Chapter Twenty
Rohan was worried for his sister, seeing the tears falling down her face. It was strange seeing her cry, there weren't many times when she did. One was at Uncle Torygg's funeral; another was when Farkas was dying. Those had been serious moments in her life, so this had to be one as well.
"Anna, can I make dinner?" he asked quietly, ignoring the rough grip she had on his arm. She blinked, pulling her hand back and nodded. As they entered the house, Rohan took one look at his sister and somehow the roles had changed. "Go have a bath."
Avyanna nodded mutely, heading upstairs as Rohan recalled what his sister and Tilma taught him on cooking. He grabbed the pot and made some kind of stew sauce. As he watched the sauce thicken in the pot, he wondered what had happened that made his sister cry.
He glared at the floor in thought, recalling Avyanna shouting something about Ulfric's sister, but he didn't pay attention much. He had helped Kiraya follow her father before coming back and walking in on that scene.
Footsteps snapped him out of his thoughts and he looked up, seeing Avyanna wearing her white, silk nightgown, her eyes red from the tears. She walked over; looking into the pot and a small smile crossed her face.
"Bread and sauce it is," she murmured grabbing two bowls and pouring the soup inside each as Rohan grabbed the bread. The two siblings ate in silence, dipping their pieces of bread into the sauce and eating it.
Rohan could tell his sister had a lot on her mind, the way her eyes flickered back and forth between the door and the floor. "Anna, are you okay?"
"No," she sighed, swallowing the bread and looking at him. "I want you to stay with Carlotta for the week. I'll be leaving in the morning."
Panic filled Rohan. "Don't run away! Please!" he begged, not wanting to let his sister out of his sight and she shook her head.
"I'm just hunting, I need some time away," She reassured him and he nodded, feeling slightly better but still hurt that she felt the need to leave. Avyanna saw the look on her brother's face and gave him and small smile. "Don't be sad, I'll be back. I always come back."
Rohan nodded, taking the empty bowls and quickly washing them before heading to his sister's room. He could hear the sniffles coming from her bed and walked in. "Anna, I can't sleep." He whispered and the sniffles stopped before Avyanna opened her arms.
Rohan crawled into them, allowing his sister to snuggle her face in his curls as they both fell asleep.
Carlotta looked concerned. "Are you sure? Usually he would be at Jorrvaskr."
"I know," Avyanna agreed, crossing her arms over her chest. "But right now things aren't…well with Einarr gone. I would rather him be here than there."
"Rohan is always welcomed here. After all you've done for Mila and I, it's the least we can do." She smiled at the Nord and allowed Rohan inside the house. That's when Carlotta's face hardened. "Will he be allowed in Jorrvaskr?"
Avyanna nodded. "Sure, to train, but not to stay the night. I can't punish my brother any more than I already am. It's not fair on him." She murmured, already feeling guilty for leaving for a week. Although Rohan said he was fine with it, she could tell he wanted nothing more than for her to stay.
Carlotta placed her hand on her friend's shoulder, giving her a sympathetic look. "I'm always here if you need to talk."
"I appreciate that, Carlotta." Avyanna replied before turning away and heading to the stables. As soon as she was in view, Rosso kicked up a storm, galloping towards her as fast as he could. She smiled, stroking his nose before climbing up.
As soon as she was seated properly, Rosso took off down the road. She was grateful, the ache in her heart lessening a bit with each distance put between herself and Whiterun. Avyanna had one destination in mind; the hunting lodge.
It was the cabin she and her father would stay in every time they went hunting. It was situated between the road to Solitude and Whiterun and the only people who knew about it were Miranna, Dillon and herself. Avyanna had often thought about bringing Rohan here, showing him the place where their father had often escaped to.
She made camp once on the way; arriving to the cabin mid-day the next day. Upon seeing it, memories filled her mind and a few stray tears escaped her eyes.
Avyanna dismounted off of Rosso and walked over, seeing the cabin was still in mint condition. It was as if they never left…vines covering the wood walls as she found the key under a loose floor board.
The cold surface of the key made her smile slightly, recalling her father teaching her the place.
"This is where the key stays," he told her, placing the key back into the floor board and stepping back. "That way, no bandit or thief can steal it."
Avyanna frowned. "Why not take the key with us?" she asked curiously, not seeing the logic behind putting a key in the floor.
"Because this is our special place," Dillon informed her, ruffling her hair affectionately as they headed towards the horses. "Our family has always lived, breathed and fought for the earth. We respect it in our own ways. This place has been the Halliwell family's hideout, where we can come and be ourselves. Our unanswered questions reveal themselves here."
"I don't get it." She muttered, climbing onto the horse and Dillon laughed.
"You will one day, my spitfire."
Avyanna looked towards the willow tree out the front, almost sensing her father standing there with a smile on his face. Of course, this wasn't true as there was no one there but a hawk in the tree.
"I'm back," she whispered to herself, walking inside the house.
Since Kiraya was gone and Mila was helping her mother with their stall, Rohan was heading up to Jorrvaskr to train with Aela. It had been three days since Avyanna had gone. He wondered if she was alright, when she was coming back.
She promised, Rohan reminded himself, walking into the mead hall. Ria was sitting at a table, still feeling guilty for what she had done; although he still didn't know what had happened. Athis was comforting her as Aela walked upstairs, Randulf in her arms.
"Ah, Rohan, are you ready for training?" she asked him and he nodded, waving at little Randulf who just stared at his bright red hair. The two of them went out the back and found Farkas slashing at the dummy angrily. "Farkas, stop it. You're going to break the blasted thing."
Farkas growled at the Huntress before his eyes spotted Rohan beside her. Instantly, he left the dummy and looked at the young Nord with ashamed and hopeful eyes. "Is your sister back yet?"
Rohan shook his head. "No, she's still hunting," He answered and Farkas let out a small curse word, storming past them and heading back inside Jorrvaskr. As he slammed the door, Rohan looked at Aela. "Why is Farkas mad that Anna's gone? She said she'll be back soon."
Aela gave him a tired smile, shifting Randulf in her arms so he was comfortable. "It's guilt, little warrior. Avyanna found out some things regarding Farkas that he was keeping secret and well…she didn't take the news too well."
"But Anna loves Farkas." He frowned and Aela ruffled his hair with her free hand.
"Love can make people do stupid things. Now, how about you show me your skills? I hope you have been practicing with Kiraya gone." The Huntress smirked, seeing Rohan's competitive nature surface.
No matter how hard she had tried, Avyanna still couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal. Not only was Lassarina Ulfric's sister, and that she had stolen from her, but knowing she and Farkas had a relationship still made her see red.
He should've told me, Avyanna thought angrily, bathing the spring behind the cabin. Rosso was nearby, keeping watch as she sat on the bank, hugging her knees close to her chest. Every time she thought of Farkas reaching out to her, calling her Anna…it just brought more tears and anger to her. Did he even care about me? Was I just a friend to him?
"Why does my champion cry?" Meridia's voice filled her mind as a small, white butterfly landed on her knee.
"You're a Daedric Prince, you should know." Avyanna snapped, not wanting Meridia's presence at the moment.
"I may be powerful, but that does not mean I know everything. You mistake me for Azura," Meridia chuckled. "Now, why does my mortal cry?"
Avyanna looked at the butterfly. "Have you ever had your heart broken? Wait of course not," she snorted.
"Do not be so quick to dismiss the idea. I too have been in love and had lost it."
Avyanna looked at the butterfly in surprise. "What…what happened?" she asked quietly, staring at the small creature on her knee.
"He was a Nord warrior. This was several hundred years ago for you mortals. At the time, my shrine was nothing but a mere momentum. It was a summer's day when he stumbled upon it," Avyanna could hear the smile in Meridia's voice. "At first I was cautious with him, but he proved to be interesting. Often coming by and leaving red mountain flowers near my beacon. After a while, I spoke to him. He seemed surprised and hostile at first, but soon we shared a mutual trust. I was his lord and he, my first champion."
"What did he look like? What was his name?" Avyanna asked curiously, like a child listening to a story their mother was telling them. In a way, Meridia had become a sort of mother figure, often talking and taking care of Avyanna. All the anger she held towards Meridia shattered when she saved Farkas.
"His name was Aciano Fire-Heart, unusual name for a Nord. He had been raised by High Elves as his parents had abandoned him when he was nothing but a babe," she sighed happily at the memories. "He had scarlet hair, like yours but with emerald eyes. I assumed he was nothing more than a brute when I saw him but he surprised me. He was the first Nord I have ever seen to take care and respect the earth."
"How did he become your champion?"
"I did not choose him, he chose me. In those times, those who were chosen by Daedric Lords were considered powerful and feared by many. When Solitude was attacked by bandits, he begged me to help him, even offering his soul to save the innocent lives. The passion in his eyes made me see how bright his heart shone, and I created Dawnbreaker from the fires of his heart." She answered, the butterfly's wings fluttering slightly.
Avyanna frowned. "How…how did he died?" she asked slowly, cautious to not piss off the Daedric Prince.
"A necromancer by the name of Klaron killed him in cold blood. Klaron had tried to gain the attention of the Daedra and he got it, with his life as the price." Meridia whispered, the pain in her voice evident to Avyanna who lightly stroked the butterfly's wings, trying to offer comfort.
"Did he love you back?"
"Yes and his soul still wanders these very grounds as this was his home. Further into the mountains for the two of us to be alone." Meridia answered and Avyanna looked over, seeing a blue figure standing near a tree, leaning and watching.
She narrowed her eyes, making out the figure and realizing that was Aciano, smiling at the two of them.
"Do not let this hinder your feelings for him. I have seen the way your heart lights up with him. He is your other half; let the past stay past." Meridia said before flying over towards Aciano. A small, white light created a figure of Meridia, her long, white hair running down her back as she took Acinao's into hers before the two of them disappeared.
Avyanna woke up that following morning with a million thoughts running through her mind. She had stayed the week and needed to return home, see her brother and finally deal with the mess that had presented itself.
As she placed the key under the floor board, Avyanna felt eyes on her and turned, finding Aciano again, leaning against the willow tree and watching her. Deciding to talk to him, Avyanna walked over and he smiled brightly.
"It seems I am not the only member to receive Meridia's flames." He stated with a smirk and Avyanna frowned before her eyes widened in surprise.
"Wait…you're my ancestor?" she asked slowly and he reached over, placing a hand on her heart and she could feel the fire lick underneath at his touch.
"It is no secret that Meridia and our family have been together for over a hundred years. You are the fifth champion in our family and you carry the passion of those before you," he said, his voice filled with pride and warmth. "You are never alone in this endeavour, our wisdom and knowledge shall forever be at your disposal should you need it, Avyanna Halliwell."
Aciano disappeared into thin air, leaving Avyanna's eyes widened in shock as Rosso nudged the back of her head. A small smile crossed her face as she mounted the cream stallion.
Rosso was the quickest he had ever been in the past, Avyanna worked out that she was half a day's journey to Whiterun when she made camp that night. Looking into the fire, she thought back to her small hunting trip, realizing she had gotten more than she expected.
With a small sigh, she fell asleep on the sleeping mat.
It felt like a life time ago she had stepped into the gates of Whiterun. Avyanna, carrying the twelve dead hares attached to a piece of string, walked straight to Sparkshire without running into anyone.
Placing the hares onto the table, she looked around before sighing tiredly, having a quick bath before heading to Carlotta's stall. The Imperial woman greeted her warmly, noticing the change in Avyanna.
"How was your hunt?" she asked and Avyanna smiled.
"I needed it," she admitted, smiling at Mila who waved at her. "I caught more than I bargained for, so come around later and grab the meat."
Carlotta beamed. "I like the sound of that, Rohan is at Jorrvaskr." She informed her and Avyanna nodded before heading up. Entering the mead hall, Avyanna looked straight towards the back door, ignoring the silence and the stares she had received.
Out the back training, were Kiraya and Rohan, Aela and Einarr watching them from the table with Randulf in his mother's arms. At the sound of the door opening, all of them turned and Rohan beamed. He gently placed the bow and arrows onto the ground before running over, hugging her tightly.
"Please don't go away again," he whispered against her stomach. "Unless you take me with you."
Avyanna chuckled, ruffling his hair. "I will, a special place I've been meaning to take you to for a while now." She promised him and looked up as Einarr looked at her.
Einarr could see her gaze darken, having been informed by the Huntress what had occurred during his time in Windhelm. "How was your hunt?"
"Fine, Harbinger." Avyanna replied, no longer using his name and the friendly tone like she used to.
Einarr let out a tired sigh, looking at Avyanna as he chose his next words carefully. "I understand you're mad—"
"Nay, I'm not mad," Avyanna said in a deadpanned tone. "I'm furious, knowing my shield-brothers and sisters hid a secret so personal from me. You know how I feel about Ulfric Stormcloak and yet, you never thought to mention this to me?" Einarr opened his mouth to speak, but Avyanna cut him off. "I placed my trust in you and this is what I get? Thank you Harbinger, this is exactly the reality check I needed. Now if you don't mind, I will be at home."
Without waiting for him to reply, Avyanna turned and took Rohan with her; again, ignoring the stares she had received from the others. It felt good to get that off of her chest, but there was another matter that she didn't even want to touch.
But apparently, the Divines like to make her life miserable.
Sitting on her doorstep was none other than Farkas. Avyanna stopped in her tracks, Rohan looking at her for an answer on what was going to happen. Her heart was pounding in her ears at the sight of them, her chest aching and her stomach fluttering.
Hearing footsteps, Farkas looked up and Avyanna saw his blood shot eyes. Her healer mind automatically concluded that alcohol and crying were the causes of such red eyes and a small pang of guilt gnawed at the back of her mind.
"Avyanna," he breathed, standing up as Avyanna continued to stay frozen in her place. Relief was washed across Farkas's face and she saw he was fairly pale. "You're back; I thought you were gone forever."
"I wouldn't leave my brother," she replied dryly and mentally kicked herself for her next actions. "Get in, you look like shit and your brother will kill me."
Farkas didn't say anything, following her inside Sparkshire with Rohan close beside his sister. Upon entering the home, Farkas automatically sat on the couch as Rohan ran upstairs, sensing the two adults needed to talk.
"Anna…Avyanna," Farkas corrected himself, recalling how she reacted the last time he called her that. Avyanna flinched slightly from the alchemy table, her eyes staring at it as she fixed up a small health potion. "No words can express how sorry I am."
Avyanna grabbed the power into a small bowl and moved to the pot, putting it on and mixing the powder into the water. "I don't want your apology."
"What can I do? I am at my wits end here."
Avyanna looked at him with a cold stare. "Can you turn back time and stop my uncle from getting murdered?" Avyanna laughed bitterly. "Did you have fun making fun of me behind my back? Knowing you fucked Ulfric's sister and know how much I hate that man. I bet you all had fun with that little knowledge huh?"
Fury filled Farkas's face as he stood up angrily. "A sick game? Is that what you think it was?"
"Wasn't it?" she challenged him, taking a step forward. "Every time you looked at me, shared a joke, did you share those with her?" She spat out and Farkas took a step forward towards her.
"Einarr knew you would react like this, that's why we didn't tell you! Can you stop being stubborn for once and see reason?"
Avyanna scoffed. "I'm being stubborn? I've been betrayed by people I thought were my friends. What hurts the most is knowing you were never going to tell me! How could you do that to me?" small tears were falling down her face.
Farkas's face softened. "Because I didn't want my little spitfire to disappear."
"Don't call me that," Avyanna whispered, looking at him with pained eyes. "That name is an affectionate name my father gave me. Hearing you say it just turns it in the opposite feeling."
Farkas reached out, cupping her face with his hand, his eyes searching hers for an answer. The Nord was a puzzle to him and he could never find the right piece. "When I call you that, it's because you've earned it. To me, spitfire means someone who has a passionate heart, who's courageous and not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Her presence lights up the entire room under her warm gaze, a sharp wit and humour. Aye, she's stubborn as hell and has shit bed side manners, but she makes it up by looking at me with hazel eyes." His eyes bored into hers, more tears falling down her face. "Like these jewels right here."
Avyanna's heart shattered right then and there, in deep confusion. She was still beyond furious with Farkas for lying, but she wanted nothing more to forgive him and hug him. To have things the way they were.
Avyanna stepped out of his reach and grabbed a bottle, filling up the health potion and handing it to him. "Drink that twice a day for the next three days."
"Anna…" Farkas frowned in confusion as she refused to meet his eyes.
"Please," her voice choked off. "Just go."
Farkas, nodding and respecting her wishes despite what his heart was telling him to do, grabbed the potion and walked out of the house, glancing over his shoulder before closing the door.
I can proudly say I made my beta-reader tear up a bit...Mission accomplished! Yeah, turns out Avyanna isn't the first in her family to be Meridia's champion, how odd...
Disclaimer: I do not own Einarr, Kiraya, Lassarina or Randulf as Mirage159 owns those nice folks :)