Author's Note: Here's chapter 15! Wow 15 already - - and so much more to go! I hope you all enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy writing it. It makes me happy to have the opportunity to entertain! As always, thanks to all who stop by!

Chapter 15: The Awakening

After what seemed like a considerable time had passed, Ava began to grow more comfortable with her role as head of the Dark Brotherhood. Contracts had seemed to be flowing in steadily, and Ava simply handed them out to the others, alternating between the assassins to keep things fair. She, too, would take the occasional contract, but only if no one else could - - she may have been used to assassinating people by now, but she certainly didn't volunteer to do the act if she didn't have to.

Vottur proved to be a very capable assassin, and a much-needed new addition to the dark family. Ava hardly spoke to the Vampire, seeing as they were both less inclined to be talkative - - especially Vottur, who rarely spoke at all. Ava was glad he was there, nonetheless, because it meant she was fulfilling the Mother's wishes to start rebuilding the Brotherhood. Nazir would occasionally search for new initiates between contracts, but he had little luck recently in finding someone he felt was worthy of the Black Hand.

Everything seemed to settle down after Titus Mede had fallen by her blade, and she spent most of her days in the Sanctuary, going out occasionally with the other assassins for supplies or business of sorts. Her new life was pretty tolerable by now, given the circumstances. Ava thought of her past life less and less as her new family filled her up inside, taking over the old. Every now and then, she'd think briefly of her life back in Cyrodiil - - of her birth family. It was usually in the dead of night when she lie awake in her bed when the sadness from down below would resurface. She'd quietly sob alone, until sleep took her over and a new day would come to wipe away her thoughts. She was relieved that the pain wasn't as insufferable as it had been when she'd wandered alone all those years.

Over time, she'd become quite close to the jester. It was practically unavoidable, considering he tagged along behind her whenever he got the chance. Ava didn't mind his constant clinging - - he was a good friend, after all. She began to have the sneaking suspicion that he was aching to go along on her next contract, judging by his behavior. He'd practically begged everyone else in the Sanctuary to tag along, and was instantly rejected by each of them. She was up next, and it was only a matter of time before he'd be asking.

Unlike the others, she'd gladly let him tag along. She had been alone for so many years, that she rather liked the idea of having a partner to travel with. Ava's sympathy for the cooped up jester also played a part in her kindness toward him. She'd witnessed how stir-crazy the poor fellow was going from never getting contracts. He rarely had an opportunity to leave the Sanctuary for any good reason, and he was becoming more erratic and fidgety as a result. This resulted in Cicero grating on everyone else's nerves - - everyone except Ava.

Ava took a final swing at the target in the training chamber. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she walked into the shadowy corner, plopping herself tiredly in a chair while still holding her jagged blade. She'd never taken much interest in practicing before, but it had been a rather slow day. She wasn't quite ready to leave for her contract, so she decided to give it a try. To her surprise, it was rather fun to scuffle around a bit.

As she sat listening to herself pant from her workout, she heard footsteps pacing in her direction. A shadowy figure entered the dim chamber.

"Listener? Are you in here?" Cicero's voice piped out, bouncing against the stone walls which seemed to magnify it.

"Yeah, over here." Ava waved her arm, catching his attention.

"OH, What is the Listener up to all ALONE in the dark?" The jester came bounding over.

"I was just messing around, " Ava said, examining her twisted blade. "Do you need something?"

"OOOoooooohhhhh, is THAT Listener's BLADE?!" Cicero's eyes spotted the jagged dagger in her hand, distracting him from Ava's question.

"...Yeah...um...It used to be Astrid's before..." Ava trailed off, uncomfortably reminded of what she had to do to her former leader.

"WHY, Cicero has HEARD of this blade...Very RARE, very SACRED! Stupid Astrid should have never wrapped her FILTHY hands around it!" Cicero scowled in disgust.

"It is pretty unusual. What kind of dagger is this?" Ava wondered aloud.

"Why Listener...It is the BLADE of WOE! It's an ANCIENT blade belonging to the Dark Brotherhood for many, MANY years! Cicero never IMAGINED he would lay his eyes upon it!" The jester stared at the precious blade in wonderment.

"Ah...Well it certainly is powerful." Ava found herself reminded of the times when she could feel the its sheer power just from gripping its hilt.

Cicero's eyes were fixated on the blade, as if he were locked a trance-like state. "C-can Cicero HOLD it?" He stammered, reaching out a trembling hand.

"Yeah..." Ava carefully held out the twisted dagger. The way the jester quivered when he laid eyes on the blade caused Ava to feel slighty uneasy. True, it was a sacred and powerful weapon, but Cicero behaved as if hypnotized by the very sight of it.

Slowly, the jester wrapped his quivering fingers around the hilt. He drew the blade near himself, closing his eyes and breathing in deeply. Upon opening, his eyes looked so different - - so fierce and devious. His lips curled into that all-too familiar smile - - both evil and cunning. The jester spoke slowly and darkly, his eyes never moving from the precious razor-sharp metal. "So many souls sent to the Void by this blade...Oh, to kill again...To taste their fear...delight in their torment...Cicero remembers those days...remembers them well..."

The fine hairs on Ava's neck began to stand on end as she heard the Keeper's low, enticing voice. She could see the menacing look on his face - - it was the other side of him. When he was like this there was no laughing, no singing, no dancing - - only the jester's vicious lust for blood. Ava had seen this before...when Cicero thought she had defiled the Night Mother. Now his darkness seemed to fill the shadowy chamber, enveloping the both of them. He felt so dangerous, and it was suffocating her.

Ava stood up nervously with her hand held out, hoping Cicero would comply and give the blade back to her. She was hesitant to speak to him - - he was unpredictable after all.

Cicero said nothing, his eyes sharply meeting hers. He grinned a bit wider - - a bit darker. His eyes were piercing. Ava felt as if they would burn a hole right through her. Her heart begin to beat rapidly with intimidation. Finally, the jester opened his mouth, breaking the deafening silence between them. "Take good care of it Listener...Cicero knows you will..." He slowly and carefully handed the blade back to her.

Ava took the blade, sheathing it with a feeling of relief. "...Um, did you want something Cicero?" Ava quickly changed the subject.

"INDEED!" Cicero instantly perked up, becoming his merry self again. "Listener, Cicero hears you have a contract..."

"Yes, it's in Solitude. I'm supposed to speak to an Altmer named Endarie in the Winking Skeever." Ava explained to the eager jester.

"HMMmmm...Solitude...Cicero hasn't been to Solitude in AGES! You know, Listener, Cicero hasn't been ANYWHERE besides Dawnstar..." The jester pouted. "Cicero has asked ALL his dark siblings if he could come along. NO they said! Can you believe they think Cicero is a PEST?! Poor, POOR Cicero..."

"You can go Cicero," Ava chuckled, feeling a bit amused at his attempts to weasel his way into a trip to the outside world.

"HEHEHE! OH Listener! Cicero is so HAPPY! He KNEW the KIND, SWEET Listener would take him!" The jester grabbed Ava by the hands, spinning her about. "When do we leave, Listener?"

"Now, if you'd like," Ava smiled, enjoying his giddy reaction. Why not? She'd put it off long enough as it was. It was as if Cicero gave her the much-needed boost of motivation to carry out her plans.

"HEHE! Listener will be GLAD she took Cicero along - - she won't REGRET it!"

Night had fallen on the streets of Solitude, as Cicero and Ava entered the gate into the great city. Oh, how happy Cicero was to be on a contract with none other than his wonderful Listener! It had been so long, and Cicero had yearned to be a part of the action for longer than his poor brain could tolerate!

"I guess we'll head on in, " Ava said from under her hood, pointing to the tavern to the left. Tonight she was dressed a bit differently. She disguised herself in a blue-hooded mage robe. She told Cicero she was afraid she'd be recognized within the city due to her run in with the false Emperor. He, too, was not in his usual attire for her fear of standing out. He simply wore a peasant's garb with his hair pulled neatly back. He missed wearing his motley, but he was more than happy to follow his Listener's commands.

Cicero nodded, following his Listener into the Winking Skeever. His eyes fixated on her slender form as she entered the doorway. He stepped up closely behind her, catching and holding the door open for her. She quickly scanned the tavern, then turned to Cicero. He could tell by the sure look on her face that she'd spotted her client.

Ava seated herself at a table alongside an Altmer with dirty blonde hair, who sat wearing a set of fancy merchant's clothes. Cicero calmly seated himself between the two ladies, adjusting his peasant's attire while listening to their conversation.

"So...it is true. That bloody ritual works after all." The High Elf smirked, tapping her slender fingers on the table.

"You must be Endarie," Ava spoke. "What do you need from us?" All Cicero could see was the movement of her red lips, as her eyes were hidden. The Listener had such nice lips...but he missed seeing her dark sapphire eyes. He liked gazing into them - - into the beautiful face of his deadly leader. The jester found that his mind began to stray...to other thoughts - - inappropriate thoughts. Cicero grimaced at his vile behavior, trying to shake away the urges he felt. What would his Listener think of him?!

"It's that filthy beggar at the front of my shop - - he practically lives out there! They call him Noster Eagle-Eye, I believe. That nasty vagrant is hurting my business. My customers come to the Radiant Raiment for our finely tailored items - - not to be followed by a foul smelling vagabond who attempts to take their coin away before they get in the door!" The Altmer spoke with a look of disgust on her face. She seemed to be like almost every elf Cicero had ever met - - snotty and oh so arrogant!

"A...beggar?" Ava spoke with both a surprised and disappointed tone in her voice.

"What, is my contract not of value to you?" The elf remarked, scowling. "I never thought assassins to be the picky type. I mean, look at you. You get paid to slaughter people for a living - - I wouldn't exactly call your living a noble one. Yes, you're much too slimy to be choosy, hmn?" Endarie scoffed, folding her arms.

"No, it's not that - - We will make sure he's taken care of." Ava said, trying to reassure the hostile elf. How humble his dear Listener was! When Cicero used to be an assassin, he would gut a mean client like a slaughterfish - - once he murdered the target, of course. His Listener was much kinder than he, and Cicero found her so interesting. Oh how he wished he could crawl right inside her head and pick her brain just to see what she was thinking!

"Just remember we have a deal, whether you like it or not! You won't get a single coin from me until that disgusting beggar is lying in a pool of his own blood!" Endarie proudly stood up, abruptly walking out and leaving the tavern.

Ava sat in silence, nervously wringing her hands. It really was a mystery to Cicero why she was not excited to send a soul to the Void. "Is something the matter, Listener?" He asked the troubled assassin.

"No...It's just that, well...I had to kill a beggar before...He was just so...defenseless..." Ava's voice sounded shaken. "I thought I was past this, but I just remember how terrible it was last time..."

Cicero's brow wrinkled in confusion, "Cicero does not understand..." Surely his Listener enjoyed her kills? Why ever would she not? Cicero lived for the moments when others died!

"I-It's nothing..." Ava grew silent again, as if in thought. After a moment, she turned to Cicero, "Can I ask a favor of you?"

"Why, OF COUSE Listener!" Cicero beamed. How he loved it when she asked for his assistance! He loved her smile - - her look of satisfaction toward her faithful, useful Keeper. Why, Cicero would dance on hot cinders for her, even if it burnt his toes clean off!

Ava leaned in close to Cicero, her warm breath tickling his ear. "Will you murder Noster?" He could see those deep blue eyes from under her hood looking into his. His heart pounded in his chest. His Listener was asking of him what he'd wanted to do for so very long - - complete a contract for his Mother. At first Cicero was stunned; He could only breathe. His first impulse was to grab his Listener and press his mouth into her beautiful blood red lips - - yet he held back. No, no! Silly Cicero had to stay in his place - - to behave himself and remain true to his duties.

"You don't have to...I was just hoping you'd want to." His beautiful Listener spoke again, noticing his lack of response. Cicero shook his head, trying to separate himself from his urges. How foolish of him to think such thoughts of his dear leader! She was to be respected, not lusted after!

"Cicero would want nothing more than to send a soul to Sithis..." The jester barely got his voice out, seeing as though his throat had become very dry from his surge of emotions.

Ava leaned in once more, "Thank you, friend." Her warm breath teased poor Cicero again, causing his body to tingle. Why was it so hard to shake her from his wicked mind? Cicero breathed in deep, trying to still his racing thoughts.

"Anything for you, dear Listener," Cicero wheezed. It was the truth - - He would do anything for her.

Ava followed alongside her Keeper, who pranced cheerfully beside Noster Eagle-Eye as they left the City of Solitude together.

Noster spoke, his voice heavy with despair. "Most people see me in my condition and assume I'm but a worthless drunkard. They conveniently forget I fought alongside the Imperials in the Great War. I was only worthy when I was useful, then I was left for dead! It's when a man is no longer useful that he sees other's true colors...But you two...You've been so kind to talk to Katla for me...maybe if she takes me in, I can help her on her farm to get by...I'll have food and drink, and a roof over my head..." He smiled, his expression both exhausted and hopeful.

"But OF COURSE she will. Cicero and his DEAR friend know she and her family quite well! SURELY she will help your troubles..." Cicero smiled innocently, looking in Ava's direction, as if he thought of his devious lie as a sort of inside joke that only the two of them were aware of.

Ava remained silent, gazing at the two moons hanging high in the night sky for distraction. This poor beggar was so trusting of them, and after what seemed like a lifetime of betrayal, his last hope would be crushed as he would meet the ultimate betrayers - - the one's that would lure him away from the safety of the city and take his very life. She began to feel sick at her stomach, thinking of the cruelty of it all. She glanced briefly at Cicero, who had fallen slightly behind Noster, smiling happily as if he had not a care in the world.

The three of them traveled down the stone path when they came to a spot where the road forked off to the left, leading to a quaint farm below. Ava noticed that they were slowly passing it up, with Cicero incessantly talking to the beggar to keep him from noticing.

"Oh, I believe we've missed the path. Katla's farm is back there," Noster said soon after, believing they had innocently walked too far.

"Heh...Cicero always goes down the OTHER path...Noster doesn't MIND, does he?" Cicero asked kindly. Ava was amazed at how believable he sounded.

"There's another way? I didn't realize that...It seems a bit out of the way to me, but I'll do as you wish..." Noster seemed a little wary at this point, but he didn't oppose, much to Ava's surprise.

They walked a while longer, until the farm was out of view and nothing but the stone path could be seen. Not a soul was in sight, and they were surrounded by the stillness of the shadows. Noster began to glance around himself suspiciously, "Look, I don't see a path anywhere! What's going on here? Where are you taking me?!" He began to panic, sensing things weren't right.

Ava looked quickly to Cicero, who was a few steps behind the Imperial beggar. His innocent appearance was gone in an instant, as he stepped up from behind, grabbing Noster's arm and twisting it behind his back. He swiftly pulled out his black dagger with the other hand, holding it to the beggar's throat.

"Cicero is taking you to a WONDERFUL place! Hehe!" The jester growled, twisting the emaciated beggar's arm even harder, causing him to wail. "A place that is DARK and COLD - - and OH SO EMPTY..." The jester began to speak softly in Noster's ear. "Noster wanted a home, CORRECT?! Cicero will take you HOME, dear friend..." The jester pressed the tip of his blade against Noster's flesh, causing a slow path of red to trickle out.

"NO, PLEASE! DON'T KILL ME! I DON'T WANT TO DIE LIKE THIS!" Noster began to scream.

Cicero's fierce eyes met Ava's, "LOOK, Listener! The beggar is a MASTER at his profession! So good at BEGGING! HEHEHE!" Cicero threw back his head in devious laughter, holding the trembling man.

Ava could say nothing...She could only watch, as Cicero's cruel mockery had her paralyzed with a sick, sinking feeling.

Noster's screaming became more loud and frantic, as he began to struggle to break free from Cicero's tight grip. Suddenly, adrenaline took the beggar over, as he kicked the jester behind him, knocking Cicero off balance. Somehow, he managed to break free and began to run.

Cicero growled visciously, nearly foaming at the mouth. He took off in a lightning-fast sprint, with Ava running behind. Due to Noster's poor condition, he couldn't run fast for very long, and Cicero leaped at him, tackling the poor man to the ground, face first.

"OHHhhhh HO HO! The beggar thinks he can RUN from his DEMISE?!" Cicero screamed, laughing violently.

Ava could feel terror running through her...She'd never seen someone take so much pleasure in torturing a person. She both wondered and feared if this was what she looked like when she killed. Was she this ruthless and unfeeling?! She didn't want to think about it, putting her hands on her head and closing her eyes, as if to block the thoughts that came whirling in.

Cicero sat atop the writhing beggar, holding him face down on the ground. He took his sharp blade, thrusting it deep into the center the man's back, causing him to wail violently. "THERE! No more running for YOU! Hehe!" The jester smiled.

"AAAHHHHHHH! MY LEGS, I-I can't feel them! HELP PLEASE! SAVE ME FROM THIS LUNATIC!" Noster, turned to Ava, reaching toward her and pleading for help.

"Oh...no...no..." Ava's lip began to tremble. Why oh why did she let Cicero do this?! Why was she stupid enough to come along when he asked?! She couldn't bear the sight of his poor man's suffering. She quickly turned away, shielding herself from what was happening before her.

"PLEASE, GIRL! SOMEONE, HAVE MERCY!" The man screamed pathetically, causing Ava's eyes to well up with tears.

Cicero turned the poor man over to face him, "AH...Mercy? Cicero is afraid he doesn't KNOW what that is...Hehehe...Now, shhhh!" He held a finger up to Noster's quivering lips. "BE so very QUIET for Cicero, or he'll take the point of his shiny dagger and POKE Noster's good eye out!" Cicero gazed at the blood on his blade, running his finger down the crimson-covered edge. He slowly moved the blade in front of Noster's face, taunting him with it, and making the poor beggar shriek in terror.

Ava could barely take the sound any longer. "Cicero...please...just kill him..." She said timidly, her voice trembling.

"Oh, Listener...Cicero was JUST having some FUN..." Cicero looked at her, feigning a pout. "Cicero will...EVENTUALLY...HOOHOO!" He directed his attention to the beggar, who grew weaker by the moment from intense blood loss.

"PLEASE, JUST KILL ME...GET IT OVER WITH! OHHHH..." Noster groaned, now begging for death, and causing Ava to gag on the sick feeling she couldn't shake. Her whole body trembled, and she began to feel as if she would faint. She may not have taunted her victims as the jester did, but she was cruel. A hard reality came crashing down on top of her, like the weight of Nirn dropping on her shoulders. She looked with disgust at the laughing jester, and more so - - disgust with herself.

Ava watched the sadistic jester tease and carve the man's skin with the blade, feeling as if she were losing what little mind she had left. She couldn't take it any longer, or she would surely break. She grabbed her head, and began to scream violently, "BY SITHIS! CICERO KILL HIM! PLEASE!KILL HIM ALREADY!" She screamed at the top of her lungs, causing the jester to jolt up, looking to her with a mortified expression. Ava began to run back toward the city to get away from the horrific sight. She could hear the beggar scream a final time from behind her, as she hoped he'd been released from his misery.

Cicero timidly stepped up to the door, pecking quietly. "Listener? Cicero's back...can you let him in?" He pressed his ear against the wooden door, hearing some movement within. He heard the clink of the lock, and watched the knob turn as the door slowly gave way.

Ava stood before him with her hood pulled back. Cicero noticed the whites of pretty blue eyes were stained with red, as if she'd been crying. Whatever was the matter with her? Cicero was quite confused with her behavior - - he didn't understand why the girl would take off running and check herself in at the tavern, leaving poor Cicero to drag the body in the woods all by himself!

"...Can Cicero come in?" He asked her pitifully.

Running a trembling hand through her black hair, she nodded, her eyes directed down at the floor. His Listener looked so gloomy, but Cicero had no idea why. She always seemed to have a sad way about her, but he hadn't seen her this distraught since she became intoxicated that one night. How strange his Listener was - - so melancholy but never saying why!

Cicero stepped into the room, pulling the leather strap out of his neatly tied hair, and letting it fall to his shoulders. "What is wrong, Listener? Why did you LEAVE poor Cicero back there?"

She said nothing, setting down on the edge of the large bed in the room. She sipped from a tankard on the end table, sighing. "It's nothing...It doesn't matter, anyway..." She said in a hopeless tone.

"Is Listener ANGRY with poor Cicero?" He frowned. Cicero was only having a little fun, after all.

"No...no, I'm not angry...I wish I could be, but I'd have to be angry at myself too." She looked into the jester's eyes. He had not a clue what she was talking about - - it was as if she were speaking in strange riddles to him. "You and I...we are the same..." She said solemnly.

Cicero dragged a chair from the corner of the room to face his dear Listener. "You speak...but Cicero does not UNDERSTAND, Listener...so, so TROUBLED, and yet, Cicero is not sure WHY..." The jester scratched his head in confusion. "Cicero has seen you crying before...remember? Tell him what troubles you..."

"I-I'm not sure you'd understand," She hesitated, her pretty lips trembling.

"Try me." Cicero grew serious, sitting back in his chair and folding his arms. His Listener looked a bit surprised by his change in tone.

"Very well, then," She gave in to his pressure. "I didn't used to be the person I am now. I wasn't sad, or troubled, or angry...When I lived with my parents back in Cyrodiil, life was so simple...and I was happy." She showed a glimmer of a smile, drawing the jester in. "When those people killed my mother and father...they attacked me, too. That was when I somehow changed. I was overtaken by these...dark urges." She explained.

"Everything turned black, and I killed all those men by myself...I was brutal and vicious...and at the time I liked it. When it was all over, I fled my home to get away from it all. That's why I stayed alone for so many years...I knew how dangerous I was. The problem is that I feel like I'm a different person - - that's only half of me. I don't like to harm people...I want to be a good person, but I-I just can't seem to help it...I still kill...willingly...I-I don't know what's wrong. I thought I was used to it by now. I tried not to think of it, but when I saw you back there...It reminded me so much of...myself...I felt so trapped all over again..." She began to wipe a tear from her face.

"Hmmmm..." Cicero raised an eyebrow, studying her. His Listener waited for a reply, her innocent face full of angst. Oh, how Cicero would love to make it all better...to hold her and stroke her black hair...But, no! She was his leader in need of his assistance, not for him to daydream about. He himself couldn't comprehend why she would be so distraught over doing what the Night Mother had wished. He didn't feel those kinds of feelings anymore, only the laughter. Perhaps, she was like him - - stricken with madness of some sort. Hehe - - two twisted souls together - - the Keeper and his Listener! "Perhaps the Listener needs to accept her...condition. Maybe the Night Mother has blessed you as she has faithful Cicero...Listener should EMBRACE her darkness...not RUN from it..."

"Y-you think I'm...crazy?" Ava brought her hand up, covering her mouth in a startled manner.

"Listener..." The jester said softly, "You say it as if it were a BAD thing...All of our dark siblings are a little MAD, or they wouldn't be sending souls to Sithis, hm? Hehe! For Cicero, madness was a PRECIOUS gift from his DEAR Mother...It is a GIFT to all...to CHERISH and BEHOLD..."

Ava sat in deep thought for a moment, the jester's eyes following her every movement. She slowly nodded. "You're right...I've thought of it before, but hearing you say it...It explains a lot, really...Cicero, I'm sorry I ran away from you...I-I just needed time to think..."

"Cicero forgives you, " He smiled softly.

"I think I'm going to try and sleep for a bit. I guess we'll be heading out tomorrow." She sighed, tugging at the covers.

"Yes, Listener. Cicero can sleep in his chair again," The jester said, scooting his chair back into the corner.

"No, there's no reason for you to do that. I know it's uncomfortable...This is a big bed, you can sleep on the other side if you like. We'll just sleep back to back. " She said, patting the other side of the bed.

"Listener, how KIND of you! Cicero will keep his hands to HIMSELF! He PROMISES!" The jester grinned. How he loved to tease her! Seeing her turn red and shake her head in embarrassment, he giggled to himself. It would be the first time poor foolish Cicero had slept next to a woman in years! He'd keep his promise though, being a trusty and faithful servant to his Listener. Now if he could get those mischevious thoughts about her to leave his mind...

The light of day flooded through the room as Ava opened her eyes, yawning. Laying on her side, she felt something rather heavy across her ribs on top of the blankets. She turned toward the other half of the bed, seeing Cicero sound asleep. He'd seemed to have rolled over, flopping an arm across her. Feeling rather awkward, she gingerly grabbed the fabric of his sleeve, guiding the arm off of her and dropping it back to his side. Of course, the movement made him wriggle again, moving his arm back to the uncomfortable position it had previously been.

"Cicero...wake up..." She said, nudging the jester, who still slept like the dead. She sighed, wishing he'd move. "Cicero!" She barked loudly, attempting to startle him awake.

The jester jumped a bit, slowly opening his eyes and looking at her. "Ah...Good morning, Listener..." He yawned, licking his dry lips.

"Uh...could you move your arm, please?" She asked, feeling more awkward than ever.

"Hm?" The jester looked confusedly at his arm, which he now realized was hugged up around his Listener. He quickly jerked it back, with a horrified look on his face. "OH, FOOLISH Cicero didn't mean to! He must have TOSSED about in his SLEEP!"

"It's alright...I just needed to get up." She looked away, feeling embarrassed. "I'm going to meet back up with Endarie."

"Oooh, Can Cicero come with Listener?" The jester sprang up, throwing his cover off himself.

"Yes...You did murder Noster, after all. You can have the coin, since you did the work." She said, slipping her boots on.

"NONSENSE Listener! Cicero wants YOU to have it!"

Ava wondered how the brutal killer she witnessed last night could be the same person as this giddy jester that wanted nothing but to cling to her. Like she'd told him the night before, she could ask the very same of herself. Perhaps he was right...maybe the Night Mother had intended for her to be afflicted all along. Maybe it was fate that had made her mad - - made them both insane, for that matter. Focusing on the present once more, she pushed her morbid thoughts to the side.

"Cicero, remember what we talked about? I don't want to take advantage...The gold is yours..." She reminded her Keeper.

"Very well, Listener. Since the gold belongs to CICERO, then he decides how to use it! He is giving it to LISTENER!"

"Alright...I'll take it..." Ava sighed, tired of resisting. "Why are giving me the gold, anyway?" She wondered aloud, frustrated with how stubborn he could be.

"Listener was KIND in taking poor, FOOLISH Cicero along...He wants her to have the SHINY, CLINKY coin!" He said, rubbing his index finger and thumb together.

"Okay, you win..." She smiled at the jester's amusing persistence. He could be quite charming, for an insane murderer.

"Well I'm certainly glad I won't have endure the foul stench of that beggar any longer. Maybe now he won't frighten my customers away. I could certainly use a surge in business." The High Elf remarked, handing the coin purse to Ava.

"Thank you..." Ava slighly bowed her hooded head, while signaling for Cicero to follow behind her.

The jester had been eyeing a pair of boots, rubbing his chin with indecision. When he caught sight of her gesture, he quickly discarded his thoughts and fell in behind her, leaving the garment shop.

"I guess we're done here..." Ava said, looking toward the large gate at the front of the City. "I'll use some of my gift to pay for a carriage back to Dawnstar," Ava said jokingly, dangling the coin purse in front of her.

"Leaving so SOON, Listener?! Stay with Cicero - - he'll show you a GOOD time! Why, there's a college full of BARDS just down the road! Cicero can teach them some of his MERRY jingles!" Cicero pleaded.

"I'm afraid I've had enough fun for now..." Ava tried letting him down gently. "You can stay, if you wish...Do you have enough coin to hire a carriage home?"

Cicero scowled, "Cicero doesn't want to stay here ALONE! He wanted Listener to come WITH him..."

"Sorry, but I'm heading home." Ava said, hoping the jester would quit trying to make her stay. She'd seen quite enough for one night, and she was still feeling shaken by her realizations. She'd rather just go back to Dawnstar and try to clear her mind.

"Very well, Listener. Cicero will come with you..." Cicero said dryly.

"HOME AGAIN! Sweet, sweet DAWNSTAR!" Cicero hopped down from the carriage, holding his hand out for Ava.

Ava grabbed his gloved hand, hopping down behind the jester. "Thanks..." She said, pulling her hood back, and shaking her long locks back from her face. She felt a sense of relief in not having to cover her face like she did in Solitude. She started walking through town, heading toward her Sanctuary, when a hand tugged at her arm, stopping her in her tracks.

"Is Listener SURE she doesn't want to go to the tavern with Cicero?" He asked in a whimper.

"I'm sure..." Ava sighed, trying not to be rude. He sure was clingy, and getting worse by the day. She normally didn't mind, but she really wanted to get back to her home and clear her head. She started walking again, noticing that Cicero did not depart from her to enter the tavern. He quietly paced behind her with his head hanging down, as they walked through the crowd.

Ava noticed how crowded the streets were, as she heard people chatting amongst one another while she strolled by. A multitude of chatter flooded her ears, becoming increasingly mangled together. She heard a strange voice to the side of her - - it seemed to stand out from the rest. It was a man's voice, and it was saying her name.

"...Ava?" An Imperial man about her age came briskly walking up to her. He stood a little taller than Cicero, wearing a set of fine clothes. His green eyes and brown hair looked so familiar...so did the shape of his face. She was reminded briefly of a young man she used to know, but it would be impossible that it was him...He had been dead for years. The man appoached her, with his jaw dropping as his eyes met hers, as if completely bewildered by the sight of her. "Ava, is that...you?" He asked, eyes still fixated on her.

"Yes...I'm Ava. Do I know you?" She asked hesitatly, trying to place him in her mind. Why did he look so familiar?

"It really has been that long..." The man rubbed his forehead in disbelief. "I-I can't believe it...I never thought I'd see you again, you know...after..." He trailed of, his voice trembling, and his face wearing a grave expression.

Ava suddenly felt a chill run through her. This man knew her, and from the way he was acting, he knew something terrible about her. Ava swallowed hard, "H-how do you know me?"

"You really don't remember, do you..." The man breathed in deep, "We were very close once. My father knew your family quite well. Remember, your father used to take us hunting. We did everything together..."

Suddenly, Ava saw a flash of memory before her eyes. He was the young man she had grown up with, who came to be a dear friend, and who she thought she had murdered along with the other bandits. "...Myles...I thought you were dead..."