Author's Note: Hello everyone! First of all, thank you so much to everyone who reads/favs/follows/reviews my fic! There's still many more twists and turns left for me to tell. I had a certain plot basically swirling in my brain for this whole fic and how I'd like it to ultimately end. I did think it would be a bit lengthy, but realized soon after I began actually writing this that it's longer than I thought it would ever be. I still have more to go, and I hope that you all enjoy what my little mind comes up with! Again, thank you all so very much!
Chapter 20: Guarded
Ava opened her eyes, taking in a complete change of scenery since the last time she'd been conscious. She was no longer bound in that delapidated cave as a prisoner; she now lay comfortably in her large bed between velvety crimson blankets. A dull ache pulsed through her body, yet the sensation was nowhere near as painful as before. Actually, she felt much better, as she was no longer teetering on the brink of death.
All she could wonder was how she ended up back in the safety of her Sanctuary. She remembered Myles attacking her, but the rest was nothing but a blur. Attempting to sit up, Ava winced from feeling a sharp pain in her abdomen. Peering under her blankets, she realized she'd been stripped of her dress and cleaned up considerably. She ran her hand over her torso, which had been bandaged thoroughly.
That was it! Myles had stabbed her...and she nearly died...but something else happened too. What was it? Ava tried racking her brain, but failed to recall any events past being stabbed.
"Ava, it's good to see you stirring about." Babette creaked open the door, stepping in. "I knew my healing potion would do the trick...One could say I've had many years to perfect it." She smiled proudly, now standing bedside.
"...Babette, what happened? How did I get here?" Ava inquired, baffled by the change in environment.
"I guess you wouldn't remember. You poor dear, you were completely unconscious when Cicero brought you in. That Myles must have been a twisted lunatic...Normally, I'd enjoy those qualities in an individual, but not him. Not after what he did to you." Babette shook her head.
Ava felt a deep shudder move down her spine at the very thought of Myles. She hung her head low, feeling ashamed of her naivety and lack of judgement when it came to him. "...You...know about that?" She mumbled hesitantly.
"I'm afraid so. He must have been quite the charmer to lure you away so easily." She said, in recollection of the details she'd heard earlier. "Cicero told us what happened."
"Oh..." Ava sighed, tears forming in her eyes. "I-It was stupid of me. I never intended to do any harm to the Brotherhood, I just- "
"Now, now...You don't need to fret. You don't have to explain yourself to me. I'm not angry with you, Ava." The tiny Vampire assured her.
"Why aren't you? I put the Brotherhood at risk..." Ava said, feeling plenty upset with herself.
"While that's true, you had good intentions. Cicero told us about your past, and it does make sense. I do undertstand that you're young, Ava. You will make mistakes. It's not like you committed the same crime Astrid had - - now that was betrayal. You on the other hand...Perhaps, I would call you mislead. I may look to be a child, but I'm wiser on the inside than I appear. Remember that. Of course, I don't think I'll be able to say the same of Nazir...but I'm sure you aren't surprised." She shrugged.
"No. I expect he won't hold back..." Ava turned away from Babette, as if bracing herself for the Redguard's future outburst.
Babette placed her hand on Ava's arm, causing her to look back in the Vampire's direction. "I'm just glad you're not dead. We all owe Cicero our gratitude for saving you."
Cicero - - that was it! He was the one who'd saved her! Memories came flooding back into Ava's mind. Cicero had killed Myles, and made her drink a healing potion...and...
"By Sithis..." Ava whispered to herself in sudden alarm at her realization, causing Babette to look warily at her.
"What is it?" Babette asked suspiciously.
"Oh, it's just that I didn't remember that he saved me until now...I do owe him my gratitude." Ava said innocently, avoiding telling Babette the other thing that had happened. "Where is Cicero? Is he okay?" Ava inquired.
"Yes, he's resting at the moment. He was in fairly poor condition when he came running into the Sanctuary with you...like a madman, of course. We were worried about you two, you know. When Shadowmere showed up without either of you, we thought you were goners. I healed him up a bit, so he's doing well now. He's been sleeping for a while. I have to say, it's the quietest I've seen him...ever." She grinned, stepping toward the door. "Now get some rest, dear. And don't worry about Nazir, he'll cool down like he always does." She reassured Ava, gently closing the door behind her.
Ava breathed in deep, remembering the jester. She remembered everything - - the way the world had nearly faded to black, and how he'd saved her. Ava remembered the intense surge of emotions that made their way to the surface at the very sight of him. She remembered how truly joyous it felt to see him once more, and how grateful she was that he would go to such lengths to ensure her safety. All of his good qualities - -and she could see many - - had shown brightly before her like a glimmering ruby. She remembered not being able to hold back her feelings for him any longer. Ava did kiss him, and she meant it - - every bit of it.
Unfortunately, Ava now felt embarrassed and awkward concerning her blatant affection toward the jester. She could remember the surprised look on his face. Did he even enjoy it? She wasn't so sure...Everything sort of faded out past that point. She cared for Cicero, but she really hoped he wouldn't mention...that. While she felt for him, she realized that this newfound discovery brought about an intense fear of the closeness as well. Ava felt far too guilty and damaged to even think of being with him, or anyone for that matter - - especially after dismissing him like she did. What initially felt like an intense euphoric high suddenly felt more like a heavy and smothering burden, leaving Ava more confused than ever.
On the bright side, Ava was safely back home in her Sanctuary. She was with her family once more - - the only family that Ava had, and that fact couldn't be more clear to her now. There'd be no changing her mind from now on.
Ava treaded lightly to the dining area, hoping not to be noticed by a certain possibly disgruntled Redguard. She had tried to delay it, but she hadn't eaten in a long while, and the constant pang of hunger was enough to drive her mad. Eyeing a sweetroll on a plate, she quickly snatched it up and began to indulge in its sweet flavor.
"What the hell were you thinking?" Nazir's voice boomed from behind, spooking Ava.
She whipped around to lock eyes with the angry Redguard. So much for avoiding him."I...guess I wasn't. It was a stupid thing to do..." Ava began to feel even worse, hearing Nazir's insulted tone.
"You're damn right it was stupid! Do you realize that without you, the Dark Brotherhood had no means of obtaining contracts? Sure we could have scrounged around for rumors, but we couldn't survive that way - - not with our numbers so small. The next time you take a notion to go off on one of your dramatic little escapades, consider the rest of the family!" He huffed, pointing a finger in her face.
Looking sullen, Ava nodded. "I know...You're right. I've learned my lesson." Ava said, attempting to take responsibility for her dire mistake. "I'm sorry, Nazir."
"I don't need your apologies. I need you to grow up and be a leader - - not some timid little girl that gets caught up in her emotions." Nazir said, scowling at her.
Ava silently nodded, feeling defeated by the Redguard's harsh attitude. She turned away from Nazir, and quietly paced back to bed. His words were sickening as they fell upon her ears, causing her to lose her appetite altogether.
A light tapping on the door of her bedroom caused Ava to awaken, yawning and stretching her aching arms. Adjusting her dress, she stepped onto the cold stone floor and opened the door, seeing Cicero standing silently, with a slight smile upon his face.
"Cicero wanted to check on his Listener...He is very happy to see her in better health." The jester spoke softly, which felt a bit strange for Ava to hear, as Cicero almost never spoke in such a gentle manner.
"Well, I have you to thank for that. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here now." Ava spoke, feeling emotional all over again while thinking of her dear friend's heroism. "I don't think I could ever do enough to repay you. I know you risked your life to find me. All I can tell you is that I'm sorry I didn't listen to you..." Her voice wavered, as she fought back tears of guilt. Ava began to feel that familiar sinking feeling, in knowing that she had put Cicero and the Brotherhood at such a risk.
"Listener...Cicero forgives you...Besides, Cicero almost MURDERED you once. Cicero thinks we are EVEN now!" He grinned devilishly, as Ava was reminded of that particular time when the jester caught her inside the Night Mother's tomb.
"Heh...I guess when you put it that way..." Ava smiled, feeling a tiny bit better.
Cicero's features straightened, and he began to take on a serious appearance. "Can Cicero speak with the Listener - - in private?" Cicero asked, fidgeting nervously. This, in turn, made Ava feel uncomfortable. What did he need to speak about that was so private besides...that thing that happened? Ava grew tense at the very thought of it.
"Oh...Um, yeah...Come on in..." Ava said anxiously, motioning him into her room.
The jester avoided her bed, sitting himself down in one of the chairs at a small table at the far end of her room. Ava followed him, wringing her hands from the extreme feeling of anxiety she was experiencing. What was he about to say? She noted that he wasn't acting himself. He wasn't being loud and abrasive, and he wasn't acting foolish for once. She had an idea of what was to come, and she wasn't sure what she would do about it. She seated herself directly across from Cicero, feeling his eyes on her.
"Listener, you were very near death when Cicero found you...He wasn't so sure you would make it." The jester spoke somberly, now glancing down as he twirled his gloved thumbs about each other. Ava sensed it was for some sort of distraction, as he appeared just as uneasy as she did. Ava had never quite experienced him this way before.
"Yes...I was..." Ava shuddered thinking of how near death she had been.
"Does Listener remember that Cicero killed Myles? That he gave you a potion? Pulled out the sword?" Cicero asked, as if running her through some sort of mental checklist. Ava could feel her palms grow moist, as she readied herself for what he was about to ask.
"Faintly..." She said, acting as if her memory had been more blurry than it actually was. "It's all sort of...jumbled together."
Cicero's eyes lifted to meet her own. "Does Listener remember anything ELSE?" He tapped his fingers on the table, as Ava squirmed under the pressure.
"I-I'm not sure...My head is still foggy...It's kind of blank..." She explained, attempting to appear unaware of what she'd done, while simultaneously feeling like bolting out the door. It wasn't that she didn't care for the fellow, it was the fact that it was just too much for her to handle. Too much too soon. She felt so guilty, so damaged, and so afraid. She didn't think she was good enough for anyone - - especially not after what she'd done. It had nothing to do with Cicero, and everything to do with the way she felt about herself.
"Oh..." Cicero lowered his eyes, seeming disappointed. Maybe he would just drop the subject. "Well, Cicero could tell the Listener, if she would like..." He said, raising an eyebrow.
Now she had to face it - - the jester certainly wasn't going to drop the subject. Refusing to hear him out would only make her look suspicious at this point. "S-sure...what happened?" She asked, her voice cracking from the tenseness of her throat.
"Why Listener..." The corner of his mouth lifted upward in a mischevious half-smile. "You KISSED your Keeper!" He grinned, tapping his index finger suggestively on his lips.
Ava could feel her face burn red with embarrassment, while a thin layer of sweat began to bead on her forehead. "I-I...did?" She stammered, trying to sound believable. "I had...no idea..."
"AH, but you DID! Oh yes, KISSING - - dangerous business, INDEED! Why, you could've STRANGLED poor Cicero to death with your tongue! Ah, but he was SPARED, for it wasn't THAT kind of kiss! Hehe!" The jester teased, sounding his foolish self once more.
"I'm...sorry. I didn't realize I did something like that. I can assure you I was unconscious - - I didn't mean to do that to you..." Ava said, pretending that she felt she crossed a boundary. She had to admit, the jester's reaction was rather confusing to her. She couldn't tell if he enjoyed what had happened, or if he was simply amused by it.
"Listener, do not be sorry...Cicero knows MUCH about death...He has seen MANY people on their way to the Void...Death can bring about certain THINGS..." Cicero's voice grew low and seductive. "It can bring out many TRUTHS when a person sees the end is nigh..."
"What are you saying?" She asked, growing defensive. Why was he so clever? Why could he see through her?
"Listener...Do you fancy Cicero, perhaps?" He asked slyly.
"Cicero!" Ava snapped, feeling ambushed by his insinuations.
"Come now, do not be shy...Cicero fancies you, too!" The jester leaned in, moving his eyebrows up and down suggestively. "Cicero is a FOOL...He knows this...Oh, how his brain is FRACTURED beyond repair - - not a good quality for the ladies! Hoohoo! But Cicero BEGS to differ, for he has OTHER things that are NOT broken...and they work VERY well..." He winked. "Is Listener INTERESTED in those OTHER things, perhaps?"
Ava scowled, feeling hurt by his tasteless teasing. "Why are you saying that?! It's not funny..."
"Cicero is sorry..." He exaggerated a pout. His face then straightened, as his demeanor changed back to a softer tone. "Cicero loves to embarass you, Listener...That is all...He loves to see your pretty face blush...Why, Cicero loves everything about his Listener..." He placed his hand on her own, stroking it affectionately.
Ava could say nothing, only sit with her mouth slightly open, watching his hand move upon her own. He was serious - - he cared for her, and it was no joke. He was only teasing her out of his affections for her.
"Cicero loves his Listener...OH, but he never said it. He was afraid to offend his Listener...Afraid she would be DISGUSTED with her stupid, foolish Keeper! Ah, but Cicero does not fear any longer...No...He knows how Listener feels now..." He spoke gently, smiling warmly at her.
Ava sighed, feeling extremely guilty that Cicero was pouring his heart out to her. She did feel for him - - she just couldn't bring herself to say it. What if she admitted her feelings, only to have something tear them apart later? That always seemed to happen with the people she loved. Besides, how could she live with the fact that she left him no choice but to risk his life for her? She despised herself enough as it was, and she seemed to completely ruin everything that she touched. She didn't want to ruin them, as well.
"Cicero..." Ava said, her voice full of pity. "I...I don't know what to tell you...I just don't remember..."
"Listener may not remember, but it DID happen." Cicero said defensively, sounding hurt. "Doesn't matter if Listener remembers or not...Listener does feel what her Keeper feels, does she...not?" He asked, his voice beginning to sound unsure of himself for the first time during their conversation.
"Cicero...You are a dear friend to me..." Ava attempted to let him down as gently as possible. She felt like such a terrible person, but she just couldn't. Not now...
"...Friend?" Cicero whimpered, nearly breaking Ava's heart from the distraught look on his face. Why did she have to go and kiss him? Why did she have to be so confused? Why was she so damned afraid to show her feelings?
"I-I'm sorry, Cicero...I-I..." She began to falter over her words, feeling increasingly ashamed of herself for causing such a mess.
The jester looked pitifully down at his hand, moving it away from her own. "Listener does not need to be sorry...Cicero understands...Cicero always understands..." He spoke, his trembling voice full of hurt.
"Look, I just want you to know...You're a dear friend...I would never- " Ava stumbled to find the words to console him.
"Yes...Cicero is a FRIEND to you...He is Listener's KEEPER and her FRIEND...Cicero is sorry he bothered his Listener...FOOLISH, STUPID Cicero...He knows his place now...He will not step out of line anymore..." He grimaced. The jester was obviously hurt, and Ava had no way of helping him. The only way to ease his pain would be to become more than a friend to him, and she felt completely incapable of it at this point.
Cicero stood up from his seat, now speaking with his back to her. "Cicero will take his leave now, if that is alright with Listener..."
"Of...course..." She sighed, feeling more than stupid, as he left, shutting the door behind him. Ava was left standing in silence...left with nothing but her own disgust to keep her company...
A few days had passed since the return of their Listener and that grating clown. Things seemed to have settled down, and Ava had began to hand out contracts once more. There were many, since that crazed girl left them without a Listener. No Listener meant no one to relay the messages from the Night Mother, and thus they were running behind. The nerve of her...She was just as batty as that clown that nipped at her heels. Nazir grunted to himself at the very thought of it.
He and Vottur were making their way back from a spree of three contracts, and they'd successfully offed the lot of them. Just like the good old days, when the Dark Brotherhood was still thriving and a young assassin like himself could take on multiple contracts on any given occasion. Ah, the glorious bloodshed!
Of course, this occasion wasn't nearly as glamorous...Nazir was no longer a young, energetic hopeful, and his partner on this occasion was not of much company, considering he barely opened his mouth to speak. At least Vottur seemed to have a good head on his shoulders...He knew where his place was, unlike that scatter-brained Listener of theirs.
It wasn't that he hated the girl - - honestly, he didn't. He just wished she would grow up and perhaps grow a spine in the process. Ava was fickle, wishy-washy, and easily swayed by her emotions. That didn't sit well with a level-headed, no-nonsense assassin like Nazir. His deepest fear was that she would ultimately harm the Brotherhood in some way, possibly with another dumb mistake like the recent one.
He trudged beside the silent Vampire, his boots wet with sloshy snow. "By Sithis, this weather grows more vile by the minute!" He huffed, shivering from the harsh wind and snow hitting his face. He looked to Vottur, who calmly walked unphased by the bitter cold. "I guess this is nothing for a Nord like yourself, huh?" He asked, trying to start a conversation to attempt to make the last stretch of their journey less dull.
"No." Vottur replied, leaving it at that.
"I take it you're not into small talk..." Nazir remarked.
"No." Vottur said dryly.
"Very well...It was worth a try..." Nazir folded his arms, deserting the idea of a decent conversation.
The two trudged along for countless hours, now reaching the last quarter of a mile to the Sanctuary. Nazir shivered from the intense snowy wind that never seemed to let up. Why in Nirn was he foolish enough to come to a place like Skyrim when he was from the blasted desert? All these years spent living in the arctic, and his Redguard bones never ceased to ache from the freezing climate.
"Nazir..." Vottur stopped in his tracks, holding an arm in front of the Redguard in an attempt to stop him as well. "Look..." He said, pointing at two guards, who happened to be snooping around the area just outside of their Sanctuary.
"What in the bloody Void?!" Nazir narrowed his eyes, squinting to see just who these men were. He noticed they wore an all-too familiar set of armor...He'd seen that armor before, and it sent a tingle through his spine.
"Who are they?" Vottur asked, trying to get a better look at them, while pulling his large ebony warhammer out from behind himself.
Nazir reached down, pulling out his trusty Scimitar and bracing himself. "I'll tell you who they are...They're Penitus Oculatus Agents. Ever heard of them?" He looked to the Vampire, who simply shrugged. "They are responsible for burning our former Sanctuary to the ground...Those bastards caused us to have to evacuate Falkreath, burning our brothers and sisters to a crisp. Their leader, Commander Maro, has had it out for us ever since our former leader betrayed us all...He must have caught wind of our whereabouts somehow..."
The Agents spotted the two assassins. "There! Those two are headed this way! It's the Dark Brotherhood!" One motioned to the other, as they took off in a sprint toward the two assassins.
The four clashed with each other, swinging their weapons and slashing at each other's flesh. Vottur swung his heavy warhammer, hitting one of the agents in the ribs and knocking him to the ground. Nazir dodged the other agent's attempt to gouge him in the stomach, while taking a fatal swing that nearly sliced the man's head clean off.
The two assassins stood, panting heavily from the violent encounter, and studying the two bloody figures before them. The Agent Vottur had harmed writhed in pain, still alive, yet too injured to move.
"Aren't you going to finish him off?" Nazir raised an eyebrow, looking to Vottur.
"Not just yet...I'm not finished with him..." The large Nord stood eyeing the victim, while running his tongue over a sharp fang. "Go ahead without me...I'll be in shortly."
"Oh, I see..." Nazir said, curling his nose at the thought of drinking blood. "Well, if you're going to make lunch out of him, at least dispose of these bodies. We don't need them sitting right outside our door, if you know what I mean."
"Very well..." Vottur spoke, kneeling down on one knee.
Nazir briskly walked away from the scene and made his way into the Sanctuary. He reveled at the sight of bloodshed, but he wasn't exactly thrilled about making a meal of it. He sighed, rubbing his forehead and pondering over what had triggered the chance encounter with these Agents. His blood began to boil, as he couldn't help but have a sneaking suspicion that Ava had something to do with this...
"I figured as much...You know how Nazir is, Ava. Don't worry, it'll blow over and he'll be back to his grumpy old self in no time. You'll see." Babette reassured her, while hunched over her achemy table crushing some ingredients.
"I guess so..." Ava shrugged. "He was so angry with me. I can't say I blame him, though. He was right."
Babette suddenly stood up, scanning about the area with a confused look upon her face. "Have you seen Cicero? I haven't heard him make a peep...He didn't die did he?" Babette asked, grinning.
"It's been a few days, but I did see him. He came to...uh...check on me." Ava said, deciding to tell a half-truth.
"Of course he did..." Babette shook her head. "Does he ever not check on you? Poor thing, I think he'd cut out his own tongue for you...Of course, you may want him to keep that...for later..." She gave Ava a sly look.
Ava scowled, feeling flustered, while rubbing her forehead. "Why on Nirn would you say a thing like that?!"
Babette held out a wriggling butterfly, plucking a wing from the struggling creature. "Because it's quite entertaining to watch you squrim." She smiled, crushing the wing to finish off her healing potion.
Ava finally gave in to the Vampire's wicked sense of humor, letting out an embarrassed chuckle. "It's not like that...He's a good friend, that's all. I did thank him for all he has done. If not for him, I'd be a memory by now..."
"You know, to be a babbling, deranged, homicidal sycophant...He's actually a decent fellow." Babette said, casually shrugging. "What can I say? He sort of grows on you...like a fungus..."
Suddenly, the Black Door thundered and Nazir came rushing in, looking enraged. He stepped up to Ava, pointing a finger in her face. "You! This was your fault, wasn't it?!"
"I-I..." Ava stammered, not sure what the angry Redguard was speaking of.
Babette stepped away from her table, moving between the two. "Another angry outburst? What is it this time, Nazir?" She placed her tiny hands on her hips.
"I'll tell you what it is! Vottur and I just crossed paths with two Penitus Oculatus Agents! They were snooping around just outside this door! They were looking for us! Tell me Ava, why did we see hide nor hair of them until you took off with your little loverboy?!" He spat, accusingly.
In an instant, more memories came rushing back in...It was Myles. He said he had told of her whereabouts to Commander Maro, who would delight in nothing more than to avenge his son who she had slaughtered.
Ava cupped a hand over her mouth, feeling ill and shaky. She came to the terrible realization that she had put the Dark Brotherhood in much more danger than she'd previously realized. Cicero was right. Nazir was right. Why had she been so stupid?!
"...I-It's me they're after...Nazir...It is all my fault...Myles - - he told Maro that I was still alive. Maro had figured me dead along with the others. He thought I burned along with the Sanctuary in Falkreath...He knows I killed the Emperor and made him look a fool...He knows I killed his son...He wants revenge..." She wiped her now tear-filled eyes, trembling from the horrific and heavy guilt that now enveloped her very being.
"I knew it! I knew it was all your fault! By Sithis, why did you ever follow that bastard out in the first place?! I know you had it rough, but we all had it rough! How the hell do you think we all wound up in a death cult?! Were you really so ignorant to believe that some hero was going to come free you from this life?! What in the Void possessed you?!" He yelled, losing his temper with Ava, and causing her to feel lower than she thought possible.
"Nazir!" Babette scolded. "Stop badgering the girl!"
"I know it was stupid!" Ava belted out, bursting into tears. She couldn't take the harsh reality any further without breaking down. "I DID believe I had a chance! I couldn't help it! I MISSED my family! They were TOOK from me! I was alone and left to DIE! I thought I had a chance, but I was WRONG. DEAD WRONG! IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN! THEY'RE DEAD NOW! THEY'RE NOT COMING BACK! I'M SORRY, OKAY?! I AM SORRY!" Ava sobbed, overwhelmed by all the terrible things she experienced. She breathed a moment, trying to calm herself down, "I never meant to put any of you at risk..."
"Well you did! Now what- - " Nazir stopped mid-rant, as a large ebony warhammer gently lowered between the two of them.
Vottur stood towering over the both of them, with a displeased look upon his face. "That is enough, Nazir."
The Redguard reluctantly backed off, as Ava stormed away from the scene, still sobbing.
Vottur followed the echoes of his Listener's sobbing down the shadowed hallway and into the torture room, where he found her. She was sitting on the floor, arms wrapped around her knees, and seemed to be cradling herself in despair.
Normally, the Nord could've cared less about these scuffles and disputes seen often in the Sanctuary, but his Listener was different. She seemed to be the only one who was considerate to him, and that made an impression on the normally aloof Vampire.
Vottur felt a common thread between them. Ava knew the aching torment of losing someone that she could never get back. Like him, she would have done anything to see her loved ones again. Unlike the others, who seemed rather disinterested and cold when it came to the subject of loved ones past, they both felt the burden of loss that would never resolve in this lifetime. Unlike Nazir, he could understand why the young woman had a lapse in judgement. If somebody told him there was a chance Mina was alive, he'd probably go a little crazy himself.
"Listener, can I have a word with you?" Vottur asked, standing a few feet away from Ava with his hulking arms folded.
She rubbed her eyes and stretched her legs out, as if trying to compose herself and get comortable. "S-sure...Look, I'm sorry you had to see that...I kind of lost it back there..." She mumbled, seeming embarrassed.
"No problem." He replied. The Vampire stepped calmly over, sitting beside his Listener, noting her look of surprise.
"Um...What do you need?" She sniffled, wiping tears off her cheeks.
"I would have done the same. I would have left, too." He remarked, seeing her expression grow curious.
"...Really?" Ava asked, brow furrowed.
Vottur nodded. "My wife Mina meant the world to me. I didn't used to be this cold...I was a different man when we met. I was a young farmhand. I was roudy, boisterous, happy-go-lucky - - the usual Nord, I'd reckon. I saw her on her father's farm one day. She was a beautiful lass - - prettiest thing I'd ever laid eyes on. She had golden curls, blue eyes, and she was always laughing. Such a bubbly, warm girl she was." Vottur's expression changed from a slight smile in memory of his wife, to a harsh expression. "I'd see her every chance I had, but the more I knew her, the more I seen how bad she was living. Her father...He was a mean, sick son of a bitch. He beat on her - - did bad things to her...So I took her away from that old bastard, and we eloped in Riften. We got a little farmhouse...settled down...By the Nine, I miss her more than anything. If somebody told me I could abandon the Brotherhood and somehow get her back, I'd leave and never return..." He explained, seeing how intensely Ava was listening to his thoughts.
"...Thank you..." Ava said, appearing relieved from hearing his story. "I thought I was an idiot, but I guess I just wanted to have a chance...I was so clouded, I couldn't see how unlikely Myle's story was. I just wanted my old life back..." She shook her head.
"That makes two of us, then. By fate, the Deadra, the Divines, or Sithis himself - - I'm not so sure anymore...But for some reason we were thrown on this dark path, beyond our own will. All I know is that I'll somehow avenge Mina, when the time comes." He trailed off in thought. He knew the man's appearance, and that he was of military status, but he never caught his name...One day he would find that bastard and cut his bloody heart out...
"So she was murdered?" Ava inquired.
"Yes." Vottur said plainly, choosing not to go into further detail.
"You and I do have something in common, don't we?" She half-smiled at the Vampire.
"Yeah, we do...in a pretty bad way, huh?" He chuckled, somehow finding humor in such an unfortunate way of relating to another person.
"Yeah, I guess so...You know, I'm really glad you joined us. It's good to get to know you...finally..." She replied. "I could certainly use another companion. I need all the help I can get."
"Then I'd reckon that's two things we have in common." He grinned. He could care less about the others - - especially that revolting jester. But when it came to his Listener - - she was alright by him.
Ava smiled quietly to herself thinking about Vottur. She'd never realized how much they had in common. It felt so reassuring to have him on her side. She sighed lightly, feeling content in finding a newfound friendship with the Nord. She then snuggled under her soft blankets readying herself for bed.
As she lay silently, allowing sleep to overcome her, she found her mind trailing to thoughts of her Keeper. Ava's eyes opened abruptly at the mere thought of the jester, as a throbbing ache formed in her chest. There was no other person in the whole Sanctuary as close to her as Cicero. Ava could feel the pang of grief inside, feeling both disgusted and puzzled as to why she couldn't bring herself to open up and be vunerable to him. Maybe it was her fear of intimacy...of hurt...or maybe her constant underlying beliefs of being truly unlovable...Either way, it pained her deeply to turn him away...She could only hope he'd forgive her someday...
...
"AVA...MY CHILD...AWAKEN..."
Ava's mind thundered, as an all-too familiar voice alerted her from slumber. "...Night Mother?" She quipped timidly.
"COME...THERE IS MUCH I NEED TO TELL YOU..."
Ava stepped onto the cool floor, quietly pattering through the Sanctuary in the dead of night. The dark corridor was empty and silent, creating an eerie ambiance throughout the entire dwelling. The whole Sanctuary seemed to fill with a violet-tinged haze, as Ava grew closer to the tomb of her Unholy Matron. Approaching the tomb of the Mother made Ava tremble slightly, fearing that the Mother would be angry with her for her risky exploits. Sure, she had heard the Mother's voice once more, and had given out many contracts as of late. However, this was the first time since her return that the Night Mother had contacted her in this manner. She feared that this talk with the Matron would be a rather vile one.
"I-I'm here Night Mother..." Ava stuttered, lowering her head in submission and awaiting her judgement.
"AH...MY CHILD...IT IS GOOD TO SEE YOU ONCE MORE..." Ava lifted her eyes to see her powerful Matron standing calmly in a smoky mist before her.
"It's g-good to see you, Night Mother..." Ava quickly diverted her eyes from the fierce woman that stood before her, feeling fearful and intimidated.
The beautiful mer silently studied Ava, tilting her head slightly to the side and appearing amused at her. "MY CHILD...I SENSE YOUR SOUL ACHES WITH GRIEF...DO NOT FEAR, DEAR LISTENER...I KNEW YOUR WEAKNESSES LONG BEFORE YOU WERE CHOSEN..." She explained, gently touching Ava's cheek and lifting her Listener's head slightly to make eye contact once more.
"...You mean you aren't angrywith me? After...all I've done?" Ava asked, her lip quivering with uncertainty.
"NO...SITHIS CHOSE YOU FOR A REASON...YOU ARE PERFECT FOR HIS DARK PROPHECY..." The mother placed another chilling hand on Ava's shoulder, her sharp fangs glimmering in a wicked smile.
"Dark...Prophecy? I don't understand..." Ava asked, half-dreading the outcome of her inquiry.
"YES...IT IS THE WILL OF SITHIS...IT IS THE GROWTH...THE DESTRUCTION...AND THE REBIRTH..." The Night Mother placed her second hand on Ava's other shoulder, as if to brace her for the upcoming revelations. Ava stood in hushed amazement, hanging on to the mer's every word.
"THE GROWTH I HAVE FORETOLD...IT HAS ONLY BEGUN...THERE WILL BE MANY...SO MANY DARK CHILDREN...AND YOU WILL BE SWAYED NO MORE...AS YOUR QUESTIONS ARE ANSWERED...IN THIS LIFETIME...THIS IS YOUR TRUE FAMILY...AND YOU WILL SHOW UNWAVERING DEVOTION FOR THE REST OF YOUR DAYS..."
"I..I'm so sorry I faltered, Mother...I should've knew better than to leave. I nearly died...If it wasn't for Cicero..." Ava explained, suddenly overcome with a sense of guilt in hearing the Night Mother mention her weakness.
"DO NOT APOLOGIZE FOR WHAT YOU ARE...THERE IS NO NEED, MY DARK ONE...YOU MAY SEE YOUR WEAKNESS AS A FLAW...BUT IT IS YOUR SUBMISSIVE AND TROUBLED SPIRIT THAT PLEASES THE DREAD LORD...HE FINDS YOU LIKE A SOFT RED CLAY...TO MOULD AND SHAPE AS HE SEES FIT FOR YOUR DARK DESTINY...AND OF YOUR KEEPER...SWEET, FAITHFUL CICERO...HE IS CHOSEN AS WELL...SO LOYAL...SO DEVOTED..." The Night Mother lifted her thick lips in a wicked grin. "SITHIS KNEW HE WOULD NOT LET YOU DIE...HE HAS HIS PURPOSE, AND HE FULFILLS IT WELL..."
"So this prophecy...There is more to it, then?" Ava questioned, still unclear on the specifics.
"YES, MY LISTENER...FOR NOW YOU WILL REIGN...YOU WILL TRULY GROW AND GAIN POWER...WHEN THE TIME COMES I SHALL REVEAL MORE...I SHALL TELL YOU OF DESTRUCTION...AND MOST IMPORTANTLY...OF REBIRTH...BE STRONG, MY CHILD..."
"I-I will, Night Mother. I'm so glad you aren't angry with me...I was so scared..." Ava blew a sigh of relief. "I just wasn't sure...I never heard you speak when I was away with Myles."
"YES...I DID NOT SPEAK SIMPLY BECAUSE IT WAS NOT YET MY TIME...I MUST LET FATE RUN IT'S COURSE...THEN I SPEAK...SILENCE CAN BE MISTAKEN FOR WRATH...IT CAN BE DEAFENING...SOME COULD SAY IT IS MADDENING...BUT SILENCE HAS A PURPOSE...AS DOES WRATH...VENGEANCE...LOVE...HATE...ALL THESE THINGS...DARKNESS IS NOT A SINGLE SHADE...DARKNESS IS EVERY COLOR...MY CHILD...I LEAVE YOU NOW..."
Ava could feel a gust of wind blow around the two of them, whirling about both she and her Matron, encircling and embracing them. She could feel an icy chill, while watching the mer's beautiful fiery-red eyes, as if she were locked in a sort of hypnotic state. The Mother smiled a beautiful, yet sinister grin in her direction. It was as if the two were embracing - - not physically, but that it may be their souls bonding in some supernatural way. Ava could feel her power, her wisdom, even her love, perhaps...The whirling wind thickened, soon blotting out Ava's vision. When the smoke and mist cleared, the Night Mother had vanished, leaving Ava standing in front of the ancient tomb once more.