Chapter 43: Limitless
Ava stood before the spectral, ghostly door in front of her, warily eyeing Lucien. "Well, Ava...This is your last stop. It'll be rough for just a bit, but don't worry. The Night Mother will ensure that you get your reward." He smiled warmly, patting her on the back.
Ava sighed, feeling nervous and fearful as she grasped the cold handle, looking to Lucien. "Are...You coming too?"
He smiled sadly, shaking his head. "I'm afraid not. What lies before you is very personal, and it is yours alone. The Night Mother wouldn't be pleased with me if I followed you. Besides, I think I'll visit the Black Ballroom again and pester Alisanne for a bit. She looked like she needed it, don't you think?" he teased, a mischievous smile forming on his face along with a twinkle in his eye.
"Oh..." Ava's voice trailed off sadly. Whatever lay ahead, it must've been supremely important. She wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing, however.
"Remember, I'm always lurking around here somewhere. Call on me if you ever need me, okay? And, for Sithis' bloody sake, call on me more in this life than you did in the last!" he chimed, teasing her once more.
"Will do..." she nodded with a faint smile.
"Well, please go ahead Ava. I won't keep the Night Mother waiting. She'd certainly have me killed...again." he grinned darkly.
Ava nodded to him a final time, inhaling and opening the door. Suddenly, it closed tightly behind her, leaving her in an infinite room of darkness. Panic began to fill her up, causing her to feel completely alone and helpless. "H-hello? Night Mother?" she yelped, her voice thick with worry.
A warm laugh surrounded her, causing her to calm just a bit, as the Night Mother's beautiful form stepped into view. "Ah, there you are, my child...You look much better now. The last time I saw you, you were fading away. I must say, however deeply it hurt my heart to see you suffer, I'm glad for the end results."
"...End...results?" Ava asked, her voice still quivering. The fear of the unknown was certainly engulfing her, leaving her trembling and full of dread.
"Yes. Since you left the plane of Nirn, the Dark Brotherhood defeated the Legion. Maro and Tullius are dead, and the Brotherhood is prospering more now than in hundreds of years. Vottur has done a simply beautiful job adhering to my law. I've chosen well, yet again." she mused, her jagged white teeth gleaming in a malevolent smile.
Feeling comforted by the news, Ava sighed, releasing a bit of the tension from within. "I'm glad to hear that..."
"Come with me. I don't want to keep you waiting. I want to give you your reward. You've been a good child - - an obedient child. I care for you, though at times my silence and demands have seemed cruel and unjust. Take my hand..." the tall, gorgeous mer demanded, leading Ava into the darkness.
Ava stumbled about behind her Matron in the black abyss, not being able to see a thing in front of her. "The Void wasn't what you expected, was it?" her silky voice purred in the dark.
"No...Not at all..." Ava answered, her voice hushed and fearful. Where was the Night Mother taking her? What did she simply have to see at this point? Hadn't she seen everything already? She was dead, after all.
"The Void is a place where your soul - - your consciousness - - lives on. You can go anywhere if you will it. You can see your fallen loved ones who are resting here, for example." the Matron began to explain.
"Oh, yes. I saw Astrid and the others already...I'm glad they are here..." Ava replied.
"Haha...Well, yes they are your family, too. Did you know Myles is here?" the Night Mother inquired, causing Ava to fall quiet under her words.
"Is...that who I have to see?" Ava asked apprehensively, fearing the answer.
"Ha ha! No, silly child! I simply used him to make a point. He's in a different place - - along with the Dragonborn and Lielle. Even Grelod is waiting to be redeemed. Their existence in this realm will be painful for a bit, until they face and find resolve within their truths, that is...They fell by the hands of the Brotherhood, thus their souls belong to the Dread Father..." she explained, lightly squeezing Ava's hand as she spoke.
"Lielle is...dead?" Ava asked, astonished with the news. How in Nirn did that happen?
"Oh yes, and by the very hands of your Keeper! Faithful Cicero has served his purpose once more. Yet again, he has purged my dark family of a hidden threat. The Will of Sithis has come full-circle, ending all those who oppose or betray the Black Hand. Faithful, sweet Cicero...He, too, will be rewarded. I'm very fond of him, despite what he thinks. The poor child..." the Night Mother sighed, promptly moving along.
"Is Cicero okay?" Ava wondered aloud, feeling uneasy with the Matron's tone.
"In time, dear." the Night Mother replied, leading her to a faint light now forming in the distance. "My point was, that not only servants of the Black Hand arrive here, but victims of the Black Hand as well...Now, go, Ava. I'll meet you when you see the truth." the Night Mother's smooth, deep voice demanded, releasing Ava's hand.
Ava turned timidly to the light, looking back to the Matron's crimson eyes one final time. "Go, my child..." she smiled, commanding softly, as Ava stepped toward the light.
Rays of sunlight trickled in the darkness, falling over Ava's eyes, and causing her to wince from the brightness therein. "What...?" Her lip trembled as she stepped into the grass, walking up to the smooth waters of a calm, clear pond. Tears began to paint her eyes, as her gaze fell on a small, quaint, and welcoming cottage. It was her home.
"Hello?!" She called repeatedly, even running to knock on the door. Nothing. The place seemed empty. She pressed an ear to the wooden door, hearing complete silence within. What in the Void was all this? Suddenly, a shrouded figure came into her view.
Quickly, Ava hid herself behind a tree to observe what was happening. Perhaps this was similar to the other truths she had witnessed. Perhaps she was meant to watch and not participate. She watched as a tall, lean male Altmer paced about the place, peering into the windows and searching about the yard. When she caught a glimpse of his face, she instantly realized who he was.
"...Temani..." she whispered to herself, her eyes wide with awe. What in Nirn was he doing there?
She watched as the Altmer grew restless, sighing and shaking his head in defeat. He sulked away, disappearing from her view, as time began to suddenly speed up around her. Ava's eyes darted about wildly, watching day fall to night, and night grow to day, until...
Until she gazed upon her younger self and her father skipping rocks by the pond. They had been laughing and chatting, just as they used to do when she was but a young girl. Suddenly, their voices began to fade in, alerting Ava to listen carefully.
"Papa...do you think I'll be good at the family business?" Ava watched as the younger form of herself asked familiar words from her past. Instantly, she realized what was happening. That conversation was the last conversation she'd had with her father before her parents were murdered.
Timaeus chuckled, "Ava...my girl...you'll do just fine. You're my daughter, after all..."
Ava watched the scene unfold, as time hurled forward once more, bringing the sunset down behind the hills and painting the night sky across her vision. Ava noticed that the ghosts of the past were no longer there. Where did she go that evening, anyway? Oh, yes, she'd briefly visited Sidra's cottage, which was no more than a mile from her own. She remembered returning to her home at night after her visit. Of course, little did she know at the time that during her journey home, the fake bandits had somehow killed Sidra and her family, moving ahead of Ava and killing her own parents. She never found out how they'd travelled so quickly to get ahead of her. Perhaps they took a shorter route she wasn't aware of, or travelled on horseback. Of course, she didn't remember horses...
She looked on, waiting for the inevitable to happen before her eyes. She reasoned that at any moment she'd witness herself killing the false bandits after finding her mother and father dead on the floor of her home. To her surprise, something else happened first. The small, fine hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as she heard two hysterical voices from inside the cabin. The wail of a woman caused her to run frantically to peer in the window, well aware she could do nothing. These were merely ghostly reenactments, nothing more.
What she witnessed, however, had stricken her dumbfounded. Temani struggled with Rosalia, who was screaming wildly as Timaeus bled out onto the floor, gasping and gurgling for air.
Tears flooded down Ava's cheeks, as she instinctively grabbed the door, twisting the handle and pulling on it furiously. She then resorted to beating on the hard, unbreakable glass, witnessing what her eyes had never seen before.
"Now, please! Don't struggle, ma'am! This must be done, or I'm as good as dead! The Brotherhood will do away with me if I don't follow through this time!" Temani pleaded, subduing Ava's frantic mother and finally slitting her throat from behind.
"NO! NOOOOOOO!" Ava screamed from behind the window, beating furiously with both fists. She could never fully recover from their deaths in her previous life, and now she doubted if she ever would. Her own Brotherhood had betrayed her.
She watched as Temani loosened his grasp, allowing Ava's mother to fall lifeless to the floor. Puddles of blood oozed around her dead parents, engulfing and framing their dead forms. Temani's hands were trembling, and his breath shaky. "I-I'm so sorry...I just don't want to die...I had to do it..." his voice quivered, tears forming in his yellow eyes.
Suddenly, sounds of footsteps approached quickly. Ava watched her younger self open the door, just after Temani had slipped away, unnoticed. She watched the familiar scene unfold, as she found her parent's dead bodies. Soon after, the savage cries of the masked men could be heard. Ava watched as her young form began to flee from Myles' kin, only to be surrounded and forced to submit to her destiny.
"Enough...please...I don't want to see anymore..." Ava sobbed, slinking down to the ground and cradling her head in her hands. What was left anymore? She'd spent the last years of her life serving the Dark Brotherhood - - the very orginization that had murdered her parents. She'd given everything to the same Black Hand that had taken everything from her.
Ava felt a warm hand caress her back, lifting her eyes to see that her surroundings had faded to black once more. "Why?" She pitifully looked up to see the Night Mother's sympathetic expression gazing upon her. "Why this...now?"
"My child..." The tall, beautiful Matron crouched beside Ava, her long finger's wiping the tears from her eyes. "I don't show you this to harm you, but to reveal the truth. Come with me. I need to tell you some things." she commanded, standing tall and extending a hand to Ava, who hesitantly grasped it, pulling herself up.
She led Ava through the darkness once more, ready to reveal to her more knowledge as the two walked onward. Ava trembled the whole way, feeling shock and betrayal from the vision she'd just seen. How would knowing those horrible things help her? "Night Mother...Why did Temani kill my parents? What was he talking about?" Ava asked the first obvious question that entered her mind.
"Temani is an interesting one. I'll tell you a bit of his history. He was born in his homeland of Summerset Isle. He quickly abandoned any hopes of a normal life when it was discovered by his family that he had an inability to use any magic whatsoever. This is, of course, what Altmer pride themselves on. They tormented him for his defect, causing him to flee. He became a lonely wanderer, leaving to Cyrodiil in hopes of leaving behind his old life and any traces of it. While there, however, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He'd been blamed for a murder, and the Dark Brotherhood, knowing no different, offered to take him in." the Night Mother recalled, as Ava listened closely.
"Why did he join them, if he wasn't a murderer?" Ava asked irritably, already feeling deep resentment toward Temani.
"I'm sure you know better than anyone that not joining them is the more dangerous of the two options. He's a fearful soul, Ava. He was afraid he'd be killed if he didn't join them, and he was right. He would've been." the Night Mother answered. "Of course, he'd just become an initiate when Bruma was purged - - he's not been an assassin nearly as long as he'd like to let on. He got away clean, not having to kill for quite a number of years. However, finding himself unable to live normally among the citizens of Cyrodiil, he returned to wandering in self-exile until he came upon a small band of surviving assassins. He seemed to feel relieved to reunite with family, yet he was horrified to face the fact he'd have to actually murder someone...It's strange, really, that he sabotaged himself in such a way...Perhaps he felt he deserved such a twisted fate...Of course, he finally followed through with the act. However, being disgusted with himself for what he'd done, he returned to the decimated Bruma Sanctuary, hiding himself away from the world..."
"Who in the Void wanted him to kill my parents?!" Ava barked, still overcome by raw emotion.
The Night Mother turned to her, crossing her arms. "Do you really need to ask? Why, the very people that wanted them dead in the first place! Timaeus and Rosalia were Temani's first real murders. Myles' father had been the first person to request Temani's services. The poor elf had been watching you and your family for quite a while before he gathered the courage to commit the act. He'd even recongnized you when he reunited with your dark family in Falkreath. I can assure you, he feels immense guilt for what he's done to you. However, it took so long for Temani to muster the courage to kill your parents, that Myles' family simply figured he'd went back on his word. Thus, they went in for the kill themselves. This is why you met them outside of your old homestead, after you found your parent's bodies. They had just arrived."
"Wait. Then why did Myles' family tell me they slaughtered my parents? They said it right before they tried to murder me! This just doesn't make any sense!" Ava huffed, feeling angry and emotionally scattered.
"They simply told you that for their own gain before they attempted to end you. They figured your father and mother to be alive, and they didn't need you screaming for them and alerting them to what was happening. They had no knowledge that Temani finished the bargain before they had the chance. However, they were responsible for the deaths of Sidra and her family, unfortunately. I do assure you, Sidra, Albus, and their children are well. Their souls are comfortably drifting about in another plane, waiting for their rebirth. Of course, the Black Hand is responsible for your mother and father..." the Matron smiled contently, causing Ava's insides to sting.
"Why is that a good thing? Why are you smiling?" Ava growled, too blinded by her own pain to see the obvious.
"You suffer much, my child..." the Night Mother cooed, cupping Ava's face in her hands. "Your hurt clouds your vision. Remember what I told you. Those who serve the Black Hand and those who fall under their blades go to the Void, my precious one. Hurt no more, Ava...The Black Hand has not betrayed you. They have saved you. I know much, my child. I'm the only one who can truly see Sithis himself. I am his bride, after all. I can tell you that your parents would have died that night, regardless. Would you rather they have fallen by Sithis' Will, or that the bandits had infiltrated in the middle of the night, without warning? If fate had been otherwise, you'd have never witnessed your parent's death before their arrival. Your dark side would not have been released in time. You would have lost them, never to see them again once you joined us. However, this way, we have claimed them as our own..." the Night Mother continued, smiling warmly.
"Y-you...mean..." Ava stuttered, feeling an intense, overwhelming warmth well up inside of her. Suddenly, it was as if every tormenting moment and every trace of sadness had been washed away. Did this mean...?
The Night Mother remained silent, only nodding to answer her question. "Go to them, Ava. Go to your peace. Remember, I am always here when you need me." She wrapped her arms around Ava, as Ava closed her eyes, stifling back tears of joy.
Suddenly, Ava felt as light and airy as a feather fleeting in the warm spring winds. The embrace left her, as she opened her eyes to see the luscious and brilliant landscape of her homeland. She smelled the intoxicating scent of wildflowers and heard the songs of birds on the wind. She knelt down, placing her hand on the grass, which was soft and welcoming.
"I-I can't believe it..." she admitted, teary eyed and astonished. She spotted a red wildflower, plucking it and smelling its enticing aroma. "I'm home..." Ava began to sob tears of joy, turning to see her farmhouse once more.
The pond below it was shimmering in the sunlight, just as she'd always remembered. The family's old carriage was in the front yard, and a lush, green garden grew where she always remembered it. Even the old family mare grazed in the pasture - - the same one who injured her when she was just a girl. She was quite happy to see the old, stubborn thing.
Standing tall, free, and peaceful, Ava stood taking in the breath of her new life. She felt the warmth of the calming sunlight on her skin. She began to bound to her future, her joy unable to be contained. She was finally home.
"Good news, brother! I've just got word from Delvin that the Bruma Sanctuary has been fully restored! It cost us more coin than I'd like to say, but it was worth it! Just...for Sithis' sake, don't ask me to travel back there..." Nazir informed Vottur, growling as he remembered the icy, miserable trip to Bruma.
"Fine, fine, Nazir. If you won't go, then I will. Just remember that a little girl chose to travel where your big, manly feet refused to go." Babette smirked, teasing the Redguard. Vottur merely grinned, thinking of how insane it was that these people who he once couldn't stand, had now become a family that he'd give his life for. Vottur sighed, beginning to chuckle at her teasing. By Sithis! It had been so long since he'd felt this free and at peace with himself.
"It won't be so funny when you're freezing your little ass off, you She-Devil!" Nazir remarked, irritable with her comment.
"Very well, Babette. You can lead our family to Bruma, if you choose." Vottur nodded, thinking of how powerful they really had become. The Dragonborn had been defeated and the Legion had crumbled away from Skyrim. The Dark Brotherhood had found sworn allies in the Stormcloaks, who the Night Mother had ordered not to be slain by the Brotherhood for their allegiance, and now they were ready to spread their darkness to the next Province. He sighed to himself, overwhelmed by the profound power the Black Hand now held within its grasp.
"See? Now was that so hard, Nazir?" Babette gloated, causing the Redguard to growl.
"Come on, you little wench! Let's appoint this next Keeper and be done with it." Nazir huffed, leading them both to the central area of Falkreath, where Temani stood smiling, with a curiously relieved look upon his face.
"Are you ready to fulfill your duties, Temani? Do you pledge an oath to keep the Night Mother, and to put down your blade for the rest of your days?" Vottur asked him. Babette then passed the Keeping Tomes to Vottur.
"Yes! Yes, of course, sir!" Temani nodded excitedly. Vottur couldn't help but feel a bit perplexed by his odd happiness with the situation. Most assassins would mourn the day they had to rest their blade.
"Very well. These are yours, Keeper." Vottur handed him the tomes as Temani studied them, in awe. The crowd of curious assassins that had gathered near watched in a bewildered state, as the elf nearly danced with happiness. It must have been a perfect fit for the Altmer. For some odd reason, the Night Mother had told him to appoint Temani as the new Keeper. Vottur trusted the Matron's judgment, for she'd never led him astray before, and he doubted she ever would.
"I have to admit, it won't be the same without Cicero around here..." Babette shook her head in a sympathetic manner. "I know it's rather loony of me, but I miss the poor fellow."
"Yes, it is rather loony of you!" Nazir barked. "At least we'll get some peace and quiet around here for once!"
"He was an empty shell in the end..." Vottur shook his head regretfully. "He'll be at peace where he's at, at least. Who knows, maybe he's found Ava by now." Vottur, despite not being particularly fond of Cicero, hoped the man had at least found his peace. After the dust had cleared from battle, Vottur had done the honorable thing and ordered Cicero's body to be carried back to Dawnstar and burned ceremoniously, much like Ava's. He was family, after all. Babette did have a point - - it would be much different without him around.
"She'll run if she knows what's good for her." Nazir grumbled under his breath, arms folded.
"I'm ready, Vottur..." A sweet, feminine voice breathed from behind him. He whipped about to see Violet adjusting her newly-aquired shrouded armor. "Well, how do I look?" She grinned mischeviously.
"Breathtaking..." Vottur smiled, pulling her in and kissing her soft lips. "Are we ready?"
"Good luck on your first contract, dear. It's nice to have you join us. Much more thrilling than the life of a noble, I'd say..." Babette grinned devilishly.
"Quite." Violet nodded, pulling her long braid to the side. "I'm happy your family would have me."
"Likewise." Nazir grinned. "Always good to see young bloods come in. Well, you two best get to it! Go get your hands wet!"
Vottur eagerly grabbed her hand, leading her out into the night. Shadowmere stood waiting patiently, as Vottur helped Violet mount the large, muscular stallion.
"I have to say, I'd have never in a million lifetimes thought I would end up as an assassin, of all things. Of course, when I cut my own father's head clean off, I realized that the Dark Brotherhood brings about justice to those in need...albeit in a different fashion. I rather like it, don't you? A dark vigilante riding into the night, perhaps?" she mused, as Vottur settled in front of her, grabbing the reins.
"Well, I'm glad you did end up here. You saved me, Violet." he said, looking into her dark brown eyes twinkling in the night. He grabbed her chin, pulling her in and kissing her passionately.
She smiled from the kiss, breathless. "Do you think fate brought us together, Vottur?" she asked, curiously cocking her head to the side.
"I don't think so, Violet. I know so. You could say I have a bit of insight. I hear voices, remember?" he teased, as his rowdy, playful demeanor slowly drifted back in. "Let's go see what fate has in store, eh?" he grinned, as the two rode the thundering dark stallion off into the night...
Cicero stood before the Night Mother, his eyes wide and full of pure astonishment. Never before had he seen something more beautiful and deadly. "...Mother?" he whimpered, tears in his eyes.
"Yes, faithful Cicero...It is I...You've toiled and suffered many years for me, and I intend to repay my gratitude..." She held out her hand, as Cicero trembled in awe, reaching out a shaky, bare hand to touch her skin. Oh, how warm and welcoming it was!
"Mother..." he cooed, feeling both speechless and breathless.
"Yes, my faithful Cicero. I am here." she answered, seeming to be aware that he was far too dumfounded to say anything coherent. "Have you enjoyed the Void so far?"
Cicero couldn't help but to stare at her long, flowing hair and her supple thighs as she walked ahead of him, leading him forward. Much, much nicer than an old corpse! Indeed! The Unholy Matron was deadly and beautiful! "Oh, yes! Cicero has had the pleasure of meeting the Keepers before himself! Oh, and he united with the jester! His dear, dear friend! Oh, and how we laughed, and LAUGHED! It was almost as funny as the time I KILLED him! HEHE!" Cicero chimed, feeling as giddy as ever. He couldn't believe it! He was actually speaking to the Night Mother, and witnessing her talk to him in response! Her voice was as rich and deep as blood was red. He'd waited for so long to hear that voice. Cicero sighed, following her down a corridor, feeling completely content.
"Sweet Cicero, do you remember how you arrived here?" she asked him, as the world surrounding him faded to black, causing him to bristle a bit in response.
"Hmmm...Cicero isn't so sure. He's obviously DEAD, no doubt." Cicero shrugged, his mind still fuzzy. He could only remember a vague, haunting, empty feeling and nothing more. How strange! Questions began to form in his hazy mind. "Of course, if he IS dead and not merely dreaming...Cicero doesn't quite understand why he hasn't...changed...If Cicero just MET the jester, why is the laughter still with him as well? Can the jester be in TWO places at once, Mother? In the Void and Cicero's brain? Maybe dreaming, after all..." Cicero muttered to himself, rubbing his chin.
"No, you are most certainly dead, Cicero..." the matron chuckled, amused. "You said yourself that the laughter was a gift. Now, why would I take back a gift? Besides, souls come into the Void completely preserved. This is who you are. I wouldn't change it, and I'm most certain you wouldn't...Of course, being the way you are, I fear I pushed you a bit too far at the end. I'd taken far too much from you, sweet, devoted Cicero. I broke your psyche, I'm afraid. And so you came here in the your previous form - - the way you were before I shattered you. I take all the blame for that, dear child..."
Cicero could feel an icy shudder crawl up his spine. "W-what happened Mother?"
The Night Mother led him through the darkness and toward a bright, blinding light. "Cicero, you've suffered great trauma, my child...You're having a bout of amnesia as a result of it. It sometimes happens here when one of my dark children has suffered a loss so shattering that they cannot endure it. Now, listen carefully. I'm going to say a name, and that name will bring back everything. Are you ready to hear it, Cicero?" she asked, stopping mere feet away from the radiant light.
"Oh, OF COURSE, Mother! Cicero ALWAYS loves to hear what you have to say!" He fidgeted about, squeezing her hand.
"...Ava..." she spoke in a hushed tone, nearly whispering the name.
In an instant, Cicero gasped, falling to his knees and sobbing. Ava, his beloved, had died gruesomely just before the world fell back, empty, and meaningless. She had been his world, his everything. She was part of him. Then she was gone. Never were things so clear and vivid as they were now, as his final moments with her flashed before his eyes.
"W-was it true, Mother? Was it her destiny, or did the nasty Blood-sucker lie to poor Cicero?" he asked, his voice thick with sorrow as he stumbled to his feet.
"It was the Will of Sithis, and you'll be very proud of your beloved, for she has served her purpose well. The Dark Brotherhood is prospering more than ever thanks to her obedience. The Black Hand is slowly devouring all of Tamriel, once more..." she laughed wickedly, sending a tingle up Cicero's spine. She was so lovely - - so wicked!
"Cicero misses her..." he sighed, feeling a pang in his chest. He suddenly yearned to see her twinkling sapphire eyes and raven hair; to feel her soft kisses and embrace her kind spirit. She truly made him feel alive, even in death.
A sly grin spread across her face. "Ava's here, you know."
"...She is?...Yes, YES, SHE IS! FOOLISH Cicero nearly forgot! He is in the VOID, after all! Home to all the Dread Father's dark children! HOHO!" He pranced about, clapping his hands merrily. Surely the Dread Father wouldn't mind his capering, would he? Cicero certainly hoped not!
"Go to her, my faithful one..." The Night Mother smiled, pointing a long, slender finger toward the radiant light.
Cicero nodded jubilantly, running toward the entrance, only to stop with a final question. He raised a brow. "Mother...Will Cicero see you again?"
The Matron chuckled, her laugh full and rich. "Of course, child. Here...This is for you..." She placed an object in Cicero's hand, closing it shut for him. "Doesn't family always drop in unexpected?"
Cicero's brow furrowed, eyeing the unknown object and grinning foolishly when he realized what it was. It was his gift to Ava, that he'd never had a chance to return. It was her silver garnet ring. He grasped it, holding it closely to his heart as he bounded off, disappearing into the light.
"GRRRR...STUPID HORSE! CAN'T YOU GO ANY FASTER!?" the jester yelled, as he whipped at the reins, sitting from the driver's seat on his carriage. The white steed turned it's head to him, ears back, not amused with his screeching.
"Fine, stupid creature. Go SLOW then. See if Cicero gives you another carrot..." he grumbled under his breath, feeling frustrated and downright irritable. He felt as if he'd been searching for a lifetime. The jester could easily see that this place was some form of Cyrodiil - - he and Ava's homeland. He could tell from the temperate, breezy climate and the lush, bright landscape.
It all would have left him elated, if only he held her in his arms once more. He felt as if he'd travelled every backroad, every main path, and every crevice of this world, and still no Ava. It felt so strange to think of her as Ava now, for she was no longer his Listener. Ah, but it was of no matter to him. She was his, all the same.
The jester had spent days travelling, remembering her beautiful ocean-colored eyes and her soft, comforting voice. Ava - - a kind, comforting soul in a sea of black and death. She was his redemption in this life and his previous one. He knew he'd never be whole again without her. He sighed, taking the silver garnet ring from a pouch on his side and eyeing it, watching it twinkle in the sunlight. Ava's eyes twinkled more brightly, he thought.
Off in the distance, he could see the road lead to a small farmhouse by a still, glassy pond. Three figures stood by the pond, skipping rocks, from what he could tell through his squinted eyes. Perhaps someone there could help poor, sorrowful Cicero.
"GO, HORSE!" he demanded, urging the steed to go further, to which it finally obeyed. Cicero smiled, riding swiftly in the sunlight, until the carriage hit a deep pit in the road, causing the wheel to fling off, rolling into a nearby field.
"AAAAAHHHHH BLASTED CREATURE!" he cursed, clinching his fists and flinging the reins away. He jumped down from the carriage. Enraged, he kicked the side of it with all his might. How was he to find her now?! Why was fate so cruel to poor Cicero? Did the Dread Father not enjoy his capers, after all?
"Come on girl, you can do better than that!" Timaeus teased, watching Ava's smooth pebble sink unceremoniously in the still waters.
"Guess I'm still a little rusty..." she sighed, feeling a bit guilty. Here she was, reunited with her parents and back in her peaceful home, and yet...She wasn't entirely happy. Not without him...
"What's wrong, my girl? You look like you sucked on a rotten egg!" Timaeus chuckled, as Rosalia stepped forward, placing a loving arm around her shoulders.
"What is it, Ava? You look troubled." she asked, her voice sweet and calming, just as Ava remembered it.
"I'm happy...It's just...I met someone after you two were gone...and...It's just not the same without him...I'm sorry, Mama, Papa...I know I should be happy, but...I miss him, too..." she sighed, a single tear trickling down her cheek.
She looked on as Timaeus and Rosalia's eyes seemed to wander off in the distance. Ava furrowed her brow, curious to what they were staring at. A little ways down the path to their home there stood a horse, a carriage, and a man - - just stranded there.
She whipped back to see that Rosalia and Timaeus were sending each other a sly look, as if they secretly knew something that she was currently unaware of. Rosalia pointed in the distance, gently pushing Ava forward. "You better go see if that man needs help, dear. He looks awfully upset..." she smiled, as Ava nodded, eyes wide and bewildered.
She began walking, holding her breath and hoping against all hope that this person would be the same crazy man she fell in love with a lifetime ago. The warm winds blew, carrying the scent of fresh lavender while ruffling her white dress, as if to tease her on her way. She merely composed herself, bracing herself for a potential disappointment. It had already seemed like she'd waited a thousand years for him, for time in the Void seemed nearly meaningless. Days could either seem like minutes or years for some reason, leaving her to truly wonder just how long it would be. Occasionally, Ava would see a travelling stranger or a passer-by. It always left her sad and downtrodden when she realized it wasn't Cicero. She just wouldn't be the same until she saw his face again, plain and simple.
Approaching closer, she noted that the man wore a plain set of peasant clothes, as he stood grumbling to himself. Nope. No motley. Definitely not Cicero. Couldn't be...could it? Her eyes grew wide as she noted the man's striking red mane in the distance, and how he squealed and frantically waved about in frustration...Was this it? Was this finally the moment she'd been waiting for?!
She silently approached the man, who stood with his back to her, screaming and yelling phrases she dare not repeat. His voice had sounded so familiar. "CURSES!DAMNDEST WAGON WHEEL! NOW CICERO WILL NEVER FIND HER! OH, HOW HE SEARCHES AND SEARCHES, AND FOR WHAT?! NOOOTHHING!" he fumed, as Ava gasped, covering her mouth and just barely stifling back a bout of joyous laughter. It was him! By Sithis himself! She felt as if she'd waited so very long, and now he was finally here! Her eyes began to fill with tears as she struggled to find a way to disrupt his fit of rage.
Not knowing what to say to say, she simply spoke. "Is...everything alright?" she asked softly, unsure of his reaction.
Too distracted to realize who she was, he began to rant on. "OF COURSE NOT! You see, poor, foolish Cicero was looking for someone! SEARCHING and SEARCHING for so long to find her, only to have his WAGON WHEEL flung off! BLASTED!" the jester fumed on, stomping a foot and kicking the dirt path.
Ava smiled, feeling her heart race wildly. The man she'd waited on for so long was standing right in front of her, completely oblivious to who she was. She chuckled aloud, joyously amused with her silly jester.
"WHAT'S SO FUNNY?!" he whipped around, growling. As his amber eyes met with her own, he grew silent, completely astonished.
"Hello again." she chuckled softly, her spirit feeling airy and light in seeing him.
"...Ava..." Cicero whispered, his wide eyes never moving from her. "Y-you're...here..."
"...I've been waiting for you..." she replied, her spirit feeling comforted, energetic, and healthy. She hadn't felt this wonderful since she'd been a wishful, dreamy young girl. It was as if every single bad thing in her life had never happened. And there he was. She felt suddenly delighted, hopeful, vibrant, and whole. She reached out a warm, welcoming hand to him.
Completely ignoring her gesture, Cicero flung himself at her, cackling wildly. He threw his arms about her waist, twirling her about until she laughed, dizzy and drunk with joy. Apparently, Cicero had gotten dizzy himself, for the both of them fell to the ground, tumbling together in the wispy grass.
"OH! IT'S YOU! IT'S YOU! IT'S YOU!" Cicero sung merrily, now on top of her, his eyes happy and filled with joyous tears. She affectionately pulled him in, their lips meeting for the first time in what felt like a thousand years.
"Yes. Yes, it is..." Ava whispered, touching his cheek and staring into his eyes.
Cicero grabbed her hand, looking surprised as he studied it. "AH! That reminds Cicero! He has a gift for you!" he chimed, reaching into a pouch on his side and pulling out the silver garnet ring.
"My ring..." Ava's eyes widened. Her sweet, wonderful jester remembered her ring, after all that time! She watched with awe as he gently slid it on her left hand, tears now trailing down her cheeks.
"Now, don't give it back this time!" Cicero shook his finger in her face with a feigned look of anger. His exaggerated mean-face straightened, of course, as he leaned in, kissing her deeper.
"Cicero loves you, Ava. He wants you to keep it." he grinned, their foreheads touching as she lay on her back in the sweet smelling grass, laughing softly.
"I'll keep it, forever and always..." she whispered, pulling him in to passionately kiss him longer.
"A-hem!" A gruff, manly voice grunted from behind her. Ava winced with embarassment, realizing it belonged to her father. "Is this who you were talking about, daughter?" Timaeus barked, as Ava timidly glanced up to see her father's accusing stare. Apparently her father was as protective in this life as he was in the last.
Cicero glanced up, wide eyed and full of shock. "...Daughter?"
Ava gave Cicero a sheepish look, as he stared at her, baffled. "Cicero, I'd like you to meet my father..." she replied, nudging him to get off of her and out of their compromising position. By Sithis, that was awkward!
Timaeus' accusing expression turned quickly to a friendly, welcoming one. He held out a hand, as an offer to her beloved. "Cicero...is it? Good to meet you!"
"You mean you're not going to lecture him?" Ava teased her father, as Cicero shook the man's hand, wide-eyed and speechless.
"Why would I do that?!" Timaeus feigned a look of surprise, then chuckled. "You two are together now. That makes him family, doesn't it?" he asked, grinning broadly and nudging the speechless jester.
"Oh...Yes, YES, it DOES!" An elated Cicero shook Timaeus' hand harder, causing Ava's father to pull his hand away, rubbing it from the jester's tight, overly-friendly grip.
"Of course, you'll have to enter the family the proper way." he warned, narrowing his eyes at his daughter, who grinned sheepishly.
"Do they even have marriage temples in the Void?" Ava asked, curiously.
"They'd better! I guess I'll have to ask the Night Mother about that one. Either way, we're marrying you two if I have to do it myself! Your mother would have a fit, otherwise!" Timaeus shot them both a stern look.
"M-marriage?!" Cicero yelped, seeming completely astonished by the very thought of it. He suddenly appeared almost timid, chuckling nervously. "Oh...Cicero wouldn't want to PRESSURE kind Ava..." The jester glanced sheepishly to Ava, scratching his head nervously. Ava figured he'd been too afraid of rejection to ever consider it.
"I would..." Ava spoke softly, watching Cicero's face light up with surprise and delight. Truly, she would love to more than anything.
"Y-you would?" Cicero gasped, in awe. The true, sincere tone of shock in his voice was enough to cause her heart to skip a beat.
"Absolutely. I'd want nothing more..." Ava smiled warmly, as she spoke softly, caressing Cicero's cheek. "If you'd have me..."
Ava looked into her jester's eyes, seeing the deep hope and warmth that traced them. His face shown no traces of pain, hurt, or suffering from his former life. Seeing him so full of life and joy was worth everything she'd been through. She'd do it all over again just to be right here in this moment.
Cicero smiled warmly, brushing a stray strand of hair from Ava's eyes. "Of course, I'd have you. If the Void itself crumbled, and all the planes of existence fell away, and Cicero had only you...He'd be a very lucky man, indeed. You...you are his life's work. His everything..." he spoke softly, his voice filling Ava as she glanced briefly to her father. Timaeus stood, arms crossed, smiling warmly. His eyes kind and warm, he nodded to her, in a silent gesture that spoke volumes of his happiness for his daughter.
"Besides..." Cicero grinned mischievously, a devilish tone appearing in his voice. "Did Ava REALLY think she'd get rid of poor Cicero that easily? Hmmmnnn? Ava DID make the first move, after all...Helping poor Cicero fix his wagon...sparing his life...not to mention scandalously KISSING him...among OTHER things..." he purred suggestively, causing Ava to blush. Of course Cicero wouldn't pass up a chance to embarrass the life out of her in front of her father. Ava simply grinned shyly, grateful that her father was easy going and had a good sense of humor. "I'm afraid you've done yourself in, my love...Cicero is most certain you are STUCK with him now." he continued, donning that familiar, foolish grin Ava had grown to adore.
"That's fine by me," Ava laughed, grabbing Cicero by the hand as they both followed her father back to the farmhouse. "Now come on, I want to introduce you to my Mother." She smiled, pulling her hopelessly devoted jester along, as he donned his familiar, dopey grin, cackling like a madman the whole way.
Seeing the farmhouse approaching in the distance and smelling the fresh scent of lavender in the air, Ava realized she had found her peace. She knew that everyday thereafter, she'd probably pinch herself and wonder when this magnificent dream would end. Fortunately for her, it wouldn't. Ava knew she had gained everything her heart desired. She now had her parents, her dark family, and, most importantly, her jester. Even for those who were still kept apart from her, yet a lifetime away, she knew she would meet them again in time. There was nothing but hope for her future. She couldn't help but smile, feeling eternally grateful. Once, nothing but pain and darkness had consumed her life, but now things had completely changed forever. The hurt was nothing more than a faded, distant memory. The pain and suffering were long past. Love's rhythmic hum filled the Void that she dwelled in, and the void inside her heart. Ava chuckled to herself, walking with an extra bounce in her step as she squeezed tightly the hand of the person she'd waited a lifetime for. Eternal happiness washed over her, when she felt him squeeze back even tighter. Ava realized she'd found profound, glimmering light within the darkest plane of existence. In the darkest of spaces she reunited with the other half of her soul. In the darkest of spaces she was free.
The End.
Hello again, everyone! I really, truly hope you enjoyed my first fic. I absolutely LOVED writing and sharing this story with you guys. I really grew to love Skyrim's characters and my own as well, so it's sad for me to see it end. I TRULY appreciate the follows/favs/reviews, and everyone who stopped in to read this. A great BIG thanks to you all! Feel free to let me know what you think!
I'll say goodbye for now, but I'm pretty sure I'll be back, as I'm conjuring up another story at the moment (I believe I've officially found my new favorite hobby lol).
Best wishes to you all!