Chapter 5

Late that afternoon, Aria walked through the western gate of Cheydinhal. The guards glanced at her, but otherwise ignored her, counting her as just another travel-weary beggar looking for a handout. It didn't take her long to find the abandoned house on the other side of the city. The dilapidated building appeared to have uninhabited for decades. Aria was surprised it was even standing.

A guard near the Chapel had noticed the new face and was watching her. Aria could sense the woman's gaze, so she walked behind the building and rolled out her bedroll, trying to appear as though she were just another beggar. Just to be safe, she waited until after dark to try to enter the building.

No one was watching as she sneaked up to the boarded-up door. For a moment, she wondered how she was going to get inside. She set her sack down and began feeling the boards, hoping to find one loose enough to remove without too much noise. What she found instead we're fine cracks in the boards, evenly placed with the door frame. On a hunch, she picked the lock and tried the knob. The door opened inward without a sound.

Without waiting for a more open invitation, Aria slipped through the door and closed it behind her. The cracks in the boards must be impossible to see unless examined closely. Even if someone did get inside, the creepy building would scare them away. As her eyes adjusted to the dimness, Aria saw broken furniture and clay dishes littering the floor. Moth-eaten books and moldy food lay among the debris.

She shrugged. She'd seen and even slept in worse. She picked her way through the junk and through the door to the basement. She had to stop and let her eyes adjust again since there wasn't even a glimmer of moonlight down here. She carefully crept down the stairs and into the main room.

Across from her, a hole in the wall was illuminated by a faint red light. Curious, she climbed through the hole. A tunnel led her to a large black door bearing several strange carvings. There was one of a woman holding a child and another showing a few people. A large skull dominated the upper half of the door. She supposed that the woman was the Night Mother and the people were the Dark Brotherhood. The huge skull was probably Sithis. A glowing red handprint at the top of the door attracted her attention. Aria stared at it, then reached out to touch it.

As soon as her fingers came into contact with the stone, the temperature in the tunnel dropped by several degrees. An eerie, rasping voice, swirling around her as though being carried on the air currents, whispered, "What is the color of night?"

Aria was scared, but then she remembered what Lachance had told her to do. "S-sanguine, my Brother," she said in a quavering voice.

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the door seemed to shudder and swung inward. Aria cautiously stepped through and the door closed behind her. After a couple of steps, she heard the same voice whisper, "Welcome home."

She found herself in a large room with several stone pillars supporting the ceiling. A few chairs and tables sat against the walls. Banners and a couple of paintings decorated the stone walls. Candles and the occasional skull sat on the tables or on top of bookshelves. Doorways on either side of the room led deeper into the hideout and a hallway at the back of the room disappeared around the corner. To the left, in the corner next to the hallway, a black door identical to the one she had just walked through sat looming ominously.

An Argonian female in black armor stood in the center of the room. As soon as she saw Aria, she called out, "Greetings! Greetings! I am Ocheeva, mistress of this Sanctuary."

Aria walked up to her and introduced herself. "Ah, yes," Ocheeva said as she pulled Aria into a warm hug. "Lucien has told me all about you. Let me welcome you into the Dark Brotherhood! It is always a pleasure to welcome another Dark Sister into our ranks! Truly, the Night Mother smiles upon her trusted daughters!"

Aria smiled and thanked her. Already she felt welcomed. If everyone in the Sanctuary was as kind as Ocheeva, she would love it here. "What's a Dark Sister?"

Ocheeva smiled. "A female member of the Dark Brotherhood. While the Brotherhood maintains its ancient name, membership is always open to skilled women, such as you and I. Can we not spill blood as well as any man?"

"Uh, I- I guess..."

"You stand now in our Sanctuary," Ocheeva continued. "May it serve as your new home, a place of comfort and security whenever the need arises. When you're settled in, go and speak with Vicente Valtiere. He handles all assignments for new family members." Ocheeva pointed to the hallway in the back of the room. "But before you go, please accept this gift from your new family." She motioned and another young woman stepped forward. The girl was holding a black bundle that she handed to Ocheeva, who offered it to Aria. "A unique set of armor, lighter than normal leather armor and black as the Void."

Aria accepted the armor and looked it over. It was indeed lighter than normal leather and was as black as the blade Lachance had given her. "Thank you-" she started to say before being interrupted by Ocheeva.

"But I've kept you long enough. Vicente is waiting. You'll find him in his quarters. Go now, my child, and may Sithis go with you."

She gave Aria a gentle shove in the direction of the hallway, but Aria stopped. "Is there somewhere I can put my things down before meeting with Vicente?"

Ocheeva nodded. "Of course, of course. Forgive me for not thinking of it. Antoinetta!" She called over the young woman who had brought the armor. "This is Antionetta Marie. She will show you to the living quarters."

The girls both nodded to Ocheeva, then looked each other over. Antionetta appeared to be around Aria's own age, with short blond hair and a slight build. Her brown eyes held a mischievous glint that made Aria feel like they could be good friends.

Antionetta put her hand on Aria's shoulder. "This way." She led Aria through the door on the right and down a hall into the living quarters.

Aria looked around in amazement. The room was huge, divided into what looked like four separate areas. To her left, a long dining table with ten chairs stood between her and a fully stocked kitchen. The table was set with simple pewter dishes and a cabinet against the wall held spotless silver tableware. In front of her, a fire crackled merrily in a huge fireplace. A few benches and chairs were scattered around, and a bearskin rug covered the floor near the hearth. The worn look of the furniture told Aria that they were well-used. It wasn't hard for her to imagine a group of people lounging comfortably around the room in the evening.

To the right was a sleeping area. Several beds were lined up against the wall, each with a small table on one side and a dresser on the other. A chest sat at the foot of each bed. All but one of the beds had colorful blankets and personal items scattered around.

Antionetta led Aria to the empty bed, one over from the far wall. "This is the only empty bed we have right now," she explained. "Thankfully, my bed is right next to it." She pointed at the third bed, covered with a dark blue blanket. "Unfortunately, your other neighbor won't be so pleasant."

Aria put her sack on the bed and looked at the first bed. It was pushed as close to the wall as possible, and the dresser had been turned to block most of the bed from view. "Who sleeps there?"

Antionetta made a face. "Mraaj-Dar."

"Who?"

"Mraaj-Dar. He's a Khajit who always acts like someone poured a bucket of water on him."

Aria smiled and placed her new armor on the bed. Antionetta sat cross-legged on her own bed and watched her unpack as she continued talking. "Mraaj-Dar doesn't really like newcomers, so you can expect him to be pretty gruff with you for a while. As grumpy as he is, though, he makes and sells some of the best equipment and poisons." She got up and picked up one of Aria's blankets. She held it up and peered at Aria through one of the bigger holes. "Do you have any special attachment to these?" Aria shook her head in response.

"Good, then they're going in the rag box," Antionetta said as she snatched up the other blanket and tossed them in heap at the base of one of the support pillars. She opened the chest at the end of the bed and pulled out a set of clean white sheets, a pillow, and two blankets, one green and one black. She closed the chest and dropped all but the bottom sheet on her own bed. "Here, let me help you make the bed."

Aria smiled gratefully and cleared her things from the bed, placing everything on the dresser. "Thanks. So what can you tell me about everyone else here?"

Antionetta handed her one end of the sheet and the two girls spread it over the bed. As they tucked in the edges, Antionetta said, "Well, there's Gogron. He's an Orc and carries an axe bigger than me, but he's a big sweetie, so you don't have to worry about him. Then there's Telaendril. She's a Bosmer, and she's really nice. She's also the best archer I've ever seen. And she's not annoying like most Bosmer." She took the other end of the top sheet from Aria and helped her spread it over the bed. "You've already met Ocheeva. Then there's her brother, Teinaava. Not much to say about him. He's just kind of...there, most of the time. Well, except when he's telling stories."

"Stories?"

"Yeah, he and Ocheeva like to tell stories of previous contracts to the younger family members. Although Vicente is the best storyteller."

Aria unpacked her other things and arranged them on the dresser while Antionetta spread the green blanket over the bed and folded the black one neatly across the end. "What can you tell me about Vicente?"

Antionetta slid a pillowcase over the pillow and set it on the bed. "He's...something else. I don't know much about him personally, though. Not many do. He's really nice, but he tends to be very private."

Aria thought about that as she gazed down at her new bed. She absently traced the stitching in the blanket and smiled. "Green is my favorite color," she whispered.

Antionetta grinned. "Really? I just chose that one because i thought it would go well with those green eyes of yours." She sat down on her bed. "And I'm glad you're blonde like me. It makes me feel like we're really sisters."

Aria glanced up shyly. "Really?"

Antionetta nodded. "I hope so. It's been a long time since there was someone my age here, especially another girl. I'm hoping we become really good friends," she said honestly.

Aria smiled back. "I'd like that." She looked back down at the bed. After a moment, she said, "Well, I guess I'm ready to see Vicente. Can you show me where his quarters are?"

Antionetta nodded and led the way. The two girls left the living quarters and walked toward the hallway Ocheeva had pointed out earlier. As they rounded the corner, Aria almost walked into an old skeleton standing just around the corner. It's brittle shoulders were stooped and it was dressed in tattered black leather armor. A positively ancient silver longsword was clenched in one bony hand, while a dusty black leather shield had been strapped to the other arm.

Aria didn't remember seeing the skeleton when she walked down the hallway earlier. But she had been so overwhelmed by everything, she probably just hadn't noticed it. She stepped closer and studied the armor. It was old and cracked, but it looked very similar to the armor Ocheeva had given her. "Hmm," Aria muttered. She turned to catch up to Antionetta.

Without warning, the skeleton's arm shot out, blocking her way with its sword. Aria jumped back, startled. The skeleton's head slowly turned and stared at her with empty eyes and an eerie, toothy grin. It's joints ground together as it turned toward her, raising the blade as it advanced. Aria backed up until she felt the wall behind her, but the skeleton kept coming. "Uh...A-Antionetta...?"

"Richard, stop!" Antionetta shouted. She hurried to Aria's side as the skeleton stopped moving. It kept the sword pointed at Aria's face, however. Antionetta put a hand on Aria's shoulder. "I'm so sorry," she said quickly. "I forgot to warn you about Richard."

"That thing has a name?! What is it, a pet?"

"No, he's a Dark Guardian. Although getting a pet isn't a bad idea..." Antionetta turned to the skeleton. "Richard, this is Aria. She's a new family member."

Richard regarded Aria with an empty stare. After a moment, he lowered his sword and reached toward her. Aria flinched and started to ease away, but Antionetta grabbed her arm and whispered that everything was fine. Aria jumped as Richard placed his bony hand on the top of her head. A chill swept through her, then the hand pulled back.

Antionetta watched the exchange as though it were an everyday occurrence. "There, now he knows you."

"Knows me?"

"Yeah, kind of like a dog. You can come and go as much as you want, and he won't bother you again. He'll even give his life to protect you." Antionetta turned away. "Well, what's left of his life, anyway. Come on. Vicente's waiting."

With one last look at the Guardian, Aria hurried to follow Antionetta. "Uh, this might be a stupid question, but...why do you have a skeleton?"

Antionetta shrugged as they entered the hallway. "Like I said, Richard is a Dark Guardian. He protects the Sanctuary and all of the family members that live here."

"Is his name really Richard?"

Antionetta shook her head. "I don't think so. See, he's been around as long as anyone can remember. I mean, to hear Vicente tell it, he's been here as long as he can remember. So no one knows what his name really was. We've always just called him 'Richard'." She pointed out Ocheeva's quarters as they passed, then continued. "Story goes, he used to be a family member, but he tried to betray the Brotherhood. Of course, that angered Sithis because he broke one of the Tenets, so Sithis cursed him to safeguard this Sanctuary for all eternity."

Aria glanced over her shoulder as they walked down a staircase. "So that's why his armor looks like the stuff you gave me?"

"Yeah, apparently that's what he was wearing when he was cursed." Antionetta stopped at the end of the hallway in front of another set of doors. "This is it. Just knock and go in." Seeing Aria's nervousness, she smiled reassuringly and patted her on the shoulder. "It'll be fine, I promise. Vicente is very friendly, especially to new family members."

Aria was still unconvinced. Antionetta patted her shoulder once more and left. After a moment, Aria swallowed her fear and knocked on the door.

"Come in," a man's voice called from inside.

Aria took a deep breath and pushed the door open. A man dressed in black stood in front of a bookcase with his back with his back to her. His brown hair was long enough to be held back with a black ribbon. He didn't turn when she walked in. "Uh, are you Vicente?" she asked tentatively.

The man turned and smiled. Aria stood rooted to the spot. He had unnaturally brown eyes and pale skin. Fangs. She recognized the signs.

He's...he's a vampire, she thought, stunned. Before she could do anything other than stare, the man spoke.

"Warmest greetings to you. I trust you've already spoken with Ocheeva. I am Vicente Valtiere. I provide assignments for all new family members. What might your name be, my dear?"

"Uh...A-Aria...I'm Aria..."

Vicente's face softened. "Please, do not let my appearance...unnerve you. The needs and Tenets of the Dark Brotherhood come before my own needs as a vampire." Aria swallowed and nodded as he continued. "If you're ready to get to work, I can provide you with your first contract."

Aria forced herself to speak. "Is that okay since I've been here less than an hour?"

Vicente smiled again and nodded. "Lucien Lachance would not have sent you here had he not felt that you were ready. However, I do understand. I'm sure you're feeling rather overwhelmed right now. Please, take your time resting and settling in. I have a feeling that a good meal, a hot bath, and a comfortable bed would be welcome."

Aria blushed as she looked down at her clothes. "Yeah, that sounds like Paradise right now."

Vicente nodded sympathetically. "Antionetta brought you here, correct?" At Aria's nod, he continued. "Very well. I'll have her show you around and get you some food. One of the other family members can handle this contract." Seeing that Aria's face was still pale, he asked, "Are you sure you're alright?"

Aria nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. I was just startled to see someone like- I mean-"

"Yes, I understand. I imagine I would have a similar reaction if I were in your place. Didn't anyone warn you?"

Shaking her head, Aria replied, "No, not really. Antionetta said you were 'something else,' but that was it."

Vicente frowned. "She didn't tell you? Hmm. I'll have to talk with her about that later. Anyway, right this way." He put a hand on her back and led her back up the hallway and into the living quarters, where Antionetta and a Bosmer woman were lounging near the fire.

Vicente walked up to them. "Antionetta, there you are. Could you do me a favor and help Aria get cleaned up? And if you could prepare something for her to eat, as well, I would appreciate it."

The Bosmer stood up. "I'll take care of the food, Vicente. It's past time to start dinner, anyway." She turned to Aria and nodded. "Warmest welcome to you, dear Sister. I am Telaendril, Wood Elf and loyal daughter of Sithis. I hope you find our Sanctuary to your liking and that you feel welcome here." She flashed a smile before moving toward the kitchen area.

Antionetta put an arm around Aria's shoulders. "Told you she was nice. Come on. I'll show you where the bathing chamber is." The two girls started to move away when Vicente spoke again.

"I'll see you at dinner, Aria. Antionetta, once you're finished getting Aria settled, would you come to my quarters for a moment? There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

Antionetta grimaced and nodded. "Yes, sir. I'll be there in a few minutes." She led Aria to the other side of the living quarters. Aria glanced over her shoulder and saw that Vicente had already disappeared, even though she hadn't heard him leave. Antionetta led her through a doorway and into the bathing chamber. As she stepped into the room, Antionetta took a red-dyed rope from a nail just inside the door and hung it on the outside door handle. "Any time you come in here, hang this rope out where it can be seen. That'll tell everyone else not to come in."

Aria looked around the small room. To the left stood a large wooden tub that glowed dimly. Next to it stood a cabinet and a basket. To the right was a box with a hole in the top. Straight ahead, across from the door, a counter with a pewter basin and pitcher set stood beneath a mirror.

Antionetta pointed out a small spigot in the wall near the tub. A bucket had been placed next to it. "That's where we get the water for bathing and, well, pretty much everything else. It comes from one of the wells around town. It takes a while to fill the tub, since you have to do it one bucket at a time, but once it's filled, the tub heats the water to the perfect temperature in a couple of minutes."

Aria opened her mouth to ask how that was possible, but Antionetta seemed to know what she was going to ask and smiled. "Magic. It cost a lot to enchant the tub, but it's been worth it." She turned and pointed to a drain beneath the spigot. "Dirty water is poured down there. There's a pipe that connects to the tub to drain it. Please, rinse out the tub when you're done. It's nasty when people don't do that."

"I can imagine..."

"You should see it when Mraaj-Dar is done sometimes. Talk about hairballs..." She shuddered and moved over to the cabinet next to the tub and removed a towel. "Used towels and clothes can be put in this basket. Doing laundry is one of my chores, so I try to make sure everything gets put where it belongs." She looked around. "I think that's everything. I'll be back in a minute with some clean clothes and a hair brush. Oh, there's soap in this cabinet, too. Any questions?"

Aria rubbed her arms uncertainly and looked around. "Uh, no. I- I think I'm okay. Thanks."

Antionetta moved toward the door. "Like I said, I'll be back in a minute. Then I need to go see Vicente."

Aria nodded and said, "Thank you...for everything. This is all so...new and...strange, but...I think I'm really going to like it here."

Antionetta surprised her by crossing the room and giving her a hug. "You're more than welcome. I'm really happy that you're here. It's going to be great having a girl my own age around."

Aria returned the hug, then let the girl go. She walked around the room, familiarizing herself with it, until Antionetta returned with the promised clothes. She accepted them, then enjoyed her first bath in an assassins' Sanctuary.

A/N - sorry about the length of time the chapter. Didn't realize it was this long till I went to download it.