She didn't realize just how much there is to the Court until Antiope left.

It had been one thing to wander the streets and the outskirts of the borders. Then Antiope had tasked Morrighan with keeping an eye on things while she went to the other Courts to maintain alliances. She took this job very seriously of course, but she had underestimated how much more work and energy it'd require. Maybe it's simply that she sets too high expectations for herself. It just felt that there was even more to monitor. Not just looking around at the streets for idiot thieves, but also making sure that it all ran smoothly. All the way down to the little mundane things.

She hadn't spent much time in the castle before this, except maybe here and there to visit Isra. She's too used to the comforts of her small home or the cobblestone streets of the markets. Now that she had spent many nights in there, it's like a whole new world unfolded before her. The food especially surprised her and she wonders if she should've spent more time here a while ago.

It had all been worth it though. The many nights she spent looking out the windows with eyes like a hawk. The many individuals she yelled at to get their shit together and do their jobs. The poor page from the castle that she probably could've cut some slack with. Oh well, it'll be good for him to develop some thick skin.

And, in the end, the kingdom hadn't burned down. That alone should be seen as an accomplishment.

So when the page arrived saying that their Queen had returned, Morrighan smiled. With Bram close by, they all headed back to the castle. They didn't exchange words (most likely because he was terrified of the Warden and her wolf), but her mind was swimming with thoughts anyway.

Before winter had ended, Morrighan had asked Antiope who she might appoint as a Regent. It was then that she realized how badly she wanted the job. Her task to watch Denocte in Antiope's absence had to have been a test that she very much hopes she passed. Now with this meeting, hopefully she will find out.

At last, her footsteps echo down the halls of the castle towards the great room. Morrighan can smell woodsmoke faintly in the air and, before the doors even open, Antiope will see flames come back to life within the fireplace. It wouldn't be like the Warden not to make such an entrance.

Then the doors open wide and the smell of food hits her nostrils. She can feel her stomach turning - either from hunger or nerves, or both. Her Queen is sitting by a table waiting and Aubin steps aside to let Morrighan and Bram pass.

"Queen Antiope, I present, Morrighan Ciardha and.. uh.." the page announces, but hesitates as he tries to remember her companion's name. The wolf laughs.

"That's okay, he's not as important," Morrighan says as she walks over to the table, a smirk on her face. A growl can be heard coming from Bram, but he stays off in the corner and lays down. He's too tired to argue back this time.

The Warden gives a nod to the Sovereign and takes a seat. "How was the world out there? Glad to see you're back in one piece." It's a bit of a joke, but Morr had never been interested in traveling outside of Denocte. She can't imagine how different the world must be outside of their borders or how the other Courts are. Desert sands? Swamps? No thanks. At least the big threat of Raum is gone so she didn't have to worry too much about Antiope's safety. Besides, the woman had made it clear how powerful her magic is.

She is still nervous and eager to ask what the woman is thinking moving forward. However, if she's learned anything in her time being Warden, she knows how important small talk can be at times. She'll have to wait it out and just hope there might be some good news coming very soon.

“Speaking.”

At Antiope's comment about her bonded, Morrighan can't help but laugh. Truthfully, their relationship has improved. While her teeth clench at the thought of telling him how she feels, she does appreciate having him around. Also it's just nice having him as muscle if she needs it. "Eh, you know," she replies with a shrug. From his spot, Bram rolls his eyes.

Then the food comes out and is placed before them. Her stomach growls and it seems she is indeed hungry. All of it smells great and she can't help but take a bite of the pie right away. Morr realizes that was a mistake as the food is still extremely hot. She finds herself holding her mouth open while trying to breathe out to cool it off. It ends up being an awkward combination of slow chewing and cringing as the hot food sits on her tongue. Her eyes well up while Antiope continues speaking and Morr just tries to keep a straight face. This definitely tops as the most embarrassing moment of her life.

It's bad timing too as Antiope is trying to reflect on her journey and the courts. She speaks such heartfelt words and here Morr is unable to properly eat food. Thankfully, after a few more painful chews, she swallows and she's free from the burning food. Quickly, she takes a sip of the iced tea and it soothes her mouth. She nods to what the woman is saying to make sure to show she's listening. For now, she'll refrain from taking another bite until she knows for sure the food is cooled off.

Her Queen mentions keeping good relationships with the other Courts. Morr feels indifferent about them, but it's really just because she doesn't know them well. Maybe in time she will through Antiope, but for now she just hopes none of them try to pull anything. She's especially unsure of Solterra and their new king given their reputation. Many have told her the stories of before where the two Courts were at odds with each other. Raum certainly didn't paint a different picture of that in her mind. But, she trusts Antiope's judgment. Maybe she will manage to change Morr's mind and get her not to be so skeptical.

She tries to sift through all the events from the time Antiope has been gone. It's felt like a lot, but in reality, everything went fine. "Well," she says, clearing her throat. "We had some idiots get into a bar fight and break some tents in the market, so that was fun. Got it under control though." Morr remembers that night very well, but that had really been the only "crazy" thing that had happened. "Other than that, not much. Same old, same old." There were many times she wanted to set something on fire, but she was able to keep herself under control. That alone should make Antiope proud.

She leans over to feel the temperature of the pie again and is pleased to find that it's started to cool off. As she takes another bite, she hopes she hasn't made too much of a fool of herself by now.

“Speaking.”

Thank Caligo, as it seems Antiope either doesn't notice Morrighan embarrassing herself, or is nice enough not to comment. Because of this, she's able to move forward with their conversation with more ease. She takes another sip of the iced tea.

The Queen mentions seeing peace across the other Courts and this certainly is good news. Morr has been stuck in the mindset of Raum's regime and being skeptical of everything and everyone. She'll likely never get out of this completely, but maybe she can relax a little knowing the others aren't out to get them. Just a little though.

When Antiope praises Morr for her hard work while she had been gone, she smiles, perhaps more than she ever has. "You're welcome," she says. Although she wants to add something like "I told you I could do it", she refrains. While things are going well so far, there is still a part of her that's nervous. She wants this promotion more than she's wanted anything before this point.

And it seems that may be where this is going. Once again, Morr thinks back to that conversation nearly a season ago and all the things Antiope had listed that were important in a Regent. She took it to heart and has been trying to meet that expectation since. So when Antiope asks the question, her answer should come as a no-brainer. "Of course. It would be an honor," she replies firmly. Then she can't help but laugh and add, "I mean after all, the Court isn't up in flames, is it?" Even Isra would have been proud at that fact knowing just how short-tempered the mare is.

But Antiope isn't Isra and between them is a whole new level of trust that has to be built. Hopefully Morrighan has managed to secure enough to move forward. She holds her breath.

“Speaking.”

It seems like more time has passed than it actually has and she's been holding her breath this whole time waiting for Antiope's answer. Part of her worries the woman will say no or not yet and she's not sure how she'll react to that. She feels like she's worked so hard for this and the time is right, but it has to be the Sovereign's decision.

But then Antiope says it's her's and Morr almost wants to jump out of her seat from excitement. She even sees Bram perk up from where he's been resting. The painted mare keeps her composure though and just puffs out her chest with a smile. "Thank you, Antiope. I won't let you down." And she means it. Even when her anger gets the best of her, she will take her promotion and responsibilities seriously.

When Antiope gets up to leave, she makes a comment about etiquette lessons, likely referring to her food issues earlier. Morrighan's ears droop and her cheeks feel hot with embarrassment. Dammit. She shoots Bram a glare when she hears him snickering in the corner.

The Sovereign's footsteps fade down the hall as Morr takes the last few bites of her food with a scowl. It's clear now that she won't be living that down any time soon.

“Speaking.”