#using mobile to post this and hoping the formatting doesn't go wonky

[broodwoof]

Happy Friday! I'd love to see something for Liall Talas and "The sickly-sweet scent of dying flowers and decay" from the eerie vague prompts!

@dadrunkwriting

ooooh ty for this!! I love liall sfm. my terrible perfect daughter uwu

448 words

cw: death mention, decay mention

She was rooting through Morrigan's pack when the other woman came up behind her, pointedly clearing her throat. Liall ignored her, pulling out a small bundle and giving it a sniff before putting it back. "'Tis fascinating, this blatant disregard for property." She shrugged.

"Where are the herbs you packed three weeks ago?" She pulled out another package as she spoke, sniffing it before returning it with a sigh.

"Used, I'm afraid. Now will you desist in examining my every belonging?"

"We need to get more." She set the pack aside with a sigh. "You gathered them at the edge of the forest, yes? What is their range?"

"Why this interest? They are not overly useful herbs. Good for tender stomachs." She could tell without looking that Morrigan's expression was contemptuous. "Your fellow warden complained far too much about a meal not sitting well. Perhaps he will be more cautious about trying Antivan fare next time."

"My stomach is fine," was all Liall said. They were still within the forest. She knew that matters were pressing, so they could not afford the time to double back. However, if they angled towards the margins of the forest, they might be able to find another patch.

"Why the interest?" Morrigan pressed.

"Their smell."

"Pardon?"

Liall turned to look at her. She had not seen this expression often, Morrigan's features contorted with surprise. "Their smell," she repeated slowly. "We passed a carcass yesterday. It had been sitting out for a while. The odor reminded me of something."

"The herbs?" She nodded. "I admit, they have a curious scent, but I would not compare it to a corpse."

"Rot," Liall began, "not all the rest. That sweet scent which makes you feel ill. But the herb, you say it calms upset stomach? Curious. I need to compare the two. Similar scent, or the same? What is the function of the herb smelling that way?"

"Is this really—"

"Things prey on carcasses," she continued, speaking over Morrigan, "perhaps the herb is trying to draw them. For pollination? For protection? Why? How? Maybe they grow near death. Need to see it growing. Won't need long." She was talking to herself now, but Morrigan was still standing there. The look she gave Liall was a familiar one. Some concern. Some confusion. A lot of discomfort.

Oh well.

"Tomorrow we'll head east. Keep an eye out for another patch. Won't add more than a half-day."

"I see." Morrigan's voice was crisp and a little cold. She was not happy. Might be angry. Liall suspected she didn't like being told what to do. "Goodnight, warden." A dismissal. Liall headed off towards the tent she shared with Leliana.