30th of Mid-Year, 4E1
The original plan was to stay at The Silverhome for a full week before leaving. It was unwise to head out before resting up fully, as the road to Cheydinhal was long and dangerous. But because I never received the expected payment for Rufio's death, I had to take back a portion of the deposit from the innkeeper so that I could afford the trip. It never crossed my mind to ask Lucien about it until he was long gone and he never brought it up- at the most opportune time I couldn't think beyond the lulling comforts he provided, and I can only assume that it somehow managed to slip his mind.
Sure, I was a little irritated at first, but thinking back on what he did for me and the trouble my foolishness might have caused him, I felt that I owed him some patience.
On the way to Cheydinhal some memories of what occurred between revival and blacking out again came to me. You know how it is when you cannot remember what you dreamed about the instant you wake up, but you are reminded by real life encounters with connectable sights, sounds, and maybe even scents throughout the rest of the day- maybe not the whole dream, but enough of it to know what it was about. It was like that- except, of course, it was not a dream.
The dagger catching the light of the sun reminded me of when I was lying on my side and coughing so hard that every muscle in my body burned, because it was the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes.
Breathing in the wind that swept down from the northeastern slopes, carrying a fragrance unique to the wilderness of that region, unlocked the memory of my head resting on his forearm as he tried to sit my limp body up- I had taken in that same scent while my face was practically buried between his shoulder and chest.
Then there was a rather strange connection between biting into a fresh red apple and the very second I was revived- I'm sure that, after the full recollection is pieced together, this will make sense to me.
That's really all I can remember- I think my eyes were closed most of the time, so I will have to rely mostly on familiar sounds and scents to trigger the rest. Perhaps it's enough to know that he saved my life, did not help himself to my bare and vulnerable body, and watched over me until morning. I should spare myself further embarrassment by allowing that which is not known stay unknown.
I arrived in town on the 29th of Mid-Year, but decided to stay at the Newlands Lodge until midnight. After all that walking and entanglements with bandits, beasts, and the elements I was in neither shape nor the mood for a first meeting. I didn't know what was expected of me, but I felt the need to present myself well, and I didn't think that could be accomplished if I looked like I had just wrestled with a family of boars and smelled like rotting fish marinated in sock sweat. I am sure that is why Dervera gave me that funny look when I checked in.
I have visited Cheydinhal a few times before, so I was already aware of the Abandoned House LaChance spoke of. Never before did I give much thought to why it had remained a hollowed out shell of the home it used to be for twenty or so years. There was always something more important for me to focus on than an old and rundown structure. But once I was instructed to seek it out, it was all I could think about. I began to wonder about the locals and their count- surely by now they should be at least suspicious. Who knows, perhaps they are fully aware of the Dark Brotherhood's 'secret' residence and are either too afraid to speak up about it, or paid well for their silence and cooperation. I'm sure I will find out soon enough.
Once through the front entrance, and down the hallway that led to the basement, I beheld the 'Black Door'- engulfed in an intense red light and emitting a rhythmic and otherworldly drumming sound. I found myself lost in the artwork carved into it, trying to make sense of what I was seeing- I'm sure that the elf woman is supposed to be the Night Mother, as for the children and why she has a dagger held up… well, I'd like to believe that they represent all who have and will become assassins of the Dark Brotherhood, and she is protecting them.
"WHAT… IS THE COLOR… OF NIGHT?" I heard a voice call out. I knew I was going to be asked a question, but I was not ready for the door itself to ask it- I, a grown woman, almost piddled on spot.
"S…Sanguine, m-my Brother." I replied, clutching my shirt over where my heart hammered wildly against my chest, as the door then opened itself.
"WELCOME… HOME."
"Th… thanks?" I stuttered, then cautiously entered the Sanctuary.
True that it was a representative that came to me on behalf of the Night Mother, inviting me to become a member of this Family- that I established a covenant with them through Rufio's death, and he trusts me well enough to permit my access to the Cheydinhal Sanctuary. I still felt like an intruder.
Much to my surprise, right at the end of the hallway proceeding the Black Door was a female argonian dressed in standard Dark Brotherhood armor, ready to greet me as though she somehow knew I was going to enter that very second.
'…nothing of you is unknown to the Dark Brotherhood, for you are now part of the Family.' I remember Lucien saying back in Vilverin, and at that time I thought it was hogwash.
So it is true. I thought. Then if they haven't already, they will eventually know about…
I brushed off the crawling paranoia and focused on the present moment, entering the Main Hall and returning the argonian's warm smile.
"Sincerest greetings and welcome to our Sanctuary, dear Sister!" She beamed, with arms wide open.
"Thank you. You must be Ocheeva." I replied, allowing her to embrace me.
"I am! And you are Malkhai… that's how you pronounce it, right? Almost like the mineral?"
"Yes, perfect. But how did you-"
"Lucien told me all about you, and I must say he described you perfectly!"
"Oh yeah?" I asked, as my eyes nervously searched around for him. My stomach knotted up and my cheeks grew sore with another burning blush. "So he's here already?"
"Not at the moment. He dropped in several hours ago, sparing only enough time to give me a few important details. The Black Hand keeps him very busy- he isn't here very often, and when he is it is usually for a short while. I've been appointed Mistress of the Sanctuary- he trusts me to keep things in order during his absence."
"Ah." I gulped, thinking about the next major concern. "What exactly did he tell you about me?"
"Heh- don't you worry, Ms. Ale'Zandre. He said nothing but good things. You must've made quite an impression."
"I… suppose." I shrugged, then thought back to everything that had happened since our first meeting, searching for anything I might have said or done that was worthy of high opinion.
"Now then… normally we'd give a new recruit an assignment right away, but the Speaker is going to have to go over a few things with you first. So until then, just relax and help yourself to anything you need. The others are out and about with their own work, but they'll all be here tomorrow evening for sure." Ocheeva almost turned to leave, but a sudden thought stopped her. "Ah… but first, I should show you to the Living Quarters. There is a gift waiting for you there."
Another gift? I thought. They keep doing these things for me, and all I've done for them so far is complete one binding contract.
I followed Ocheeva through the large double doors off to the right-hand side. The hallway snaked down to a fairly large room, with several twin beds off to the right and a large dining area on the opposite side. We stopped at the bed in the far corner, whereupon a large rectangular package wrapped in burlap had been placed.
"That?" I asked.
Ocheeva nodded. "This will serve you well, should you encounter any contracts that require utmost stealth and discretion."
"Thank you, Ocheeva."
"You are so very welcome, dear Family member." Ocheeva paused to heave a long sigh as she looked back toward the hallway. "My apologies- as much as I'd love to explain more, I have a lot of work of my own to do that should be finished by morning. But if you have questions or concerns do not hesitate to come to me. I'll be in my quarters."
I bowed with a smile before she left, then turned back to the package.
The reality of my place within the Dark Brotherhood truly began to sink in when I unwrapped the gift. It was official Dark Brotherhood armor, as new as the Blade of Woe was on the night it was given to me.
Included was an envelope with my full name written in bold and elegant lettering. I pulled out the letter and began to read it.
Dearest Malkhai,
If you are reading this, it means that prayers for your safe journey have been answered. I trust that you were welcomed by your new Family with wide open arms and the eagerness to assist you.
This is standard issue armor of the Dark Brotherhood. It is enchanted with a light deflection spell and custom-made to ensure that it is as comfortable as it is sturdy and strong- if something doesn't fit right let Ocheeva know. Adjustments can be made, and it will not cost you anything.
It's highly recommended that you wear it while carrying out your orders, but know that in most cases you are not required to. Don whatever armor you believe serves you best, but do reserve this for special assignments that demand representation of the Dark Brotherhood.
Oh the many things I could cover in this letter, but it is perhaps better to save it for the evening I return, which will be the 30th of Mid-Year.
I look forward to speaking with you again, Dear Sister. Dread Father be with you.
~Lucien LaChance
"By Nocturne's tits, that's tomorrow...er...later tonight!" I gasped. My heart leapt into my throat and the palms of my hands began to sweat- as if I wasn't stirred up enough by receiving a warm and flowery letter from the entrancing rogue.
I would've liked to try it on, but knowing that there was a big day ahead I decided to catch up on all the sleep I'd lost while trying to get myself here (After, of course, taking the time to make this entry.)
I believe I have covered all the important details- I may have missed a few things, but if I can't remember them they were not important enough to include.
Time to turn in.