The Banshee's Revenge

Epilogue



Morrigan sat in her courtyard by the scrying pond.

The wind was blowing gently around her, carrying with it the scent of the ocean and reminding her of Ireland's coast. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply, and listening to the murmurings of her realm.

Things were already improving.

Perhaps it was time to take a nap.

But then again, there was the baby to consider. She could hardly spend her time snoozing when the child would need to be educated about the ways of the world and prepared to fulfill the prophecy when the time came. Morrigan was determined to be a good mother to the little one.

Not like last time.

"My lady, you have a visitor," Azreal said from the doorway of the palace. "He insisted on seeing you."

"Send him in."

Morrigan smiled to herself, knowing who the visitor was. She'd sensed him the moment he dared to tread on her realm. Brave man. Fearless. A goddess could respect that even if she no longer loved the man.

"Morrigan."

Merlin's strong voice gave her goose bumps. Damn! He'd always been able to affect her senses. It was part of the reason she'd fallen in love with him so many centuries ago.

"Merlin." Morrigan stood to greet him. "You're looking well."

"Thank you." He nodded at the compliment and managed one of his own. "You only grow more beautiful."

"Flattery is unnecessary." Morrigan tossed her hair and looked him in the eye. "I suppose you know that I've killed our son."

"I'd heard." There was no emotion in Merlin's voice, no hint of how he felt on the matter. "And my granddaughter? I know you have possession of her. What will you do?"

"I'm not going to harm her," Morrigan said. "Death is reborn in her. Though I know it would hurt you greatly if I did, I have no wish to destroy the child."

"Good. It's all part of the prophecy."

"Damn prophecies. You just need to stop making them and let a few be completed."

Merlin smiled at her.

"But prophecies are so much fun and they keep us on our toes. I'm pleased you helped my daughter, too."

"She couldn't help who her father was. Why should I take my anger at you out on her?"

"Still mad then?"

"Always." Morrigan tossed her hair and turned her back on him. "You may go now. I've promised not to hurt the child. There is still a long time to go before the prophecy will even come into action."

"I've never stopped loving you."

Morrigan felt the grief well in her heart and fought back a flood of tears.

"Merlin, I--" she whirled back around only to find him gone.

Figures. He always had the last word.

No matter. There would be other meetings, other battles. Of that, she was sure.

In the meantime, she would raise the child with Toby and Jacqueline's assistance. They would do the best they could to provide a safe environment. No one could ask for more than that...

Morrigan smiled and lay down in the soft grass by the pond.

The wind blew through the courtyard again, soothing her nerves. She let out a deep sigh and savored the feeling of temporary peace trickling through her.

And far away in her realm, everyone else did, too.

Then End.