Author's Note: Wow, 30 whole chapters already! First of all, I want to thank all you readers out there for stopping by - - you guys are awesome and I appreciate each and every one of you! I actually finished this fic a short while back (of course, I'm still in the process of touching it up in places before I post it), with a total of 43 chapters. I'm posting chapters 30 and 31 tonight, leaving a total of 12 chapters left until the end. I have to admit, it turned out way longer than I ever expected. Writing this fic from this point forward has been a total roller-coaster of emotions for me, both high and low, and I hope that it brings about the emotions and entertainment that I hope it will. I'll still post a chapter a week sometime every Saturday (Eastern Time, US), and I plan to post the two final chapters together. Once again, thank you all.
Chapter 30: Prophecy Foretold
Ava woke to find herself alone in her sleeping quarters. She wasn't sure how long she'd been sleeping, but she felt as if she'd completely recovered, her body feeling as healthy and absent from pain as ever. She yawned wide, stretching and standing on her feet for the first time in what seemed ages.
She remembered fading gently into slumber with the jester sleeping softly atop her lap. Ava still had no recollection of how she'd collapsed like Babette had previously mentioned. Although she felt rather curious, she had a strange feeling that she'd find out when the time came. Why did she feel so calm at the moment? She remembered feeling so frightened before, which had been in complete contrast to her current feelings. It all made very little sense to Ava.
She scrounged about her dresser, finding a fresh dress to pull over her. Feeling the ache of hunger and thirst, she calmly strolled out of her room and into the hallway leading to the dining area.
Noticing a small figure lurking in the shadows of the corridor, she squinted, allowing her eyes to adjust to the darkness.
"It's good to see you up and about." Babette approached her.
"Yes, I'm feeling much better." Ava smiled gratefully. "It's like I'd never fell ill to begin with..." Her voice trailed off, as she noted just how strange that was.
"Well you did have us a bit worried, dear. Especially Cicero. Poor fellow. I thought I was going to have to slip him a sleeping potion to knock him out. He wouldn't leave your side. " The tiny Vampire grinned.
"Where is Cicero, anyway?" Ava wondered on the whereabouts of her sweet, faithful Keeper. She'd instantly missed his presence as she woke. Strangely, she craved being near him more than ever now. It was as if every defense keeping her from diving into his arms had been lifted. Maybe admitting to him how she felt had slowly opened her up to him. Maybe being closed off for so long proved to do more harm than protection, and all she had really needed was to be honest with herself and come clean.
"I believe he's with the Night Mother. I'm sure he would like your company, though. He always does." Babette remarked, now stretching from fatigue. "Well, I believe it's time for my nap. I've had a long night. Have fun with Cicero." She grinned slyly, continuing toward her sleeping quarters.
Ava walked by the large dining table, casually grabbing a half-empty bottle of wine and a stale piece of bread that had probably been left out for a bit too long. She pattered up the stairs, her bare feet feeling the calming stone floor beneath. Ava spotted Cicero, kneeling before the Night Mother's ancient tomb, placing various flowers and candles about her shrine. She could smell a fragrant mixture of wild flora and spices in the air as she watched him quietly work.
He'd been so faithful - - so completely unfaltering and devoted. She pondered on how she ever came to love such a man - - a man who's innermost being was a contradiction of itself. Cicero was comparable to double-edged sword, with one edge being the complete opposite of the other. One side was blood-thirsty, cunning, and insane. The other side of his being was deeply convicted in his beliefs, totally loyal, and completely unwavering. Ava realized she loved both halves of her Keeper - - the jester and the man himself.
She quietly seated herself, taking a bite off the stale loaf and watching him ignite a bundle of Deathbell and Nightshade, painting the air with the sweet-smelling smoke emmitted from it.
Ava washed her dry bread down with a splash of wine, clearing her throat to catch his attention. He froze, hearing her voice echoing througout the room.
"...Listener?" He slowly turned, his amber eyes wide with curiosity. They locked with hers, his face forming an equally wide grin.
"It looks nice. You do good work, Keeper." She smiled, gesturing to his meticulously arranged decor.
"Oh, Listener!" He brushed his hand about, as if gesturing to push her compliment to the side. "You FLATTER poor foolish Cicero!" He chuckled merrily, placing his burning incense neatly upon a silver platter in front of the tomb and seating himself beside Ava. "Listener seems to be feeling better, correct?"
"Yes. Much, much better." She smiled warmly.
"Will Listener do Cicero but a small, TINY little favor?" He leaned in, asking her in a soft tone.
Ava shrugged, still smiling. "Sure. What is it?"
"KINDLY stop worrying Cicero with your near-death experiences, Listener. He isn't sure he can take ANOTHER one of those. TWO have been plenty enough for him! One more and Cicero thinks he'll go along with you! You know what they say, Listener - - third time is a CHARM!" He grinned mischeviously, raising an eyebrow.
Ava chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Fine. I'll try harder not to die from now on." She teased, noting his devilish look softening.
" Cicero is serious, you know. He's not sure he could go on. Don't scare him like that again..." He spoke soberly, pushing a strand of dark hair away from Ava's eyes.
Her heart began to thump a bit harder, as she looked in his loving, worried eyes. She felt an urge to kiss him right then and there, but thought better of it. It would be too abrupt - - too direct. She needed to speak candidly to him first. She needed to let him know that she wanted to be with him.
"Is everything alright, Listener?" He purred, now petting her long black tresses.
"Um...Cicero..." Ava fumbled about for words, eyeing her bare feet. "There's something I need to tell you. I think there's something you should know..." She turned to meet eyes with him. His eyes were still a bit tired, but hopeful. He wore his signature grin, appearing so innocent with but a glimmer of the mischief beneath. He leaned a bit closer, his full attention set to her. His features were so devilsihly handsome. Despite signs of being aged well past her years, his sharp, attractive features were now magnified by her welling desire to be with him. Ava's mouth gaped. "I-I want you to know that I - -"
The rough grating of harsh stone quickly diverted both their attentions. Unexpectedly, the Black Door had opened, causing Ava and her Keeper to stand involuntarily. Hurried footsteps could be heard echoing down the entrance, as Vottur and Violet entered Ava's line of sight.
Vottur slightly bowed his head. "Listener, there's something we need to discuss with you. It's urgent."
"What's all the fuss about?" Babette yawned, as Violet watched her enter the room. The tiny Vampire appeared more than irritable as a result of the jester waking her from her slumber. She tiredly plopped herself in a chair at the end of the large dining table, where Vottur, Ava, Cicero, and Violet herself had been seated.
In all of her days, never once did Violet dream that she'd be sharing the same table with Tamriel's most infamous group of assassins. These were no mere sellswords or ruffians, they were the Dark Brotherhood, and the very thought of her alliance with them gave her a rush of both vengeance and justice. Just knowing that Maro would detest her involvement with such an orginazation made her all the more satisfied with herself.
Violet could hear a nervous Ava clearing her throat from the head of the table. "Vottur and Violet just returned from Solitude. They've just informed me that the Legion plans to infiltrate Falkreath on the first of Sun's Dawn. We're coming up with a plan of action, and I didn't want to leave you out." Ava explained, her voice a bit shaky as she tapped her fingers on the table, as if to release her pent up anxiety.
"Of course. I understand, Ava. It's just that Cicero's lunatic face is not the first thing I'd like to see hovering inches from my own as I wake up." Babette scowled at the now frowning Keeper by Ava's side.
"Fine, little IMP! See if you ever get Cicero's help again." The Keeper pouted, folding his arms in protest and returning the glare to Babette.
"I'd hardly call that help..." The little Vampire rolled her dark eyes.
"If I may..." Violet cleared her throat, trying to break up the bickering and steer the conversation back to its appropriate route. "Vottur and I have devised a plan of sorts - - call it a counterattack, if you may. As you all know, no course of action is fool-proof, but we felt that our plan has a high probability of succeeding, should we pull it off." She explained, looking to Vottur, who sat directly across from her position, his dark eyes fixated on her. The previous night around the campfire, he'd eagerly agreed that they find a way to stop Maro. His eyes were just as intent and focused as they were now. She could tell that this heart-broken man had a vengeance burning inside him to be wreckoned with. From the moment he laid his Vampiric eyes on Maro, she could see the flame her father had ignited in Vottur. It was the same flame that burned inside her very core.
"I'm listening..." Babette rubbed her tiny chin, seeming allured by where this was going.
"You see, the Legion has not the faintest idea that there happens to be a traitor in their midst, and that traitor is me. They ignorantly think that just because the Dragonborn has a supposed liason of some sort, that we will be blissfully unaware of their plight. This is where I can deal the most damage to my father and his minions, and where you all shall vastly reap the benefits." Violet continued, her voice becoming more prominent and strong with both urgency and exhileration from what she was about to speak of.
"If you all shall agree to it, Vottur and I can set this plan in motion. We can travel to Windhelm, where I shall meet with the Legion's enemy - - Ulfric Stormcloak. I'll offer my services, which would be to provide them with the information concerning the Legion's attack on Falkreath, if they agree not to harm us in the process. The Stormcloaks know nothing of Maro and Tullius' plans, and if I offer...certain knowledge...to Ulfric, he can concoct a surprise attack. The Legion will be severely crippled, not expecting this, and will be forced to retreat. Who knows, maybe Ulfric and his men can do away with my father while he's at it." Violet smiled, feeling the intensity of what was sure to come.
Violet looked about the table full of silent, pondering assassins, hoping they would agree to the plan. She needed to bring Maro down at any cost, and this would be a brilliant way to start. She turned to Ava, who sat, hands clasped, biting her lip.
"What do you think, Ava?" Violet asked, urging a response from the finicky young woman.
Ava's blue eyes slowly met hers. "I...think this seems like a necessary risk. We need the upper-hand, and this is the way to gain it, it seems." She nodded, as Violet felt a flood of excitement flow through her veins. Ava may have seemed quiet and anxious, but she apparently did have a good head on her shoulders and knew a good idea when she heard one. "I think this would be best for the Brotherhood. That is my number one concern, after all..." Ava's soft voice trailed off.
"I agree. If war is inevitable, then we should strike first. Who knows, if we pull this off, the Dark Brotherhood may go completely unscathed in the matter. " Babette nodded hopefully.
"Hmmm...Cicero thinks it to be a BRILLIANT idea!" The jester crooned. "Oooohh, just think of all the BLOODSHED. Of all the MURDER! Hehe! And in service to our DREAD FATHER himself, nonetheless! Hoohoo! Mother would be so PROUD of her little ones!" Cicero turned to Ava. "Especially YOU, my Listener! You've made Mother so HAPPY! Cicero is SURE of it!" He beamed, throwing an arm around her shoulder and causing her to form an uncomfortable expression.
Violet watched as the girl blushed, showing a small trace of embarassment as she smiled. The Listener and her Keeper certainly were an interesting pair. It was obvious to Violet that Cicero was quite fond of his Listener. However, Ava was a bit harder to read than the blatant fool. Violet often wondered what it felt like to be so fond of someone. Growing up with a noble status meant an arranged marriage, which like almost every noble tradition, she utterly despised. Her potential suitors had been the type of warty old men that made her blood boil - - scheming and manipulative, just like her father. Usually they were older and pig-headed, looking for a young trophy to claim as their wife for bragging rites. Of course, she wouldn't submit to them, for she valued her sharp intellect and allowed not one being to dominate her and make her fall mindlessly into their system.
"We need to alert the others." Vottur stated, looking to Ava, who now wore a look of surprise.
"Oh...So you mean, Nazir and the others made it back?" Ava questioned, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"Yes. Forgive me for not informing you earlier, but we had to be in Solitude quickly and it slipped my mind. The assassin is residing in Falkreath as we speak." He informed, his low voice unwavering. Now this was a man Violet didn't mind being in the presence of. He seemed to be everything her father was not - - loyal, devoted, and considering how he felt about his deceased wife, had the ability to love deeply. She couldn't help but remind herself of how lucky his former wife had been to have a husband like that. Living a lonely life as Maro's personal servant, Violet had often wished to have someone like that. Of course, over time she became personally married to her achievements. Her constant companions were knowledge to sharpen her mind and training to strengthen her body. Constantly improving herself was a nice distraction, but proved to never fully take away her hurt or loneliness.
"No, it's fine, Vottur. I'm just glad they've returned safely." Ava replied, showing obvious signs of relief amidst the stressful situation. "You are right, we need to let them know what's going on. You two should rest here for the time being. When night comes, it should be safer to travel back."
"Very well." Vottur nodded, turning to Violet. "We leave tonight, then."
"Yes, of course." Violet agreed, feeling a slight flutter in her chest when meeting eyes with him again. Suddenly, she sighed to herself, as she realized that she may be stuck in the prison chamber once more. She looked about herself warily. "So...where do I stay this time...?" She hesitantly asked, dreading the response.
Violet looked back to Vottur, who's dark eyes still seemed fixated on her. The edge of his usually deathly straight lips turned slightly upward in a small grin. He turned to Ava. "I've been in her company for some time now. She seems to be quite trustworthy." Violet couldn't believe this man was actually taking a stand in her favor.
Ava studied for a brief moment, then met eyes with Violet once more. "You can take one of the guest rooms if you like. You may not be an assassin, but you are a tremendous help to us. We won't keep you chained up any longer. I do hope you understand it was a precautionary thing and nothing personal." The young woman stated, sounding more like the true leader she was underneath the layers of fearfulness and insecurity that often blanketed her qualities.
"Thank you." Violet smiled warmly, feeling grateful for the dark embrace she'd been granted by Ava. She turned to Vottur, who's handsome grin grew just a fraction.
"Well, I guess that's it for now..." Ava trailed off, suddenly seeming tired. "You both need your rest, I suppose. You have much to do ahead of you." She stated, standing up and stretching from fatigue.
"Come with me. I'll show you to your room." The large Vampire stood, volunteering to escort Violet to her sleeping quarters. Violet stood, trailing behind him, her heart fluttering wildly as he led the way.
Ava drug her heavy legs up to the large wooden door, creaking it open and entering her sleeping quarters. She wasn't sure if it was perhaps the constant stream of unnerving news that kept coming her way, or the strange illness that fell upon her lately, but she'd grown suddenly very weary as the assassins discussed their next move.
Feeling relieved for the dissipation of the group, she caught Cicero distracted by the continuation of his previous bickering with the small Vampire, who demanded that he learn a new method of waking people up - - preferably a less disturbing way. Seeing his back turned, Ava made her way to her bed. The overwhelming fatigue and sickness had made its way up her body, and she felt simply too drained to speak with Cicero at the moment. Now was perhaps not the time to lay her heart out. She'd have to wait until she felt less ill.
She gently closed the door behind her, sitting defeatedly at the edge of her large bed, her hand on her aching forehead. Ava tiredly kicked off her boots, pulling her velvety covers back and wearily nestling herself beneath the blankets.
Yes, sleep my child...
"Wh-what?" Ava whimpered, as the world faded to darkness.
...
Blackness. There was an infinite ocean of blackness as far as the eye could see. Ava wondered where she was, and if this was perhaps a strange, unnerving dream of sorts. She did just go to sleep, didn't she? And that voice - - the one in her thoughts, or perhaps one she heard, she wasn't so sure which - - it was the last thing she could fathom before the world fell dark.
Ava raised from her rich crimson blankets, looking about herself. She was still safely in her bed, but the world was so dark - - so empty.
"H-hello?" Ava yelped timidly, hearing her voice echo perhaps a thousand times at once, causing her to cover her ears until the looping echoes subsided.
Yes, my child?
"What is this?" Ava asked, suddenly afraid of the answer.
It is time, dear one. I shall reveal this to you.
The darkness parted ways, as if two ebony-hued curtains opened before her. A violet-tinged light formed in Ava's line of sight. She held her breath, terrified of what was happening. As the spectral being materialized in front of her bed, a wave of memory flooded back into Ava's awareness. She instantly remembered everything that happened the last time she collapsed - - the sickness, the intense flashes of memory, and the Night Mother colliding with her body in some traumatic, agonizing way.
The body formed, but instead of being the illuminated, transparent being as Ava'd seen her for years now, the Night Mother formed into a living, breathing real woman. The violet-blue haze shot about, wiping over Ava's surroundings and painting them back to life. This place suddenly appeared to be her bedroom again, with the opaque quality of its original form. Was this her bedroom, or simply a hallucination?
The beautiful mer stood in real breathing form, wearing a white, hugging satin dress on her full, vuluptous body. She appeared to be even more stunning in this form, if it were possible. The beautiful, tall Dunmer smiled, sitting at the foot of Ava's bed. She spread her thick lips to speak. "Are you alright, my dear?" Her now rich, silky voice purred as she placed a hand on the blanket, gently touching Ava's leg that lay underneath. Her voice no longer sounded ethereal and god-like, but low and smooth, and there was a breath and fullness to it. Her voice was soothing to Ava's ears, instantly calming her at the sound of it. There was quite a motherly quality to it.
Ava pondered the question for a moment, half in shock. She actually did feel alright. She didn't feel tired, ill, or afraid at this moment, now that the Mother was here with her. "Y-yes. I think so." Ava breathed, letting the tension fall from her throat.
"I knew you would be." She chuckled, her laughter rolling like dark waves of black velvet off her sharp tongue. "Tell me, Ava. Why is it that you think you are here?" The Mother asked curiously, as if to prod her brain.
"I'm not sure..." Ava sighed, feeling confused that she'd be asked such a question. "Maybe it has something to do with the Prophecy, but now I'm not so sure. Everything is a blur, really."
"You are a bright one, my Listener." She nodded slowly. "You may wonder why I've come to you in such a way. I did so because you must understand. Telling you in my old manner would only break you. I needed you here, with me..." She spoke, reaching out her long, elegant fingers to Ava.
Feeling herself sink inside, Ava reached a hesitant hand out to grasp the warm, vibrant skin of the Mother. "You see..." The Night Mother leaned in, her red eyes looking directly into Ava's. "You are chosen. You are to bring about change, my precious child of darkness. Our Dread Father loves nothing more than change. I love nothing more than to pull the strings that lead to change. Change is not simply good or evil, dear one - - much like darkness. It simply is."
"What does all this...mean?" Ava gulped, knowing that it had to be something soul-shaking for the Matron to speak to her like this.
"You've brought about many changes to the Brotherhood. You were ordained by Sithis himself to be our Listener...for a time..." She explained, Ava instantly tensing in hearing her last three words.
"For...a time?" Ava asked meekly.
"Yes. There comes a time for all things, dear Listener. You've brought about growth through me, you will enter destruction through me, and most important of all...You will bring the rebirth through my doing." The Night Mother's velvety voice grew louder and more dominant with each word.
"Rebirth?" Ava bit her lip, bracing herself.
"Rebirth is change. Change will bring about a new Listener...That is why I must speak to you now, for time is of the essence. You are perfect for Sithis' prophecy. It is his doing that you shall ignite the fire that fuels our dark family. You must ignite the flame, Ava. You must conquer the final step in securing my dark children and their heirs once more..."
Ava couldn't speak, feeling a single tear trail down her face. Was this what it sounded like? No, it couldn't be. Finally she swallowed back her fears, "What's going to happen to me?" She asked, her voice frail and timid.
"I will guide you in battle. I am part of you now. But it is a battle of one, my child. It is yours, and yours alone. The Dragonborn knows your whereabouts, as you will be in Dawnstar on the First of Sun's Dawn. You will be alone. You shall end him with my guidance and power, precious Listener." The Night Mother purred, now rubbing her hand comfortingly.
"But-" Ava's voice quivered. "He's the Dragonborn. I won't survive..."
"My precious dark one...There is a time for change, and we cannot fight the flow of time. You will end him, trust my words...Word shall reach all of Tamriel that the Dark Brotherhood slayed the Dragonborn, and the we will be feared like none other." The Matron said, her smooth voice full of power.
"But...what...about...me?" Ava choked back her tears.
"You are young, dear one. You understand very little of these matters. Remember what your faithful Keeper says, Ava...There is merriment in the Void. Such is a true thing. Your reign as Listener is drawing nigh..." The Night Mother smiled warmly.
"So...I'm going to...die?" Ava breathed heavy, tears now forming.
"You understand little, child. You will simply be reborn...This is not the end for you. Now you must travel with the future Listener to Falkreath and speak to him of these matters, since it is not yet his time to hear my voice...You must let him know his fate, and tell him the binding words so that your Keeper will not do away with him..." The Night Mother informed.
Ava's heart began to plummet, now feeling the Night Mother's arms around her, bringing her in for a warm embrace. "Ssshhhh..." The Mother soothed, as Ava began to softly cry. "I love all my dark ones, and I favor you deeply. You shall be taken care of. Your life has been a legacy of darkness. I will make sure your suffering ceases in the Void. You will discover much, and you will find your happiness soon, my child. There is more to be revealed than this life can give you..."
Ava didn't comprehend how, but hearing the Mother's words, both deeply saddened her and, much to her surprise, flooded her with an intense comfort. She somehow trusted and believed the Matron would take care of her. The Night Mother - - the one who gave her meaningless life purpose again, the one who Ava had strived to please, despite her weaknesses, was going to insure that she'd be happy. Ava made sure to hold on to that, no matter how dark and twisted things seemed.
"Ahhh..." The Night Mother released her embrace, smiling. "I sense you are strong. I can feel your doubts clearing, child. You are a special one - - Sithis sees that, and I see that. Your inner-power grows."
"Who is the new Listener?" Ava pondered, now feeling strong enough to ask.
"He is a good fit, and I am sure you will be happy with his reign. He has the thirst for blood, the deep yearning for revenge in his heart, and now a loyal devotion to his dark family. Follow Vottur to Falkreath, my child. Tell him of his fate - -tell him the binding words you once spoke for me. A new era is rising...I can feel it in my grasp..." The Night Mother grinned widely, flashing her jagged grin.
Ava felt an overwhelming comfort in her very being. Her dear companion would make a wonderful, trustworthy leader. She couldn't have picked a better sibling heself. "I'm...truly happy it will be him..." Ava smiled, wiping her tears away.
"Oh, yes...He has a vengeance like none other. His strong will can overthrow the enemy. He will not rest until his loved one is avenged. He fits perfectly. His Vampiric blood will allow him to reign for many, many years..." The Night Mother began to laugh richly. "Just tell him the words, or your Keeper will put an end to that..."
Ava's heart sank, instantly reminded of Cicero. "What about Cicero? Will I see him again?"
"In time, child...He has a destiny of his own to fulfill...But do not fret. It's not the end. It is never the end, my dark one..." The Mother grinned wickedly, reminding her of Cicero for some odd reason.
"I'm going to miss him..." Ava sighed, resting her chin on her fist.
"I do not like to invade in personal affairs...I normally allow fate run it's course, but you two really are made for each other, don't you think?" The Mother raised a brow. "You do love him. I can easily see that. You can do as you wish, dear one, but I would enjoy his love while you are in your current realm. You'll know when the moment is right, Ava..."
"It's so odd. I was terrified, but now I'm strangely okay. I feel okay...with this...I don't understand..." Ava wondered.
"It's your inner-power and darkness. You've always guarded it closely, hiding beneath the fragile, troubled layers of your psyche. Outward appearances would prove you to be soft and gentle like clay, but deep underneath you are strong, violent, and fierce, and you've held on. You made the best of your darkness, and you shall be greatly rewarded. You will find merriment in the Void. Now, I must leave you. Time is fleeting, cherished one." The Mother began to pet Ava's long black hair in a quite motherly fashion, causing her to smile faintly in response. Ava felt a deep love and fondness for the Matron well up from her heart, spilling into her very being.
"Thank you, Mother..." Ava grinned, feeling somehow complete.
"Take heed, my child. It is not over for you. It is never over." She watched the Matron's thick red lips smile a final time, before the world smothered out to suffocating darkness.
...
Ava raised up from her bed, shot back to reality in an instant, feeling unusually relaxed and well.
It is never over.
Ava sighed with relief, now in complete understanding of the once-cryptic voice.