Xaviers!

The two women look at each other. "We don't know," Nimue admits, "she can't go back across the Veil. The Grey Lords will be hunting every member of the Rainbow Guard they can get their hands on."

"And she can't stay on this side of the Veil. It will drive her mad," Leandra says with a frown.

"...you're able to keep those here sane."

"How is that? Have they sworn oaths to you instead of the Grey Lords?"

"A combination of that, my magic, and the blessing of the Green Knight. It's a unique arrangement."

"There are some that might dispute this, but I'm sane, and I've been on this side of the Veil longer than any of you."

"You're the Morrigan," Nimue says diplomatically, as if something about that makes her situation different. "Do you have a solution you'd like to propose?"

"If Gemma wants to stay at the school, perhaps tying her to me is an option. We were able to keep the Grey Lords from preying upon Viv's mind for a time due to a sorceress that owed me a favor."

"There is always the standard 'Lineage contract'." Vivienne said softly.

Nimue and Leandra look at each other, then back at Sam and Vivienne. "Those may work," Nimue says, "You do realize the responsibility you would be taking on though, Morrigan?"

"I realize she's a warrior of no small skill. It's still her choice, but in a way she was mine already."

"To make this work properly, she will have to bind herself to your line. She will be in your service until you or one of your children release her. Rebirth will not cut those ties, so she could potentially be serving you and your descendants for several of her lifetimes."

"If there's a trust issue here, can a clause be added that this lapses when there's no longer a price on her head?"

"I do not think it is a trust issue, but...it is not going to be a simple contract. It will complicated, it be another binding on her, the wording will need to be flawless to insure her safely and freedom and there is the little other complication of...us."

Tereza approaches, munching on something meat-related. "Why is 'us' a complication? Sam's the one she's going to be bound to, potentially, right?"

"Well, we are all female and while there is nothing wrong with that, it does limit the possibility of blood-heirs. Not impossible to over come, just requiring a more complex contract. The wording will have to be very carefully and wisely chosen."

"I shouldn't think that the traditional contract requires blood heirs. Besides, aren't we worried about this lasting too long, rather than too short?"

"That would entirely depend on how long Gemmalara would care to remain on this side of the Veil," Nimue says, "I think the idea is sound, but until we know her intentions, we are at something of an impasse."

"Then if my lovely companions aren't objecting, let's just say it's an offer on the table."

"No objection from me," Tereza says, eyes getting distracted by some new plate of food they've brought in.

"I have enjoyed her friendship, I would like for her to remain as long as she desires."

"Then we're agreed," she smiles.

"She gets to choose. Even if she says no, I suspect she'd like at least being able to choose."

"Then we will discuss it with her after she has rested. Hopefully all of you will be able to join us for the celebration feast. This victory would not exist without all of you." She smiles at Tereza who has wandered off to peruse the tables again, "Though certainly don't feel you have to wait until the feast if you're hungry now."

"Not to worry, she will be able to eat then as well." She chuckled and took a long pull from her goblet.