My first move was to head to the Inn of Ill Omen. I had passed by it, but never went in. The name spoke for itself. I knew after I killed Rufio that I would flee inconspicuously to Skingrad and rest again within Rosethorn Hall. My favorite residence by far.
It didn't take but a few hours to reach there on horseback at a steady trot. My paint horse was well-behaved and had no problem with me casting fire at nearby wolves along the way. He had been to Oblivion Gates and caves and mines and Ayleid ruins with no problems, a well-worn steed.
Entering for the first time, I chose to speak to the Inn-Keeper, Manheim Maulhand.
"We got plenty of rooms if you want one. Ain't nobody staying here these days 'cept old Rufio." He said, voice gruff and a raspy laugh. I asked him about Rufio. "He's an old codger. Been living here for a couple weeks now. If you ask me, he's hiding from something. But what do I care? He pays his tab. His room is downstairs, in what I like to call the Private Quarters. Use that hatch in the floor over there. But don't expect a warm reception."
Going down the hatch, I closed it tight behind me and snuck down the hallway until I spotted a sign bearing, "Private Quarters". I made quick work of the lock and saw the old man sleeping in his bed. I did not allow myself time to think on what he had done to deserve this, I knew many people who did not deserve death but were taken by it anyway. I snuck up silently though I was sure nothing could have awoken him. He seemed sickly and pale. I chose to stab him from the front, sliced open his throat and waited until I was sure he was dead. I wiped my new blade on his clothing and placed it into the hilt on my right side where I could always have quick access to it, should I be discovered too soon. I simply re-emerged from the hatch and said my goodbyes like nothing happened.
The Inn-Keeper called after me, "Goodbye, my friend! And remember, you're always welcome here!" But I was already on my horse and too focused to respond. Instead, I rode North-West to Skingrad and made it in time to fall asleep in Rosethorn Hall by midnight.
It was an uneasy sleep. It's difficult knowing you'll wake up to a stranger in your bedroom. But this time, I was prepared. So when my eyes opened, I was not scared by Lucien Lachance sitting on the opposite side of my room, surveying the things I had collected upon on my desk from various places.
"Do you like them?" I asked, seeing him eye the Masque of Clavicus Vile. He did not startle, instead he stood and turned to me with a smile and hands clasped behind his back.
"A rare assortment of items, sister. So, the deed is done. How do I know this? You will find that the Dark Brotherhood knows a great many things. For you are now part of the family." He walked closer to me, slowly, step by step to accentuate his words.
"Yes, indeed. And now what?" I had stood out of bed, matched his demeanor and walked closer to him until we were both just feet apart. He wasn't that hard on the eyes. A foot or so taller than I, perhaps Imperial like me, or Breton.
"Now you embrace your fate. The slaying of Rufio was the signing of a covenant. The manner of execution, your signature. Rufio's blood, the ink. As a Speaker of the Black Hand, I directly oversee a particular group of family members. You will join that group, and fulfill any contracts given. You must now go to the city of Cheydinhal, to the abandoned house near the eastern wall. Enter the basement, and attempt to open the black door. You will be asked a question. Answer thusly: 'Sanguine, my Brother.' You will gain entrance to the Sanctuary. Once inside, speak with Ocheeva. Questions?" He simply smiled.
"I own a house in Cheydinhall." I said. "I know the one you speak of. Funny how you've been under my nose this whole time."
He considered this for merely a moment. "Yes, funny. We must now take our leave of each other, you and I, for there is much work to be done. I'll be following... your progress. Welcome to the family."