Chapter 34

Aria arrived back in Cheydinhal around mid morning. She had waited until nightfall to leave Summitmist Manor, using the extra time to scrub off the drying blood and change her clothes. As she entered the Sanctuary, she noticed Teinaava reading in the corner.

He stood up as soon as he saw her, setting his book aside. "You're back, Sister," he said. "I'll tell the others. Everyone has been waiting to hear about your contract."

Aria nodded. "It was fun. I'll meet everyone in the living quarters and tell you all about it."

She detoured to Vicente's room on her way. Vicente was sitting on his bed, book in hand, absently chewing on an apple. "That didn't come from Mraaj-Dar, did it?" She teased.

Vicente jumped and looked up. "Aria!" He set the apple and book on the nightstand and wiped his mouth before coming over. "I'm glad you're alright."

Aria kissed him. "I'm fine. Everything went well."

He took her satchel and cloak and set them on the table. "I can't wait to hear the details."

"Teinaava is gathering everyone in the living quarters. They're not even waiting until dinner."

"Everyone has been talking almost nonstop about the contract ever since Ocheeva received it." He held out his hand. "Shall we?"

Aria took his hand and the couple walked to the living quarters. By the time they arrived, the rest of the family had gathered and were waiting for them. Vicente led Aria to the only open chair and pulled her down to sit on his lap.

"So tell us about the party!" Antionetta said eagerly.

Aria laughed and began her story, telling them about the five guests and the unique ways she brought about their demise. When she got to the part describing Primo's death, she paused and looked at Mraaj-Dar. "The poisoned apple worked perfectly. Thank you very much for those."

Mraaj-Dar looked down and muttered something that might have been "you're welcome." Rather than ask him to repeat it, she went on with her tale. By the time she finished, everyone was smiling.

"Well done, Aria," Ocheeva said. "It certainly sounds like you enjoyed the contract. Not only did you kill the five guests, you acted as an agent of terror and grief. You have earned your reward and bonus. Come with me and and I can give them to you. Everyone else, back to your duties."

In the shuffle of everyone moving around the living space, Aria didn't notice Mraaj-Dar approaching until he was standing directly in front of her. "Can we talk," he muttered, "privately?"

Aria glanced at Vicente. "Of course."

"I'll tell Ocheeva you'll be along in a moment," Vicente said.

Aria nodded and followed Mraaj-Dar. He led her out to the main room, then out through the door to the abandoned house. In the dark basement, he summoned a flame and lit a candle in the corner. Then he turned to face her.

For a moment, they simply stared at each other in the flickering candlelight. Aria waited. Mraaj-Dar seemed to have something on his mind and she didn't want to hurry him along.

"Look," he said. "I've been thinking, and...well...I just want to say...I'm sorry. I'm sorry for the way I've treated you in the past. I'm sorry for that," he said, pointing at her scarred cheek. "Looking at the things you've accomplished, I can see that you're a valuable member of this Sanctuary. I know I didn't make you feel welcome when you first arrived, but I am glad you came. So...can we start over?"

Aria didn't know what to say, so she simply nodded and held out her hand. Mraaj-Dar stared at it for a moment, then took it. "I suppose you've heard by now why I don't trust newcomers. But you've earned my trust...Sister."

Aria smiled and squeezed his hand before releasing it. "I think we're going to be good friends, Mraaj-Dar, now that we have a chance."

Mraaj-Dar nodded and blew out the candle, plunging them into darkness. It seemed he'd opened himself up long enough. She summoned a flame to light their way back into the Sanctuary. As they walked back into the main room, Mraaj-Dar offered to teach her some new spells to help with her contracts.

Vicente met her just inside the hallway. "Everything alright?" Aria stepped into his arms and gave him a passionate kiss. When she pulled back, Vicente blinked a few times. "Well. I guess everything is alright. What was that for? Not that I mind, of course..."

Aria laughed. "Mraaj-Dar called me Sister. He apologized and said he trusts me."

"Well, that is good news, indeed," Vicente said. "And a good reason to celebrate. How about a glass of wine?"

"As soon as I talk to Ocheeva. I'll meet you in your quarters."

"Deal." Vicente kissed her, then returned to his room. Aria knocked on Ocheeva's door and was told to come in.

"Ah, perfect timing," Ocheeva said. "I just finished counting out your reward." She slip a couple of piles of septims into a small pouch. "Here you are. And now for your bonus..."

Aria watched as the woman made her way over to a large chest in the corner. "Where does all the stuff for bonuses come from, anyway?"

Ocheeva started rummaging through the chest. "Most of it comes from adventurers who investigate caves and ruins. They find it and sell it to us for a good price. The members of the Black Hand keep an eye out for things that could be useful for contracts. Some things come from the contracts themselves."

"How's that?"

"Some of the wealthier targets have unique and valuable items in their homes. For most contracts, we have to be in and out, but sometimes there is enough time to look around and maybe snatch up a couple of treasures. If nothing else, you may find some loose coins or items to fence. Ah, here we are."

Ocheeva pulled a pair of leather bracers from the chest and brought them over to the table. "These bracers are a recent acquisition. I believe they are enchanted with a shield spell, but I'm not sure how powerful it is. You may want to Mraaj-Dar take a look if you can catch him in a good mood." Aria accepted the bracers, and Ocheeva put her hands on her shoulders. "Don't be discouraged by his attitude, my dear. One of these days, you'll get through to him."

Aria grinned. "Actually, we made amends just before I came here."

Ocheeva was thrilled and told her so. She offered a glass of wine to celebrate, but Aria told her about Vicente's offer. The Argonian smiled and shooed her from the room so she could spend time with her lover.

As she descended the steps to Vicente's room, Aria thought about her life for a moment. She finally had the trust of her entire family. She had a wonderful man who she loved with all her heart and who loved her in return. She had a job she enjoyed. Life was good.