Author's Note: Hello everyone, here's chapter 32! Thanks again to all you readers out there! Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 32: Allegiance

Ava sat in the shadows of the study, writing on a piece of parchment in the faint candlelight. She couldn't sleep, and during her period of insomnia the Night Mother had relayed a list of new contracts for her to convey to the others. She couldn't help but wonder if it would be the last time she'd ever hand out contracts again.

As the intrustive thought invaded her psyche, she stopped abruptly, placing her quill on the desk and gazing into the small flame of the candle. She sighed to herself, realizing that anything she did from now on could very well be her last time doing it. Sure it was a highly depressing situation, but the Mother assured her it was for the best. Besides, Ava couldn't help but be unusually curious of what lay waiting on the other side. Each time that thoughts of the Void invaded her mind, she began to feel a strange warmth overcome her. It was as if something or, perhaps someone was there waiting for her, reaching for her, yearning to pull her in...

"Why is Listener up all alone? And so VERY late, too!" Cicero's voice chimed, shocking her back to the present. "Tsk, tsk, Listener...Are we not sleeping again?" He stood, gloved hands on his hips, as if to scold her.

"Yeah, I'm afraid I'm not sleepy. The Night Mother gave me some contracts, so I busied myself writing them down for our assassins." She explained, watching the jester pull up a chair.

"Hehe! More souls to the Void! Must be CROWDED down there..." Cicero studied, rubbing his chin as he seated himself. Little did he know that Ava would join said crowd soon.

She picked up her quill once more, writing the last few names of contracts from memory and rolling the parchment up to give to Nazir at a later time, since she'd be leaving for Dawnstar soon. "Well, that's that." She yawned, feeling the first trace of sleepiness creep over her.

"Is Listener growing tired now?" Cicero watched her warily, "Don't tell Cicero he puts you to sleep...Does he BORE you, perhaps?"

Ava furrowed her brow, "No, of course not. Why would you ask a thing like that?" She studied his expression, which had not the slightest smile and seemed practically unreadable.

Cicero shrugged, grabbing the quill off the desk and fiddling with it. "He figures you may want to slip away from Cicero...That is all, Listener...You know, Listener is up all night until CICERO enters the room. Then she LEAVES." Ava watched as he averted his gaze to the quill, scowling. He wasn't acting right.

"That's not the case at all. I guess it is you, but not in the way you think..." She said, deciding to stay and talk with her Keeper a while. Ava realized she had little time left with Cicero, and she wanted to soak in his presence as long as possible. Cicero said nothing to her comment, only looked to her and raised his brow curiously.

Ava smiled, "I guess you have that affect on me. I can be nervous, restless, and quite a mess...Then you come along and your presence...It makes it all better. It relaxes me - - comforts me. That's all..."

Cicero dropped the quill, causing it to roll off the desk and hit the floor with a sharp snap. "Oh?" He asked, appearing to be genuinely surprised.

Ava felt the sudden urge to find answers to his odd behavior. "Now, why are you saying those things anyway? Why do you think I want to get away from you now?"

"Hehe! So DIRECT, Listener! Cicero LIKES it when you take charge!" The jester chuckled, grinning widely and avoiding her questioning.

"I'm serious, Cicero. Why do you think that?" Ava questioned him again, hoping he wouldn't dance around the answer once more.

Cicero grew quiet, gently sighing to himself. "Listener...Cicero really shouldn't bring up such matters...Would be quite MESSY. Cicero doesn't want to let the SABER CAT out of the satchel again..."

Ava sighed, feeling frustrated with his riddles. She cocked her head to the side, her face forming a pitiful plea. "Please tell me..."

Cicero shook his head as if to mentally forbid himself to speak on the matter. He glared at Ava, visibly upset with the subject. Giving in, he sighed while rubbing his gloved hand over his forehead. "Is Listener SURE she wants to know?" Cicero asked, grumbling the words between clenched teeth. Appearing defeated, his frustrated glare then softened to a wrinkled, pitiful gaze.

"Yes, please tell me now..." She answered, hearing the sense of urgency in her own voice.

"Listener..." Cicero's voice dropped low and quiet. "Surely you know how Cicero has felt about you all this time..." He began, as Ava fell silent, listening intently to his words. "...And how you have felt about Cicero?"

Ava fell silent, only faintly nodding, entranced by his words.

"Cicero has tried getting close to you time and again. He knew he stepped out of line, as Listener did not want to be with him in that way, despite her feelings." His quiet voice fell softly on Ava's ears, as she watched him slump over pitifully, tapping his fingers on the desk nervously. "Cicero has been heartbroken, angry, desperate...He has done some FOOLISH things, Listener - - FOOLISH even for him...He DOES realize you wish for him to be only your Keeper and companion. He knows Listener has her reasons, and he tries his very BEST to respect them. REALLY he does..."

Was this what she thought it was? Maybe Cicero was trying to tell her the same thing she yearned to say to him as of late...

"But Cicero..." he upturned his gaze from the desk to her eyes. The look on his features caused her heart to both thump wildly and break at the same time. The poor man seemed on the brink of tears. "Cicero's sorry, Listener...He cannot will it away...He TRIES and he TRIES, and yet he FAILS...He wants to obey your wishes...Wants to not be so clingy and smothering...But he simply CAN'T..."

"Cicero..." Ava's voice surprised even her, falling as low and hushed as his own. She felt nearly breathless.

"No, WAIT! Cicero HAS to tell you...NEEDS to..." The jester interjected, cutting her off. "He can't help but love you...Can't help but be jealous, possessive...From the moment he laid eyes on you...Cicero knew you were different. Cicero has never met someone who treats him so well...Treats him like he's not CRAZY...He just worries that you'll not want his company any longer...That you will LEAVE him...Listener, Cicero has tried very hard to do as you say...He PROMISES...He is SORRY he cannot fight it...You are his LIFE'S work...and more than that...Much, MUCH more...You are his very reason to LIVE and BREATHE...Without you, he is NOTHING..." His voice trembled, as he gazed hopelessly into her eyes, the soft candlelight illuminating his dark, desperate features.

Ava could say nothing, only stare into his pleading eyes, feeling her heart embrace him fully. She realized this was the moment that the Night Mother spoke of. The Mother said Ava would know when the time was right, and she could feel it now more than ever. Something deep within her was telling her she needed to find some time for her Keeper. She needed to find a moment to run off with him into the shadows of the night - - just the two of them. Ava only wished that she'd been strong enough to embrace him years ago, but there was still time left, however little time that would be.

Ava smiled sadly, holding out her hand to him. His eyes widened, blinking and baffled by her offer. She watched him breath heavily, his trembling hand grasping her own. "How about you and I go for a little walk tonight...I'd go now, but I need to be extra careful. I am a wanted woman, after all..." She grinned mischeviously, finding enjoyment in his pleasantly elated features.

"...Truly? You wish to spend time with your foolish Keeper?" He yelped, wide-eyed and smiling so much he'd practically tear in half in he grinned any harder. Ava nodded, watching him fidget with joy and hopefulness. "Well, then off to BED with you, Listener!" He hopped up from his seat, full of energy as usual, pulling her into his arms and squeezing her tightly. "HOO HOO! OH, who KNOWS what type of TROUBLE we'll get into together?! Listener best be well-rested, for the night is OURS!" Cicero cackled wildly, twirling Ava about like the madman he was. When he finally released her from his spiraling grasp, Ava chuckled as she rubbed her dizzy head, watching him dance about jubilantly, laughing and clapping the whole time.

Cicero was right. The night would be theirs.

Violet shielded her deep brown eyes from the bitter, snow-laden winds in the City of Windhelm. She stood before the Palace of the Kings, her heart racing as she fidgeted, pulling her cloak about her tightly and readying herself to meet the enemy of the Empire - - Ulfric Stormcloak himself. In some twisted way, fortune had smiled upon Vottur and herself. A whole swarm of guards seemed to be completely distracted by the body of a lifeless woman not far from the palace itself, leaving the entrance completely abandoned. Apparently, the infamous Butcher, now known across Skyrim for his elusive nature and inability to be found, despite years of investigating, had claimed yet another victim. Violet found herself wondering if this event was perhaps fate itself, for she'd came to Windhelm expecting to have to somehow convince the Stormcloak guards just to let them in. However, she had an opportunity, regardless of the circumstances, and she felt quite compelled to take it. Now her problem would be what lay waiting within the palace.

She turned to Vottur, gazing up at his dark eyes from under his black hood. "Divines have mercy on me...I do hope with my entire being that he hears us out, Vottur. If he refuses to believe me...I-I'm not sure what I'll do..." Her voice quivered with doubt and fear.

She could feel his large, icy hand on her shoulder. "We have to try, Violet. If he's a smart man, he'll listen." His calm, deep voice brought comfort to her racing thoughts, as she composed herself, nodding compliantly with his words.

"Yes, we must give it a try at the very least. Well, I guess this is it..." She looked into his dark eyes, as he nodded to reassure her. "So, are you going to wait for me out here?"

"No. I'm going in. I'm not letting you do this alone. Just because the guards are missing out here, doesn't mean the same will happen inside this place." He replied, as she smiled, feeling the warmth of his loyalty. She gave him a quick nod, entering the large, heavy doors of the palace.

She walked cautiously through winding corridors, peering around every corner, her mind full of anxiety and near-panic. She could hear Vottur's heavy footsteps as she felt his large, protective presence behind her. She willed herself to focus on him as a way to sooth her racing mind and heart. Much to her surprise, the palace was remarkably empty, providing the two of them with an easy, guard-free route. Perhaps Sithis himself was watching over the Dark Brotherhood, keeping them both safe from attack. Things were certainly going smoother than she'd anticipated at this point.

Finally, she stepped into a large open room, finely decorated with regal embellishments where a large, luxurious table sat adorned with gourmet foods and fine wines. She gasped lightly, hearing her footsteps bounce off the unforgiving stone walls as she looked to see Ulfric Stormcloak himself sitting casually, chin on hand, at his large throne. He seemed to be speaking with his second-in-command, a man by the name of Galmar Stone-Fist. Violet knew this man simply from her father's description of him and his usual mention of the fellow when he discussed various political and war tactics with Tullius.

The two large Nords stopped their conversation abruptly, now staring at the two as Violet felt Vottur gently nudge her to move forward as he followed closely behind.

"Who in Talos' name let you two in here?" Galmor huffed, folding his large, war-scarred arms. He was such a hardened, fierce looking man. His dangerous demeanor was only amplified by his signature helmet, made from the head of a massive cave bear, the jagged teeth of the beast sitting sharply above the veteran's brow. She reckoned the man himself to be far more dangerous than any feral beast one would encounter. "Where in Talos' name is Jorleif? He shouldn't be letting just anyone wonder in here unattended!"

Fearing retaliation, Violet replied timidly. "U-um...We came across no guards or steward inside the palace to instruct us...The only guards we witnessed were examining a dead woman outside the palace, sir..."

"Argh! It's that gods-forsaken Butcher again! I told Jorleif it's no use! Of course he won't listen to the likes of me! I told him to let the patrol guards handle it, and yet off he goes with our palace guards, while common peasants off the street are allowed to just wonder into your quarters! By Talos, the Butcher himself could sneak in here while those blasted fools are out lollygagging!" Galmar ranted, balling his fists with frustration.

Ulric raised a hand to silence the man, with Violet feeling the Nord's sheer power and charisma flowing from his very presence. "You approach me without summons? Either you are both very foolish or very courageous. Tell me, why do you trouble to come before the Jarl of Windhelm?" He asked, his voice laden with a thick Nord accent, the sound of it both regal and yet powerful.

Violet cleared her throat nervously, stepping a bit closer to the larger Nord on the throne. "I-I have come to request your services, Jarl Ulfric...and also to, perhaps, offer you a proposition."

"You come in my palace asking for my help, and yet I know nothing of you. It would be wise of you to tell me who you are before you state your business, woman." He straightened, his piercing eyes locked on her, making her feel tense as ever.

Violet took a deep breath. "I don't know if you've ever heard of me, but I'm most certain you've heard of my father. His name is Commander Maro, and as you know, his allegiance lies with your enemy." She explained, watching Ulfric and Galmar cast wary glances at each other. "I'm his daughter, Violet Maro, and I plan to see his downfall. My request is that you aid me in bringing down the Legion, so I can bring him down in the process."

"Are you mad?! Bringing down the Legion is what Ulfric intends to do. He doesn't need some bratty little noble causing trouble. This is war, not a trivial family squabble, you hear?" Galmar growled, causing the hairs to bristle on the back of Violet's neck. This certainly wasn't a good start to things.

"Hold it, Galmar." Ulfric quieted the veteran, turning back to Violet. "Continue. I'm listening."

"You see, I can also aid you in your mission, which is to ultimately overthrow Tullius and the Empire. If you'll allow me, that is..." She spoke, giving just enough information to intrigue the Jarl.

"Hmph. And how do you plan to aid me? What can you offer that can be of service to our cause?" He asked skeptically.

Violet smiled, relieved he was giving her a chance. "Allow me to show you..." She began, turning to Vottur, who pulled a thick, leather-bound book with the insignia of the Empire engraved in the front of it from his large, leather satchel. Violet grabbed the heavy book, "I keep all the records for my father and the Empire. I have access to all their tactics and secrets, and I can tell you that they plan to go to war at the first of Sun's Dawn."

"Curses! Is this girl simply mad or does she speak truth? Are we truly so close to battling the Legion?" Galmar growled, taken back by Violets information.

"I don't know..." Ulfric stood up from his throne, his massive size causing Violet to cower a bit in his presence. "You say you have his records. That big book you have certainly looks real, but how do I know this isn't a ploy from the other side to draw my men out for the slaugher? Are they really planning on attacking us in a matter of days?"

"Well, that's the thing...The Legion isn't planning on attacking you. They want to go after the Dark Brotherhood, as my father has put Tullius up to this so he can defeat them and further the Legion's influence in Skyrim. They also have an ally who is quite powerful. I'm sure you know him - - Haldor the Lawless, who happened to be one of your own." Violet informed, hoping to the gods that they would believe her.

"So the rumors are true, is that what you are saying? I've been hearing word that Haldor has joined my enemy...I should've figured as much, seeing as though he's wicked and starving for power. That's why we fell out, and he ultimately betrayed our brothers. He wanted too much power, and power without just cause is corrupt and evil." Ulfric studied off in the distance, a stern, dignified look falling over him. This man seemed truly convicted of his cause, and even if Violet cared not for war and politics, he seemed to be of far better character than the likes of Maro.

"But these are rumors, Ulfric! Word travels faster than dragons in Skyrim! She could've heard about Haldor from common gossip on the street." Galmar puffed, throwing up his massive arms in protest.

"You are right, Galmar." Ulfric turned his gaze back to Violet, who was certain she looked desperate by this point. "How can I trust you? Surely you must have some way to pledge this to me? Surely you have nothing to gain from all this..."

"Oh, I do have much to gain. I can tell you that the Legion will be at the Falkreath Sanctuary at the first of Sun's Dawn, and that they have no idea you know about this. Here, you can take the records and see for yourself...If my vile father lies dead in a pool of his own blood, then I have gained everything. If his power and status crumbles to Oblivion, then I have gained all that I need! Please!" She began to beg, growing desperate. If Ulfric didn't believe her, then all her hard work would be in vain, and the Dark Brotherhood would be in a great deal of trouble.

"Hah! That book means nothing! It could be a simple forgery!" Galmar scoffed, as Ulfric appeared still indifferent, studying her.

"Tell me...Why do you hate your father so much that you'd see to it that we kill him?" Ulfric pondered aloud, seeming genuinely intrigued by her motives.

Violet could feel her lip tremble with desperation and anger. "I'll tell you why, Jarl. Because I've seen how he hides under a false cloak of justice and law, only to be more vile than any assassin or cutthroat he pursues. I've seen him kill the innocent, have individuals snuffed out merely because they lost his favor, ignore the just and righteous - - all to suit his own twisted need for recognition." She could feel her throat tense up, her eyes coating with tears. "He used my mother for nothing more than breeding, coldy tossing her to the side, and only using her to make his heirs. He nearly threw her out in the streets when he found out his first born was a girl - - that girl being me. When my younger brother Gaius was born, my mother and I were both nearly discarded altogether. The only reason he kept us around was for the fear that his peers would talk and think ill of him. My mother grew ill and died soon after my brother was born. In all truth, her death was a bitter mercy, freeing her from my father's cold heart and the bonds of the rich and noble. I, on the other hand, somehow learned to be useful. I gained knowledge, both scholarly and in the realm of battle. He kept me as little more than a servant all these years, dooming me to my mother's fate, while he pandered after my younger brother as if he were a divine. Please..." She began to choke on her tears. "I need your help, Jarl Stormcloak...I'll do whatever it takes to see him killed, for his cold, cruel heart surely killed my mother..."

Violet felt Vottur's large hand lay on her shoulder, as she turned to see him looking into her eyes as if to say he understood her pain. She turned back to Ulfric, who's stern expression never faltered.

"I hear your pleas, young woman, and I do feel for your cause..." He trailed off. "But you must understand, that I cannot go on your words alone. You must pledge some form of loyalty to me, that should you betray me, you should suffer severe consequences. I cannot help you if you have nothing to lose." He explained.

"I wouldn't give her that much!" Galmar snorted, glaring at Violet. "She's born and bred in the Legion. I don't trust her..."

Violet could feel herself growing angry and frustrated with the situation, and Galmar in particular. "You are correct, Galmar. I am an Imperial, born and bred. But you...You should be more aware than anyone of the deceit of the Empire, for you served them once, too, if I'm not mistaken..." She remarked, her voice seething with righteous anger. She watched Galmar's face soften with a look of surprise, as if she'd struck a chord within him. "I, much like you, cannot control what they do and I do not agree with them. You were alongside them too, once, and you no longer tolerate their ways. Well, neither do I..." She stated proudly, holding her chin high with the last bit of dignity she could muster.

"She has a point, Galmar..." Ulfric rubbed his prominent chin.

"Then...What do we do?" Galmar inquired, finally breaking from her words.

Ulfric stepped down farther from his throne, now towering only inches from Violet. His fierce eyes met hers. "What will you give up to help us?"

"Anything..." She pleaded, her voice nearly a whisper.

"What about your freedom?" He asked sharply, raising an eyebrow.

She breathed deeply, nodding. "If that's what it takes, then yes..."

Violet could hear Vottur shuffle about behind her, as if he grew tense from her very words. She turned to see a look of worry on his dark features.

"Very well, then. I know it seems harsh and cruel, but you must understand that it's the only way we can believe you. If this happens to be a lie, you will die for your treason. You do understand this, yes?" He asked soberly, as Violet nodded in agreement.

Ulfric met eyes with Vottur, "I'll be taking her now, friend. You won't have to worry over her safety, if you are being honest with us. We'll take good care of her."

Vottur's eyes narrowed, "Do you know who I am...?" He growled.

"Aye, I believe I do. I'm not as daft as I appear, lad. She knows secrets concerning the Dark Brotherhood for a reason...She could have betrayed Maro at any time, but the Brotherhood is involved in this...It seems as if she's made a pact with the lot of you..." He said, much to Violet's surprise, as she noted an equally apalled look on the Vampire's face.

Galmar came down the steps, taking Violet by the arm. "Well, looks like you'll be comin' with us for now..." he stated, as she nodded compliantly.

"Violet..." She heard Vottur's voice call her name in a hushed tone, turning to him.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine. I want this, Vottur, as much as you do. We need our vengeance..." She stated frankly, seeing him sigh and nod slowly.

"So, you're not going to harm the Brotherhood, then?" Vottur asked the Jarl, his voice full of doubts.

Ulfric shook his head, chuckling. "No, friend. Anyone who injures the Empire by assassinating Titus Mede II should be commended. We will not attack you, as long as you do nothing to harm myself or my brothers in arms, understand?"

"I...understand..." Vottur nodded, as Galmar began to lead Violet away from the two large Nords.

Violet turned her head, watching Ulfric speak, and hearing their final interaction before being led out of sight. Ulfric grinned, patting Vottur's shoulder. "I guess I'll be seein' you come the first of Sun's Dawn, my boy..."