Author's Notes: Wow, sorry about the wait! I went on a little vaca, got backed up in work, and...totally lost my writing enthusiasm. In the summer, it's really hard for me to write. I get writer's block and kinda just fall into a hole. Inspiration has also been hard to find, too. Merr...I'm trying to get back in the swing of writing but I won't make another false update promise. I will endeavor to post once a month until this block goes away...but the spreading of my updates might not be a bad thing...
Love or Blood
Chapter Sixty-eight: Homecoming
xxxx
Vicente Valtieri was still talking at my back as I pushed open the Dark Brotherhood's training room door. In their main antechamber, I watched as I was not alone in emerging from the area I had previously occupied. Antoinetta Marie, who happened to be the source of the racket, bounced around excitedly as she left the small nook of their great room. The blonde Breton was dressed in the clothes of a commoner, having just been shopping around town, and was rosy cheeked and ecstatic over her news.
"Speaker Lachance is back in County Cheydinhall! He is on his way, surely!" She clapped, walking over to a disgruntled Nerah Vlando who had just slunk up the stairs from Vicente's quarters. "In town, I heard gossip about a large, black mare and her handsome rider in the night! It is high noon! Our Speaker will be here by nightfall, I feel it in my blackened soul!"
The Imperial Antoinetta Marie spoke so excitedly to cringed on multiple occasions when her pitch rose a touch higher than her norm. Nerah Vlando smiled with blatant falseness, nodding to pacify the Breton's enthusiasm. I, however, sighed audibly with great relief. Although only four days had passed since Lucien's departure, our time apart dragged. It might as well have been months since I had last seen the man. I did not know entirely why I felt such a strong need to be in the assassin's presence once more, but knowing that Lucien Lachance was on his way, tucked off in his secluded fort not far from me now was soothing.
My small sound of pleasure alerted the two female Dark Brotherhood Siblings to my attendance. Both turned to me in unison with very different expressions. Nerah Vlando looked positively appalled, as she had often expressed her bewilderment towards mine and her Speaker's relations. While the Breton beamed in my direction, her hands clasping together excitedly. Antoinetta Marie, who was anything but innocent, had an unrealistic 'love' for Lucien Lachance. So much so that our joining pleased her. She had even politely offered her 'sensual services' to pacify and lingering longing I had whilst Lucien was away...to which I politely declined. Being that I was her Speaker's chosen 'mate', all wanted me tended to accordingly and Antoinetta Marie was no different. She simply was ready to serve me much more than needed...or wanted.
Initially, I had boggled at the Breton's openness and eagerness to discuss her Speaker's skill in everything. Nerah Vlando, who had blessedly intervened and ended the conversation she had overheard, nearly turned green over the topics Antoinetta Marie wished to speak of. I learned to avoid the blonde as best as I was able.
"It's true, Abby!" Antoinetta gushed, beckoning me to join her and Nerah. I reluctantly complied, always mindful to respect the murderers...despite my great dislike for the nickname I had been given and my overall hesitance to said murdering. "Oh, I am certain he will be so very delighted to see you! His passion for you is boundless..."
"Netta, let us not start on that again, please." Nerah thankfully interrupted before turning her attention to me. "I was hardly able to keep my dinner down. Barfing blood is not something I wish to experience anytime soon."
Ignoring the Imperial, Antionetta waved away the comment before pulling me to her. The abrupt contact was common with the young woman, as I had come to learn. However, her hand gently stroking my face in the eeriest of ways was still an exceedingly difficult thing to endure silently. "We simply must ready you for him...Like a gift! We will make you sparkle like all the stars above in the cloudless sky of the void." She began, smoothing my hair from my face to gently poke my nose before again cupping my cheeks in her hands, sighing through her small, soft smile. "Oh, Abby, you are unusually beautiful. Truly, you are an offering worthy of so honorable a Speaker. It will be difficult to enhance your features to make them further pleasing...but one must try! Lucien Lachance knows well of my talents! If anyone can fix that which is not broken, it shall be me...so, perhaps a silken dress? One that clings to your bosom and backside?"
"She is not our Speaker's made-up whore." Growled Vicente Valtieri from behind, steadily emerging from the training room, looking thoroughly peeved towards my abandonment. "Abigale Lynn, I believe we were in the middle of our training?"
I carefully stepped closer to the little, blonde Breton, trying to feign some sort of agreement to her desires before speaking. "I apologize, Master Vicente, but I believe Antionetta Marie has a point. I should ready myself for Lucien Lachance's arrival." I smiled as best I could at both women, still finding it mildly appalling that they too eyed me much like the men in the Sanctuary and equally as eager to please. "Perhaps I could use a change of clothes...and maybe we could prepare a hearty meal for your Speaker? I know how he loathes hardtack and oats."
"Oh, excellent idea!" Antoinetta squealed with pure delight, the sound causing Nerah Vlando to again flinch and glare. "We'll go to the butcher and purchase the biggest, bloodiest side of beef! Or...or should we make a meat pie? He does so enjoy those too." She trailed off in her musings before again lighting up and turning to me once more. "And, of course, I'll be sure to get you a pretty silk dress, Abby! Green to bring out your eyes or black to contrast your complexion? I feel too much red will clash with your hair."
"A-anything is fine, really. Surprise me?"
"Done!" She squealed, removing the basket of herbs from her arm and thrusting them into Nerah's. "I'll return quickly!"
xxxx
In a dress made of green silk, I paced about Lucien Lachance's chambers. The night was growing late but the Dark Brotherhood Speaker had yet to return. This worried me. I wanted him desperately, especially after treating Vicente Valtieri so coldly. I did not think the vampire would harm me but knowing I had hurt and angered him made me quite nervous - for reasons obvious.
Teinaava had come knocking on several different occasions, asking if I was in need of companionship or food and drink. I politely declined all and continued to pace. Eventually, I was called to help assist in dinner and did so as happily as possible. It was then in the kitchen of the Dark Brotherhood, as I wiped the remnants of pie crumbs from my dress, did the Sanctuary's Argonian Mistress, Ocheeva, descended the stairs with news of Lucien's arrival. Antoinetta again made a loud unintelligible exclamation of excitement, prompting another wince and smack by Nerah Vlando.
I was surprised, however, as the Sanctuary's Mistress turned to me, her brightly colored orange eyes reminding me of Hal-Liurz for the briefest moment. "Lady Abigale, our dearest Speaker would surely like to assess your state. Please, go to him." Blinking in surprise, I nodded hurriedly and turned to leave, controlling my pace as to not run to Lucien's protection.
I turned my attention to the door, wondering what my best course of action was. As much as I wanted to see the assassin and be under his protection again, I knew better than to run to him. Lucien Lachance was the Speaker for the Sanctuary I was currently housed by. As such, he expressed to me how important his appearance was. I had come to grasp, albeit loosely, how very important a role Lucien had within the Dark Brotherhood. I did not want to flee to him and tarnish his very deadly image.
Once out of sight of the Dark Brotherhood members, I allowed myself to move the smallest bit faster. I entered the common area and glanced about, finding it empty, save the Dark Guardian that lurked around a stone pillar by the training room. With my lip between my teeth, I decided to retreat to Lucien's chambers, hoping to find him there instead. I was in luck, for as I approached the door, I could hear some small sounds within. Hesitantly, I knocked, fingering the black band in my pocket absentmindedly as I did so.
The door cracked open and a fully robed Lucien Lachance stood in its opening. The assassin smirked down at me and opened the door wider to allow my entry. I could only smile back for a moment, feeling a great relief wash over me as I passed the threshold. No sooner had Lucien closed the door did I feel his arms encircle me, his nose burying in my hair where he proceeded to inhale deeply. "Oh, how I have missed you, my dear. 'Longing' does not do the feeling any justice." His grip tightened and I sighed into his hold, my hand reaching up to touch the remarkably thick stubble of his cheek. I closed my eyes and enjoyed him, relaxing my back into his solid chest. "You smell amazing. You feel amazing in my hands...It is good to be home."
"Your Family Members and I have missed you terribly," I admitted, my fingers working into his hair as his head bowed to my neck. "How was the journey? How did...well, how did all transpire?"
The assassin chuckled into me, the sound a soft, warm rumble that I had missed. "It took me perhaps an hour or two at most to complete the task we were given. All else was travel, and all was very uneventful and unchallenging - both task and journey. Simply tedious."
"Truly?" I questioned, both amazed and relieved. "I worried so. Hindaril-"
"Was the greatest disappointment of the era, my dear. He and his clan had been feeding on vermin that inhabited the caves. It weakened them to a laughable state." Lucien hummed into me as I continued to worry and question his words. However, I was so very grateful that the assassin was safe and with me once more.
"Do you need tending?" I asked, turning in Lucien's grip to assess his state. "Did you sustain any injury?"
"No," He smiled, cupping my face so that he could examine me as I did him, his voice light and teasing. "Have you?"
"No. Your Family was welcoming...kind." I clarified, frowning at the Speaker's notably clean Imperial skin. "...Have you washed? You look very neat. How long have you been in Cheydinhal, exactly?"
"Not long. I took a room at the Inn to clean myself. I needed to waste time. You know I very well can't enter my Sanctuary in the light of day, my dear." I pouted, nodding in agreement but oddly peeved knowing that the assassin had been in town. I had missed him. "Do not sulk so. I am here now."
"I am not sulking." I quipped, folding my arms across my chest. In truth, I felt a bit sore over the fact that the assassin did not rush to see me. Of course, I knew his reasons were true, rational and considerate, but the childish part of me held a strange hurt, as though Lucien Lachance was to sweep me off my feet and out of the city as soon as his boots crossed county Cheydinhall. "Have you yet eaten?" I asked abruptly, poorly trying to mask my absurd and foolish sentiments.
"...Why?" He ventured, as though the wrong response would prompt anger from me. I found it amusing and turned my bitterness to tease him further.
"We prepared your dinner. I even took the liberty of brewing your coffee. It may not be so fresh now...since someone was splashing about in a tub across town."
"Ah, you have grown so very cheeky. I enjoy it. But do forgive me for trying to make myself presentable for you. Stinking of the road is hardly becoming, or so I thought." The assassin grinned, a genuine warmth in his eyes as he did so. "I must admit that I am pleasantly surprised that you prepared anything for me. Grateful. However, as much as I am intrigued and tempted by the prospect of food, I find myself far more tempted to help myself to you."
"Far be it from me to deny you," I smirked, enjoying his already eagerly wandering hands. "But before we progress, I have something of yours." I quickly captured the assassin's wrist and procured the black band he had me hold several days ago. "It was far too large for me to wear. I...I kept it in my undershirt. It remained safely with me at all times."
The assassin paused as I slid the ring back on his finger, smiling nervously up at him as he regarded the gleaming band with interest. "Did it bring you any level of comfort?" He asked, bringing his gaze up to my own once more, his black irises shining intensely in the darkness. The look made my smile falter and chest flutter in the strangest of ways. I swallowed hard and managed a nod as the assassin worked his fingers into my hair and brought my face close to his.
"I-it did." I managed, feeling Lucien's warm breath lightly caress my face. "As did your words."
XXXX
The Count of Skingrad stared confusedly down at the parchment in his hands. The opened letter was unremarkable, so much so that he was surprised to find it neatly perched amongst his important documents. After a brief discussion with his closest staff, Janus quickly surmised the letter - though appearing ordinary - was anything but so.
The crinkled paper held the faintest hints of magic but being that most of his documents did - as there were many enchanted parcels from the Mages Guild or something of that like - again this was a very normal feature. However, it was the contents of the note that dumbfounded and confused the Count, not it's weathered and commonplace appearance. The scrawl was messy, the ink used old and congealed, yet all this mattered little. In the Count's large and pale hands was a letter from a witch. The witch he had been searching for nearly half a century...
The contents were difficult to grasp. The woman, whose name was hastily scratched into the bottom of the paper, wished to meet him. Apparently, she was somehow able to 'detect' the Count himself as the Brotherhood worked in his stead. She claimed to have met Abigale Lynn and congratulated the Count on something he hadn't the foggiest about. She warned him to be cautious as to whom he trusted yet she implored him to trust herself. She meant no harm and felt for his plight.
Still, this left the baffled Janus further baffled.
As the Count flipped the parchment, he noted the source of magic - an enchanted seal. Should he write on the back of the note and reply to the witch, the letter would find her. It was basic transportation charm, something the Mages Guild had long ago outlawed in Cyrodiil, but presently it proved useful. The Count's curiosity was beyond piqued. Despite his natural reluctance, he was quick to respond. Janus marched to his desk and quickly removed his quill and inkwell from the drawer. Melisande already knew of him and his condition and had yet to inform the public. It was that knowledge that moved his hand. Secrets were known to this woman and finding out how much she knew was vital. Denying her claims were foolish.
Denying her claims was a foolish thought that he hardly entertained. With the Dark Brotherhood as her source, they both knew full well how correct the Guild's information tended to be. So he wrote and inquired the depth of her knowledge of him, her skill as a witch and her usefulness with a private matter, should she be willing.
Janus Hassildor did not overlook the mention of his love but swallowed it down and kept it within. He ached for her... but he had his chance and ruined all. Now, the Count meant to truly right all his wrongs. With that, he needed to start with Rona.
xxxx
I ate quietly amongst the Dark Brotherhood Siblings who all gushed and praised their Speaker's return. I sat on Lucien Lachance's right, focusing on my plate and trying my hardest to ignore the heated glare given to me by Vicente Valtieri. In truth, I had used the vampire's desire to my benefit. I let him teach me magic and watch over me whilst Lucien had been away. Now that the assassin had returned, I no longer had a use for him. Honestly, I did not lead Master Vicente as much as his glare implied. We were never intimate in any way. Regardless, his look held the fierceness of a scorned lover. Because of this, I instinctively leaned into his Speaker's shoulder.
"So many vampires slain! Oh, dearest Speaker, does your skill know no bounds? Your talents are positively endless." Antoinetta Marie commented at the conclusion of her Master's assassination tale. Having already heard of Lucien's triumph prior to eating, I only grinned the smallest bit. I too was impressed and comforted by his skill...even if the deadliness was still very frightening.
"We all know vampires are deadly foes, malnourished or no, my Speaker. You are greatly dedicated to this sanctioned quest. We can all only hope to aspire to be as great and cunning an assassin as you." The Mistress Ocheeva observed, nodding pleasantly in agreement with the blonde Breton.
Lucien Lachance smiled broadly, the look positively charming, despite his terribly dark robes. "Dedication is something I pride myself in, although this time it proves to be an understatement for my passion of this journey's completion." Beneath the table, I felt the Speaker's warm hand fall to my knee. I startled some on the initial contact but his touch was soothing and not lewd in the slightest. "My reward for this contract's fulfillment is beyond measure. Its success has already led me to treasures beyond my wildest fantasies. Truly, Sithis has sanctioned this endeavor."
My cheeks began to redden as I nervously took another forkful of the meat pie I aided in preparing. My gaze fell to the hand under the table upon my leg. I eyed the gleaming black band and swallowed my mouthful down hard. I had greatly missed the assassin while he was away. My thoughts felt near crippling. The weight of my woes was overbearing at times and I had also shamefully missed another - a tall, red-eyed man, I still longed for him with all that I was...but I had longed for Lucien Lachance as well, and that longing gave me hope. It proved that I cared, that I was capable of caring for the Dark Brotherhood Speaker.
Regardless of his ways, I had missed my dark and misguided companion. I had missed my friend... I had missed my lover.
The evening progressed and soon I found myself tucked back in Lucien's arms. The feeling was again so good and warm. I nestled into the assassin's chest, enjoying how he twirled my hair and ran his fingers through its tresses as he spoke. The rumble and hum of his voice as my ear lay against him made me smile, small but genuine. He spoke of his time on the road, the encounters he had, and his thoughts of myself. I found comfort in the familiar and was able to stifle my thoughts of another, even if temporarily.
While Lucien had been away, it was impossible to not think of the Count. I fondly remembered our pleasant times, even if they were brief, and had frowned or wept at the bad. I still wholly missed the Count of Skingrad. I did not understand why my want for him was still so great and prevalent but I had given up trying to ignore it. It was a part of me, he was a part of me. I could only accept it and distract myself with Lucien Lachance's affection.
"I feel renewed. Perhaps we may start our journey to Drakelowe in the morning, should you feel up to the trek. Are you ready to leave this place once more?" Lucien questioned, splaying my hair across his chest as he spoke. I nodded, puffing strands from my face as I did so. "Good. I have given this all considerable thought, and I believe that the sooner this endeavor is behind us, the better. Perhaps we shall vacation for a small bit away from Cyrodiil...then begin the preparations for a permanent residence and settle some. Settle down."
I pursed my lips in thought, seeking comfort in the assassin's familiar chest and rhythmic breaths. I knew Lucien longed for a companion and I was his selection. However, I still found all boggling to my mind. Knowing that I was to willingly settle down and be tended to by a killer. A killer who wanted my happiness and sought mutual satisfaction for us both. Lucien would bend on all...all but his murder. "I thought you enjoyed travel? Would not settling down be contrary to your desires?"
"Perhaps if I was to linger idly for years on end it would grow dull. That, however, I have no intentions of doing. I simply thought it sufficient to start the plans for our abode. This will not happen over night, you gather. It is quite the lengthy process, or so I am told. We make the plans and check in on the project every now and again. When it is ready and we wish to take up residence, we may at our leisure."
"Until then?" I questioned, turning to look up at Lucien Lachance who had already closed his eyes, ready for rest, despite his very awake tone.
"Travel."
I smirked, reaching out to stroke the stubble upon the assassin's cheek, enjoying his relaxed features. In truth, all was still so very strange. I was conflicted over the great finality that he proposed. There was much hidden beneath Lucien Lachance's pleasing features. He was dark, full of mystery, secrets, and deception - all of which I endeavored to remain ignorant towards. However, we were both to play a strange part with each other now. Our arrangments were made, it was now time to walk the path that he had set for us both. It was an agreeable path, I supposed, to be our own union and live among the people together...But still, it seemed horrifying to me. Once all was said and done, when the assassin and I traveled and lived under a guise as common folk, it was only I who was to know the truth of Lucien Lachance. I was to live with the dangerous killer. One who was as equally charming and attractive as he was malicious and deadly. I was to be the companion of a murderer.
And yet... the assassin proved to look so innocent when at rest. A warmth exuded from his flesh and features. I longed to forget the truth of him. His internal corruption was frightening, his way of thinking twisted and beyond morally wrong. It made all bittersweet. An odd end, one that almost completely wiped the smile from my face. I again took the assassin in, swallowing hard as I eyed his every exposable inch. I found it a great shame that the look of peace and tranquility about him was a purely farce one. I accepted the Dark Brotherhood Speaker but I hoped to get lost in the lie of innocence that we were sure to weave. "...You are always so very particular with your plans. Alright, Lucien. How does this all begin?"
"I have already taken the liberty of purchasing my coveted plot from the Count Indarys." The assassin offered, his eyes still closed. "He was kind enough to gift me access to his favored carpenter and more too. I now have all the required resources and contacts available...we must go over layouts and such with these men in the morning. Then the building process begins and we take our leave."
I blinked, sitting up the slightest bit, shooting Lucien a look of utter surprise before shaking it away with difficulty. "S-so we must do all of this tomorrow? Does that not seem the smallest bit hasty?"
My tone caught the assassin's ear as he opened his eyes to fix me an amused look, his fathomless gaze shrinking me despite the lightness about him. "Oh, I am sorry...did you have plans? Prior arrangments? A busy schedule to keep?" He grinned cruelly at my frown, a soft chuckle rumbling from deep within him as I tutted and rolled unto my side to face the wall with a huff. "Ah, take heart, Beloved. Indeed it all must happen tomorrow. It is the beginning stage. Again, this is a process." I answered him with quiet, internally balking at the path my life had taken and the speed of its progression.
Of course the assassin, though tired, pursued me with his usual vigor and encircled me in his arms with a contented sigh. "And as much as I enjoy blindfolding you regularly, it lacks a certain charm, as we are not in a bedchamber for it. The exhilaration is all but absent. It is a tease that I long to put to an end."
"You will not be blindfolding me for anything but secrecy." I quipped, though a part of me inwardly smiled at Lucien's insatiable wants. Despite his fatigue, if I offered myself, I knew Lachance would eagerly have me. The man was 'needy' as he had often claimed. I fully believed that the Dark Brotherhood Speaker would succumb to exhaustion or starvation in pursuit of his desires for flesh. He was a sexual being. It was a great shame that sex was not the only way he found pleasure.
"Hmm, a sad thing, that. We shall see if your opinions change with time. After all, am I still so very untrustworthy? Surely you have enough faith in me to rob you of your sight in favor of pleasures you have not yet known?" I scoffed at but inwardly smirked at the weariness laced in his words. I offered no rebuke and nestled my head in the crook of my arm. I did not want to encourage Lucien, as he would take any opposition as a challenge. Instead, I only leaned my back further into his chest as he buried his face into my hair.
"Perhaps we'll discuss this another time. Maybe I will reconsider with an appropriate amount of methods and persuasion."
XXXX
Lying upon his slab, Vicente Valtieri listened intently as Abigale Lynn and Speaker Lachance quietly exited the Sanctuary before daybreak. He heard their gentle murmurs, light footsteps and Lucien's careful guidance and instruction to the vision-robbed young woman as they wound their way to the Abandoned House above. With a narrowed gaze, the elder vampire stared at the iron candle sconce by his side, glaring at the softly flickering light. With small contemplation and a cold puff of air, Vicente blew said candle out and steadily inhaled the smoke deeply.
The vampire felt deceived. Over the last few days, he and Abigale Lynn had been close once more. Closer than he and she had ever been. They had spoken together often and all had seemed forgiven between the two. Abigale Lynn spent much if not all of her time by his side. She dined with him, they talked frequently and read together each evening before she retired to Lachance's chamber. Vicente had even poured over old scrolls collected in his travels as per her request. Together they spoke of the many lands he traversed, the sights he had taken and the wonderous of unknown. He taught her new magicks, allowed his hands to fall to her as he channeled her spells...
Abigale Lynn had seemed engaged and pleased...but had it all been an act?
The vampire's glare hardened, the coldness of his bed seeping to his bones. Upon Lucien's arrival, Vicente was forgotten. The way her expression switched from mirth to an unreadable determination as she marched towards the door burned him. He had enjoyed the young woman's warmth, both bodily and spoken, but that had seared... It was painful.
Vicente saw in Abigale Lynn an intangible light. Whether it was her Dibellan blood or not the girl was kind and engaging. At least, she had pretended to be - a cruel play indeed that left the jaded vampire exceedingly conflicted over his emotional status. Had Vicente truly been so beguiled that he had overlooked her falsehood? No, he did not think so. All had been genuine. Perhaps her affection was fleeting. She had loved others, after all, and they too were cast off, lost in a sweep of red hair as she turned and ate up in their own lingering lustful flames. And it happened to be that very gesture and lust that so confounded the undead Breton.
No, Vicente Valtieri expected nothing but kinship from the young maiden and thusly respected her boundaries...after all, she still belonged to his friend, Count Janus Hassildor whilst being in a tryst with his Brother, Speaker Lucien Lachance...There was nothing more he wanted than to be a friend to Abigale Lynn. An innocent companion. Nothing more...Nothing more...though admittedly, he saw the great appeal that was her. Her every refined feature and detail was mouth watering...from her careful manners to the very blush of her paled, twiddling fingers...her shy, beautiful little smile and the gentle curve of her shoulder...her every creamy inch and mysterious soul...
Vicente could not help but to wonder where he fit into all the nonsense that was Abigale Lynn's heart. It was a question that he could not stifle and it gnawed at him.
"I love the Count of Skingrad, Master Vicente, though I hope one day this will no longer be true." Abigale Lynn began, the heat of her fingers had startled three-hundred-year old vampire into compliance. "Your Brother has secured a place in my heart, even if small...as you have too."
It gnawed at him.
The vampire sat up and went to his ledger. Vicente grabbed a quill, ink, and a small bit of parchment. He had sworn not to speak of a certain matter. He had never promised to not write about it. And so, upon the small bit of paper, he wrote only several damming words and left to find a courier out in the night.
The blood of Tertia stains His hands.
xxxx
After meeting with several men for house planning that left my head in a whirl, the assassin and I left Cheydinhal. We were on our way to Drakelowe once more, riding Shadowmere at an even pace. I held Lucien, enjoying his normal clothing and the crisp morning air, doing all that I could to ignore the unease in my belly. A literal unease.
My nerves, though in a constant state of duress, for once were not the cause. My stomach twisted and churned, causing my mouth to salivate as I pressed my face into the assassin's back. I blamed the pie from dinner, wondering if it had not sat well and did my best to abate the feeling. I shifted my seating, turned my head, clutched my belly and did all that I was able to distract myself...to no avail.
"Lucien, stop. S-stop for a moment." I managed, feeling a cold-sweat form along my brow. The assassin, who had been speaking, halted himself and Shadowmere in an instant. Lucien turned to me in question but I gifted him no explanation as I scrambled to dismount, my eyes watering and vision blurred as I did so. I managed to run off to some nearby shrubbery before dropping to my knees, my empty belly spilling what little it had to offer.
The assassin was soon by my side, observing silently as I finished making a mess of the ground, retching and shuddering some even after completion. I felt his hand fall to me, gathering my ponytail and smoothing it along my back. He procured a waterskin from his belt and crouched by my side as he offered it to me. The assassin observed my features silently as I washed out my mouth before taking a few tentative sips. It was strange. No sooner had my retching stopped, I felt almost astoundingly better. Fatigued and a bit uneasy still, yes, but better...
"I-I do not know what came over me just now," I admitted, breaking the odd silence as the assassin continued to regard me with almost fearful intensity. I sat upon the ground, scooting far away from the mess I made before wiping my brow with my sleeve. "I just felt so very dreadful moments ago. I think it has passed..."
"Were you thinking of someone that ails you?" Lucien asked, his brow furrowed but question not unkind. I shook my head before taking another small sip of water.
"No."
Lucien's lips pursed, the look purely contemplative as he rose from his crouched position, signaling for Shadowmere to join us. "Well, I suppose it could be the...transition of air. The Sanctuary is heavily enchanted. Now that you are about Nirn once more, your body may need to acclimate to the norm around us...there is no magical hold oppressing you."
I glanced up towards the assassin, pouting slightly as I watched him turn to fuss with our packs on his mare's saddle. I thought back to our first time in his Sanctuary and my feelings after we had left it. We had taken up residence in the Dark Brotherhood haven for a longer duration and I had not once felt the way I did moments ago. It had not affected me at all if memory served.
"Why did this not happen the first time then, Lucien?" I asked, genuinely curious, more so once I watched the assassin visibly falter. Lucien Lachance hesitated. I swallowed hard, feeling ever more nervous at the great lapse in silence that followed and Lucien's refusal to meet my gaze. I did all I could from falling into a state of fitful nervousness.
"...Well, perhaps that was then due to your amulet. It kept you in a constant state of equilibrium with all its enchantments. It is no more and so you are now vulnerable."
Carefully, I stood, wobbling slightly and steadying myself on a nearby tree. The assassin was a good liar; I had seen him weave his tales to many as we shopped and traveled around Cyrodiil. This, however, was not a good lie...I was unsure if it was even a lie by his tone and body language. Lucien Lachance sounded genuinely unsure, and that was worrisome. I wondered then if he was lying at all or truly doubtful. Perhaps he did not know, perhaps he only longed to ease me with a logical response...but this did not feel so. I felt as though he was keeping something from me. Something about me.
"I feel as though your answer is untrue." I ventured, watching the assassin still. He stood for a moment quietly before offering nothing but a small shrug. Inwardly, I felt a small bout of panic rise, regardless of my methods of keeping it at bay. And despite facing the assassin's back, I knew him to be still so very hesitant. It troubled me greatly. "Lucien? What is it that you long to say? What is wrong?..."
When Lucien finally turned, resting against Shadowmere with all the cool casualty I was used to, I swallowed hard at his look. The assassin folded his arms across his chest, his smile absent and brows quirked as he looked me over. "It is as I say. Either a weakness to being unused to so much magical oppression...or that you are carrying my child."
I blinked, looking over the assassin curiously before feeling lightened. His woes made perfect sense. "...Is that your true worry?" I asked, a small, breathy laugh escaping me. It made sense for him to think such a thing. I instantly felt remarkably relieved. With Lucien Lachance being a man, I could sympathize with his fears. He knew not that my body was incapable of carrying children, and my sudden sickness proved a reasonable explanation. After all, the assassin only had my word that I was barren, and I could have easily lied about such a thing. I had heard of some cruel women who had, all in order to secure themselves a husband. "You need not worry about such matters, Lucien. I am very much unable. Goodness, you had me genuinely fearful!"
Lucien only smirked, the mirth not touching his eyes. "Then we are in agreement that it is not my child in your belly?" Again I laughed, giving a small nod and accepting his offered hand. "Ah, my dear, you are a wonder. A sickly, little wonder."
"As are you, but only not sickly or little..." I smiled, grateful for his assistance in mounting Shadowmere and his diligence in securing my position. "Well, perhaps you are a touch sickly, mentally."
"A point I will not argue." He teased, adjusting his seating before setting us off in a steady trot. "Now, I think that due to your newfound weakness, we shall take to an Inn along the road after our visit to the witch, Melisande. I know of a lovely little place along the water. They brew the finest tea in Cyrodiil. It will be just the thing to aid you."
XXXX
It had taken some time, riding at a much more slower pace than their norm, but Lucien Lachance and Abigale Lynn soon found themselves before the cottage of Drakelowe once more. They were invited in with the witch, Melisande's usual vigor, and the assassin feebly attempted his usual charm. However, he was far too presently conflicted to entertain the witch any more than necessary.
The Dark Brotherhood Speaker eyed his companion with an unwavering gaze. Her taxed and tired self easily soothed by his hasty and poorly woven lie. Lucien knew her illness was caused by the child growing in her belly and he worried. Again, he was faced with his charge. He was to kill his possible child. The longer he waited the more difficult all would prove. The witch eyed him with extreme curiosity, no doubt gathering that the young girl was still pregnant despite the time given to Lachance to terminate the life. Lucien disregarded the look, resigning himself to clipped tones and hard looks as he hastily retrieved all the required and promised vampire ash from his satchel.
"Well, well. It would seem you have been busy out on your own, assassin. It is good to see that your skills were put to a virtuous cause, for once. Hindaril has been defeated. His darkness no longer befouls the land. I could feel his end, the forest has been lifted."
"Marvelous." The assassin deadpanned, effectively earning a puzzled look from Abigale Lynn at his side. Lucien ignored it, ready to part from Drakelowe once more. Perhaps, with heavier steps... "Now, I do hope that we are quite done with this hunt for ingredients. I grow weary of the constant running about Cyrodiil for your odds and ends. Does this all prove sufficient?"
"Indeed, young man. I thank you." The witch said with an approving smile as she sifted through the ash with her dirtied fingertips. Abigale Lynn looked a small bit uneasy by the act, which inwardly prompted a bit of hatred within the assassin. She thought of her beloved of Skingrad, no doubt. Yet despite Lucien's abject hatred for the vampiric Count, he only placed a heavy hand on his woman's shoulder and permitted her to seek comfort in his embrace. After all, the assassin was willing to objectify her current weakness to suit his own. He longed for her embrace, for her approval, something he would never receive for the task he was soon to perform.
Lucien Lachance's own stomach soured at the thought, but he swallowed down his own feelings and straightened. "Good. Now, what needs to be done?"
"Nothing that you can aid me with," Melisande said as pleasantly as possible, walking to her cottage door at an oddly brisk pace. "I have everything I need. Now all that remains is to brew the potion. This, however, is a task with which you cannot assist. Give me three days time. I shall have the potion ready for you then. Besides, I do believe that there is something you have yet to do, assassin. I pray you do it soon, or else your opportunity shall be missed."
"Quiet yourself!" Lucien Lachance snapped, causing little Abigale Lynn to jump and gaze up to the Speaker frightfully. Inwardly astounded by his own loss of composure, Lucien tried to recover but failed as his eyes met the girl's gaze by his side for the most fleeting of instances. "That is a Dark Brotherhood matter, something my companion here has no desire to know of, as she has expressed before. You wish to remain ignorant to the dealings of the Hand, do you not, Abigale? Such things you long to remain secret? Hidden?"
"I-I," The young woman stammered, looking up to Lucien with pure bewilderment as she eventually forced a small nod. "Yes. I do not wish to know of any dark dealings."
Melisande only shrugged. "I beg your pardon then, dearie. I knew you both to be intimate and was unsure what he told you about his work. It won't happen again, I promise you."
"No, no it most certainly will not." Lucien hissed menacingly. Again, Abigale Lynn turned to stare at the assassin, swallowing hard as his hand fell upon the hilt of his blade. "Oh, yes, yes you will learn to watch your mouth. For you see, if you slip once more, I may need to get creative to ensure such a thing does not happen again. And I do warn you now, as I have a very vivid imagination and a skewed sense of humor. One would not want your dirty blood to stain your foul floors...though I admit, it has its charm."
"Lucien...please, stop this." Abigale Lynn whispered, staring up at the assassin in a mixture of horror and determination. She stepped before the Dark Brotherhood Speaker and turned her attention to the witch, her expression pleading. "Let us now go. He is...we are very weary. Melisande, please, do not...I implore you, do not-"
"I bear no grudge, my dearie." The witch said dismissively, shaking her head, no fear or anger about her in the slightest. "I will see you in three days time."
Author's Notes: Because Y'all, this is almost OVER. We're not there...inching closer, though. Oh, and I did NOT proofread this chapter at all XD I wanted to get it out for you! Special thanks to those who reviewed and pm'd me! Love you guys!