Why am I suddenly seeing Varric as Lancelot du Lac, suddenly vulnerable as the purity of his devotion comes into question? :D I loved the interaction between the two of them, and how under the humor and innuendo, there are very real questions being asked.

I also very much enjoyed the mighty Flemeth falling victim to a shell game gambit. I like your Morrigan more and more, and I'm just a little cross about that. I was quite happy in my thoughtless dislike. ;)

I love the slow spiral of Varric's growing attraction and this really gave us both insight in Varric and also the state of their relationship. ""Don't push your luck, elf." The words came out with a harder edge than Varric had intended; he resented this beautiful elf who had come along to distract Varric and throw his life into turmoil. He had been perfectly happy as Bianca's devoted servant. "Temptation is a long way from action … and isn't guaranteed to lead to it.""

Also loved how cleverly Morrigan is staying one step ahead of Flemeth. It was inevitable that she arrive but that she was thwarted, at least on this first attempt, was well played.

Wonderful update, as always!

I enjoyed the appearance of Flemeth, and I somehow doubt that Morrigan's plan will go as smoothly as she intends. ;) I'm enjoying the slow development of the relationship between Zevran and Varric as well.

Ha! Flemeth! Foiled again! At least the team has something resembling a plan, and Flemeth will probably continue to underestimate them. A few thousands years as an amulet would be just about right.

*giggles* The part here with Varric and Zevran. Could -not- stop smiling. :D

Well! Liked how you handled the first showing of Flemeth! She was trying to be sneaky, but failed! And now they have a plan - I think it's doable. Let's hope it is!

As always you are more than welcome - sorry about the terrible turnaround time on this one!

Oh, Varric... if you ask her right, I bet she'd be up for a threesome.

This is a freakin' awesome story so far! Thanks for sharing!

Good grief. I had kind of forgotten about Flemeth! I like how you've made Morrigan a likeable character.

"In that circumstance, far better to be planning their assistance herself, rather than have them assume they knew what they were doing and ruin things at the last minute." She'd be a micromanager in the 21st century, but she'd get things done!

Great update! I am looking forward to Flemeth's appearance! Cheers, Biff

I anticipate the Morrigan/Flemeth confrontation even more than I did the Morrigan/Leliana smackdown. It's very unusual and refreshing to read a story in which Morrigan is a positive protagonist.

Morrigan's POV is simply fascinating. For me, it takes an extremely careful touch to truly enjoy her perspective, and this hits that exactly. Just the "not … entirely" shows so much, as does the quiet tenderness she shows Wulfric and Arthur.

Was Varric referring to Zevran or himself? ;)

"In that circumstance, far better to be planning their assistance herself, rather than have them assume they knew what they were doing and ruin things at the last minute." Perfect.

This is a wonderful insight into how much Morrigan has grown from that shrewish young woman in the beginning: "Morrigan blinked, her vision clearing slowly and Wulfric's face coming into sharp definition. Although she would certainly have denied such a charge, she had learned to admit to herself how inexpressibly dear his face was to her, and how amazed she was that she had the chance to see it every day." Beautifully done.

And again here, the detailed thoughts that show her growth and the simplicity of the act make it even clearer: "A mundane gesture, to be certain, but surprisingly comforting. Wulfric's hands were large and strong and extremely skilled. In Morrigan's view, they were amongst the best parts of him. Holding one was reassuring"

Morrigan's determination to hone the group into a fighting force against Flemeth is very nicely done and I can't wait to see what goes wrong. As Zevran rightly points out: ""I always appreciate a plan based on someone else's misperceptions. Those never go awry."

Great update!

They certainly have assembled a very fine team. Time to get ready to eradicate some evil plans.

:D Update! :D

Loving the set-up! Like the Morrigan POV. Oh so many factors to consider in their preparations for Flemeth. I hope they (Morrigan) are able to formulate a good plan! Keep up with the awesome writing! We'll all wait patiently for the next installment! :)

I really liked the opening paragraph:

"Morrigan blinked, her vision clearing slowly and Wulfric's face coming into sharp definition. Although she would certainly have denied such a charge, she had learned to admit to herself how inexpressibly dear his face was to her, and how amazed she was that she had the chance to see it every day. How far she had come since that day in the Wilds when her mother had sent her away with the two Grey Wardens and orders to come home with the Old God in her belly."

And I liked this bit as well:

"Nonetheless, there was no time to waste. The attack from Flemeth would come when she least expected it, and the single precious life Flemeth lusted after would be hers if Morrigan was not on her guard at all times. She lifted her head and scanned the sky—it was empty for now, but she felt her mother coming, deep inside her skin."

I snickered at Zevran and Varric both listening in on their 'private' conversation as well. :)

Yay! A chapter! And a good one full of foreboding at that. Thank you!