Chapter Seven: Dark Brotherhood, Part One

Ven groaned, shaking her head before looking around. "Oh Kai is going to be livid." She grumbled, getting to her feet. 3 weeks after the wedding they had gone to Windhelm and overheard about a young boy, finding out about the cruel mistress and taking her out. "Okay...where am I?"

"Sleep well?" a female voice asked, making her look over and glare. "And you're glaring at me. Shall we skip the song and dance?"

"You tell me n'wah." Came the scathing reply. "And made it snappy-my mate is probably worried and you don't want to tell him you're holding me. Let me guess; abandoned shack," she turned. "Three people behind me. Assassination?"

"Well that's a first," the Nord said. "Yes. You stole a kill and must pay."

The Dunmer got up, cracking her neck before going to her vampire lord form and draining them dry, slowly going back as the half-dragon came in. "There is your payment." She said coolly. "Didn't expect the Tong to come so far West."

"The Tong?" the female repeated. "You are mistaken. Dark Brotherhood, not the Morag Tong. Think about joining our little family."

As she left, Ven held him so she'd could go, her mate growling. "Easy," she said.

"Where were you?!" he asked, badly shaken. "You were gone and Oracle had to locate you! What happened Ven?"

"The Dark Brotherhood." Came the reply. "Know that old bitty that reminds you of the one who took you? Their contract. I had to kill another as repayment."

She faltered, closing her eyes as the adrenaline gave out. Kai took her into his arms, rocking her and giving her a stamina potion. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "When I saw you gone I was both livid and scared. All that was left was this." He showed her the nightshade bloom. "I didn't know what to do so I started tracking with Oracle, and she was sleepy at first too before noticing you weren't there."

"The question now is this: should I join the Dark Brotherhood?"

The half-dragon thought for a moment. "What about the Morag Tong?" he asked.

"They operate in Morrowind. They only go outside there on certain contracts. The Dark Brotherhood is more...money for murder I'd guess you'd say."

He hummed, thinking. "And I take it the Tong wouldn't take you because of me? And they think the Nords are the hypocrites. I say...go for it."

The Dunmer grinned as they began to start out. "Just so you know, I'm coming with you Ven. After before..."

"You're scared Kai." She replied. "I know."

~Timeskip~

The pair stopped at a door, knocking. "What is the music of life?" a voice asked.

"It is silence, my brother." Ven said, giving her the Nord's answer.

"Welcome, my brother and sister." Came the reply, the door swinging open.

The two of them went in, going down some steps and coming upon Astrid, who was shocked. "And who is this?" she asked warily. "I thought I was just getting you, not the half-dragon as well."

"We are a pair Astrid," came the reply. "Take it or leave it. After all, it is your actions that made him want to be at my side."

"Head down to Nazir." The Nord assassin said, unhappy butwanting her. "After that, we'll see."

They got their new clothes and went down, hearing the others talk before Nazir turned to them. "So you are the newest member of our dwindling, dysfunctional little family," he said. "Heard quite a bit about you."

"All in good time Nazir. I'm good at what I do."

"What about your friend? Astrid must have been pissed."

"So?" Ven was actually liking this. "Her little 'session' started all this. I could tell she wanted me. And slaying all three beneath me was fun. Besides, you should have a drink with Kai-that half-dragon will slay you with stories."

The Redguard blinked before laughing, slapping his knee. "If that isn't the most thought-out bit I've ever heard. Welcome Ven. Now, I have some marks here that I haven't got to, so I'd like the two of you to do it." He gave the names of three poor souls and some backstory on each, the Dunmer reading one only to slam it shut. "My gods," she gasped. "That's just vile. We'll get them."

They headed out, Kai letting out a laugh. "You were right about telling Nazir that." He said. "But what about your parents? I know they're not Tong anymore but..."

"They know what I've chosen Kai." She said as she walked off with him, heading up into the mountains and down the other side. They went around, taking the people out before heading back. The fact Ven used poison to easily take them down brought a smile to the half-dragon's face. 'She makes it into an art,' he thought. 'I will never stop loving what she does.'

The last one, a Nord named Beitild, was funny to him; the Dunmer managing to dribble poison as she slept. That one was dead by the time they were heading back to Falkreath. "That was crafty," he said. "When you do something you do it well."

"I use poison to maintain silence when I need it." She said. "Hopefully, I will get one where I can unsheathe my half-blade."

"Why do you call it that?"

"My father made the blade for me." The Dunmer replied. "It's actually called a short sword, but Father said it was also called this; the blade is shorter than the regular sword. It's perfect for what I use it for-killing."

Kai nodded; he was waiting to unleash his double-axe, caressing the skull on it. Ven smiled. "Can't wait to see you draw that shi'koray." She mused. "You'd have fun cleaving anything that moves."

The pair reached Falkreath, entering the door and going downstairs, right into an argument, the Dunmer facepalming before getting her money from Nazir, Astrid coming over. "Ah good, you're back. We have some business to discuss."

"A contract Astrid?"

"Yes. I need you two to go to Markarth-speak with the assistant in the Hag's Cure. She's apparently performed the Black Sacrament, wants her ex-lover killed."

"Of course Astrid." The half-dragon replied, smiling at his mate. "I know you're not too keen but let me prove myself."

The Nord woman eyed him. "I know you are always there." She said. "Don't get her killed alright?"

The group moved off, meeting the woman. Actually her name was Muiri, a Breton that Ven knew as well as knowing what happened: wanting to learn poisons to get rid of her ex-lover, cast out by a family in Windhelm as well. They moved off, getting up by the tunnels before Kai drew his battleaxe, cleaving through the bandits easily so she could just walk in. They went along, him just mowing them down like the scum they were before coming to the main hall, the Dunmer having poisoned the blade just before. "Well," the Breton said. "You must have all the gods on your side if you made it this far. Why not dump the lizard and join me?"

She walked toward him, her mouth leering as she cut his throat, the bandits trying to get to her as Kai carved them up. "Fools." He snarled.

"I need to stop at Windhelm; there's one more death that needs completing." Ven's voice was cold at the moment.

"Name?" he asked.

"Nilsene Shatter-Shield." Was the reply.

~Timeskip~

Kai was drinking with Nazir, telling him some of the stories he had when he saw Astrid run in, beckoning him as she ran up the stairs. Ven was whiter than she'd ever been when they got there; Cicero, the jester Keeper, dancing like an idiot while singing. The jester was saying something, the half-dragon blinking as he got his own ears to listen. "What happened?" he asked.

"The Night Mother said 'I am the one' and to seek Amaund Motierre in Volunruud." The Dunmer said, the Nord thinking.

"Speak to Nazir," Came the reply. "I need to think about this."

The half-dragon helped her out, taking her back to Nazir and sitting her in a chair, the Redguard staring. "What happened?!" he asked, staring at her.

"Give her a minute." Came the reply. "She had a corpse talk to her."

"The Night Mother? She heard the Night Mother?" Nazir fell silent for a moment before continuing. "Ready for some work?"

"Yes," the Dunmer said. "I need to process this."

"Lurbuk is an Orc bard and here's a vampire named Hern."

"I remember the Orc." Kai said, rubbing his ears. "I'll enjoy taking his head."

"And Hern has been after children-something that isn't done yes?"

"No it is not." The Dunmer growled. "We'll need the axe for that."

The half-dragon grinned, touching the skull on the blade, the Redguard watching the pair. "I wouldn't use it for the Orc, but the vampires yes."

"Don't worry Nazir, we know." She said, getting up. "They will pay."

The pair went out, Oracle waiting for them, wagging her tail as they headed first up the path, stopping at Half-Moon Mill and going inside. "Well, well." The male said. "More of our..." He stopped when Kai's battleaxe cut him down, the woman, Hert hissing and cutting Ven's arm, the Dunmer glaring at her as she pulled the other woman's power out of her. "Oh, should have given up," she growled.

The half-dragon waited as she finally cut off her head. "Ready for the next?" he asked. "To think they thought themselves superior to you." He shook his head.

Ven looked at her vials as they went out. "Too bad they were immune to poison." Came the reply as she finally picked one and put it on her belt. "Oh well, I'm sure the poison Babette made will work on the bard." The 'young' vampire was actually older than her by 100 years but the two of them had become the best of friends, the Breton always having strange poisons for sale. "Hopefully he's in his room-makes it much easier to deal with him. I can poison the wine he brings in."

"Can't I just take his head?" he asked rhetorically, the Dunmer shaking her head.

She knew he was being facetious, knowing he really hated that bard. They entered Morthal and went into the Moorside, Ven easily spiking his wine before ordering her food, knowing Jonna hated the swill the bard brought in. 5 minutes later there was a thump, the Redguard peering in the room. "I told him that swill would kill him," she said. "Ah well."

"Will you be all right Jonna?" the Dunmer asked, looking at her.

"Lurbuk was a terrible bard-it was a matter of time is all."

The half-dragon paid for their food and drink before they left, Agni coming over and petting the wolf, greeting the pair before running off, leaving them to head up near Labyrinthian, taking a shortcut through there to get near Whiterun, chatting. They decided to stop into the city, seeing a new shop in the square and grinned. "'Odds and Bodkins'." He said, going in with her. Blayze was at the counter. "Welcome to Odds and Bodkins," he said, looking up. "Well, well! So you came to see us. How are you?" he held one hand to Oracle, the wolf sniffing his hand before bumping it happily.

"Hello Blayze," Ven said, spotting the alchemy ingredients and browsing as Kai laughed, picking up and paying for a good whetstone, tending to his weapon.

"What's new with you old friend?" He asked good-naturedly.

"Well, Nazeem knows to keep his mouth shut about the Cloud District," came the reply as he watched Zaleria sweep up, smiling before spotting their fingers. "You're kidding Kai."

We tied the knot a little over 3 weeks ago." Came the reply. "I will never leave her either. She is dii nunon gein-my only one."

"You really care Kai." The vampire said, taking the ingredients from the Dunmer before wrapping them, watching her put it in her bag, thanking him.

"Yes, he does Blayze." She agreed, the pair heading out with Oracle. As they headed back, they saw several Stormcloaks at Half-Moon, one going in only to throw up in the bushes. "Don't go in if you're not sure," he said, Ven coming over.

"What's the problem?" she asked, Kai chuckling as he came over with Oracle.

"A massacre miss." The Stormcloak said. "Both butchered."

"My god." The half-dragon said. "I'll make sure we're safe."

They headed off, waiting until they were inside the door before laughing. "No offense to Dar'Mora, but those guys were lightweights." He said, the wolf giving her own 'laugh'.

"They know nothing." Came the reply as they walked down, Astrid coming over.

"We need to talk," she said. "I don't know what is going on, but we'd be a fool to ignore this. Go to Volunruud. Speak to him. Find out what he wants."

"Of course Astrid." Ven said. "Is everything all right?"

"We'll know when you get back." Came the reply.

~Timeskip due to boring dialogue~

When the pair made it back and told Astrid everything, she was floored, wanting to get the amulet appraised. Which brought them to the Ragged Flagon and Delvin Mallory. He was looking at the amulet, debating on what to say. "It's an Amulet of the Elder Council. If you think..."

"Delvin! Help them please." A voice said, the Dunmer facepalming.

"I shouldn't be surprised." She said, smiling. "Hello Dar'Mora."

Dar'Mora smiled, looking at Delvin who offered a letter of credit before the four of them went into the back. "You smell of death," she said. "What..."

"We can't say Dar'," Kai said. "But we are married as well. Father was there."

"If he's anything like Paarthurnax I'd like him." Inigo said, smiling.

"I've met Paarthurnax. Tell him Kai and Ven say hi."

They talked for a bit before heading back via the rear gate, winding their way up the path. Suddenly Oracle perked up and bounded into the bush, a woman's voice crying out. The pair ran over, finding the wolf getting scratched. "I see you are still together," Viasta said, crooning at the wolf before getting up.

"It is so good to see you Viasta." Ven said, smiling. "Sorry about Oracle."

"It is all right." Came the reply. "I've met a few dragons wanting to know what I do. I know they are Akatosh's kin but I tell them of Mara nonetheless."

"You do the Goddess's work Viasta," Kai intoned. "And your aura is soothing."

"Thank you Kai. That honestly makes me feel better."

They said their goodbyes and went through the pass, reaching their destination around dusk. The pair went in, walking down the steps, Astrid waiting. "Well?" she asked. "Is the amulet authentic?"

"And made for the Elder Council-the fool." The Dunmer added, grinning as she handed her the letter. "This is for you."

"Thank you. Now you're going to a wedding. Talk to people, sample cake, kill the bride. Oh yes, you got to stab the bride at her own wedding."

Ven laughed. "So, who's the target?"

"Vittoria Vici. She oversees the East Empire Company in Solitude and is getting married in that city. Her death will cause an uproar, which is what we want."

"Sounds fun." Came the reply. "In fact I know just the place to nail her. I need a bow and arrows on the small alcove across from where she is speaking."

"Done." The Nord said. "Have fun."

The pair headed out, picking up Oracle before heading to Solitude. The Dunmer went into Radiant Raiment, she and Kai getting clothes for the day and dressing up. He was stylish in what he wore, helping her along. "Where now?" he asked.

"Over here," was the reply as they entered a side door, coming up at the alcove. Waiting on her was a bow and arrows, making her smile. "Thank you Astrid." She added, aiming up the shot. There was the woman, speaking to the people, Ven grimacing before taking her shot, hitting her and watching her fall to the ground, the partygoers going crazy. The pair knelt there, Veezara joining them. "Astrid told me to keep an eye on you." He said. "Head back carefully-the Stormcloaks are pissed and as a Dunmer..."

"We'll be careful," the half-dragon said, the pair heading towards the gate, a Stormcloak peering at them. "Better not to be here," he said. "Get going."

Ven walked out of the city, waiting a bit before laughing. "Gods, was that easy." She said. "That was loads of fun."

"Did you see those fools panic?" Kai countered before walking closer. "Ven, are you all right? I wonder if Lord Bal..."

Her voice was soft as she cupped his cheeks. "It's actually fine," she replied. "I think when things go very wrong will He come out. That hasn't happened. The Night Mother and Sithis know He's here too; They have no issue with Him." She smiled. "I will be all right for now, so please, don't worry."

The half-dragon was calmed by her touch as they headed for home, heading out again to take out Gaius Maro.

(A.N.: This is where Ven really shines. I did some outright rewording here and had Astrid be pissed off about Kai, even though it was HER FAULT he's there-she is thinking about what she wants and not getting it.)