Tirdas 1 Morning Star 203 4E 8:00 AM
"Psst, Listener. Wake up. Diana, Diana, Diana, it is New Life Day."
My eyes fluttered open from a deep sleep to find the Fool of Hearts perched above me with a huge goofy grin. In his gloved hands was a bouquet of white winter lilies. Snowberries decorated the petals looking like blood drops on silk which is probably the exact effect Cicero had been going for. The flowers were fresh; there was still frost on the petals. Cicero was covered with a light layer of snow. Huge, fluffy snowflakes clung to the velvet of his jacket quickly melting in the warm room.
"Cicero," I groaned as I sat up, "we promised we wouldn't buy anything for each other."
"Cicero kept his promise, he did!" the jester protested with wide innocent eyes. "Cicero didn't buy these; Cicero picked them with his own hands." The flowers were thrust into my hands. I took them and inhaled their scent, frosty but pleasant.
"I didn't get you anything," I said blushing from embarrassment. It felt awkward to receive a gift when I hadn't done the same in return.
"The Listener has already given Cicero everything he could want," Cicero engulfed me in a hug pushing me back onto the bed. I barely managed to move the flowers out of the way before they were crushed under Cicero's weight. I felt both cold from the snow on his clothes and warm from his natural body heat; it was an interesting combination. "The Listener is the Listener after Cicero waited and searched so very, very long. The Listener delivers sweet Mother's words. The Listener gave Cicero a home, a Sanctuary! The Listener spared poor, loyal Cicero's life. What more could humble Cicero wish for than to serve the Listener in every way?" Amber eyes bore into my deep blue eyes.
Cicero leaned forward to kiss me. It started as his usual butterfly kiss but quickly deepened into a full passionate kiss. I was surprised; this was the most aggressive the Keeper had been since I had told him I wouldn't sleep with him. I responded positively, knowing I was giving mixed signals but unable to stop myself. The memory of the last time Cicero was atop of me kissing me while I wore only sleepwear rose to the surface. There would be no storm to interrupt us.
My hand released the bouquet and it fell loudly to the floor. Cicero jerked at the sound and sat up looking about warily. He saw the flowers and quickly picked them up. I thought I heard Cicero mutter, "Foolish, foolish Cicero," as he was turned away from me. The Keeper dusted the flowers carefully and gave them back to me. As Cicero thrust the flowers in my hands, with his face turned away, he said, "Happy Life Day." Then the jester jumped off the bed and scurried out of my room.
I sighed in frustration. How many times was this going to happen?
Tirdas 1 Morning Star 203 4E 8:30 AM
Screams of joy could be heard from the public room. I had dressed and placed the bouquet of flowers in a vase on my end table before joining the others. Aventus was scurrying amongst the gaily wrapped gifts, squealing happily as he hefted each one. Babette was trying to show the same level of enthusiasm as would be expected from a ten-year-old girl, but the vampire had celebrated the new year too many times to enjoy it for herself. Instead, she seemed to vicariously enjoy it for Aventus.
New Life Festival, the first holiday of the year, was celebrated through all of Tamriel. It was a time that could be used for meditation and reflection, to plan how you were going to spend your life in the upcoming year. Gifts were given amongst friends and family members. Traditionally, the Emperor also declared his annual increase in taxes during this time, a practice the common folk begrudged. To offset the bad news, priests performed blessings at a reduced rate and taverns gave away free ale all day long.
This year commoners would celebrate harder than ever since there would be no new taxes. The succession of heir was tied up in political red tape; no doubt Motierre's handiwork. The lack of clear leadership had caused some of Cyrodiil's military to fall back to the homeland for defense rather than pursue crushing the Stormcloak Rebellion.
Aventus' training had progressed well in the last two months. I had feared the boy would be inclined towards being a spell caster which was not problematic within itself. Gabriella and Festus Krex's arcane powers had been invaluable, but we had no teachers. Once Life Day was concluded, I planned on either Nazir or myself going to Winterhold to scout for recruits. We needed more than physically trained assassins.
Thankfully, Aventus favored the mace. It wasn't a sword or dagger, but the general principles were the same and training could continue without looking for a mentor. Many days included Meena and Aventus skulking around the Sanctuary trying to not be detected by Nazir, who if he caught them would assign chores that had to be completed as punishment. Often they would try to steal a previously designated token off the Redguard that would give them immunity from chores for the day.
Originally, Cicero was supposed to be included in the pickpocket training as a victim, but the Keeper got too wound up about the fourth Tenet, "Do not steal from a Brother or Sister." The first day Meena had playfully stolen Cicero's cap had resulted in the Khajiit running through the Sanctuary screaming in terror, "IT'S JUST PRACTICE, DAMMIT!" with Cicero hot on her heels with his ebony blade out.
Nazir handed me a cup of hot chocolate, an import from the rainforests of the Black Marshes. I nodded my thanks and sank into a chair. I carefully balanced the cup as I threw my legs over the arms of the chair.
"Can we open our gifts? Can we, can we?" Aventus bounced up and down like an overexcited puppy. Babette mimicked the boy's actions with a small smile on her face.
The two children had been inseparable since Aventus' arrival to Sanctuary. I was glad they were getting along so well and that Babette had a friend of her own. I had wondered if Babette would tire quickly of Aventus' youthful nature, but so far she seemed to find it quaint like a rare flower that bloomed for only a short time. It was doomed to fade, but wonderful to behold while it lasted.
"We should wait for Meena," I said. The Khajiit had been sent out on a contract to Morthal about a week ago. Normally I would be concerned if one of my siblings had not reported back by now since Morthal was only about a day away if there was nothing else included on their agenda. However, Meena often gave in to her feline nature and would be distracted by something that had caught her attention.
Aventus and Babette started to whine, "Oh, Listener, please!" Cicero wandering in from the kitchen with a plate of holiday sweets joined in. I noticed Aventus' eyes flicker to the treats. It was obvious that he wanted some but would have to give up his campaign for gifts to get them.
"Fine, you vultures," I said laughing. "Enjoy!"
The next hour or so was a flurry of wrapping paper in the air as people tore into their gifts. Babette had made me a bottle of perfume. Nazir received a new supply of dried spices. I gave Aventus his own Dark Brotherhood outfit, complete with black handprint and cowl. The boy immediately ran to his room to change into the new clothes.
Cicero received several new daggers and in return had bought Skyforge weapons for his siblings. "Skyforge steel, sharp, sharp for easy stabbing," the Keeper had explained to a wide eyed Aventus while demonstrating with the dagger he had purchased for the boy on a practice dummy.
The others had collaborated and bought a Daedric bow for me to replace the one I had lost during the Purification of Falkfreath Sanctuary. I marveled at the feel of the almost living material in my hands. Daedric weapons are forged with ebony metal and cooled in the blood of the dremora demons. I had no idea where they could have purchased such a rare weapon, but vowed I would treasure it.
"You really should name it," Babette suggested. Aventus was passed out next on top a pile of discarded wrapping next to the vampire child. In one hand, he held a wooden ship Nazir had given him while the other hand held the Skyforge dagger from Cicero. Babette affectionately smoothed the boy's wild hair.
"Styx," I said after a moment of thought.
"After the ancient river of the dead from the old Cyrodiil beliefs?" Babette said. "Very nice. You seem to have a very thorough knowledge of old ways, Listener."
"Mythology and origin stories have always fascinated me," I admitted. One of the first things I had done upon joining the Brotherhood was to get Festus Krex and Babette to teach me of the Old Ways. I knew that Astrid had abandoned them, which made them all the more interesting to me. I was not a historian; studies of wars and treaties didn't interest me. It was the stories of gods and daedra that intrigued me.
Our conversation was cut short when Meena burst into Sanctuary. I started to greet the Khajiit and tease her about missing the gift opening but I saw the look in her wide, green eyes. The catfolk was agitated about something. "Whiterun has fallen to Ulfric Stormcloak!"
"What!" I yelled jumping to my feet. Thu'um rippled in the air from my own surprise. Aventus awoke from my outburst.
"Meena would have been back sooner from her kill, but this one thought she would look for rumors while in Morthal," the Khajiit explained as she dropped by the fire pit to warm her chilled body. "Tavern was full of talk of Ulfric winning battle and moving into Dragonsreach. Meena thought it best to confirm stories and went to Whiterun and see what she could."
"How in the hell did Ulfric win a winter campaign?" I asked.
"Um, Meena was getting to that part," the Khajiit fidgeted. "Maybe Hecate would wish to sit down first."
"Out with it," I was certain I wasn't going to like what Meena had to say. The Khajiit was fearless, why would she worry about my reaction?
"They say…they say the Dragonborn has decided to place her blade with Ulfric Stormcloak's."
The others stared at me waiting for my reaction. I gripped the arms of my chair until my knuckles turned white. "Cicero doesn't like the tic in Hecate's eye," the jester said with a nervous chuckle.
"Neither does Meena. This one will be excusing herself," Meena ran to her room. She grabbed Babette and Aventus as she fled. Nazir quietly retreated to his study.
"I'M GOING TO KILL SOMEONE!" I Shouted. The force of my voice caused all of the wrapping paper to fling into the air like a sudden snow storm until they all burst into flames.
Tirdas 1 Morning Star 203 4E 3:00 PM
"Oh, quit scowling," Nazir scolded. "We'll never get any information from the locals with you practically growling like that."
"Enjoy the free ale," Meena recommended as she fit word to action.
All of the adults, meaning Nazir, Meena, Cicero, and I, all wearing civilian clothes had gone down to Dawnstar's Windpeak Inn to follow up on Meena's information. There was no doubt that Ulfric had taken Whiterun, I needed to know why people were willing to believe that the Dragonborn had sided with Ulfric.
Dawnstar was in high spirits. As a hold allied with the Stormcloak Rebellion, the securing of Whiterun was a huge victory for the Pale. Requests for "The Age of Oppression," the propaganda song for the Stormcloaks, were asked over and over. The local bard seemed to not mind the monotony and enjoyed the generous tips and ever flowing mugs of Black-Briar mead. I had ground my teeth so much that my jaw ached.
I had barely spoken since Meena's announcement. The others knew me well enough by now to realize I wasn't just seething. I had to refrain from accidentally invoking the thu'um which meant imposed silence on my behalf. My display with the wrapping paper earlier reminded me how out of control my own voice could be. It would have been logical for me to remain in Sanctuary while the others scouted, but I wanted…no, I needed to be involved in the process.
Someone had stolen my reputation and by that extent had stolen my identity. I had worked too damn hard to make the Dragonborn identity to be one that would be remembered as only a hero of the ages. I had sullied it with neither my past in Cyrodiil nor my present as the leader of assassins. I was going to be damned before I let someone steal it for a cause I did not believe in.
That damned Ulfric had to know whoever was claiming to be the Dragonborn was a fake. He knew me by both name and face. The arrogant bastard had even tried to personally offer for me to join his cause. After I had refused, he had embarrassed me in front of his entire court, showing that my Shout didn't affect him while his Shout had easily tossed me out of the Palace of Kings like an unwanted pup. The fact that I had not used a proper Shout, but only the unfortunate thu'um from my anger was lost on the general public.
The bard, a young blonde woman in her early twenties with a very low neckline, was taking a break from singing. As she approached the bar, Nazir stood up and joined her. I could make out enough of their conversation to tell that Nazir had invited her to join our table. When the Redguard returned, the girl had joined him.
"Everyone, this is Karita," Nazir introduced the girl who was smiling winningly. "She agreed to join us during her break." The Redguard pulled out a chair and gestured for the girl to sit. She giggled at his chivalry. I managed to repress a groan of disgust.
"So, what can you tell us about the latest news about the war?" Nazir said as he placed a mug of Black-Briar Mead in front of Karita. Although ale was free today, it was inexpensive and not very alcoholic. Black-Briar Mead was high quality alcohol and rather pricy. At least as far as mead went. I preferred Cyrodiilic wine, a commodity that was getting rarer and rarer as the war progressed.
"I'm sure you've heard that Jarl Ulfric has taken Whiterun. And in the middle of winter too! He has garrisoned his men within Dragonsreach where they will help rebuild until spring. Then they will turn their eyes towards Falkreath and fight to liberate their kin there." Karita's eyes shone with admiration. She was apparently oblivious she was talking to a group of people who Ulfric's policies would treat as second-class citizens at best.
"What about Jarl Balgruuf the Greater?" I asked. Gods, what if they put my old jarl to the sword? It wasn't impossible. Had Ulfric felt it was necessary to make Balgruuf into a symbol as he had done with Highking Torygg?
"Oh, Jarl Balgruuf was exiled to the Blue Palace with the rest of his court. Vignar Grey-Mane has been named jarl in his place, although it is a bit moot since Jarl Ulfric has stationed himself in Whiterun for the rest of the season."
"And the rumor of the Dragonborn joining Ulfric?" Meena asked glancing at me judging my mood. "What of that?"
"It was amazing! Or at least that's what I heard." Karita's eyes sparkled at the image in her head. "The hero of legend, the one who kills dragons and steals their power, the lone woman who killed the evil dragon Alduin, the Dragonborn rode into the battlefield atop her mount."
"How do you know it was the real Dragonborn?" I asked my voice barely more than a growl.
Karita frowned at my tone. Nazir laughed trying to bring the mood back to a lighter tone. "Don't mind my friend. She's a mean drunk."
"Ah, I see," Karita moved her chair closer to Nazir. I could tell she was registering that I was an Imperial and thus one of the "enemy". I didn't help matters with my half-lidded eye glare.
"Everyone knows she was the Dragonborn. After all, who else owns a set of dragon scale armor?"
"Fuck me!" I jumped to my feet.
"Take a walk!" Nazir shouted before I could flip the table over.
"You cannot order me around!" I retorted. Cicero and Meena were both by my side, ready to restrain me at the slightest provocation.
"Maybe not, but I am your advisor. And I strongly advise that you take a walk right now!" Nazir pointed to the exit. I looked around and noticed the patrons were all staring at us because of my outburst.
"Very well," I bowed ironically and left.
"Go with her, Cicero," Nazir said. I cringed. How bad did Nazir think I was reacting if he was sending the madman to watch over me?
Once I was outside I drew in a deep breath enjoying how the cold air felt in my lungs. When I released my breath laced with fire thu'um, it steamed more than it should have. I didn't want to admit it, but Nazir had made the right call to send me outside.
I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Cicero's concerned face. A nervous smile was on his face, but amber eyes flickered about trying to figure out what he could kill to please me. "What's wrong?" the Keeper asked.
"It's my fault," I said as I started walking away from Windpeak Inn. "That's my armor they are using to impersonate me." I was grateful I had squirreled the rest of my dragon bones and scales away in hidden caches throughout Skyrim. Even Lydia didn't know where I had hidden them. There would not be multiple fakes running around.
"Cicero doesn't understand." Cicero took my hands and held me into a courtly dance stance. Without another word, he led me into a dance in the snow covered field. Our steps trailed behind us like a teaching guide. I felt my anger fall away as I concentrated on following Cicero's lead.
"The first day we met, when you were stranded on the side of the road," I sighed and leaned against Cicero's shoulder, "I had been wearing my dragon scale armor."
"Diana wasn't wearing armor when we met," Cicero's brow furrowed in confusion.
"I had discarded it before then," I said mad at myself for being so careless. I had even thought to myself of how valuable the material was as I threw in on the ground in a moment of rebellion. It would have taken less than a minute to have piled the armor onto my mare and it would have prevented this.
"Cicero remembers that day well. Cicero was naughty that day too," Cicero smiled wickedly at me.
"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Cicero never indulges when he is on duty. No drinking, no women. Cicero must always be ready for Mother if she needs him." The Imperial laughed. "When Cicero saw pretty Diana come down the stairs with her sleepy, kind eyes, Cicero thought, 'What is one little moment of weakness?' Cicero was leaving his home in Dawnstar and going to his new home in Falkreath. One night of indiscretion and Mother none the wiser. It didn't turn out so well, did it?" Cicero cocked his head with a playful smile.
I was speechless. Cicero never explained his actions and this was the most straightforward I had ever seen him. It felt weird to realize I had known this crazy jester for almost a year.
"What about later? With the fallen tub?" I asked after a few minutes of dancing. I smiled at the memory of Cicero 'proving' that he was a man and not a child by flashing me and my startled reaction causing him to fall on top of me. "Just tying up loose ends?"
"Oh, no! Cicero was attending to his duty," the jester laughed.
"What?" I stopped dancing and stepped back.
"Cicero doesn't like the tic in Hecate's eye," Cicero said echoing his comment from earlier.
"What do you mean your duty?" I asked.
"To serve the Listener is to serve the Night Mother," Cicero explained. "Whatever needs the Listener has, Cicero will fulfill."
"You only wanted to sleep with me because it's your job?" I asked. Cicero nodded, confused by my reaction. "CICERO YOU FOOL!"
"Augh!" the Keeper screamed as my thu'um sent him flying into a snow pile. I didn't bother to see if he got up okay as I stomped back to Sanctuary.