Regardless of how long it is, could you post the first fifteen chapters of your story on the forum somewhere? I'm on a public computer that doesn't have Microsoft Works installed, and I don't have the Admin rights required to install it. Alternatively, you could upload it in a more accessible format, like Notepad.

Right now I'm on my Macbook and I don't have notepad, but when I go home later I'll go on my PC and upload it on Notepad or Wordpad You can also read it at fanfiction.net, if that's easier.

Hey oletolle! Good to see you here, dear sister

I had a very nice plan for a subtle bumping of the thread... but then I forgot, so I might as well be honest- this is a blatant bump.

I so can't wait for the next chapter...I've wanted to write my own Dark brotherhood fic, what advice could you give?

I am not AllShallFade but let me just say that you need to make sure to use vivid description and make your opening chapter something will grab the reader's attention. I hope that helps...

Where is the next chapter? Why is it not here?

Oooh, you're writing a fic? Yay! I love it when people write fics As for advice... well, I'd make sure it is descriptive, as redsrock mentioned- and in every aspect of the story. A tale is so much more powerful if you understand the character, if you know how they're feeling, what they're thinking- so make sure to describe character's emotions and thoughts as well as their surroundings. As for the Dark Brotherhood aspect of it.... well, blood and gore is always fun

If you need any more specific help, I'd be more then happy to help- you can post here or PM me, whatever's easiest I can't wait to read it!

@Sufferthorn- Awww! I just saw the link in your sig! :embarrased: Thank you so much! And unfortunately it'll probably be a bit before the next chapter- exams coming up, so I don't have much time to write... and this chapter is like... BIG. I will probably take my time

Thanks for the reviews everyone! *hands out review cookies*

:ph34r:

Bumpity Bump Bump!

:ph34r:

I love it. Again, brilliance. Tho it's gonna make me wanna cry when Ocheeva and Teinaava have to die. That's always the hardest part of the entire quest for me, having to kill them. They're always the last two to go. And I love the bit of foreshadowing you used a while back with Scar-Tail. I never really thought about it until now. Wow. You are an amazing writer. Keep 'em coming! I can't wait to read more!

I am forced to agree with Sufferthorn and his signature. This is the best fanfic I have read to date and I eagerly await the next installment.

ditto.

Exactly how long do we have to wait for the next one?

:embarrased: Thank you so much!

And as for the next chapter... while, right now I'm massively busy studying for exams, which start on Friday for me... and I've only written about four or five pages of it so far I have a big plan for events within it though, that I've had for a long time, so once I am not busy and free to sit down and write I think it shouldn't take too long. So.... at least a week or two, and hopefully not more :unsure:

As always, your patience is appreciated! You guys rock!

A not so subtle bump...woo~ Hope to see a new chapter soon, and good luck with exams!

havent read this in a LONG time so just wanted to post my comments on how good the story is and how that, even with the few gramatical errors its great ad that you should keep up the good work:D:D:D

Thank you so much for your continued interest, and reviews! I hope you enjoy the Purification....

Chapter Eighteen: The Purification

I stood quite still, not a muscle moving; the only sound was that of the crickets serenading the expansive dark skies surrounding me. Yet for all the motionlessness of my body, my mind was moving in speeds and ranges I could not have imagined before this time. Two days had passed since the death of Telaendril, but I was still not ready to face what awaited me inside the Sanctuary's walls. Before me sat the well, its cover shifted aside. Through the crack this created, a soft shimmer of light escaped from the depths within.

And I stared at that gap, fighting some invisible force that seemed to be preventing me from entering. Below that well cover laid the Sanctuary, where I knew that its members would be mourning the loss of one of their own. Our! One of 'our' own! I thought savagely, trying to correct myself. I was already starting to separate myself from them, to refer to myself as different, an outsider of the family. I felt such a strong sensation of self disgust and revulsion that it was nearly unbearable, for I knew that I couldn't be one of the family anymore; having to kill all of them made things a bit complicated.

An infinity seemed to pass, but I finally found the power within myself to shift my still muscles, knowing that the patrols of Cheydinhal guard would soon start their evening rounds. I had to go down there, and I had waited long enough?

After killing Telaendril, I had worked quickly, methodically- I'd been trying to keep my mind off the reality of my actions. The rain was strong and persistent, so I had rapidly gone through her possessions, taking whatever I felt a bandit would have, and dragged her body to the side of the road. I then went back to my hiding place and awaited the arrival of a guard. Several hours later a patroller on horseback went by, and he discovered the body and returned her to Cheydinhal, believing the death to be the work of bandits.

I probably should have returned to the Sanctuary right then, but instead I had waited until the officer was out of sight and turned the opposite way, heading west. I was restless, I could not keep still- for being still meant that I would think. And I could not think of what I had just done; not yet. And so I traveled, like my days before the Brotherhood, with no supplies except my bow and arrow, dagger, and clothes on my back. I did not sleep except when it was absolutely necessary, and even then it was a light doze, filled with fretful tossing and turning- and dark dreams.

But eventually I found myself near Cheydinhal again, and I knew that it was time I returned to the Sanctuary- which brought me to where I stood now, staring at the well, preparing to climb down and return to those who I had once called family without trepidation

I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, and murmured a short prayer to the Night Mother before suddenly stepping forward and fully pushing the grate off to the side. I made my way down the ladder quickly, with ferocity- for I knew that as soon as I stopped to think I would find some excuse to remain outside, to turn back.

I dropped down into the Entry Hall to find it almost chillingly empty, the intense silence eerie and unnatural. There was most definitely something wrong, and had I not been the cause of it I would have been most alarmed at this moment; but I was the cause, and felt only apprehensive.

Ocheeva's doors were closed and I heard no noise coming from within, so I continued onward to the Living Quarters. My heart was hammering within my chest, a dull throbbing echoing throughout my skull. There was a still sort of silence in the air, and I felt my breath constricted as I turned the final corner of the hall.

The scene within the room was one of dim lights and tense silence. Dozens of candles were scattered about the room, casting a myriad of unidentifiable shadows on the stoned walls. I turned about in confusion, my expression inquisitive. Before me I found the members of the Sanctuary- all except Antoinetta, it seemed.

Ocheeva was standing in the front, donning a robe of the darkest black, her face equally dark; her expression was somber, but her eyes were hard. Teinaava was at her left, also wearing all black- but not his customary leather armor. Instead, it seemed as I looked about the room, that everyone was in their finest attire- and all black.

I searched past Teinaava's pitying look and found Vicente Valtieri, his eyes a deep red and face expressionless - not even the tips of his fangs slipped from his lips. He was watching me intently, and I averted my gaze from him quickly, with a distinct sense of unease. M'raaj Dar stood off to the side near the table, his normally blue robes switched for black. I noted that, for once, the Khajiit did not scowl at the sight of me.

Behind the round table in the back of the room (which was laden with a rather irregular mass of food) was Gogron, slumped pathetically over in a chair. His normally large frame seemed almost chillingly frail and feeble. He was quite still, and did not acknowledge that I had walked into the room at all. Instead, his eyes remained fixed on what lay before him; I followed his gaze.

The long table normally reserved for dining and drinks had been dragged into the middle of the room, and upon first inspection I thought it lay bare- but as I looked closer, I realized that its chestnut wood was stained a dark red in the center, and the stone floor below revealed a puddle of the same substance. I watched, my expression aghast, as a drop of the red liquid slipped between a crack in the wood and splashed softly into the puddle below.

I looked up into the eyes of the family, my expression bewildered and alarmed.

"What's going on here?" I asked urgently. My view darted to each of their eyes in turn, yet they all seemed to shy away, unable to keep my gaze. Ocheeva was the one to finally hold eye contact.

"Adrienne? you have missed much in your absence," she said, her tone almost overly official.

"What do you mean? What's happened?" I asked, trying to fill my voice with as much fear as possible. Instead it came out sounding a bit pained.

"Telaendril?she? she is dead, Adrienne," Teinaava spoke for her, his voice gentle.

"What?" I replied quickly, sharply. He winced slightly.

"Her body was found on the road leading to Cheydinhal- the Guard brought her back to the city, and we, of course, retrieved her corpse," he said.

I could tell he was speaking cautiously, extremely wary of my reaction- but I was not focused on him. Instead, my line of sight went past him, to the figure standing in the shadows behind the Argonian. The figure with deep red eyes and gleaming white fangs.

Vicente Valtieri was still watching me intently, his gaze sharp and penetrating. I felt myself beginning to waver under his intense scrutiny- it may have simply been my mind playing tricks on me, but I could not help but get the very distinct feeling that his gaze was one of deep understanding- and of acute disappointment. Almost like he knew...

I breathed in sharply and turned away from him, swallowing deeply before speaking.

"Do we know who? who is responsible?"

I watched carefully for all of their reactions, and saw nothing that could indicate suspicion towards myself from anyone? except Vicente. I could swear that as I spoke, his lips turned up in the corners slightly in an almost sardonic smile. Unconsciously I found my hand going to the dagger at my waist, fingering it anxiously. He smiled widened almost imperceptibly, but I turned away from him and looked back to Ocheeva and Teinaava.

"We do have our theories, but are currently unaware as to the identity of those who have committed this atrocity against us. But I assure you, when we do discover them, they shall pay most dearly for their deeds," said Teinaava, eying the hand upon my dagger with a slight smile and a knowing look also upon his face; but I doubted it was in the same vein as that of Vicente.

"I know that whoever is responsible for her death will suffer," I said slowly; but the certainty in my tone was quite evident. For I knew it was true.

The other's all nodded their heads in agreement- all except Gogron, whose eyes were still fixed upon the bloody table. I looked around the room, and could clearly see that Telaendril's body was not present. I looked at the blood again.

"But what is going on here?" I asked, gesturing my chin in the direction of the table.

"Ah?" Ocheeva cleared her throat formally before continuing. "We have just performed the ancient Ritual of Descent, which aids our fallen Brothers and Sisters in their journey to the side of Sithis, in the Void."

"Ritual of Descent?" I asked, eyebrows furrowed. I had never heard of such a thing.

"Yes- we purify the body, cleansing the flesh and blood through sacred procedures of removal. It is a lengthy process, and one that requires intense concentration and devotion. But of course, everyone here was ready and willing to honor our beloved Telaendril."

"Except, it seems, myself," I replied, my tone slightly bitter.

"We could not have known when you were returning dear sister- and the ritual must be performed within a certain time frame after the death. If we had been aware that you'd be back today, we would have waited, I assure you," Teinaava said quickly.

I nodded my head curtly and looked around once again, averting my eyes from him uncomfortably.

"So? now what?" I finally asked, my voice cracking.

"Now we feast, and honor our fallen Sister," Ocheeva answered, gesturing towards the round table in the back of the room, where Gogron still sat. His position had not changed in the least, and his expression seemed fixed as well. He looked up vaguely when we all turned toward him.

"Hmm?" he said, absentmindedly.

"It's time to eat," said Ocheeva kindly, turning and walking toward him.

He nodded dimly, as through in a trance. I dropped my travel pack by the doorway and we all followed and moved to sit down around the table. We were one chair short, so I moved to slide a seat over from the spares sitting in the corner- when suddenly M'raaj Dar cut in front of me and grabbed it first, sliding it over and gesturing for me to sit. I eyed him warily, but he returned it with an unmistakably pleasant look. I sat down slowly and he pushed the chair in for me, before turning to sit himself. I continued to watch him, with unmistakable incredulity upon my face. Why was he being so kind to me?

Once we were all seated and comfortable around the table, Ocheeva at its head, we fell into a tense silence. I looked at the food before us on the table, watching the steam rise from it in a swirling mass. There was a dark red meat piled haphazardly on a platter in the center, with radishes, potatoes and carrots surrounding it on an assortment of plates. I wondered vaguely why there was only one variation of meat, as opposed to the usual several, but the thought was pushed from my mind when Ocheeva rose from her chair.

She began then to speak of Telaendril, of her talent and skill as an assassin, along with her amiability and good humor with all those around her. I pushed my mind to other places, finding it too painful to listen. I looked over at M'raaj Dar once again, watching him as he looked up at Ocheeva. There was something different about him- there was no doubt about that? something very, very different. His very demeanor was unnatural, his stature relaxed and expression pleasant. I was wondering what could have brought about such a drastic change, when suddenly I felt my hands being gripped by Teinaava at my left and Vicente at my right.

I shook my head slightly and looked about in alarm- but I saw that the entire table had linked hands, holding them up as though in a prayer. I turned my attention back to Ocheeva, who was chanting in some form of Tamriellic that I could not understand, her eyes closed in concentration and her voice deep with intensity. The others were completely entranced by her prayer, and only I was not watching Ocheeva with glowing eyes.

When she had completed her ritual we all lowered our hands slowly, a deafening silence descending. We were quite still, but after a moment we all reached forward in unison and began to eat, stabbing the meat and vegetables onto our plates with personal knives. I started to chew on the steaming red meat, its warm juices filling my mouth with delectable tastes. I closed my eyes and breathed in deep with satisfaction, swallowing the chunk of meat with an audible gulp. Similar sighs of contentment came from those around the table as we enjoyed the feast; yet I looked up and saw that there was one who still seemed to be restless.

Gogron was still sitting slouched over in his chair, and I was shocked to see that he was barely eating a thing. I watched as he raised a piece of meat skewered by his knife to his lips, but made a face of revulsion and set it down again, proceeding to poke at the vegetables. I noticed for the first time that his eyes were bloodshot.

I felt someone's gaze upon me, and turned to find Teinaava trying to catch my eye. He gave a meaningful look toward the sulking Gogron, his eyes telling me that he noticed as well, and that we would speak of it later.

The dinner passed by in an almost complete silence, the only sound that of clinking knives and plates, or the deep swallowing of food and drink. Once the platter of meat had been finished and the plates were cleared and leftovers stored, Teinaava once again caught my eye.

"I'm going out for some fresh air," he said, and the others nodded in compliance. As he started to make his way from the room he sent me another, more urgent look. I clenched my jaw.

"I think I'll join you," I found myself saying, and he smiled slightly as I followed him up the hallway. We walked in silence, our steps echoing throughout the hushed corridor. When we came up into the Entry Hall he gestured toward the ladder leading out of the well, an eyebrow raised in question. I responded by walking in front of him and climbing up and out, offering him a hand as he followed.

Night had fallen, and the city was dark and the sky cloudless as we stood beneath it, encompassed by its vastness. We listened together to the sounds of the twilight- the crickets singing their songs, the gentle breeze, but most of all- the quiet. After a moment, Teinaava broke the silence.

"This is a difficult time for all of us?" he said slowly.

"It is," I said, trying to keep the tone of bitter irony from my voice.

"Yes? but I think that Gogron has been taking it the hardest."

I nodded slowly in agreement, and thought of a time that seems long ago now, when we had celebrated my contract at Summitmist Manor by all getting uproariously drunk? and the admission that Telaendril had made that night- the confession of her feelings for Gogron. I wondered if she had ever admitted her feelings to him, for it was quite apparent now that he shared those affections.

"So how are you handling this?"

I jerked my head in his direction, drawn out of my reverie by his question. He was watching me closely, and I closed and opened my eyes again before replying, my voice soft.

""I will be fine?" He raised an eyebrow. "It was just a surprise? you don't expect to ever lose anyone here." I continued. His expression softened, and he gave a slight nod, seemingly satisfied with the truth in my response.

"I know what you mean?the first time someone from your family dies, it is always difficult." As he continued on his voice became hollow, as though he was speaking only to himself. "Sometimes the most difficult, for it always feels so unexpected... You remember your young advlt years, where you believed yourself to be invincible? It is the same concept, only applied instead to those around you."

"Yes?"

We sat in silence, leaning against the well and lifting our chins to stare up into the night sky. I could sense his thoughts were far away; and as I turned to look at Teinaava out of the corner of my eye, I felt my heart race suddenly. I could kill him? right now? no one's out here, no one would know? I subconsciously felt my hand slipping to the dagger at my waist, but suddenly I stopped at my thigh.

No! Not yet? not yet. I felt my throat clench up, and swallowed deeply. I couldn't. I wasn't ready? but would I ever be ready? I asked myself. Of course? of course I would?I had to be ready? but not now. Besides, everyone knew we had gone out here together? if I went back alone there would be awkward questions, something I certainly didn't want. It didn't make sense to kill him right now. It didn't sense, I convinced myself. It didn't.

"The patrols are starting out- we should probably head back in," Teinaava said a few moments later, suddenly turning his head towards me again. I let out a great breath of air and nodded, letting my hand fall from its resting place near the dagger on my leg. Not now, I repeated to myself.

Not yet.

We returned to find that the Living Quarters had been returned to its normal condition- the table and chairs brought back to their customary places, and it seemed that even the red puddle had been mopped up. Gogron was lying in his bed, completely stationary, staring straight up into the ceiling. Ocheeva and Vicente were no where to be seen, so we surmised that they had returned to their rooms. M'raaj Dar was already in his bed, and I thought I could hear a faint snoring emitting from underneath his blanket.

Teinaava and I went over to the furthest corner, where we had claimed our beds. Gogron had shifted over to his side, and was staring at Telaendril's empty bed, his gaze vacant. I turned away, averting my eyes from the pitiable scene. Slipping off my traveling boots for the first time in days, I winced as I stretched the aching muscles in my feet. I looked back to where I had dropped my travel pack, but saw it was no longer there. I guessed that someone had moved it while they cleaned up the chambers, and I did not think of it further.

Teinaava had already climbed into his bed, pulling the blanket fully over his body. He turned towards me, raising an eyebrow as I stayed seated motionless on the mattress. I gave a short sigh, and started to slide the blankets out and slip beneath them.

"Tomorrow I have some business to deal with, but I should be back around evening. What are your plans for the day?" asked Teinaava wearily as he blew out the candle next to his bed. I felt my throat constrict at the thought of the future held in store for me, and for him, before I swallowed deeply and spoke.

"Nothing interesting, probably just staying in the Sanctuary, catching up on sleep," I said, keeping my voice nonchalant.

He nodded and then rolled over the other way, settling down for sleep. I too blew out my candle, and the room was cast into black, with only the indistinct blurs of resting forms throughout the room keeping the view incompatible that of my dark mind. A few moments passed, and I could hear Teinaava's breathing reach the slow and steady rasp of slumber.

But sleep seemed far off for myself. I couldn't stop the itching feeling within me, reminding me that I could kill them now... that I should kill them all now... Now, while they all slept, would be the time to strike. It would be over quickly, for I had just to slit their throats silently...

No... what if someone where to wake? I couldn't be sure of where Vicente or Ocheeva really were- they could still be awake in their rooms, and then I'd be in a mess. And I was tired... so tired...

And the days I had gone without rest suddenly caught up with me, and before I could convince myself of any action I descended into a deep, dreamless slumber.

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I awoke the next morning to silence- I was surprised, for the room was normally filled with the sounds of everyone going about their daily routines in the mornings. But as I slid out of my bed and into a pair of clogs, rubbing my eyes and stretching, I sensed the distinct impression that one gets when it is not morning; that I had overslept. I was starting to rise from my bed when suddenly I became aware that someone else was in the room.

M'raaj Dar sat at the long table, and I saw a plate of fruits before him. He seemed to have just noticed me as well. I was confused for a moment when he smiled brightly at me, but then I recalled his actions towards me from the day before.

"Good morning!" he said cheerfully. I stood up from my bed and eyed him suspiciously.

"And to you..." I replied cautiously. Not in the mood to deal with him, I started to make my way out of the room- but as I crossed the threshold of the doorway he called out to me.

"Wait!" I stopped in my tracks, grating my teeth. I turned back and saw that he had risen, and was watching me with anxious eyes. I could tell that he had something on his mind.

"Yes?" I prompted, as he shifted uncomfortably, shuffling his feet.

"Look... I've been thinking, and..." I looked at him expectantly, raising my eyebrows in impatience. I was getting annoyed. "Well... I guess I just want to say I'm sorry for the way I've treated you in the past."

This time when my eyebrows rose, it was in shock and disbelief. Was this some sort of trick? Why would he do this? What could possibly have happened to change his intense hatred of me? And now, of all times? Why now?

His eyes turned a bit frantic at my reaction, fearful. He continued on hastily, gesturing with his hands emphatically.

"I mean, look at you! The things you've accomplished! You've obviously proven yourself a valuable member of this Sanctuary." As I looked into his eyes, I was astonished to see the likes of sincerity that few had ever witnessed. He was genuinely concerned about my reaction- he truly cared.

"So let's start over, shall we? I know from now on, you and I are going to be great friends!" he finished, happy to see that my expression had now turned thoughtful instead of disbelieving. He looked at me, his face wary but hopeful, awaiting my response.

And as I stared back at him, I felt my blood begin to boil. What did he think he was doing? Apologizing, now? Why now, of all times... not now! He was going to be my easy kill, one who I would care little to murder- maybe even enjoy! My easy break... but no, now he decides to apologize for his ill treatment of me? Now he wants to be friends?

Why, why are you doing this now?! The question echoed throughout my soul. It was not fair... I glared at the cat, my eyes hard and narrowed. He had ruined the one thing that would make this whole ordeal easier. He did not deserve my forgiveness. It wasn't fair.

And all I had been feeling, the guilt over Telaendril's death, the dread of the Purification, the confusion, the pain, the sorrow... and the anger... The anger suddenly took form, an explosion of emotion combined as one, simple instinct: kill. The immense power of it all nearly physically staggered me, my head becoming filled with the simple drive. And all that anger was channeled toward the figure before me, awaiting my answer.

Suddenly, as though acting without control, I felt myself smiling sweetly and speaking.

"Of course I forgive you, my dear brother."

My voice seemed hollow to me, lifeless- but M'raaj Dar only let out an audible sigh of relief and smiled warmly. And then I felt myself spreading out my arms and leaning forward, an invitation for embrace. M'raaj's smile deepened, and I felt another wave of anger flow throughout me. He leaned forward as well, wrapping his arms around my waist loosely. I patted him on the back, my hand stiff and my eyes hard. After a moment I felt him start to draw back, as was customary- but my heart was racing, the adrenaline rushing through my veins, the anger consuming my soul.

In one smooth motion I slid my hands up his back and gripped his fur-covered throat and chin. I saw his expression change from one of joy to that of fear and confusion. My eyes were reflected in his, and I could see in the reflection that mine were livid and full of hate, yet fiery with the lust of a kill.

I smiled a wicked, maniacal grin, and twisted M'raaj Dar roughly around, pressing his back against my body. He let out a hiss of surprise, and started to push away in bewilderment.I leaned my head forward, pulling him back towards me. I put my lips next to his ear, and whispered one word.

"Goodbye."

And I ripped him back to me, gripping his fur savagely- and I wound his head to the left before violently yanking to the right, twisting downwards with an resounding "crack". Every emotion I posessed poured into the action, and the ferocity was enough to cause the body to flip over and slam to the floor, his head lolling about unnaturally.

He landed on his back, his arms stretched out wildly and his eyes still open wide in shock. I was panting hard, my breath coming in gasps, chest heaving. Everything around me seemed clear and detailed, down to a drip of wax falling from a candle on the table. My sense were heightened, just as they always were during a kill.

A kill... I felt my smile deepen. I had killed M'raaj Dar, the Khajiit who had always made my life miserable whenever we had encountered each other. He was dead... and I had killed him.

But I could not dwell long in my elation, for after a moment I heard something in the recesses of my mind that made my breath catch up in my chest. Faintly I could make out an echoing clatter, the sound of footsteps on hard stone. And they were approaching rapidly, drawing closer by the second. The footfalls were heavy and dragging, yet the stride was still long and moving quickly.

I was quite still for a split second, planning faster then I had ever had before in my life. And then suddenly I leapt into action; in a flash I had leaned down and slipped my hands under M'raaj Dar's arms, dragging his heavy form frantically towards the beds. I could hear that the approaching figure had rounded the first corner of the hallway- I didn't have much time now.

Somehow, maybe the rush of adrenaline, I found the strength to lift M'raaj Dar's body up onto the bed nearest the table. I ripped aside the covers and angled the Khajiit under them awkwardly, adjusting his lolling head. The steps were just outside the threshold of the entryway- with a thrill of panic, I clambered over the bed that M'raaj Dar lay in and hopped from one bed to the next, landing three away from him. Just as I dropped down to sit, messing up the covers as I did so, the huge figure appeared in the doorway.

Had my senses not been enhanced by the elation of a kill, I surely would not have even heard the footsteps in time; and even now I had cut it close. I was panting, but was trying to control my breathing and force it into even, steady gasps. However, as I continued to watch Gogron shuffle into the room, I realized I probably could not have bothered with this entire cover-up.

He had not even seemed to noticed my presence yet; his steps were unbalanced and wobbly, and his eyes were bloodshot and watery. He was, without a doubt, extremely drunk. As I watched, he came to an unsteady halt, swaying on his feet. He threw his gaze around the room vaguely, blinking hard as he tried to process his surroundings. After a moment he finally locked on to me.

" 'lo there, Adrienne," he slurred out.

Before I could reply, he suddenly swiveled his head other way and spotted the table, laden with fruits and breakfast foods. His attention was immediately diverted, and he promptly started to lumber over towards the food with a primal moan of longing. After a tense moment where he seemed about to totter completely over, he navigated himself into a seat on the bench. But just as he was lifting his hands to reach for a plate, he seemed to lose spirit and his fist fell heavily back down onto the table. His eyes were far away, and became even wetter then before- and somehow I knew it wasn't only the drink that was causing this.

I found myself moving towards the table, and angling onto the bench to sit next to Gogron. He barely acknowledged my presence, only inclining his head slightly. As I sat next to him, he shifted slightly, hiding his eyes from me with a fist- but I saw a little clear drop fall from his moist hand. I felt as though something had hit me hard in the stomach, my heart aching for the Orc. I leaned over and wrapped an arm around his thick back, barely reaching the other side. And as though the comfort was too much for him, he collapsed onto me, and I had to use all my strength to keep us both from falling from the bench.

He was shaking silently, and I knew this was for Telaendril. I marvelled at him, the Orc who killed little children and masses of people with joy, crying at the loss of one woman. I thought of the time he had sobbed for his rabbit, and I wondered if this was just the drink talking- but I doubted it. We do not know the ones we kill- that is why we are able to complete our contracts, for the most part. But that does not mean that we are incapable of love. For I knew that I loved my family, and I knew that Gogron had loved Telaendril. And I had killed her, just as I would now have to kill him.

My throat had constricted and I felt my breath catch up as emotion and despair nearly overtook me- but as I shifted to find a better grip on Gogron, my leg bumped against something beneath the table. I looked down, and saw that it was my travel bag. For a moment I was confused, but then I remembered how it had disappeared the night before- someone had probably moved it here when the room had been cleaned. I was about to push it from my mind when something stopped me from turning back to him.

For now a strange feeling had descended upon me- I felt as though my head was cloudy, my thoughts not my own; yet at the same time, I knew that though nothing had ever been clearer. I was not controlling myself, I felt as though some invisible force was guiding me along my way, whispering in my ear the next step.

I found myself leaning down, keeping a hand securely holding up Gogron and patting him on the back, whilst the other was searching my travel pack. I stopped when I felt what I had been searching for- a round, smooth surface. With a small smile of triumph upon my face that was not my own, I pulled out a crimson red apple. Its surface glinted maliciously in the candlelight, the faint mark of the Brotherhood barely visible upon it's unblemished skin.

I felt as though I was watching myself from outside my own body, for I knew I was not in control. I held the apple up, regarding it carefully, before leaning over to Gogron.

"Here, why don't you eat something? It will make you feel better..." I said, my voice soft and soothing, but my gaze intent and anxious. He sniffed, rubbing his nose clumsily with a sleeve, and looked at the apple with bleary eyes. After a moment he took it clumsily from my grasp, taking a huge mouthful and chomping with an open mouth. My smile widened, this new part of me celebrating my success, while something else deep inside of me cried out in anguish.

He had taken another bite from the apple, his expression pleased and eyes brighter then before. I continued to watch as he swallowed, wondering how long it would be until the effects took hold. I found myself hoping it wouldn't be much of a wait- I had a lot to do.

And my eyes widened as Gogron suddenly stopped chewing, his expression turning sour. He tried to take a deep breath, but it sounded as though something was caught in his throat. His body shuddered and jerked unexpectedly, and he started to become limp in my arms. He was shaking uncontrollably, trying to breathe- but nothing could get through his air passage. The poisoned apple was doing it's job... he spasmed again, and in that last moment before his head fell to the side, he looked up into my eyes.

They were full of pain, confusion, fear- and betrayal. He was silent, but I could feel them asking me, pleading, "Why?". And then his body stopped it's convulsing, and the light left his eyes. He fell back, but his eyes remained open, staring straight at me, as though still searching through my dark, dark soul. But I turned away, only a fleeting spark of despair filling my heart before my mind was on other things. I could not think about it, I could not face it.

This was just like any other contract, I had to kill the targets as quickly and efficiently as possible. I already knew that I would not be able to lift Gogron to a bed as I had M'raaj Dar, so his death could not be concealed. I needed to kill the others outside of this room then, if I wanted to surprise them. For I also knew that I could not defeat more then one of the members of the Sanctuary in battle at at time, and that the element of surprise was therefore my best weapon.

I rose from my seat, letting Gogron's head fall to the bench. I began to mentally assess my options- I knew that Teinaava would be out until evening, and a part of me felt a sense of relief to that fact. Ocheeva was most likely in her room working on business, and I was almost certain that Vicente would be in his room sleeping after a night out. I felt no hesitation when I decided that my next target would be Vicente.

I reached down under the table and lifted out my travel pack, slipping my hands in and pulling out the scroll of Rufio, along with the Blade of Woe. I strapped everything into place, and rose up again. Once again I felt that cloudy sensation overtake my mind, and without any comprehensible or logical thought, I found myself leaning forward and reaching for a clove of garlic that laid upon the table. Watching my own hand in amazement, I crushed the garlic against the blade of my dagger, smearing it with vigor.

I was in the hallway now, walking towards Vicente's room. I passed Ocheeva's closed doors and could hear the faint sound of a quill scratching on parchment. Later, I said to myself. Soon. I made my way down the hallway, and soon stood outside Vicente's room, listening intently for any movement from within. There was none.

I opened the heavy doors cautiously, slipping in as soon as it was possible for my body to fit, and closed them silently behind me. Vicenete was laying rigidly on his back upon a stone slab, arms crossed in the fashion that vampires tend to be fond of. His breaths were slow and steady, his chest rising and falling demurely.

I stepped forward slowly, my boots making no sound on the carpeted floor. My heart was pounding in my chest, adrenaline rushing through my veins. I knew that Vicente was powerful, and I knew that I could not defeat him in a physical battle. It was very important that he not wake up... and as I drew closer, I drew my dagger slowly from it's sheath, fingering it's smooth surface almost lovingly.

I was soon next to the bed, my heart racing in anticipation. I slowly lowered the dagger to his throat, eyes wide as it came close to his flesh. I pressed it softly against him, and paused- I did not look into his face, only at the dagger. Taking a deep breath, I prepared to draw it across his neck.

"Wait."

I let out the breath in a gasp of surprise, my grip on the blade faltering for a split second. I looked down in horror to find that Vicente's eyes blood red eyes were wide open, trained directly upon me. I looked away quickly, for I felt something deep within me stirring.

"I must do this... I have no choice" I replied with a deep swallow, and I readjusted my grip on the Blade of Woe with determination in my eyes. As I did so I could hear him inhaling deeply, painfully. The garlic... but he drew in a raspy, choking breath, and spoke again.

"I know."

My hand stopped, my entire body motionless.

"Adrienne, look at me- I... know..."

I slowly turned to look at his face, mouth slightly open and eyes wide.

"How...how could..." my voice was soft, quivering. I felt the barrier I had been constructing starting to crumble.

"I have lived a...long time... and I know the inner workings of the... Black Hand... better than most... I have... expected this..."

Expected this? I thought fervently. Expected this? Then why did he do nothing to stop it? Could he be the traitor? No, not Vicenete... was my first thought. But then... could he be?

My mind was becoming focused again, my purpose and resolve reaffirmed. I felt my fears, my anxieties, my emotions being swept away and hidden once again; I regained control, I regained my resolve. I had to kill him.

"I know you think that this...is necessary... but you always... always have a choice..." his voice was weaker, and his face had become even paler then customary. But I was no longer looking at his face, however; my eyes were only upon my dagger.

"Killing is all that I have. Without it, I am nothing." My voice hard, full of conviction. And then I focused on his neck, no longer thinking of what lay above my line of sight- and dug the blade deep into his throat, pulling it across his neck with almost unnecessary force.

There was a sickening crack and his guttural breathing stopped- the only sound now that of blood streaming from his open neck to the cold stone slab, and dripping down onto the stone floors.

I watched for a moment as the thick liquid pooled up, swirling about in different shades of red, before wiping my dagger casually across his black tunic until it gleamed unheeded by blood once again. I cast my eye about the room scrutinizingly, before I swiveled on my heel to stride out of the room.

I closed the heavy doors behind me with a sense of finality, letting out a breath of air. Next, Ocheeva, my thoughts said, almost mechanically. As I strode purposefully up the hallway, my mind was occupied with plans to bring about her death with the least bit of trouble on my part. So intense was my plotting that I did not hear the footsteps in the Entry Hall until I was at the end of the corridor, at Ocheeva's doorway.

I turned to find Teinaava in the middle of the room, having just descended from the well ladder. I froze, staring at him with shock and horror. He was looking at me with the expression of one who has just spotted a dear friend, and is happy to do so.

"Ah, Adrienne! Good to see you," he said, his voice jovial.

I nodded curtly in response, not trusting myself to speak. This wasn't right, he wasn't supposed to be here until evening! My plan was dissembling before my eyes, starting to crumble... I felt despair starting to take over, and I struggled to regain control.

He was now looking at me curiously, with concern.

"Are you alright?" he asked, taking a step forward.

I nodded once again, forcing a smile. He continued to watch me.

"Well I'm sure some food will make you feel better. Let's eat a late lunch, shall we?" he replied, eyes still a bit perturbed. I felt my heart drop to the bottom of my stomach, dread overtaking me. Not to the Living Quarters, not there... I could not let him down there...

But I felt myself nodding once again in reply, and gesturing for him to walk before me with a gallant wave of my arm, not meeting his eyes. He smiled, and turned to make in the direction of the thick doors.

As he walked towards the doors, his step steady and ringing throughout my ears, I felt the customary sensation that I had to end that sound... but this time I did not wish to do so, as was also customary. I struggled to fight off this conflicting emotion, wincing in the effort. He was drawing close to the doors now, I had to strike soon. I could not let him into the Living Quarters, he would find the bodies... it was time.

I could not control my hand as it slid down my side for the dagger at my waist. The Blade of Woe felt foreign in my hand, despite it's familiarity. I started at his back, part of me preparing to break his flesh, and the other crying out in pain and anguish. I could not look him in the eye, and was thankful that I would not have to see his face as I delivered my blow.

Some part of me inside watched in horror as I drew close, raising the dagger high above my head. I gripped the hilt tightly, for my hands were shaking nearly uncontrollably. It must be now. I squeezed my eyes shut and let out a breath.

Now.

In a flash I opened my eyes, the light from the lanterns nearly blinding me as I wound the dagger up backwards. Before I could hesitate I thrust the gleaming blade forwards, stabbing Teinaava in the back violently. I had aimed below his left shoulder, and I felt the dagger puncture his heart. I heard him gasp out in pain, yet with agonizing deliberation, I shoved the blade even further into his flesh, and then released it in disgust.

As I let go of the dagger, I watched as his body started to fall to the ground. I was breathing hard, an odd ringing in my ears, yet no rush of elation from the kill was coming. I felt empty, a sense of nothingness consuming me.

But as I continued to watch, I was horrified as his body started to twist back in my direction. As he fell, he was rotating his body to face me. He knew that this meant he would land on his back, which would stick the dagger even further into him... but he had to meet my eyes, for he could not believe this to be true. I could not turn away, and my eyes were wide when his met mine.

There was no pain in his eyes; at least, not physical pain. For when he met my eyes he could see in their hollowness, in their emptiness, that it was me. That I had stabbed him in the back. And his eyes were filled with betrayal and disbelief; he did not want to believe it... horror and sorrow, treachery and perfidy were clear in his cloudy eyes...

I felt whatever defense I had been keeping starting to further collapse around me as my heart was ripped in two, and my vision became cloudy as my eyes began to water. I could not draw my gaze from his eyes, as though they were keeping me in a trance; punishing me.

Teinaava hit the ground and let out a gasp of pain as the dagger appeared in his briast, having gone completely through his body. And from the adjoining room, a similar cry of pain was echoed. A second later thick doors swung open from behind us, and I felt Ocheeva brush past me as she ran to Teinaava, her arms outstretched and eyes wild, her own briast having felt the same pain. She dropped to her knees beside him, hands hovering over the dagger in horror before she cradled his head in her palms; but Teinaava did not look at her, for his eyes were still focused upon me, and they were now only full of sadness- almost a pity. I could not draw my gaze away, and with each moment I remained in eye contact with him I felt as though part of my self was drifting away.

His breath was short and labored now, and Ocheeva was rocking him back and forth with shaking hands, little sobs escaping her lips.

"Brother... brother..." she wailed.

Even then he did not turn to look at her, for his eyes were still upon me. Tears were pooling in my eyes now, and he was watching me almost coolly. He did not understand, could not comprehend... what had he done wrong? He had been my dearest friend... or so he had thought.. but now this... a knife in the back... he did not feel the pain from the wound, only the pain from a betrayed heart...

I finally looked him in the eye, a tear sliding slowly from my cheek while his eyes hardened- and suddenly he took one last painful gasp, shuddering, before his breathing stopped forever. And his eyes still lay upon me even in death, haunting me forever in their vacant and lifelessness.

I watched on, feeling oddly hollow and empty, a strange ringing in my ears- but nothing could mask Ocheeva's wails of anguish, holding the body of her egg-mate against her own, shaking back and forth with sorrow. I felt weak on my legs and fell against a pillar, pressing my head against the cold stone. I had done it. Teinaava was dead... I had killed my dearest friend... it was done...

As I looked at the scene before me, I realized that Teinaava was wearing his town clothes, not his customary dark leather armor- and I remembered a conversation we had once had... he had hated his town clothes... he always wore the Dark Brotherhood leather armor because he felt it was the most comfortable thing in the world... and he was happy that he would die in it, someday- during a contract, most likely... but no... I had taken that luxury from him...

I shouldn't have done it, not now! But it would have never been right... there was never a good time to kill your dearest friend...

Suddenly Ocheeva grew silent, and she lowered his body tenderly to the ground. And slowly, deliberately, she finally followed his gaze back to me, her eyes bewildered. But when she saw the look in my eyes, my empty, hollow eyes... almost like a void... a dawning comprehension appeared in her own. Her eyes widened, horrified, as she understood... and suddenly a fire lit within her as she narrowed her gaze, the anger radiating off her body in waves.

She stood slowly, watching me maniacally, her hands slowly going for the short sword at her waist. I blinked several times to clear my moist eyes, feeling a ripple of panic descend upon me. I did not have a weapon, and I knew her skill exceeded my own at battle. She drew her sword threateningly, eying me with vengeful triumph. I started to back away in fear, watching Ocheeva move closer.

Suddenly she let out a primal shriek of rage and retaliation, and charged forward at me, swinging her sword high above her head. I ducked and rolled, and I felt the wind from the sword's swing striking the pillar just above me, stone crumbling from the strength of the hit. I was stumbling backwards now, trying to prepare for her next move. She was stalking forward, a small smile of satisfaction on her lips. She made another swing for my head, and I spun backwards and opened the thick Training Room doors, her sword striking the metal hinge just below where my had lay. She gave a cry of frustration as I turned and sprinted down the hallway, trying to focus my mind and stop the flow of panic.

I entered the Training Room and could hear her following, grunting with animalistic fury. My eyes darted about the room frantically- and I spotted the weapons rack. I bounded over and whipped out a long, thin iron sword. I barely had time to turn and face the entryway, brandishing my sword up high, before Ocheeva appeared. Her step was cautious, but when she spotted me she instantly stood in battle stance, stalking forward with threatening precision. I was fingering the hilt of my sword with anticipation, trying to get a comfortable grip.

We were both waiting for the other to be the first to strike, each wanting the advantage of being on the defense for the first hit. After a moment of circling each other, Ocheeva's anger grew to be too much for her to contain and she darted forward, slicing downwards. I deflected the blow and retaliated by striking upwards towards her neck, but she swung her sword up just in time, the power of our clashing blade sending me backwards a few steps.

We sparred back and forth, feeling each other out. I was quicker, and she knew this- but Ocheeva was far stronger then I. Each time she deflected a blow the reverberations traveled up and down my arm, shaking to my very bones. I could not keep her at bay for long, and she also knew that.

As I was recovering from her latest attack, Ocheeva suddenly lashed back at me with an extraordinary speed, aiming to slice across my chest. I barely had time to throw my sword up horizontally to block the strike, her sword skimming my tunic. But instead of drawing back when our swords clanked together, she pushed forward, and hard. My arm gave out under her strength, and I stumbled backwards to be thrown back against the wall.

She gave a cry of triumph, brandishing her sword high as I fell, my breath thrown away as my back collided with the wall. She was swinging her sword at me, eyes wild with exultation, sure she had killed me now... I had rebounded off the wall, and was falling forward... my sword was slipping from my grasp, and I looked up in horror as hers came slicing towards me. I tried to duck my head, and in doing so leaned forward and automatically grasped at my falling sword... and I was shocked when I felt the sword puncture something, and when Ocheeva suddenly shouted out in pain, her thrust faltering.

I looked down to see that I had stabbed her in the foot, the sword having gone straight through and hit the stone floor beneath her. I whipped the blade out of her flesh and desperately swung towards her neck, but she was still able to block it with ease, despite her injury. Frustrated, I continued my onslaught heedlessly, driving her to step back with each strike, taking the advantage for the first time. We continued striking and blocking, the clanging of swords echoing throughout the empty hall.

I was pushing Ocheeva backwards, never stopping my flurry of attack, and we were progressing up the hallway towards the Entry Hall. She was limping slightly, her foot leaving a trail of blood behind her- but her attacks were as strong as ever, her eyes just as determined. Only her breathing had changed, becoming more labored. However, I was still unprepared when we reached the doors and she suddenly struck back with immeasurable ferocity. To avoid her sword I turned about in full circle, and she was now driving me back.

I was taking a step in recovery from the impact of a particularly strong thrust when I stepped on an uprise in the floor, slipping in something. I stumbled, and looked down to see that I had trod upon Teinaava's wrist, laying in a pool of blood. Ocheeva too looked down, but when her eyes landed upon the body of her brother they suddenly became disfocused, lingering on his face; and they lingered just long enough for me to recover my footing, regain my grip my sword, and drive it deep into her stomach.

She gasped, dropping her own sword with a clatter as mine pierced her inner organs. I pressed the swords hilt against the skin on her belly before heaving my it back out of her- then I sliced it violently across her stomach, blood gushing forth as her innards spilled out onto the stone floor. She dropped to her knees, bloody hands grasping at the wound on her stomach. She looked up at me, a scowl of pain and anger upon her face. And suddenly I felt a wave of self revulsion so powerful that I nearly threw up; what had I done?

"I'm sorry..." I choked out, staggering on my feet, my sword also clattering to the floor as I let it slip from my fingers. She returned my statement with a look of withering resentment and disbelief, before gasping out in pain as a fresh spurt of blood surged from her stomach. She looked down at her wound, a tear escaping her reptilian eye. I watched as she fell forward on her stomach, landing right next to Teinaava, who lay on his back. Her pool of blood joined his, merging together in a swirl of crimson. They lay side by side now in the end, just as they had lain together so long ago in the beginning.

I fell to my knees at their heads, my eyes watering as I looked down at the bodies of the Argonian twins. Ocheeva was breathing long, laborious breaths, coughing up blood. She shifted her head towards her brother, staring at Teinaava with loving and sad eyes- a smile appeared on her face, and her eyes suddenly seemed far away. And the breathing stopped.

I was silent for a moment, listening intently- but no more breath came, the only sound that of blood dripping on the stone floors. And now my eyes were burning with tears, my body shaking uncontrollably. I looked about the Sanctuary in an oddly detached way, as though through someone else's eyes. It didn't feel real... but what was real and inescapable was the awful pressing feeling in my chest, like an iron grip around my heart... everything I had been trying to escape, all that I had been trying to repress, it was suddenly let loose in a explosion of emotion.

I let out a shriek of anguish, leaning down and pressing my face to the cold stone. I was sobbing, emotion pouring out of me like I had never experienced, for I had accepted the enormous and incomprehensible truth- they were dead, all of them, by my hand...

I remembered the feeling of elation I had felt when I first came here- at finally belonging, finally having a family. And now I had destroyed it. I was alone again. Alone. I would never again hear the loud, booming voice of Gogron telling his stories of blood and gore, never again the echoing laughter of Teinaava, Telaendril and myself as we listened on... nor the eloquent voice of Vicente Valtieri, or Ocheeva's attempts at remaining serious when she walked in on our drunken mayhem...

M'raaj Dar's hopeful and overjoyed expression when I accepted his truce; Gogron's trusting face as I handed him the apple; Vicente's words of understanding and choice; Teinaava's look of betrayal as he turned to face me after I stabbed him in the back... and Ocheeva's horrified expression, and her question, "Why?"... and her final glare of hatred... each flashed before me, haunting me vengefully.

I don't know how long I sat there- but I know that it was long enough for my eyes to run dry and my voice to become hoarse from weeping, until I had started to shake with silent sobs. I became still then, lifting my head from the stone floor.

Why... the question echoed throughout my mind. Why did I do this? Doubt encompassed me, filling my grieving soul. I had to, I had no choice... But did I? Vicente said that you always have a choice... No. I did the only thing I could do.

I was staring blankly at the bodies, uncomprehendingly watching as the pool of blood inched ever closer to my knees, a pounding sensation in my ears... when suddenly something broke through my veil of grief, and I looked up in alarm.

Standing in the doorway, framed by the scarlet glow emitting off the ancient door, was Antoinetta Marie.

She was staring at the bodies, taking in the scene with wide eyes, gleaming red. I felt a wave of shock; how had I forgotten Antoinetta? And as I watched her, a small smile appeared on my face, a familiar sensation starting to wash over me. I felt a rush run through my blood, a thrill rising in my stomach- finally, I was going to kill Antoinetta Marie! The girl who had made every effort to make my life difficult, who would hiss words of insult while the other's backs were turned... who taunted me, almost pressuring me into breaking the tenants to kill her... well now, the tenants could not protect her any longer...

I looked up and saw with surprise that she too was smiling- a triumphant smile, full of malicious glee.

"I always knew that you were a traitor," she spat out, taking a step closer to me. I arched an eyebrow, rising slowly to my feet. My eyes were dry now, not a trace of the sorrow detectable, for they were now glowing in sadistic anticipation.

"Yes..", she nodded, still smiling. "I knew you were too good to be true..." Her expression turned bitter. "Oh how they would go on about you! But I guess they saw the truth there, in the end..."

I was watching her intently, just as she was watching me- her eyes were gleaming with felicity, for her most wild dreams seemed to have come true- that she would expose me as a traitor, and take all the glory... she did not seem to mind that it meant the death of her fellow family members...

I was stepping backwards, trying to avoid the bodies of Teinaava and Ocheeva, eying her right hand as it hovered near the hilt of her sword. Suddenly I stumbled, and I looked down and cursed as I realized I had almost tripped over Teinaava's wrist again. And I lifted my head to see a small dagger spiraling towards me. The filthy coward!

I dropped to the ground, landing clumsily on my back as the dagger sliced through strands of my hair. Antoinetta let out a cry of fury, reaching for her sword. I gasped, flipping over and frantically crawling forward, reaching towards the sword lying next to Ocheeva's body. Antoinetta started to sprint towards me, her eyes blazing like a madwoman, her blade gleaming menacingly in the torch light. I gripped the hilt of the bloodied sword and rolled to the side, Antoinetta's blade striking the ground where I had laid seconds before.

In a flash I had leapt to my feet, balanced on my toes and fully prepared in battle stance. She was doing the same, panting hard and expression sour. Our eyes were locked as we circled each other, the mutual hatred emanating off our very bodies and making the air thick with anger and loathing.

I was the first to strike, slicing first downwards and then cutting quickly upwards. She blocked it and retaliated quickly, stabbing towards my stomach. I jumped to the side, bending my back to avoid the attack. We continued like this, jabbing and sparring, until suddenly I found myself being backed into a corner. She was driving me backwards, and I could not regain control of the battle. I tried to take a step forwards, but she cut downwards at my foot and I was forced to retreat once again.

Suddenly she swung her sword high over her head and struck downwards, and even though I blocked it easily, the force of the blow forced me to stagger a few steps- and I was shocked when I hit my back on a stone wall. As I was trying to recover my footing, she stabbed forwards with her blade. I turned my head to the side, but was not quick enough. I gasped in pain and surprise as the sword sliced my flesh, a deep gash appearing on my cheek. My hand flew to my face, and when I drew it away it was covered in dark red blood. Antoinetta was recovering from her strike, watching me triumphantly.

"Oh no, did I scar your pretty face?" she mocked, her face twisted in scornful derision.

Blood was pouring down the side of my face, and I felt it dripping over my lip. I opened my mouth and let the red liquid stream onto my tongue. As I stood again, Antoinetta preparing to swing her sword again, I prepared a mouthful of blood. Just as she started to laugh, cutting her blade up towards my stomach, I violently spit out a mixture of saliva and blood at her face.

With a shriek of disgust, she fell back, hands flying to her eyes where the spit had hit her. I pushed myself off from the wall and kicked her violently in the stomach. She stumbled back, hands still wiping frantically at her eyes. I stepped forward, ready to deliver a killing blow, my heart racing in joyful anticipation... but suddenly she recovered as my blade cut towards her face, and she struck back, our swords clanging above our heads. The shock was too much and my arm gave out, causing me to drop my sword with a deafening clatter.

But she was pushed back by the impact as well, and fell back a bit- but her face was full of such triumph, like she felt that she had won... and I felt a fury rise up within me, such anger, that I needed to act upon it. I needed the violence...

And before any further thought, I swung my right fist around and punched Antoinetta in the face with all my might. The impact alone felt as though it cracked my knuckles- and maybe even her cheekbone, I thought with satisfaction. But something I did not realize until I heard Antoinetta's cry of horror was that my ring, the Ring of Cruelty, had been upon my finger- and it had dug straight into her right eye, destroying it. Blood and tissue was pouring forth from the gory mass, and she was gasping in agony as she pawed helplessly at it's remains.

"Oh no, I think I've scarred your face!" I hissed, looking down at my ring with disgust. It was covered in skin and blood.

She lowered her hands from her face slowly, shuddering in silent sobs of pain. Her eyelid had already swollen down and covered the eye socket, and only a bloody mass of skin could be seen- it was a gory sight indeed. But she was shifting her hand on the hilt of her sword, regaining a firm grip. Her remaining eye was fixed upon me, filled with a loathing that I could not have thought possible. I was suddenly aware that my sword lay on the ground to my left, far from my reach.

"I am going to cut off your head... and present it to Lucien Lachance... and show him what his little prodigy truly is!" she said, her voice quivering with fury and bubbling with the blood flowing from her eye.

And suddenly, unexpectedly, I found myself laughing uproariously. She became dangerously still, and I laughed even harder. That jealous little witch... I thought with disdain. Everything that she had ever said to me, all her hatred for all this time, suddenly made sense, finally confirmed. Jealousy. It was so pathetic I could not help but be amused. But also as I was laughing, I was slowly inching towards my fallen sword.

"Darling-" I spat out uncharacteristicly. "- Lucien was the one who sent me to kill you!"

And I ducked downwards, reaching for my blade. As I gained my grip on the hilt I swung upwards automatically, but was met with nothing but open air- she had not attacked me. Instead she was still standing motionless, her expression blank.

"You lie," she said, her voice hollow. I arched an eyebrow, and swung my sword towards her neck. She lifted her blade with both hands and blocked it- our swords clanged together, each of us pressing hard to push the other back, locked in the struggle. I leaned forward, sliding my lips near her ear.

"I would never," I whispered, and pushed forward with all my strength. She staggered back, her expression aghast.

"You can't... both be traitors... not Lucien..." she murmured, eyes pleading for disbelief.

"But aren't you the traitor, Antoinetta?" I asked scathingly. I had meant it only to infuriate her, and was shocked when she nearly dropped her sword with horror in response to my question.

"How could...?" was her vague question, her eyes wide with surprise and dismay- but I paid her no heed, giving no thought to what this could mean.

My heart was pounding wildly in my chest, blood and adrenaline coursing through my veins; I felt a familiar thrill building in my stomach. Now, now was my chance! I watched my sword sail through the air towards her exposed neck with an expression of the utmost joy, eyes alight with a primal exultation. As my blade came close to her flesh I closed my eyes in ecstasy, mouth agape as I felt the sword cut into her skin. My blow was so powerful that I felt the blade break straight through her spine, severing her skull from her body in one thrust. I heard the "thump" of her head landing on the ground, and opened my eyes to the dazzling scene before me.

Finally, at long last, Antoinetta was dead! I felt such a feeling of elation like none I had ever experienced form a kill- I had waited so long for this moment, dreamed of it- and finally, here she lay, dead by my hand! An explosion of feeling, so powerful and inexplicable, was coursing through my body, leaving me unable to even move for a moment it was so overwhelming.

And when I summoned the strength to look about the room, my eyes traveled from the forms of Ocheeva and Teinaava lying dead in front of me to Antoinetta's headless corpse at my side... but my expression did not change from the one of utmost sadistic joy, with wild eyes and a smile of bloodied teeth- for the only regret that I felt was that Antoinetta's death had been over too quickly...

...for nothing could surpass a satisfying kill.

Nothing.


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Author's Note: Woo. So it's done? as I said, I rewrote this to death, so if it's complete crap, let me know. I am open to rewriting it again if I get enough requests to do so, because I have a feeling I may. But I've thought that before, so we'll see.

And another thing- I've mentioned before the absurd amount of time that I put into this- I uploaded some pictures of my second notebook (that I filled with notes for just the past two and a half chapters!) If you're interested, here they are:

My writing tools: http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r240/xallshallfadex/IMG_2530.jpg
Remnants of my first notebook: http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r240/xallshallfadex/IMG_2536.jpg
First page of my second notebook: http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r240/xallshallfadex/IMG_2540.jpg
Random page with random drawings: http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r240/xallshallfadex/IMG_2541.jpg
Flipping through the full pages: http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r240/xallshallfadex/IMG_2542.jpg
Another random page: http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r240/xallshallfadex/IMG_2543.jpg
The last page: http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r240/xallshallfadex/IMG_2545.jpg
Me and my notebook: http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r240/xallshallfadex/IMG_2565.jpg


And that's it for now, see ya soon! And reviews are funnnn.... :D

...damn.
great job, that was very moving. Brought back a lot of memories of how hard it was to do the purification. If i could i would give you a cookie. or some sujamma.

NVM :embarrased:

Oh gosh no! I just meant that was it with the post I'm still writing this, believe me- I have a few things still planned

I'm glad you both enjoyed it, and thank you so much for your reviews!!! *hands out review cookies*

:ph34r:

...bump...

:ph34r:

Another good one. Litterally made me cry when Teinaava died. That was always the hardest part for me. Very well done And I can't wait for the next installment.

ZOMGWTFBBQ! That was completely and utterly awesome. And so sad! I just wish I knew what Antoinette was going to say...Maaaan, I felt so bad that she had to kill all her friends...It never seemed so depressing during the actual game. I LOVED this chapter! I can't wait for the next one ^^;

Oh. :embarrased:

Still, yay!

Awww, thank you guys so much!!! Review cookies for everyone!!!!

Alright, I know this was asked for like forever ago, but I finally reuploaded a full file version of the story so far to download in WordPad, which I think more people should be able to access. It is completely up to date, ending with the Purification chapter- and it comes in around 145 pages and 85,000 words (not that I'm bragging or anything ). So http://www.box.net/shared/x4qe3b1dhr is the link if you are interested! Let me know of any problems you may have, and I'll try to work something out!

Once again, thanks to all my reviewers!!!

Tis downloading as i speak. wonderful.
Best of luck my fellow scribe.

Awww, thank you! I hope it worked for you, and that you enjoy