Bravil was not at all what Dracen expected. The city was more like a poor shanty town. It stanch of swamp water and fish making her want to gag. The houses were all moss covered and streets were dingy. Dracen could safely say she did not like the place. The people here were just as uninviting as the city itself. After traveling for two days she was in no mood to find her target. All she wanted was a place to bathe and get a hot meal. Dracen searched the street to find someone that did not have a angry look on her face. She found a well dressed older woman milling around the venders. Gulping down a bit of fear she walked over.

"Excuse me?" The woman turned and gave Dracen the once over with her eyes.

"Yes?" The woman's face was kind and it eased the fear in her heart just a bit. Though far older looking than Dracen herself, the woman's eyes shown a glint of youth. Light brown hair with streaks of white adorned her head and warm brown eyes seemed to smile at the halfbreed.

"I am new to Bravil and was wondering..."

"Where the lodging was?"

"Yes, I tried to ask one of the guard, but he ignored me." The woman let out a sad sigh and pointed down the street.

"Down that way is the Lonely Suitors Lodge or if you have the coin you can also try the Silverhome on the Water. The food and rooms are better there."

"Thank you."

"You are very welcome. Bravil is not a bad place once you get use to it, but I don't think you are staying. Are you?" Dracen shook her head and gave a polite smile.

"I am just here to meet someone and then head back...home." Dracen could have sworn she saw a slight glint of knowing in the older woman's eyes.

"And home would be?"

"I hail from Bruma, but I will be settling in Cheydinhal soon."

"Ah Cheydinhal. Such a lovely city. Well my dear I wish you luck on your meeting and safe travel back to your home."

"Thank you." Dracen gave a half bow and headed toward the Silverhome on the Water. Once there she paid for a room and for the use of a tub. She soaked and scrubbed her body clean. It felt like so long since she had been able to do this. Since the Thalmor had taken her life and turned it upside down she had only been able take as Cicero put it a "whore's bath". The hot water felt wonderful against her skin. Her hair was tangled and oily, but now was clean and detangled. She toweled herself off and dressed in the outfit Cicero had bought for her before she had left Cheydinhal. The dark red dress was soft and let her move freely. It's skirt was large enough for her to strap a dagger to her thigh.

The scroll with her target and orders was sitting uncurled on her bed and she sat down to look it over. Her mark was a man named Vincento, a traveling minstrel who had gotten on the wrong side of someone powerful. He was to be preforming at this very lodge in two days. Dracen had to come up with a plan to kill him and her orders did not make it easy. He was to die in public and it had to look like an accident. Not an easy task especially for a novice like her, but she had to try. The missive had a lot of information on the man even down to what instrument he plays.

"I have three days in which to do this. Talos, this is not going to be easy."

OoO

During the day Dracen spent her time in the main area of the lodge. She sat in the corner pretending to read a book, but all the while she was getting a feel for the place. The people that came here were more upperclass than the ones that went to the Lonely Suitor. Though she found drinks were not served here it did not stop the patrons from bringing their own bottles. Mostly wine and the finer spirits, but she had seen mead ever once in a while.

She tried not to look at people too much for fear they would notice her. Mostly she found they would notice her eyes. Blacked out eyes were not a common sight on Imperial women. It was a sign she was a halfbreed and that while not uncommon was still frowned upon. She did not anyone to remember her once the deed was done. Having the guard come after her was something Dracen really wanted to avoid. So she hide her face behind her book and listened to the people around her. Most conversations were benign, but on the afternoon of her second day there she overheard a very helpful conversation.

"Why did Eliss invite that damned bard here?"

"No one else wants to come to this city and he is popular with the ladies."

"Just not that popular with their husbands. I heard the last place he went he had to leave before the Count's men caught him."

"Why?"

"I heard he was found with the Count's wife. Lucky bastard got out of Anvil with his neck and nethers in one piece." Dracen smiled and shook her head slightly. At least now she had an idea on who had ordered this bard's death. Angry counts are never ones to cross. Dracen retired to her room and began to plan. She took the small sketches she had made and stared at them for inspiration. The open area would most likely be filled with chairs and tables for the event. It would be crowded, with people who normally do not come into the Silverhome. Less of a chance to be remembered, but more people to try to get away from. Then she remembered how the kill had to look.

"Dammit, how in the name of the Divines can I make this look like an accident? I have no idea how to use poison let alone where to get some." Frustrated she put the sketches away and left her room. She wandered the streets and browsed the venders selling their wares. It was strange being out among people, but she liked it. The only thing that would have made it better was to have Cicero with her. She looked over a few items and bought some of them to keep up appearances. Most were mundane, a book here, a blouse there. Nothing memorable or interesting.

"Look Mummy! That man is breathing fire!" Dracen saw a young boy pulling hard on his mother's arm. Her eyes followed the path to where he was pointing and she too was in awe. There stood street performers in bright colors and one was holding a lite torch out in front of his mouth. From her vantage point she saw him take a drink of something and held the liquid in his mouth. Then in a short burst he spit at the torch and the flames shot out past the torch. Dracen moved closer and watched the performers. The concoction the fire breather was using gave her an idea, but first she had to get her hands on some of it. It proved to be an easier task than she thought. Most of the people in the square were watching the performers and the actors themselves were paying attention to their audience. She was quiet and quick as she slipped behind them to take two of the extra bottles. Once she had her ill gotten gains in hand Dracen wrapped them in her newly acquired blouse and silently left for her room.

She moved through the crowds and wound her way to the Silverhome on the Water. As natural as she could she went to her room and shut the door. She let out the breath she had been holding since she took the bottles and slide down to the floor. A small part of her felt guilty for stealing from the fire breather, but she knew if she was to become part of the Brotherhood she would have to learn to shut up her nagging conscience.

"Gods forgive me." Dracen got to her feet and began to plan her next move. Tomorrow night the bard would be there and she only had one shot at this.

OoO

Dracen sat at one of the tables closest to were the inn keeper told her the bard would be performing. Playing the part of a love sick fan had been easier than she had imagined. The coin she had handed the inn keeper hadn't hurt either. The inn's main hall began to fill as more and more people shuffled in. Most of them were women and most of them were all gussied up in their finest clothes. Dracen's hands rolled the bottle containing the firebreather's liquid. Her nerves were getting to her and seeing the man she was set to murder only made it worse. He was handsome and young, so much life was left in him. She shook her head and cleared that last thought from her mind. She had a job to do. The sound of the innkeepers voice made her jump a little. It was time.

"Welcome one and all. We have a special treat tonight. Vincento the Wandering Bard is here to play and sing for us. I bid you to enjoy," The bard began to play his lute and sing. Dracen had to say he was good. His voice was a nice baritone and his fingers were nimble on the strings. Looking around the room most of the women Dracen wanted to gag. Most were sighing and batting their eyes at the man. Dracen just rolled her eyes. The more she watched Vincento the more she understood why someone wanted him dead. He shamelessly flirted with all women. Winking and touching as he made his way through the crowd. He ended his song as he stepped in front of where Dracen was sitting.

"Well aren't you a pretty one?" Dracen raised her eyes and looked him in the eye. "I will have to say I have never seen a lass quite like you before."

"Or again I bet." The bard chuckled.

"Do you have a request my lady?" Dracen smiled and shook her head. "I think I have one you will like." He straightened up and began strumming the lute again. His velvety voice filled the hall and the words made Dracen pause.

"Our hero, our hero, claims a warrior's heart.
I tell you, I tell you, the Dragonborn comes.
With a Voice wielding power of the ancient Nord art.
Believe, believe, the Dragonborn comes.
It's an end to the evil, of all Skyrim's foes.
Beware, beware, the Dragonborn comes.
For the darkness has passed, and the legend yet grows.
You'll know, you'll know the Dragonborn's come."

Dracen's heart began to pound the words poured into her. She had heard some of the older Blades call her Dragonborn, but to hear it from an outsider...it finally hit her why she had been kept away from people so long. Why she had to be protected. She waited til he had finished the song to move. Slowly she poured the continence of the bottle into her empty tankard. She rose from her seat and began walking. She tried to make it look like she was making her way to inn's counter so as not to rouse suspicion. What she had not expected was the bard decided to actually get in her way.

"Leaving so soon?"

"No, just..." He did not give her the chance to finish her sentence.

"Good, most of the women here are too old or too ugly, but you...you are worthy enough."

"Worthy?"

"Of my attention." Dracen internally smirked as the man's hand moved to touch her. It was now or never. Her face turned angry and she threw the fire liquid in the face of Vincento. His face went from luring to shock as the drink hit his face. "What in Oblivion!?

"How dare you try to touch me!" Dracen's hands shot out and she grabbed the lute out of his hands and broke it across her knee. The horror on his face changed to out right fury at the sight of his beloved lute in pieces. Dracen took advantage of his attention on his instrument and she pushed him back into a table. A lit oil lantern shattered as his back hit it and the flames from it ignited the liquid already on him. Vincento went up like a match head. Screams of horror and pain filled the hall. Dracen stood there watching the man burn, his flesh melted from his face like candle wax. She could see bone under the the flames as he screamed.

"Someone help him, put him out!" Someone pushed Dracen out of the way, but her eyes never left the bard's burning body. A pair of hands dragged her to her feet and pulled her out of the Silverhome. Whoever it was weaved her through the streets and into a house. Dracen was in shock, at what she had done, what she had seen. She just stared blankly at the floor and shook.

"Here drink this it will calm your nerves." When she did not take the offered cup the woman who had led her here knelt down and put herself in Dracen's view. "Are you alright girl?"

"His face..."

"Yes it melted quite nicely." Dracen raised her eyes and let out a small gasp. It was the same woman she had asked for directions when she had first gotten to Bravil. "You did well."

"What?"

"You for filled the contract to the letter. The look on your face was also a nice touch. You almost had me convinced that you were afraid." Dracen

"Who are you?"

"Alisanne Dupre, Listener of the Dark Brotherhood."

"Listener?" Alisanne quirked an eyebrow and stood up.

"You are of the Brotherhood, are you not?"

"I...this contract was my test. If I succeeded then I would be allowed to join." The Listener gave a low growl and sat down across from Dracen.

"They gave this task to an untested...Sithis I am going to ring Rasha's furry neck."

"Rasha? Who is he?" Alisanne sighed loudly and rubbed her face in frustration.

"Rasha is the Speaker for Cheydinhal and should have been the one to give you the contract. Did you not go into the Sanctuary? Were you not shown anything?" Dracen shook her head and let her eyes fall back to the floor. "Who gave you the contract then child?"

"His name is Cicero, he was from the Bruma Sanctuary and I am not a child."

"Bruma was destroyed and as far as I knew all had perished."

"He survived." Alisanne tapped her finger on her chin for a moment and let her eyes scan the girl in front of her. She gave a small chuckle and shook her head.

"How can you say you are not a child? You look not older than fifteen summers. Even if life has taught you to survive you are not an adult."

"I am almost two hundred years old. I was born at the dawning of the Fourth era. My mother was...is a Dark Elf and my father was human."

"Hmmm, well I guess that would make a little difference. Where are you from?"

"I hailed from Bruma, that was not a lie."

"So you met Cicero in Bruma. He must have seen something in you to want you to join our family."

"I guess, but..."

"But, what?" Dracen took a deep breath and told Alisanne everything. Who she was, how she had come to be here and the Listener sat there quietly. The only thing she left out was her being of the Septim bloodline. She was not sure how much she really trusted the woman before her. When Dracen had finished her story Alisanne rose from her seat and handed the girl the drink she had tried to before. "You look like you need this."

"Thanks."

"So Empress Septim, you are following in your mother's footsteps." Dracen's head shot up and she jumped from her seat.

"How...?"

"Your mother was the Listener before me. She recruited me, trained me. Looking at you closer now I am see a lot of her in your face."

"Delnis said she left the Brotherhood..."

"You met Delnis?"

"Only briefly. He survived long enough to tell us what had happened to the others." Sadness passed over the Listener's warm brown eyes and she nodded. "What was my mother like?" A small smile graced Alisanne's lips and she gesture to the chair for Dracen to sit back down.

"Your mother was a dear friend. She was one of the best assassins I have ever seen, yet she had a kind heart to those who suffered. All the years I had known her and still so much was a mystery. Delnis knew her much longer than I. I think only the vampire knew her longer than he did."

"Vampire?"

"We take all kinds my dear. Vampires make very good assassins. I never got a chance to meet Brie's friend, but she talked of her often."

"Did she ever speak of me?"

"Yes. She often wished things could have been different. She wanted to raise you herself, but with who you are and who she was it would never had worked. Our life is no place for children to grow up in. She left you where she thought you would be safest. But it seems Sithis has plans for you my dear. If you still want a place among us you have it."

"I do."

"Then I will have a room made for you tonight here in my home. Tomorrow we will travel to Cheydinhal. Rasha will get a piece of my mind for sending you to do this alone. Although you did very well. Perhaps it is in your blood..."

"Perhaps."

OoO

Cicero paced the Sanctuary floor over and over again. He wanted to beat Rasha senseless for sending an untrained, naïve girl like Dracen out on a contract like this. It was after she had left that he had gotten the full story on the target and how he had to die. This was a contract that should have been taken up by an experienced killer, not a neophyte. His hand tugged at his hair and he wanted to scream in frustration.

"Brother are you alright?" Cicero turned to find the concerned face of Andronica leaning in his room.

"Just...worried."

"About the girl you gave the contract to?" Cicero sank on to his bed and nodded. "Rasha should have picked an easier one to give. No mere Murderer could handle that task." Cicero growled a bit, but said nothing. "What rank are you?"

"Assassin."

"Impressive, Rasha does not promote very easily."

"So I have heard."

"Go get a contract. Take your mind of of your worries. I am sure we will find out one way or another if she..." Cicero jumped to his feet and stormed toward his door.

"Thanks, but I will wait. If anyone needs me I will be waiting at the inn." Andronica got up to follow him out into the entrance hall of the sanctuary. She saw the red haired Imperial stop dead in his tracks. Rasha stood talking to a well dressed woman near the front doorway. From her expression he could tell she was not happy.

"That is the Listener Alisanne Dupre. She barely ever leaves Bravil." Cicero's eyes went wide and his mouth hung open. He had never had the honor of meeting the Listener.

"What is she doing here?" The low rumbling voice of the orc Garnag broke Cicero from his stupor.

"Don't know, but she sure looks pissed." Cicero's heart jumped to his throat. He had a feeling that it had to do with Dracen hand her contract. If the Listener was here it meant she failed and since he did not see her here with their leader it could only mean one thing. Dracen was dead. Garnag shook the Imperial lightly and Cicero looked up from the floor.

"They called for you to go over there. If I were you I would not keep either of them waiting." Cicero gulped and tilted his head up so it was held high. He saw the coldness in the Listener's eyes diminish when she looked at him.

"You are Cicero, are you not?"

"Yes Listener."

"I am glad at least one of our brothers survived the Thalmor attack. I will miss Delnis, he was a good friend."

"And a good mentor." Alisanne smiled.

"Rasha give us a moment if you please." The Khajiit narrowed his eyes, but took his leave. "Rasha was foolish to send an untrained blade to do the bard contract."

"It was my fault Listener. I sent her...I failed the Night Mother."

"No, you did not. The Night Mother is most please actually. Vincento went out in a blaze of glory, but I will let your friend fill you in on the rest."

"Dracen..."

"She is waiting for you at the inn. I wanted to meet with Rasha first to insure she was given a place in our family. I will also suggest to him that you two work together from now on, at least until she has more training. Here are your next contracts. I suggest you both wait til tomorrow night to leave." Cicero nodded and took off running. Alisanne watched him leave and smiled. "Oh to be young again."

OoO

Dracen stood in the room the Listener had rented for her. Alisanne had rewarded her with a set of Shroud Armor much like her mother's. Most of the leather was black with red accents here and there. She pulled the hood up over her head and the cowl part over her mouth and nose before looking at herself in the mirror. Without being able to see her skin it made her look like a shadow. Her black eyes shined like obsidian.

"Gods I look..."

"Deadly." Dracen spun on her heels and found Cicero standing in the doorway. She let out a happy sigh and crossed the room swiftly. Her arm wrapped around his neck and pulled him tightly against her. "Miss me?"

"You have no idea." Cicero lifted her off her feet and quickly shut the door. It would not do for some passer by to see her in that armor. Too many people now a days know the armor by sight. It was too dangerous for them to wear it about, especially so close to the Sanctuary.

"You were told you can't wear that.."

"Yes, I can't wear it out in public. I just wanted to see how it fit and how I look in it. It feels like a second skin." Cicero let his eyes roam her figure and it was true, he could see every curve of her body. In the tight leathers she looked so small and fragile. He stood a good three inches taller than her which was a rarity. Cicero was always at least a hair's breath shorter than most Imperials, even the women.

"The Listener has vouched for you with Rasha. You're one of us now." Dracen pulled the hood down so he could see her smile. He gave a small chuckle as his hands pulled her head against his chest. "You and I are going to make a fine pair I think."

"What do you mean?"

"Listener Dupre will be suggesting to Rasha that you and I work as a team. Normally when the Listener makes a suggestion it is unwise to not heed it."

"So I can stay with you then? I don't have to leave?"

"Yes, you are one of us now and that means you will always have a family. So dear sister are you ready?" The slow maniacal smirk graced Cicero's lips as he waited for her to answer. Dracen worried her bottom lip before nodding slowly. "Tomorrow night you and I are leaving to for fill these contracts together."

"What are we doing today then?"

"We are going to get you changed and I am going to show you around. Then later who knows...I might just get you out of all of your clothes." A small shiver went down her spine as a heated blush raced up her cheeks. She turned so her back was to him. "Embarrassed?"

"I..." Cicero's hand cupped her chin and forced her head up so he could look her in the eye. His amber eyes reminded her of a hawk's or even a wolf's, sizing up it's prey. Another shiver raked her body, but she did not break eye contact.

"I'm impressed, most people would have looked away by now. I've been told my eyes unnerve people."

"I like your eyes. When you smile they look like liquid honey." He gave her a lopsided grin before pulling her closer to him. His hand moved up to cup her face as the other gripped her hip.

"Your eyes remind me of the Void. Black and full of mystery, whispered promises of sweet darkness. I could stare into them for hours and be completely enthralled." The pad of Cicero's thumb gently traced the curve of her cheek.

"Cicero?" The hunger that had been building since he met her began to break down the carefully placed disinterest he tried to put forward. He still did not know why he was drawn to her like he was, but by Sithis at this point he did not care. His eyes moved back and forth taking her in, the flush of blood in her cheeks, the slight way her lips were parted. Even the way her red hair framed her face, wild and untamed from being under the hood of her cowl. "Cicero please...say something..." Closing his eyes for a moment Cicero took in a breath to calm the fire in his blood.

"Are you even aware of how crazy you make me?"

"I beg your pardon..."

"You drive me crazy Dracen. First I thought it was just because your naïve nature annoyed the shit out of me, but now...now all I want to do is throw you on that bed over there and fuck you silly."

"Cic..." He stopped whatever words she had planned from coming out of her mouth by kissing her. Her body went rigid in his grasp from the shock of his boldness. Cicero had almost given up the kiss, but her mouth opened letting her tongue snake in to slide against his. The feel of her arms wrapping around his neck made him smile into the kiss. He was not sure how long they had been standing there tasting each other, but the need for air finally made him break the kiss. Both of them were panting and the room felt a bit to hot.

"First kiss?" Dracen let out a small breathless laugh and nodded into his chest. "By Sithis did they let you do anything up on that mountain?"

"Other then learning to use a sword...no, I was sheltered up there."

"Fuck, I have a lot to teach you." Her head rose from his chest and she looked up at him. A bit of fear shone in Dracen's black eyes and Cicero gently stroked her back.

"I'm not sure...Cicero I have never..."

"I know. We will take it slow." She leaned into his chest again and tightened her embrace around him. When she would look back on this day and the days that lead her to her new path in life, she would remember this moment the most. The safe feeling of his arms around her, the soft voice he spoke to her in, and the feeling of warmth that took over her heart when their eyes met. It made her almost giggle at the absurdity of it all. She the heir to the throne of Tamriel and he an assassin. This was not a match that should have ever been, but if her father could love her mother, then Dracen felt no guilt in caring for Cicero.

"So I guess I should get changed then." She felt the cold seep in when he pulled away and she hated it.

"I'll wait outside the room. Just remember to hid that armor somewhere." Dracen nodded and waited to change til he shut the door. She chose a simple dress, but found she had trouble lacing the back of the bodice.

"Cicero?" The door cracked open and she saw him poke his head in. "Can you help me?"

"I normally help women out of their clothes..." Dracen threw him a withering look over her shoulder. Her eyes flashed and he held up his hands in apology. "Did...did your eyes just change color?"

"When I get mad or upset they turn red. The Blades said it was the dragon blood in my veins. Jauffre told me both my father's and grandfather's would do the same. As for the black eyes, they are from my mother and I think so is my hair color."

"Eyes black as the Void and dragon fire in your blood. You are a complex creature my dear." As he spoke Cicero laced the ribbon on the back of her bodice and pulled it tight. "Alright all done."

"So where to first?"

"Food first then I will take you to the Sanctuary to introduce you to the rest of the family. Bring your pack so we can store your things." Dracen frowned and looked at her mother's old cuirass and other possessions. "Don't worry, it is against The Tenets to steal from a sibling. It is punishable by death."

"The Tenets?"

"You will learn it all soon enough. For now let's eat." Dracen took his offered hand and let him lead her from her room. She sent a silent prayer to the gods to forgive her for this choice. She also thanked them for Cicero coming into her life. Whatever the future would bring she knew they would go through it together. For the first time in her life Dracen could choose where she was going and what she did. It was a new feeling, but by Talos she would not give it up for the world. Cicero placed his hand on the small of her back and smiled down at her. "While we eat you can tell me who the bard died." Dracen nodded and they sent the rest of the afternoon talking and eating

Hello everyone! I want to apologize for how long it has taken me to get this chapter out. Real life sucks sometimes. Thank you all for following and reading this story. I will try to get the chapters out a little faster.

Raven