Chapter 22: The Prophecy

The vast terrain had been covered in the darkness of night, as Ava sat in the back of the carriage with her dark brother and sisters. She'd been listening to Babette and Lielle bicker over the most efficient method of killing a target. She had zoned out midway through the rant, now watching her icy breath float to the heavens. Ava couldn't help but grow more uneasy the closer they travelled to Dawnstar. The Night Mother awaited her there, and who knew what she had in store for Ava.

"Yes, but to poison an unsuspecting victim one has to be very deceptive and cunning...It takes a lot of skill to do what I do little girl." Ava heard Babette remark.

"I wouldn't call someone a little girl if I were you. Besides, when a person masters the Arcane, they have so many weapons at their disposal - - fire for one occasion, ice for the next. It's like painting a picture with a beautiful palette of destruction!" Lielle retorted. Ugh, there was that word again - - destruction. Ava didn't care for that word at the moment, and she surely didn't like hearing it.

"Is the Listener alright?" Ava's gaze turned from the fog of her breath to lock eyes with the jester, who was seated directly across from her. He seemed to be watching her intently.

"...Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just hoping the Night Mother has good news for us...For me..." She answered Cicero, feeling on edge about the whole situation. Why could she not shake this terrible feeling?

"Why, Listener...The Mother ALWAYS has good news for the Dark Brotherhood, does she not?" He eyed her warily, "Is there something you're not TELLING Cicero, perhaps?"

"No, not that I'm aware of." Ava said, hoping he'd be unaware of her lie. There was something he didn't know. He didn't know about the rest of the prophecy. The whole Brotherhood only knew of the growth and prosperity news, not of what was to come...By the sound of it, it wasn't good news this time.

"This stupid robe is so itchy..." Lielle complained from beside Cicero.

"I'm sure you'll survive, dear." Babette piped in, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Ava's wearing a robe, and I haven't seen her burst into flames as of yet."

"Yes, well I'm not Ava...Thank Sithis..." Lielle mumbled under her breath, causing Cicero to slightly lift an eyebrow in hearing her. He looked from Lielle to Ava, as if he was waiting for some sort of conflict to arise. Ava heard the remark, but ignored it, feeling much too stressed to argue with the mage.

The carriage soon came to a stop as they reached their destination in Morthal, where they planned to journey by foot to Dawnstar and sneak in the hidden entrance hopefully undetected.

Ava hopped down from the carriage, along with the others, scanning the small swampy town. It was late, and the local residents seemed to be inside their dwellings for the night. "Well, I guess we'd better head to Dawnstar. Hopefully we can make it before daybreak." Ava suggested.

Lielle folded her arms in protest. "Really, Ava? We can't even stop for a drink of Ale? There's an inn right over there!" The mage pointed to a modest little tavern directly behind them.

"I don't think that would be a good idea." Ava answered, preparing for an argument with the crass girl. "We need to get to Dawnstar while it's safe. Going to get drinks is a risky move."

"Perhaps for you it is, but the Agents aren't after me, Listener." The Breton smirked.

"Just leave her, Ava. I should've known better than to allow her to come along." Babette said irritably.

"Are you coming or not, Lielle?" Ava asked, annoyed with the mage's childish behavior. "Because we're leaving now!"

"Just go on without me, Listener. I'll be fine!" Lielle began walking toward the inn, waving them off.

Ava sighed, "I guess the three of us will be going to Dawnstar then...Cicero?" Ava noticed the jester standing silently, arms folded, watching the Breton walk away.

"Yes, Listener?!" Cicero whipped around, startled.

"Are you coming with us?" Ava asked, hoping the jester wouldn't stay behind with the mouthy girl.

"Of course, Listener!" Cicero grinned, bounding up to Ava. She smiled at him, relieved he wouldn't abandon her as well.

"Ah, HOME AGAIN, Listener! Cicero cannot BELIEVE how long his Listener has been away! But now she is here to STAY, if only for a MONTH, a WEEK, or a DAY!" The jester crooned foolishly, while prancing about.

"Yeah, it has been quite a while. It's good to see the old Sanctuary again." Ava smiled, breathing in the dank air of the ancient den.

Ava followed the others down the stairs and to the dining area, where Cicero plopped himself down at the large table, waving Ava over. "Oh Listenter DO come sit with Cicero and have a drink, hmmm? Like old times, perhaps?" The jester patted the empty space beside him.

"Sure, just give me a moment." Ava held up her index finger to Cicero. She walked past the disappointed jester, searching the hallways and corridors for a certain Vampire.

When Ava approached the training room, she saw him swinging his mighty warhammer at a target, among a dozen other new faces. "Hello Vottur." Ava grinned, watching the large Nord swiftly turn his head in surprise.

"Listener..." Vottur sheathed the large menacing weapon behind him. "I didn't realize you'd be coming back." He walked toward Ava, as all the assassins in the room ceased what they were doing and stood quietly in her presence.

"Oh...um...carry on..." Ava gestured awkwardly to the young assassins who stood patiently waiting to hear her speak. At her word, they resumed their rowdy training session, as the Nord walked with her outside the area.

"Yes, I didn't realize I'd be back either. I didn't intend to, anyway. It was the Night Mother...She commanded me to come to Dawnstar. She said she'd speak with me here." Ava said apprehensively.

"Hmmm...Is everything alright, Listener? You seem troubled..." Vottur pointed out her worried expression.

"It's fine...It's just anticipation, that's all..." Ava answered, attempting to push her thougths away, as they had been eating at her enough as it was. "I'm sure I'll find out soon enough."

"Listener!" A sing-songy voice chimed from down the hallway. The jester jogged to Ava, grabbing her arm and giving it a tug. "Did you FORGET about your Keeper?" Cicero asked, now glaring at Vottur.

"I didn't forget about you, I promise." Ava grinned, shaking her head at Cicero's clingy behavior. It was apparent that he wouldn't have her hanging around Vottur for very long. Babette was right about him...

The large Nord said nothing, giving the jester an mutual look of dislike. "Listener." He slightly bowed his head, as he grabbed his ebony warhammer to resume his training. Ava watched Vottur head into the training area, with Cicero's narrowed eyes following him the whole way. Once he was out of sight, the jester focused his attention on her once more, grinning devilishly.

"NOW Listener can have that drink with her Keeper, perhaps?" He crooned, leading her to the table, where she seated herself beside Babette. "You just wait there Listener - - Cicero will get the ale! Hehe!"

The jester pranced out of sight, as Babette leaned in. "See what I mean? You'll be lucky to get a moment to yourself now. " She smirked.

"Ah, HERE we are Listener!" The jester plopped a large tankard of Ale in front of Ava. He eagerly seated himself closely beside her, propping his chin up with his gloved hand. "OOOoooohhh, so very MUCH we have to catch up on! Tell Cicero, how is life back in Falkreath? Hmmm? SURELY it would be better without the GRUMPY Redguard!"

"It's fine, but I do miss this place. Being here brings back a lot of memories...It'll be strange sleeping in my old bed for a change." Ava said, suddenly feeling rather nostalgic. She noticed Cicero's expression suddenly change, as if he grew anxious all of a sudden, and he began to fidget in his seat.

"What is it Cicero? Is there something you need to tell our Listener?" Babette raised an eyebrow, while giving the jester an accusing look. It seemed as if she perhaps knew something about him that Ava wasn't yet aware of.

"What?" Ava asked, perplexed by his odd behavior.

"Well, when the Listener left for good...Cicero sort of...took her room...hehe.." He laughed nervously, looking as if to expect some sort of punishment from her. Although surprised, Ava was more amused than anything.

"Hahaha...No worries, I wasn't using it anyway." Ava chuckled, seeing a look of relief on Cicero's face.

"Cicero will GLADLY let Listener have it back. He'll stay in his old room. OH, that REMINDS him! Cicero needs to get a letter from his...er...Listener's old room...The nice Courier man gave it to Cicero last week. FOOLISH Cicero forgot to bring it to Falkreath to give to his Listener." The jester hopped up, disappearing briefly.

"Letter?" Ava turned to Babette, who shook her head, not aware of the letter herself.

Cicero darted back into the room, placing a sealed piece of parchment in front of her. "OOooooohhhh Listener...Cicero is so CURIOUS about this letter...So dark...So SECRETIVE..." Cicero purred, looking over her shoulder.

Ava noticed the wax seal placed upon the front of the parchment. It was stamped with the symbol of a hand - - identical to the Black Hand. "What the...?" Ava mumbled, as her two comrades leaned closely in to get a better look as she opened the sealed letter.

Dear Listener,

I realize this may come as a shock to you, but allow me to introduce myself. My name is Temani, and I reside in Cyrodiil. It is a good bit away from you, but I trust Sithis will guide my words to you, oh one who listens. You may be wondering where this is going, and I shall clear things for you. I live in Bruma - - and no, not within the city of Bruma. I am stationed in a secluded den, high upon the cold mountains. It is none other than my Sanctuary - - and possibly yours as well, if you wish. Yes, as you may have concluded, I am an assassin - - a lone brother left behind in the rubble of the purge. This Sanctuary is nothing more than a decimated shell of its former self, and a quaint, but disasterously ugly home for yours truly. Now to my offer. You see, I didn't realize the Dark Brotherhood still existed. I had assumed with a heavy heart that all of my dear siblings had perished long ago. I've kept in seclusion, praying to Sithis and the Night Mother for some solace - - some resolution. Then word had drifted around that the Dark Brotherhood was indeed responsible for putting down Titus Mede II. Of course, living alone in utter solitude caused for a late arrival upon my ears. However, I've heard news that you are our Listener, and that you've dwelled in Dawnstar. I've heard rumors of our beautiful Brotherhood growing and thriving. I've sent this letter in all hopefullness that you will allow me to join you in your dark crusade. My Sanctuary is in poor condition, but I extend it to you, oh Listener. If you wish, it is yours to rebuild, and another home for our dark family. I would so love the company once more. Cyrodiil is in desperate need of the dark influence again. I hope that you will find it inside your dark heart to hear my pleas. Kill well and often.

Temani

"Well, Ava? What is it? That letter looks exactly like one of our very own..." Babette pondered

Ava sat with her mouth slightly open, brow furrowed, trying to process the information. She simply pushed the letter to Babette, bewildered by what she'd read. The tiny Vampire studied the parchment, and when she'd finished, she pushed it to the side as well, turning to her Listener.

"Well, what do you think?" Ava asked, tapping her fingers on the table.

"It certainly sounds promising. Of course, this could merely be a ploy. Maro could be trying to lure us out." Babette remarked, scratching her head in thought.

"I was thinking the same thing..." Ava sighed.

"Oh, a letter from a DARK one - - just as Cicero had suspected! Let Cicero SEE!" The jester snatched the letter off the table, eyeing it curiously.

"I mean...If it were true, expanding the Brotherhood is what the Night Mother - - what Sithis intends for me to do. But, I can't just go to Bruma...It's much too risky. I'd likely end up dead." Ava reasoned.

Babette nodded. "Yes, I agree. It would be rather senseless for you to have any contact with this Temani fellow - - if he's real, that is. It's probably not a wise idea to respond either..."

"Maybe I should speak to Nazir. I want to think this through. I don't want to disregard a request to expand, but I don't want to blindly walk into a trap, either." Ava folded her arms, studying further on the matter. It was something she'd learned much earlier - - to weigh her options. One wrong move, and she could do great damage to the whole Brotherhood, and that was the last thing she wished for at a time like this.

Cicero slowly lowered the letter, grinning darkly at Ava. "Ah, you are a WISE one, Listener...One never KNOWS about these things. More often than not, an assassin can find themselves in a PRICKLY situation..." He said, wriggling his gloved fingers. "Even Cicero isn't sure if another dark sibling survived the purge of his old home...Oh, there were so, so MANY of us...There were many deathly FLAMES, too! Hard to keep up with it all! Could be the TRUTH, could be a LIE, maybe a SURVIVOR, maybe one to DIE! HAHA!" He crooned, placing himself beside her once more, leaning in. "Cicero knows you are MUCH too clever for hasty decisions..." He said, nearly whispering in her ear.

His warm breath sent a slight chill up her spine. Ava found herself actually enjoying his closeness, and at a rather bad time. She cleared her throat, pushing her impulsive feelings aside. "What do you think, Babette?" She asked the night child, diverting her attention away from her Keeper.

"I agree. We must tread lightly when it comes to uncertain matters such as these. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll take a nap. Night comes early, my friend. I'm getting a little thirsty, if you know what I mean." Babette smiled slyly, flashing her fangs as she departed from the two.

"Just think, Listener...If this sibling is true, our dark family will EXPAND once more! Hehe! Mother would be so PROUD, hm?" The jester asked, still invading her personal space.

"I could only hope so much." Ava admitted, making eye contact with Cicero. His amber eyes stared intently, as a genuine smile painted across his lips. Such an attractive smile he adorned, when it was a true one. Of course, she found his usual foolish grin quite nice, as well. She cast her gaze elsewhere, realizing she'd locked eyes with her Keeper a bit too long. Why was she even thinking of him in such a manner at this time? She'd already refused his advances long ago. Why did she have to keep feeling like this? Ava bit the inside of her lip, feeling annoyed with herself for her fickle emotions.

"Cicero KNOWS the Mother is happy with Listener. Why, she HAS to be! Listener has done so well for us all - - so OBEDIENT to the Unholy Matron!" He beamed, complimenting her as he always did. "Cicero is proud of Listener, too...Why, she grows in power and wisdom as we speak! So KNOWLEDGABLE and TALENTED to be such a young thing!"

"Thanks..." She replied, staring at her distorted reflection in her tankard. She then smirked, glancing back to Cicero. "You sure like to lay it on thick, huh?" She teased.

The Keeper smiled devilishly, "Hmmm...Can't blame a fool for TRYING, huh Listener? He has heard that flattery will get you EVERYWHERE! Hehe! Well, what of it, Listener? Is it working for poor Cicero yet?" He piped, nudging her arm.

"Cicero..." Flustered, Ava shook her head, chuckling at his comment. Little did the jester know, his flattery was quite charming. He was charming, for that matter. Ava was happy to be in the Sanctuary with her Keeper once more. Cicero made it feel like home. Sometimes she'd think back to the time when she'd rejected him. Was it really for the better? Why did she fear being with him so much, when she felt so much for him? And why didn't she just drop the thought of him long ago? She'd chosen to be alone, and Ava figured there was no use in dwelling on things now. Of course, that didn't stop her from dwelling on things.

"Cicero never grows tired of embarassing you, Listener..." He grinned.

"COME TO ME, DEAR CHILD...IT IS TIME..."

Ava stood up abruptly, feeling her body tensing at the sound of the Mother's enticing voice. "I'm sorry, Cicero. I have to go." She quickly left the room, leaving the jester sitting with a baffled look across his face.

Cicero peered around the corner, seeing his Listener kneeling before the shiny metal tomb. How he loved to witness such a spectacular sight - - the Listener communing with the Night Mother! It never ceased to amaze the humble Keeper, when he'd catch a rare glimpse of his Listener doing what she did best.

His gaze never faltered, watching his Listener slowly stand. "Mother...Can you tell me when?" He heared her voice speak softly - - much like beautiful music to his ears. Even if Cicero would never hear the Mother, he still figured himself lucky enough to catch the other half of the conversation. "Yes, Mother..." She slightly bowed her head, eyes closed as if in deep reflection.

Cicero silently lurked about, sitting himself on a nearby bench in the shadows. Watching, he found himself deeply submerged in the invisible events taking place before his very eyes. Cicero loved watching his Listener. His eyes trailed up her crimson-hued dress, tracing her long black tendrils.

Such a beautiful sight to behold! Oh, but he wouldn't tell her that...No, no...The Keeper had learned that she didn't prefer to think of Cicero that way. Cicero was easily more clever than that, however. He knew better - - yes he did! He saw the way his Listener treated him - - the way she looked at him. Surely poor humble Cicero was right, wasn't he? Or perhaps, maybe he was just a fool with outlandish hopes. His Listener was much too young and beautiful for a crazy old fool like himself, anyway. Why would Listener be interested? Perhaps if he was more like the hulking Vampire, she'd think of Cicero as more than her Keeper. The jester wasn't very fond of Nords, particularly those of the blood-sucking persuasion. Surely his Listener didn't feel intimately toward that nasty Vampire! However, she did spend a good bit of time with him, when she found the chance.

Cicero grunted, propping his back against the cold metal bars behind him. He strained his ears to hear another word from his Listener, but failed to hear the slightest sound. She merely nodded her head, turning about and opening her eyes.

"Oh, Cicero, I didn't realize you were here..." She said, seeming startled by Cicero's presence.

"Cicero came to check on Listener when she hurried away...He seen you were speaking with Mother, so he decided to take a seat...SPECTATE, if you will." He smirked, arms folded, back still against the bars. "Any good news?"

"It's not good by any means, but it is news. The Night Mother told me we are to meet a great uprising soon, though she wouldn't say when. We must all be very cautious and prepared. It was a bit vague, so I'm not sure who it is. I'm betting it's Maro, though, considering everything that's transpired...Excuse me, Cicero, I'm going to tell Vottur." Ava said, a look of deep worry painted on her face.

Cicero stood immediately, watching his Listener leave the area. An uprising, hmmm? It all sounded so dark and violent. He hoped it would not be like his past experiences with opposing forces. Purges and blazing Sanctuaries were the last things Cicero wanted to see happen to his beloved Brotherhood. What could Mother possibly have in store?

The jester stood a moment rubbing his chin and patting his foot about on the cold stone floor. He certainly cared for his Listener, but why in the Void did she have to go running to that putrid Vampire everytime she heard a bit of news?! Cicero cringed at the very thought of that Blood-sucker.