Chapter 31: Goodbyes
Vottur had just finished packing his things, leaving his sleeping quarters, when approaching footsteps caused him to whip around.
Ava stood in the shadows of the corridor, her blue eyes filled with a look that told him she had something important to say. "Vottur..." She spoke softly. "I know you'll be leaving soon with night approaching. I need to travel back to Falkreath with you and Violet." She said urgently.
"But, Listener...Why would you do that? It's too risky for you to stay in Falkreath with us. The Legion will be there soon. It's only a matter of time." Vottur warned, not understanding why his Listener would go directly into harm's way.
"Yes, I know it's a strange request." Ava shook her head, looking at the floor. "But you must listen to me. There is something I must tell you. It's urgent."
"Tell me now, then." He demanded, refusing to put her at risk. "There's no need for you to go risking your life. You're their primary target, Listener."
"I can't tell you now. It has to be in Falkreath. I have to do as the Night Mother instructs me. She came to me, and it deeply concerns you, Vottur." Ava softly demanded, surprising him. What did the Night Mother want with him?
Vottur nodded hesitantly, though he had an unsettling feeling about this. However, if the Night Mother ordered this, he would surely obey. "Very well, Listener."
Ava gave a brief nod in response. "Good. I'll get my things - - and please, don't tell anyone of this. It strictly concerns the two of us for now. Okay?" She asked, her blue eyes hopeful of his compliance.
"Yes, Listener." He slightly bowed. Of course he would obey her - - he always did. His devotion to her never faltered.
Babette stood with the three others, who were ready to depart from the Sanctuary, scratching her tiny head and wondering why in Oblivion Ava would leave with Vottur and Violet. "Are you sure Cicero didn't do something again? I know he did last time, and I've already had to scold him once myself." She huffed, placing her tiny hands on her hips. She figured it had to be that foolish Keeper of theirs, as it usually was.
Babette saw Ava's mouth upturn, as a soft chuckle fell from it. "No, not at all. It's a different matter. Unfortunately, that's all I can say for now." Ava certainly didn't seem upset, if that's what it was. Ava's face suddenly contorted in a confused look. "Where is Cicero anyway?" She asked, looking about.
"Frankly, I have no idea. I haven't seen him in a couple of hours." She shrugged, wondering what he could possibly be up to this time.
"CICERO IS HERE!" The jester's screeching voice came belting out of a passageway to answer Ava's question. Babette figured the sneaky little man had probably been listening in the shadows for some time, for all they knew.
"Where were you?" Babette asked accusingly.
"OH! Cicero was just sitting happily in his room, buffing away at his hilt!" He barked merrily, causing a look of confusion and disgust among his fellow assassins. He then scowled, catching on to what he'd said. "Not like that. Naughty, naughty minds you all have. Tsk, tsk..." He shook his head, hands placed firmly on his hips in protest. "He does have an ACTUAL weapon you know...and it DID need to be cleaned properly."
"Well while you were doing that, you nearly missed seeing Ava before she leaves." Babette scolded the jester.
Cicero's expression turned to a deeper frown, as he turned to Ava. "WHY is Listener leaving THIS time?!" He fussed.
"It's important this time, Cicero. That's all I can tell you." She answered regretfully.
"NO! You can't leave with the big Blood-sucker AGAIN!" He wailed, looking pitiful and frustrated.
"I have to, Cicero." She explained, patting him on the shoulder.
"Then TELL Cicero WHY!" He demanded, as Babette sighed at his neediness.
"She can't, jester. Leave her be." Vottur intervened, his low voice growling with annoyance.
"I do hate to interrupt, but we need to depart as soon as possible, I'm afraid." Violet chimed in, reminding them of the task at hand.
"She's right." Vottur agreed, as Violet quietly beamed at his agreement with her. "We have too much on our plate to stay and argue."
"Then CICERO is going TOO!" He said imperitively, glaring at Vottur.
"No. Just stay here out of the way, fool." Vottur growled, turning his back and heading toward the entrance of the Sanctuary.
"Listener?!" He whimpered, Babette noting Ava's pitied look.
"Vottur...I'm sorry." Ava turned to the Nord, who stopped in his tracks at the sound of her voice. "I need to let him come with us." She remarked, as the jester's face lit up.
"Very well, Listener. If it is your wish." He replied obediently, though frustratedly.
"OHHH! Cicero THANKS you kind, sweet Listener!" He gleamed, bounding over and hugging Ava tightly.
"O-okay..." She said, flustered and nearly smothering from the tight hug. "Just hurry and get your things." She ordered gently, as Babette watched the jester scramble back to his quarters.
"Don't worry, Ava. I'll stay behind." Babette said, secretly feeling relieved they were all leaving. She had different matters to tend to, anyway. After hearing that rumor back in town, she had her sights set on a certain blonde-headed assassin. She couldn't come right out and accuse the vile mage, but she could if she had proof. Being around all those years, Babette could easily see that Lielle showed all the characteristics of a traitor. She'd seen many traitors in her lifetime, and Lielle fit perfectly in that category.
Babette watched as Cicero scurried back to the others, and the four of them exited the Sanctuary, leaving her as the only Speaker. She planned to leave later in the night, once the four of them had a good lead on her. With most of the initiates and assassins coming and going, fulfilling their various duties and contracts, they'd probably not miss her for a few days. Either way, she was going to find Lielle, and if her gut was right, make her pay...
Temani avidly cleaned a dusty old bookshelf in the study, turning to Nazir. The Redguard happened to be seated at a nearby desk, writing away on a piece of parchment. "My, my, how good it does feel to clean something that actually deserves to be cleaned. My old Sanctuary in Bruma looked terrible no matter how hard I scrubbed it's filthy layers." He chattered, breaking the silence in the study.
"If you say so." The Redguard grunted, vigorously writing and paying little mind to the Altmer.
Temani clutched his cleaning rag, feeling a bit awkward. Surely Nazir wasn't brushing him off because he knew the truth about him. No, of course not, he assured himself. The Redguard never came close enough to see the Altmer hiding in the bushes like the coward he truly was. It wasn't that he wanted to be that way, it was just that he was so terrible at killing. It was truly a curse of luck that he'd ended up in the Brotherhood, after all. Of course, after becoming an assassin, he had intended to do the best he could and honor Sithis and the Night Mother. Long ago, he'd made the decision to accept his fate and try to enjoy his newfound family at the time, despite his flaws.
Besides, living alone all those years in a purged, decimated Sanctuary had been getting to him. Truly, the magnitude of his loneliness was why he'd sent the letter to the Listener in the first place. Now, at least, he had a family once more. It was just that awful issue with his murdering abilities - - or lack thereof - - that felt so troublesome...He'd keep that to himself, however. It was too long and too tiring to explain to anyone, and he wasn't sure if they'd believe them if he told them.
Thinking deeply to himself, Temani hadn't realized that he'd been staring a hole through Nazir the whole time. The Redguard glanced up irritably at him. "What?" He huffed, making Temani quickly avert his gaze.
"I-I'm terribly sorry, sir. It's just..." He quickly eyed the parchment. "You seem awfully focused on your letter. May I ask what you are writing about?"
"First of all, don't call me sir." The Redguard grumbled. "I'm not one for niceties. Nazir is my name, so I suggest you say it. And, yes, you can ask, but that won't guarantee an answer from me." He scowled irritably.
"Oh, I see...Forgive my intrusion, sir...er...Nazir." Temani quickly fell into place cleaning once more, feeling as if Nazir was annoyoed by his mere presence.
Nazir sighed, apparently catching how harsh he'd sounded. "It's to a man we have ties with. His name's Delvin Mallory. He's a fence. I'm requesting an exchange - - that the Brotherhood will pay him dearly to lend some of his people to travel to Bruma and reconstruct the Sanctuary. Sithis only knows how much coin it'll take, given that place is a miserable, snow-covered wasteland, but I'll gladly hand it over for Delvin's services. With as many threats as we have, I'm certainly not sending any of our own out there." He informed Temani, making him feel better about inquiring.
"That is splendid news! I do hope our Sanctuary is restored to its former glory." He mused, suddenly hearing a loud rumble from upstairs.
Nazir stood, rolling up the parchment and placing it in a satchel on his person. "Vottur must be back with some news." He mumbled to himself, exiting the room.
Temani crept carefully out of the study, listening to the footsteps approaching. He walked out into the large central area, where they would surely meet for discussion. Waiting patiently, he saw Nazir walk back into view, followed by Vottur and Violet.
"Well, where's Ava?" Nazir puffed, looking to Vottur. "You said she's with you."
"She'll be here shortly. Cicero insisted on carrying her belongings for her and ended up dropping them all. They're outside picking them up as we speak." Violet piped in from behind the Vampire, who stood shaking his head in aggravated silence.
"For Sithis' sake, she brought that blathering idiot with her?" Nazir blew. "I should've known."
Ava - - just the person Temani wanted to meet. He'd finally have the chance to lay eyes on his Listener for the first time, and he felt deeply excited at the thought. He propped himself up against the cold wall, waiting eagerly to meet her.
He watched as everyone's heads turned, hearing a grating male voice bouncing off the cave walls. Nazir irritably placed a hand on his forehead, as a wild-looking, red-headed Imperial man came prancing out with a dozen satchels in his arms and on his back. Temani curiously raised an eyebrow, noting that he was adorned in a jester's motley. Temani hadn't seen a jester in years, and that was in Cyrodiil where they were aplenty. This certainly was a peculiar fellow.
The Imperial dropped his heavy load, turning to Temani. His amber eyes were wide and a huge grin spread devilishly across his features, making the Altmer a bit uneasy.
"Oooohhh! Newest brother! Cicero WELCOMES Temani to our happy little family! Hehe!" The man bounced about, clapping his hands.
"Oh, uh, pleased to make your aquaintance, good sir." Temani bowed, trying his best not to seem off-put around the strange man.
From behind the jester, a small figure quietly entered the room. Temani caught only a glimpse of her, for the jester stood much too close for his comfort, blotting out his view. Cicero glanced behind himself, turning back to Temani.
"Oh, you MUST meet our dear, wonderful Listener!" He gleamed, grabbing the girl by the waist and pushing her forward, Temani seeing a surprised look on her face.
Wait. That face. No. No, it couldn't be. Temani's eyes widened and his heart pounded at the sight of her. A frantic feeling engulfed him, as he cleared his throat, fighting it back. "P-pleased to meet you, my Listener." He croaked out, his voice dry and raspy at the sight of her. He hoped for his life she never knew about him. He held his breath, waiting on pins and needles for her reaction to him.
She smiled gently, slightly bowing her head. "It's so good to finally meet you, Temani. I'm Ava. I'm happy to hear that we have yet another Sanctuary to restore." She turned to the fidgeting jester. "And I'm sure you've met our Keeper, Cicero."
Temani sighed deeply, relaxing himself. She apparently didn't remember him. Thank Sithis! "Oh, yes. So good to finally meet the both of you. Please let me know if I can be of service to you."
"Oh, so KIND, so GENTLEMANLY! Temani isn't a THING like all the other snooty little elves Cicero has met! Indeed, the Keeper IS in need of your services." The fool gestured to the large pile of knapsacks in the floor. "Would you kindly OBLIGE dear Cicero in putting these in their proper places?"
"Oh, yes, of course, good sir." He replied, helping the strange man with the task.
"Nazir, we need to speak with you." Temani could hear the young woman's soft voice behind him. He secretly cringed, realizing that his past was there to haunt him, whether she realized it or not.
It was the dead of night, as Vottur entered Ava's room while most of the Sanctuary was sound asleep. She'd summoned him into her room, and he was well aware of why. He stood to the side, watching her glance cautiously down the hallway, now quietly closing and locking the heavy door.
She seated herself at her table. "Thank you for taking me along. Look, I'm sorry about Cicero. I know he's a bother to you, but maybe you'll understand more when I tell you what I need to." She stated, looking into his dark eyes. Her face held an expression of both somberness and clarity, as if she were about to tell him something unnerving, yet purposeful.
"What is it, Listener?" He asked, now in the softer, friendlier tone he'd often speak in when the two were alone.
"Vottur, the Night Mother came to me as I slept. She wasn't just a spirit or being, like I'm used to seeing her as. No, she was as real and full of breath as you and I. She told me many things, many of which were about you." She smiled faintly, clasping her hands together on the table. "I have to go back to Dawnstar soon, as I know our day of war is approaching fast. Unknown to anyone but you and I, the Dragonborn will be waiting for me there. The Mother told me that I must face him...alone."
"...What?" Vottur's eye's widened, now seating himself on her bed. "But he's the Hero of Legends. How will you survive such a thing?!" He asked, his voice matching the worried feelings welling up in his chest.
Ava said nothing, her blue eyes twinkling in the candlelight with traces of tears. She gave him a sad smile. "She told me to tell you that you are next. You are her next chosen Listener, who will guide the Dark Brotherhood after my time comes to an end..."
Vottur couldn't believe what he was hearing. This couldn't be. This had to be some lie - - some cruel joke. He couldn't lose his Listener; she was near to his heart. "...No..." He whispered in disbelief. "It can't be..."
"Don't fret, my dear friend. The Mother has promised me many things in my next life, and I somehow find comfort in her words. I'm just glad it was you..." She reached her small hand to him, as he grasped it in his own.
"Why, Listener? Why me?!" Vottur could feel tears in his eyes for the first time since Mina. "I don't understand this...Why does the Night Mother want this? Why do I have to be the death of you?" He could hear his own voice falter at his words. This was too much, too fast. Vottur wasn't prepared for any of this. Was this even real?
"You aren't." Ava insisted, now seating herself beside him. "It is Sithis' will. The Night Mother believes you to be an unwavering force that will reign for a long, long while. I will set the change in motion, and you will fulfill it. I know you will." She spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I...I don't know what do without you, Listener. You've always been there...You've been the one to understand me..." He choked back his tears, feeling her hand on his broad shoulder.
"The Night Mother told me to give you the binding words. You must say them to Cicero. Tell him 'Darkness Rises as Silence Dies'. Keep these words only in your head and heart, Vottur. They are sacred." Ava explained, her soft voice strangely soothing to hear.
"Very well, then. I will obey." He nodded, wiping his eyes. Never in a thousand lifetimes did he think that she'd be telling him this. He felt angry and confused that she'd have to leave him, but he knew it couldn't be helped. Fate could never be stopped. His life had been living proof of that fact.
"Please, whatever you do, don't let anyone know of this - - especially Cicero. He'll want to follow me, and he simply can't. She said he has his own destiny to fulfill, though I'm not sure what that will be. Besides, he...doesn't need to see that..." Vottur could hear her quivering voice break down. She loved the jester, just like Vottur loved Mina.
"I see why you let him come along. I'll keep him here, friend. For you, I will." He smiled, wiping the tears from her twinkling eyes. She wasn't Mina. She'd never be Mina. There was only one space in his dark heart for his beloved. But that didn't stop him from loving his Listener in a different way. Maybe in a different realm - - in a different lifetime, things may have been different between them. But they never tried to be that way. It was an unspoken rule between them - - a love that could never be that kind of love. They were both taken by another, and that was the way it would be. Forever. She was family, and when the time came, he wasn't sure just how he'd react from the emptiness and devastation her loss would bring. Vottur simply realized that once again, his life would be changed forever.
"Okay, dear. Now you wait here. I'll be back." Babette struggled off of the massive dark horse, now patting his side gently as she stood beside the ominous beast. She crept through the woods to the small, marshy town of Morthal.
Babette wasn't exactly sure that Lielle would be there, but she knew Lielle liked practically any tavern she laid eyes on. She knew the mage was familiar with this particular one, and that it was in a conveniently off-putting location. It would be the perfect meeting place, really.
She lurked about the night, her tiny feet trudging through muck as she eyed the mangled, wicked looking trees that bordered the small town. Thick fog hung low to the ground, hindering her vision. She could faintly make out the lights of the Moorside Inn. She walked up to the tavern, scraping layers of mud off her boots before entering.
"Oh, a visitor! Welcome!" A Redguard woman perked up from behind the counter, apparently surprised that anyone would enter. When she caught sight of Babette, her wide smile disappeared. "Oh...You're a...child...What on Nirn are you doin' in this place, girl?"
"I came to see Mama...She left me alone again." Babette pretended to sulk, hanging her head low and wringing her hands.
The Redguard left the counter and briskly walked over to Babette, a look of concern hanging on her face. "You mean to tell me your mother left a little girl like you all alone in a place like this? What in creation was she doin'?" the woman huffed, visibly upset that anyone would abandon a small child.
Babette feigned a trembling lip, "S-she told me she had to meet that big Nord man again. She said he's her friend with benefits... but I-I don't know what that means..." She forced tears out, now wiping them away pitifully and watching the woman hang on to her every word. Now was the perfect time to inquire. "D-did you see my mama?"
Babette watched the woman's brow furrow as she knelt in front of her, pondering. Her eyes suddenly narrowed, "What does your mama look like, dear?"
"She has blonde hair and wears dresses that are too little for her...She says men like her tiny dresses. She talks a lot and says stupid things, but..." Babette frowned, secretly amused with the chance to both put on a performance and insult her least favorite person in the Brotherhood. "I miss her so. I just wanna know where she went, ma'am. I wanna find her so I don't have to be alone..."
"As a matter of fact, I think I have seen your mama. She was in here just a couple of days ago with a large Nord man...If it wasn't her, it had to be her twin. The woman I saw sounds just like your mama, though..." the woman explained, as Babette pretended to light up with joy.
"R-really?! Oh, I'm so very happy! Where did mama go?! I have to go see her!" She giggled happily, clasping both hands together in a performance of joy.
"She mentioned Falkreath, I believe. I think they were headed for the town of Falkreath..." The Redguard thought it over.
"Oh, I thank you so much kind lady! I'll go to her right away!" Babette chirped gleefully, skipping away. She felt a sudden jerk, as the Redguard woman, seemingly panicked, grabbed her by the tiny arm.
"Dear, I can't just let you wander alone out there. You could get kidnapped, or worse, killed by some bandits. I just couldn't live with letting an innocent child into harms way." The woman explained, secretly grating on Babette's nerves. This woman's morals were slowing down her progress, and she wasn't too thrilled about it.
"B-but I have to find mama before she goes farther away!" Babette raised her voice in a childish, tantrum-like manner.
"I know, dear. Tell you what, I'll give you a room to stay in and I'll take you to Falkreath myself, first thing in the morning. I'd like to have a few words with your mama, anyway. She shouldn't be leavin' you like that..." The Redguard shook her head. "I'll be right back, dear. I'm gonna tidy up a room for ya..."
"Okay then..." Babette pouted, watching the woman head for a room at the back of the inn. As soon as the Redguard left her sight, she slipped out unnoticed and fled to the woods.
"I'm back, Shadowmere," Babette grinned, as the giant steed nuzzled her while she struggled to climb up on the saddle. He turned his massive head, his red eyes meeting her own. "Yes, she really is that stupid, I'm afraid. I guess that vile mage doesn't think anyone is onto her. Well, friend, it looks as if we're off to Falkreath." She said, as the horse nickered, galloping off into the night.
"If she's so weak and spineless, then why in Oblivion is she your leader?" Haldor grunted, gazing at the sunrise from atop the Falkreath watchtower. He casually took a few steps, kicking a freshly-killed Necromancer's corpse and watching it fall lifelessly with a dull thud. Studying his kill with a look of arrogant satisfaction he turned to Lielle. "It doesn't make any damn sense to me."
"Beats me," the mage shrugged nonchalantly. "Supposedly the Night Mother spoke to her or something. I don't care." Lielle scowled, carelessly fiddling with a sun-bleached human skull that sat upon an old table. "She's nothing to me anyway." Ava was the last thing Lielle wanted to talk about, and frankly, she couldn't wait until the useless woman would be gone for good.
Haldor smirked, "I don't believe that. If she was nothing to you, you wouldn't be so hostile. What's the deal, anyway? Why do you hate her so much?"
"Why would you go and ask a thing like that?! Are you taking up for her too, now?" Lielle snarled, feeling a burning heat run across her skin.
"Easy there, Breton. I could care less about the little twit. I'm just curious about you. So, what's the deal?" Haldor folded his massive arms, reiterating his point.
Lielle grew quiet, seating herself at the table and pushing the old skull out of her way. It fell across the top floor of the watchtower, rolling about as she calmed her boiling temper. "She's not fit to lead the Brotherhood. She's pathetic." She growled.
"Really, now? That's it? Well, apparently you're not fit to lead the Brotherhood either. You are a traitor." his gravelly voice hit her ears, causing her to fume again.
"Okay, Nord, why are you asking all these blasted questions? I know I'm a traitor! Why are you giving me a hard time anyway? I thought you were on my side!" Lielle huffed, infuriated with his offending behavior.
"Calm down, Breton. I told you, I am on your side. I'm not trying to rag on you. All I'm sayin' is that leader nonsense doesn't sound like the real reason you hate this wench. I think it's something else." He gave her a suspicious glare, making her feel vunerable and angry.
"It's just..." Lielle's voice trailed off.
"What now? Don't tell me you of all people have nothing to say, big mouth." Haldor smirked, seating himself across from her.
"You ass," Lielle snorted. "Fine. It's just that I'm a damned good assassin. I've been a killer since I first murdered my instructor when I was a little girl." She said, thinking back to the pompous old mage her wealthy parents had hired to teach her about the arcane. He was so irritating - - always telling her what to do and scolding her for her slightest error. Of course, a quick blast of fire to the face burned those demanding lips shut once and for all. "Ava is weak and cowardly, and yet she gets held in this high regard. I, on the other hand, get nothing. All Ava hears is how great and special she is, while I get nothing but dirty looks from my fellow assassins. They hate me, but they love her. It makes me sick." Lielle hissed.
"So you're jealous?" Haldor laughed, grating on Lielle's last nerve.
"Look, if it's so funny to you, then maybe I'll leave!" She shot up from her seat, causing her chair to crash down.
"You know you aren't going anywhere, Breton. Besides, it is true isn't it?" Haldor asked, causing Lielle to cringe.
"Well how would you like it if you knew you were better, but got nothing while some weakling got everything you deserved?! I have a right to feel the way I do." Lielle barked.
"Heh...Well I wouldn't know anything about that. I have everything. I'm the Dragonborn." He grinned arrogantly.
"You're not helping..."Lielle growled.
"Don't worry, Breton. You'll be rid of her soon. I'll take care of it. She may be this Listener, or whatever, but she's no match for me. A few whispers from my lips, and she'll be gone before she knows she's dead. I'll make sure of it." Haldor stood, grabbing Lielle by the arm and pulling her into him. "If I were you, I'd be pissed, too. You're too dangerous to have such a weak leader. That's why you're with me. You're a step above them, Lielle. Don't worry, you won't have to go back to those weaklings. You're with the real danger now." He growled, crushing her soft lips against his own.
Lielle's anger dissipated in an instant, as she found herself rushing with the thrill of being with Haldor the Lawless. He was much more satisfying than that den of milk-drinking, ungrateful cowards. She pried herself away from his rough lips. "So, how do you plan to take her down, anyway?"
"Heh...You get right to the point, don't you?" He laughed haughtily. "I'm going rogue. Maro, Tullius, and their herd of cattle think I'm going to be in Falkreath. In truth, I'll be off shouting your Listener to shreds. If I'm gonna kill her, then I'll make sure I get the glory - - not Maro and his band of boot-lickers. When they see that I've wiped out Maro's number one target, they'll be unphased by the fact that I missed out on their little party at Falkreath. Then I'll use their forces, combined with my own, to skin Ulfric and his useless Stormcloaks alive. Of course, first things first, and that's ridding Nirn of that wench. You said Ava should be in Dawnstar then, right?"
"Yeah," Lielle rolled her eyes. "They'll make sure to protect their precious Listener. They'll send her to Dawnstar to avoid the conflict. If she's holed up, use the pass phrase I gave you. Usually, going into a den full of assassins would be suicide for a normal man."
"But I'm no normal man," Haldor smirked, tightening his grip on her waist. "I'll have them all wiped out in a breath."
Lielle grinned deviously, "I want you to tell me her last words. I want you to describe the look on her face, the terror in her dying eyes. I wish I could go with you..."
"No! You stay here, Lielle. If any of those cutthroats are patrolling about the place, they may ambush you. I know it's only a matter of time before they realize what you are, if they haven't already." Haldor gripped her tightly. "I want you to stay safe, you hear?"
"You...do?" Lielle felt her mouth slightly gape at the sound of his words. It felt so new and welcoming to hear a person voice concern for her - - especially a person who could burn down whole villages in a few breaths.
"What do you think, Breton?" He remarked. "Look, when I leave this place, I don't want you to move, got it?"
"Fine." Lielle sighed, hating to be contained, but happy for his concern.
"Good. I'll get my things. The next time you see me, Ava will be dead." He grinned maliciously.
"I will actually see you again, right Nord?" Lielle raised an eyebrow, folding her arms as the hulking man gathered his belongings.
"What do you think, Breton?" Haldor grinned at her over his shoulder.