Author's Note: Thanks to all those who have read/fav/followed/reviewed my story thus far! Here's chapter ten - - hope you like it!
Chapter 10: A Taste of Death
The Black Door rumbled, moving to the side as Ava stepped inside, exhausted and mentally drained from her previous circumstances. She'd used the potion last night by the campfire, so her leg didn't throb quite as much as before. The potion made for a more tolerable trip back to Falkreath, and Ava was thankful for it. There was an ache that didn't stop, however, and that was the loneliness that came from knowing Cicero was no longer part of the Sanctuary.
Astrid came into view, wearing a look of complete satisfaction. "Ahhh...You're back. Tell me, Ava, was there a lot of blood? Did the jester scream in agony...wishing he'd never challenged me?"
Ava nodded, "Yes, Cicero is dead. When I found him he was badly injured, so I finished him off." She said casually, secretly feeling a bit shaky for lying to Astrid. If her leader ever discovered that Cicero was indeed living, the consequences would surely be dire. Cicero was quite alive. For that matter, he was apparently unharmed seeing as though he didn't need her healing mixture to save himself. What she told Astrid couldn't have been farther from the truth.
"What...no gory details? Haha...I guess you're not one to revel in your murders, hmmm?" Astrid spoke, seeming a bit disappointed with her unwillingness to speak further on the matter. "Nonetheless, I want this to be a warning...that anyone else who would dare question my role as leader will suffer as a result...Understand?" She said in an intimidating manner.
"Of course, Astrid..." Ava said, perplexed by Astrid's accusing demeaner. Why did she say that? Was it because Ava had been friendly with Cicero? Ava determined that as long as she did as she was told, she'd be safe. It did seem understandable that Astrid would be suspicious - - Cicero did try to kill her after all, and Ava was the closest person to him. Even if Ava could see why the jester did what he did, she knew Astrid had her own reasons as well. Ava hoped that in time things would go back to the way they were.
"Hmph! It's about damn time - - I could've wiped out a whole army in the time it took you to kill that prancing little freak! Of course that's what makes the Arcane Arts so powerful - - the ability to murder hoardes of unlucky people at once! Haha! All it takes is a deadly blast of fire here - - a storm of lightning there, and poof! Annihilation!" The old mage rambled on.
"...Um, Astrid said you have some information on my next target?" Ava delicately interrupted the babbling old man.
"Ah, yes yes! The gourmet! Why didn't you say so! Well, not the gourmet himself! Or herself...I don't know, it could be anybody! I've been doing a little investigation of sorts... I came up with an autographed copy of his famous work Uncommon Taste. It contains a message to a fellow chef - - a Breton by the name of Antone Virane. I've located him - - he's the cook in the Keep at Markarth." Festus explained.
"So, I need to ask him about the gourmet?" Ava asked.
"Getting the information is only the half of it! Once you find out the gourmet's identity and location, you'll have to murder Antone! Unless you want one hell of a thorne in your side when he informs all of Skyrim that you're planning on killing the Emperor!" He grumbled.
"Yeah...I guess you have a point..." She admitted. Why was she not surprised that she had to kill someone else?
"That's not all! The gourmet is scheduled to cook at a special feast held for the Emperor in Solitude. You'll have to track him down, do away with him, and take his Writ of Passage. That'll get you in. As long as you don't fool around and screw it up, you can use his identity to move in for the kill. And for Sithis' sake, don't mess it up! I may be old, but I do wanna live a few more years before I'm hunted down like a rabid wolf!"
"Okay, I'll get on it." Ava replied, walking away from the cranky old mage as fast as she could. It always stung on the inside when the other members would talk down to her, which still happened quite often. With Cicero gone, it became more evident to her that she was still looked down upon by most of the Sanctuary. Babette and Veezara treated her well, but due to the timing of their contracts she rarely seen them. The rest just seemed so...hard to please. Even Astrid seemed to be less accepting of her than before. She sorely missed the jester's presence now. Her dark family seemed much more tolerable when he was around.
Ava had her supplies packed and ready, as she briskly made her way toward the entrance of the Sanctuary. Suddenly, she was stopped dead in her tracks by a low, gruff voice.
"Hey Scrap! Wait a minute..." She turned to see the silver-haired Nord motioning her over, standing with his mid-section freshly bandaged.
"Hey, Arnbjorn...I see you made a safe trip back." Ava said, stepping up to him.
"Heh heh...Yeah, that little twit sure did a number on me. It's a good thing you finished him off. I've got to admit, if it weren't for you I'd be a dead man right now. You saved my life..." Arnbjorn admitted, much to Ava's surprise.
"Heh...I was just doing what needed to be done..." She spoke, scratching her head and looking away from him. She felt an ample supply of guilt and anxiety run through her veins for lying to the grateful Nord. She hoped he'd never find out that she let Cicero - - the man that nearly took his life - - live to see another day.
"Well, all the same - - I'm standing here right now because of you. Astrid was right about you after all, kid...you're alright..." Arnbjorn said, nudging Ava on the shoulder.
"Don't mention it..." She gave a weak smile. She really hoped he didn't mention it again. Maybe she could move on and forget about it. While it was nice to have a fellow family member warm up to her, it wasn't very encouraging that his gratitude was based on a lie.
The icy wind caused Ava to shiver. She stood at the dock overlooking the pond at the Nightgate Inn. She leaned over the edge watching the bubbles surface where Balagog Gro-Nolob's lifeless body fell. She discovered the Orc standing there just moments ago, holding a goblet of wine and enjoying his reclusive retreat. He was the renowned Gourmet she'd been searching for - - all it took was a brief interrogation in Markarth. Antone had quickly given her the information on the Gourmet's whereabouts for fear of losing his life; Unfortunately, Ava had to murder the poor chef anyway. Ava knew it had to be done, and she was relieved to find her Gourmet in the process. He was unlike many of the Orcs Ava had encountered in her travels - - a bit more cultured, elegant, and refined. She found it rather odd to see an Orc dressed in a fine raiment, rather than the usual heavily-armored attire.
His very need to remain anonymous as the Gourmet was his own demise, for it made him much easier to murder with no witnesses around. She'd spotted her chance, and almost instantly her dark urges overtook her. She had slit his throat from behind, letting him bleed out and retrieving the precious note that would bring her directly to Titus Mede II.
Ava looked on as the pond began to take on a blood-colored hue. She hated to admit it to herself, but this killing business was becoming easier to stomach for her. She wasn't fond of it by any means, but she was considerably less upset by the atrocious things she was doing. She almost wished this wasn't happening, for it made her feel as if her very humanity was slipping away. What would her father and mother think of her now...knowing their one and only daughter had turned into such a terrible person?
There was no doubt about it, she was in the Dark Brotherhood for life. There was no going back now - - there never was. She reasoned that the only way to cope may be to finally forget her sadness and despair, and just be who or what she was now. She was an assassin, she was the Listener, and she was finally going to get her shot at the Emperor of Tamriel.
Cicero sat with a mouth full of sweetroll eyeing that one dreadful candle at the top floor of Candlehearth Hall. Don't put the candle out, the lady at the front said. Cicero may as well put it out- - Windhelm was so very cold and that spiteful candle was tormenting poor Cicero. It looked so hot, yet provided no warmth. Poor Cicero didn't like the cold. How he yearned for his days back in warm, sunny Cyrodiil. Of course, he had no home there either. No home at all - - not here nor there. He didn't even have Mother to keep him company.
"Hmph!" he huffed, scowling at the candle. He turned, waving a hand to the bard behind him - - a Dark Elf with an irritated look on her face. "BAAARD! Play Ragnar the Red for Cicero!"
"AGAIN!? Don't you want to hear anything else? You've requested that song four times already! I'd figured you'd grow tired of listening to it..." She gave a frustrated sigh, readying her lute.
"Cicero cares not for civil unrest. Songs of Imperials, Stormcloaks - - Cicero thinks it's all rather...BORING! Ragnar the Red is the only song Cicero LIKES! Tell me bard...is it not your SWORN DUTY to entertain and enchant with SONG and DANCE?! Did the college not TEACH you such THINGS?! Or will Cicero have to teach you how to appease those willing to hear your fowl SCREECHING! Hmmmm?" Cicero smiled deviously, taunting the bard.
"Okay, fine then..." The bard rolled her eyes and began a fifth round of Ragnar the Red.
Cicero sat happily enjoying the song about bloody heads rolling on the floor, when he overheard a couple of bulky Nords sharing some news amongst each other. It pertained to a certain assassination...Cicero cocked his head to the side, attempting to eavesdrop on the conversation.
"Yeah, the Innkeeper noticed his pond was full of blood. Come to find out, someone killed the Orc that stayed there and dumped his body in the water. Heh heh..." One said, smirking.
"I heard someone had him knocked off. Goes to show ya, you gotta be careful who you cross around here. They could be a shivering little skeever - - if they're too weak to do you in, they'll pay someone else to do it for 'em." The other piped in, raising his tankard.
Cicero rubbed his chin, while raising an eyebrow. Could it be? Maybe his Listener had killed the Orc? Oh, his Listener...how he missed her. Oh, but he'd have to stay away! He'd be putting both their lives in peril if he returned! Not only would they mangle poor Cicero, why they would surely chop his nice Listener to pieces for her disobedience to the Pretender!
Ah, but it was not his Listener who was the traitor...No...It was that vile Astrid who had committed such treachery against the Night Mother and the Dark Brotherhood! Oh how Cicero hoped and prayed she would pay for her treacherous ways!
"By Sithis, ya pulled it off! I have to say, I didn't think ya had it in ya! I heard all about the Gourmet - - had no idea the poor sap was an Orc, of all things! Heh...Now all that's left is to have the Emperor's head on a platter..." Festus beamed, "I have to admit, planting that damned fool in a watery grave was quite ironic, wouldn't you say? The Gourmet festering in a soup of his own blood? Haha!"
"Heh heh...I guess all that's leaves the final step..." Ava laughed nervously. She'd made her way this far, but one wrong mistake and she'd be dead. She shivered a bit at the thought of it. She knew the next person she needed to see was Astrid, so she started away from the mage to find her leader.
"Hey, wait a moment!" Festus yelled.
Ava turned to the mage, who had an unusual look on his face - - a softer, gentler look. "Yes?" Ava replied.
"Look, I know I can be a stubborn old mudcrab most of the time...I guess I'm just trying to say I mean nothing by It - - I'm like that with everyone, not just you. I'm not an old wise ass cause I hate you in particular - - Why, I hate most everyone the same! Just don't take it personal." He explained.
Ava nodded and continued on her way. That was by far the strangest apology she'd ever received, but it was nice in its own way.
Astrid set at her desk eyeing the Writ of Passage that Ava had presented her. A menacing smile painted itself across her face. "This is it, Ava...we've come so far...and now we're here. I hold before us...the key, " Astrid held up the precious letter. "This is our very means of killing Titus Mede II and rebuilding the Brotherhood through power and...fear. The very future of the Dark Brotherhood - - of Tamriel, for that matter - - lies in your bloodstained hands, Ava...Hahaha...no pressure...of course,"she smirked. "I've briefed you on this mission before, so I assume you are...prepared?
"Yes - - you told me the plans..."
Unexpectedly, Astrid had a change in demeaner. She had a sobering look about her, and her eyes seemed as if they could burn a hole straight through Ava. " You know...you've accomplished so much in such a small amount of time. One could call you a prodigy...of some sort. And with the Night Mother choosing you as our Listener on top of it all..."
"I don't know about prodigy...I'm not even sure why the Night Mother spoke to me..." Ava remarked.
"Then I guess that makes two of us...Tell me Ava...When you do away with the Emperor, and when all things are said and done...You don't expect things to change within this Sanctuary, do you?" Astrid asked, her gaze unwavering.
Ava looked at Astrid, perplexed. "What do you mean change?"
"Haha...Now, let's not kid ourselves...Anyone with eyes can see how powerful you've become. When it comes to natural talent, you're a head above the rest. Don't you think I see that? It would only be natural for someone in your position to want...more."
"Astrid, I don't understand what you mean..."
"Now don't play dumb with me, Ava...Let me cut right to the point then...You may be powerful, but this isn't the Dark Brotherhood of the past. That's why Cicero is dead. I've led this Sanctuary for a long time now...I don't plan on that changing. Now, do you have a problem with that?" Astrid scowled.
"No! Not at all - - I've never had a problem with it! I like things the way they are...Why would you think that?!" Ava asked, stunned by Astrid accusations. She knew Astrid had been doubtful of her when Cicero was around, but she hoped that would go away in time. She didn't know what else she could do to convince Astrid otherwise.
Astrid grew quiet for a moment. "...Look, I'm not against having you as Listener. I have nothing against the Night Mother, despite what I told Cicero. You may think me ungrateful for your services, but you would be...dead wrong. I clawed my way to the top...faced treachery after bitter treachery throughout the years...I've fought to be where I am now...who I am now...and I'll be damned to let you walk in here and take it from me! Oh, I want to believe you Ava...if anything, your ability to directly commune with the Night Mother is sorely needed...Yet, if you try to rule this place because of it...we can get along just fine without you..."
"But, Astrid, I wouldn't do that! Believe me! Please! I'm not looking to lead this place. I have no desire to do that! I'm not against you..." Ava pleaded with her angry superior. She hoped she would get through to Astrid. Even if she was in the Dark Brotherhood, it was the only chance she had of being accepted by anyone. She didn't want to lose what little was left.
She looked on as Astrid's gaze fell away from her, "Well...I certainly hope that's true, Ava. I'm not telling you these things because I want rid of you...I'm warning you because I, too, want things to stay as they are...Just, go ahead with our plans. You and I will go from there..."
"Okay, if that is what you want. It's just..." Ava felt her emotions oozing back into her awareness, "I've been alone for so long, Astrid. I ruined my life long before I came here...and you accepted the monster that I am. I'm beginning to see that this is the only place I belong. I hope you understand that I'd never try to take your place...That's all..."
"Very well", Astrid said. Ava found it hard to read her expression or tone at this point. She had no idea what thoughts were swarming around in Astrid's mind. Astrid quickly got back to the business at hand. "Just go and do what you do best...kill...Just be careful out there...watch your back..."
"Oh, of course! This will be the best Potage le Magnifique the Emperor has tasted. I mean, with your help! That secret ingredient will surely do the trick!" Gianna beamed, "To think, the Gourmet - - an Imperial woman - - like myself? It's so inspiring to see such an accomplished woman in the field! It is an honor to prepare such fine cuisine along side you!"
"Thank you...Pleasure's all mine..." Ava said reluctantly, adjusting her chef's hat.
"And so modest too! I have to admit, if I were as talented a chef as you I think I'd be pretty cocky about it...Well, this is it. Just follow me..." The unknowing chef picked up the kettle, leading Ava out of the kitchen.
Ava could feel her throat tighten with anxiety. Each step was bringing her one step closer to the Emperor...As the admiring chef led her to the dining area, she braced herself for the chaos that she would soon endure. Ava hoped she could make it out of the place in one piece. If she could just finish the gigantic task at hand, maybe her life would get easier. Maybe Astrid would no longer see her as a threat, and the pressure would be off. Who knew, maybe someday she'd run into Cicero again...Things just weren't the same without him...
"Okay, here goes! Heh heh..." Gianna laughed nervously.
Ava's heart was pounding fast as she entered the dining room alongside Gianna. She saw a long table, adorned with the finest foods in Skyrim. Various nobles and aristocrats from every part of Skyrim sat at the table, discussing politics and engaging in the latest gossip. Ava's eyes moved to the elderly man at the head of the table. She breathed deep, watching Gianna happily pour him a saucer of the precious soup.
"Ah...thank you, dear. I expect this will be quite tasty, considering the Gourmet herself had a hand in making it!" The Emperor's eyes lit up as he sipped on the tasty concoction.
She watched, waiting for her moment of escape, but first she'd have to make sure he would die, or else all the trouble she went through would be in vain. She straightened - - her body growing tense with the sudden surge of adrenaline. Biting the inside of her lip, she watched his merry expression instantly change to one of agony and terror. He began violently choking and gasping for air, with a trembling hand at his throat. Every dinner guest rose from their seats, shocked by what was happening before their very eyes.
"The Potage has been poisoned! You two!" A husky nobleman pointed to Ava and Gianna, who was now horrified and filled with panic. " Guards, get them! They are the ones who are responsible for this!"
Ava backed up a few steps, scanning the area for an escape route and finding a door to her right. She glanced at the Emperor, who had died almost immediately, face down in the Potage. Her eyes quickly darted to the pleading Gianna, who was now surrounded by angry guards. This was her best chance of escape - - she could quickly bolt out if she left Gianna for dead. Of course, Ava couldn't do it; It wasn't in her nature to be so cruel - - when she had control over it.
"No!" Ava shouted, catching the guards attention. "She had nothing to do with it..." Ava spoke, backing up toward the door with each word. "I tricked her! I poisoned the Emperor!" The guards quickly left Gianna and sprang after Ava, who swiftly bounded out the door.