Chapter 9

Nirano stared at the open hallway before him. It was a dark, yet furnished place, and he saw many people walking in the hallways, entering doors, exiting doors. People looked up as the door opened fully and began to smile at him, following him as he walked towards the waiting Argonian, dressed from head to toe in black. She walked up to him as well and embraced him a what felt like a warm and loving hug.

"Welcome! Welcome brother to our sanctuary!" she said enthusiastically.

"I am Ocheeva, and let me tell you all of us here are extremely enthused at your arrival. Lucien has told us so much about you… I will be handling all of your assignments for now, so whenever you feel ready for something come and talk to me, but let us not talk business now for you must get to know all of us. We are now your family after all. Accept this as a gift from us. It is our Assassin's clothing and is dark as the night. Wear it and may it keep you hidden from predators. Now rest and come to me when you are ready."

"Thank you…" was all Nirano could muster. He had always thought of these people as evil, cruel. Yet, here was many Assassins standing before him, talking and chatting like family and they were being so kind to him. They also had beds and food apparently, so Nirano felt no more remorse from leaving the Inn. This place seemed much more homely.

There were nice cozy fires lit everywhere and comfortable chairs to sit on. Many books were provided to read at his leisure and everyone was very nice and accepting. He felt as if he could tell these people anything he wanted. They would understand.

Over the next couple days, Nirano stayed underground with his new family. He began to love these people and they seemed to show the same love back to him. He read many books on the Night Mother and memorized the Five Tenants. He did not mind the slightest to live his life this way for the rest of his days. He would have jobs to do, yes, but he also would always have the comforting thought of returning here afterwards to warm himself up by the fire and talk to anybody who was not on his or her own job.

Eventually however, he knew he must begin to take his duty as a Dark Brotherhood Assassin more seriously. He went to knock on the hard iron doors which lead to Ocheeva's quarters. He heard her say "Come in" from the other side, and proceeded to pull the large, heavy doors open. He walked inside and sat down facing his leader.

"I am ready for an assignment." Nirano told Ocheeva.

"Ah good, I feel you are ready as well. You have fully acquainted yourself with the other members here and made yourself at home as well. Then you are in luck, I have here a new request in my hand. Do you accept to take this mission?"

"Yes I do." Answered Nirano.

"There is a Nord called Gumar White-Flame, he can be found at his home in the Northern Mountains, in a place called White Top. When you find him, you must kill him, but do not be seen by any others or you will have to kill them too, and if that does happen, you will not receive your reward…Do you understand?"

"I do, and I will not let any other find me."

"Then leave me, and may you come back successful." Finished Ocheeva.

And so Nirano exited the warm underground haven for the first time in days, and begun to head towards the Mountains, to find Gumar and to kill him. He wondered what the reward would be…?