A/N: And here's the next chapter! Enjoy!

Additional notes: to preempt further hateful reviews: Then I wrote this chapter, I hadn't yet played the Dark Brotherhood questline (Now remedied) As well. I never state that the Night Mother actually said anything to Cicero: however I suspect she's capable of expressing her wishes to him through some other method. As for the Night Mother speaking to the Dragonborn, As she said, he would have been a good Listener. As well, its possible she can she can talk to whoever she feels like, but usually only speaks to her Listener. I'd say that the extenuating circumstances of the world's current state would allow for these events. Sorry, mini rant over. Now back to the story.

Disclaimer: Don't own the Elder Scrolls series. I only own my original ideas.

Chapter 3: The Search

Shouts-at-Sun's POV

Lydia and I headed down the streets of Solitude, exiting the city to the roads beyond. We continued along, passing along the edge of the marshes. We soon left the marshes, arriving on the icy shores of the Pale. We hiked along the coast, coming to Dawnstar before too long. In the town, nothing seemed out of place.

We searched the outskirts next, and hit upon something out of place: a door of black metal, set into the rocks facing out into the Sea of Ghosts. I pushed the door open, and we stepped inside. We moved down the entrance hall, and came to a main hall of sorts, where a Redguard and a young Breton girl sat by the fire. The Redguard turned to face us, looking surprised that we weren't who he was apparently expecting. He quickly drew his scimitar, and shifted into a defensive stance.

"Who are you?" asked the Redguard.

"A pair of travelers, seeing answers," I said, "I hope you can aid us with this".

"Oh, we'd love to!" said the girl cheerfully, "come over to the fire, and we can talk in comfort".

I heard the girl's words, but also felt a sinister undertone to them. I focused my attention on her more closely, and saw an important detail: red, faintly glowing eyes.

"Nice try, vampire," I said, "I know this is a sanctuary for the Dark Brotherhood, and know you'd likely try and kill me".

"Oh, you're no fun," she giggled, drawing and casually twirling a dagger.

"I have no quarrel with you," I said, "only your clients. Oh, and you can have these back… no sense wasting extra paper".

I handed the Redguard about 10 of the Writs of Assassination from those sent after me. He took the notes, and looked at them, shocked.

"So, you are the one we keep getting contracts for," said the Redguard, "What have you done with our missing member?"

"You mean your Listener?" I said, "He stabbed a man in the middle of the Bannered Mare in Whiterun, just after the guards had changed shifts. He's currently serving a prison sentence for his crime".

"Silly man," said the vampire, "he slipped up and got himself in trouble. He's a resourceful one though; he'll find a way out of trouble".

"Hmm... In any case, I need to know: who hired the Brotherhood to kill the Emperor?" I asked.

"We value discretion in all tasks," said the Redguard, "there's little to be told".

I was just about to reply when the door burst open, and a man dressed like a court jester hurried inside, ignoring everyone as he rambled.

"Oh, my dear Mother," he said, "Cicero has been a bad son to Mother for not being at Mother's side for so long! Cicero hopes Mother will forgive Cicero for failing you".

'That was rather random,' I thought, 'definitely touched by Sheogorath, that one'.

"If you would consider," I said, "don't forget that agents of the Empire raided you sanctuary in Falkreath: It was through the documents they recovered that I was able to find this place. It would not be beyond reason to assume they could do the same. All I want is information… all you want to do at this point is protect your 'Family'. Just tell me what you can".

"You are a brave one, to face down the Dark Brotherhood in their home and issue threats," said the Redguard.

Before I could reply, the mad jester, Cicero, returned.

"Mother wants to see the Dragonborn," raved Cicero, "Cicero doesn't want to disappoint Mother, but Cicero doesn't where to find him".

'I guess that my cue?' I thought, then said, "I'm the Dragonborn".

"Cicero found the Dragonborn," said Cicero, who then did a little jig, "Mother will be so pleased with Cicero! Please, follow Cicero!"

I followed Cicero into a back room, where an ornate sarcophagus sat in the corner. Cicero opened the lids, revealing a desiccated corpse inside.

"Cicero warns you to treat Mother with respect," Cicero said, "Or Cicero will kill you".

I looked upon the corpse, and heard a voice emanating from the corpse, whispering to me.

'You have come,' said the voice, 'Vanquisher of the World-Eater, Sun's Champion, Warrior across Time. The Night Mother beckons you to listen'.

"I am listening," I said.

'You seek to protect the realm, prevent its destruction,' said The Night Mother, 'You search for the one behind sending my children to kill the Emperor. The answer is closer than you think. I can point you where to go, if you make me a promise: you will not harm my children'.

"I… promise you," I said, "I will not harm you children without reason".

'The Embassy of the Thalmor holds the answers you seek' said The Night Mother.

"That you," I said, "must know though: why are you helping me?"

'Because, I do not wish to see the world in ruins,' said The Night Mother, 'my children could not compete their calling if that were to occur'.

"Then I shall be on my way," I said, "Thank you for your honesty".

'You would have made a fine Listener, Dragonborn,' said The Night Mother, 'but your fate lies elsewhere'.

I turned and headed back to the main chamber, where Lydia was waiting by the two Brotherhood members.

"Lydia we have a new destination," I said, "we better get going".

"What about the Brotherhood?" asked Lydia, "What will you do?"

I thought about it, and quickly came up with a solution. I turned to speak the vampire.

"You know, I think you should get out of here," I said, "there's a place where you can find safety at a castle northwest of Solitude".

"What do you mean?" said the vampire.

"There's a clan of vampires living there, led by a woman named Valerica," I said, "She would likely take you in: She's working to undo the damage done by her husband and the prophecy he followed. You would be well advised to seek her out".

With that, Lydia and I left the Brotherhood to their devices, heading out towards our next goal.

A/N: And there we go! Next time, the Assassin breaks out, and seeks what remains of his Family. See you then!