Author's Note: Hello everyone! I hope you are enjoying my story thus far - - it is what I strive for. As you all know, the Emperor is dead, and the Dark Brotherhood quest line practically wraps up after this. However, I have much more content of my own to add to this story (and I hope you will enjoy it). Thanks to all who read, as always!
Chapter 13: New Beginnings
The vast sparkling universe spread wide over Ava as she hunkered by her campfire. She let out a sigh of relief, knowing that her long mission had been complete. Sorrow poured inside herself, filling her up like an icy liquid. She thought of the Emperor's last words he'd spoken to her. Ava thought of how he talked of his life, and the very bloodshed that happened because of him. Strangely enough, both Ava and the Emperor had that in common. Maybe everything wasn't as right or wrong as she'd previously believed. Maybe there was so much more to life - - more than merely good or evil - - than she could possibly comprehend.
Fond memories of her parents chased away the cold, warming her like the crackling flame her eyes were now fixed upon. Their love was like the best type of heartache she could experience, and it only hurt because they were no longer there. Wiping a trailing tear from her cheek, she wondered if they would still love her now. Tonight, more than ever, proved she was no longer that girl with big dreams who lived in a quaint cottage in Cyrodiil. She was the Listener, who was to fulfill the wishes of the Dread Father, sending souls to the nothingness of the Void.
She thought of Astrid, and of her fellow dark brothers and sisters who had fallen, and in a different way she missed them too. She missed them more for what they could've been to her than what they actually were. She figured, had they all lived, she would've had some very good companions in life. Sure they didn't care much for her at first, but they had begun to warm up to her. Too bad they were all gone now.
Luckily, she still had Babette and Nazir. The Night Mother was with her too, becoming an ever-growing presence in her life. Maybe she'd even see Cicero again. She missed him now more than ever. She could use his foolsih laughter and his wicked sense of humor right now.
Reflecting on how far her life had plummetted into such darkness, Ava realized just how unpredictable things had been for her. She knew that this meant the future would be just as puzzling, and now things had changed drastically in a matter of days. She was not only Listener, but leader of the Dark Brotherhood itself. She'd never been the leader of anything, let alone an organization with such impact on all of Tamriel. She'd just killed the Emperor, for Sithis' sake!
With her arms wrapped tightly around her knees, she rocked back and forth a bit taking it all in while looking back to the stars. Ava thought of all the people in her life. She feared the future, she mourned the past, and she quietly reflected in the present.
Hearing a low rumble, Nazir rushed to the entrance of the Sanctuary, curious to see who was there. Babette had previously left to feed for the night, so he figured maybe she'd returned from her hunt. Or maybe Ava was successful in murdering the Emperor, but he certainly felt doubtful about that. She may have been able to come this far, but to him she seemed so passive and weak for an assassin. He thought her lucky to have made it to this point.
Nazir was surprised to find that it was indeed Ava who stood calmly at the entrance. "What happened? Don't tell me you came back early...Was it too much for you?" His voice full of skepticism, he questioned her. There was no way she killed the Emperor in a ship full of his guards and lived to tell about it. Maybe the Emperor had fled before she could catch up with him.
"No...I killed him. The Emperor is gone...the contract is complete now." She looked him dead in the eyes. It was the first time she held eye contact with Nazir for this long. She had a look of both relief and exhaustion on her face. Nazir felt dumbfounded at this information. He never thought she'd be up to this great task.
"I have to say, I'm speechless. I didn't think you'd be cut out for the job." He said, surprised.
"To tell you the truth, I didn't think I'd make it out alive." Ava admitted. "If it weren't for the Night Mother, I'd probably be dead by now."
"What do you mean? I thought she only spoke to you." Nazir looked to her with confusion.
"Well...It started out that way, but this assassination was different. I saw her standing among my enemies. She guided me along - - she made me powerful. I was so outnumbered, there's no way I could've defeated all those men alone." Ava explained. It did make sense to Nazir - - why her abilities and her personality were so different from each other. There was no way that a woman who could barely stand up for herself could be a blood thirsty assassin without some sort of divine intervention.
"I may be crazy for saying this, but somehow I believe you." Nazir remarked. He found it strange that the Night Mother would choose this timid girl as the Listener, when she seemed so unfit by herself. The worst part was that she was above his rank now. The tables had been turned - - he had to listen to her for a change. It had been rather easy for Nazir to obey an older, more skilled assassin like Astrid, but following the likes of that young, weak girl would be a lot for him to swallow. The thought made the Redguard cringe inside. Besides, he hadn't exactly been welcoming to the girl. He feared this could be a newfound opportunity for her to return the favor. He'd probably never see another contract tossed his way, if it was up to Ava.
"I'm just glad it's over..." Ava sighed, looking at the floor. "I think I'm going to get some rest...I'm exhausted." She began to drag herself along.
"You mean to tell me that you've just killed the Emperor of Tamriel, and you want to sleep?!" Nazir remarked, placing a hand on his hip. This was a strange girl. If he had just murdered the Emperor, he'd be celebrating with one hand around a woman and the other around a cold tankard of Mead! He found nothing more worthy of festivities than a good murder! What was wrong with her?
Ava stopped in her tracks, turning to look at him with a puzzled expression. "Well...yeah..."
"So that's it? You have nothing else to say?" He scowled, folding his arms. Nazir found her lack of happiness at such an occasion to be nearly insulting to the Dark Brotherhood.
He watched as her confused expression seemed to lighten, "Oh...there is something else." Her features seemed to straighten in a serious manner. "The Emperor asked a favor of me before I ended his life, and I told him I'd fulfill his wishes. He wants the man who ordered his assassination murdered - - Amaund Mortierre."
"So what are you going to do, head off to kill him after your little nap?" Nazir remarked. Too bad he'd probably have to retire his trusty scimitar, or he'd slice the fool himself.
Nazir watched her as she scratched her head, fidgeting. "Nazir, I was actually wondering if you'd like to be the one to do away with Mortierre. You could collect our reward from him too." Ava had a hopeful look about her. "I mean, if you want to."
"...What?!" Nazir felt completely caught off-guard by her suggestion. Of course, he'd love to cut that blathering noble in half! He'd never turn down an assassination. He had to wonder, though, why the girl was offering this to him. Did she think she was so great that she could hand off her scraps to him now? "Look, don't think just because you're the Listener that I'm some sort of has-been that you can feel sorry for. I don't need your charity, Ava." He gave her a sharp look.
Ava threw up her hands, "NO! No...that's not why I suggested it...I'm just not feeling up to it. I really am drained. I don't think you're washed up or anything." She looked down at the floor, "I'm sure you're a better assassin than I am. If it weren't for the Mother, I'd probably be terrible by myself. I was just hoping you could help me, that's all..."
"Hmph...Very well, then. I'll leave first thing in the morning." Nazir gave in. She was his leader after all. He did feel a little better knowing she was asking for his help rather than patronizing him. Maybe she wasn't so bad. Either way, he still wasn't very fond her newfound role as leader. It was going to take him a while to get used to this mess.
Ava yawned as she woke from her night of exhausted slumber. She tried stretching her arms over her head, but her hands bumped the red velvety interior of the coffin. She found it a bit unnerving to have to sleep in, but coffins were the only type of bed available in the delapidated old Sanctuary. Ava raised to see Babette sleeping soundly across from her - - at least she enjoyed the old caskets.
Ava stepped out of the tomb and took a few weary steps toward a shelf full of food and supplies. She grabbed a red apple and took a bite, feeling famished from all her hard work. Nazir was nowhere to be found, so she reckoned he'd probably left for his mission. She felt relieved that he decided to help out with Amaund. After the bloodbath that she'd found herself in, she yearned for a bit of rest from the carnage.
She sat down on a dusty chair, eating the juicy apple when she heard a noise toward the front of the Sanctuary. It was a strange sort of pecking noise. Curiously, Ava stood up and wandered after the peculiar sound. The tapping seemed to be coming from the front door of the Sanctuary. She didn't know why somebody would knock on the Black Door. Perhaps someone was lost or curious. Either way, she couldn't open it for fear of revealing the Dark Brotherhood to an outsider.
The knocking sound had seemed to vanish as soon as it had appeared, and Ava stood a few feet from the door waiting to see if it would happen again. After what felt like forever, her curiousity got the better of her and she stepped up to the door, allowing it to open. She figured whoever had been there had probably left and she could possibly get a long-distance view of who it was.
Stepping into the snow, Ava heard the door close behind her as she scanned about the area. She saw footsteps that seemed to split into many directions. It looked as if the person had pranced in circles all about. Eyeing the footprints in confusion, she heard a sudden clank - - like that of metal. Turning her head toward the noise, her eyes grew wide in response to what she saw.
Cicero stood a few feet away, grinning devilishly with his ebony dagger gripped tightly in his hand. It was as if he'd appeared out of nowhere. "Hehehehehe...Ah, Listener..." He growled visciously. "You SAVED poor Cicero, and now you will pay the PRICE! HAHAHAHA!" He laughed hysterically while raising the blade.
"What?! B-but-" Ava was dumbfounded. She froze, dropping her half-eaten apple on the ground.
"But WHAT Listener? Did you actually think Cicero was on YOUR side! HA! You were a FOOL for letting me LIVE! PREPARE YOURSELF!" He shouted. He took a couple of steps toward her, then seemed to double over, holding an arm over his stomach. His body seemed to be jerking frantically. Apparently, Cicero appeared to be in a fit of laughter.
Ava silently watched him, bewildered by his perplexing behavior.
"HAHAHAHAHA! Oh, Listener! You should've seen the LOOK upon your FACE! Cicero wasn't going to MURDER you! NO - - NEVER! He has FINALLY reunited with his dear Listener! He has come to SERVE the true leader of the Dark Brotherhood! Why, Cicero will NEVER leave your side again! Unless, of course that is your WISH. Then Cicero will WAIT and WAIT to join you once more, until he is but a SHRIVELED mummified corpse! Cicero is at your SERVICE, oh great and POWERFUL Listener!" Walking forward, the jester bowed flamboyantly, picking her apple off the ground and holding it up for her to take.
Ava smiled, relieved to see her foolish friend again. "Heh...It's good to see you again Cicero." She noticed the apple in his hand, "Oh, that's okay. I'm done eating it." She held her hands up in polite refusal.
Cicero winked at her, taking a bite off the discarded fruit. "Hehehe! Best friends forever!" He touted in a sing-songy voice as he pranced up to the Black Door. "My Listener, I'll be tending to Mother. So MANY crevices for Cicero to oil!" He grinned foolishly.
She watched him enter the Sanctuary, following behind him and worrying about how Nazir and Babette would take the news.
Nazir pushed the door open and scanned the many faces that lined the tavern. The Bannered Mare was hosting a full crowd tonight, and Nazir was hoping Mortierre would be among them. He'd heard through word of mouth that the slimy noble had entered Whiterun that morning, and figured that like most wealthy occupants of Skyrim, he'd be out for a night of womanizing and drinking.
Spotting an empty chair by the fire, he casually seated himself and ordered some Mead from the barmaid. Taking a swig from his tankard he glanced across the dancing flames to a scruffy looking Imperial guard. Nazir found it suscpicious that the guard was in this tavern at this particular time. Maybe he was there to protect someone else - - perhaps someone of noble status. The only way to find out would be to strike up a friendly conversation of sorts.
"Hmmm...I haven't seen the likes of you around here before." Nazir smirked while taking another drink.
"Hmph! I doubt from the looks of you that you're from Whiterun yourself, " the guard snorted. "It's none of your business what I do here anyway."
Nazir could tell from the man's blatant defensiveness that he was hiding something...or someone. "I can see you're not one for conversations," Nazir spoke as he left the irritable guard and seated himself across the room. He sipped on his drink, trying to blend in as he watched the guard's face from afar. The Imperial seemed to keep watching a certain door at the back of the tavern - - it must have been Mortierre's room.
Nazir kept watch on the guard, waiting for just the right moment to slip away from his table and into that room. He noticed a moment when a pretty young Nord had caught the Imperial's attention, and casually walked toward the back of the tavern. Glancing quickly behind himself and seeing the guard in his distracted state, Nazir quickly slipped in the room.
"Who on Nirn are you?!" A ghaunt looking Breton in fine clothes barked at him in surprise.
"Mortierre, I presume?" Nazir said coolly, folding his arms.
The Breton man hushed for a moment, studying Nazir. "Hmmm...did you happen to speak with Rexus about anything in particular?" He raised an eyebrow suspiciously.
"That shifty-eyed guard of yours? Yeah, you could say that," Nazir answered, thinking of the ill-mannered Imperial just outside.
"Ah...then you're here for your payment then. Well, for that...organization...of yours. I believe I spoke to a woman last time. I don't know which one of you did the deed, and I don't want to. I don't care about the specifics - - your end is done and so I'll tell you where to get your payment. It's back in Volunruud in an urn - - twenty-thousand gold like I told you. Now, get out of here before someone finds you. I don't want to be exposed and all that." The man gestured to shoo him away.
Nazir smiled darkly, sneaking an arm behind himself and locking the door. He said nothing, choosing to watch the scraggly little man grow uncomfortable.
"Look, I told you where to get your gold. N-now get moving! I mean it..." Mortierre began to fidget nervously, sensing Nazir's intentions.
"I wouldn't be so arrogant if I were you." Nazir stepped up to the man, causing him to nearly fall out of his seat. "A puny little noble like yourself shouldn't talk down to a highly-skilled assassin."
Mortierre staggered up from his seat, with Nazir slowly cornering him. "N-now listen here, I-I'll scream for help if you try anything...D-don't think I won't!" The man became frantic.
In one sharp movement, Nazir drew his trusty scimitar with one hand and pinned Mortierre with the other, choking him tightly so that he could barely make a sound.
"You wanted the Emperor dead and you got it. Unfortunately for you, my friend, he wanted us to return the favor." Nazir growled. "You see, that's the thing with the Dark Brotherhood. You can use our services, but so can others. Kind of ironic, huh? The contract becomes the target."
Nazir quickly thrust his blade through the man's heart, letting him bleed out onto the floor. He could see the pain and fear in Mortierre's eyes, and he reveled in it. "You know, I always enjoyed a twist of fate!" He taunted the man, watching the last bit of life drain from his face.
When Mortierre was good and dead, Nazir quietly guided his limp body to the floor with his hand. He quickly searched the room, seeing a window to make his escape from. In an instant, the assassin had fled the scene leaving Mortierre's bloody corpse behind.
"Hmmm...So you lied to Astrid about the whole thing." Babette stood rubbing her chin and eyeing the grinning jester. "I have to say, you must've been pretty convincing to fool her. I can't say I blame you - - Cicero was right." She reasoned, looking back to Ava. "I'm rather happy about his return - - we do need more brothers and sisters, after all."
"Ah...the UN-CHILD is a clever one too!" Cicero beamed, looking back to Ava. "If it weren't for our AMAZING Listener, poor Cicero would be SPLAYED about on the floor! There would be noone to care for POOR Mother!" He patted Ava on the back, making her uncomfortable in front of Babette. "Listener SPARED foolish Cicero - - why, she could have DICED poor Cicero into a TRILLION pieces! But NO...the kind, HUMBLE Listener let him live to see another day!" Cicero smiled innocently.
Of course, she knew better than to believe his statement - - he was still as cunning as ever. Cicero acted as if she could easily overpower him, yet she knew what he was really capable of. It amazed Ava how he had the uncanny ability to warp people's perception of him at any given moment. Nonetheless, she was glad to see him again. After she'd been through a monumental task such as killing the Emperor, she was happy Cicero was there to lighten the mood. Not knowing how to respond to his blatant lying, she simply laughed it off.
"What in Sithis' name is he doing here? I thought you were dead!" The three turned to see Nazir standing with a large sack of coins in his hand. Ava could tell by the look on his face that he was not amused with what he had found.
The jester frowned at Nazir, "Cicero is glad that Nazir is so happy to see him ALIVE!"
"Ava?! What's going on here?" Nazir demanded an answer.
"Oh, calm down..." Babette rolled her eyes. "She spared him because he wasn't guilty of any crimes against the Dark Brotherhood. Astrid was the traitor, not Cicero. Now play nice with your new brother, " She said, smirking at Nazir.
Ava stepped forward, "It's true...I did lie to everyone, but I really had no malicious intentions. I just did what I thought was right." She explained.
Nazir sighed, "Very well, then - - Just stay out of my way, clown." He glared at Cicero in annoyance.
"Oh, Cicero wouldn't DREAM of getting in the Redguard's way..." Cicero remarked sarcastically, hands on his hips.
"Is that our payment?" Ava inquired, looking at the large bag of coins in Nazir's hand.
"Yes, all twenty-thousand of it! Mortierre lies dead in a pool of his own blood, and we are richer for it!" He proudly held up the giant coin purse.
"OH, LISTENER! You have so much GOLD! What will Listener spend it on? Hmmm? Fancy DRESSES? Swords? Lutes? Ladles? OH, Cicero saw his lizard friend selling PRETTY pretty necklaces back in Riften!" Cicero screeched with joy.
"What is this blasted fool rambling on about!?" Nazir snapped at the jester. "Do you honestly think this gold is going to wasted on frivilous garbage?"
Cicero glared at Nazir, "Hmmm...Cicero finds it FUNNY that Nazir decides what to do with LISTENER'S gold...Did NAZIR murder the Emperor? Cicero thinks OTHERWISE..."
Babette nodded, "He's right, Nazir. This gold belongs to Ava."
Ava's brow wrinkled in confusion, "Cicero, how did you know I killed the Emperor?"
"Why, Cicero HEARD about the Emperor's murder of course! All of SKYRIM knows that the Emperor is but a NASTY bag of BONES now!" He explained, waving his hands about.
"Yeah, but how do you know it wasn't me," Nazir huffed. "You weren't here! For all you know, I did kill the Emperor!"
"HAHAHA! Silly Redguard! Such a FUNNY joke! YOU killing the Emperor? Cicero KNOWS it wasn't NAZIR! Listener murdered the Emperor!" Cicero laughed hysterically, slapping his leg.
"Yeah yeah, very funny," Nazir scowled. "Well, Ava, I guess the clown's right. You killed the Emperor, so you get the profits. I just hope you spend it wisely." Nazir approached Ava with the bag.
Ava took the bag, wondering what she would do with all that gold. She certainly wouldn't feel right spending all that on herself. She had responsibilities now with being the leader and all, and she didn't want to waste the Brotherhood's earnings. Nazir seemed to be eager to discuss their profits, so she figured she'd hear him out. He was more experienced, after all - - he'd most likely have sound advice to offer. "Nazir, what would you suggest?" She asked him.
"What would I suggest?" Nazir appeared surprised by her inquiry. "Well, I say we use the gold to fix up this dump we're calling a Sanctuary."
"I agree," Babette turned to Ava. "While I do enjoy sleeping in the coffins, I'd much rather have a Sanctuary that wasn't so...disgusting."
"But LISTENER..." Cicero chimed in with a pitiful look on his face, "It's YOUR gold! Cicero thinks YOU should spend it. What is wrong with our HOME?! Cicero lived here a LONG TIME the way it is!"
"Of course you'd live in filth, you're a lunatic!" Nazir scowled.
"I think Nazir and Babette have a point, " Ava said as gently as possible, not to offend the eager jester. "I believe it would be nice to fix the place up."
Cicero frowned, "If that is your WISH, Listener..."
"Well, since we're on the same page, I think Delvin Mallory would be the one to talk to. Astrid usually contacted him for repairs or additions to our old Sanctuary." Nazir explained.
"I can do that. I've already met with him before, so I know what to expect." Ava nodded.
"Well whenever you do go, why don't you take that jester with you," Nazir said irritably. "I'd like some peace and quiet for a few days."
Ava looked at Cicero, who was grinning widely. He seemed pleased with the suggestion, so she didn't see what it would hurt. "Sure, Cicero can go if he wants to."
"OOooohhh, Cicero would LOVE nothing more than to JOURNEY with the Listener!" He squealed in delight. "Cicero can carry all your things, so Listener won't have to lift a FINGER!"
"Oh, you won't have to do that Cicero. I can carry my own things." Ava began to feel embarrassed of his obvious need to please her.
"NONSENSE Listener! Cicero can do all the WORK!" The jester insisted.
Nazir spoke to Ava as he walked away, "Well, he's your problem now."
"Personally, I think it's rather sweet of you," Babette said to Cicero, then cast a sly smile toward Ava. "Have a good trip together - - just don't have too much fun."
As Babette wandered off, Ava was left alone with the jester. "We could leave tomorrow if you like," Ava shrugged, seeing no harm in leaving sooner rather than later.
"Of course, Listener! But, Cicero wonders where we are headed..." He raised his eyebrows curiously.
"Delvin's in Riften - - Have you ever heard of the Ratway?" Ava questioned the jester.
"OH, the Mallory man is a THIEF! Cicero knows ALL about the RATWAY! He's been there before! AH, Riften! Cicero LOVES Riften! Just THINK of all the TROUBLE Cicero and the Listener can get into there! Hehehe!" Cicero laughed, nudging Ava's arm. The jester then dawned a broad, sly grin."Oh...and while we're there, Cicero can show you his lizard..." The jester winked, leaning in closely.
"WHAT?!" Ava stepped back, not sure what to say to his remark.
"You KNOW...The lizard Cicero knows that sells the pretty necklaces in Riften. He can SHOW you where the lizard is!" Cicero explained.
"Oh..." Ava breathed a sigh of relief.
It was a breezy, sunny day and Riften was bustling with crowds of people. Ava was quite tired from the long trip from Dawnstar. She and Cicero had been on the road for a number of days, and she was good and ready for another nap.
"Cicero LOVES Riften! So much WARMER than freezing Dawnstar!" The jester beamed, taking in the view of the marketplace.
"Yes it is a nice day," Ava yawned, stretching her arms above her head, "but I think I may need a little rest. I think I'm going to get us a room at the Inn over there."
"OH, that would be a SPLENDID idea, Listener! Hehehe...Cicero and the Listener renting the SAME room! Why, Listener! What will people think?!" He giggled, teasing her.
"Heh...I'm going to the Inn, " Ava laughed nervously, heading to the Bee and Barb. "Are you coming, Cicero?"
"Hmmm...Cicero thinks he will shop around for a bit." He said, studying the tables full of goods in the distance.
"Okay then. See you in a while."
Ava casually entered the Inn, and rented a room on the top floor. She stepped inside the small area, noticing there was only one bed. She figured that she and Cicero could take turns using it, when needed.
Ava carefully set her knapsack full of coins on the end table and flopped on the small bed. She sighed with exhaustion, thinking of the long trip she'd made with the jester. She smiled at the thought of his antics - - dancing and singing about the strangest things. He was eager to help as well - - almost too eager. He simply refused to let Ava help set up camp at nights, so he would do all the work. He didn't want her to carry anything as well, so he ended up with a ton of heavy bags on his back. She tried asking him repetitively if she could assist him, but he'd insist that it was his sworn duty to serve her. It was nice to have his help and his company around, but she felt a bit guilty that he was doing everything for her that she could easily do herself.
Ava stared at the ceiling, her eyes growing heavier by the minute. Maybe tonight she would sneak her way down the Ratway and speak with Delvin, but as of now she was headed for slumber.
"HMPH!" Cicero puffed, pulling the strap of one of his many knapsacks over his shoulder. "So so HEAVY! Ugh...Maybe Cicero should've stopped by the inn first..." He mumbled to himself, lugging his heavy load of travel supplies toward the string of shops in the center of Riften.
As he trudged over to the market area, he saw a stand full of armor and weaponry. Behind the booth was a tall frowning Nord woman leaning on the table, her chin propped on her fist. Cicero stepped up, eyeing the goods.
"Ugh...You again? I don't even know why you stop here. You never buy anything! The only reason you come by here is to be irritating!" The brunette Nord huffed.
"WHAT? Cicero isn't allowed to LOOK?!" Cicero whimpered, faking a pout.
"Not if you're not willing to spend some coin! What do you think I'm doing - - running a charity here?" The woman remarked.
"Hehe...Grelka is so so GRUMPY! AS ALWAYS!" Cicero laughed. "Besides, Cicero WOULD purchase something if perhaps Grelka had things worth BUYING!" He sang out, making her face burn red with frustration.
"Just get out of here!" She yelled, pointing him away.
"Oh yes, your GREATNESS!" He bowed, as he stepped away. How it amused Cicero to make her angry! Grelka was right, he wasn't going to buy her stupid things anyway! He wanted something...nice. He wanted something that the Listener would like.
Cicero looked about, until he spotted an Argonian standing at a booth across from him. He grinned, approaching the reptilian man. "GREETINGS lizard!"
"It's Madesi. I remember you - - I believe you sold me some very nice rings a while back," the Argonian remarked.
"Ah yes - - that was Cicero, INDEED!" The jester smiled proudly.
"I still don't know how you stumbled upon jewelery that rare. Those rings are usually family heirlooms, or perhaps the property of nobles. I do say, you had some wonderful luck there." Madesi recalled.
"Cicero thinks so too! He still can't BELIEVE he found them on the ground!" He said innocently. The lizard didn't have to know the truth, after all. Cicero remembered when he crossed paths with that hateful nobleman perched up on his horse. Why he called Cicero horrible names and threatened to have him thrown in jail! He called poor Cicero crazy...so Cicero had to show him the true meaning of insanity...Then he pried the rings from his cold, dead fingers! Cicero had no idea they were worth so much gold - - such a nice surprise!
"Anything you're interested in, Cicero?" Madesi asked, gesturing toward his assortment of necklaces and rings.
Cicero studied the jewelery, "Hmmm...Cicero wants something PRETTY! SHINY! GLEAMY!"
"Okay...All of my items fit that description, friend. Is there any color of jewel you'd prefer?" Madesi inquired.
"...Red..." Cicero said in a low tone. Red was a perfect color for so many reasons! Red for the Brotherhood; Red for blood!
"How about this?" Madesi took a ring from his case, handing it to Cicero."It's a silver garnet ring."
Cicero held it up, in awe at it's sparkly red jewel. "HEHE! Cicero will take it!"
The jester purchased the ring, then headed back to the inn to take his heavy load off. Stepping in the Bee and Barb, he walked up to the barkeep.
"Cicero needs to know where the pretty dark-haired lady rented her room." He spoke to the Argonian woman behind the bar, who was busy polishing a greasy tankard.
"Why do you want to know?" The Argonian remarked.
"Cicero is rooming with her, that's WHY!" He scowled, adjusting his heavy bags.
"Huh...very well, then. I'll show you." She led him up the stairs to the room. With a confused look, she turned to Cicero, "So, you are her husband, then?"
"HAHAHA! Of course NOT! The lady is a FRIEND of Cicero's!" He burst out laughing. What an absurd thought! The Listener his wife? Someone as great and powerful as the Listener would never marry lowly Cicero! The very thought was just so funny!
"Whatever you say...but friends dont sleep together." The Argonian remarked as she made her way down the stairs.
Cicero stared the reptilian woman down with a sour look on his face. The disrespect she'd shown to his Listener made him want to slice off that lizard's tail! His Listener didn't come here for those reasons! She wasn't a common strumpet!
Cicero dropped his heavy supplies in the floor and knocked on the room door, "Listener! It's Cicero, your humble SERVANT! LISTENER, are you ASLEEP!?" He screeched, causing a few tavern dwellars from downstairs to tell him to keep it down.
The door slowly opened, with Ava yawning and rubbing her eyes. "Hey, Cicero...come in..."
Cicero grinned widely, struggling to pick up all his things. "Heh...Thank you Listener...Cicero just needs to gather our belongings..." He mumbled, dropping a couple of knapsacks on the floor.
"Here, let me help you, " Ava gave a pitied look, and went to help the struggling jester.
"NONSENSE Listener! Cicero can get it." He insisted, swiping up the knapsacks before she could grab them and heading inside the room. "Did Listener have a nice nap?" He asked, unloading their supplies.
"Honestly...I've only slept a few minutes." A look of concern fell over her face, "Maybe you should rest too. I'm sure you're tired from packing all our things for so long - - you can take the bed for now if you like." She suggested. "We can both rest before we pay Delvin a visit tonight."
"No...Cicero can't take the Listener's bed. Cicero can sleep on the floor in his sleeping bag..." The jester stretched his aching muscles tiredly. "Cicero doesn't want to sleep yet. He'll just sit on this chair and wait until it's dark." He began to yawn, as he took a seat. "Cicero will wake you come nightfall."
"Are you sure?" Ava questioned him once more.
"Cicero is POSITIVE! He has never been so SURE in his LIFE!" He smiled, with a tired look in his eyes. No wonder he liked his Listener so much! She was so nice - - so worried about poor pathetic Cicero!
"Okay, then. Well, I'm going back to sleep." She flopped tiredly back on the bed. "I'll see you in a bit," She said sleepily, smiling at him as she closed her eyes.
"Of course, Listener..." He smiled back, placing his hands back behind his head. There was that smile of hers again - - for some reason, that smile made all Cicero's hard work somehow feel rewarded.
Ava slowly opened her eyes, seeing the room come into focus. Across from her, Cicero sit with his head propped back against the wall sound asleep. She figured the poor man must've been so exhausted he couldn't fight it any longer. She also reasoned that it was later than she'd anticipated due to Cicero not being able to wake her.
She carefully stood up, trying not to wake him. Ava felt sympathy for the poor jester who'd labored so much just because he felt it was his obligation. She really wouldn't feel right in waking him from his much needed rest. Ava grabbed her knapsack and quietly exited the room. She knew she could go by herself and be back safely - - she was used to travelling alone anyway. Cicero would probably never know that she left.
Ava left the tavern and made her way across town and down the stairs that led to the lower-level of buildings next to the murky waters. Checking her surroundings, she found a chance to slip through the entrance of the Ratway undetected. She closed the door behind her, reaching into her knapsack and pulling out a masked cowl to hide her identity from the thieves that resided within.
She walked cautiously along the winding tunnels, listening to her footsteps echo throughout. She eventually made her way to the familiar door that led to the Ragged Flagon. So much had changed since the last time she'd been here - - so many events had transpired since her previous visit.
She opened the door, and upon entering the cistern she instantly spotted Delvin sitting at his table just like last time. Adjusting her cowl, she walked past the thieves that stood about the area, making her way to Mallory.
The shifty-eyed man glared up at her as she approached him, "What ya need?"
Ava looked around herself warily, "I'm the person Astrid sent here before...I need to speak with you...Is there anywhere we can go that's private?"
Delvins glare softened, "Oh it's you, aye...I heard about Astrid..." He hung his head down, "I always told her she was too dangerous for her own good...Bloody shame..." Delvin looked back to Ava, "Aye, we can talk. Follow me." He stood up, leading her through a door in the back of the hideout. Delvin closed the door behind Ava, then led her to another table within the small, dimly lit room. "Now, what can I do for ya?" He leaned on the table, clasping his hands together.
"Since you know about Astrid...I'm the new leader of the Brotherhood," It felt so foreign to say those words. Ava still felt strange being in charge, but she continued on despite that fact. "After our Sanctuary at Falkreath was destroyed, we had to relocate to a Sanctuary in Dawnstar. It's very old and in terrible condition, and I was told that you helped Astrid with repairs before...I was wondering if you could help me as well. I have plenty of coin to cover it." Ava explained.
Delvin cracked his knuckles, looking into her eyes, "I suppose I could help ya...Of course, I'd like to know who I'm helpin' out..."
She nodded, pulling off her cowl, "My name's Ava."
"Ha...Well nice to finally meet ya. My, ain't you a looker...Haha, I wouldn't 'ave known you were one of them if ya didn't tell me - - What with ya wearin' that dress an' all. Alright, luv, whaddya need?" Delvin grinned at her, tapping his leathery fingers on the table.
"I think the whole Sanctuary needs a complete overhaul. How much will that cost me?" Ava asked, hoping the price wouldn't exceed what she had.
"Well, normally I'd say about eighteen, but I'll do fifteen for you. I got all kinds of connections - - my people can get you new furniture, banners, repairs and the like. Whaddya say, luv?"
"I can do that." Ava nodded, relieved that she had more than enough coin. Ava paid him, and in turn he gave her a letter of receipt of payment. This letter was for her this time, and not one to deliver to Astrid or anyone else. Reality was sinking in slowly but surely - - Ava would be taking care of these sorts of things from now on.
Delvin opened the door, gesturing for Ava to go out first. Ava pulled the cowl back over her head, stepping by him.
"Now, you let ole' Delvin know if ya need anything else." He said, placing his hand on the small of her back and leading her out. "You're place will be lookin' good as new in no time."
Just as Ava had left the room, she saw a figure in shrouded armor rapidly moving toward her. "THERE YOU ARE! Cic - - I mean - - I thought you were going to TAKE me with you! Why did you LEAVE?!" Ava knew right away who was hiding in that armor.
"You fell asleep and I didn't want to wake you. You seemed so tired..." Ava explained to the frantic jester.
"An' who might you be?" Delvin folded him arms.
"He's a companion of mine," Ava answered, looking to Cicero, "He was supposed to come with me..."
"Huh...Seems like he's a little attached, eh?" Delvin smirked, causing Cicero to snort irritably at his remark. "Well, come back anytime ya need my services, luv."
"Thanks," Ava nodded, leaving Delvin.
Cicero stepped up close to her while she was exiting the Flagon. "Cicero doesn't like that Mallory man...Maybe you can take Cicero with you next time?" He asked in a hushed tone.
"Okay, I won't leave you behind again..." Ava replied, suddenly feeling guilty for leaving the poor eager fellow behind. "I didn't realize how badly you wanted to come with me."
"Hehe...Listener can make it up to Cicero, if she likes..." The jester pulled his cowl off once they came to the last stretch of tunnel. He grinned devilishly at her, his striking red hair falling about his face. He looked completely different in his disguise of shrouded armor. Cicero no longer seemed like a foolish jester - - his appearance was now that of a deadly assassin. His sharp, defined features stood out to her more than ever. Cicero really was quite a handsome man - - it just seemed as though his strange attire and offputting personality overshadowed it to most people. Suddenly, Ava felt a bit strange in his presence...There was something so intimidating and mysterious about the man when he looked like this.
"Um...What do you have in mind?" Ava asked hesitantly, worried about what the unpredictable jester would come up with.
"How about the Listener come with Cicero to get some drinks? Hmmm? There may be SINGING! DANCING!" Cicero danced about merrily as he spoke.
Ava looked away from his mischevious gaze, smiling at his behaviour. How could someone so foolish and strange be so charming at the same time? "Yeah, I can do that. I do owe you one, after all."
"Oooohhh GOODEE! Listener won't REGRET it - - Cicero is a born-again ENTERTAINER, after all! Heh...Just give Cicero ONE moment to change his gear." The jester said, sitting on a nearby bucket, while taking his boots off. She quickly turned away, hearing the sudden unbuckling of his armor.
"Oh...I'll be waiting outside then." Ava quickly hurried off, before the fool could strip down before her eyes.
"Ah...two Ale's please Man-lizard!" Cicero squawked, holding up two gloved fingers.
The male Argonian sighed, propping his broom against the wall. "Very well, then."
The Argonian came back shortly with the two tankards, setting one down in front of Ava. As she took a careful sip, she glanced up at Cicero, who sat with his eyes fixated on her while sporting a big dopey grin on his face. "...This is nice..." Ava said, feeling awkward.
"WHY YES! Yes it IS!" Cicero nodded rapidly.
Things grew awkardly quiet between the two, as Ava scanned around the tavern to distract herself from the silence. Her eyes stopped at the table she remembered sitting at the night she murdered Grelod. It seemed like ages ago - - the fateful kill that started her dark descent into the Brotherhood.
"What is the matter, Listener? Did Cicero pick the wrong table? Would Listener rather be over there?" Cicero asked, pointing to the table.
"Oh, no this table's fine. I-It's just that this place brings back a lot of memories, that's all." She said, her tone sounding more somber.
"OH? Good memories, perhaps? Cicero would LOVE to hear of them!"
Ava shook her head, "I wouldn't call them good. The last time I stayed at the Bee and Barb I ended up...murdering Grelod the Kind. Do you know who she was?" Ava asked in a hushed tone.
"Hehe! Oh, OF COURSE! The nasty old HAGRAVEN that watched over the discarded children! Ooohhh...what a MEAN one she was! Cicero heard of her demise, and oh how he LAUGHED and LAUGHED! Haha!" Cicero leaned in toward her with a look of morbid curiousity, "Was it as brutal and BLOODY as Cicero heard it was?"
"...Yeah...it was..." Ava said, wearing a look of distaste.
"Cicero thinks you do good work!" He complimented. "Was the nasty witch a contract? Or for...PLEASURE?!"
"Neither. I wasn't a member of the Brotherhood yet - - I just sort of wandered in on a boy who escaped the orphanage. He told me she was a horrible person who needed to die so he and the other children would have a chance at life. It turned out that she was an evil woman - -I saw it with my own eyes, so I killed her. Well, I guess it was a contract after all - - just not mine. I unknowingly took it from the Dark Brotherhood, and so Astrid found me afterward. Then I ended up in the Dark Brotherhood myself..." She explained, seeing Cicero's eyes grow wide with what seemed to be a deep interest in what she was saying.
"Hmmm...What did Listener do before the Brotherhood? OH, Cicero KNOWS - - she was a fierce WARRIOR! OH, or a valiant ADVENTURER...or, or a BANDIT! Something VISCIOUS and DEADLY!" He guessed eagerly.
"Oh, goodness no! I was nothing short of a beggar, " She said, shocked by his assumptions of her.
"Hehehe! Listener JESTS! Listener could never have been a VAGABOND! Why, that's MADNESS!" He chuckled, taking a big gulp from his tankard.
"No, it's true. I lost both my parents back in Cyrodiil when I was young, and I'd been alone ever since," Ava explained, remembering the pain of solitude she'd suffered for years.
"Cicero did not know this..." The jester appeared serious for a moment, "How did Listener lose her parents? Did she MURDER them?" The jester spoke in a low tone, full of curiousity.
"NO!" Ava jerked back, feeling horrified by his assumption. "No...they were murdered by some people I used to know. Well, they were disguised, but I recognized their voices...Anyway, like I said...I was living alone for a long while...The Dark Brotherhood is the only family I have now."
"Oh...Cicero thought the Listener seemed MELANCHOLY for some reason, and now he KNOWS! He is sorry for your troubles, but the Brotherhood is a WONDERFUL family to have INDEED! Besides, Cicero is here to CHEER you up! Cicero thinks Listener should LAUGH more often...she has such a LOVELY smile, but RARELY does she let out the tiniest bit of laughter..." The jester remarked.
Ava shrugged, "Yeah, I guess I haven't laughed very much at all. I did used to have a better sense of humor a long time ago...Come to think of it, I was an entirely different person back then. There was a time I laughed very often. I do miss that..." She thought aloud, reminiscing about her past.
"Cicero can help you with that! Cicero LOVES the laughter! It was a GIFT from the Night Mother HERSELF! Cicero was like you once...very DISTRAUGHT, very SERIOUS...Ah, yes...But he had a certain...contract. It was Cicero's FINAL one, before he took up his SWORN duties as Keeper of our Matron."
"Oh?" Ava was both interested in his tale, and relieved not to be talking about her issues any longer.
"It was a certain JESTER back in Cyrodiil - - Cicero was from there, too! Cicero tracked the foolish creature down and STABBED it to death one night...Oooohhh, but he wasn't like the others...NO...Where they would screech and SCREAM for mercy, the jester...he LAUGHED..." Cicero's voice turned into a low growl. "And oh how he LAUGHED, spitting up red until he could LAUGH no more...Cicero never forgot him, and when Cicero's Sanctuary and dark siblings were taken from him, one by one, he thought of the jester EVERMORE...The thoughts, they would not LEAVE poor Cicero, nor would the SILENCE of the Mother...The laughter worked it's way in, PEELING back Cicero's skin...and CRAWLING in...scratching through his skull and TUNNELING beneath to his very MIND! Oh, Cicero used to be different too...but he died, and was REBORN in the LAUGHTER! He is no longer Cicero the assassin, the man...NO...He is the FOOL of HEARTS! LAUGHTER INCARNATE! The Night Mother granted it to fill the SICKENING silence!"
"I see..." That was what he meant when he spoke to her before about the laughter. She never quite understood what he was saying when he mentioned it to her, but it was clearer now. She really didn't know if it was a gift from the Night Mother, or the result of a mental breakdown of sorts from all the trauma and tragedy he'd likely witnessed. Either way, she felt she had no right to judge the poor jester - - she was practically in the same boat. To her surprise, they had more in common than she previously thought. She, too, was a new person - - her old self had died years ago along with her mother and father. It was good to have a person who could relate in some way, no matter how bizarre it seemed.
"Cicero has enough HUMOR for he and his LISTENER! Oh, Cicero can tell you a FUNNY joke! He LOVES jokes! Eh-hem...A hulking Nord barges into the Bannered Mare with his fat hag of a wife, while the barmaid demands that he leave his pet horker outside- -" Cicero suddenly turned around, hearing the sound of a lute. It seemed as though a traveling bard had entered the tavern, grabbing his attention.
The golden-haired Breton strummed the instrument, "Would anyone like to make a request?"
"OH, Oh! Cicero would LOVE to hear Ragnar the Red! Does the Bard know that one?" Cicero shouted from across the room, nearly leaping out of his seat with enthusiasm.
"Yes, of course..." The Breton began to play the jester's favorite song in all of Skyrim.
Cicero stood up, holding a hand out to Ava. "C'mon Listener! Time to have some FUN, hmmmm? Dance with Cicero!"
Ava hunkered down in her seat, feeling embarrassed. She wasn't the type to just get up and start dancing like a madwoman in front of a tavern filled with ruffians. "I-I...don't know..." She stammered, feeling put on the spot.
"PLEASE, Listener? Cicero will show you how to cut LOOSE! Pleeeaaaasseeee!" The jester got down on one knee, pretending to beg and plead, embarrassing her further.
"Okay, okay!" Ava finally gave in, her face flustered and red.
Cicero flashed a wicked grin, as he grabbed Ava by the hand and pulled her into him. He may not have been large like a Nord, but she could feel how strong he was as he twirled her about. "See, Listener! It's not SO bad! Hahaha!" The jester giggled.
All Ava could do was try to hide her face when she got a free hand. She felt so silly prancing around the tavern with a batty jester. She could feel her face burn red, and her palms grow sweaty. A couple of drunks from the back of the tavern started laughing and shouting, holding their tankards above their heads, making Ava feel even more foolish. It was all so absurd that it was actually beginning to seem rather...humorous..
Suddenly, Ava's body felt a jolt. "Oomph!" Cicero had danced them right into someone, knocking them over. It was an older male Nord with a silver beard wearing fine clothes, who was now drenched in his own Mead.
"OH, CLUMSY Cicero is very VERY sorry, sir...He did not MEAN to knock you-" Cicero let go of Ava's hands to help the man up, but was interrupted by the angry patron.
"What in Talos' name are you doing?! You stupid Imperial fool! I can't stand you people - - now leave me be!" The man struggled, attempting to get to his feet.
"Vulwulf, are you sure you don't need some help?" The male Argonian stepped up to him.
"No!" The prideful Nord refused, still clammering to stand up.
"Now, now...Cicero will help you up on your feet, " Cicero hunkered over the man, holding his hand out.
The old man's face twisted up in a bout of anger as he pushed the jester, causing him to stumble backwards. "I told you I didn't need your help, you damn Imperial!"
"Stupid NORD shouldn't be so GROUCHY! Cicero was only trying to HELP!" Cicero remarked, as the old man finally regained his footing.
"I don't care what you were doing, just get outta my face - - and take that Imperial harlot of yours with ya. I can't stand the likes of her either!" Vulwulf shook his fist in Cicero's face.
Instantly, Cicero's expression contorted to one of pure rage. He snarled, jumping on top of the old Nord and punching him square in the face. The Nord returned with the force of his fists, as they rolled around brawling in the floor.
Ava felt completely caught off-guard - - They certainly didn't need this kind of attention! "Cicero! Please STOP! We need to LEAVE!" She yelled, noticing the female Argonian rushing out the door screaming for the guards.
In a matter of moments the Riften guards rushed in, prying the two apart. "Alright boys, enough of this. You're both comin' with us for the night." One of the guards ordered, as they began to lead the two out. Cicero gritted his teeth, glaring at the Nord.
"Is there anything I can do? You know, pay his fine or something?" Ava asked one of the guards holding Cicero's arm.
"Haha, there's no way we're letting these two out tonight. There's enough trouble brewin' in Riften without folks fighting it out in the tavern too. They need to learn their lessons! I don't care how much coin ya got!" The guard barked at her. "You can pay his way in the morning...if we're in a good mood."
Ava stood outside of Mistveil Keep, leaning against a golden-topped tree with her arms folded waiting patiently for her partner to be released. Cicero and herself had offered to pay the fine, but the guards seemed rather annoyed by the jester's constant banter throughout the night; Thus, they weren't in a good mood, and made him wait out his time.
Glancing at the clear sunny skies, Ava felt strangely relaxed. Compared to most of the evil deeds she had taken part in, witnessing a little scuffle at a tavern was nothing to her. It was a bit embarrassing, but that was about it - - at least she wasn't killing someone this time.
"YOO-HOO! Listener! Cicero is FREE now!" She swiftly turned, seeing the jester running toward her, hands flailing about in exaggeration. "Those PESKY, simple-minded OAFS finally let Cicero go! Can you believe they thought poor Cicero was CRAZY?!"
"Well, I'm glad you're free now," Ava said, avoiding answering his question. "I guess we should go back to the Inn and retrieve our things - - We have a long journey back...Maybe we should hire a carriage this time." She thought aloud. "Next time I should be smarter about things and just take Shadowmere..."
"WAIT, Listener! You're not ANGRY with poor, humble Cicero, are you? He was only defending his Listener from that VILE Nord! NOBODY insults Listener - - she is NOT those things! PLEASE don't be MAD at LOWLY Cicero..." He pleaded with her, mistaking her serious attitude for being displeased with him.
Ava turned to look at Cicero, who stood with a big frown on his face, his lip trembling. He was making small whimpering noises, and all the while she was wondering if it was real or if he was perhaps feigning it. Nevertheless, she wasn't angry. Actually, he was quite fun to be around in his own way. Looking back on it, the previous night was rather funny. The lunacy of it all - - the crazy jester trying to dance with her, only to get into a brawl with an old man and wind up in jail! The very thought made her smile.
For that matter, it made her begin to laugh. She snorted, looking at the jester, "Ha...haha...hahaha! HAHAHAHA! NO! Haha..I'm not angry...ha! It's actually really funny!" Ava found herself giggling uncontrollably. It felt so new and so foreign to feel like really laughing again, but it was there all the same. Nobody had made her laugh like this since her life took a turn for the worst. It was nice, and she felt grateful for the feeling.
Cicero's eyes grew wide, and he too began to laugh, "HEHEHEHEHE! See, Listener? Cicero TOLD you he could help you laugh!" He hooted, patting her on the back. "OH, Cicero almost FORGOT! He has a GIFT for his Listener - - A present for SPARING poor, foolish Cicero!" He said, reaching in his knapsack and pulling out the shiny ring.
Ava took the silver garnet ring, holding it up to reveal it's sparkly red jewel. "Cicero, you didn't have to get this. I spared you because you were in the right...you didn't need to repay me." Ava felt a bit surprised by his nice gesture - - a simple thank you would have been plenty. Besides, he'd volunteered himself as her personal slave at it was. She didn't think he needed to go to such lengths to repay her kindness.
"Does Listener not like the ring?" Cicero asked pitifully.
"No, it's very nice. I do like it. It's just - - look, you don't have to be my slave! You don't have to break your back carrying my things, you don't have to do all the work, and you don't have to buy gifts for me! I can do those things for myself...I feel like it would be taking advantage of you. You're a friend, and that is enough." She tried to explain to the pouty jester.
"Friend?! Listener thinks of Cicero as her FRIEND? Hehe! YES! BEST of friends, INDEED! Don't worry, Cicero will do better next time! He PROMISES! He won't buy anymore fancy gifts until YOU say so!" Cicero piped.
"Heh...Okay then, Cicero. Let's get our things and go so we can hitch a ride on that carriage. Maybe Delvin's people are already working on the place..." Ava said, motioning him along.
"As you WISH, Listener! Cicero will carry your things to the wagon for you!" He smiled, catching up behind her.
Ava sighed, shaking her head. She had a sneaking suspicion that Cicero wasn't going to let this servitude thing go...