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Four years.

It had been four long years since "The Betrayal."

Since the day our family had fallen into shambles. Our numbers were in the single digits and contracts were few. I, Morthos, the Listener, stand as one of the last assassin's in Skyrim.

I am a Bosmer. I was born in the third era, year 413 in the city Leyawiin of Cyrodiil. I was raised a mage by my mother who had a strong talent for magic and later trained by my grand father in the ways of death and deception.

Of the original members of the Falkreath sanctuary, only four remained. Nazir the redguard enforcer, Babette the vampire child, Cicero the mad Jester and Myself. In four years we had very little luck in finding and keeping new brothers and sisters. While there was a never ending stream of eligible killers, they were all nothing but alley bashers or greedy cut throats. None were willing to conform to our family and the Nightmother had yet to guide me to a destined family member.

I arrived in Falkreath to snuff out the life of a small Altmer boy who's name I never bothered to memorize. He was the son of some nameless Thalmor agent, the contract had been taken out on him in order to send a message to his father. To me, it was just another contract that needed to be carried out.

I almost felt sorry for the little wretch. He was in a deep sleep when I found him. A small comfort to my pride. I enjoyed a true hunt. A contract that truly put my skills as an agent of night to the test. Not sneaking into a house and killing a child. It was pathetic and not worth my time. But his life belonged to Sithis and I was no one to deny the Dread Father. A few drops of poison on the boy's tongue and his heart stopped shortly there after.

It was raining when I left the boy's home. I could already feel the chill seeping through my robes and fatigue dawning on me. I was extremely tired due to having no sleep the past few nights prior. I ducked into a small inn a few miles outside town to rest and drink away my woes. A very rash move on my part, to stay near the city I had done work in, but I was far too tired to care.

The man behind the bar didn't give me a second glance as I threw a small coin purse at him and requested a room. He simply grunted and waved at a maid passing by.

She was a pretty thing. A Altmer if I recognized her accent correctly, though she had a lighter complexion than most of her kind. She greeted me with a smile and guided me to my room on the second floor of the inn. She left me with a simple "call if you need me."

Once alone in my temporary lodging, I practically tore off my robes and armor before sighing in relief as my boots released my aching feet, food temporarily forgotten in exchange for a bit of rest. The warm night air helped relax my sore bones. The constant traveling to meet with the few clients we had received and then carrying out their wishes was beginning to wear on me.

I toppled into a chair and thought to myself, 'I need to bring up our numbers.'

The Nightmother had already informed that until our numbers grew I could not restore the Black Hand to it's former glory, which meant I was the Listener and all four acting speakers at once. Being the Listener was a taxing job on its own. Having no one to assist me only made my job infinitely more difficult. My only comforts were my brothers and sister, my blade of woe, Shadowmare and the very rare one night stand.

I was still getting accustomed to playing by rules that weren't my own. I had lived most my life doing everything my own way. If I had my way, Nazir and Babette would both be speakers and handling the majority of this traveling. That still left one family member to deal with though.

Cicero.

Another problem in and of itself. It was easy to tell that Cicero had aspirations much higher than just being the Nightmother's keeper.

Since I mentioned the restoration of the Black Hand to everyone, he had yet to stop dancing and singing about how great a Speaker he shall be. I didn't have the heart (or anything nearby to defend myself with) to tell him that if and when the Hand was restored, Cicero would most likely not have a place in it. At least, he wouldn't if it remained the way it had always been.

An idea that had crossed my mind was changing the hand to consist of a Listener, the keeper and three speakers. I quickly dismissed that idea in favor of another that stuck me a few nights later.

The best way I had thought up so far was to keep the ranks for the lower echelon the same but reinvent the leading class of the Brotherhood. My current plan was for the Hand to remain the way it had always been: one Listener and four Speakers. A change I wanted to make was to elevate the title of keeper to be equal to a Speaker in terms of authority but keep it separate from the Hand itself. Cicero, while stark raving mad, was still a faithful brother and had been zealously serving the Nightmother for longer then I had even been in the Brotherhood. I felt that lever of dedication deserved recognition.

Cicero would remain keeper and I would give him a bit more authority. I even thought that once our numbers allowed it, I'd give him an assistant of sorts. Someone to stay with the Nightmother and maintain her so Cicero could go out and "stretch his legs" so to speak. Cicero, in many ways was like a dog. He simply needed a kind word and a bit of affection and he was as devoted a friend and follower as one could ever ask for, but he needed to be walked regularly or he would end up chewing on the furniture.

I had spoken to the Nightmother of the changes I wish to make prior to leaving the sanctuary. She seemed to like my plan but pointed out I couldn't effectively pull it off without more family.

I was brought out of my thoughts by a chill sweeping through my body and the low rasping whisper of the Nightmother. I had found that she didn't need me near to speak to me but it taxes her greatly to do so at long distances.

"My child be warned. Tonight you will be visited by two who wish to join our family. You will initiate them. This inn will make a lovely tribute."

I was excited by the news, though my heavy fatigue stayed any exuberant reply I might have given.

As the chill left me signifying the departure of the Nightmother's presence I heard an almost imperceptible click. I slowly rose from my seat and gripped my primary blade of woe. With silent footsteps I positioned myself beside the door and listened.

Another nearly silent click.

Someone was picking my lock.

With a silent groan I dropped back into the seat and waited. I could only hope this was the family the Nightmother spoke of. If not, whoever it was would find a lethal surprise.

Third click.

I took a deep calming breath and called upon the magicka pooled in my chest. Small crimson bolts of lightning began dancing back and forth between my fingers. If they were intruders, they probably thought I'd be an easy target. That wasn't the case.

Fourth click.

The door slowly cracked open. I readied myself to cast my spell at my intruder when I heard a quiet voice.

"Pardon us, We desperately need to speak with you."

Hearing a female voice caught me off guard and my sudden loss of focus caused my spell to fade away.

The door opened a bit more and I could see a single dark green eye peering into the room. When her gaze met mine she immediately looked to the floor.

She coughed into her hand before slowly looking up again. I didn't know what to make of it. The door opened and two wood elves quickly entered and shut the door behind them.

Both wore dark robes. Now that they weren't cloaked in shadow and standing in the moonlight coming from the window I could see that they were identical in appearance: slender bodies, very pretty faces with soft features, light caramel brown hair typical of Bosmer and wide dark eyes. The only differences between the two was one sister was a tad bit taller than the other and the shorter one had silver earrings where the taller had gold ones. The shorter one that had opened the door, took a nervous step towards me while the other eyed my cautiously and took a step back towards the corner of the room.

I was still tensed and ready to spring. While my spell had fizzled I was no less a threat, especially when confined in a room like this. The blade is my specialty after all.

"E-excuse us for disturbing you but my sister and I wish to speak to you." The sister closest to me said.

"And why is that?" I asked skeptically.

Seems these two were who I was told about but it didn't hurt to be cautious.

It was the nervous looking sister this time that spoke.

"Pardon her, she is excited and it has made her forget herself. We know who you are,"

My eye's narrowed and the grip on my blade tightened.

"And we know what you do."

With those words I felt my body automatically begin to move forth to rip them both apart. But froze when the first sister spoke once more.

"We've finally found you!"

I looked back and forth between them, my face a perfect picture of confusion.

"Sister! We forgot introductions!" The closer sister whispered urgently. The other sister nodded and took a step closer before kneeling before me, the closer sister following her sisters example right after.

"I am Gileanna!" The first sister said excitedly.

The cautious sister elbowed and shushed her sister.

"I am Ardoneth."

I just looked at them for a moment then took a step back and flopped into the chair. I was so tired. My muscles ached and my head suddenly felt like it was one more thing from exploding.

Gileanna and Ardoneth both jumped to their feet and in an instant were beside me looking me over and whispering to each other.

I barely made out the words "exhaustion" and "malnutrition".

The first was obvious but the second rung a small bell in my mind. When had I last stopped to truly rest, eat and drink? Four days ago? Five? I couldn't recall.

I sluggishly turned my head and saw them both nod and then quickly rush from the room

'Oh great. The highest ranking member of the Dark Brotherhood and most lethal assassin in Skyrim laid up like an infant. I just know everyone in the void is laughing at me.' I tried over and over to lift myself from my seat but my body refused to respond. The edges of my vision began to go dark and the pain in my head got worse.

I was falling unconscious, of that I had no doubt.

After a few more fruitless attempts at moving I resigned myself to my fate.

'Sweet Mother I have failed you.'

The last thing I saw before the world went black was the two sisters rushing back into my room with a bowl and water skin. My last thoughts were of my dear brothers and sister in Dawnstar and the soft chuckles of our sweet mother.

I wandered through the darkness, my thoughts on home while simultaneously pondering if the girls would just leave me comatose. I wondered whether I'd wake up in the room, in a prison or at the executioner's block if I even woke up at all. If I wasn't executed immediately for being an assassin then I most likely would be turned over to the imperial guard. And THEN I'd be executed. How had I let myself get into this state?

I couldn't help but be angry at myself. Had I been more attentive to my health and not so lost in my own thoughts and the contracts I needed to set up I no doubt would have noticed the growing fatigue in my body and my waning physical state. I could have stopped at any number of places to eat and rest, the roads had no end of inns for the lone traveler and they almost never asked questions. The roads also had Travelers with bags of food. A quick robbery, the very weak charm spell or the toss of a coin pouch and I'd have had a full stomach. Hell, there was an apothecary in the very town I stopped to stay in. The handful of potions I would need to correct the problems I had were about twelve septims a piece.

The absolute worst part was that I knew for fact I already had a drought of restore fatigue in my pouch. That by itself would not have filled my aching belly but it would have probably prevented this entire ordeal.

It was then, in the middle of berating myself, that I noticed the pungent smell of smoked meat. Odd, I shouldn't be able to smell anything while unconscious. Perhaps I was more lucid than I thought. I then felt a warmth flow into me and a bit of strength return.

I open my eyes and saw Ardoneth's face a breath away from mine. Her hands touched my chest and she was muttering something. I couldn't make out exactly what she was saying but I could feel the magicka inside her flowing into me.

I could also see Gileanna waiting with a bowl. I couldn't see the contents but I saw the steam rising from it.

Her spell lasted a few more moments before her incantation ceased and she pulled away from me.

Gileanna took her sisters place beside me and slowly lifted the spoon to her lips and blew on it. She then swallowed the contents of the spoon. She smiled and spoke just two words.

"No poison."

She dipped the spoon into the bowl once more, blew on it and held it to my lips.

I was slowly becoming more relaxed. I leaned forward slightly and allowed the food to enter my mouth. It was a simple stew. It tasted of rabbit and wild vegetables. A Common dish here in Skyrim.

I tried to speak but all that came out was a pitiful croak. I cleared my throat and tried once more.

"Thank you. Both of you." My voice, normally smooth and crisp, came out barely above a whisper.

Gileanna giggled and lifted another spoon of stew to my lips. Ardoneth nodded.

After feeding me a few more spoonful's, Gileanna left the bowl in my lap and stood beside her sister.

"My horse has a satchel in it's saddles. You'll know her when you see her."

Ardoneth nodded and rushed out the door.

She returned in what felt like no time at all, potion in hand and satchel over her shoulder.

I felt the strength return to my limbs as I took the green potion and drank deeply. I stretched in my seat. Nearly every muscle in me protested.

When I was satisfied that I was strong enough I lifted the bowl to my lips and quickly drained the contents.

The fatigue was sill there deep in my muscles but I felt I could move once more. I also noticed that it was still dark so I could not have been unconscious for more than an hour.

"I thank you for your assistance. I owe you debt. Ask something of me and should it be in my power, it will be yours."

It was only fair. They probably saved my life or at least spared me a few days in prison. I'm sure Babette would not allow me to rot but escape plans take time.

They looked at one another, Gileanna grinning ear to ear and Ardoneth narrowing her eyes at me.

Surprisingly it was Ardoneth who answered. "We have long searched for the last remnants of what was once our family. The will of Sithis guided our way and lead us to you. We wish to fulfill our destiny and join the Dark Brotherhood."

The words were laced with determination and I could feel the devotion in her. I was curious about what she meant by "once our family". While her sister did not speak I could tell that she wished the same as her sister.

"You said something about family. What did you mean?"

It was Ardoneth who spoke this time. "This is our destiny, though we only came to know it very recently. Our great great grandmother was the Listener in Cyrodiil. Her blood flows strong in us. We see the shadows of Sithis following us. Guiding us. It was no happy accident we found you here tonight."

This was interesting. The Listener from Cyrodiil was a legend. She became the listener at 15. The youngest Listener ever heard of. I was the second youngest at 20, even if I cheated by being a vampire for the majority of my life. If the stories were accurate she was a master sorceress. Her magicka was so potent that she had a visible aura. She was also chosen by nearly every deidra as their champion at one point or another.

If these two really were related to her then they really did belong with the Brotherhood.

But I wasn't just going to welcome them in. They needed to be baptized in blood, just as I and every other brother and sister before them had been.

"I admit I'm impressed by your dedication. It's just what the family we needs right now." Both girls smile at my praise.

"What happens next though, is a test of sorts. No one is welcomed into the family without first proving themselves. Not even me."

Gileanna looked ready to burst with excitement. Ardoneth patted her shoulder and gave her a look. She calmed a little but still remained very excited. Ardoneth turned to me.

"What would you have us do?"

I chuckled darkly. "Not me. The Nightmother herself had spoken to me earlier and set forth a task for you. Every soul in this building must be your tribute. Accomplish this by sunrise and your initiation to the Dark Brotherhood will be complete."

Ardoneth's eyes narrowed. "That seems a very simple task. We could burn down the place and be done with it. What aren't you telling us? What's the catch?"

Gileanna felt the immediate change in my temperament, released me and took a step away. A very wise choice on her part. At this point even Ardoneth knew she had made a very unwise and possibly lethal mistake and dropped to her knees begging for forgiveness.

I stalked closer to the girl, inwardly weighing the pros and cons of ending her life. While the Brotherhood needed numbers and the Nightmother seemed to favor them, an assassin who so easily questioned orders was no better than a poison to the organization.

Gileanna stepped in my path and looked up at me, her eyes glistening with fear. "P-p-please Listener spare my sister. S-she didn't mean it. Honest."

Fast as a strike of lightning I had Gileanna by the throat and off the ground. Her skin began to turn red and her eyes went wide in terror. I was surprised when she didn't struggle. She simply looked into my eyes silently begging for mercy.

I slowly lowered her to the floor making sure to keep the pressure on her airway. Her skin was now drifting from dark red to blue.

"Please Listener kill me. Spare my sister."

My eyes darted over to Ardoneth, still on her knees looking up at me and begging for her sisters life.

I finally decided to spare them, the Nightmother did seem to favor them after all. I released Gileanna and she dropped from my hand straight to the floor gasping.

Ardoneth darted forward and cradled her sister trying to soothe her.

I turned away from them and looked out the window. It was early morning. The sun would be rising within the next hour or so.

"If you two are serious about joining us then I'd hurry. You don't have very long. Know that in this family, to question the Nightmother or myself is to invite death. You have your task."

Ardoneth nodded. Gileanna could say nothing. She was too busy taking very deep breaths. Ardoneth stood and lifted Gileanna to her feet

When Gileanna could finally stand on her own and breath with minimal pain Ardoneth bowed to me and left the room. Gileanna looked after her sister then at me. I remained looking out the window listening to her breath and waiting for the tell-tale taps of her walking out. Instead I heard nothing and then felt two thin arms wrap around me.

I tenses up but then I heard Gileanna whisper, "Thank you for giving us this chance. We won't disappoint you."

She released me. I turned to find the room empty. I couldn't help but be impressed. She was very skilled in stealth.

I could feel the little energy I had regained from my short nap and the spells begin to thin. With nothing else to do I pulled off the rest of my armor and over clothes then dragged myself to my bed to get some more rest.

I woke up, feeling the presence of the sisters and the sun shining in my eyes. I growled and sat up. The sisters were both standing at the foot of my bed waiting.

As soon as I stood both of them opened their eyes and looked at me. In unison they spoke, "It is done Listener."

I nodded but didn't acknowledge them further.

I slid out from beneath the covers and began to stretch. I could feel the ache in my muscles with every movement. Once satisfied I wasn't overly damaged, I began dressing myself. I threw a quick glance at the sisters and couldn't help a smug smile. Both sisters were blushing.

I quickly strapped my armor back into place and threw my robes on. Finally looking like the embodiment of the void I turned to the still waiting prospects. Gileanna stood wide eyed and blushing. Ardoneth's blush had already faded.

I wasn't a muscled monster like some of the Companions, but I was still very proud of my build. Seeing someone, especially a pair of attractive Wood elves, admire me was a nice feeling. But I was now their superior and had business to attend to, so with a snap of my fingers Gileanna regained her focus. Her blush darkened. Ardoneth sighed and grabbed her by the arm and they turned and lead the way out.

As we walked through the inn I looked in each room noting each corpse. Every single person that had been in the inn was now dead.

I noticed that each one was killed in one of two ways. Either a single knife wound to the back or strangulation. There was a very very thin line of bruising on some of the corpses that suggested one of the sisters used some form of garrote.

Needless to say I was impressed, not by the fact that they killed everyone, that was the easy part. No I was impressed by the fact that their murder spree was quiet enough that I didn't wake up. I was a notoriously light sleeper so for me to sleep through their given task spoke to their credit.

That or maybe I was just that tired. Either way they had done as they had been tasked and now they were ready to join.

As we stood in front of the inn I surged my magicka and conjured forth a large ball of fire into my hands. With a flick of my wrist the burning orb collided with the inn wall and in short order the entire thing was a blaze.

I turned my attention to the waiting wood elf sisters and held up my arms ready to embrace them both. "You both have done well. I welcome you both with a warm embrace into your new family."

Gileanna gasped then jumped into my arms hugging me with all her strength. After a few pats on the back and a little magicka augmented strength I finally removed Gileanna from around me.

Ardoneth didn't attack me as her sister did but she did give me a short hug as well.

"Know that this is only the beginning. You both now walk hand and hand with death. Your next trial begins now."

Both of their eye's went wide at this revelation.

"You didn't think it would be that easy did you?" I said playfully. "North of the cold city of Dawnstar you will find a Black door. When questioned reply 'innocence my brother.' And you shall be home."

Ardoneth pulled a map from her small satchel and began looking it over. I snapped my fingers to get her attention once more. "Patience woman. You will have time to plan the journey. Know that this task is rather unique. It has no time limit. With that in mind, this is the time to go and deal with any loose ends you may have."

Both sisters nodded. "Now would be the time to ask any questions you might have."

Ardoneth raised her hand like a child in school might have. I couldn't help but chuckle. A murderer asking permission to speak, what a sight.

"Yes? Speak."

She lowered her hand and cleared her throat. "Listener what if… what if we have people we wish to continue to see?"

A decent question though a common one. I shook my head. "I'm sorry but anyone from your past must remain there. To interact with them is to risk the family being exposed or offer our enemies a way to attack you. It is unfortunate but In your new life you have no room for them. Besides, your life now belongs to our unholy matron and she doesn't share."

Ardoneth nodded. Her face was calm, almost as if she expected as much.

'It really shouldn't come as a surprise. We are a guild of assassins.' I thought to myself.

She raised her hand once more though with a bit more confidence. I gestured at her to speak.

"What about a pet?"

This caught me a bit off guard. Not because it was a rare question but because I expected such an inquiry from Gileanna.

"What kind of…. Pet? If it's a dog or cat then I wouldn't bring it anywhere near the sanctuary. Your new sister breeds spiders."

Gileanna smiled at the mention of a sister. Ardoneth bit her finger nervously before replying.

"He's not exactly a common pet. But he's very well behaved and spiders don't bother him."

I shrugged. "It's your choice then but should your pet die, I won't feel any remorse."

For the first time since we had met, Ardoneth smiled. "Thank you Listener! We shall be home soon."

I nodded then drew upon my magicka and cast my strongest invisibility spell. I vanished from their view. I stood still watching them look around then group together to look at their map.

With nothing further to do I turned and disappeared into the morning mist.

The twins arrived to the sanctuary two weeks later. Almost everyone took to them extremely well.

Gileanna and Cicero became instant friends. The jester's antics and Gileanna's energy meshed well. Ardoneth took a liking to Nazir. Even though his sarcasm irritated her, she couldn't help but admire his organization and passion for our work.

The only one who wasn't particularly overjoyed at the accusation of new sisters was Babette.

On the first day she had been mercilessly pestered by Gileanna about her appearance. The constant hugs and shouts about how cute she was only served to irritate the draculina to the point where she begged Cicero to keep her entertained. Cicero agreed on the condition that Babette be nicer to him. That Babette agreed to that condition spoke volumes to how much Gileanna had been irritating her.

Ardoneth on the other hand was on far better terms with Babette. Ardoneth's pet turned out to be a death hound that was much like a permanent summon. Babette adored the beast as much as her own over-sized spiders. When I questioned why the beast followed and obeyed her, she simply smiled and said "Some things a lady has to keep to herself. The unholy matron understands I'm sure."

I had no answer for that so I simply laid some ground rules for the beast and left well enough alone.

The twins took to their new life with vigor and while they may not have gotten along with everyone in equal measure, they worked hard for anyone needing assistance and gave their all in their training sessions with Nazir.

It was with all this in mind that three weeks after arriving to the sanctuary and beginning their new lives, that I decided to take part in their training personally.

Gileanna showed great promise in the blade and I often gave her small bits of advise in between the daily beatings that Nazir called training sessions. Gifted she may be but she was no where near my equal with a sword. She was very light on her feet and her approach to killing reflected it. She was nearly silent when moving and her balance was far above past candidates making her excel in her stealth and bladework lessons. However, she was very impatient, often ruining a simulated assassination by jumping to action too soon. Nazir never hesitated to berate her when her impatience got the best of her.

Ardoneth was not as skilled in stealth or the blade as her sister but she was but she was talented in her own right and certainly no less lethal. Her death hound was silent as the grave when she commanded it of him and his bite was just as lethal as any blade, if not more so. When pressed to action herself she often chose to use her wire garrote or her home-made blowdart gun. In her free time She had taken to studying alchemy, her focus being poisons, under Babette's careful instruction. Unlike Gileanna, Ardoneth could wait for hours on end just waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

The sisters were truly a blessing from the Nightmother. While they were still unrefined and wet behind the ears, I had no doubts they would grow to be splendid assassins. All they needed was proper instruction and the guiding hand of the Family.

Two months later

I woke up and began my morning routine of stretches. Today I would personally be overseeing the twins' first contract. This would be a very special day. The Nightmother herself had whispered the contract to me and chosen the sisters to carry out the deed.

I was so wrapped in my thoughts that I didn't notice Babette enter my room with a small tray. The smell of warm food brought me back to the real world. I looked to find Babette eying me from the small table in the corner of the room.

"Good morning Babette."

"Good morning Morthos. Today's the day."

Babette was the only one in the family who addressed me by my real name rather than my title. I didn't mind. I often teased Babette about her youthful appearance so it was only fair. I sat and began to eat the bread and honey she had brought me before answering.

"Yes today the twins take on their first contract. Will you be joining us? I wouldn't mind a second opinion in their evaluation."

Babette seemed to mull the thought over as I chewed.

"It has been getting rather boring here at home and this would be a perfect chance to pick up a few rare ingredients I need for a potion I wish to brew. I think I will join you, If for no other reason than to see the fruits of our labor."

I nodded. "Very well then. We leave in a few hours, noonish. Will you be alright riding during the day?"

Babette winced at the mention of sunlight. "If I feed enough I should be fine. But I'll need to ride with someone. I won't be able to see well if the sun is out no matter what."

I nodded in understanding. I had been a vampire until relatively recently so I knew just how difficult it was navigating during the day as a vampire. Luckily for me, My family "get-away" so to speak was Deep-scorn hollow and Deep-scorn hollow had the purgeblood salts. The old place was left to me by my grandfather Greywyn just before he joined Sithis in the void.

"Would you be willing to be my breakfast Morthos?"

I shook my head to clear away the jumble of thoughts in my head then refocused on Babette.

"I'm sorry what did you say?"

Babette nodded. "I asked if you would allow me to feed off you? Just enough to travel during the day."

This was a bit of a surprise to me. Babette fed off the family usually twice a week to keep herself strong but she had never drank from me. I couldn't help but wonder why she would suddenly ask me.

"I'm not saying no Babette but I am curious. Why ask me? Why not feed from Nazir or Cicero?"

Babette looked away, her expression almost embarrassed. "I just thought….they always….your just closer okay. Forget I asked. I'll drink from Nazir."

This was a very different side to Babette than I had ever seen. I'd never known Babette to be timid. Besides, why would she be shy about feeding from me?

"Babette. Come here." My tone left no room for argument.

She eyed me for a moment before slowly standing and walking around the small table to me. Her approach was slow and very cautious. When she stood before me I stood from my chair and knelt in front of her. I looked into her eyes then leaned me head to the side.

Babette's eyes were wide and a blush bloomed across her cheeks. How fascinating. I'd truly thought I had her all figured out. Clearly I was wrong.

With wide red eyes she leaned in and placed her lips on the side of my neck. They were cold and slightly moist. I couldn't help the shiver that ran down my spine. A second later I hissed. A quick slash of pain before a warm numbness. I lifted Babette into my arms and sat back down in my chair. I could feel my life blood being drawn up and out.

I was surprised at how it felt. It was a pleasant, almost sensual thing, to have Babette feed from me. Even more so when she adjusted herself from sitting in my lap to straddling me, her cool lips never leaving my throat.

Another shiver ran down my spine when I heard a very quiet moan, like the coo of a bird, vibrate through me.

Time seemed to slow. My vision began to swim and darken around the edges. I could feel my heart beats begin to weaken and slow. It was then that Babette released me with a gasp. I was light headed. I don't know how but Babette and I ended up forehead to forehead, just looking into each other's eyes our heavy breathing the only sound in the room. Babette still had a hungry look in her eyes and a few lines of blood running down the corners of her lips.

And then Cicero walked in.

"Oh Listener! The twins are awake and-BY THE VOID!"

Babette hissed at the jester. I weakly glared at him.

"You should know better than to barge into someone room Cicero, Especially Morthos'." Babette said through clenched teeth, her now glowing crimson eyes and blood stained fangs giving her a far more intimidating appearance than normal.

Cicero mumbled out an apology before tripping over himself trying to flee the scene.

Babette simply sighed then laid her head down on my chest. Her voice came as a whisper "Thank you."

I nodded. "Your welcome. It was… pleasant. We should do this more often."

Babette looked up at me in surprise. "You enjoyed it?"

I nodded. "Yes. Is that wrong?"

"Well no I'm just…. Surprised is all. Nazir always complains after and Cicero makes stupid jokes and puns or sings the entire time."

I chuckled. No wonder she suddenly wanted to feed from me. She must have been tired of the complaints and bad company. Before "the betrayal" Babette had an entire sanctuary to keep her fed on top of feeding from her contract kills so no one complained much when their turn came around. Now contracts were few and she only had three people who she could truly trust.

"Maybe you should just come to me from now on. I'm sure the twins would be willing to help as well. Though you would probably prefer Ardoneth."

Babette was surprised at my offer. I gently slid her from my lap to her feet and stood.

"Come. We need to go."

Without another word I walk out to brief the twins with Babette walking behind me, a blood soaked smile on her face.

Finally it's done. My first shot at a Dark Brotherhood story. I've loved the Brotherhood since I first joined it in ES:Oblivion.

please feel free to review my story and message me with anything You feel I should be aware of. No flames cause I'll just laugh at you.

Thanks for reading and if you liked what you read so far, or have any suggestions please let me know.

Thanks for reading and please pass this along to any and all Elder scrolls fans.

Oh and last thing, please check out my bud, Theboredboot.

He's got a few stories up too (to save themselves)(black and white wings) and they completely kick ass. Give him a look if you like RWBY fan fiction.

Till next time,

The Forlorn Sage