A/N: Hello hello hello thanks for reading.

Secondly: I SINCERELY apologise for not checking the format of Chapter 13 after I posted it. It has now been fixed and- hopefully- is no longer a wall of text. So that was quite a bit of silliness on my part!

Warning~ M rated content ahead. I'm getting impatient with writing this, as it draws closer to its conclusion. Not far off now.

XIV

[The Child In The Corner]

"Flowers on a cross remain, mark an ending scene, damn it all if blood you spill, turn the grass more green"

-Alice In Chains, Private Hell-

Four days was not long enough to get away from it all. Lucina had walked- or what could be better described as a stumbling jog, past Riften. In all honesty she had no idea where she was, only that if she walked that way she would eventually hit it. She was cold, but not at all lonely. After all, she had Halvo.

"You won't betray me, will you?" She whispered reassuringly to the coin. It glistened in response. "I know, I know I'll have to move towards civilisation at some point, just not yet."

There was, Lucina thought, a vast amount of people out there with far too many malicious ideas for her liking. Too many who mistook her for Ysabel, and by extension, too many who had wanted to kill her within the confines of the battlegrounds.

"Why, you ask? Well because once I said I wasn't the Dragonborn, my life became forfeit. I don't like it Halvo." It had bothered her so much that by the end of the night, she was blood splattered and terribly, horribly drunk. Which had done nothing to alleviate her rather sudden paranoia, and hence why she was now avoiding any form of settlements. For just a little while longer, at most. Lucina was even stupid enough to leave her horse behind as she fled Whiterun.

"Why did I flee?" She frowned for a moment, contemplating the depth of it. "Well you see, in case you hadn't noticed, we were trapped in some room with some people: that usually spells trouble." She sighed and lay her head back on the soft grass. "I don't very much like trouble."

A dangerous combination of exhaustion and comfort let her eyes close on the world, with only small whisperings that it would be alright to shut her eyes from the cruel world for just a little while.

[x x x]

"We're off, Lucina!"

Mother was calling from somewhere.

"Lucina?"

She waded through the darkness, a faint light in the distance her only guide.

"Hurry along, now! We really must be off soon," she called again. But where were they? Why was it so dark? She fumbled around, feeling the walls. In the darkness, they were unfamiliar. The light grew closer, larger until she stood at the edge of it- "A window?" She muttered. She could see her family inside. They were searching. She reached up, and tapped the window, willing them to hear. Then she saw herself enter the room, smiling. She waved her parents goodbye, with Ysabel and Adamus, as they left.

"No, don't!" She tried to tell them- were they listening?

No. Only Adamus. What was he doing? Adamus turned to her and stared.

"Wake up!" She sat up, blood- no, sweat, falling from her brow.

"Ysabel?" She called softly into the darkness, certain she had heard someone's voice.

"Silly girl," a figure walked towards her, his face a frightening display of pure delight. "Don't struggle, it'll only make this harder on yourself." Behind him, some other man chuckled. "I'll make sure you never forget."

Lucina sat up with a scream. She clutched madly at her armor, her bow- where was her bow?! Before her fingers finally wrapped around the worn edges of a coin. Panting, she glanced around her surroundings. Of course she had just fallen asleep; it was only a nightmare. She felt sick to her stomach, her mind and body craving that something which had made her forget for a time.

"More walking," she informed Halvo as they set off in the vague direction of Riften. Two more days of walking. What should have really taken one had been doubled by a simple mistake. She had tripped on a rock and subsequently, gained a suspected sprained ankle. A period of rest had left her feeling irritable, so with the help of a stick, she arrived in Riften by midday of the second day. But he was there, right as she had expected. She was beyond exhausted, and in terrible pain but she didn't- no couldn't- stop out of fear that it would catch up to her. It had followed her all the way from her sleep to Riften. As he came into sight, she felt it begin to fade away. Relieved, she collapsed against him. He was startled, but caught her none the less, and carried her to the inn.

"Lass, I will admit I did not expect to see you again anytime soon." His voice made her smile, and he felt her head in confusion. "Are you alright, Lucina? You look a right mess."

"I just hurt my ankle on the way here," she replied, still in the grips of exhaustion. "I'm so glad I found you..." She grinned up at him in a daze.

"You're... Happy? To see me?" She nodded, eyes wide and pleading. Brynjolf raised an eyebrow with a lopsided grin.

"I think I can accommodate for you, lass." She seemed pleased with that, and for a moment he was concerned that she was actually delerious and he was taking advantage of her. All worried were swept away when she leaned towards him and placed a delicate kiss on his lips. "Let's get you cleaned up first," he said as he swept her up, feeling rather content with the way she settled in his arms with a small giggle.

Perhaps they could make it work after all.

[x x x]

"Perhaps this isn't the best time to ask, but..." He cleared his throat and glanced over at her. Lucina had snuggled up to him, her fingers lazily tracing patterns on his chest. "But where have you been?" Her fingers paused for a moment before starting again.

"All over the place," she said, before pulling back altogether. "I think what I want to say is more... Inappropriate, given what we just did." She smiled weakly and stretched. His expression must have shown alarm, for she frowned. "I can avoid saying it if you want."

"No its not that. I'm just suprised."

"About?"

"Well I just didn't expect it. As I didn't expect any of this but believe me, I'm glad you came." She took his words and seemed relieved. She lay back down next to him.

"It's difficult," she managed eventually. "It's... About my life before I came here. And if you're disgusted by me afterwards then..."

"Lucina, we are the Thieve's Guild. Don't forget that." She nodded, her nose gently grazing against his arm.

"Also, I'm telling you because... Of reasons that probably don't make sense to anyone else but me. Is that okay? I only ask that you don't repeat this elsewhere."

"Of course lass."

"Because I haven't told my sister, and..." He gently kissed her nose and she sighed contently. "Right," she started again and closed her eyes. "We were born in the Imperial City. Our parents were merchants, who basically disappeared when they left on a trip. Since Adamus, our brother, was old enough to look after us he was supposed to. Instead, he ran off to here, Skyrim. So I worked in the Guild over there to support Ysabel and save to go looking for him."

He began stroking her hair. "On one particular occasion I was travelling home when I was asked by some people for help, at an old fort. It was stupid. I never should have gotten down to help, but I did." One deep breath and a soft sigh, he continued to stroke her hair. "They- they-"

"If its difficult you don't have to say," he said softly and she nodded.

"They... Abused me. In that fort. I was later told that a guard had brought me home... There's a significant chunk of time from when I can't recall anything, but..."

This was it. The things Astrid had known about her, when she asked her to join the Brotherhood.

"But at some point I went back there, to that fort. I..." Her breath was coming out in pants now, her fear exacerbated by the scratching at the door. "I went back there and murdered them all."

Brynjolf stared at her for a long time. "Lass..." He frowned but kept stroking her hair as though it would prevent her from getting away. "Its not your fault." She looked at him sharply.

"Isn't it?" She snapped, glaring at him. "Since when did two wrongs make a right? I killed them; yes they did something despicable, but some of those men were innocent. Had families. They weren't involved in what happened! But you know what? At the time, I didn't care. I killed them all." She collapsed against him, suddenly weakened. "They launched an investigation. A few of them were just boys who had run from home, who wanted to make lives better for their families. Now they won't leave me alone," she sobbed. "They followed me here and now..."

"Hush, Lucina," he murmured as he gently rubbed her back.

"You couldn't have known. I... Can't blame you for something that happened in your past. I-"

"Its not just my past," she murmured sadly. "I was recruited into the Dark Brotherhood because she knew. And so I killed for her. I killed a defenseless beggar so I could have a few more moments of peace and material gain. But its all caught up to me now... It makes it worst though, when I feel better for it." She broke down, tears flowing freely and she curled up on the bed. "They won't leave me alone." It was barely above a whisper yet he heard it and it was discomforting.

"Who won't?" He asked anyway, afraid that he already knew the amswer. His only answer was a small whimper, and the heavy silence over the room. Lucina had fallen asleep within moments of her confession.

Byrnjolf paced the room, contemplating his options. She was quite clearly... unsettled. And he wasn't sure he could deal with it. She certainly had quite the heavy coin purse.. But on the other hand he didn't feel content. Whatever she was dealing with did not get in the way of her skills; and with the guild's troubles dealt with, perhaps they could put her to work with jobs. It would certainly keep her busy, perhaps even get her mind off the past. The only thing that remained was her dealings with the Dark Brotherhood- he doubted it would get so much in the way but if she trusted him... Perhaps he could get her to leave them. He glanced over at her sleeping form. He decided against it. As useful as it would be to have her as a pawn, it was clear that he preferred her as a person, by his side and in the Guild- as flighty as she was.

She stirred on the bed and he watched her jump up and look around the room, worried. He stayed in the shadows, bemused. "Its all your fault!" She whispered to her stomach and he frowned. The scar? "You cursed me!" She hissed. Brynjolf stepped out of the shadows and she jumped.

"Ah," she said sheepishly. "You're still here."

"You're cute when you blush," he murmured as he climbed over her. He peeled their clothes away slowly and watched as she self-consiously attempted to cover her scar. Brynjolf brushed her hand away.

"I don't care about that," he growled. Lucina sighed and let him kiss every exposed inch of skin. He moved down gently teasing her with his mouth, enjoying every gasp and moan. It was gentler this time, less frantic and needy. He wanted her to stay; he couldn't bring himself to say it. He could only hope that she wouldn't run from him again.

[x x x]

Lucina felt lighter than she had in possibly weeks. Brynjolf had stayed with her throughout the night: held her and talked her through her nightmares. He made her unbelievably... Content. Something she hadn't expected of him and it was still possible that he was using her as well. But for the moment she could let herself enjoy his company. She spent the next few weeks at the guild, quietly helping around the cistern and with odd jobs. Brynjolf stayed with her, often finding her and pressing gentle kisses against her cheek. Whatever had transpired with Mercer had apparently solved their problems. Lucina had kept the growing discomfort at bay during this time, telling herself that nothing lasts forever. But she could at least enjoy herself in the meantime.

When a messenger from the Brotherhood arrived, bearing a note that requested her presence before Astrid, she had sighed and promptly left for Falkreath. Brynjolf had offered to escort her, but she refused. She couldn't let Astrid hold all of her weaknesses. Astrid had stood imposingly over her, leaving her feeling as though she were a child to be scolded.

"We've been working hard while you were away," Astrid said quiety, cold eyes staring through her. "I wanted you back here because I believe you are more than capable of handling this," she smiled coldly. "You are family, after all. And we all need to play our part around here." Beckoning her, she moved to an empty room within the network of caves. A small girl sat alone in a corner, arranging various flowers in a bowl.

"Lucina, this is Arielle. Our new... Listener." She looked no older than 12, and regarded Lucina with a blank stare. It was quickly broken, and she stood with a Nightshade in hand. She reached out to Lucina as though offering it in peace.

"We received a contract from the Night Mother through her. Someone wants the Emperor killed. That is why I called you back, Lucina. I, our family, need you." Lucina turned away. Arielle had returned to her corner, her dark gold hair tumbling around her shoulders.

"The emperor?" she asked eventually. "What... For?"

"A contract is a contract," Astrid replied coldly. "You are a part of this family, Lucina." I have no choice, she thought as she nodded slowly. Astrid led her back to her room where a map was laid out on the large table. "Dax," she began, "should be back quite soon. He left to deal with Commander Maro. You, my dear, need to hunt down The Gourmet. He is instrumental to this plan's success." Astrid studied her for a long time. "Go see Festus. He has the details." As she turned to leave, Astrid suddenly grabbed her arm. "Don't fail me," she whispered.

She walked slowly.

The world was spinning around her, and no amount of effort allowed her to listen to Festus well enough. Eventually, she was able to repeat what he had told her. He had smiled apologetically, and informed her that as much as he would have liked to have given her a list, it was better this way. She couldn't recall how she had arrived at Markarth, either. When the man lay dead at her feet, she ran. Past the guards who had heard the commotion and out into the wilderness. She collapsed under a tree, numb.

"How many more?" She asked the sky. A loud clap greeted her and she sighed. Picking herself up, she started walking again. It was by some good fortune that a passing traveller stopped by her and offered her a ride. He dropped her off at her destination, to which she offered to compensate him in gold for his help. But he only grinned and tipped his hat towards her before setting off again.

Killing the orc was easy. His body floated lifelessly beneath the ice.

She sat inside once she was done after ordering a meal from the inn keeper. She almost choked when someone appeared behind her.

"Did you do it?" Lucina blinked.

"Arielle?" The small girl sat down in the seat opposite her and grinned.

"Hello!" She greeted happily.

"Why are you here?"

"I wanted to see you," she replied. Large dark blue eyes, stared back at her hopefully, as though she wanted to be praised.

"Oh, hello then," she replied with a smile. "What brings you all the way out here?"

"I think were going to work together soon."

"Is that so? Did someone tell you?"

Arielle shook her head. "No-one."

"Then..." Arielle cocked her head to the side. "Sometimes I know things in advance," she murmured. "Can I stay with you tonight?"

"Of course," she said with a smile. "Are you hungry?"

"Hm!" She nodded enthusiastically and happily trotted away to order some food. She arrived promptly, placing the food before her and offering a prayer in thanks for the food. They ate in silence, Arielle eating quickly as though she hadn't seen food for weeks.

"I was afraid to eat at the Sanctuary so I've been grabbing things when people sleep," she explained, her voice different now. She sounded serious, mature. "Astrid swept me there so quickly I was afraid she had ulterior motives. Though she has yet to prove some things."

"Prove?"

"Hm," she mumbled between munching on a severed carrot. "Something is amiss. Though I can't let her know that."

"Yeah..."

"Don't worry," she smiled, returning to her innocent smile. "I'll warn you if anything happens."

[x x x]

"I don't want you to be sad." It was a very sudden statement, one that had taken her by surprise as they rode n a carriage back to Falkreath.

"What do you mean? I mean... Thank you, but it was just sudden."

"I have a bad feeling," she said softly. "I want to stay with you, maybe then you won't have a chance to be unhappy."

"I appreciate that, Arielle." They stayed silent until they reached Falkreath. As Lucina helped the small girl down the carriage driver beckoned her over.

"I apologise, miss, but you paid me a little over." His hat obscured his identity; fear gripped her. He turned towards her and beckoned for her hand. She lifted it, palm open, and waited patiently. A familar coin fell to her. The world seemed to slow and her eyes widened as he gripped her hand.

"The next few days will be alike to a trial. Figure out who you can trust; it almost goes without saying that there are those in your "family" who are working against both you and I. Be careful." He glanced behind him, worried. He let go of her hand and quickly set off in the carriage. Lucina stared at her hand in shock. She knew that voice. But why did it feel as thougj everyone else knew something she didn't? Arielle gripped her hand.

"Someones coming," she said desperately, before pulling her off the road and into the bushes. She looked up in time to see a group of three walk past.

"This way," one of them said and they looked around breifly before carrying on down the road.

"Vampires," she whispered. "What are they doing here?"

"They're looking for your friend from the carriage," Arielle whispered, eyes wide. "I think the next few days are going to be rather interesting, don't you?"

[x x x]

A/N: Shorter chapters. Eep. Thanks for reading! Please let me know what you think :) I'd love to hear from you.