Turdas 1 First Seed through Sundas 13 Second Seed 202 4E

The next two months passed in a blur. Days were filled with me training with Nazir and Veezara to improve in my use of armor and swordplay. Evenings were studying with Festus and Babette on the histories of the Brotherhood and alchemy. And the nights when he was not performing his duties as Keeper were in Cicero's arms learning how to dance.

I tripped and shuffled and was even dragged across our improvised dance floor. One occasion I lay face down on the ground refusing to move. Cicero would yell and prod and stomp his feet, but he never gave up. The madman had the patience and tenacity to rival the gods.

Cicero tried every type of dance. He guided me through a slow waltz. He taught me the ritualized steps of courtly dance. We stomped through the tribal rituals of the Khajiit. I was whirled though the folk dances of the Nords. We practiced the body grinding sensual dance of the Bretons which caused me to need to excuse myself for a prolonged break. I almost died of laughter when Cicero demonstrated the belly dance of the Redguards by shaking his hips and pouting his lips. When he had me try, I felt like I was promising something with my body I was unwilling to fulfill. Where Cicero had made the moves look sexual, I felt like I was trying to shake sand out of my clothes.

"It would be so much easier if I had something to work with," I complained.

"Cicero told you that the music isn't important!"

"You sing all the time and you never sing when you're teaching me how to dance."

"Cicero cannot sing while instructing," he scowled. "Hecate must relax. Just let go. Fall into the Void."

"I can't let go!" I snapped. The dragon half was sleeping, but it could waken at any moment. Even now it stirred in its slumber. Dragons thrived on destruction and chaos and we were planning the destruction of an Emperor.

"Does Hecate trust Cicero?" Cicero would tilt my face so I would look him in the eye every time he asked. I would hesitate and Cicero would end the lesson for the day.

Often he would switch to the combat method he had showed me. I learned how to dodge, duck and weave. I admit there was a grace to it, but it wasn't the same thing. The jester showed me how to tumble and how to be more flexible.

Periodically I would take small contracts. I needed to get out of the Sanctuary and be under the blue sky and see the trees and plants waking from their winter slumber. It was common for at least one person to be out on some errand. The only one to never leave the Sanctuary was Cicero. He scoured the area nearby for flowers and other ornaments for the Night Mother's shrine, but he never took a contract or went on leave to Falkreath for a mug of mead.

I encouraged Cicero to go with Veezara and Nazir when the two males had planned a trip to the Shrine to Dibella in Markarth. "It's a good opportunity to get to know the others and to release some tension."

"Cicero never has and never will pay for companionship," he sniffed disdainfully.

One day I was reading a book and commented, "We should go up to Falkreath some time. Indulge in rumormongering or some other crass thing."

"How does the Listener know that Cicero won't rape her and leave her corpse in the woods?" Cicero responded.

"Because I trust you," I answered a little confused by his morbid response. Too late I realized what he had done. "Oh, dammit."

"Finally!" Cicero laughed. He grabbed my hand and dragged me to my feet. The Keeper turned me so my back was pressed firmly against him. He held each wrist in one hand. "Cicero is going to show Hecate a new technique, but it requires trust. Cicero is going to Steal the Shadow and Hecate will Become the Puppet." I could hear the capitalization.

"Hecate must relax," Cicero extended my left hand and let go. I left my hand in the position he released it. Cicero gently slapped my hand so I dropped it. "Better." When he picked my hand up and released it again, I immediately let it drop to my side.

Cicero danced with me, but this time his motions nudged me into action. Needing to only use his body, Cicero burst into song finally giving me the beat I had needed. Molded together we moved as one. I could see where months of practice were finally paying off as we stepped in sync. Cicero finished by whirling me around so I was facing him in his embrace. "Much better, yes?" he grinned wickedly.

"Yes," I admitted.

"Good, then you're ready for an audience."

Morndas 14 Second Seed 202 4E 8:00 AM

"Get up," I pulled the blankets off Cicero as I climbed out of bed. I don't know why he continued to crawl into my bed. I had told him repeatedly to sleep in his own, but had been unwilling to make it a command he had to follow. At least Cicero was wearing underclothes this time.

Cicero had spent last night oiling the Night Mother. As always the ritual lasted from sunset to midnight. I had opted to not attend since I wanted to go over my luggage one last time. Being able to observe the sacred ritual had brought me closer to Cicero, but it was a privilege I didn't wish to test.

The red head groaned and rolled over while pulling a thin sheet over his head. "If you don't get up," I threatened, "I'll leave without you."

"Where is the Listener going?" Cicero mumbled from under a pillow. Because he only slept on average once a week, Cicero tended to pass out for twelve to sixteen hours when he did rest. I wondered if I should have used Cicero's old wagon instead of the two mounts for our trip. I could have left him curled up asleep as we traveled, but what if the wagon broke down again? No, the wagon was slow and bulky. I preferred speed since we were on a time limit.

"We're going to Solitude, fool," I swatted his bottom. Cicero squawked in protest. "I told you. We need to scout out the courtyard where Vici's wedding is being held."

"Cicero has Keeping to do." He blindly felt on the floor where the sleeping furs had fallen until he found them. Cicero wrapped the furs around him until he became a furry cocoon.

"What? No, remember we agreed that we would close up the Night Mother's chamber and be back within a week. I talked to the Night Mother. She didn't protest."

"No, Mother didn't talk to Hecate…again. Very different than agreeing." Cicero was not budging from under his refuge.

"I need you to go," I begged.

"Why?"

"Because I want you to finish my mural," I gestured at the blank space on the wall where Solitude was supposed to perch.

"No."

"Grrr," I climbed onto the bed and jumped up and down in a circle around the jester. "Get up, get up, get up." I laughed as I bounced around Cicero's bundled form. I grabbed the furs and jerked them up so they billowed out. I slipped under them as they fell. "What's wrong? Aren't you excited about going out?"

Cicero was curled into a fetal position. His eyes were wide and distant. "No."

I put my arm around him. "Why not? You wanted to go to Riften."

"Riften is different. Riften is dangerous. Solitude isn't dangerous. It's just… lonely." Was he still talking about the city?

"There's a bard's college there," I said. "We could visit."

Cicero perked up at this. "And if there is singing and dancing? Will Hecate dance with humble Cicero?"

"We've danced together already."

"No, no, no, that's not the same thing at all. Cicero and Hecate practiced. Hecate must show others how well she can twirl and spin."

"Fine, but only if there's something going on already. I'm not going to have you spin me around in the streets randomly."

Tirdas 15 Second Seed 202 4E 4:00 PM

We were making good time and were already north of Rorikstead. If the fair weather held and there was no trouble on the roads, we would easily be in Solitude some time tomorrow.

"Hecate should name her horse," Cicero said. He sat easily enough on his gelding pinto who he had declared was named Chuckles. The flaps of his jester's cap fluttered in the spring wind.

"No, absolutely not," I said. "I stopped naming my horses after they kept dying on me. The first one I bought died within an hour of purchasing it."

"What happened?"

"'A giant decided he wanted to club my mare over a hill."

"So what do you call this one?"

"Number six," I patted my brown mare's neck. I had bought her in Ivarstead after departing the Throat of the World after killing Alduin. "Four months and counting. She's lasted longer than several of my old horses put together."

"Isn't that a sort of name?" Cicero raised an eyebrow.

"Shut up! Don't jinx this for me," I scowled.

Cicero began growling. His attention was focused on the road ahead of us. At the top of the hill was a squad of four Stormcloak soldiers, three men and a woman, marching towards us. Cicero's expression was stormy. His hand gripped his dagger ready to pull it at a moment's notice.

"Cicero hates Stormcloaks. Cicero encountered some near Dawnstar. They insisted that Cicero must be transporting something hidden in his crate. They made me," the Keeper shuddered in horror, "open Mother's coffin. Their dirty, unworthy eyes lingering on my dear, sweet Mother. Cicero wanted to kill them, but he couldn't."

What were you doing near Dawnstar? I wondered. Cyrodiil was south of Skyrim and Falkreath Sanctuary was located on the southern border near Hammerfell. There was the Jerall Mountain range, but there was the Pale Pass that led into Heglen. In fact that was the route I was taking when I stumbled into the ambush for Ulfric and his men.

"They're innocent," I said.

Cicero snorted, "Innocence is an illusion, my dear, sweet Listener." We stopped talking as the Stormcloaks passed us.

"Oh, look at the milkdrinkers," one taunted. Another said, "Did someone steal your sweetroll?" Their mocking laughter set my teeth on edge. I had managed to forget how much I hated Stormcloaks.

"Look at the funny little man," the woman said pointing at Cicero's outfit. "He's like a tiny toy."

They might have lived if one of them hadn't decided to be clever and hit me with a thrown dirt clod. "Hey, Imperials, go back home!"

"Cicero, my dear Keeper," I said. Cicero perked up at my use of his title, "My gift. From me to you." I gestured to the retreating soldiers. It was unnecessary, but I added, "Leave no witnesses."

Cicero laughed joyfully as he wheeled his horse around. He rode full speed into the Stormcloaks bowling two of them over. "Die!" he screamed as he leapt from his horse. The jester landed on one of the still standing soldiers and slammed his knife into the man's chest. A spray of blood flew as the man crumpled.

Before the corpse hit the ground, Cicero was already springing to the next Stormcloak. The man had managed to pull his sword but it did him no good. Cicero slit the man's throat with one fluid motion. As the dying man released his sword, Cicero grabbed it and twirled the blade in his hand. Continuing his spin, the jester threw his dagger. It blossomed in the female Stormcloak's chest. The woman died with a look of utter surprise.

The final man decided retreat was the better part of valor. As the Stormcloak ran, Cicero cackled, "Cicero likes it when they run." Cicero chased the man and sliced the soldier's tendon. As the Stormcloak stumbled to the ground, the Fool of Hearts decapitated him. It took only moments for four people to die.

It was like watching an artist create a masterpiece.

Cicero dropped the iron sword on the road. He walked over to his ebony dagger and pulled it with a sickening squelch from the woman's corpse. Cicero cleaned the blade on the woman's tabard before sheathing it.

How much I had changed in the last couple of months. To go from trying so hard to avoid killing to freely allowing my madman to kill rude passersby.

I walked my horse over to Cicero. His eyes were twinkling merrily. The spray of blood had left a trail of blood across his face. "That'll teach them to cross me!"

Middas 16 Second Seed 202 4E 11:00 AM

I took a deep breath pulling in the smell of the salty ocean air. It was always the first thing I did when I came to Solitude. The warm late spring air blew through my hair lifting it from my sweaty neck. I could hear the cries of seagulls flying near the docks. I glanced at the Blue Palace waiting on her lonely cliff over the sea. Truly, Solitude was the most beautiful city in all of Skyrim. Even if it was too far north for my preferences.

We had left our horses at the stable and were walking up the hill to the city gates. The blue sea sparkled in the sun to our right.

"The first thing we'll do is rent a room at the Winking Skeever. Then we're going to the Radiant Raiment. The clerks there are obnoxious, but don't let them get to you. I like this city and don't want a bounty here."

"What is a Radiant Raiment?" Cicero asked. He looked bored.

"It's a clothier," I answered.

"If Hecate wishes to shop for clothes, Cicero can always find other…entertainments."

"First off, while we're here I need you to call me Diana again," I said. "Second, I'm not shopping for just me. I'm getting clothes for you too."

"What?"

"Cicero, for Zenithar's sake, you own only the one set of clothes. If you like, I'll even order a new set of jester's attire for you." It was the main reason I had scheduled for us to stay in Solitude a few days. We could easily scout the courtyard in a few hours, but waiting for the tailors would not. There might be some clothes in Cicero's size available, but the special order would take time.

"No!" Cicero hugged himself. "These are special. They belonged to the Jester."

"Who is the Jester?" I asked carefully. The last thing I wanted was for Cicero to freak out in the middle of Solitude.

Cicero glanced around to make sure no one was within hearing distance. He leaned close and whispered in my ear, "My last contract. He laughed and laughed…until he didn't. I took the clothes as a trophy." It wasn't uncommon for us to take something from our targets. I had my own collection of journals, jewelry, and other small mementoes. The value of the item wasn't important as much as taking some last memory. Normally trophies are small. To take something as bulky as an entire outfit was extreme.

"I understand, but these are getting old." I ran my fingers over one of the many patches that adorned the outfit. Cicero had developed a fine stitch over the years and the work was well done and with loving care. The faded red cloth felt thin. How much longer could the outfit last before tearing in a way that couldn't be repaired? "Eventually, you're going to have to say goodbye."

"Cicero isn't good with goodbyes. Everyone leaves Cicero and Mother."

"I promise I won't leave." I took Cicero's hands into mine and leaned forward kissing him gently on the lips. I felt as surprised as he did. Cicero commonly stole butterfly kisses from me, but this was the first time I had initiated any affection in return. I stepped back and cleared my throat so my heart would stop thumping in it. "Ahem, after all you're my brother."

"Of course," Cicero touched his lips with one hand. The other he left entwined with mine as we finished our walk up the hill to Solitude.

Middas 16 Second Seed 202 4E 1:00 PM

"What did you expect to find down there? My juggling balls?" Cicero laughed at Endarie, the high elf clerk, who was uncomfortably taking Cicero's measurements.

Cicero was wearing only his underclothes, but I had decided to plant myself between him and the exit. I wasn't entirely sure he wouldn't make a break for it. The thought of the redhead running through town naked seemed too likely a possibility.

"Sir, please stop adjusting your underclothes. I can see everything," Endarie frowned as she turned away. The high elf didn't like her customers most days. I could only imagine how much she was seething now.

"But the clerk said she needed all of Cicero's measurements," the jester complained playfully. "Cicero only wishes to be properly represented in his stature."

"Behave or she is likely to stick you with needles," I warned. Moments later Endarie was done and Cicero was sent to change into a set of clothes they had in stock.

"Cicero doesn't understand why he has to change in the back. Cicero was naked out here," he grumbled as he left.

Endarie made a long, put out sigh as she stepped behind the counter and jotted down Cicero's measurements. "We should have most of your requests in stock. However, we make everything to accommodate Nord stature so I'll need some time to hem. The special order will take the most time." I had given Endarie the list I had made of clothes for Cicero. It included various casual outfits as a few formal ones in case we found ourselves needing to crash some event. I had left the jester's outfit on figuring it wouldn't hurt to have as a backup.

"It's quite interesting that the two of you have similar measurements." I had given patronage to the Radiant before and even modeled some clothes for the jarl, Lady Elisif the Fair. Taarie, Endarie's sister and owner of the Raiment, had saved my measurements for future purchases.

"It's because Diana has small breasts," Cicero declared as he came back out dressed. He did look fine in the green coat and pants Endarie had given him. Cicero placed himself behind me. He grabbed my hips and shook them. "Also, Diana has bigger hips. For all that baby making," Cicero leered suggestively.

"How does it fit?" I asked as I restrained from slapping Cicero upside his head for the comment.

Cicero did a handless somersault and a backflip. He checked the clothes and found no tears. "It'll do," he shrugged.

I pulled out a coin pouch and placed it on the counter. I could hear the bell over the front door ring as a new customer entered. "Here's my deposit. If you can get everything on the list in three days' time, I'll double your estimate." Endarie, suddenly a lot more cheerful, grinned broadly at the offer.

"By the divines, is that you, Diana?" I turned around to see the new customer was the last person I had wanted to see here. It was Elisif. The widow smiled broadly and gave me a hug which I returned.

I adored Elisif. Out of all the jarls, other than Balgruuf, she was the one I felt the most allegiance. Her husband had been High King Torygg, who had been murdered by Ulfric. She had inherited her husband's position as jarl and would be named High Queen once all the jarls could gather and vote. That would never happen as long at the Stormcloak Rebellion lasted. By ancient Nord tradition, Ulfric had a claim to the throne as well for defeating Torygg in a duel. The legitimacy of the duel depended on who you asked.

There was some concern that Elisif was too young and inexperienced for her position. She depended heavily on her steward, Falk Firebeard, and on General Tullius, the man who led the Imperial army in Skyrim. She seemed too fragile as she sat primly on her dead husband's throne, but I saw a hidden strength in her. This woman would not surrender until her husband's murder was avenged and she would grow into a leader that would honor Torygg's memory.

"What are you doing in Solitude? You were going to visit me at the Blue Palace, I hope! And who is this?" Elisif nodded to Cicero who was hovering next to me.

Before I could answer, Cicero knelt on one knee and kissed Elisif's hand. "My name is Cicero and I am Diana's husband. It is such an honor to finally meet you. She's told me so much about you."

"You got married?" Elisif smiled happily. "I had no idea. You should have told me. I would have come to your wedding."

"Oh, you know how it is." My fake laugh sounded hollow. I was going to kill Cicero. "These things just sort of happen. What brings you to the Raiment?"

"I'm having a gathering tonight. I needed to pick up my garment. Ever since you showed me that lovely dress, I buy all my clothes here."

"Will there be dancing?" Cicero asked.

"Oh yes," Elisif said. "You two should come. Be my guests."

"I would love that," I said through ground teeth.

Middas 16 Second Seed 202 4E 7:00 PM

"You do not make a cover identity like that without consulting with me first," I growled. Cicero and I were walking to the Blue Palace for Elisif's party. The Palace was already lit with many candles and torches causing it to practically glow in the sunset. Strains of music could already be heard and I could smell succulent foods in the air.

"Diana didn't give Cicero an identity so Cicero improvised. Cicero and Diana would never have passed as blood siblings. Besides, it's not like I lied." Cicero looked me dead in the eye, his expression serious.

My jaw dropped. By the divines, was the relationship of Keeper and Listener closer than I had realized? If I was the thumb, was Cicero the nail? THUMB AND NAIL?!

Suddenly Cicero burst into laughter. "Oh, the expression on your face was priceless. Cicero couldn't keep a straight face any longer."

I punched Cicero in the shoulder. "I hate you! Someday you're going to go too far and I'm going to stab you."

"Promises, promises," Cicero smirked. He looped his arm through mine. We were at the Blue Palace.

As we stepped into the main hall, a guard said, "Announcing the Dragonborn and her husband." I had confessed to Cicero earlier that I was the Dragonborn to avoid him reacting strangely in front of others. I flinched at the attention that grabbed as several delegates turned toward me. Elisif had an impressive guest list. General Tullius and his second-in-command Legate Rikke were here. I also recognized Brunwulf Free-Winter, Maven Black-Briar, and Idgrod Ravencrone amongst the guests. All Imperial supporters.

"Dear gods, they're gathering to plan for war," I muttered. Was Balgruuf here?

"Pfft, that can be for later," Cicero declared. He guided me to the empty dance floor. The gathering was still early and the guests were mingling on the side lines.

"Cicero, I'm supposed to present myself to Elisif first!" I protested.

"Once Diana starts boring war talk, she will be doing it all night long," Cicero countered. "Cicero was promised a dance and he means to see it."

I had thought I would feel self-conscious with all the eyes of the court on us. The music started and everything fell away except my partner. Cicero guided my steps and I followed. Even when he added little embellishments, I moved as one with him. It was like when I was getting ready to shoot my bow. A deep breath and everything floated away on the Void until there was only me, my target and that sweet moment of letting go.

When the song ended, I was brought abruptly back to reality as the crowded applauded. Cicero basked in the attention. I quickly walked over to Elisif, anything to not stand there and feel like a display. "My lady, forgive me for indulging my…husband," I choked on the word.

"It's no problem at all," Elisif smiled sadly. She must have been thinking of Torygg. "I had wondered why no one had heard tale of you these last months. I had feared you had died. Now I see you were occupied in other fashions."

"It's true," Cicero wrapped his arms around me from behind. "She can't get enough of me. We're like rabbits." Elisif blushed prettily.

"Cicero, I need to speak to Lady Elisif privately. I'm sure you can find ways to entertain yourself." Cicero bowed a farewell. The last I saw of him was talking to a wood elf who looked too poorly dressed to be at such a high ranking gathering.

I escorted Elisif to a quiet corner. "I traveled to Sovngarde to battle Alduin. While I was there, I saw Torygg. He wanted me to tell you that he loved you and that he was proud of you. He would watch over you always." Tears sprung into Elisif's eyes. I felt uncomfortable to be the bearer of such intimate news, but felt joy at Elisif's reaction. I had feared I would botch the message and had dreaded delivering it.

"Thank you," she managed to whisper. She clasped my hands with hers.

The rest of the gathering passed in a blur. I met and talked with many of the delegates of the different holds. They wanted to know my opinion of the upcoming battle for Whiterun. Ulfric's forces were already accumulating on the fields below Dragonsreach, forcing Balgruuf to stay in his hold. I was grateful that my old jarl wasn't here tonight although I was worried about the battle.

General Tullius had sworn his forces behind Balgruuf which would give Whiterun an advantage in numbers. "Join us," he asked simply. "Right now we might have bigger numbers, but they know the land better. The fight is going to drag out and a lot of men and women are going to get hurt and die. If you throw your support in with us, we can rally the men. Turn a small victory into a major one."

"I can't," I said. "I've retired." The disappointment of the jarls was plain on their faces.

The hours passed and slowly groups excused themselves for the night. There was still no sign of Cicero. Gods, what had that man gotten into?

"Excuse me," I tapped a maid on the shoulder. "Have you seen my… husband? He's an Imperial. Red hair, talks a lot, probably made inappropriate jokes."

"I do remember seeing him, ma'am," the maid said. She gestured to a door. "He was standing near the Pelagius Wing talking to a wood elf. That was hours ago, I'm afraid."

"Could he have gone in there?" I did not want to have to search an entire wing. I was tired and fairly drunk from all the wine I had been offered. It was not easy to come across proper Imperial wine in Skyrim and I had decided to indulge.

"Oh, no," the maid produced a long, brass key. "The wing is considered cursed and is locked up tight. I'm the only one with a key." At that moment, Cicero came out from the wing. He was humming a new tune. His new clothes were covered in dust and grime. I ignored the shocked maid and went over to Cicero.

"Where have you been?" I asked as I grabbed his hand.

"Oh, Cicero had the most wonderful time! The wood elf Dervenin took Cicero to his master. The blind man was having a picnic. He said he and Cicero were old friends and he was happy to see Cicero again. We ate cheese and built a fort out of the wheels. Cheese wheels, not other types of wheels. Cicero wants clothes like him! Red on one side and purple on the other."

"Absolutely not," I said. "That sounds ridiculous."

"Cicero danced for the blind man and his friend Pelly. We laughed and laughed and laughed."

"Did this blind man have a name?" I asked.

"He said Cicero could call him Ann Marie, but only if Cicero wanted to be flayed alive and have him play jump rope with Cicero's entrails. It sounded interesting, but Cicero was much too busy to accept right now."

Before Cicero could continue, Elisif approached us. "Thank you for coming tonight," she said as she hugged me. "Please visit us again soon. Next month the Emperor's cousin is getting married. I'm sure she would love for you to attend. There is also going to be an effigy burning of King Olaf," Elisif grimaced. "Such a barbaric ritual, but the people seem to love it. And they need to feel a connection to the past very much right now."

"I'll see what I can do," I said as a plan formed. The burning of King Olaf? Maybe I could use that.

As we exited the Blue Palace, I leaned against Cicero's shoulder. "You," I drawled drunkenly, "made it so I couldn't lose myself in the throes of some young thing tonight."

"There is always Cicero," the Keeper said quietly.

I paused and looked at him, really looked at him. Yes, there always was Cicero. He was always there. So loyal and patient and obedient. Anything to please the Night Mother and by extension anything to please the Listener.

I stepped away from him. The two of us were predators sizing each other up. "If you can catch me before I reach the inn, I'll let you have me," I taunted. I turned and ran down the hill. My hair flew behind me like a dark banner. Cicero followed. Not because he wanted the prize, but because of the challenge. And when one runs, the other can't help but follow. It is the nature of the beast.

He was faster than me and would surely catch me. But only if I played fair. "WULD!" I Shouted the Whirlwind Sprint and shot forward out of Cicero's grasp. The Keeper might catch me one day, but not tonight.