Decided

The two prior posts and this one have shown me this works best as the opening, and the harpies reviewing it from the air is better at the end. May change my mind, again, but as of now...that's how it will go.

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The Dagda hid nothing. His face was so filled with rage, it was a fight to keep himself under control. But he had promised to remain silent about the agreement...and was being good to his word. Still, it unnerved Caoimhín to see the man's anger. It helped that he knew it was aimed at Morriggan, and not him.

He stopped his men on the side of the grassy finger, slightly down the slope. This part was wider than he'd thought. Had room enough for a settlement to be built. It also rose higher above the water than he'd estimated, so would be quite secure. But then he realized...

This sharp bit of land pointed directly to those black, towering rocks, beyond...as if to say, There...there lies your destiny. 

Of course. That was why this spot had been chosen. It brought a sneer to Caoimhín's lips.

He turned back to eye two thick wooden posts that were planted in crevices of the rocks. They were perhaps two arms-length apart, both very solid, and taller than even The Dagda. Leather straps hung from each and runes had been carved into them, adding to their ceremonious feel.

Caoimhín hesitated, glancing from them to The Dagda to Morrigan, then drew in his deepest breath and snarled, "We've come, witch. Let this be done."

Morrigan drew haughtier, her expression now cold and nearly cruel. "Do you agree to the conditions of the oath?" she asked.

Caoimhín nodded. "These horrors must be ended in some way, and if this is how, so be it."

The Dagda glanced between them, almost ready to argue...but then he decided against it. The agreement had been difficult enough to forge without him adding his last-minute reservations.

Morrigan all but smiled, her voice like a purr. "So be it. Which of you is the offering?"

"Myself," said Caoimhín.

That word jolted Morrigan, as if she had been slapped.

The Dagda jumped forward. "No, Caoimhín, I cannot allow..."

"It is not your decision," Caoimhín snarled. "It is our choice. And it is to be me."

"Caoimhín," Morrigan whispered in a voice so soft and alluring, it could break the heart of a stone. "It is not you we expected to...I mean...this is not what we wanted. This not what we...what we..."

"Why not?" And he cast her a glare filled with such hate and anger, she took a step back. "You think I would allow some other man to take my place when I am the one who brought this horror upon us? Should I not be the one to finish it?"

“You were not the one who...”

“Had I not been such a child in mind and spirit, we could have avoided everything, so I accept blame and call for...” 

"That is abject nonsense!" The Dagda snapped. "I refuse to allow this travesty to..." 

"Keep your fancy words to yourself!” Caoimhín growled, shifting his glare to the man. “My brother tried to counsel me in my anger. My father attempted to instruct me. But I would not listen, so it is I who brought...who caused...I who..." 

His voice trailed off. He did not trust himself to speak further.