on either side of the cave entrance, telling any who ventured that the cave was home to someone instead of something.

Morrigan hopped off Skoll’s back and stepped towards the edge of the peak. Tikal was barely a soft glowing smudge in the distance giving Morrigan an idea of just how far Skoll carried her.

Skoll sniffed intensely all over the mountain peak with rapt interest before letting out an excited yip. Morrigan turned just in time to see Skoll dart into the dark entrance of the cave cackling his hyena-like laugh in playful excitement.

“Skoll!” she growled loudly before muttering to herself, “Damned dog.” Morrigan dashed across the peak platform and entered the suggestive darkness of the cave however, after making her way 20 feet into the cave, torchlight began to light her way within the sharply winding tunnel.

What caused Morrigan to slow were the various decorative, possibly historical paintings along each wall and even the ceiling of the cave tunnel. Though she could not make sense of the artwork’s meaning, the vast variety of blocky and colorful depictions of various things still enraptured her attention. She could pick out certain things, such as the giant flying creatures called Kurmanan, the Iaktai, and dozens of other creatures she had yet to see. She also saw numerous depictions of the three Marmuro’k subspecies and even picked out the symbols of each clan, some imagery depicting conflict, and some showing the concept of construction or progression as far as Morrigan could guess. The largest piece of art was a picture of what Morrigan could only surmise was the sacred city of Tikal, as she could identify the coliseum, as well as the tower used for delegations. With the yellowish gold background surrounding the city, Morrigan caught a sense of pride regarding the sacred land.

The was a booming sound followed by Skoll’s yips and barks that sent Morrigan’s nerves on edge as her crimson claws and wings appeared on instinct. The fact she could feel that sound in her chest worried her as she rushed forward and used her wings to thrust herself even farther at a faster rate.

What she did not expect, was to see the largest Marmuro’k she could never have imagined crouching on massive tree trunk legs and rubbing Skoll’s belly, her companion rubbing back and forth on the ground as he soaked up the attention.

Morrigan’s abrupt and spectacular entrance broke the awkward reunion as the giant Timse’h stood to his full height of nearly 17 feet tall.

So, this is Lakai the Ancient, huh? Apollyon mused in scrutinized assessment.

Skoll looked at her with his tongue hanging over his face before rolling over and lifting his head to let out a short, excited howl. Morrigan let out a sharp breath of surprise before her surroundings registered in her senses.

The interior chamber was cluttered in a wide array of decorations, from dried herbs and meat hanging from the ceiling to even more intricate wall art and stone shelves holding various useful items and utensils one might find in a hermit’s cave. Sweet smelling flowers burned in various bowls around the room and a crude yet effectively made fire pit had steam rising from a large pan along with the familiar scent of a meat stew. The interior of the cave reminded Morrigan of imagery used in fantasy books to describe a sage’s cave or something similar.

Morrigan realized her claws and wings were still out as Lakai narrowed his alligator like gaze at her. Blushing, she dismissed the energy and took several steps forward towards the center of the room only to have Skoll sprint at her and barrel into her with hyperactive energy as he licked her face and chest repeatedly.

“Come on Skoll! Relax sweetie, we’re being rude,” she stated as she pushed Skoll’s massive frame down and rubbed his head. She shifted her attention to Lakai once Skoll settled down and sat like a proper good boy, “I apologize for such a rude entrance into your home Lakai… I am…”

However, Lakai’s deep, resonating, baritone voice interrupted her, “I know who you are, Red Death,” his speech a touch slower than she was used to when it came to listening to other Timse’h.

Morrigan’s eyes went wide with shock and panic, not only because each syllable Lakai spoke threatened to send her heart into cardiac arrest with the powerful reverberation the cave chamber caused, but also because he some how knew who she was.

“How?” she asked nervously as she mindlessly grabbed ahold of a tuft of Skoll’s fur. Skoll on the other hand felt perfectly at home as his cold wet nose bumped into her cheek causing her to refocus.

Lakai reached over and grabbed ahold of a branch as tall as he was, the gnarled wood twisting along its length and what appeared to be roots tangled around a immaculately carved spiked circle, designed in the crude symbolism of a sun.

Lakai took a step forward and used the makeshift shaft to hold his weight as she looked down at his right leg to see deep scars and ruined hide-like flesh similar to a burn of the third degree.

“The trees and the wind whisper to me, of your arrival days ago. The great Red Death, and Master of the Bïrûskê, I see,” Lakai stated as he glanced between Skoll and Morrigan, his tone difficult to decipher as Morrigan shifted uncomfortably.

Lakai came within ten feet of them before slowly lowering himself down to the ground and crossing his legs haphazardly, even sitting he still towered over Morrigan.

Morrigan took advantage of the situation and sat down, mimicking Lakai by crossing her legs and dragging Skoll with her as she guided him to lie down and laying his head across her lap.

“Darkness comes for wisdom, yes?” Lakai thunderous rumbled. His question caused her to pause and cringe in horror as her memories of Nora’s explanation of when she lost herself came to mind.

Morrigan winced as she shook her head of the memory, “Umm, not exactly…” she responded meekly. Morrigan knew she should be more confident in herself, especially seeing as Nora, Xol, Yekku, Hi’tet and Xitzocl believed in her so much however, the weight of Lakai’s gaze was undeniably imposing.

Lakai hummed before setting the giant staff across his lap and reaching across towards her to scratch Skoll’s hindquarters. Skoll made pleasant groans and emitted happiness as he closed his eyes.

Somehow, the gesture seemed to calm Morrigan, seeing Skoll so peaceful around the massive Timse’h.

“Then why come to Lakai?” He asked, speaking in a lower tone. Despite being a decibel or two lower, it still didn’t keep her ribcage from vibrating each time she spoke.

Morrigan sighed and stroked the length of Skoll’s ear, “I came for judgement. I seek to prove that I am Marmuro’k and earn the ear of the clan chieftains because… war is coming, and it is against an enemy no one species can fight against alone.”

Lakai leaned back and hummed thoughtfully as he scrutinized her. Without another word, Lakai stood slowly using the staff to balance himself and shuffled along back to the fire pit. “Come,” he requested.

Morrigan did not argue though she was confused as to what was happening as show got up and followed. To her surprise, Lakai had three bowls laid out along a shelf of three difference sizes, as he grabbed the largest of the bowls and scooped it into the giant pan. Morrigan watched curiously as Lakai filled the second smallest bowl before glancing at her, “You must take, much too small,” he stated causing her to raise her eyebrows in surprise.

Keeping her thoughts to herself, she grabbed the bowl and scooped some of what appeared to be a kind of broth into her bowl from the second bowl, not wanted to lean over a fire to reach into the pan. Lakai grabbed a water skin from the wall and attached it to his side before grabbing the largest bowl and moving back to where they were sitting previously.

Morrigan grabbed both bowls, using her energy to carry the larger bowl adeptly, and walked back. She deduced that the second large bowl was for Skoll so she set it down for him. It took no permission to keep Skoll from standing and lapping up the contents of the bowl greedily. Morrigan watched Lakai eye the bizarre creature, though what she saw in Lakai’s gaze was not contempt, but admiration.

“Clan Chieftain Xitzocl of Clan Arak’tarul mentioned you knew Skoll, that you both fought and survived, which is considered a legendary feat according to her…” Morrigan brought up as she tipped the bowl to her lips, seeing as Lakai did not appear to have utensils.

Lakai tipped his head back with the bowl at the edge of his long and wide mouth and drained half of his bowl in a single gulp before humming in affirmation.

“Yes. The Bïrûskê is a strong fighter, enough to earn respect. It is good to see the young beast has found an equal,” Lakai mentioned thoughtfully, watching Skoll swish his twin tails back and forth happily.

Morrigan did not understand what Lakai meant, but the sentiment behind his words were sweet and brought a small smile to her lips. Lakai huffed contently before focusing on her, “Why do you believe you are Marmuro’k?” he asked.

His question caught her off guard as her mind reeled to decipher what he was truly asking. She considered the question, finding herself wondering the same thing.

“I am the strongest human than I know of, and Xol-Tau of Clan Tau bent his knee in fealty to me after a display of strength… but…” she paused, uncertain of her own explanation and let out a small sigh as she set her bowl down. She reconsidered the question for a moment and continued, “Ever since I was a child, I always dreamed of becoming friends with a Marmuro’k. I always dreamed our two species would live in peace and benefit from one another, even as I got older, I continued to believe it was possible… when I suffered my greatest pain, I earned the respect of three Marmuro’k and took a fourth into my care until I was able to bring him home. Even though Qiote-Arak’tarul decided to come home, he, along with Xol-Tau, Yekku-Kri’ket and Hî’tet-Tau will always be mine in my heart, forever my family. Even coming to this planet only two days ago, I found its beauty amongst its many dangers and want to do everything I can to protect it as well as all the clans of Tik’Taq’To. Despite being seen as a lesser creature, I respect and honor the Marmuro’k to the best of my ability and want nothing but prosperity for the Marmuro’k…”

Lakai listened intently to her reasoning. She knew he scrutinized every word she said and how she said them, she watched him scan her as if each syllable were written across her skin. With a single nod, Lakai made his decision.

“You are no Marmuro’k,” he stated blatantly.

Morrigan’s soul ached at those words as she deflated, Skoll popping his head up and growling loudly at her sudden emotional pain.

Lakai simply raised his massive hand towards Skoll, “You are not human, either,” he added. This made Morrigan furrow her brows in confusion as she looked up at Lakai.

“I don’t understand…” she muttered as she sat up straight and cocked her head to the side in an attempt to process what Lakai was saying.

“You are neither, but much more. To say you are human or Marmuro’k is a lie. Darkness, known as Red Death, takes the light of the sun to protect all from the fires of hate. Yes, not Marmuro’k, not human, but darkness to cradle all in the comfort of tender and wrath,” Lakai explained cryptically.

Morrigan was lost, unable to comprehend what Lakai was trying to say. Skoll on the other hand became super prideful, going from growling to nuzzling her and forcibly licking her face in pure happiness.

Lakai hummed before finishing his bowl and moved to stand, “Come,” he said before carefully stepping around her and Skoll, making his way towards the entrance to his cave. Morrigan quickly got up and followed behind the gargantuan Timse’h with Skoll trailing close behind.

Once outside, Lakai moved to the edge of the overhang and unleashed a titanic bellow that caused Morrigan to wince and clench her teeth painfully to fight off the deep resonating tone of Lakai’s long bass filled shout. Her heart hammered in her ears that nearly drowned out the resonation of his voice that expanded across the world around them. With how much he resonated, Morrigan was sure the city of Tikal heard him.

Once he finished, Lakai turned to Morrigan with a stern demeanor, letting her approach the edge of his home with him. He held her in regard as he turned towards Tikal with a gesture of his staff, “The Trial of Fire awaits you, Morrigan Clarke of Clan Clarke. Always think, always feel, and shroud the hate in Marmuro’k hearts and protect this world,” he said pointing closely at her forehead then to her chest as a fair well before limping back towards the cave.

Morrigan was bewildered and could not help but blurt, “How did you know my name?”

Lakai hummed as he walked away, “The wind tells no lies, Red Death. I see, I hear, what Tik’Taq’To wishes me to know.”

Just like that, Lakai the Ancient left Morrigan stupefied and perplexed beyond reason, having far more questions added to her ever growing pile of concerns and mystery, some that would take a life time for her to figure out.