Author's Note: Hello everyone! Here's chapter 23! Many thanks to all you awesome folks who stop in to read/review/fav/follow my fic!
Chapter 23: Cruel Intentions
Ava leaned against the cold stone wall of the torture room, where Vottur stood away from his whimpering victim, wiping the last traces of crimson from his lips. "This uprising...You think it's Maro?" He rubbed his large, calloused hands together, the blood on his palms drying with the friction.
"It's all I have to go on for now. The Night Mother spoke in such a cryptic way...I know little more than when she first summoned me. All I know for sure is that someone wants to destroy us - - destroy me, for that matter. Maro does have all the motivation needed to do just that. I did kill his son, after all..." Ava explained, nervously rubbing her upper-arm.
"That is true, Listener. Taking the life of those dearest to a man can change him. It could make a man both vengeful and cruel. Revenge is a powerful motivator, Listener. You take everything from a man; you strip his life away to nothing, and he will do anything..." Vottur spoke, his voice low and intense. Ava would be blind not to see that he was talking from sheer experience with these matters. She knew that her Vampire companion had long known the bitter agony of loss and yearning for vengeance.
"I'm thinking we should keep a few extra eyes and ears about Skyrim - - just to make sure nothing slips by us. What do you think?" Ava slowly walked out of the torture chamber, glancing back to Vottur, who had fell in line behind her.
"Yes, it would be wise to use all precautions necessary. Have you told Babette of this news?" The Nord inquired.
"Not yet - - I'll tell her when she wakes to go for her nightly hunt. I'll tell Nazir as soon as I return to Falkreath, which reminds me..." Ava's voice trailed off, as she whipped around to face Vottur. "I need to get back to Falkreath soon. I need to speak with Nazir about a certain letter I received. A person who claims to be one of us is offering their Sanctuary in Cyrodiil - - for expanding the Brotherhood."
Vottur silently studied on the matter, folding his large muscular arms. "How do we know it isn't a trap?"
"Exactly - - we don't," Ava nodded in agreement. "I'm planning on asking Nazir for some input on the matter - - maybe even see if he'll look into it. I don't want to go into this blindly. "
"Nazir is particularly good at obtaining information. When exactly do you plan on meeting with him?" Vottur inquired.
"Well..." Ava fumbled her fingers a bit, " I was wondering if you could escort me back to Falkreath in a couple of days, if it's not too much trouble. The sooner I speak to him, the better, I suppose."
"Very well, Listener...Just say the word and I will go alongside you." Vottur slightly bowed his head, as if to pay respect to her position of authority. Ava couldn't help but feel grateful for his loyalty to her and to the Dark Brotherhood. Over the past couple of years, Vottur had proven to be not only a deadly assassin, but a trusty companion as well. When the time came, Vottur was the first and only person considered to be the third Speaker for the Black Hand. He was intelligent, fearsome, and his thirst for both vengeance and blood made him a perfect fit.
"Ah, Listener, THERE you are..." Cicero appeared in the dark corridor across from Ava. His eyes narrowed when they made contact with Vottur. "Good day, BLOOD-SUCKER..." The jester said dryly, to which Vottur merely grunted from annoyance.
"Do you need something?" Ava asked, realizing Cicero was barely letting her out of his sight.
"Oooohhh, Cicero is very ANXIOUS to hear of the Listener's plans! He would LOVE to know them!" The jester bounded to Ava, placing an arm around her shoulder while blatantly trying to move her away from the Nord.
"Well, first of all I plan on taking a nap." Ava smiled jokingly. She'd not slept a wink since the long journey to Dawnstar, and she felt the ache of exhaustion beginning to pour over her.
"Oh LISTENER! You JEST with poor Cicero. He means much LARGER plans! Plans for ACTION - - for the BROTHERHOOD!" Cicero whined, eager to hear her out.
"Well, as far as the uprising goes, we'll just have to be on the lookout - - keep our guard up. As for anything else, as I've already mentioned, I want to speak with Nazir about the Cyrodiil situation. I'll have to leave for Falkreath soon, friend." Ava said regretfully.
"Oh..." A disappointed Cicero slowly pulled his arm back. "Cicero understands...The Listener does have her DUTIES to perform..." Suddenly his expression perked up, as if he'd formed an idea. He cackled, grinning from ear to ear. "AH! Perhaps faithful Cicero can come along? He can PROTECT his kind Listener on her travels, hm? What say you, Listener?" He clasped his wriggling hands together in excited anticipation.
"No." The Vampire said blatantly from behind the two, where he'd stood silently observing in the shadowy corridor.
The jester's face twisted up in a hard scowl. He unclapsed his hands, placing them firmly on his hips. "Not YOUR decision, BLOOD-SUCKER..."
"Cicero, Vottur will be escorting me back to Falkreath..." Ava said, hoping the jester would take her hint. She'd anticipated that he would want to follow along, and though she would love his company, Ava realized that he'd have to travel back to Dawnstar soon. He had his duties as Keeper to tend to, and she didn't want him needlessly travelling to and fro - - it was his safety that she wanted to ensure.
"Silly Listener! Why, you know that blood-sucking Nord DESPISES Cicero! Why would you want to take him with us?!" The jester laughed, apparently not catching the message.
Ava swallowed back her newly-forming guilt. She hated to tell her Keeper he couldn't come along, but she reassured herself it was for the better. "Cicero, Vottur will be the only one travelling with me..."
The jester's mouth gaped open slightly, as his brow furrowed in what appeared to be a mixture of confusion and displeasure. "Now, wait a MINUTE, Listener! What did the blood-guzzling GIANT do to talk you into taking HIM instead of your humble Keeper? The Blood-sucker didn't give you any STRANGE potions before he asked you, did he? Did he perhaps chant an ancient Vampiric CURSE at you? Oh, maybe he gave you a physical MALADY of sorts - - Vampires are BRIMMING with DISEASE, you know...Do you feel ILL, Listener?" The jester sneered, pulling a black velvet glove off and feeling about her forehead. "Hmmm...Listener IS a little warm..."
Ava looked back to Vottur, who closed his eyes, slowly shaking his head at the fool. She glanced back to see Cicero, who still looked at her as if expecting some sort of explanation. "Cicero...Vottur didn't do anything to me. He didn't ask to come along. I asked him..." Ava said, bracing herself for her Keeper's flood of disappointment.
"You...did?" The jester frowned, giving Ava a sinking feeling. "Oh...very well, then...Cicero understands...he always understands..." He said pitifully, tugging his black glove back over his hand.
"I'm sorry, friend...I'd love to take you along, but - - " Ava tried explaining, but was cut off by the jester.
"Ah, yes...Cicero is your FRIEND, and ONLY your friend, correct? NOTHING ELSE to you, Hmmm? Of course NOT, seeing as how he wants nothing but Listener's TIME, only to be cast aside like a ROTTEN CORPSE..." Cicero said snidely, with a sharp look on his face.
Ava could easily see he was speaking from the hurt by her exclusion of him. However, she didn't think it right of him to bring up hints of their past just to get back at her. "Cicero, you know good and well why you can't come along. We've talked about this before. It's not fair of you to say things like that to me." She remarked, feeling a bit annoyed and hurt from his childish reaction.
"Very well, Listener...You know BEST. You ALWAYS know BEST. Your FOOL will leave you be for now!" He said, with his back turned to her as he began walking away. He stopped briefly, glancing over his shoulder. "Just be CAREFUL travelling with the Blood-sucker...Who KNOWS what it will do when it gets HUNGRY enough! Unless, of course, you LIKE that sort of thing..." Cicero scowled at Ava.
Ava merely stood watching the jester's dark silhouette walk out of the area. She sighed, not believing how he overreacted to the whole situation. This was one of those rare occasions in which she was truly annoyed with her Keeper. Why did he insist on making her feel guilty for something she couldn't do a thing about? He knew he had to stay in Dawnstar for now! "Ugh...He knows he can't come along..." She mumbled irritably to herself.
"I wouldn't bother myself with him. He's trying to get a rise out of you. He's done the same to me before. That's why I threatened to murder his ass." Vottur gave a half-smile, placing his large hand on Ava's shoulder. "You need some rest, friend. Best get to it."
"I guess you're right. Thanks for agreeing to take me back and all..." Ava returned a smile to the Nord.
"No problem, Listener." He nodded, as the two parted ways.
Ava opened her eyes, stretching out from where she'd initially flopped, belly-first, onto her old, comfortable bed. She'd been asleep the better part of the day, and figured that night had fell upon Dawnstar by now. She pushed herself up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and feeling in a much more rested state than previously.
She sat up on the edge of the enormous bed, noticing that she'd apparently flung her knapsack down in her exhausted state, spilling some of the contents out upon the blankets. She picked up various items, studying them and placing them inside her pouch once more. She paused when she came across a silver garnet ring laying among her belongings. She picked it up, eyeing the sparkling red jewel set among the shimmering silver band. It was the ring Cicero had given her a couple of years ago. She never wore it, for fear of giving him the wrong impression. Of course, Ava did appreciate his gift of gratitude, however unnecessary it had been at the time.
Ava wished things had happened differently between them. Maybe if she'd been more accepting of herself, then perhaps she would've been more than a friend to Cicero by now. She still resented herself for turning him down, and his mention of the fact made her feel foolish.
Maybe it had been her fear of commitment that ultimately got in the way. What few relationships she'd had never seemed to work out in her favor before she fell into the Brotherhood. Being in her previous state of mind, however, led her into the arms of men who'd often take advantage of her frail mental state and low self-esteem. Wandering as a loner for years on end had made her an easy target, it seemed. Not to mention, the type of man she attracted was never a decent one in the first place. Usually they consisted of homeless thieves, scoundrels, self-proclaimed adventurers, or the like. Those "relationships", if she could even call them that, never lasted very long or went anywhere, and she always found herself ultimately alone.
Cicero, however, was different than anyone else. He'd treated her well, he was loyal, and he was strangely as troubled as she was, if perhaps in a different way. She quietly chuckled to herself, thinking of how funny it was that the only decent man she'd had feelings for was a homicidal jester. She sighed, placing the ring in her satchel once more. Perhaps one day she'd gain the strength to tell him how she truly felt. As for now, Ava felt it would certainly complicate things - - especially now that she needed to keep her mind fixed on the eminent doom that lurked ahead.
Distracted by her thoughts, Ava had failed to hear the commotion outside the walls of her bedroom. It sounded as if much of the Sanctuary was roaring with laughter and festivities - - much like her home in Falkreath often did. She closed her knapsack, placing it neatly on the endtable as she straightened the wrinkled imprint of her body from atop her blankets. She finally changed out of her now-filthy robe and into a clean red peasant dress, realizing she had looked a mess from earlier. She gently opened her door, leaving her room to see what all the noise was about.
The halls were lined with various assassins, all chattering and drinking among one another. She grinned and nodded, as most of them greeted her, raising their tankards as she stepped by. She could hear the whistling of a flute and the beat of a drum as she neared the dining area.
"Hello, Listener." Babette stood by the large table, smiling as she turned to watch a group of assassins attempt to dance drunkenly about the room.
"I didn't realize your Sanctuary was like this too..." Ava said, scanning the room full of rowdy assassins.
"It wasn't - - until Cicero visited Falkreath. Apparently, your Sanctuary is a bad influence on the fellow." Babette grinned. "He finally found a use for all those tired instruments he keeps laying about. I really don't mind, myself. I'm usually not here of the night, anyway. I tend to have other arrangements, if you know what I mean."
"Cicero doesn't understand why the Un-child goes OUT to feast. Why doesn't she just nibble on the poor creatures in the torture chamber like the BIG, DUMB, BLOOD-SUCKER?!" The jester approached them, scratching his head, with a confused look on his face. He seemed to appear from nowhere, but he'd apparently been overhearing their conversation.
"No offense to Vottur, but I rather enjoy the hunt myself. It's much too fun to see my victims' ignorant faces light up, believing I'm a lost child or a pitiful orphan. Ah, it's good to be young..." She smiled deviously. "Hmmm...All this talk is making me grow quite the appetite. I think I'll be on my way. You will still be here when I return, won't you?" Babette inquired, looking to Ava.
"I suppose, why?" Ava asked.
"Vottur spoke to me earlier. He told me of your plans to leave soon." The little Vampire explained.
"Oh, yes, I should be here at least another day." Ava answered, noticing the jester's cheerless expression at the mentioning of the subject.
"Ah, good then." Babette smiled, licking her fangs, "Wish me luck..."
As Babette slinked away for her nightly prowl, Ava was left standing awkwardly beside Cicero. Her irritation with his little outburst had blown over thanks to some time to herself and much-needed rest. However, she wasn't so sure how he felt. Seeing his somewhat dull expression, she reckoned his mood around her hadn't lightened much.
"I see you've livened the place up," Ava said, attempting to cut through the tension between them and engage in a bit of small talk.
"Cicero always loved celebrations. He doesn't know why he didn't think of this SOONER." He turned to give her an unhappy gaze. "These things happen when Cicero is too PREOCCUPIED with certain things...Things his FOOLISH MIND should leave well enough alone..."
Ava stared down at her leather boots, not quite sure what to say to him. She opened her mouth to speak, when suddenly a certain voice caught her attention - - that very familiar, grating voice.
"Why, there you are, you fool! Was it really your idea to strike up such a party? I've got to hand it to you, Keeper, you know what I like." Lielle held her tankard high, bouncing toward the two of them in the scantily-clad tavern dress Babette had previously denied her.
"Ah, Of course! Cicero LOVES a good bout of MERRIMENT! Hehe! Ah, the singing, the DANCING! HOO HOO! Especially the DANCING!" The jester's face lit up, leaving Ava feeling that awful sting inside once more. Why did she have to show up now? And why on Nirn did he have to smile at her like that?! Ava breathed in deep, trying to push down the awful feeling forming inside her.
"I think I'm gonna grab a drink..." Ava said abruptly, preparing to make a dash for the nearest bottle of alcohol available.
"Well, well, well...If it isn't the Listener. Coming to enjoy the festivities, or are you going to go lurk in the corner like you always do?" Lielle smirked, placing a hand on her hip, while nudging Ava with her tankard.
"Yep, you've got me pegged. I guess I'll go lurk for now, " Ava remarked, trying to avoid the unwanted situation.
"You need to lighten up, Ava." Lielle scoffed, turning to the jester. "What do you think, Cicero? Think she might need to get off her high-horse and have a little fun with us common folk?" She said, winking at him.
Ava whipped around, as if by some unknown reflex, wanting to see the jester's reaction to her question. Did he agree with that mouthy woman? Hopefully not...
"Well...You see..." Cicero stammered, looking nervously at Ava. She'd never seen him so unsure of himself. What was the matter with him?
"Hmph! I bet she won't even dance with you will she?" Lielle remarked, stepping forward and closing the gap between herself and the jester.
"Heh...Listener doesn't really enjoy dancing the way Cicero does..." He said timidly, as if he'd felt afraid to say too much to either woman.
"Really, Ava?! You got him following you around like you're a wolf in heat, and you don't so much as dance with the poor fellow? What if I dance with him? I can show him a good time, since you obviously won't." Lielle grinned slyly. Ava realized what was happening. This was just another senseless attempt at pushing her buttons. She had to hand it to the wench, Lielle was very clever. She could read Ava quite easily and figure out just what to do to make her blood boil.
Cicero didn't refuse, he merely raised an eyebrow, looking to Ava for her rejection or approval. Why did he let Lielle by with so much? If anyone else had been giving Ava a hard time, he'd easily have threatened their life by now. Ava gulped, choosing not to think of the possible reasons why. "I-I don't mind if you dance with him. Cicero is a grown man. He can very well dance with who he pleases." Ava said casually, trying to not appear threatened by her advances.
"REALLY, Listener?" Cicero asked, seeming either astonished or disappointed with her answer. Ava wasn't so sure. It was hard to read him at this point. Perhaps Ava's sudden bout of nausea was clouding her judgment.
"Of course, friend. Have fun." Ava said, leaving the two alone and grabbing a bottle of Mead from the table. Maybe she'd just take it to her room and lounge away from the chaos for the night - - but, no - - that would be what Lielle would want. Ava couldn't let her know she was getting to her. Ava grabbed a clean tankard off a nearby shelf and poured herself a drink, seating herself among various festive assassins.
"Mind if I sit with you, Listener?" Ava looked up to see Vottur looming over her.
Ava smiled, relieved by the comforting distraction of a friend. "Of course not," She motioned to the seat beside her. "Please, sit."
"May I?" He asked, gesturing to the bottle of Mead, while grabbing an empty tankard off the table. Ava pushed it to him, as he poured his tankard full, taking a large swig. "Not much for festivities, are you?" The corner of his lips slightly raised in amusement.
"Heh...Not really..." Ava sighed. "I guess I'm more of a lurker." She chuckled, half-joking with herself about Lielle's brainless remark.
"I guess that makes two of us." Vottur said, downing his mug and generously pouring himself a second drink. "I don't celebrate - - not any more. I guess when Mina died, that was the end of it." He shrugged, gazing at the happy crowd.
Ava took a sip, watching Cicero twirl the busty mage about, both of them cackling like fools. Lielle's eyes glanced in her direction briefly, meeting Ava's gaze. A snide smirk trailed across her lips, as if to send a silent taunt Ava's way. Ava could feel a burning sensation in her chest, watching the jester laugh merrily, pulling the girl in close. He seemed to be having quite the time, and it was secretly tormenting her. Why did he have to like that awful mage?!
Ava turned back to Vottur, hoping for further distraction from the distasteful scene before her. "If you don't mind me asking, was your wife a Vampire like you?"
Vottur looked into his tankard, "Not at first. Neither of us were. It was after I'd taken Mina away and married her, and we'd claimed ourselves a little cottage. We'd go out some nights after I'd come home from my days of laboring. We'd walk alone on the old worn paths that led to our home." The Vampire smiled warmly - - a rare occasion to witness. He gazed at Ava, his dark, undead eyes showing glimpses of the man he used to be. "Mina would look to the skies and say 'By the gods, Vo! If ever there was a more beautiful sight, then I'd love to see it!' I'd look at her, and tell her she was more beautiful than all the heavens combined. Heheh..." He trailed off a moment, clearing his throat and straightening his thoughts. "I'm sorry, I get lost thinking of Mina...I was telling you how we became creatures of the night, wasn't I? Well, one night we'd been travelling when we were attacked by a group of Vampires. I killed them off, but they'd scratched and clawed the both of us. We'd both contracted their disease. Mina suggested we get healed, but I told her we could use it to our advantage. We'd be practically immortal. We'd never have to grow old together. Things didn't happen that way, though..."
"You loved her very much, didn't you?" Ava asked, feeling sorry that he had to lose the woman he obviously cared so deeply for.
"More than a man should be able to tolerate." He said, as Ava's eyes moved back to her Keeper. He dipped Lielle, leaning in closely to her and saying something to her with a naughty grin on his face. Ava knew that grin, and it made her heart plummet in her chest. Vottur continued, "If you ever feel it - - feel that kind of love, you'll know it. It's like the blade of a dagger. It can protect you, elate you, and save your very life if you allow it. But it can also cut you deep - - gash your very heart open, quick as a sharp razor's edge the moment it leaves you fleeting in the wind..."
Ava's eyes fixated on the jester, as she felt surely what Vottur had spoken of. The same comforting, warm, loving feeling she'd previously felt was now ripping her in two. She watched as Lielle leaned into Cicero after the song had ended, and the next tune started up. She whispered something in his ear, as the Keeper smiled devilishly at her, nodding his head while saying something in return. She watched his gloved hand trail down the small of Lielle's back, resting itself comfortably above her rear as the both of them began walking away from the debauchery and into the corridor leading to the sleeping quarters. The two of them passed by the table, close to Ava.
"Have a good night, Listener." The mage smirked, as she disappeared with Cicero in the shadows.
Impulsively, Ava stood up from her seat to follow after them. What was she doing?! This was very unlike her. She could feel a burning jealousy in her heart - - a new and foreign feeling to her. She'd never been placed in this position before. How was she supposed to react?
"No, Listener..." Ava felt Vottur's massive hand grab her wrist, gently holding her back.
"What?!" Ava turned to the Vampire, confused and emotionally scattered.
"I know you want to go after him. If he's a good man - - a faithful man - - he won't do it." He said, shocking Ava that he'd noticed her feelings.
She nodded, composing herself, and slowly sat back down. "H-how did you know?"
"I see how you look at him - - the way you treat him. I find him repulsive, but I know you care for him. Just remember that he's an insane fool, Listener. A lunatic can do anything with no remorse. If that madman loves you, he won't sleep with that tramp. If he does, then he's even more of an idiot than I thought."
"I-I guess you're right," Ava admitted, taking another drink to numb her pain. Maybe he wouldn't do it. Maybe Cicero loved her enough. Then again, maybe she'd already blown her chance long ago. Maybe she only had herself to blame. Only time would tell.
"Hehe...OF COURSE Cicero will show you a good time. He's particularly GOOD at entertaining the ladies!" He opened the door to his old room, leading Lielle inside. Cobwebs and layers of filth adorned the bedroom, from a long while of emptiness and neglect.
"So...This is where you sleep? It's filthy!" Lielle looked about the place, feeling disgusted. Was it really worth it to sleep with a crazed lunatic in a filthy bed? It was to get under Ava's skin. She despised that woman to the very core. Lielle loved being in the Brotherhood more than anything, but that dull, unfit little weakling was everything the Dark Brotherhood was not. She wasn't violent, she wasn't sneaky, or blood-thirsty in the least bit. Why, she'd rarely seen the woman kill at all. If it weren't for Ava's supernatural ability to speak with the Mother herself, Lielle would flat out call her a fraud.
"Hmmm...Cicero hasn't slept in here in a very long time. He used the Listener's room until now." The jester explained, closing the door behind them.
"Oh really? Then how about we go there..." Lielle purred, hoping the lunatic would listen. It would be so entertaining to seduce Ava's little boot-licking slave into her very own bed! Maybe that would make the dainty little thing bite back for once! "I'm sure Ava won't mind."
Cicero lifted an eyebrow, "Hmmm...Cicero thinks it would not be WISE, mage..."
"Oh, come now," Lielle glided by the jester, gently brushing his cheek with her hand. She sat on his bed, propping herself back on her elbows. "I won't bother her bedroom. I was only teasing. Besides, you look awfully cute when you're being put on the spot." She smiled innocently.
"Hehe...Lielle knows how to FLATTER does she? Ah, but Cicero is far BETTER at it!" Cicero chuckled, seating himself at a small table in his room, grabbing an old bottle of wine off of it. He popped the cork with his teeth, spitting it in the floor.
"Oh really, Keeper? What is it about me that you like? Do tell. I'm curious." She breathed seductively, kicking off her boots.
The jester took a swig, his piercing eyes fixated on her. There was something about his demeanor...It had somehow changed. Lielle usually thought of him as little more than a middle-aged idiot. However, when he looked at her that way, he seemed rather different.
"What oh what could it be...?" The jester slowly pulled off his pointed cap, revealing his striking auburn locks. He fiddled with the hat for a bit, placing it neatly on the table as if to shed a part of himself. It was as if the fool had taken a back seat. He leaned forward, head resting on his fist. He brought a gloved finger to his lips, tapping it lightly on the devious grin now forming on them. His voice slowly changed, coming out in a low, seductive tone. "Could it be your obvious traits? Could it be your beauty? Your desirable body, perhaps? The way your striking emerald eyes show both cunning and intelligence, and yet are so deadly...So beautiful...dangerous...?" He purred, his voice now deep and silky.
Lielle's eyes fixated on the man before her. His face held the strangest of expressions. His eyes were fierce and dangerous, and he looked as if he wanted to rip her apart. Was this what he looked like when he'd murdered people? It was certainly intense. She couldn't believe it, but she began to find him very alluring. The jester was rather mysterious - - being the village idiot one moment, and being as cunning as a fox the next. She began to feel her heart race involuntarily. This was quite a new feeling for her. She was the one used to seducing men, not the other way around. She had to admit, she enjoyed the rush.
"What is it, woman? Has foolish Cicero stricken you speechless?" He inquired, his voice breathy and low.
Despite her enjoyment of the situation, Lielle decided to toy with him. "Now, now Keeper. You don't realize who you're talking to." She playfully took the jester's bottle of wine from the table, taking a drink. "You'll have to do better than that."
"Hmmmm...So Lielle is used to this? Ah, you see men's eyes dancing across your body - - and you like it, hm?" The jester stood, gently gripping her hand and pulling her up into his arms. "You think foolish Cicero doesn't notice how easy it is for you to bend them to your will? A little smile here. A wink there. If they're lucky, they may witness the way your tongue caresses those thick, full lips of yours. Perhaps you'll even bend over to show them your...assets...hmmm?"
"What do you mean by that?" She looked into his fierce eyes, wondering where he was going with all this.
"Cicero knows you treat men as your playthings. It doesn't get you off, dear. It simply gets you what you want." The jester said bluntly, making Lielle feel even more drawn to his strong personality. He was far more perceptive than she ever gave him credit for, and she liked it. She found herself wanting to hear more of his enticing words. The jester ran his gloved fingers through her silky blonde strands. "Well, it's my turn now. You'll have to win my affection this time. How will you do that? Hmmm?"
Lielle realized this was not only his way of seducing her - - it was a challenge. There was nothing she loved more than a good challenge. Like all men, he could be brought to submission. She would get what she wanted, one way or the other. She felt the enticement of his words as they lingered on her ears. She could smell the lingering wine on his hot breath as it caressed her face. She felt his curious hands trail down to her waist as he pulled her closer, his body touching her own. Giving in to the rush, Lielle smiled wickedly, pushing his body back against the stone wall. "Oh, you'll love me. They always do." She rubbed her hands on his chest, feeling the tight muscles beneath his motley. She clawed her way down, making her way to his belt, beginning to undo the buckle.
Suddenly, the jester forcefully grabbed both her wrists, pulling her up. He sharply spun her around, pinning her to the cold stone wall. "Oh, you'll have to do better than that to win Cicero's affections!" He growled, releasing one of her hands as he twisted her arm tightly behind her back, causing her to whimper from the pain.
"W-what is wrong with you?!" Lielle shrieked, realizing this wasn't about what she thought it was about. She could hear the hiss of metal, as Cicero pulled out his dagger and placed it at her throat.
"No, my lovely, it isn't what's wrong with Cicero. It is what's very WRONG with YOU!" He began to sound like his twisted, foolish self once more, breathing and cackling in her ear, as she struggled in his tight grip.
"What in Sithis' name? Let go of me you stupid bastard!" She screeched, as he jerked her arm, increasing her pain level.
"STUPID woman! You don't think Cicero SEES the way you treat the Listener? The way you MOCK her, SNEER at her, DISRESPECT her GREATNESS?! The ONLY reason he TOLERATES you...PRETENDS to be interested, is because he thinks you to be a TRAITOR! Cicero wanted to get close to you. See what made you TICK!" He spat visciously, his saliva hitting her cheek and making her wince in disgust. "Well, HARLOT, what is it?! What treachery are you planning against MY Listener?!"
"I'm not planning ANYTHING, you idiotic fool! There's no Tenet that says I have to like the stupid girl! What are you gonna do now, fool? Kill me? You can't, you sick freak! It's one of the Tenets!" Lielle retorted, hoping to take a jab at that miserable boot-licking skeever. He was just as stupid and pathetic as Ava.
"Hehehe...OH, but that is where you are DEAD wrong, dear HARLOT! Hoohoo! You've disobeyed your superior - - the Listener - - many times! Oooohhh, you do not listen to her orders TIME and again. You disrespect the Listener...The Dark Brotherhood. I suggest you fall in line before Cicero slices your pretty little neck in twain, hmmm?" Cicero snarled, placing the cold ebony blade against her throat.
"Let me go, or I swear I'll light you ablaze!" She hissed, feeling like ripping him apart at the very seams.
"Oh, you can most CERTAINLY do that, but you won't make it very far. This den is filled to the BRIM with VIOLENT, BLOOD-THIRSTY assassins who, unlike YOU, my dear STRUMPET, take the Tenets VERY seriously. You will SURELY perish...So, what is it, WHORE? Make your choice..."
Lielle could feel her very blood boiling. She wished she could char him to a crisp, but unfortunately the stupid bastard was right. She knew the Brotherhood well enough to know better than to kill a dark sibling. As much as it pained her, she forced out her words. "Fine! Just let me go! I want away from your crazy ass..."
The jester leaned in, breathing into her ear once more. This time, it didn't entice her in the least. His voice truly repulsed her in the worst way. "That's better, my dear Strumpet. You know, Cicero had his fill of WHORES in his younger days. He grew TIRED of them long ago." He purred in her ear. The jester turned Lielle around, loosening his grip, and pushing her to the ground. He stood pointing his ebony dagger at her face. "LEAVE." He demanded, as a malevolent grin painted across his features.
Ava paced toward her sleeping chambers, a bottle of Ale now in hand. She'd had her fill of merriment for the night, and decided to retire to her bedroom where she could sulk in private. She tried chatting with Vottur and anyone else who'd lend an ear, just so she could distract herself from the giant mammoth of a problem she had encountered. Unfortunately, nothing seemed to work, and all she could do is wonder what her faithful Keeper was doing with Lielle. She figured she could just drink herself to sleep alone in her room, with nobody to disturb her.
As she walked down the shadowy hallway, the door on the right - - the door to Cicero's room - - flung open, nearly swatting her in the face. "What in the Void?!" Ava stepped back, watching Lielle stumble out the door. Her hair was a mess, her clothes were half-off, and she was sweating profusely. Ava stood, mouth gaped in horror, staring at the disheveled Breton.
"A-Ava?!" The mage said, surprised to run into her. Ava swallowed hard, fighting back her emotions. It apparently was what she thought it was. Her heart plummeted.
Ava said nothing, only glared at the woman, feeling a burning rage toward Lielle. If her sole purpose was to make Ava miserable, then she had finally succeeded.
Lielle cocked her head to the side, as if in thought. "What did you hear in there?" She furrowed her brow, prodding Ava for answers.
"Nothing, but I believe I've seen enough." She said quietly to the mage, her lip quivering with anger.
"Oh really?" Lielle's expression changed to a sly smile. " Well, it's better you didn't hear that. Your Keeper makes quite the ruckus when he's excited." She said suggestively, pulling up the falling strap of her tavern dress.
Ava's voice quivered, fighting back the urge to cry, "Get out of here..." She pointed down the hallway.
"As you wish, Listener," Lielle bowed sarcastically, slinking into the shadows and out of her sight.
"LISTENER?!" Cicero peered around the door in surprise. "Cicero would like to speak with you..." He stepped out from the door, as Ava looked down at his waist, noticing his loose belt dangling, the buckle unclasped.
"Um...I-I see you are busy. I'll just go to bed, if it's alright with you..." She said, her voice wavering from choking back tears.
"Listener, what is WRONG? Is it what Cicero said earlier?! He's SORRY for his outburst-" Cicero tried to explain, seeming unaware of his transgression.
Why was he acting so innocent, when he was clearly lying? Maybe he took her for a fool. "Listen...You don't have to explain it to me. I've seen enough. I'd like to be alone for n-now." She said, walking away from him, tears forming in her eyes.
"WAIT! LISTENER!" Ava felt Cicero's grip around her arm.
She whipped around, tears now streaming down her face. "J-just please leave me alone, Cicero...Please!" She jerked her arm away, seeing a deep frown form on his face. She quickly bolted into her room, slamming the door behind her.
It was the dead of night, as Ava crept through the shadows making her way to the training room, where Vottur often dwelled at nights. She'd already checked the torture chamber, but found it empty. Ava figured this was his next probable stop for the night.
She found the ominous Nord swinging at a target. Vottur was grunting and yelling, as if he were imagining a victim before his very eyes. "Vottur," She said, grabbing his attention.
"Yes, Listener?" Vottur panted, trying to catch his breath as he wiped the sweat from his brow.
"I'm ready to leave." Ava said blatantly, feeling sick at the thought of staying there any longer. Being in Dawnstar would only continue her suffering, and the emotional confusion would surely cloud her vision again. That was all she needed - - to be preoccupied with her feelings while destruction would surely befall the Brotherhood. She had made that mistake once before when Myles came into the picture, and she swore not make it again. She had to stay focused on her duties as leader and Listener of the Dark Brotherhood - - no matter how she felt. "I left a letter for the others. It explains everything, so they'll know our whereabouts, since I'm leaving early..."
"Very well, Listener..." Vottur gave a quick nod, sheathing his massive warhammer.
Cicero pattered through the Sanctuary, scratching his head while searching for his Listener. Why had his Listener been so sorrowful? Perhaps if stupid Cicero hadn't have spouted off his blathering mouth to her, she wouldn't have been so distressed. Stupid stupid pathetic Cicero! He should cut his very tongue out for such disrespect!
"Ouch! Hey, watch where you're going!" Babette stumbled back, rubbing her head from their collision.
"Oh..." Cicero looked down to the Un-child, who was giving him the evil-eye for his clumsiness. "Where is Listener?! Cicero needs to speak with her TERRIBLY!"
"She decided to head back early with Vottur last night. Apparently, she was pretty upset. Can't say I blame her, from what I've been hearing from that awful mage." Babette said, scowling at him. "I can't believe you'd sleep with Lielle. I thought even you had more brains than that." She said, walking past him with a disgusted look on her tiny features. "Now if you don't mind, I'm going to get some shut-eye. Don't disturb me..." She said sharply, shutting her bedroom behind her.
What was poor Cicero hearing?! Why, he'd never planned on being intimate with the nasty Strumpet! Humble Cicero only needed to scare her to know where her allegiance stood. Could that have been why his sweet Listener was so upset? So distraught?! Why, perhaps it was all a big, stupid, foolish misunderstanding. Of course, it didn't change the fact that his Listener was out galavanting across Skyrim with that despicable Blood-sucker. Surely the nasty Vampire wouldn't ease his way in, would he?
Cicero grumbled to himself, opening the door to his Listener's bedroom and plopping on her bed, sighing to himself. He sat at the edge, tracing the outline of the stones that made up the floor. He scanned the whole room, as a shiny object sparkled on the end table, catching his eye.
Cicero's heart fell, as he stood, picking the glimmering object up, his lip trembling. It was his Listener's ring - - Cicero's gift to her from years ago. Beneath it lay a piece of parchment, with the word's 'KEEP IT' scribbled hastily across it.
"B-but...Listener..." The jester whimpered, hanging his head down. He was alone. Once more. Without her.