A/N: this is the last chapter of this story. If you made it this far, you deserve a medal for putting up with me and my crap. Thank you so much for sticking with me this long.

Chapter 39

Several months passed. Aria was considered a hero in the Brotherhood for dispatching Phillida. His helmet was placed in a prominent spot in the main room, along with a card detailing his death.

Mraaj-Dar took the news of Sho-riah's death better than anyone thought he would. He was saddened by the news, but thanked Aria for doing what he couldn't. He also thanked her for not making her suffer.

Antionetta and Aria remained close friends, despite Antionetta's constant teasing about Aria sleeping with Vicente. The two girls spent almost as much time together as Aria and Vicente did. Aria's days were filled with training, talking, and laughter.

One evening, Vicente invited her to come along with him for a walk outside the city. Aria immediately agreed and they slipped away. Vicente led her into the woods to the north of the city, then turned east, following a path into the mountains. After about an hour, he stopped.

They were standing on a cliff well above Cheydinhal. The moon was full, allowing them to see all the way to the Imperial City, several miles away. A small stream led to a waterfall nearby. Vicente led her to the edge of the water, where they sat side by side.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. "I found a place similar to this once before," Aria said. She pointed to the south. "It was on the road to Bravil, just before I came to the Sanctuary. I had just been to the Inn of Ill Omen and was waiting for Lucien's instructions."

"Did you ever think, back then, that you would be where you are now?" Vicente asked.

Aria shook her head. "Two years ago, I didn't have a clue what was going to happen to me. I was just another orphaned beggar."

Vicente took her hand. "I know things weren't easy for you before, but I'm glad the things that happened in your life did happen. Without them, I would never have met you." He turned to her and took her hand. "I had never met anyone that I wanted to share eternity with until I met you, Aria. You fill my life with a light and joy I didn't realize I was missing. I love you more than I can even say. And I want to share the rest of my life with you. Aria...will you marry me?"

Aria was stunned. Vicente's heartfelt words had struck her speechless. But she knew this was right. She wanted to spend her life with this man...forever. "Yes," she answered, "on one condition."

"What is that?"

"I want you to give me the Dark Gift."

Vicente blinked a couple of times. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. I love you, Vicente. I want to be with you forever, and I can only do that if you make me a vampire, too." Aria gave a shaky laugh. "And I want it done as soon as possible so it's over with."

Vicente gave her a small smile. "Very well. We can do it tonight."

Vicente was true to his word. When they got back from their walk, they informed Ocheeva of their impending marriage and of Aria's decision. The Argonian woman was thrilled for them, and promised to help with the turn in any way she could.

Vicente brought Aria to his quarters. He warned her that the bite would be painful, but Aria knew it would be worth it in the end. Vicente kissed her deeply, then, faster than she could follow, sank his fangs into her neck. The shock of it and the sudden loss of blood made her dizzy, and she slipped into unconsciousness.

The next thing she knew, she was walking up in her own bed. She had vague memories of nightmares, but they faded quickly. She immediately touched her neck and frowned when she didn't feel any marks. She quickly sat up.

Vicente was sitting in a chair next to the bed. His chin was resting on his chest and he was snoring softly.

"Vicente?"

He jumped and looked up. "You're awake." He leaned forward and took her hand. "How are you feeling, dear one?"

"I'm fine. Is it done?" Talking felt strange.

Vicente nodded. "You've been unconscious for two days. Antionetta has been quiet worried."

"Two days?!"

"You were in a lot of pain at first, but Mraaj-Dar offered a few potions that helped. We moved you to your own bed last night."

Aria touched her neck. "What happened to the marks?"

"Vampires heal faster than normal. Minor wounds like those can heal overnight. You probably noticed you have fangs now."

"Yeah, I'm getting used to talking with them."

"Lucien has asked to speak with us."

"He's here?"

"He arrived this morning. Why don't you bathe and dress, while I get you something to drink?"

"Thanks." Aria gave him a kiss and got out of bed.

An hour later, Lucien met them in Vicente's quarters. He congratulated them on their betrothal, then got down to business. "Vicente, I've known you for many years now, and I know what a fine family member you are. Aria, I've thoroughly enjoyed watching your progress as you've grown here. You've become a true daughter of Sithis. Neither of you have backed down from a challenge in all the time I've known you."

Aria and Vicente looked at each other, then back at Lucien. "What's going on, Lucien?" Vicente asked.

Lucien smiled slightly. "Straight to the point, the Black Hand has decided that the Brotherhood needs another Sanctuary in Cyrodiil. As you know, this one is in the eastern part of the province, making it difficult to get to contracts in the western part. We've decided to establish another Sanctuary in or around the city of Anvil...and we want you two to lead it."

Aria was stunned. "But...we love it here!"

"I know," Lucien said sympathetically. "This isn't something we're asking lightly. But it needs to be done, and you are the best option."

Vicente took Aria's hand and squeezed it. She looked at him and nodded. "If it's what's best for the Brotherhood, then we'll do it," Vicente said.

"Excellent," Lucien said. "Most of the details haven't been worked out yet, so you won't be leaving immediately. In the meantime, Aria, I have a contract in Bravil that needs fulfilling, if you're up to it." He slid the parchment across the table.

Aria glanced at it. "I'll do it."

"Good. Now that it's settled, I'm going to break the news to Ocheeva." Lucien gave Aria a hug and shook Vicente's hand, then left the room.

Aria turned to Vicente. "I can't believe they're sending us away."

Vicente pulled her into his arms. "It'll be alright, dear one. At least we'll have each other. And just because we won't be here doesn't mean that our family here is going to forget about us. We can always come back to visit."

Aria looked into his eyes and nodded. Things would change for them, but it was just another chapter in their lives. They would learn to adjust. And Vicente was right. They had each other and always would. They could continue the work they both loved, albeit in a new place. Life would go on.

A/N: because I'm a sentimental sap who gets attached too easily, i came up with an ending I like a lot better than the Purification ritual. Hope you liked it, too.