Chapter 9:

A/N: Finally, I decided to start this chapter. Writers-block's a bitch. And my computer decided it was time to crash. Oh well. Hope you guys like it! Let's go! ;D

I stare at the woman, a sense of confusion filling me. What. The. Heck. She keeps looking at me concerned. "Maybe you should sit down for a second dear.." I quickly shake my head and smile nervously. "N-No.. I'm okay. It was probably my imagination.." The woman stares at me, but looks away after a few seconds. I quickly walk away.

I'm not crazy, right? There really was a girl.. I look at my braid, the ribbon being the only evidence.

'I'm not crazy. I'm not.'

I let out a sigh. "Maybe I should sleep. But later. Gotta get out of here before they find that body."

*What's this? A time skip? This early in the chapter? Yes. Deal with it. Time skip to getting to the Sanctuary*

When I get to the Black Door, it's night. I lay my hand on the door, feeling a chill run down my spine as the voice speaks in my head. Answering the question, I walk inside.

Immediately, I hear the voices of my fellow "Family members". There must be something going on in the.. cave. I walk towards the cave to see the whole lot standing around what seems to be a coffin, along with someone new. It's a man in a jester costume, who's smiling like a madman.

"But the Night Mother is mother to all! It is her voice we follow! Her will! Would you dare risk disobedience? And surely... punishment?"

Arnbjorn cracks his knuckles in annoyance. "Keep talking, little man, and we'll see who gets "punished.""

Festus sighs. "Oh, be quiet you great lumbering lapdog. The man has had a long journey. You can at least be civil. Mister Cicero, I for one am delighted you and the Night Mother have arrived. Your presence here signals a welcome return to tradition."

Cicero chuckles. "Oh, what a kind and wise wizard you are. Sure to earn our Lady's favor." Astrid walks up to him, a smile on her face that seems.. kinda forced. "You and the Night Mother are of course welcome here, Cicero. And you will be afforded the respect deserving of your position as Keeper."

She turns to Arnbjorn.

"Understood... husband?" Arnbjorn lets out an annoyed "hmpf". Cicero begins laughing. "Oh, yes yes yes! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Astrid gives another forced smile. "But make no mistake. I am the leader of this Sanctuary. My word is law. Are we clear on that point?" Cicero nods.

"Oh yes, mistress. Perfectly! You're the boss." Everyone walks away from Cicero, and I take my chance to talk to him. But when I come closer, I hear him whisper to the coffin. "Oh yes, mistress. You're the "boss." For now."

I shiver. Yikes. Cicero turns around, and smiles brightly seeing me. He takes my hand and roughly shakes it. "Another member of the Family! Hello, hello. So very good to meet you."

I smile. "It's very good to meet you too Cicero. My name is Sarafina, one of the newest recruits." He smiles even brighter, if that's even possible. "So polite! So nice! Cicero likes you. The Night Mother is sure to like you too. Oh, we're going to be fast friends. Fast friends."

Giving a nervous smile, I retract my hand and stay silent. Cicero giggles. "Oooh... So silent. So menacing. A true assassin of the old way. Cicero likes you. Oh yes, Cicero likes you, indeed." I chuckle. "Thank you. But I have to ask, what are you exactly?"

Cicero gives me a surprised look. "Me? Oh, Cicero is just the Keeper! I... keep! I look after our matron, you see. The Night Mother. I keep her clean, and protected, and happy... But I am not the Listener. Oh no. There is no Listener. Not yet! But some day, someday, someday I pray, that one will come to hear her say... The words."

I tilt my head. "Who is the Night Mother? The one in this coffin?" He gives me an even more surprised look. "What? Who is the Night Mother? Oh! Oh, you jest! You jest with gullible Cicero! You of course know that the Night Mother is our Unholy Matron. The undying spirit of a great woman who birthed the children of Sithis. And killed them. In his honour."

A shiver goes down my spine at his words. I remember Mom telling me a story about this. The Night Mother was a woman who gave birth to 5 children, then sacrificed them to Sithis, the embodiment of Chaos himself.

"O-Oh.. Right, yes, of course. How silly of me to forget. I err.. I'm gonna go now." I quickly walk away. This guy gives me the chills. I walk to Nazir to tell him about my contracts. But before I can even say a word, Astrid walks up to me.

"Ah, there you are. Good, I was done speaking with that muttering fool anyway. We've got some business to discuss." I blink in surprise. "You have a contract for me?" She nods.

"I do indeed. You must go to the city of Markarth, and speak with the apothecary's assistant. You'll probably find her in the shop, The Hag's Cure. The girl's been running her mouth, wants an ex-lover killed. She's apparently performed the Black Sacrament. Her name is Muiri. I need you to talk to her, set up the contract, and carry it out."

I nod. "Anything else?"

"Just do whatever the contact wishes. Be professional, represent us well, and get the job done. Since it's your first real contract, I'll let you keep whatever Muiri pays. She'll be generous, I'm sure. They always are." I smile slightly. "Okay. I'll be on my way as soon as I've had some rest."

Walking towards the sleeping quarters, I decide to speak to Nazir about the fulfilled contracts.

"Narfi is dead."

Nazir laughs. "Congratulations. You slaughtered an emaciated beggar in cold blood. You are truly an opponent to be feared. Here's your payment." He hands me a bag of coins. Judging by its weight, it must be around 500 coins or something.

"Ennodius Papius is also dead."

That idiot was pretty paranoid. He almost made a run for it when I walked towards him. Lucky for me, I'm fast on my feet. He wasn't.

"Good. And I hope you were careful in that lumber mill. Those splinters and rusty nails can be quite nasty. Your payment, for a job well done." Nazir hands me another bag of coins.

"And so is Beitild."

Nazir laughs loudly. "Of course she is. I hear the mining business is extremely cutthroat. And those hours... they're murder." I raise an eyebrow in annoyance. "You done?" He chuckles. "I could do this all day. Here's your payment." He hands me the last bag of coins. I give him a thankful nod, and walk to the sleeping quarters. Lying down my bed, I sigh. Today sure has been hectic. I close my eyes and soon fall asleep.

"My, my.. Your future looks as complicated as your past.. There will be a jester, whom you will soon meet.. He might seem.. crazy.. but you will trust him. And then there's.. Fire.. Lots of it.. I can't really see if it's the good or the bad kind of fire.. Could be both.. And a man.. who will follow you to the end of time.. Two titles.. One can't exist without the other.. Embrace them.. Betrayal. You will be betrayed by someone you trust… A mother.. Don't blame the dark mother. The demon will return when you least expect it."

Giving a slight gasp, my eyes shoot open. Gods, why did I have to dream about that? I sit up. "Ugh.. Get it together Sarafina.." Swinging my legs of the bed, I rub my eyes.

Today we'll meet.

I jump slightly. The hell?! What was that? I try to listen for the voice again, but it's gone. Shrugging, I stand up. Must've imagined it. All though.. I must have a wild imagination to think all these recent things up..

When I've put my gear on, I walk outside. I'm not really keen on going back to Markarth, but I have to. "Well.. Better get going."

*time skippy! :D I know.. I know.. I'm beginning to dislike them too.*

"That's it. When I get to a stable, I'm buying a horse." My feet are already hurting, and Markarth is at least another half hour walking. And I'm absolutely beginning to hate this weather. Too cold, and too glumy. How much fun. That lady better be worth it.

Finally, finally, I arrive at the gates of the city of stone. I walk inside, and go straight for that Hag's cure shop. Seeing a young woman working, I conclude her as Muiri. I walk towards her, and she looks up. "W-Why are you looking at me like that?" she asks with a timid voice.

"The Dark Brotherhood has come Muiri."

Her eyes grow wide. "The Dark Brotherho- Oh! Oh.. I.. My goodness, you're actually here! The Black Sacrament. It actually worked?" I chuckle slightly. "Obviously. Now. Tell me what you need." Muiri's face turns angry. "What I need? What I need is for Alain to die! I wanted him hunted down and murdered for the dog that he is!" I raise an eyebrow at her sudden anger. She sighs and looks to the ground. "I didn't know it when we were.. with each other.. but Alain is actually the leader of a band of cutthroats. Bandits."

Ah. Now she has my attention.

"They are holed up in some old Dwarven ruin. Raldbthar. It's near Windhelm. They use it as their base. It's where they stage their raids. I want you to go to that ruin, find Alain Dufont, and kill him. I don't care about his friends. Do whatever you want with them. But Alain has to die!"

I smile under my hood. "It will be done." Muiri nods. "Excellent. Once Alain is dead, I'll pay you. In gold. I've saved up a bit. I hope that'll do. But.. There is one more thing, if you're interested.." I raise an eyebrow. "Shoot."

"If you can… I want you kill someone else as well. You don't have to, it's not part of the deal. But if you do, I'll pay you even more. It's Nilsine Shatter-Shield, in Windhelm. If Nilsine dies too, I'll make it worth your while."

I make a thinking face. "Please tell me the full story. Why do you want them dead?" Muiri's face falls.

"I went to Windhelm to see the Shatter-Shields. They were old and dear friends.. and in mourning. Friga was killed recently. Murdered.. I met Alain in the tavern while I was.. drinking my sadness away. He was handsome and charming.. Said I was "the beautiful lily" of his dreams. Alain made all the pain just.. go away. But it was all lies! He used me. He ruined my name, destroyed my friendship with the Shatter-Shields.. Do you know why Alain was in Windhelm? He heard about Friga's murder. He wanted to befriend the family in their grief and.. And rob them blind! He used me to get close to my friends. Now they all think I'm some kind of monster. Alain Dufont took my life away. And now I'm taking his."

"And what about Nilsine?" I ask. She smiles sadly. "Don't you see? I was like a daughter to Tova. A sister to Nilsine and Friga. But the family refused to believe my innocence.. No matter what I say. Couldn't they understand that I was used? That I was griefing for Friga too? No.. They treated me like garbage, threw me away. With Nilsine dead, maybe Tova will realize what she's lost. Maybe she'll see a I just as much as a daughter as the others. And if not.. may she drown in her own tears."

I give a nod. "Anything else?" She nods and hands me a bottle. "I planned to kill Alain myself you know? Nilsine too. But lost my nerve. I even brewed a special poison, Lotus Extract. Maybe you can use it?" I smile, rocking the bottle slightly in my palm.

"It could prove to be useful. Thank you Muiri."

She smiles slightly, and turns back to her work, avoiding any eye contact with me. I pocket the bottle. Time for a job.

*Time skip to past all the murder. Sorry if you guys wanted action, but I wanted to skip to the good bits :3*

I pet the nose of the brown mare I bought at the Markarth stables after my contract. She nuzzles my hand and neighs. "I like you miss!" I hear in the back of my mind. It's a perk to be half Wood Elf. I chuckle. "I like you too. What shall I call you?"

"The man always called me Via!"

"Then Via it is." I jump on her back, and make way for the Falkreath Sanctuary. Getting there, I tie the reigns to a tree. "Stay here, okay?"

"Sure thing miss!"

She begins to nibble on the grass, and I walk to the Black Door. Going inside, I reach into my pocket, pulling out a ring. Muiri gave me this ring after telling her the good news about her dead ex-lover and ex-sister. She told me that if you wear it while doing alchemy, your potions will turn out better. Meh, I almost never preform alchemy. Maybe Fetus Fex can dis-enchant it for me. Or I'll give it to Babette.

I walk to Astrid, who smiles seeing me. "You're back. How did it go?"

"I only did what had to be done. Nothing more." Astrid chuckles. "Of course dear, of course. And from what my little ravens told me, you handled yourself quite well. Now, I need your assistance with something more of a.. personal nature." I raise an eyebrow. "Is something wrong?"

"It's Cicero. Ever since he's arrived, his behavior's been... Well erratic would be an understatement. I do believe he's truly mad. But it's worse than that. He's taken to locking himself into the Nightmother's chamber and talking. To someone. In hushed, but frantic tones. Who's he speaking with? What are they planning? I fear treachery.."

I swallow. A traitor among us? That could turn out bad.. "Then we have to stop them."

"So you understand my fear. If Cicero's planning something, and conspiring with one of our own.. it could turn out disastrous."

"So.. What do you want me to do?"

"Dear Sister, I need you to sneak into the chamber and eavesdrop on their conversation. It will be no use clinging to the shadows, they'll see you for sure. No, you needs a hiding place. Somewhere they'll never think to look. Like inside the Nightmother's coffin."

What. No way I'm hiding inside a dirty coffin.. But if it can help us find the traitor... "Okay. I'll do it."

Astrid smiles. "They'll never think to check it. Who in their right mind would hide inside?"

Me, apparently.

"Now go. Before they meet. And report back to me with whatever you learn." I nod and walk away. To the Nightmother's chamber. Oh boy..

The chamber looks dark. I check if nobody's coming, and sneak to the large coffin. Taking out a lockpick, I open the coffin. And immediately, I'm greeted by the sweet smell of decay. Great. I look at the corpse, or more like mummy. Ewww.. If Astrid didn't order me to, I would've said "No thanks!"

Carefully, I slip into the coffin. Damn it.. I won't fit like this.. Or.. No. 'Well, I guess I have to hug our patron..Yikes.' I hug the corpse, shivering slightly. Reaching, I manage to close the door of the coffin, and then the only things I register are darkness and the dry dead skin of the Nightmother. How much fun!

Suddenly, I heard someone enter, and I quiet down my breathing.

"Are we alone? Yes, yes! Alone! Hehehe! Sweet solitude! No one will hear us, disturb us.. Everything is going according to plan!"

Cicero. According to plan? This should be good.

"The others, I've spoken to them. They're coming around, I know it. Festus Fex.. Maybe even the Argonion! And.. the un-child.."

Fetus? Veezara and Babette? Mara's mercy.. This could be worse than I thought..

"What about you hm? Have you.. have you spoken to anyone?" His voice suddenly turns angry "Oh no, of course not! I do the talking, the stalking, the seeing and the saying! And what do you do hm?! NOTHING!" Oooh boy...

"Not.. not that I'm angry.. Oh never.. Cicero understands. Cicero always understands. And obeys.."

What on earth is he talking about?!

"You'll talk when you're ready won't you? Won't you? Sweet Night Mother.."

He's talking to a corpse. He's talking.. to a CORPSE. Like he couldn't get more crazy.. But suddenly, someone, or more like someTHING, starts talking in my mind. The voice is old and raspy, like it wasn't used in a long time. Like a.. mummy..

"Poor Cicero.. Dear Cicero.. Such a humble servant. But he will never hear my voice.. for he is not the Listener.."

WHAT THE HELL?!

Cicero apparently didn't hear the voice, since he begins talking further. "Oh! But how can I defend you? How can I exert your will if you will not speak? To ANYONE?!"

"Oh, but I will speak.. I will speak to you.. for you are the one.."

M-Me?!

"Yes, you.. you who shares my iron tomb, who warms my ancient bones.. I give you this task.. Journey to Volunruud. Speak to Armound Motierre…"

Cicero begins talking again, this time with a sad tone. "Poor Cicero has failed you.. Poor Cicero is sorry sweet Mother… I've tried, so very hard… But I just can't find the Listener!'

"Tell Cicero the time has come.. Tell him the words he has been waiting for all these years.. Darkness rises when silence dies.." I swallow. "B-But.." Oh crap. Cicero stops whimpering, and suddenly the silence is deafening. Then the coffin is pulled open, making me tumble out, staring right at the jester's face. Sh*t.

Cicero looks down at me, confusion on his face.

"What? What treachery?! Defiler! Debaser and defiler! You have violated the sanctity of the Night Mother's coffin! Explain yourself!"

I sit up, inching away from him. "I-I.." He pulls me up by my collar, bringing his face close to mine. "SPEAK WORM!"

"T-the Night Mother! S-she.. She spoke to me! She said that.. I was "the one".." He drops me in confusion. "She.. spoke to you? More treachery! More trickery and deceit! You lie! The Night Mother only speaks to the Listener!" He spreads in arms in frustration. "And there is.. No.. LISTENER!"

Before he can attack me again, I hold up my hands. "W-wait! She told me something else.. "D-Darkness rises w-when silence dies..""

Cicero's face turns to confusion again. "She.. she said that? She said those words.. to you? "Darkness rises when silence dies"?"

I nod, making him suddenly smile brightly. "But those are the words. The Binding Words. Written in the Keeping Tomes. The signal so I would know. Mother's only way of talking to sweet Cicero…"

He suddenly begins to dance, happily. 'Then.. It's true! She's back! Our Lady is back! She has chosen a Listener! HAHA! She has chosen you! HAHAHAHA! All hail the Listener!"

Oh gods.. I feel faint a bit. "You have got to be kidding me.."

Suddenly Astrid storms into the room. "By Sithis, this ends now!" She pushes Cicero away from me. "Back away fool! Whatever you're planning is over!" I look up, weakly holding up a hand. "Astrid.. Wait a second.."

She turns to me. "Are you alright? I heard the commotion. Who was Cicero talking to? Where's the accomplice?" Astrid whips her head around the room. "Reveal yourself traitor!" Cicero pouts slightly. "I spoke only to the Night Mother! I spoke to the Night Mother, but she didn't speak to me. Oh no. She only spoke to her!" He points at me.

"To the Listener!"

Astrid looks confused. "What? The Listener? What are you going on about? What is this lunacy?"

"It's true, it's true! The Night Mother has spoken! The silence has been broken! The Listener has been chosen!" He falls back into his happy dance. Astrid walks up to me and helps me stand up.

"When I heard Cicero screaming, I knew you were discovered. I feared the worst. Are you all right?" I nod. "Y-Yeah.. I'm fine.."

"Then what in Sithis's name is going on? Cicero spoke to the Night Mother, but she spoke to you? Is this just more of this fool's rambling?"

I swallow. "It's.. it's true. The Night Mother spoke to me. She told me I was "the one"." Astrid looks more confused. "What? So.. Cicero wasn't talking to anyone else? Just the Night Mother's body? And the Night Mother, who, according to everything we know, will only speak to the person chosen as the Listener.. just spoke. Right now.. To you?"

"Y-Yes."

"By Sithis.. And.. What did she say?"

"I must speak to someone called Amound Motierre, in Volenruud."

Astrid raises an eyebrow. "Amound Motierre? I have no idea who that is. But Volenruud.. that I've heard of. And I know where it is."

"You want me to go there?"

She seems to think about it for a second. "Hm? No, no! I don't know what's going on here, but you take orders from me. Are we clear on that?" I give a short nod. "Yes Astrid." She snorts.

"The Night Mother may have spoken to you, but I'm still the leader of this Family. I will not have my authority so easily dismissed. I.. I need time to think about all this. Go see Nazir, do some jobs for him. I'll talk to you when I'm ready to discuss the matter."

I nod again. "Okay.. See you later Astrid." I walk out of the room, hearing Cicero sing his little song.

"Oooh! You are the Listener! You are the Listener! I have served Mother well, I have!"

Oh Mara help me..

A/N: Finally done! :DD I feel so happy! :3 I'm sorry this took so FREAKING long, but I was working on the whole "Mourning never comes" kills, so when Sarafina kills Alain and Nilsine and stuff. But I decided to delete that part because it was pure crap. So... Here we are. I really had fun writing the Listener scene :3 I hope you enjoyed! And I'll see you in the next chapter, which will take less time. Hopefully. :3