A/N: Recently, Kytten made a very interesting observation about Bellamont's diary on the Lorum. Let's just say it adds a nice new level of drama to the plot, and actually explains quite a bit. Anyway, she let me use it, but I'd like to say she deserves the credit for discovering it.
Oh, and one more thing. If you want to get an idea of how these characters are supposed to look, check out my homepage. I'm using it to post pictures of my characters (made with the character customization system in this), and maybe some concept art in the future...though not likely, because I'm not much of an artist.
Sun's Height 6, 4E1
(Fights-up-close): Cheydinhal Sanctuary
My foot touched the floor of the sanctuary and I released my grip on the well-entrance ladder. Finally reaching the sanctuary felt like victory of some sort. Now I could finally get some sleep. Perhaps the chaos in my head would be ordered in the morning. Either way, I didn't have to worry about that now. I didn't need to do anything except look forward to collapsing into a soft bed. In the back of my mind, I knew I may have plunged myself into deeper levels of trouble with law than I was ready to handle, but those thoughts were blocked out right now, and I didn't see any reason to let them flood in. That would just make me wakeful for all the wrong reasons. I knew I'd have wait for the press to get hold of Phillida's assassination to decide if I was truly I wanted criminal.
(Mathieu Bellamont): The Serpent's Wake
There was fear in old bosmer's eyes as it began to dawn on him he'd meet the fate of the Argonian, but I saw neither reason nor urge for mercy. It was good I no longer felt hesitant to kill. The Dark brotherhood had taken much from me, but that was the one robbery I was grateful for.
I delivered another punch to his face, causing him to fall back on the crates behind him. The energy and exhilaration within me reached its peak as I lifted my hand and plunged the knife into his chest. The knife easily penetrated his body, destroying his ultimate possession. It did not kill him instantly, giving him time to witness his last moments of utter helplessness, as he was rendered completely useless by a single sharp piece of metal. Every second he spent in pain was an accomplishment for me.
When he stopped moving, I removed the dagger. The blade was now shining like a ruby, marking my accomplishments. I had not only conquered all five of them, but I'd conquered my self-doubt. I had a feeling of liberation, I knew now the true power my skill and soul had. I had proved my own words right. I was as strong as I decided to be. I'd carried out a truly glorious revenge.
I admired the dagger, the small and light tool that could take everything from a person with one movement of the hand. I felt three things now more than ever: power, purpose, and pride. I had truly defeated an enemy at no cost to myself. I hated to admit those talents were inherited, but I'd put them to good use.
The thoughts of the Dark brotherhood came back; the family was still well and the Night Mother still alive, but now the thoughts seemed to flow freely. No longer were those thoughts accompanied by bitter-hatred, but an exhilarating sense of confidence that I might indeed take down an organization after it had survived for over a millennium. The thoughts of revenge flowed freely, and now seemed bathed in glory.
I wouldn't stay cowering in the light house, trapped by pointless inhibitions. I needed to return to Cheydinhal. I needed to find out what truly happened with my old journal, and if my cover had been blown, it was to time unleash my wrath. I rotated the bloody dagger in my hand. Now, in the night, with my enemies dead and a new confidence found, I stood in place and reveled in my thoughts. Whether I stood there for seconds or minutes didn't matter. I knew I had plenty of time, and that, even though I had refused to see it, my plan was indeed easy to grasp, and the fall of the Dark Brotherhood was imminent.I knew I was too charged up to get any sleep tonight. I would make one last entry in my journal and then head to Cheydinhal once more.
I was no longer their puppet. My original reasons for joining came back clear as day, the memory still fresh. I only regretted I hadn't been more aggressive in the past. I'd be trying to forget my former life so I could tolerate the mere sight of the family members, but now I no longer needed. I could still recall that moment when I thought I'd never see my father again:
"How could Lucien?" She said between sobs "Yes, times are hard, but if this is the only way we are to make a living, let us be poor!" The door slammed. She didn't even know I was listening. I knew a lot more than she thought, in fact. When she came around the corner, she jumped at the sight of me. I jumped at her reaction. Then, she composed herself and said to me.
"Daddy's gone off to find a new job, Pierre. I'm so sorry." And I believed her. But she was wrong. Horribly wrong. But soon Lucien would see he was the one who made the real mistake.