Page 74 of Rise of the Morrigan

"Are you not the wife of the Dagda?" Cú Chulainn asked.

The Morrigan sighed. A tear fell down her cheek. "Not by choice, my love. And he has offered my freedom if I might earn the affections of a mortal, the very mortal whom I love... if I might be loved by you, Cú Chulainn."

Cú Chulainn placed his hand on the Morrigan's shoulder. "You do not need to appear to me this way."

The Morrigan nodded and returned to her natural form. "I only thought you'd find this form more pleasing. I've observed you often, I've seen the women who catch your eye."

"Why would you change yourself, your own natural beauty, for my sake?"

"It seemed to me you preferred women of a slighter frame..."

"I appreciate the beauty of a woman who embraces her truth... you are beautiful however you've appeared to me..."

"Even as the eel and the heifer?"

Cú Chulainn laughed. "In a manner of speaking... I suppose there was a majesty in those forms. But this is what suits you, my Morrigan. You are beautiful as you are..."

"If only you'd known me when I was but three sisters..."

Cú Chulainn shook his head. "I cannot imagine that you were any less beautiful then..."

"So you will have me?"

"I honor you, Morrigan. But I cannot betray my wife. And for that, I am sorry."

"As am I," the Morrigan said. "For today you must do the unthinkable... you must face the mother of your child. She is Mebd's final champion."

Cú Chulainn sighed. "I should have expected that I suppose. But alas, since my son has come of age perhaps I can bring myself to face her, finally. You've given me a great gift. I will prevail."

"Bless you, Cú Chulainn... my love... and if you should ever change your mind... you need only call on the nearest raven and it is likely that it will be I."

Cú Chulainn nodded. "Bless you, divine Morrigan."

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