Author's Note: Here's chapter 34! Thanks as always for stopping by, and I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 34: Time and Destiny

Ava sat upright in her comfortable bed, with only a silky sheet wrapped about her front to hide her bare body. She looked to Cicero, who sat to her right, bare chest and features flickering in the faint candlelight.

"Cicero thinks you did a MARVELOUS job slaughtering those filthy bandits! He's quite happy to see his Listener in action. You're very talented, you know...You have such a gift..." Cicero smiled, rubbing her bare back affectionately.

"I guess, if you want to call it that," she shrugged dismissively, hesitant to think of her murdering anyone as a gift.

"Now, now, Listener...It IS a gift from the Night Mother herself. No GUESSING about it! You must APPRECIATE what has been bestowed upon you, my love...Surely Listener is HAPPY that the Night Mother has chosen her to be this way, isn't she?" Ava studied Cicero's face, noting a look of concern in his eyes.

She sighed, giving some actual thought to the question her Keeper had confronted her with. "Well..."

Her voice and mind trailed off, thinking of how her once normal life had spiraled out of control in an instant, throwing her into a path of darkness and murder. She had often wished she had a chance to be normal - - to live normal and have her happy ending. Of course, she quickly learned that wishes were just that. Her phase of dreaming and wishing had been long past, and she now understood that path was simply never hers to take. Her eyes, which had been fixated on the dancing candlelight in the corner, now traced over Cicero's sharp, curious features. She'd have never seen him again had she not been pulled into the claws of the Dark Brotherhood. The hopelessly insane man she gave her heart to would remain but a stranger on the roadside on a cold, rainy day.

A small smile began to form on Ava's lips as she gazed into her Keeper's eyes. "In truth, if it had to happen this way - - and it did - - I'm glad. I've found my place, despite everything. Besides," she kissed him sweetly on his cheek, causing a broad grin to form on his face, "I get to be with you."

"Oh, such a FLATTERER!" he chimed, cackling mischievously. He then paused, raising an eyebrow curiously. "Cicero DID always wonder what it felt like to have the blessing of the Night Mother in such a way! Hehe! Listener seems to turn into another being altogether..." he studied, rubbing his chin. "To Cicero, murder is a LOVELY presence. The answer to a dark prayer from a desperate soul, perhaps. Or a VENGEFUL one! Hehe!" he chuckled, apparently amused by his own thoughts. "Cicero ALWAYS enjoyed seeing a pleasant face twist into a horrified one! The smell, the taste, the sound of it all..." he mused, in a low, hushed tone, as if he became exhilarated by the very thought of it.

Ava watched his once harmless, curious expression switch to a devious and blood-thirsty one. What he described seemed eerily similar to the way Ava felt once the darkness within took over. "I see..." she replied to his musings.

Brought back to the present by her soft voice, Cicero's now piercing eyes fixated on her. "How is it for you, my love? Is it everything Cicero thinks it to be? As wonderful? As intoxicating? As euphoric?" he questioned eagerly.

"Um..." Ava averted her eyes, now rubbing her arm nervously. She wasn't fond of talking about it. She hated the very thought of it, automatically feeling the urge to change the subject. But, no. Not this time. There was little time left for words in this realm, and if Cicero wanted to know, then she would grant his wish. She'd pushed him aside for far too long, and she certainly didn't want to make that mistake again.

"Hmmmnnn?" The rough skin of his bare hand gently pulled her by the chin to face him once more.

"It feels like..." she began apprehensively. "It's...like I've been so empty and hollow - - only a shell of what I'm supposed to be. Then the opportunity arises, and the emptiness fades...to darkness." she continued, seeing Cicero become entranced by her words. "It's black and cold. It's love and hate. It's the rush of their life leaving and my life entering. There is no greater pleasure I've felt. There is no better way to quench the thirst. The hunger is filled. The world is in balance. I'm elated...I'm alive..." Ava breathed heavily, her words falling to whispers.

Cicero's eyes were wide and hungry at her words. She could see his bare chest rise and fall with every exhilerated breath. Ava had never in her wildest dreams imagined she'd be telling anyone how wonderful it felt to kill her victims. She'd been far too ashamed, building a protective wall around that part of her being and hiding it from everyone. Much to her surprise, she began to feel light and airy. There was an unexpected freeing quality to sharing her innermost feelings with Cicero. Ava soon realized what a pity it had been that she hadn't shared her feelings earlier.

"Listener..." Cicero purred, pulling her in close and kissing her deeply. His arms wrapped around her, making her feel safe and secure. Her dark secrets were his, to keep forever.

"Ava?! Are you in there?" Nazir's voice boomed from the other side of her door, causing the two of them to stop abruptly.

Ava pulled away from Cicero, turning her attention to Nazir's urgent tone. "Um...Yeah, I am. What is it, Nazir?" she asked, her throat tight and voice hoarse from the awkward feeling overcoming her.

"Well, hurry and get out here! I need a word with you," Nazir said imperatively. Feeling embarrassed, Ava jumped out of bed, picking her discarded clothes off the floor to cover her bare body.

"Hehehehe..." Cicero chuckled mischeviously from behind. Ava glanced over her shoulder, seeing him staring at her naked backside.

"What are you looking at?" Ava smirked, teasing him as she put on her underclothes.

Cicero flopped lazily on his stomach, his head now resting on his fists. "Why, your ASSETS, dear," he grinned.

Ava smiled, playfully rolling her eyes as she pulled her dress over her. "I'm coming Nazir," she responded to the impatient Redguard on the other side of the door. Ava turned to the naked jester under the covers, seeing that he wasn't exposed before opening the door and stepping into the hallway.

"About time..." Nazir huffed, arms crossed in annoyance.

"Heh...Um, what's the problem?" Ava straightened the creases in her dress, composing herself.

"Vottur returned this morning - - alone." Nazir explained, a deathly serious expression befalling his features.

"What?" Ava could feel her eyes widen, as a dreadful feeling began to set in. "What about Violet? Did something happen?"

"Yes, a lot happened - - " Nazir stopped abruptly, hearing a loud thump behind the door.

"Cicero is okay, my dear Listener! He merely tripped over a BOOT! Hehe!" Cicero's voice crooned from inside Ava's bedroom, causing the Redguard's face to twist into a look of disgust.

"...Really, Ava? The clown?" Nazir remarked. The door swung open, revealing a bare-chested Cicero. Ava sighed a breath of relief in seeing that he had actually put his trousers back on, anyway.

"What is it?! Did Cicero MISS anything?" He popped out of the doorway, as Nazir backed away from the jester, glaring at him.

"Um, no, Cicero." Ava answered, embarrassed from the awkward situation. "Nazir was just informing me."

"OOOhhhh! DO TELL, Redguard!" Cicero pranced over to Ava, throwing an arm over her shoulder and squeezing her into him.

Nazir rolled his eyes, sighing. "Just come with me. I'd rather not speak of important matters right outside where you two have done Sithis knows what." he huffed, pacing briskly to lead Ava out of the hallway.

"...and Violet decided she'd give up her freedom to bring down Maro and the Legion. We struck a deal with Ulfric, and he told me himself we'd meet at the first of Sun's Dawn. We have the rest of the day to prepare..." Vottur explined solemnly, his dark eyes urgent and tense as he recounted to Ava the events of his journey.

"I have to say, the girl is determined." Nazir remarked.

"A lot has happened, then." Ava commented, in awe. "Violet is a strong-willed woman. I'm certainly glad to have met her. I can't believe we're a mere day away from all this..." Ava thought aloud, feeling her heart sink. A single day. Time was running out. She quickly glanced at Cicero. He'd been grinning like a fool, excited and completely unaware that they'd soon be torn apart by the hands of fate. She sighed, running a hand through her long hair. "Any ideas on tactics to keep us safe?" she blurted out, trying to remain true to her duties. She may have had but a fraction of her life left, but that didn't exempt her from her obligation to lead.

"First things first. We need to make sure this Sanctuary is guarded. I'll alert every assassin to be at the ready to defend ourselves, should the Legion somehow get their slimy hands on us." Nazir spoke, getting right to business.

"Yes, we need to be prepared," Vottur nodded in agreement. "I say we should enchant the Black Door with a different pass phrase, if possible. Supposedly, they've gotten hold of our present one," he stated.

"That is a good point..." Ava studied Vottur's words for a moment. "Is there anyone who could possibly do that for us?"

"Well, if Lielle would ever show her drunk ass up in time, she could. But I doubt that happening now. By Sithis, that troublesome girl gets worse by the hour. She's probably on another one of those gods forsaken binge drinking episodes again..." Nazir growled, Ava noting how obviously fed up with the mage he was. His usually stern appearance finally gave way, as he sighed, his voice full of regret. "I knew she was rowdy when I chose her, but I hoped she'd grow out of these childish antics by now. With her talent, she could be great. Why, I've seen the girl torch hordes of enemies without so much as batting an eye! Now here we are in true danger and in need of serving Sithis and protecting our family, and she doesn't so much as step foot in this sanctuary." His head hung low, he rubbed his forehead in frustration. "I just don't know..."

Ava had never seen the Redguard in such a state before, as she felt a wave of pity run through her. "Well, it wasn't your fault, Nazir. You did your part. You saw her potential, but she failed to build on it. It's all on her if she doesn't help us, not you." Ava insisted, feeling her instinct to comfort and look after her own kick in.

"She's right," Vottur agreed. "Luckily, there are other mages here that can be of use in this situation."

"I suppose," Nazir said, looking about the room. Ava watched as the Redguard's eyes fell on Temani, who stood quietly sweeping at the far end of the Sanctuary. "Temani!" he barked, startling the Altmer and grabbing his attention. "You know magic, don't you?"

"I...uh..." Temani stammered, fumbling about and nearly dropping his broom.

"OF COURSE the polite elf knows magic, Redguard! EVERY elf knows magic!" Cicero chimed in. "OH YES! HE has been a brother for many, MANY years, correct?! So very PERFECT for fixing our dilemma!"

Ava turned to the elf, who stood with a look of pure terror on his face. Sensing his fear, she automatically intervened. "Can you do this, Temani?" she asked, in case he wasn't comfortable with being nominated.

"Oh, uh...Yes, of course, dear Listener!" he straightened, composing himself. "I certainly can, I assure you."

"Very well," Nazir said, seeming content with Temani's answer.

"Well, we have one issue out of the way." Ava smiled, relieved that their meeting was going well so far. "What about plans-"

It is time, dear child...

"Plans to what?" Nazir urged her to continue, as she stood dumfounded by the voice in her head. Was it time already? So soon?

Ava gulped, gathering her thoughts long enough to finish. "Er..uh...Plans for the field. You know, just in case..." she continued, feeling herself begin to grow anxious. She tried calming herself. They couldn't know. Cicero couldn't know.

"As far as battle, Ulfric pretty much has that covered. I will be a lookout. I'll meet up with him as soon as I spot him. I'll need someone with me, though, in case the Sanctuary needs to be warned if his army underperforms for any reason." Vottur explained, as Ava noted his potential to lead. He would make a great successor to her. He had a good head on his shoulders, and he was instinctively stepping up and filling his future role. It was too bad it had to be this way.

Hurry, child...

"I'll go with you." Nazir stated, as the two nodded to the arrangement. "Hopefully Ulfric Stormcloak will live up to the hype so I won't have to do that. If he is what they say he is, then the Legion doesn't have a bloody chance in the Void."

GO!

"I NEED TO LEAVE!" Ava blurted out, fearing the booming voice in her mind. Every head in the room turned to her, eyeing her curiously for her unexpected outburst. "Um...I really need to get to Dawnstar where it's safe. I can't take any risks. Time is of the essence, after all..." Ava could feel her heart pound, as she mentally asked the Mother to forgive her stalling.

It is fine, child...But your destiny awaits...Make haste...Say your goodbyes...and go...

Ava locked her eyes to the one person in the group who would understand her sudden, unexplained urgency. Vottur's dark eyes widened as he seemed to realize just what was taking place. He quickly stepped over to her.

"Yes, you need to get out of here, Listener. If something does go awry, then at least you will be...safe..." Vottur sighed, saying one thing, while Ava noted that his obvious expression sent a totally different message altogether. His features were fearful and saddened, as he placed a large hand on her shoulder, squeezing it slightly in a non-verbal gesture of his distress and grief.

"AH-HEM!" Cicero's voice piped out as he pattered up between the two. "Very well, my dear..." He grabbed her by the hand, pulling her away from the large Nord and scowling. This time, Ava noticed Vottur didn't scowl back, his face full of nothing but concern. "CICERO will take his beloved where she will be safe and sound."

"Cicero, no!" Ava bucked up instinctively, causing them both to stop in their tracks. "You can't go with me." she demanded, stunning herself with the surge of sharpness projected in her voice. She typically tried to be gentle with her emotionally unstable jester. Of course, as Nazir had put it so bluntly over the years, now was no time for niceties. She had to fulfill her destiny, and he had to be away from her. Far, far away.

Cicero frowned deeply. "But, Listener..." he whimpered, looking terribly pitiful. "Why...?"

"Because we need you here to help us." Vottur chimed in, surprising the jester. "You need to help Temani watch over this place while Nazir and I are out on the battlefield. We need your help, understand?" Vottur asked Cicero urgently. Ava could see the hope in Vottur's dark eyes, as if he were as tense as she'd ever seen him. She was just as tense herself, feeling as if a feather could shatter her if it hit her hard enough.

"You need...me?" Cicero asked, astonished that he'd ever be used for anything important other than his obligations as Keeper. "REALLY?!"

Nazir sighed, "Yes, you buffoon! Now what will it be? Are you going to perform your duties and aid our Sanctuary, or not?" The Redguard stepped up, folding his arms.

Cicero's hand fell loose from Ava's as he stood, genuinely taken aback. He quickly glanced at Ava, eyes wide and astonished. She simply smiled back, realizing he would be giddy with the heavy obligation and importance of his newfound task. He turned to the others, his voice falling barely above a whisper. "Yes..."

"I knew you'd accept your duties, Cicero," Ava smiled at her now jubilant Keeper, placing a loving hand on his shoulder. "Just be safe, please."

"But, Listener. Who will watch over you?" he asked softly, concern falling over him.

She looked about the room, feeling all eyes on her. She gave the only honest answer she knew. "Why, the Night Mother, of course," she grinned, patting him on the back and putting on her bravest face. "Now I need to make haste, my Keeper," she insisted, seeing him scowl with her last words. She realized her strictly-business sound was off-putting to him, and seemed to make him feel insecure. After how she'd been before, she couldn't blame him in the least.

"Just 'Keeper'?" he questioned, folding his arms in protest.

"Never again. You're much, much more than that." Ava smiled warmly, giving Cicero the assurance he so desperately needed. His face softened, as he ran his hand through her long, black locks.

"That's BETTER, Listener! Hehe!"

Ava put the last of nearly a dozen healing potions in her knapsack, her heart breaking as she closed it, throwing it over her shoulder. If Cicero had been going with her, he'd surely insist on packing it. She smiled, wiping away a stray tear at the thought of them being apart. She had no idea how long it would be until she met her sweet, goofy jester again.

The door to her bedroom creaked, whining as Vottur entered, quietly shutting it and approaching her.

"Hey, thanks for what you did back there. You're a good one, you know that? You'll make a great leader after...you know..." Ava trailed off, feeling grateful for his cover up.

"Anything for you, Listener." he grinned.

"I have to admit, I didn't expect that from Nazir, though...Does he know something?" Ava inquired, curious to what sparked the Redguard's out-of-character behavior. Extending a hand to Cicero was the last thing she would think Nazir to do.

"I simply told him we needed to distract the Keeper so you could leave alone. He knows nothing more than that. Nazir is just a reliable Speaker. He's true to his word." Vottur explained.

"Thank him for me." Ava smiled, stepping toward the door. She began to stare off in the distance as she felt her heart sink. "Please, watch over Cicero for me. I'm worried about...you know...how he'll react..."

Vottur nodded, stepping closer. "Anything for you, Ava..."

Ava, overcome by the realization that she'd never see Vottur in their current realm again, jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly. "Thank you...for everything, friend. I'm truly glad to have met you." she whispered, as he squeezed her tightly in response.

Vottur chuckled, as he rarely ever did, releasing her. "I guess that's another thing we have in common, huh?" he spoke softly, his eyes tearing up. "I'm glad to have met you, too. Truly."

Ava made her way toward the entrance of the Sanctuary, when Nazir stepped out in front of her. He stood with his arms folded, looking as stern as ever. "Be safe out there, Ava. And for Sithis' sake, don't get yourself killed." Nazir huffed, being his usual self.

Ava smiled, seeing that despite his constant scolding and grumpiness toward her, he was genuinely concerned for her well-being. His tough love was just Nazir being Nazir. She had to admit, she'd miss his sarcastic banter. Ava stepped up to him, surprising even herself as she gave him a quick, unexpected hug. "Thanks, Nazir."

Shocked, he simply threw his hands up, backing away. "First I find you climbing out of bed with that loony jester, and now you're throwing your arms around me like it's nothing! If you haven't noticed all these years, I'm not the affectionate type! You really are crazy, aren't you?" He snorted, now chuckling from sheer surprise.

Ava grinned widely, seeing the bits of truth that always appeared within his sarcastic remarks. "Yes. Perhaps I am a bit crazy after all. Take care, Nazir." she said over her shoulder, watching the Redguard shake his head at her as she left his sight.

"Cicero wishes his Listener could stay, but he understands...He wants you to stay safe. Should anything happen, it should happen to Cicero, not you..." the jester crooned, holding Ava close outside the Black door.

"Now don't say that. I want you to be safe, Cicero." Ava replied, wrapping her arms around him and squeezing tightly.

"Oh, Cicero shall. But he would GLADLY die a HORRIBLE death in service to our Dread Father! Hehe! Sending DOZENS of souls to the Void along with him!" he grinned wickedly.

Go now, my child...

The voice rang out a final time in Ava's mind, alerting her. "Well, I guess this is it." Ava sighed, looking away. She attempted to mentally compose herself, fighting back heavy tears. By Sithis, she would miss him more than anything! How long would she have to wait to see him again? Would it be a day, a month, years, or decades until she felt his arms around her again? "I-I have to go now, Cicero." Ava could feel her voice cracking under the weight of her heavy heart.

"What ever is the matter, Listener?" Cicero asked softly, wiping away a tear that trailed down her cheek. Ava deeply regretted not letting him in sooner. He could be so kind and so compassionate to her.

"I'll miss you," she whispered, as she pulled him in close, breathing him in. This was it. She'd never lay living eyes on him again.

"Do not worry, my beloved. Cicero and his Listener will SURELY meet again!" he chirped optimistically, their foreheads now touching affectionately. He was right. They would surely meet again, but not in Nirn.

Someday they would meet again. Ava left it at that, simply saying the words that meant most to them both. "I love you."

Babette peered from behind a thicket, with Shadowmere standing silently, watching behind her. She could see Lielle staggering about in a dazed state, now falling to one knee on the ground.

Babette smirked, turning to Shadowmere. "I knew she'd fall for it. My assumptions were rather uncanny, honestly. She is rather stupid, after all."

The dark beast nickered, as if in agreement.

She'd came upon the watchtower the previous night, after a full day of questioning common folk along the way to Falkreath and about town. Lielle had blatantly strolled about with that Nord, leaving a trail of evidence everywhere they'd been. The foolish mage had let her arrogance far outweigh her common sense, if she had any to begin with. Lielle thought ignorantly that no one would hear of her plans, or even question her for that matter. Perhaps the daft girl assumed her siblings would think her absence as little more than one of her hair-brained exploits. The girl was widely known for being absent sometimes weeks on end, in a drunken stupor. Of course, her stupor wasn't from the Ale this time.

Babette watched in amusement as her poison coursed through the girl's veins, now rendering her body lifeless and limp beside the old watchtower. She'd caught the mage passed out in a drunken haze earlier, placing a carefully concentrated vile of poison in her beloved alcoholic beverage. Being a master alchemist, Babette calculated the exact amount to not kill the wench, but simply render her unconscious for many hours. The foolish girl fell for it, drinking from the bottle first thing as she awakened.

"I'll be back, dear." Babette gently patted Shadowmere's muzzle, scanning the area, and stepping out in the sunlight. Thankfully, she carried a small hooded cloak for such inconvenient occasions.

The small hooded Vampire approached the limp girl, poking her leg gingerly with her tiny foot. "Sleep well, dear. You'll need it when I'm through with you." Babette sneered, grabbing Lielle's limp hand and dragging her back into the watchtower. She didn't want to risk a sympathetic stranger finding the brainless mage and nursing her back to health.

Now in the tower, she searched about, seeing a large, blood-stained sheet laying on the dirty stone floor. She grinned, grabbing it and flinging it over Lielle's limp form. "So you won't freeze, dear," she smirked, amused with her own witty banter. "Well, that's that. Don't you worry, silly girl. I'll come back for you."

Babette stood at the crumbled entrance of the old watchtower, placing her tiny fingers in her mouth and whistling loudly to her equine comrade. The dark stallion eagerly trotted up to her, as she struggled onto his large body. "Come, my friend. We have a Sanctuary to visit," she smiled deviously, as her tiny hooded figure rode the dark beast out of sight.