...and what of Orlais?

[color=#e82a1f]REMINDER: This takes place in Ferelden, in the Kocari Wilds. However, this is relevant to the Orlesian Blight and will count as an Orlesian Blight thread due to the relevance. [/color]

Morrigan had delivered the news that the Empress had departed this world, and the crown had a new owner. She had also relayed the dangers of returning to Orlais. Urging the new Emperor(s) to let the country fall to the Blight; because she would not see her son return to a country that held nothing but darkness and death. An argument had ensued; Calixte was upset with her assessment. She was pissed because he dared to argue against her.

They had parted ways, to gain clarity.

But now, she was perched on a tall boulder on one of the many trails around the protected Wilds, waiting for the young royal. He'd sent a crow to inform her that he'd be willing to make a deal. Making a deal with her was dangerous; but she was also a politician aiming to create new alliances between countries, not ruin them. She'd listen to the request. And to his offer. 

And should she need to, she'd sweeten the pot. Your Highness, she did not look behind of her to see him, and nothing on the ground alerted her. She kicked her legs idly, staring ahead of them. Are you prepared to make a deal? For the safety of your people? She sounded far too happy about the circumstances. But then, it was hard to tell. Her emotions were not easily conveyed as they should be, she enjoyed keeping people guessing.

It was said that time away offered perceptive. That was not a lie, but he had always thought that the turn of phrase alluded to a brighter outlook. Maybe it was the fact that he was dealing with his mother in law. Maybe it was that this was something he couldn't fix but simply rallying the nobles. this was greater than he had the span of breath for. He had not fought in a blight. so he would have to defer to Morrigan. Again.

She had offered a loss of life he would not stand for. So in leaving to gain clarity he had only found himself marching straight back towards the witch. Was he better than is mother for doing this for the many? He didn't know what he was more angry at his mother for conspiring and in turn leaving him to pick up her mess or the way she failed to acknowledge him other than to speak of the corner he found himself backed into. Maker help him.  He rounded the stone she sat upon to face her. His mouth pressed into a thin line as he met her with his spine straight. he could at least do that despite finding himself more ensnared in her machinations. I will hear what you want first. I love your son but let me be clear I have no love for you. I am not my mother nor my sister. So be frank and sincere because I have no use of the game out in the wilds. I am tired and in a foul mood.

Morrigan leaned back on the stone, studying her son-in-law. I will protect Val Roy. I will also ensure those Orlesians alive throughout the ruins of Orlais will find their way safely to the capital. She was not upset at learning that he loved her son but did not like her. That was to be expected. She liked knowing she'd picked right for the boy. She wanted him happy. Now, however, she did not particularly care if his spouse was happy with her. But her son...

Are your people worth your soul, Emperor? She tilted her head, a fey grin on her face. There were others he could go to, but no mage nor witch that he had any sway over. Just her.

He really shouldn't be surprised. When people thought of morrigan this was the first thing that came to mind he was fairly certain or at least it should be. He was surprised startling a laugh from him. Bitter, but the answer was simple. What does giving over a soul entail? Here I thought you didn't stoop to what the lords and ladies whispered of you, but no I am pleasantly proven wrong. Count me amused and foul tempered. He would give his soul. His people were worth that. The was the brief thought that maybe he should go bring Kieran into the fold, but he was already here and he doubted that Morrigan would allow him to walk away without an answer. He was not going to tell her No.

Morrigan raised her eyebrows. Ah, the rumors and whispers that ride the winds often have truth to them, child. She chuckled, not at all surprised to hear of such things. After all, her mother was a creature of legend.

She might as well be, too.

Well, there will be a ritual to confirm the exchange. While we will work to reclaim Orlais, and you will remain the face of the country... She shrugged, ...I will have a say as well, retaining my seat on your advisory board and behind the scenes, akin to a second ruler. I want no credit for the glory Orlais might find.

She leaned back, studying him. He needed to know what he was getting into. And because your soul would be mine, there are... rituals, that you would help me with. Blood magics, old magics. Her grin is there again, and she straightened where she sat.

My son is to know nothing of this deal.

For the longest moment he simply stared at his mother in law chewing at the inside of his cheek to keep from saying something he would regret.  A breath and then another. Morrigan I will take this deal and do so willingly because that is the wall you have me pinned against. Because my people have suffered enough against a force I cannot quell fast enough. I will say nothing, but secrets, rarely stay secrets and I wonder the price you will pay for the deals you make. Advantageous, now. For now.

Have some faith in me, Emperor. I wish only to better your country. She smiled, a sinistarly fey smile, at him, reached out to offer her hand to him. The price I will pay is not as much as the price I have paid. Just know that.

Morrigan straightened, fingers curling around his hand, assuming he's taken it. With a wave of her hand, between them appears a ritual circle as if permanently marked into the earth in blood. Calixte would feel something cut into his palm, despite the fact she held no knife.

Her own hand bled, intermingling with the Emperor's lost blood. Her foot tapped against the ground, counting. And once she'd tapped her foot ten times, the wounds to their hands healed.

We will travel to Val Royeaux in the morning. And I will fortify it for the Orlesian people.