Author's Notes: The reviews...they feed me XD Thank you all so much! I, personally, enjoy the teams XD. However, this chapter was a major grindfest, sorry in advance for the poor quality. I got stuck several times. Trying to include everything while keeping it all flowing and character development going smooth is daunting lol. On another note, there is absolutely NO Janus Hassildor in this chapter! I'm sorry :( The Count needs to be given some time so that things will progress without being repetitive...But there is a small time jump in this update. I did a quick 'Establish what is going on without being ridiculously repetitive' cop-out.
Love or Blood
Chapter Fifty-five: Green Apples
xxxx
I sat quietly in Lucien Lachance's room within the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary. Feeling more mentally exhausted than physically, I simply sat and stared, allowing my mind to go blank. The Speaker had me greet the members he oversaw. There was an Orc, a Khajiit, two Argonians - but I had only met the one, the blonde Breton, Nerah Vlando and Vicente. Supposedly, there was another member too, a Woodelf who was 'out'. I had felt overwhelmed by the strangely warm welcome and Lachance had seen this. I was thankful that he did not proceed to torture me. Instead, we went to his little chamber for the evening.
The shock that I felt towards the entirety of the Brotherhood still had me rendered speechless. Evidently, Lucien Lachance was a powerful member, indeed. The respect he was shown by a band of cutthroats was jarring. They truly loved and feared him. I found myself uneasily eyeing the man who was presently hunched over a small ledger, rifling through some meticulously filed papers. He had yet to remove his black robes or hood. As such, I tried my best not to watch him for too long.
"Regrettably, our night is not yet over. I have a few things I must discuss with you on behalf of the Brotherhood. I will need your absolute honesty in these matters. You are required to be truthful." He paused his seemingly endless search to glance at me. "Is this agreeable to you?"
Hesitantly, I nodded at him, thumbs nervously twiddling in my lap. "I will answer you honestly and to the best of my ability."
"I know you will." Lucien Lachance smirked before turning back to his desk. I hugged myself as I glanced about the dark chamber, thinking of how it was nearly identical to Vicente Valtieri's but with a proper bed and a bit more space. When we had first entered the room Lachance had removed my cloak and seated me at a very worn table. There were many holes and nicks in its surface. I found it odd that a man who was apparently so neat would have kept such a rickety piece of furniture. "Before we get to any of that, let me make good on that promise for fruit. We have not been eating well in our travels..." Lucien paused and gave a wistful sigh, plucking a large green apple from a fruit bowl by his bed. "So is the way of the wanderer. Here, allow me to rectify that."
Running my hands along the dips and scrapes of the table, I shook my head lightly. "No, thank you. I do not have much of an appetite." Regardless of my refusal, he placed the apple before me. The assassin took the seat opposite mine and removed his gloves, flexing his fingers once freed. I eyed him and the fruit with disinterest.
"I am afraid I do not have any grapes on hand. I shall have them bought. For now, this is all I can give to you. Please, accept my offering." Lachance said as he reclined in his chair slightly, giving me a peculiar look. "You mentioned to me once that you could not get fruit from a promise in Skingrad...I do not wish to be among the group who has brought you down so. Will you really not take this small token? It is only an apple..."
I shook my head but took the fruit regardless, examining it quickly for any bruising or holes. The apple was remarkably undamaged. Green apples tended to be too tart for my tastes but in that moment, as I thought about the flavor and feel, I hungered for it. Sinking my teeth far into the meat of the fruit was oddly good. Satisfying. I glanced up to witness Lachance watching me with an eager smirk. "Thank you," I said nervously after swallowing down my bite.
"No need to thank me. Don't let me keep you. Enjoy it." He folded his hands on the table and looked towards the ceiling. Lucien then began to whistle his usual jovial tune, then lapsed into silence for a time. I found his behavior odd and turned my attention towards the fruit bowl. As I stared confusedly at the apples, I realized all were a bright red, the one in my hand was the only green. This puzzled me as I twirled the fruit by its stem, hesitating eating more. It tasted good but was somehow sweeter than what I was used to...
"Why a green apple?" I asked, watching as Lucien placed his sword and scabbard on the table alongside his gloves. I did not know why I felt suspicious as I still wore the amulet, yet I could not stifle the feeling that something was amiss.
"I prefer them to the red ones. I thought I was being generous." Lachance commented with a quirked brow. "Is it not good?" I quickly knew then that something was wrong. Lucien Lachance was far more inclined to tease and taunt me. He would see my apprehension and run with it, finding pleasure in my worries. The casual dismissal and disregard were very unlike him.
"It is. Thank you..." I said nervously, abruptly very on edge. There was something wrong. I eyed the fruit, suddenly very ill at ease. I did not think Lucien Lachance would poison me but there was much else that could be done. With nervous fingers, I held the apple out to the assassin, observing his expression as I did so. "Won't you have a bite?" There was a pause. Lachance smirked at me, his eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "You said you prefer them." I forced, swallowing hard as he leaned forward in his chair, his hand eventually reaching out to accept the fruit. He proceeded to examine my bite mark, nodding with approval before bringing it to his lips. I held my breath as he did so, feeling so very strange as I watched him.
But Lucien Lachance only held it to his mouth, chuckling lightly. He then placed the apple back down on the table, his black eyes meeting mine. "You see? You are clever, my dear lady. But next time, be quicker." My heart hammered fearfully and I went to stand but stopped...finding the beautiful sunset over the water rather pretty. I wondered how he managed to hold the coast of Anvil in his bedchamber. I doubted the fit. "Abigale," The Count snapped his fingers above my head. Seeing him in the light of day took my breath away. I missed him so. I was torn between tears of joy and fear. I again eyed the setting sun, nervous for him. Although he wore a black hood, I feared its rays all the same. "Abigale?"
"Sir!" I exclaimed, tempted to reach across the table and pull his hood further down. "P-please, be careful of the sun!" The Count grinned, his smile much darker than his norm. I swallowed hard at his fangs, tempted to part my hair for him, tempted to throw my arms around his neck and kiss him...
"Excellent." He said coolly as he reached out to stroke my cheek. "Are you ready to be honest with me, Little Countess?"
XXXX
Lucien Lachance watched the girl's eyes dilate and set. The poison, which was not really much of a poison, greatly altered her perception. It was more of a mild hallucinogen heavily laced with a truth serum. The girl's honesty would be unquestionable and when all was done, she would never remember any of it occurred. It could be nothing more than a dream. It was quite a useful concoction but Lucien did not think it was at all necessary. However, the poison was ordered by the Black Hand itself, so he had to comply. So, pushing his chair directly in front of hers, he tried to capture her attention in order to start.
The Dark Brotherhood very much enjoyed their 'friendship' with Hassildor. Nevertheless, they felt the need to be cautious with the Count of Skingrad. With all the recent occurrences within the Castle, the Count's request to house his woman proved opportune. The serum was an easy method to gain information, it was also painless and not messy in the least. Having treated the apple, Lucien had stealthily 'warned' the young woman of her imminent required truth...she agreed. The poison worked fast and his questions would have proven painless, had a certain vampire not knocked on his door.
Vicente Valtieri entered before the Speaker could grant him permission to do so. "Tending to her needs, hmm? Does the Hand not trust my word any longer?" Vicente demanded, already knowing well what the Speaker was up to once he spotted the apple. "Janus is a friend to us, so long as Abigale Lynn remains unharmed."
"This I know," Lucien replied smoothly, only slightly irked by his Brother's intrusion. This time, he overlooked the interruption as he had earlier barged in on Vicente. "The Hand is simply taking precautions. She is not being hurt, nor will she remember any of this tomorrow."
"Which is why I am here," Vicente stated, eyes narrowed. He stepped further into the chamber, eyeing the girl who was presently sitting quietly, a little smile on her face as she was off in her stupor. "Rather convenient a setting for an interrogation - your bedchamber. And she will remember nothing...Perhaps we should bring all peoples of interest to your bed. So very practical."
Instead of a smooth retort or command to leave, the Speaker only shook his head. "Why don't you say how you feel, Brother?" Lucien replied with a chuckle, watching as Vicente leaned against the now closed door, his arms crossed. "You need not worry so, Vicente. I like her. I would not touch her unless asked to." Lachance took the girl's face in his hands, forcing her attention back to him. Her smile grew into a rather large grin, eyes glazed and unfocused. He brushed more hair from her face and gave a happy little sigh. "And I do hope that she asks me to."
The tenderness his Speaker exuded disturbed Vicente greatly. He stiffened slightly, "I highly doubt she ever will, after what you did to her."
The Speaker only smiled at his Brother. "I would not be so sure if I were you. She and I are growing quite close, aren't we, Abigale?"
"Yes." The girl responded sleepily, Lucien's smile twisted into a lopsided grin at her forced honesty. Vicente stopped his lip from curling back into a scowl, mentally promising to stay and spectate as long as he was able. The vampire did not want to believe that Abigale Lynn was speaking the truth but he knew for a fact that she was. He could only wonder what Lachance meant by their 'closeness'. Vicente thought of his friend. He worried. Lucien Lachance was good at working people and Abigale Lynn was as easy to mold as clay - it was how she survived.
"Feel free to stay, Vicente. I have sworn to our Little Countess here that I would not break my vow unless it proved to be an absolute necessity. The questions I have for her are very routine. Despite what you may think, I would not touch her in this state...she is not willing to me. She cannot accept me like this." The vampire scoffed, thoroughly disturbed by Lucien's truth. The man was not above such things, so why he chose to not utilize Abigale Lynn's condition was anyone's guess. Vicente tried to find some semblance of comfort in knowing Lachance meant his words...but it only left him to question his real motives.
"She cannot accept you at all," Vicente said firmly, eyeing his Brother with disdain. "I know her to be tempting. She cannot help it...But she is not yours, Lucien. She is intended to Janus. I do not care if she throws herself at you. Let it go." The vampire frowned, thinking of his friend in Skingrad. His very spoiled and ungrateful friend...
Lachance turned in his seat, for the first time exhibiting some anger towards his Brother. "The girl is intended to no one. She has choices to make. Is she not her own person, Vicente?"
"No, she is not, unfortunately," Vicente countered as he cast the girl a sympathetic glance. "And there is nothing you or I can do about it. Be thankful that Janus is a good man, whereas we are not."
Lucien only scoffed, his attention set back on the girl before him. "That is where you and I differ."
"Hear yourself." Vicente implored, taking another step into the room. "Have you even thought about the repercussions of your actions? For nearly half a decade we have been greatly aided by Skingrad. Do you realize what would happen to you should that bond be broken by your own foolishness? The fury of the Hand would be upon you in a heartbeat. You do not want that. I do not want that for you. I implore you, Brother...think -"
"Sir," The girl suddenly whined loudly as she tried to focus on the Speaker before her, effectively halting Vicente's speech. "I-I don't...why, Sir? W-what happened to you?" She sniffled, gripping Lucien's robes, fresh tears spilling from her eyes as she buried her face into Lachance's chest. "I miss you. I am sorry. W-why did you attack me? Why did you kill me? Why do you want to hurt me? Why did you show me her...I did not need to know."
Lachance hushed the young woman, glaring over his shoulder towards Vicente. "Oh yes, Brother. A good man indeed. So very unlike us..." Lucien continued his attempts at soothing the weeping girl, growing more irritated as his efforts were only met with more soft, desperate babbling. "I myself enjoy suffering but this kind leaves much to be desired. I grow weary of seeing this girl weak from invisible, bloodless pains. Perhaps we should send Hassildor an invitation to torture others for us. Marless torment is not an easy thing to master." Vicente said nothing and both only watched curiously as Abigale Lynn pulled herself from Lucien's grip.
With pure desperation, the girl placed her hands on either side of the Speaker's face, fingers lightly curling against the scruff of his cheek. Her eyes searched him as she tried to focus on features that were not his own. "I am sorry for running away... Be truly sorry for it too." Without a moment's hesitation, Abigale Lynn pressed her lips to Lachance's, thoroughly stunning both Speaker and Executioner.
Lucien Lachance was completely taken by the softness of her lips against his own. The way she moved her mouth on him was indescribably good, the feeling pure euphoria. He remembered the burning kiss he had forced on her in the alleyway of Skingrad and how it paled in comparison to this reckless touch. Lachance wanted her. He could not recall a desirous want so great. His spectating Brother playing witness to his near unfathomable weakness to her caress was remarkably easy to overlook. He could ignore the vampire with shameless ease. The difficult part was stopping the kiss, as much as he wanted it to progress. Regrettably, it had to stop.
The Speaker delicately placed his hands on her shoulders and pulled her away, though he would swear it hurt him physically to do so. "That is not for me." He said to the girl as gently and as firmly as he could, watching as her expression changed to confusion. Lucien tried to quell the heat inside of him by focusing on the task at hand. "Abigale, I have questions to ask you. Can you answer them?"
"Yes."
Vicente stood motionless several feet away, fangs brandished behind his lips, the act purely instinct. He again watched as the girl tenderly embraced another and it was an upsetting thing to witness. Although the Executioner was awfully jealous of his Speaker, he was still mildly shocked by his control. The man did not reciprocate her affection by any means, he simply sat rigid as though he had been struck by lightning before mournfully prying himself away. Vicente was surprised and pleased by his behavior, regardless of his inner envy.
Then the Speaker quickly began his obligatory questioning as a means to distract himself. Is your Count conspiring against the Brotherhood? Who is under his employ? Who is his confidant? Those among many more. Every response receiving a dumb nod from both men in the room. Of course, the girl only knew so much and answered all to the best of her ability. Eventually, the Speaker was sure that the Hand would be satisfied with her answers. Vicente Valtieri had watched on as Abigale Lynn confirmed all he had already relayed to the Hand. A small part of him felt prideful over the confirmation. Another part could not have cared less.
Once all was finished, Lachance helped her to sit on his bed and began to carefully undress her. This quickly set the vampire on edge. "What are you doing?" He demanded, watching as Lucien deftly unlaced the young woman's bodice. The Speaker only quirked his brow, not bothering to stop or slow his actions.
"She sleeps in her underdress and stockings." He said easily, peeling Abigale Lynn's top off of her. "I do not blame her. Going to bed with all these strings would be maddening." The vampire was relieved to see that the chemise she wore was long and modest, still at odds with being in the same room while the girl was clumsily stripping. The Speaker tossed the covers down and commanded her to sleep. In truth, the girl needed no encouragement and shortly after drifted off. Lucien then stood from the bed and motioned for Vicente to follow. The two Dark Brotherhood members exited the chamber, Lachance closing the door behind them.
"Well, that was eventful." The Executioner quipped, hands folded behind his back, earning a very unamused stare from the Speaker before him. "I suppose it could have gone worse."
"I thought the poison served its purpose well. The Hand will be pleased." Lachance replied flatly. "I doubt she would have lied to me regardless. Orders are orders, however. It had to be done."
"You do not sound convinced, Lucien." Lachance gave a small shrug in response to the vampire as he leaned against the Sanctuary wall. Vicente eyed the Speaker, thinking oddly how he presently looked quite like his younger self. Shifty-eyed and indifferent, seemingly careless... "Any particular reason why you decided to show up forty-eight hours late?"
A devious little smirk broke out along Lucien's lips, the sight was a more familiar expression from the Speaker. "I enjoy her. She is warming to me as well, no ownership required." Vicente all but rolled his eyes. "I have her until our little quest for Hassildor is complete. I intend to utilize the time I am given."
"To what end?" The vampire probed, watching as his Speaker only gave another little nonchalant shrug in reply.
"Who knows? It is up to her, I suppose. We shall see." Vicente defeatedly shook his head at his Brother, wanting desperately to shake the ridiculousness from the man but knowing full well that he was unable. He also knew arguing Janus' ownership of Abigale Lynn proved moot with Lucien. The Speaker seemed to not care about basic fact, nor did he tolerate slavery, for his own reasons. Lachance took it all with an ill-humor before his imminent retaliation. Lucien liked his authority, perhaps more than the average Speaker. He was at times recklessly tough on all he presided over but never did he cross the unwritten lines of rulership. His power was never abused.
Vicente had an idea why he had such an avid interest in the young woman, besides her obvious beauty and allure. He greatly feared that Lucien Lachance wanted to free her. But such an idea was ludicrous. It went against their vow and treaty to Skingrad. No matter how interesting a creature, Vicente did not think Lucien would ever go against the Hand. He could, however, try to convince the girl to free herself... "You are playing with fire, Lucien. If you are doing what I think you are doing, I beg of you to stop. Janus would come after her. You would only serve to make her life worse."
"Who is to say I would allow him to come near?" The Speaker responded with disturbing sincerity, his features incredibly dark as he eyed his Brother, showing apparent disdain. "There will come a time when Hassildor and I shall meet face to face. The man cannot make her life worse if he is not alive to do so." The Executioner was stunned. He needed to bring sense back into the man. The vampire had been on the same end as Lucien, he knew that Abigale Lynn had a potent energy and life. The pull was drastically strong. However, it did not excuse such treason against Skingrad. Immediately, Vicente opened his mouth to retort, only to be silenced by a casually raised hand. "Do not try me, Vicente. I have been tempted enough for one evening and I feel my resolve drastically fading. Know that I will not force her hand, I will not go against the Brotherhood for any woman, no matter how easy they make betrayal appear. I do, however, intend to let her walk in the light and shadows. All is upon her, though she does not yet know this."
Still ordered into silence, Vicente could say nothing. He only stood mutely as Lachance continued. "I also want her to try magic again. She has been stunted for far too long. See to that. Teinaava and M'raaj-Dar will aid her...a little defense will be useful." With that, Lucien turned to enter his bedchamber, only to stop once his hand touched the latch. "Oh, and she is never to know what happened in here tonight, and I am not speaking about the interrogation, either...It would serve no purpose, it would only embarrass her. But I shall tell her if asked." Lachance turned to grin at his Brother from over his shoulder, showing genuine amusement laced with mischief. "She admires my brutal honesty. Never thought I would see the day someone thought me honest. I truly like it."
XXXX
"Hey, Ocheeva!" Nerah Vlando greeted her Sister who was still engrossed in her new racy looking tome. The book had been given as a cruel joke by their Speaker...No one actually thought she would have liked such a thing. "Busy again, I presume?" The Imperial asked with a knowing little smile. Ocheeva hurriedly placed the book down title first and poorly attempted to appear casual. The action making Nerah snicker.
"Not particularly busy, no." The Argonian answered fast, fingers laced and delicately set on the table in front of her. "What can I help you with, Sister?" Nerah stepped further into the chamber, rubbing the back of her neck nervously as she thought of how to pose her question. The past week had been interesting for the members of the Cheydinhal Sanctuary. The Lady Abigale Lynn was still being housed by the Family while their Speaker finished some of his duties before setting out again. Nerah had been with the Dark Brotherhood for little over a year now and within that time Lucien Lachance had never spent so long among them. It was a little tense. He watched the girl like a hawk.
"I, uh, was wondering...How is Teinaava holding up?" The young vampire finally gained the courage to ask. The grim look Ocheeva fixed on the Imperial spoke volumes. Poor Teinaava was sanctioned by Lucien to play Abigale Lynn's practice dummy. The girl, who happened to be born under the sign of the Lover, did not know how to use her gift or cast the easiest of spells. Their Speaker wanted her, for some unfathomable reason, to learn how. Teinaava was selected as he was a different race with no interest in human females. The girl was to constantly touch him and kiss his scaly cheek in the hopes of paralyzing him. It was chaste but not chaste enough, apparently.
"Frankly, I am not sure how much more he can take. I have never seen him so conflicted by a female." Ocheeva sighed, pinching the bridge of her snout. "The sad thing is that he actually enjoys her company. They talk about books and other such nonsense. My brother foolishly thinks they have much in common, Sithis only knows how he came to that conclusion. Teinaava never shared my likes for the human races...until now." Ocheeva then lowered her voice a small sum, eyeing the still opened door. "I have told him to tread with caution. He swears upon the Night Mother that he will not touch her but that girl has an otherworldly pull to her stare."
"Yeah. Told you there was something off about her. Everyone wants to jump her bones. Shame, 'cause she is rather nice." Nerah then paused in thought, thinking of all who had so quickly fallen to the woman of Skingrad, her Speaker and Executioner included. It seemed only one Sibling of the Cheydinhal Sanctuary was immune to her charm and his forced pleasantries made all the overly tense Family worth it. "Although, M'raaj-Dar still has no interest in her. I can admit that I do so enjoy seeing Kittyman mind himself though How very lucky for Lady Abigale that he is not interested in anything sexual at all. Luckier still that our Speaker demands proper etiquette and manners towards her." She picked at the leather of her gauntlets, black brows furrowed. "Truly, the one who bothers me most is 'Netta. If I hear her fantasy one more time, I may throwup...and I loathe throwing up."
"Which fantasy?" Ocheeva asked with a little snort.
The Imperial winced. "The one about witnessing our Speaker, ahem, 'laying claim' to Lady Abigale. Her words, not mine, mind you." The Argonian's expression twisted. Being the Mistress of the Sanctuary was proving difficult. It was as though the air itself was permeated with a potent aphrodisiac. Thankfully, keeping the murderers in line was still an easy task but the pent-up sexual frustration was making all tense and twitchy. It was shocking. Ocheeva could not help but to pity her Family. She was thankful that she never found females of any race attractive. "Do you really think she a Dibellan thing?"
The Mistress shrugged. "By the way things are going here, I would not doubt it. Everyone needs to exert energy just to keep sane but we are running out of Contracts. I fear the day when I have none to give."
"She smells amazing..." Nerah randomly observed, causing the Argonian to give a tentative nod in agreement. In truth, the girl did smell ridiculously good. According to the members of Sanctuary, she smelt differently to all. To Teinaava, she smelt like Water Lilies. Vicente Valtieri thought she smelt like honey and sunshine. The Speaker said flowers and heat. M'raaj-Dar would swear she smelt like some unpronounceable flower in Elsweyr. It was interesting, if not a touch disturbing.
"At any rate, Speaker Lachance and Lady Abigale Lynn will be heading out soon. Our Speaker is just about finished getting his affairs in order. Time away from the Family is needed to be handled accordingly. Lucien entrusting me to handle certain matters during his absence is a great honor. It does make housing the young woman all the more worth it." Ocheeva concluded with an affirming nod, anything to make the job seemingly less stressful was worth noting.
xxxx
I stood again with Teinaava in the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary training area. The Khajiit, M'raaj-Dar had left us to our own devices this time. "You are getting better!" The Argonian praised, curling his tail as he attempted to regain control over his lower extremities. "You could at least incapacitate someone well enough to slow them down. Every little bit helps, does it not?" I gave a small nod, appreciating his words of encouragement.
Over the last week, I remained within the care and Sanctuary of the Dark Brotherhood. I had been permitted to leave, provided I was escorted by a member, namely Teinaava. I found I liked him, he was oddly gentle and considerate for an assassin. We both had a near obsessive love for books and he spoke passionately about the tales that he read. I was also very thankful that he never uttered a word about murder whilst I was near. Had I not known him to be a killer, I would have never guessed that he was dangerous. He liked working leather soles and stories of adventure. It was so very strange.
Lucien Lachance had suggested that I should practice my abilities upon him as he was a different race, so the Lover's Kiss 'should not emotionally stir him' and my magic was to be painless. After some deliberation, I finally agreed, knowing that I could someday benefit from paralyzing another with a kiss. Him not finding human females attractive also helped me considerably. Regardless, it had been rather awkward, kissing the scaled cheek of a Dark Brotherhood killer. However, over the days that followed I quickly grew a tolerance for it. The magic was also starting to work. For the first time in my life, I could cast something. It was exciting.
M'raaj-Dar, the Mage of the Sanctuary, still could not help me to summon any useful restoration magic and I refused to learn Destruction, despite their Speaker's proposal that I do so. "You look a bit weary," Teinaava continued, carefully standing from his chair, testing his balance as he did so. "We could end for the day if you'd like. Learning magic does tend to exhaust the caster. Or we could go to town..." He smiled, scaled brow quirked beneath his hood. "Or perhaps you would like to hear more stories about my upbringing at the hands of our Speaker? You tend to like those."
His words were mostly true. I had learned that Lucien Lachance had assisted in raising and training the young Argonian twins Teinaava and Ocheeva. They went to him around the age of five and he had taught them all they knew. Both Argonians had sworn their allegiance to him and their religion. It was a bond that was only visible by Lachance if you watched him observe the two as I had done. He had also spoken of both on our journey around Cheydinhal. He was proud of the twins. Despite this, the stories could either go from sweetly humorous to thoroughly disturbing. It was a coin toss whether or not I would appreciate his memories.
Thinking back to the last story about Ocheeva almost losing her tail, a story I was not to let on that I knew, I decided to politely decline. "Thank you but I think your Speaker will be with us shortly. It is nearly noon. I best not keep him waiting when he arrives."
"Ah, grape break?" The Argonian teased. After admitting my like for grapes on the night the Speaker and I arrived in Cheydinhal, Lucien made good on a promise to buy the fruit and made sure I partook in their consumption. Each day around noon, I would dine with him, grapes always on the side. It was delightfully ridiculous. So in response, I gave another nod, thinking on the first night I had spent within the Dark Brotherhood. All had overwhelmed me to the point of delirium and exhaustion. I had little memory of the evening, recalling stressful snippets. I had met Antoinetta Marie, been thoroughly disturbed and vaguely remembered Vicente shortly after. I did recall having an apple and their Speaker crawling in the bed with me after he pulled the pillow out from under my head, complaining about the impracticality of the cushion as he did so.
"You are not yet tired of them, I hope?" Asked said Speaker, as he stealthily entered the room fully, startling me some. Teinaava gave his usual little bow of respect while I only shook my head in response. "Good. We will be bringing what is left of them with us when we start our journey." Lucien then turned to address Teinaava. "Brother, I would like to have a word alone with the Lady. Leave us." Teinaava obeyed and left quickly without so much as another word. Once he had gone, Lachance fixed me with his usual grin. "Progress?" He question, stepping to me.
"Teinaava seems to think so. I am not sure." I looked puzzledly down at my hands. "I am still so unfamiliar with all. Simply feeling the magic in my fingers or lips is strange. I cannot grasp its potency, I have nothing to compare it to." Lachance nodded, looking thoughtful. "I am grateful for the lessons, although I am still unsure how I am to receive them."
"Ah, the suspicion. Do I truly need a motive? I simply enjoy watching those who are in my charge flourish. You know this to be true." He took my hands and examined them, turning them over, seemingly pleased. "I feel the magic here. Continue to practice and over time you could become quite the Mage, Little Countess." He pressed his thumbs into my palm, his expression curious. "Amuse me, try to cast something. Anything." I chewed my lip in thought, thinking and attempting to summon some restorative magic to my hand. As expected, it proved fruitless. Lachance looked more curious, he eyed my throat. "There is our problem. Remove the amulet."
My eyes instinctively narrowed. As there were currently no spectators, I was able to question the Speaker. "I thought that the necklace only blocked magical influences. Does it truly inhibit my magic as well?"
"Indeed it does," Lucien answered with a slight incline of his head.
I frowned, wanting to reach up to toy with the amulet in question, his grip upon my hands preventing me from doing so. Seeing Teinaava lose feeling in his legs and tail made me question Lachance. Although I still believed him to be truthful when he said he would not harm me, jewel or no, I knew better than to instantaneously obey him. When we were alone, I need not accept him so, as he had promised. Therefore, I felt free to question him. "How is my kiss effective then?"
"That is a natural ability." He again readily answered, as though he had been waiting for me to inquire such a thing. I thought his explanation was too convenient, regardless. Lucien Lachance did not overlook much, if anything.
He let go of my hands then and I eyed him carefully, making my skepticism plain. Despite a week of being under his 'protection', I was still very much uncomfortable around the Speaker. Lucien was cunning and kept his motives towards me veiled. The only thing he prominently displayed was his attraction to me. I was still forced to share his bed each night and he clung to me as if I had a mind to escape his grasp. He was, however, oddly 'kind' to me. Rather, as kind as a Dark Brotherhood Speaker denoted suitable for a person of sexual interest.
I pouted at him, knowing how much he enjoyed my facial expressions. He would watch me, then answer. "Why was I not instructed to remove it sooner?"
As expected, he grinned at me, easily displaying a hidden motive that he did not mind teasing me with. "Would you like your preferred truth or a creative and elaborate lie, my dear?"
Biting my tongue to keep from sighing rudely, I crossed my arms, fingers drumming against my sleeve. I turned my gaze to the floor to keep from glaring, knowing better than to press my luck or test Lachance. "Truth, please."
"How very predictable of you." He purred, placing his hands upon my shoulders, again leaning in. His desire to encroach upon my personal space was but one of the many ways Lucien Lachance flaunted his boldness. The joy he received by discomforting me seemed endless. It had not at all lessened with the passing week. "Because I wanted to exercise your ability without causing any damage to my Sanctuary. The amulet is also not to come off unless I am near. I believed that my presence may have stunted your eagerness to learn. I have been known to make you tense." He observed, overjoyed by the truth of his comment. "And because I personally wanted to be the one to take teach you magic. What you have been doing the past week has drawn it to the surface for me. The real art starts now."
"You did not want to do the dirty work." I quipped, watching the amusement in his dark eyes increase at my words. "You left that to M'raaj-Dar and Teinaava." Lucien did not deny my observation. Instead, the Speaker only chuckled some, deriving more entertainment now that I knew his ploy.
"One of the many perks of being in charge." He pleasantly noted after recovering from his little laugh. "Allow me to rectify all this now. We shall proceed with a real lesson that will be as stimulating as it is successful." Lachance's hands then slipped around my neck to the gold chain's temperamental clasp. He held in gently, standing closer than needed be. "May I?" Lucien asked smoothly, eyes gleaming with anticipation. This time I could not fully stifle my glare. I turned my head away to keep him from seeing my annoyance.
"No, you may not." I watched from the corner of my vision as he made a little face but did not move away from me. The dip in his mood could be almost comical, had I not been on the receiving end. He purposely cleared his throat, demanding my attention wordlessly. I turned to him as he wanted and tried to appear firm.
"Any particular reason?" Lucien probed, looking torn between confusion and annoyance. Still, I remained unmoving, staring evenly up at the puzzled Speaker. "Is your trust no more? Your amulet has fallen off before me, as you no doubt remember. I did nothing then and would do nothing now. I have sworn not to harm you, regardless of the amulet's presence."
"I know and I believe you. I greatly appreciate your promise to me." I answered fast, not deterred in the least, regardless of the sincerity in his voice. Although I still had yet to catch him, I knew Lucien Lachance to be a liar. I did believe that he would not harm me unless given cause but that was as far as I could stretch my trust. Him appearing sincere meant little to me. Moreover, I felt almost as though taking off the amulet was a form of submission for him, its presence happened to be one thing I controlled. As such, I would not do it.
"Then may I inquire as to why you will not allow me to remove it?" He asked, hands falling away from me so that he could fold his arms over his chest. I was pleased by how quickly he withdrew. Despite very much enjoying violating my space, Lachance would remove himself if I asked politely or firmly enough. Truly, it depended on circumstance. Most of his touches I had grown accustomed to. Like a hand on my hip, chin on my forehead, or an arm and leg wrapped around my body as he snored into my hair. I had even begun to 'enjoy' the warmth that spread from his hard chest in bed - this though was an embarrassing confession that I kept to myself.
"I'm sorry, no." Lucien's brow quirked, his head slightly inclined as he regarded me with his black eyes. Again, I forced my bravery, tilting my head up a little more to meet his stare. "I simply cannot remove it for you. I am sorry."
"It is not for me." He clarified, inching closer to stare me down, his face turning smug. I knew he was attempting to intimidate me but I would not yield. I was still frightened of Lucien Lachance but not as much as I should have been. A small part of me enjoyed being defiant with him as he allowed me to do so. This was but another thing I could not let him know. "It is for you, Little Countess. I want to teach you...if magic is out of the question today then perhaps I can teach you other things...?"
At this, I narrowed my eyes, lips pursed. "I know very well what you would like to 'teach' me. My answer remains the same for both that and the removal of my amulet. I shall be blunt: I will not be doing either."
Lachance grinned, gave a mocking little bow and retook my hand. "A direct challenge for me." He remarked lightly, planting a kiss upon the lace of my sleeve, again far too pleased, regardless of my refusal. Lucien was remarkably persistent with his twisted pursuit for my body. Although I did not appreciate his flood of innuendos and endless awkward implications, I supposed they aided me. In a small way, I did not mind his constant interest, as I knew it kept me safer whilst in the care of the Dark Brotherhood. I repeatedly denied him but he remained undeterred. Reminding him that I belonged to the Count of Skingrad did not aid me either. His eyes would go cold and he would make a little face as he concealed his temper - which was another thing I had become grateful for. Despite his profession, he did not express his anger. At least, not when I was present.
"It is not a challenge," I said as gently as possible, trying to show extreme sincerity. "It is simply a fact."
"We shall see," He said as he straightened, hand returning to my shoulder as he guided me from the room. "Facts are little more than firm opinions. As such, they still may change." We went back and forth for some time as we walked down to the Sanctuary living quarters. Lachance's tone hushed a bit as if all did not know how he persistently harassed me. He was trying to spare me embarrassment by quieting his desires around his Family. I thought it to be a futile gesture as all knew well why he kept me to him so.
We entered the dining area which was currently occupied by a moping Nerah Vlando, who vanished quickly at the sight of her Speaker, as was her custom. I was quick to grab two plates and goblets from the cupboard as Lucien scrutinized the large cooking pot, a scowl slowly forming. "It appears to be one of Antoinetta's concoctions." He observed, giving whatever it was a quick stir with the ladle. "Hmm...Well, we shall not be eating that. Do not draw close, the mere smell is offensive." He placed the lid back on the pot and gave an agitated sigh. "I hope carrots make good company to your grapes, as that will be our meal."
Although the Speaker was not very picky when it came to food, he did take small enjoyment from what he ate. Thus far, he only turned up his nose whenever the Breton, Antionetta Marie made a dish. Apparently, he was not the only one. The Orc would get particularly angry and dine out at a tavern while Vicente - who I still refused to speak to - would hide in his chamber and leave in a huff at dusk, also complaining about the offensive odor.
"It does not smell so bad to me," I admitted, stepping closer to remove the lid, watching as the Speaker backed away on instinct. I smiled at his reaction. "Simply too much pepper, I think. It is all I can smell...But perhaps I should bathe in its broth since it keeps you away so." Lachance looked very unamused by my threat and eyed the pot dangerously as if he had a mind to kill it. I had to bite back laughter at his look.
"That is a dark threat indeed, my dear." He frowned, watching as I began to poke at the small bits of unnamable meat with the ladle. "We can only guess what 'Netta throws in that pot. I fear the reaction it would no doubt give your beautiful flesh." He took my hand from the spoon and again slapped the lid over the rim. "Can you cook?" He randomly inquired, steering me over to the table.
"Perhaps...?" I said as I sat in the chair he pulled for me, purposely avoided answering. I feared the possibility of becoming a personal chef for the Dark Brotherhood.
Lachance made quick work of setting our rather pitiful plates. "I need to know." He clarified, taking the seat opposite me. "When you bear my children, I must know if you can feed them when I am away." Instantly, I soured. Knowing he had struck a cord, he continued, looking pleased. "How many children do you want, Little Countess? Three? Four? Personally, the number five is special to me. It has a nice ring to it." With my jaw locked into place and cheeks reddened, I only glared. "I would so love if we had a girl with your hair."
"That will never be." I snapped, finally unable to watch the assassin any longer. Lucien Lachance had unknowingly hurt me deeply. By the way he spoke so proudly, I knew he had never heard that I was barren. Thankfully, the Count had never passed such a confession along to Vicente Valtieri. Lachance could be cruel but I doubted very much that he would ever tease me over such a thing...not because of its poor taste but because it would greatly hurt me and that would impede on his 'progress' towards bedding me.
"How many times must I tell you to not say 'never'?" Lucien grinned, greatly enjoying my indignant blush, labeling it as embarrassment towards the prospect of sleeping with him. "Do not worry, I know how temperamental you are with marriage. We truly need not marry, lest you desire to do so. My children will be my children, regardless. I never understood how standing for hours in a chapel legitimized anything."
I found myself half listening to the assassin. In my youth, I mainly had raised the younger portion of my family, despite being a child myself. In the end, it proved too much atop of all the other things I was to be put through. Admitting it pained me but one of the key reasons for my running away had been raising the children. I was petrified of all the things I knew not how to handle. Being so small with such large problems frightened me. All of that, along with my drunken mother and her Dibella nonsense spurred me to flee. Being barren pained me but I felt it was just. I would be a poor mother, I could not handle all the responsibility that came with it.
"This is not something that I want to discuss," I replied somberly, my fight gone.
"And what if you have no say in the matter?" He asked, looking devious, hoping to coax me into an argument. "What if the next time that necklace falls from your nape, I take advantage of your vulnerability? I could fill you with my sons. Hassildor certainly would lose interest then. You would be a free woman. The perfect plan. When shall we start?"
I poured myself some water, trying to seem unhurt and indifferent. He had overstepped, much like he often strove to do. However, I intended to let him know this time, whether or not he cared. "There is a flaw," I stated, speaking as emotionlessly as I could.
"Oh?" The man still looked far too pleased with himself. I mindlessly toyed with my cup, gently turning it with my fingers along the tabletop.
"I cannot have children." In an instant, the mischevious gleam to his eyes darkened before vanishing completely. I sipped my water as I watched him carefully. Lachance eyed me curiously, brow quirked and incredulous. I did not avoid his look. Instead, I met him evenly, finding his glare strangely empowering. It seemed, for once, I was causing Lucien to question himself.
"That is a cruel lie."
"It is no lie," I replied calmly, observing his expression as it contorted into disbelief then mild confusion. He did not know how to react properly to my truth. He appeared genuinely irked, though I did not understand why.
"Are you certain?" He asked me gently and I was surprised by his sudden hushed tone. I only nodded, finding his softness odd. "You were homeless...is this what caused it?" Again, I only nodded, watching as he frowned. "It is not uncommon, unfortunately. It is a brutal harshness that comes with hard times. But it is a great shame. Nirn should surely weep. I know you would have made an excellent mother." I did not know why the assassin's words shook me so but they did.
Regardless, I could not help but scoff, finding the tears that began to form in my eyes a nuisance. "I would have been a poor mother. It is a blessing in disguise." I had to resign myself to this belief. As long as I did not contemplate the impossibility of children, it would not bother me so. When it was brought to light I could not help but feel bitter over my weakness to mothering and my inability to create a life.
"What makes you think something so foolish?" Lucien asked with strange sharpness, regarding me as though I had just offended him as deeply as he had me. His hard tone startled me, I blinked away my tears and hesitated before daring to speak again.
"I am weak and selfish."
Lachance shook his head, fingers lacing together as he placed his hands upon the table. He cleared his throat and composed himself. I did not understand his anger towards my words and thought his reaction unneeded. I looked away. "You are not weak nor selfish. And you may yet be a mother still." He stated tenderly, trying to capture my interest. I only pouted, continuing to avoid his stare. "We could always adopt..." I narrowed my gaze, effectively ignoring him until he placed his hand upon my own. I glared at him wordlessly. "I apologize for hurting you with that. I did not know." I nodded curtly, trying to pull my hand from him. "I did not know. I am sorry. I did not mean to pain you."
"Perhaps you should think before you speak," I demanded, finally freeing my hand from his. The assassin, for once, offered no retort. We finished our meal in silence and I found myself growing steadily more irritated as the time ticked by us, though I did not know why. I eventually stood, cleared my dish and waited for him to do the same. Lucien ultimately followed but made no move to walk us from the dining area. Instead, he stood by me, watching me from down the bridge of his nose, frown still apparent.
"We are leaving tomorrow at dawn." He stated suddenly, hand returning to my shoulder. "Be prepared for an early rest this evening... Now that I have your attention, how do I earn you forgiveness?"
"By not speaking of this. Please, it is not something I want to talk about with you or anyone." I sighed and looked away. "I simply must push it from my thoughts. If I do not acknowledge it, it will go away. My forgiveness will come as my sadness leaves."
"If that is what you want. I will say no more until you are ready to do so."
"I will never be ready for that."
"Never say never, Little Countess." As we went to leave the dining area, I was struck suddenly with a curious want. I looked to the oddly quiet assassin, wondering if I was too bold to ask what was on my mind to him.
"Lucien," I began cautiously, speaking softly so that no one could hear. "Do you...Do you really want me to forgive you?"
Lachance gave a small, bitter laugh. "Strangely enough, I do. Why?"
"I may forgive you faster..." I chewed my lip and eyed the floor. "If you gift me more of your green apples."
XXXX
Vicente Valtieri watched on with mortification as Abigale Lynn and Speaker Lachance wandered back into the Sanctuary. She had wanted green apples...so green apple she was given. The pair had gone off to the market to purchase them as the Speaker had no more to freely give. They stood in the antechamber now, Lucien grinning roguishly at the young woman as he plucked a fruit from her basket. She watched him with apparent interest, too much apparent interest. He went to take a bite, successfully baiting her in a poor attempt to stop him. She placed her hand on the fruit with a false little pout, her heart spiking as Lachance still brought the apple to his mouth, taking a bite while purposely nipping at her fingers in the process. Lucien's heart too began to race as he stared down at Abigale Lynn, their combined rapid pulses made the Sanctuary hum to the vampire.
The tension between the two was frighteningly strong. The Speaker swallowed hard and held the apple above his head slightly, just out of the girl's reach. "Will you jump for me this time?" He teased, seemingly composed, eyes dark and swimming with wrongful desires. Abigale Lynn inched closer to Lachance, eyes flitting from his hands to his throat before she raised herself to her tiptoes, her hands lightly upon his chest. She stared back at him, smug and yet unsure. The Speaker faltered slightly, his hand coming down the smallest bit from above his head as their eyes locked.
She observed him closely, searching his face, her fingers delicately twisting into the front of his tunic. Watching her tilt her chin up to Lucien's caused Vicente great anxiety. However, the girl only lingered, eyeing the man before her with a heavy-lidded gaze. It was then that Vicente gathered, almost confusedly, that Abigale Lynn was very effectively working Speaker Lachance. His energy screamed for her yet he remained unmoving, pinned by the stare of a pale girl whose head did not reach his shoulders.
"No." Abigale Lynn breathed, retrieving her fruit from the still very stunned Lucien Lachance. The man only stared, his body stiff as she withdrew. She turned away from Lucien, leaving his blood pumping and fingers flexing as she did so. But the Speaker was not done. He wanted her...So much so that Vicente had almost fully rounded the corner just to stop what he feared would occur. Strangely though, Lachance did nothing. He made a little pained face at the girl's back before righting himself. Almost as though Abigale Lynn knew of the man's inner turmoil, she had then cast the Speaker a haughty little glare from over her shoulder, twirling her amulet around her finger as she did so.
Fast as a whip, Lucien Lachance stepped to her, arm around her back, hand on her hip as the wandered down deeper into the Sanctuary together. They again began speaking as though nothing had occurred, their conversations consisting of mindless little jabs or lewd remarks - at least on Lucien Lachance's part. All that transpired left Vicente Valtieri thoroughly stunned. The vampire thought of his friend, the Count of Skingrad, with surmounting unease. Abigale Lynn's behavior towards the Cheydinhal Sanctuary Speaker was very unlike her natural self. However, Vicente believed her actions to be partly wise. By securing the interest of Speaker Lachance, Abigale Lynn had solidified her safety. The man guarded her with fierce loyalty, the two only separate for an hour each day while the girl practiced her magic. As such, it was unsurprising that she was warming to him, but dangerous, all the same.
The energy she exuded towards the Count was very different. Tender. This was a new and curious feel she had for Lachance. It was not emotional but it was inquisitive. She liked the Speaker - to an extent - and that was a dangerous thing. Couple Lachance's ways of manipulation with the Abigale Lynn's curiosity and tolerance and one was left with a disaster. Again, the vampire thought of Janus and frowned. If Abigale Lynn found her way beneath Lachance, the Count could never find out. Vicente knew it was an awful possibility. Oddly enough, if the girl was a willing and wanting participant, the vampire could and would not do much to intervene. If all was kept an eternal secret - much like the death of her mother - then no harm was done. On the contrary, if anyone on Nirn deserved the right for curious sexual pursuits, it was the girl who was to willingly serve another as a vampire bride for the rest of eternity.
Vicente Valtieri resigned himself to do nothing, hoping it was right. It was just like her green apples - if she wanted Lachance...Lachance she was given.
XXXX
Abigale Lynn was sleeping soundly again in the arms of Lucien Lachance. The Speaker, who had yet to so much as nod off for a moment, simply stared at the girl. Over the past week, watching her face as she slept had become almost ritualistic for him. He mindlessly absorbed her features, fingers running along a slightly exposed shoulder as he did so. He went over their days. There was much he had learned that he liked about the girl. She was very resilient, secretly stubborn, had a temper and more. Never did he dream that the little servant he cornered in the alley could be so intriguing. Although her Dibellan nature was fascinating and made her impossible to ignore, there was much more beneath the surface that he found equally stimulating. This though, he was not sure how to take.
Realizing, almost regrettably, how much he was coming to like the woman made Lucien Lachance feel very curious. Every night he would relive the two times they had kissed, one he forced on her, the other she on him. As he did so, he could not help but wonder what it would feel like if she met him halfway to her mouth. The thought of a willing kiss for both made his blood hot, akin to the thrilling sensation of the kill...he knew it should not be so.
Lachance grunted and pulled Abigale Lynn further onto his chest, the deep sleeping girl had become so used to the action that she did not so much as stir. He thought about the prospect of her freedom selfishly. Lucien Lachance wanted her free, not only because he had a burning hatred for slavery...but because he believed, with Janus Hassildor out of the picture, he had a decent chance as any to secure the woman in his arms. More so, for he had already had her in his bed. The idea of her choosing him gave a strange completion to his already great pride.
Of course, there were certain elements to him that she need not know. Abigale Lynn did not seem too at odds with his violent tendencies and murderous 'inclinations', as her previous lover was no better than he in that regard. But there was the difficult matter of her mother...if she never learned of such a deed, she would be his. This, he was certain of. Given time he would secure her. They would be happy. She would be his Sanctuary away from his Sanctuary. She would live freely as any woman and the pair could travel across Tamriel. She could follow him to his contract locations. After he killed, recruited or did other Brotherhood business, they would be merchant and wife, seeing the sights and enjoying each other.
The thoughts sometimes disturbed him, which was not an easy thing to do. Earlier he had 'teased' her with the prospect of children. Lucien Lachance had never wanted any little versions of himself, the mere idea caused him to shudder. However, little Abigale Lynn copies running around were not entirely horrible to imagine. He was secretly disappointed that she could not carry and felt very small once he had hurt her for such a thing. On the bright side, it would make sex all the more enjoyable. No possibility of pregnancy left him to not have to take any precautions...
Lucien again looked down to her parted lips and closed eyes. She was lovely. He had never been with a woman who knew what he was, was not of the Brotherhood, and yet showed interest. And she surely was showing interest. They went back and forth now, she came to him willingly, did not shy away so. He caught her observing him many times, eyes curiously roaming his person, fingers wandering the expanse of his chest when she thought he was sleeping...he could embarrass her for it but he found too much joy in the feel of her hands to end it.
Tomorrow they would again be off. Without the watchful eyes of his Family, he believed Abigale Lynn would come closer to him still. If she gave herself to him, which he dearly hoped and believed she would and then he, in turn, would be hers. He would protect her as long as he was able. They could do much to ensure each other's happiness. Her open mind presented a relationship of openness that he had never known. The prospect was exciting. It could all work. She only had to say yes to him...then he would deal with Hassildor.
Author's Notes: No proofreading here...sorry, I'll go back, as per the norm! On a totally random note, if LoB was broken into a 'book' we'd be in the sequel now, probably starting a few chapters back...cool, right? XD