Chapter 27
It was late by the time she got back to Cheydinhal. Getting out of the Imperial City in her blood-stained clothes without drawing suspicion had taken a lot more time than she had thought it would. The chapel bells tolled eleven times as she slipped into the abandoned house.
The main room was empty when she entered. Aria glimpsed Richard skulking in the corner as she walked down the hallway toward Vicente's room. She wanted to let him know that she was back before reporting to Ocheeva. But Vicente's room was dark. In the light from the hallway, Aria could see that his cloak and weapons were gone.
She went back up to Ocheeva's room. It, too, was empty, although the fire was burning. Now Aria was puzzled. Where was everyone?
She went to the living quarters next. The fireplace was lit, but there was a screen in front of it and she couldn't see any other lights. She stepped into the room.
Suddenly, a pair of slender arms wrapped around her. "Surprise!" Antionetta shouted. The fire screen was removed and several candles were lit, revealing her family standing around the dining table. As Mraaj-Dar went around light lamps in the room, Aria took in the scene.
The table had been set with the fine silver dishes and was loaded with a feast. Roast beef, chicken, ham, potatoes, carrots, and corn, all of her favorite foods were there, along with a cake in the middle of the table. A few wrapped packages sat on the sideboard.
"What is all this?" Aria asked, bewildered.
Antionetta gave her a tight hug. "What do you think? It's a birthday party!"
"For who?"
"For you, little Sister!" Gogron pulled her away from Antionetta and gave her a bone-crushing hug. "Happy birthday!"
Aria was still confused, so Ocheeva explained. "It's our tradition to celebrate the first anniversary of the arrivals of our family members. I'm not sure if other Sanctuaries do the same, but it is something we very much enjoy." She gave her a hug, as well. "It has been a year since you joined our family, my dear, so we wanted to do something special for you." She gestured to the table. "A dinner with all your favorite foods, as well as a few gifts for you."
Aria looked around the room with tears in her eyes. "Thank you so much, everyone." She hadn't felt this happy since before she became an orphan.
"Come now, no tears on your special day," Lucien said as he approached her.
"You came, too?" Aria asked as she hugged him.
"I wouldn't have missed it for anything," he replied. He held her at arm's length. "I'm proud of how far you've come this past year, child."
Aria gave him a happy smile and another hug, then allowed Antionetta to pull her over to a chair at the head of the table. As everyone sat down, she noticed the empty chair. "Wait, where's Vicente?"
Ocheeva sat at the other end of the table. "He's out on a contract. I believe it has something to do with poisoning a warlord in the western part of the province. He should be back in a day or two." Seeing Aria's disappointment, she smiled gently. "He was upset that he had to miss today, but the contract was time-sensitive. He said to tell you congratulations and that he loves you and will be back as soon as possible. Now let's eat."
As they enjoyed the dinner, the talk turned to the contract Aria had just completed. She ended up telling everyone about the difficulties she ran into and how she overcame them. When she got to her conversation with Atraena, she mentioned the alias she had used, catching Antionetta's interest.
"Who's Tissina Grey?" She asked. "Or did you just make that up on the spot?"
Before Aria could explain, Mraaj-Dar spoke up. "It is a character mentioned in Immortal Blood, Aria's favorite book. She is described as a brave, beautiful knight that studies vampires."
All eyes turned to the Khaajit in surprise. His ears went flat when he realized that he was now the center of attention. "Aria talked about it so much when she first arrived that I read the book to see what all the fuss was about," he muttered.
Lucien raised an eyebrow. "I see. Aria, if you would care to continue?"
Aria went on with her story, ending with her odd confrontation with Faelian. The family laughed as she recounted his slurred speech and dazed manner. When she finished, Ocheeva nodded.
"Well done, my dear," she said. "This was a difficult contract, but you handled it very well. The High Elf now swims in the maelstrom of darkness at the feet of our Dread Father, Sithis."
"And there were no witnesses to your handiwork," Lucien agreed. "It was clever of you to stage the scene as you did."
"Because of the discretion you exercised," Ocheeva continued, "Captain Phillida will not suspect the Dark Brotherhood was involved, and will not meddle in our affairs. See me after dinner for your reward and bonus."
"Enough contract talk," Antionetta insisted. "It's time for Aria to open her gifts."
Teinaava brought over one of the packages from the sideboard. "This one is from Ocheeva and myself."
Aria pushed her plate back and accepted the gift. She untied the twine and unwrapped a full novice-level alchemy set, complete with a copy of Fundamentals of Alechemy. "Wow. Thank you so much!"
"And this is from me," Antionetta said, handing her a small bundle. Aria unwrapped it to reveal and small, intricately carved wooden horse.
"Oh, it's beautiful!" She gave Antionetta a hug.
Lucien stood up and handed her a book. "It's not much, but I hope you enjoy it."
Aria turned it over to see the cover. "The Armorer's Challenge. I've been wanting to read this for a while. Thank you, Lucien."
The family finished dinner and Aria brought her gifts over to her dresser before going to see Ocheeva. The birthday dinner had been wonderful, but without Vicente, it wasn't perfect. She remembered the message he'd given to Ocheeva. He loves you and will be back as soon as possible. Vicente had never said "I love you" before. It was nice to hear Ocheeva say it, but she wanted to hear it from Vicente.
She caught up with Ocheeva just outside her quarters. The Argonian invited her in and showed her to a chair. "I'm guessing you're here about your reward. And since you fulfilled all terms in the contract, you receive a bonus, as well. Both are well-earned." She handed over the pouch of gold and retrieved a steel bow from the corner of the room. "This bow is called Shadowhunt. It's enchanted to damage both health and magicka. A powerful tool for dealing with ranged targets."
Aria thanked Ocheeva and took the weapon, but didn't get up. "Ocheeva, can I ask you something?"
Ocheeva sat back down and patted her hand. "Of course, dear. You can ask me anything."
Aria pushed some hair behind her ear and bit her lip. After a moment, she said, "Did...did Vicente really say he loved me?"
Ocheeva smiled. "Not in so many words, but it was easy to see. His eyes get very dark when he speaks of you, and something in him comes to life when you're around. Vicente is very private, but I have known him for a long time and have learned to read his expressions. He is happier with you than I have ever seen him. He loves you, Aria." She studied the younger woman's face. "And I can see that you love him, too."
Aria was silent for several moments. "Are you alright, dear?" Ocheeva asked.
Aria nodded. "It's not that I don't believe you, it's just-"
"Not the same as hearing him say it?" Ocheeva nodded knowingly. "I completely understand. But may I offer some advice?"
"Of course."
"You may feel reluctant to admit that you love him because he hasn't said it, but keep in mind that he may be feeling the same way. My advice would be to seize a moment and tell him. Even if he hasn't told you. Life is too short and love to precious to waste by being shy."
Aria thought about that. Life had already taught her that it could change in a moment. She didn't want to lose Vicente the same way she had her parents, especially without him knowing how she felt about him.
Ocheeva could see that Aria was thinking about her words. "You have some time to think things over before Vicente returns. And you don't have to take my advice. Do what you feel is best. Go now and rest, and may the Night Mother guard your dreams." Aria nodded and gave Ocheeva a hug before saying goodnight and gathering up her things. She left the room and went back to the living quarters, where the other family members were settling down for the night. Lucien was sleeping on the couch again. There was a ripple of laughter as he threatened Gogron with confinement again if he so much as got out of bed.
"What if I have to go to the bathing chamber?" Gogron protested.
Lucien shifted a more comfortable position and closed his eyes. "Change your sheets in the morning."
Aria chuckled at Gogron's whining as she got into bed. But when the lamps were put out and everyone settled down, she thought about Ocheeva's words. And she came to a decision.