Chapter 6: Settling In
"I must say Ava, you are showing great...consistency, " Astrid looked with approval at the young woman who stood before her. Astrid noticed that Ava seemed to enjoy pleasing her-something Astrid found very useful. She needed her newest assassin to be loyal and trustworthy, and Ava was beginning to fill those needs in perfectly. "I see you pulled off killing both Alain and Nilsine...Muiri must have been quite...satisfied."
"Yes, she was grateful. I was happy to have given her some solace-she seemed to be carrying a great burden, " Ava said with a sorrowful look. She seemed to feel something for Muiri-sympathy, perhaps-to which Astrid found very curious. Ava held out her delicate hand, holding a golden ring in her palm, "She gave me this as a bonus."
"I see...Just keep performing as you are. I'll let you know when I nee-"
"AH...Astrid, THERE you ARE. Heh, Cicero has been meaning to SPEAK with you! Remember?! Cicero believes the Tenets will be MOST VALUABLE to his brothers and sisters! OH YES! Would Astrid care to have a CHAT with the Keeper? Hmn? You know, the little conversation Cicero has requested TIME and AGAIN?!" The jester bounded in, interrupting Astrid's previous conversation. His screeching voice pierced her ears like the scream of a hagraven.
Astrid sighed, "Very well then...Ava, you can leave now. I need to have a word with our Keeper." She looked on as Ava nodded quietly in obedience. Why couldn't the fool be more like her?
"Maybe Astrid should let our sister stay for this?" Cicero responded, "Our DEAR little assassin may learn a thing or two!" He winked at Ava with a dopey grin on his face, causing her to pause mid-step.
"That won't be necessary, Cicero," Astrid responded, waving Ava off. Why must this bothersome jester play on her nerves? He needed to leave her assassins alone, especially Ava. She was new and didn't need conflicting ideals about the Brotherhood.
The fool grinned, watching the young woman leave, then turned back to Astrid. She could see his happy expression straighten. "Hmmm...Cicero needs to ask something of Astrid...Why does POOR Cicero have the feeling Astrid wants to run the Dark Brotherhood all by herself, hmmm? Surely she does not think herself higher than our UNHOLY Matron, does she?"
"I never said that...Yet I do think our Sanctuary got along just fine the way it was...I am still leader...Surely you aren't against my...position?" She remarked, feeling annoyed and uneasy by his growing persistance. Wasn't it enough that she invited him to stay?
"This clown giving you trouble, Astrid?" She felt sudden relief in seeing Arnbjorn enter the room behind the fool. He glared at the jester, causing him to cower a bit in surprise.
"No, NO! Cicero meant no HARM to our Mistress! Only to discuss the Tenets-OLD WAYS, if you will...He did not WISH to pick a FIGHT! Humble Cicero merely wanted to pick Astrid's BRAIN! Heh heh..." Cicero laughed nervously, hands now clasped behind his back.
"No Arnbjorn...let him stay. I wish to hear what he has to say. After all, what can he do to me? I am his...superior...after all..." Astrid snapped at Cicero, making him grimace. She wasn't going to let the Keeper, or anyone for that matter, uproot her authority.
"You can have this. I'm not really an alchemist-I'm terrible at it, really..."Ava laughed, holding the ring in front of Babette. "Muiri said it had an alchemy enchantment...It may be of use to you. I won't be needing it."
"What are you saying-that I need improvement?" Babette grinned.
"No! I wasn't saying that at all, I-"
"Haha...My dear, I'm teasing you! Thank you," Babette slid the ring over a finger, admiring it. "It's a lovely gesture, by the way."
"Oh, heh heh...I thought you were serious there for a moment..." Ava gave a breath of relief.
"What was Cicero doing in there with you and Astrid? He was in an awful rush." Babette inquired, fiddling with the ring.
"...I think it had something to do with those Tenets he keeps mentioning. I'm not really sure." Ava answered, still wondering what it all meant.
"Oh that again. I just thought he was following you, " she smiled slyly at Ava. "I think he likes you."
Ava shook her head, "I...dont think so. I think he really wants to speak with her for some reason. I guess he finds it important." She shrugged it off, secretly feeling a bit embarrassed at Babette's comment.
"Now don't pretend you haven't noticed the way he acts around you...The way he watches you...You know, he asked me what your name was the first day he arrived. He didn't seem very interested in much else." Babette chuckled.
"I doubt it's like that. He recognized me...We met on the road before. He was stranded and I helped him. That's probably why he asked," she explained. "Besides, I've been out on that contract-I've barely had a chance to speak with him."
"Oh no...You've already done yourself in then. A pretty girl like you comes along and helps a poor lunatic like Cicero-a tragic mistake, really. You'll be lucky to get rid of him now!" She teased.
Ava sat alone at the dinner table, sipping gingerly from her over-filled tankard. It was late in the night and she was groggy, but relaxed-a feeling which had become nearly foreign to her. She looked at the ripples in her wine, thinking of how over time things had gotten a little easier for her. She was still receiving flack from certain brothers and sisters, but she was getting used to it. Babette made her feel welcome, so that helped. Astrid seemed pleased with her, and she liked that too. It may not have been the best circumstances, but Astrid did take her in. She couldn't deny the sadness that always lurked just beneath the surface, but she also couldn't deny that the Brotherhood filled some of the emptiness inside. She didn't like what she had to do for a living, but she was grateful for what Astrid had done for her.
"Does Ava mind if Cicero joins her?" The jester's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Oh, no. Not at all, " Ava replied, a little surprised.
Cicero hummed merrily, while seating himself beside her. "Cicero hears that you have sent yet ANOTHER soul to the void! TWO for that matter! HEHE! Cicero bets Mother is very PLEASED with Ava!" He grinned, speaking enthusiastically.
"I hope you don't mind me asking..." Ava spoke softly, cautiously, hoping not to upset him with her ignorance of the subject. Cicero was sitting close to her, leaning in very close-a bit too close for comfort. "...who exactly is the Night Mother?"
His eyes grew wide, and he snorted. Then he began to laugh hysterically, slapping his hand on the table. "HAHAHAHA! AH! That was a GOOD one! Cicero loves a good JOKE!"
Ava had no idea what to say to him. Feeling embarrassed, she looked back to the inside of her tankard as a distraction. Cicero became quiet.
Cicero tilted his head to the side, eyeing her suspiciously while rubbing his chin. "Oh...Uh...You're serious..."
Ava looked back at the jester, who had turned his chair around so that his whole body faced her. The foolish look on his face had transformed. He had a sober, serious expression, and he began to speak in a different tone-sort of a low growl. There was something hypnotic about it...
"Cicero will tell you then...The Night Mother is my mother, your mother...the Unholy Matron and mother to all our dark brothers and sisters...She birthed five children to our Dread Father Sithis...and...MURDERED THEM in his honor...She is the one who SPEAKS...yes...but there is no Listener to hear her...No, but there is a Keeper...Cicero keeps the Mother...oils her..preserves her...for her lifeless corpse must be emmaculate to be HEARD...to guide the Brotherhood...to talk to the Listener...to tell them who to MURDER...and the Listener passes this on...Cicero has spent many MANY years searching for a new Listener...trying to listen HIMSELF...But no..NO, the Mother remains ever so SILENT..."
Ava listened intently trying to take it all in...to understand. Another question began to form in her mind, "So...who is Sithis?"
"Hmmm...how does one merely EXPLAIN the Dread Lord?...He is...the black of night...TERROR incarnate...he is the darkest space...like the Void itself. The very Void the Brotherhood sends the souls to...He is ALL these things...and NONE of these things...without him-without the Mother...there is NO Brotherhood..." His eyes were fierce, and his voice trailed into a low, raspy whisper. He seemed to have a deep understanding of what he spoke of.
"I...had no idea, " Ava said, amazed at the information. "It all seems so mysterious."
Cicero beamed again, speaking in his familiar merry way, "Ah, MYSTERIOUS it IS! INDEED! Of course," Cicero appeared irritated, "Cicero thinks it's a pity that Astrid had not INFORMED Ava...EVERY dark brother and sister should be AQUAINTED with these things..."
"Well, thanks then...for letting me know. It makes a little more sense now." Although Ava didn't fully grasp the whole concept, she felt less oblivious to it. All the same, she was grateful for what he'd filled her in on.
"Of course, of COURSE! Cicero is at your SERVICE!" He jumped up from his seat and bowed to Ava in a playful manner, causing her to grin at the sight of him.
"I guess it's getting late..." Listening to Cicero, Ava forgot how tired she'd felt when she sat down in the first place. "I think I'll call it a night."
The jester's smile faded slightly as if he was disheartened by this news. "Ah, well Cicero bids you goodnight then."
"Goodnight Cicero, " Ava smiled politely at him, and began to journey back to her bed.
"Sister!" His voice rang out like a bell, catching her attention en route to the sleeping quarters.
"Yes?"
"If Ava has any MORE questions, Cicero will be happy to help her!"
Ava nodded in agreement, and quietly stepped off to bed. She could feel the jester's eyes on her back until she was out of sight.
"Brothers and sisters, do you not SEE that the OLD ways are NECESSARY for the Brotherhood to SURVIVE? To THRIVE?! Cicero has SEEN what can happen when the Dread Lord's children do not OBEY! BURNT! PURGED, if you may! Sanctuaries ROASTING like a skeever over a hot FLAME!" Cicero's face wrinkled in frustration from trying to get his point across-the same point he'd threw at them time and again. Why did they IGNORE poor Cicero?
"Now what gives you the right to come barging in here, trying to convert us?" Nazir remarked, looking rather annoyed. "Astrid was generous enough to let someone like you in here. Now all I hear about are these old ways! It's bad enough listening to your incessant bantering for days on end! Now all these sermons as well?"
"Cicero thinks the Redguard should watch his MOUTH..." Cicero's eyes narrowed, as he placed his hands on his hips.
"While I do respect you as Keeper, I believe that Astrid is the authority over matters such as these." Veezara stepped in. "She is the one who has held this Sanctuary together, when it would have surely perished. I dare not go against her orders."
"Veezara, I wouldn't waste my breath trying to reason with the fool," Gabriella jeered, stepping in front of the Argonian. "He's been raving about for days on end, as if we will somehow be influenced by his pathetic attempts. Hah! While he may be a delusional fanatic, the rest of us do realize that the Brotherhood has made significant changes in order to prosper. The old ways are all but dead."
"Well, Cicero thinks you are WRONG, elf! If the Sanctuary prospers as you so CLAIM, then why only a TEENSY-WEENSY handful of assassins dwell WITHIN, Hmmn? Why is every hole in the ground not filled to the CEILING with willing brothers and sisters? BURSTING forth from each and every Black Door?! Cicero MAY be a FOOL, but he is not STUPID!" Cicero spat, waving a gloved finger in Gabriella's face.
"I believe I have to side with Cicero on this one!" Festus bellowed from the corner, where he stood tinkering with his Arcane Enchanter.
"Are you growing senile, old man?" Gabriella snickered, raising an eyebrow.
"No I am not, damnit! I just think I'd like to see the Dark Brotherhood the way it was back in the day! Those were the times when people trembled at the very thought of us-not dwindling away like it is now! I'm not saying I love the maniac-I'm just saying he has a point!"
"YES! YES! This withering old MAGE understands Cicero!" The jester pointed to Festus, who looked rather insulted by his comment. "Surely my fellow brothers and sisters can learn to be as this VERY WISE elder. WHY, nearly every wrinkle upon his shrivled OLD FACE is filled with WISDOM!"
"Alright , enough with the old man stuff, jester-while I'm still on your side!" Festus barked.
"Look, if you all want to stay here and listen to this clown screech, have at it. I'm through with this foolishness...I've got targets to kill." Nazir huffed, walking out of the room. One by one, the others followed suit.
"WHERE are you GOING!? Cicero speaks of IMPORTANT matters! COME BACK!" He begged pitifully. Now only he and Festus were left. Why were his brothers and sisters so...STUBBORN? Did they not FEAR the wrath of SITHIS?!
Festus stepped up from behind the jester, "Hmph, while it would be good to go back to the old ways in theory, I'm afraid these knuckleheads are hard to sway. I don't know...maybe I'm just an old coot. Times are different now..."
Ava sat across from Astrid at her table. Her eyes followed the intricate details of the map that Astrid commonly used, which lay spread out in front of them. She watched Astrid's finger glide across a certain line, while she pondered something Ava was unaware of.
"I know you're probably curious as to why I wanted to speak with you..." her low, soothing voice purred. "In case you were wondering...no, it's not a contract. I just needed to inquire about a certain...individual. It's Cicero. I know he seems to enjoy speaking with you. I just need to know what he is telling you. Does he speak of anything strange? Anything out of the ordinary besides the...obvious." She sat facing Ava, her eyes seeming to stare a hole straight through her while she tapped her fingers on the table.
"Not really. He told me who the Night Mother and Sithis are-about the Dark Brotherhood," Ava answered, wondering what Astrid meant by the question. Was there something Ava wasn't supposed to hear? Was it bad-what secret was Cicero hiding? Or for that matter, was Astrid hiding something? She had no idea what was really going on.
Astrid kept her eyes locked on Ava, "Very well..." She pushed her chair back and propped her feet on the table, placing her hands behind her head. She began to appear more relaxed. A smile slowly creeped across her face. "Well since I brought you in here, we may as well chat-Get to know each other better. You know...have a little...girl talk...We haven't had a chance to do that yet..."
"Okay...That would be nice." Ava felt happy at the suggestion. It was reassuring to have Astrid on her side, wanting to learn about her. It made Ava feel as if she mattered.
"Tell me...why did you kill that old hag in the first place? I'm...curious..."
"Well...I didn't plan on killing anyone. I ran into the boy one night, and he was so sad-so alone. He told me about Grelod-about the other children. I just couldn't let them suffer. I didn't want them to be alone-to feel as worthless as I did..." Ava could feel the sorrow swimming beneath as she spoke.
"Hmmm...I knew there was something...different...about you...You feel for those around you. I must say, you are truly...intriguing. Sympathy is rarely experienced among the Brotherhood. I find the emotion rather...foreign...myself. Was that your first murder?" Astrid inquired.
"...There were others. It was a long time ago, but they were attacking me. I guess it could be called self-defence, rather than murder. I had little choice. Grelod was the first time I decided to intentionally kill." Ava's voice trembled a bit while she thought back to those events, "Of course, it all felt the same..."
"You know Ava...there are things about you that remind me of myself. Here you are...so beautiful and dangerous, and coming into your own. You know, you may feel certain...negative emotions...when it comes to what you do, but over time I believe you will come to enjoy this lifestyle as much as I do. You know...my first murder was one of my very own. My family...I grew up with a rather...twisted...uncle. Let's just say he tried to make certain...unwanted advances. He was my first. Then there were others. The more I murdered the more I...loved it. I learned that blood family was merely that...my new family here is what is important to me. I look after my family...I'm glad to have you as part of it." Astrid had a somber expression, "I just don't want certain things to disrupt my family..."
Ava was pleased with Astrid's acceptance of her, but confused about what she meant by disrupt. "...I'm not sure I understand..."
Astrid straightened, "Just let me know if Cicero starts saying things that don't...add up."
The sunset over the horizon was mesmerizing to Ava. Cyrodiil had the most beautiful, vibrant sky. The wind blowed gently, feathering her hair around her face. Wiping a strand to the side, she gazed at the ripples left by a stone skimming the surface of the pond. She looked to her right, where her father was readying another stone.
He let it sail, dotting the shiny waters with more circular ripples, "Hey, did you see that one? Five times! Alright girl, let's see if you can beat your old man!" He chuckled.
Ava laughed, picking up a smooth pebble, "I don't know. You beat me last time!" She tossed the stone, watching it hit the water. It didn't skip, it merely sank. Hmm...that's strange...Ava noticed the water where the stone had fell. It was dark, and the darkness began bubbling up in the ripples. It spread across the pond until it was completely black. Then the sky grew dark as night.
"Papa...what's going on?!" Ava looked back to her right. Her father was no longer there. She stood alone.
Stricken by a sudden panic, she ran up the cobblestone path that led to her home on the hill behind her. She opened the door, to find the cottage completely dark, as if every candle had been snuffed out.
"Papa? Mama?!" she yelled, feeling about in the dark. She stumbled about until her boot bumped into something on the floor. Leaning down, she touched a body...a cold, dead body...She strained hard to see. When her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she saw her parents' bodies splayed beneath her on the floor. Both of their throats had been slit open.
"No..." tears welled up in her eyes, and she began to wail. She bolted out the door. She had to leave, she couldn't stand the sight of them!
"There she is! Don't let her get away!" A savage voice screamed from behind her. More voices followed suit-she knew the men. They were dressed as bandits, but she knew them...she recognized their voices. She felt a rough pair of hands grab her, smashing her to the ground. She looked up at his eyes. He had such piercing eyes. She gripped her dagger, the darkness surrounding her...
...
Ava shot up in her bed, gasping for breath and soaked in sweat. She looked about the quiet room where Festus and Veezara were sleeping in the other beds. She despised having those nightmares. She quickly wiped a tear away, trying to regain her composure. Breathing deeply, she tried to remind herself that she was in the Sanctuary now. That was just a terrible dream-a distant memory...
Realizing she had little chance of going back to sleep, she began pacing about the winding hallways. It was a habit she developed on nights when she was restless or had those awful nightmares. It seemed to help her calm down.
She could hear her footsteps echo quietly down the dark corridor, as she wandered aimlessly. The passage twisted and turned, growing darker with every step. Before she knew it, she could barely see where she was going. Why was it so dark in here? This was unusual. She glanced behind her, noticing it was just as dim as the path that lay ahead. She took a couple of misguided steps forward.
"Oof!" A voice yelped in the darkness, ringing off the stone walls. Ava had collided with a shadowy figure. "Who is lurking near Cicero's room? Is someone up to NO GOOD?!" He growled.
"Cicero? I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to intrude. I just couldn't sleep, so I-" She fumbled about in the dark, trying to regain her footing.
"Ava?" He asked, surprised.
"Yeah, it's me. Listen, I'm sorry. I'll just turn around and head back the other way..." she apologized again, feeling about the wall.
"No, no...Ava doesn't have to LEAVE! Wait here..."
She could hear him trail off in the darkness. A few moments later, she could see a faint light coming back up his end of the passageway. Cicero came back holding a candle.
"Torch must have burned out," he shrugged. He began searching the hallway to find the torch to replace, but came up unsuccessful. He turned, motioning to her, "Ava can keep Cicero company if she likes. Poor Cicero cannot slumber either...Too TOO many thoughts whirling about in his tired HEAD!"
Why not? Ava wasn't going to rest any time soon. Besides, it might be nice to have someone to talk to while she felt this unnerved. "Sure," she nodded.
The jester flashed a large grin. The dancing flame in front of him cast dark shadows across his features. Something about him looked so devilish-so wicked. The very sight of him in the dark was enough to send a tingle up her spine. Of course, his chilling appearance was overshadowed when he spoke in his merry tone, "Oooh Splendid! Poor Cicero NEVER gets company...he spends his evenings ALL ALONE in his damp, chilly room!"
She followed him back to his room. Upon entering, she noticed a large sarcophagus to the right of the entrance. It was engraved with many intricate designs, and it remained closed while sitting in an upright position.
At the other end of the room was a table. Cicero seated himself, then motioned for her. "COME! Have a seat."
Ava sat across from him, taking in her surroundings. His room was dusty and dank. Cobwebs hung loose from the stone ceiling. The wall next to her had all but crumbled in, and various items were strung about. She wondered why the Keeper would be placed in such squalid living conditions. Even his bed looked wretched. It was filthy and the blankets were full of holes.
"Would Ava like something to drink, to eat? A sweetroll, perhaps? Cicero will share!" He said while reaching into a knapsack on the far end of the table and pulling out a sweetroll.
"No thanks, I'm fine. I didn't know this was your room. I don't think I've ever been back here," Ava stated while her eyes wandered. She felt sorry that the jester had to stay in such a mess.
"Heh heh...Cicero didn't REALIZE he'd be staying back here, but Astrid is the BOSS! Cicero must BECKON to her every call...Hmn?" Cicero sniveled, taking a bite of the sweetroll. "Why is Ava unable to sleep?"
"Oh...I don't know...I guess I just have trouble relaxing sometimes..." Ava said, downplaying her issue. She didn't like the thought of exposing her problems to someone. "How about you?"
Cicero appeared sullen, "Poor, FOOLISH Cicero...he tries, oh how he TRIES to speak to the others-inform them of the Tenets. OH, but how they MOCK poor Cicero! Tell him he's MAD! They HATE poor humble Cicero."
Ava sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Yeah, I haven't had the best luck with them myself. Save for a few-I don't think I'm liked very well by the majority."
"WHAT?! They don't like the KIND Ava? Cicero doesn't understand THAT! Maybe THEY are the FOOLISH ones, HMMM? Especially the NASTY elf-Cicero would so DELIGHT in feeding it to that VILE spider it keeps for a pet!" Cicero grinned, wriggling his fingers to imitate an eight-legged creature. "Of course...Cicero won't. He wouldn't want to break one of the Tenets. Cicero wouldn't want to bring the WRATH on himself now, would he? He he!"
"So...are these Tenets like laws, then?" Ava asked curiously.
"Why yes YES! One could CERTAINLY say that! Sithis HIMSELF graced us with FIVE-Like the WRITHING fingers of the Black Hand!" He smiled proudly. "Ah...Ava is a CURIOUS one! EAGER to LEARN..."
He looked at Ava, raising an eyebrow and beginning to rub his chin. It was as if he were analyzing her-making her rather uncomfortable. She briefly looked away from his stare to keep from feeling so awkward. Much to her relief, Cicero turned his gaze to the pile of rubbish where the wall had once been. He slowly walked over to the pile of stones. There seemed to be an object lodged in them-a stone tablet. He wriggled the object free, then smiled while examining it.
"AH! Cicero KNEW this was it! ALL his old Sanctuaries used to hang them upon EVERY WALL!" He gleamed, placing the slab in front of Ava. "Cicero thought he recognized it! Of course, these SACRED Tenants should be for all dark eyes too see and not DISCARDED in a pile of REFUSE..." He grumbled irritably.
Ava dusted the object off, and silently read the ancient print. Hmmm...never disrespect the Night Mother...don't disrespect the Brothehood...don't refuse orders from a superior...don't steal from other members...don't kill other members...to do so is to invoke the Wrath of Sithis...
"Well...What does Ava think?" Cicero inquired, looming over her.
"I think it sounds pretty reasonable-it's a good thing," Ava nodded. She did see that the Tenets were good. What she didn't understand was why everyone treated this information as if it were a plague. One could say it was necessary to have these rules of honor. They certainly weren't a negative thing. She didn't understand why they all treated Cicero so poorly, either. Sure he could be off-putting, but he wasn't mean-spirited or nasty. She was rather enjoying his company, for that matter.
"HEHE! INDEED! Ava is a CLEVER one!" Cicero patted her on the back, startling her from the unexpected contact.
"Ah-hem!" They both turned to the doorway, where Babette stood holding a torch. "I thought I heard an awful lot of noise back here." She said, smiling slyly at Ava, who was now embarrassed of what Babette was implying. However, Cicero seemed to take no notice. "Cicero, I borrowed one of your torches for my nightly activities. I'm going to go place it back in the hall now. I just had to see what all that chattering was. Don't stay up too late..." she smirked, disappearing down the passageway.