AN: Okay… This story may be a bit off on a few characters ;3; I tried my hardest to get them on point, but I feel like they may be off xD Also this story includes more than just the Skyrim game! It's also includes Oblivion further down the line. Once more, this isn't just about the Dark Brotherhood, it includes many of the others… Soo… Review please? I need the feedback ;3; Anyway enjoy! Or don't xD Reviews will make me post more chapters though, since I know if people really like the stuff I write ._. Oh! Also if anyone wishes to get to know Fran more you can message me… Or simply wait until later chapters are out to get to know more about her character.
"I don't think this is a smart idea Listener… Don't think it is at all!"
"Everything will be alright… I am sure everything will be fine. Well I hope anyway." And with that it ignited. Yeah it was a bad idea. Quickly as it ignited it blew up, sending sharp pieces of metal flying off into the air. Ducking down, she pulled him down as well, a small yelp coming out from him as metal pieces bounced off the stone walls and landing onto the ground. Getting up slowly, she looked at the explosion and puffed her cheeks out. That was a fail.
"Bad, bad idea, Listener!" Cicero whined out. She nodded her head …Although she didn't want to.
"What the hell was that?" they both tensed up at the sound of Nazir's voices.
"We heard an explosion! Is anyone hurt?" Babette asked a grin on her face. "I would love to see some action right now, did anyone get hurt? Did Cicero die, oh how great that would be!"
Cicero whined slightly. "Of course not! Not poor Cicero! But Listener blew up something, oh yes, oh yes she did! It went BOOM BOOM!" And with that he waved his hands around, his arms waving around slightly. Nazir looked to Fran, The Listener, who was pursing her lips in wonder, looking at her strange creation that had blown up.
"Can you not to blow up stuff? After all it would be for the best if we didn't die."
"No one got hurt, so why does it matter?" Fran mumbled, her hues rolling slightly. She had to say it was rather annoying how they always got onto her about this type of stuff. She didn't kill anyone in the process… But she had to say Festus Krex really needed to help her. Before she did kill someone or blow people up. After all he was the best when it came to such strange creations.
"What are you trying to build anyway?" asked Babette who quickly got onto her tippy toes to look at the block of metal.
"A device that will shoot balls of fire… Small balls of fire of course, since this is so small… A prototype. Who knows…? May make it bigger so it can shoot large balls of fire! Now that would be sight yes? Blow all kinds of stuff up!"
"Like a catapult?" Nazir asked his arms crossing in front of his chest, his brown raising slightly.
"Yes! But these will be better. Easier to shoot with, much quicker… Yes, yes… Too bad every powder I use actually blows to device up. Maybe I need to make the metal stronger… Something, hmm…"
"Impossible. There can never be such a thing. I am surrounded by fools, I swear." She quickly stuck her tongue out at Nazir, and he rolled his eyes, and quickly went off and down the stairs. She turned her head back to her work.
"Don't worry Fran; I am sure you can figure out how to make your machine. Maybe Festus Krex can help. After all… He is good with these type of things too! Always creating stuff." Babette commented. Giving Fran a smile she turned and followed after Nazir.
"Yes, Yes, Cicero agrees! Listener ca-"she let out a grunt of frustration, and slammed the thing off the table. Letting it crash into the ground, whatever left of it broke into pieces, which caused Cicero to flinch. "L-Listener! Why?!"
"It's a dumb idea. I am over it." Fran grumbled in defeat. She had been working on that project for months and was going nowhere. She was starting to grow angry with the entire idea. Why did it matter if she built it? No one would care. "Clean this for me Cicero? I am growing tired… I would appreciate it."
Cicero nodded his head as she slowly retreated up the stairs. "Shall do Listener! Don't worry, all shall be fine! Cicero promises! Yes, Yes, Cicero shall clean. Night Listener!" he cooed out happily.
Walking slowly, she gently chewed on her bottom lip as she made it throughout the Sanctuary. She knew it was bad to do, but she kept walking past all the rooms into the one room where she could only relax. Slowly closing both doors, she looked to the large coffin where the Night Mother rested. Leaning against the opening, she slowly slid down and sat.
"Do you think I am an idiot, Mother?"
The voice was clear, and soothing. Lovely and kind… A voice only she could her. "Sweet child you call upon me to answer? How strange. Normally you do not wish for my opinion…" Fran swallowed. It was true. When she became Listener, she didn't want to be Listener. She preferred how things were before, like how the others preferred it that way as well. But lately… She was warming up to it. It seemed like she was the only one she could trust in. After all she was the Listener, the only one the Night Mother trusted as well… She favored Fran, after all that is how she became Listener right? "My child, everyone has dreams… When one made a sword or had tried, others would think he was insane. When one tried making a bow, they probably thought the same. They were dreamers, and so are you. Not one should judge you for such a thing."
"Hm…" It was all she could mutter out. Closing her eyes, the elf slowly slipped off into sleep.
She was a strange one. She wasn't like her kind, he had to say that. She looked a lot like a Nord. Tilting his head to the side, he placed the blanket around her body as she curled up next to the coffin of the Night Mother. Grinning widely, he let out a small hum of delight. It was good she was seeing the Night Mother more. "Little, little Listener… How adorable are thee~ how strange to sleep near a coffin though… But oh it's by mother, sweet, sweet mother, so I guess that is fine!" Cicero commented, his hands clapping together. Fran mumbled and shifted slightly in her sleep, and he quickly placed a finger on his lips, and chuckled. "Oh shhh~ of course Listener. Sleep, sleep, so important. No more speaking, hmm~"
Turning on his heels he went to the shelf were his products were. Grabbing a painting like brush, and looking around for a bottle, he hummed slightly as he got to work. Preserving the mother. After all she was dead and she needed to keep maintenance which he was quite happy to do. It wasn't the loveliest task, but after all… He rather her not fall apart or worse… Get eaten on by bugs! Dipping his brush into the thick glue liquid, he brushed it along her frame; his eyes turning to Fran once in a while to make sure he wasn't bother her.
Strange creature she was. Dumner. She hailed from Morrowind, or that is what she said. Back when the Red Mountain had exploded, but that was years back, and she didn't look a day over 20. Her features were different as well. Cute, plump, not skinny like most elves. Most were small and thin, VERY tall. She was short maybe 5'3… He was only couple inches taller than her. She had a Nord like face as well, which even he found surprising. No highbrow, no high cheeks, her face was plump and cute. She had bright red eyes… Rather long lashes. Adorable. Her ears were longs than most, and were higher up. Her body was also strange. Big bust… Really big bust. Even he had a hard time not staring at it. She often got picked on for it by some of the others. After all, such a tiny cute girl and she looked like a… well, her body looked like a prostitute would. She was thicker than most though, still a small thin stomach, she was just muscular… Maybe, but her stomach was flat from what he could see. He never saw her actual body. But her clothes were tight… And he could see her muscles at times…
Pondering on the thought of it, he pursed his lips slightly. Inappropriate thoughts about his sister… How could he! Shaking his head, she looked to the Night Mother. "Bad Cicero… Mother would be so disappointed yes! Y…Yes? No…? Ahhh… Mother how I wish you would speak to me. Cicero needs advice…." He mumbled, the brush slowly trailing along her neck.
"Advice…?" Cicero stiffened up slightly, and looked at Fran from the corner of his eyes. Sleepily rubbing at her eyes, she yawned, her cheeks puffing out slightly. "This was a bad idea… I feel stiff now."
"Stiff? Oh does Listener need a good rub~?" Cicero grinned happily. "I would be happy to do so!"
"No thanks." Fran quickly replies, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. Cicero just tilted her head to the side slightly. He only wished to help… After all the Night Mother wouldn't be happy if Fran wasn't in tip top shape!
"You were asking the Night Mother for advice?" he looked to her once more before turning his head to the Mother, the brush running along her face and cheeks.
"Mhhmmm… Too bad the Night Mother won't talk too little Cicero! It would be wonderful! Oh how Cicero wishes to be Listener, but no, Fran is Listener! And a great Listener she is, after all Mother picks the best! Just wish Cicero could hear as well… That way Cicero knew what to do…"
"She said she wouldn't be disappointed."
Cicero tensed up slightly to what she said. His brow arched slightly, and he turned towards her, his tongue slowly rolling over his bottom lip. The Night Mother was talking to him… Through Fran. And she wouldn't disappoint if he had such thoughts about… the Listener? Well then.
'Mother is it wrong to have such feelings against a sister? Cicero loves, loves, you sweet, sweet mother, but Cicero may… like another. Is that wrong mother?' Fran raised her brow, and then her brows came together and he knew Mother was speaking to her. So she was talking to Fran like this. To tell him what he needed to do.
"Weird… Erm. She said it isn't… But you need to keep in mind that she is still Mother, and her word is law… Do not stop loving her, for Mother shall always love you. Sithis has a special home for you in the Void Cicero…"
'Oh mother, how I still wish you to talk to me! But you chose sweet little Fran, not that I mind all too much. But mother… What should I do about these feelings I feel?'
"Do as you wish Cicero, no on controls you. Mother only wishes for you to be happy."
Smirking slightly, he closed his eyes, a light chuckle coming from her, his thoughts going quickly. Another question coming from him to her.
"She said… If she was you, do it." And he turned from her, his brush running along the shoulders.
"Oh did she now~? Oh mother is so wise!" he chuckled. Putting the brush down into the bowl. He looked to Fran and flashed her a smile. "Do you wish to help? I am sure it will bond you a Mother closer!" She gave him a reluctant look, and he continued to smile. "Yes, yes! Listener oh please say yes?" Cicero cooed out. Going back over to the shelf, he slowly stripped off his gloves and looked along the shelf to find his ingredients.
"I don't know Cicero…"
"Oh come on Listener don't be a sour puss! We will make Mother all nice and pretty, hmm~" grabbing Lilac, Vanilla, Nightshade, and a few more strange plants he crushed them up, and turned to her. "These are nice to use… Makes mother smell good and also keeps bugs away! After all don't want them to nom of sweet mother. Come, come, and help Cicero, oh please?"
"Fine." She sighed. Getting up, she swallowed slightly, looking at him nervously as he came back to the coffin.
"The preserves I used should still be sticky and wet… Just rub this into mother, while I go look for some nice flowers for mother hmm?" handing her the strange mixture. Nodding her head, she slowly cupped some into her hand, and nibbled on her lip. "Don't breathe that in… Some of its poisonous when directly breathed in." She puffed her cheeks out at that, and he laughed. "Oh silly, silly, Listener! Now for flowers. Mother would love Nightshade, yes~ so deadly and nice."
Turning away from her he went back to his shelf and picked through the flowers and plants he had collected. He made sure to keep mother happy. Make her pretty and happy, that is what he did. He took care of his sweet mother whenever he could. Picking at them, he turned back to her, and his mouth dropped slightly at the sight.
Fran whimpered slightly, as she slowly rubbed her hands along the Night Mothers arms like if she was… gross. "A-Ahhh… Fran, maybe Cicero should do it instead!"
"I can do it…" she mumbled, but he could tell from her voice she didn't like it. Sighing, he huffed slightly, and placed the Nightshade in a pot near her coffin, and watched. She was just barely rubbing it in! This wouldn't do.
"No, no, no! All wrong. Mother won't be protected that way." Placing himself behind her, her grabbed her hands, and forced her to press them into the Night Mothers skin. He felt her shudder, and he frowned. "Mother isn't gross Fran, you should be happy to touch her."
"She is cold! And sticky!" she whined, and he blinked his eyes a few times. That was true, he just never thought about it.
"I shall help than. Make it easier for Listener?" Slowly guiding her hands along the corpse, he let her not touch more private areas of her. After all he didn't even touch them, he used the brush than. He felt like no one should touch her like that! Fran shuddered in his hold slightly as he forced her to touch the skin, but she had to learn. This was bonding!
"My hands feel slimy."
"That is normal Listener! We are done so don't worry, it's over." Cicero cupped her hands slightly, and pulled them gently off the Night Mother. Letting her go, he let out a small hum, as she shook her hands trying to get the thick like glue off. "You smell funny Listener."
"Really, I wonder why." She mumbled. Turning away from him, she mumbled annoyed. "I am going to wash this gunk off."
"Okay Listener, have fun~" and with that she was off. Looking to the Mother, he made sure to rub her over a little bit more, a laugh escaping his lips. "Oh Mother… You are so wise. So, so smart mother, hehe…"
Waving her hands back and forth, her tongue stuck out in disgust as she tried to get the thick mixture off her hands. It felt gross, it was sticky, slimy, and it seemed like it would never come off. Feeling a small nudge in her side, Fran's head turned to the black wolf with shiny red eyes. It tilted its head to the side slightly, watching Fran with curiosity. Envy, Fran's wolf was like Shadowmere… Although she wasn't sure WHAT they were. She knew it was with the Daedric forces though… Like really… they never would die, Fran tried when first meeting Envy by sending her in a cave full of bandits.
She noticed the only way they would "die" is if from a long fall… But even than they came back after a week. She wished she had knew that early because when she lost Envy she was depressed during the entire time, after that she knew that was the only way they could "die". "Not now girl, my hands are… gross." Fran chuckled, as the wolf continued to nudge her face into Fran's back.
"Now, Now, what is this? Venturing out of the Sanctuary, that is dangerous oh Listener! Especially being dressed like that, hmmm…" Fran turned her head up to Gabriella, who was dressed in her outdoors clothing, on her side a pouch with her normal attire. The other believed it was best to wear civilian clothes when going out, it made things easier. Some followed it, and others didn't… Like Cicero, Nazir, and herself. She felt no need to change; after all she wanted people to know who she was. But it did cause some trouble, because guards often shot arrows at her for being part of the Dark Brotherhood.
"Is it bad I can't tell if you are sarcastic when you talk…? You always have that tone…" Fran remarked, her brows coming together. The woman smirked slightly, her arms crossing in front of her chest.
"Oh Listener, being sarcastic with you? Oh never, never ever. Now… Why are you outside if I may ask…?"
"Cicero let me take care of mother and well… I am trying to get the feeling of nasty decaying flesh off my hands, which isn't working." Fran groaned. Getting up, she shook her hands once more, frowning. She even had a hard time picking off dead bodies. It was gross. Now if they were just skeletons it was fine, but the Night Mother still had… Skin. Hard, flakey, skin.
"Child it's not that bad."
It was. At least for her.
"Ah I see. I would think you of all people would be strong Listener. After all isn't that why the Night Mother anointed you to Listener? For being brave and strong?" Gabriella teased. Fran licked her bottom lip, and laughed it off. They picked on her often, and well it wasn't as easy as she thought it would be. Sometimes she just wanted to slaughter her family, but... she knew it wouldn't be for the best, you know? Plus having such thoughts often unsettled the Night Mother.
"You are going into town?" Fran asked quickly, her eyes looking to Gabriella. She nodded her head.
"Yes I am, it's my time this week. Get some food, wine, materials… Things we need. Do you wish to come? After all the walk there is awfully boring just by myself. I would love the company Fran." It was rare for people to still call her Fran, besides Astrid and her husband, Arnbjorn. Most people called her Listener now… Although she preferred Fran, her NAME. "It would be best if you changed attire though. After all… I am not looking for a fight."
"Fiiiine… I shall come along. I will meet you up the road."
"Wonderful, oh how grand. Please do hurry."
Fran wiped her hands on her pants, and hurried inside. Looking inside of the cabinets, she grabbed out her clothing to be only spotted by Nazir. "Now, now… What are you up to now?"
"Going into town." Fran quickly commented. She was still rather… upset at Nazir. He just thought because he was older, he was far wiser than everyone, at least her, even though she was older than him… She felt like he didn't respect her…
"Mind if I come along? I need a few things." He spoke, making his way over to her. Fran swallowed slightly.
"I guess… Gabriella commands we change if we come along. Doesn't want us picking fights with people." Fran commented, and with that she turned from Nazir and went off to a corner to change. Zipping down the front of her outfit, she could feel the air grow with tension.
"W-What the hell are you doing?!" Nazir protested. She turned her head towards him, and his mouth dropped slightly. "Couldn't you do that in private?!"
"Listen up! Gabriella is in a hurry and I won't keep her waiting! Also I would think you know what a naked woman looks like! What are you, twelve?!"
"You have no shame!"
"And you are an old fart! Now hurry up if you want to come with us!"
"If I had known things were going to be weird, I would have stayed home and made you two just go…" Gabriella commented, a soft sigh coming from her.
"I am fine. He is just being a child."
"Eh." Nazir grumbled, his eyes not meeting anyone's. He didn't like the fact she changed in front of him. She was a harlot, and he knew it! Just to change so easily in front of someone, how could she?! She was a weird Dumner. Most of them were serious and not carefree, but she was quick to prove those standards wrong. It's like her parents never taught her morals… Then he remembered she slaughtered her mother and father. Of course she wasn't taught anything!
Things were already weird between the two of them and he knew it. After he said something about her stupid creation, she was weird towards him, and well this… Made him weird towards her. It just proved she was a destructive, awful, child! Although she wasn't a child, she sure acted like one. Like… Like Cicero! It was annoying.
The walk was long, and he was starting to wonder if it was best if he had just stayed home. He didn't like the tension; after all he did like Fran. She was a sweet girl… Foolish, but sweet, non-the-less. Making it into Falkreath, Gabriella turned to the two.
"I shall be going to the goods store. Hopefully find what we need… Where are you two heading?"
"I need weapons and some new potions."
"Just need a few daggers and poisons…"
"Could have just made them at home…." Fran remarked.
"I don't know anything about Alchemy princess…" Nazir mumbled.
"Well it seems you two will be together for the day! How splendid…" They both could notice the sarcasm in her tone, and he felt Fran flinch. She really hated it when Gabriella was nothing but sarcasm… He didn't like it all too well either. "How about meeting at the Inn near… well when the sun is setting? Gives us a few hours to browse and give you two sometime to talk."
"Hm." The both mumbled out.
"Have fun you two…" and with that she was off. Keeping their eyes off one another, Nazir grumbled slightly.
"Want to split up?" he asked, but as he turned to look at her she was already a good distance away. "H-Hey now!"
"What, I am in a hurry old man." Fran commented, a sigh escaping her lips. His eye brow twitched slightly at her comment, but he ignored it. He had a feeling it may be a rough day for the two of them. Walking up the stairs and onto the porch they made their way to merchant who sold weapons.
"Ahhh, Fran nice to see you again. Doing well I hope?"
"Of course, have anything good arrows for sale? I need some elven ones… Also some ebony ore, I want to attempt building a Daedric Bow. "
"I think we have some of that in stock. And… you Sir?" He looked to Nazir, who grumbled before replying.
"Steel daggers… A few of them."
"Got it… Never seen you around before, you two friends?"
"No way." Fran mumbled slightly.
"We are… acquaintances." Nazir quickly defended. He felt like he needed to defend whatever they did have between each other. It wasn't like he HATED her… But he knew they weren't friends.
"A-Ahhh… Travelling together, I am guessing?"
"Yeah, we are going back to Riften." Fran quickly cut in. Nazir raised his brow.
"That is a bit far… You live in Riften don't you Fran? You two both live in Riften? Are you guys…?"
"Eh?" Fran's face suddenly drained with color, and Nazir's eye brow tugged slightly.
"Are we… What?" Nazir asked. He was surprised the man was MAN enough to pry in their business asking such a question. After all it wasn't his business.
"N-Never mind, ha-ha! So Riften ah? I wouldn't want to live there. I hear the Thieves Guild is making a comeback in Riften as well… Be sure to keep safe you two." The blacksmith commented. Handing Fran her things, and Nazir his, he gave them a smile as they paid and went off to the Alchemy Shop.
"Well that wasn't weird."
"Indeed… I mean really, I am like… A child compared to you. You are soooo old. How could he think that?" she smirked. She was older than him… But she loved to comment on mortal's ages. She was in a standstill with life, something she rather enjoyed.
"I'm not that old." Nazir mumbled, annoyed. The Alchemist greeted them warmly, as they browsed around. "So what are you looking for…?"
"Potions… I really need them since I travel so much. Bandits. Forsworn, Vampires, Wizards… You know got to keep safe and what not. You looking for a good poison huh…? I am pretty good at making poisons… They are far stronger than the ones the sell in shops…" she spoke, her eyes wandering along the bottles. He looked at her a smiled.
"Oh really now? You are going to help me out?"
"Of course… Brother." She smiled slightly, and looked towards them. It seemed the small incident at the Blacksmiths caused them to be close again. Something he liked. "You get my potions and I will get your poison."
"Deal."
Sitting in the tavern, Fran tapped her fingers against the table, sipping occasionally on her Nord Mead. She preferred Spice Wine but… She couldn't be picky. Nazir didn't mind, and drank whatever… Which was pretty much everything in the whole place. To past the time Fran had already gotten into a brawl for fun, and she actually poisoned an annoying drunk when he wasn't looking at his beer… Although it caused a racket for a few moments. They thought maybe it had Skeever droppings in the beer, so they stopped serving it… So they were waiting now for Gabriella, who was taking her sweet time.
"Where is she?" mumbled Nazir, who was pouting slightly… He was drunk. But he was still able to speak, which surprised her. It surprised her more that he hadn't died or passed out from alcohol poisoning. "This is boooooring!"
"I am getting fidgety… I want to blow something up…" Fran's fingers twitches slightly. She wasn't the best with magic, but she wanted to desperately blow something up… A little fire, something. Something entertaining!
"Liiiiiiistener!" They both flinched, and Fran's hand moved to her dagger which was wrapped around her leg. It was instinct. They both turned to see the Jester who was panting like mad, standing at the door way. "Oh Listener! Listener, there you are! Cicero was wondering where you went!" He flashed her a large grin, and Nazir pursed his lips, which caught Cicero's attention. "And of course… Nazir! There you are! With the Listener, oh how fun, yes~? I found you both. Yes oh-"
"Why are you here Cicero?" Fran asked, her brow rising slightly.
"Gabriella sent me! Yes she sent Cicero!"
"Wait… She SENT you?" Nazir asked, his brows coming together as he got up.
"Yes, yes! She came home a few hours ago. Cicero kept asking were List- I mean were the two of you were, and she didn't know! Oh no she didn't, she just said they left her! But then she sent me into town to find you guys, and that is what Cicero did!"
"She left us."
"Bitch." Nazir grumbled annoyed. "I hope a dragon comes down and eats her… I really do mean that too." He hissed.
"La la la la~" Cicero hummed out slightly, Fran rose a brow as he danced around slightly. He really was a strange one.
"Speak with Astrid when you get home. Hurry."
Her body tensed up to the voice of the Night Mother. It sounded urgent. "We have to go. Now. Mother has… spoken." She spoke more quietly near the end for the two of them too only hear. They looked to her, and there expressions quickly turned serious.
"Let's get going."
"Mother is calling, hmm? Let's not keep her waiting."