Chapter Four

Scrutinization

After a few weeks of searching through for evidence there was no doubt the Sanctuary had been tainted beyond repair. I quickly prepared for my journey to Bravil to speak to Ungolim about everything I had found. I don't like where this is going... I could already feel that a purification is needed...

My trip to Bravil was a brief one, after talking to Ungolim in the privacy of his home he too agreed upon the purification, although my choice as a Silencer.. He was questionable about that. I explained to him how she had advanced greatly, she was quite ambitious, like Mathieu only she seemed to be stronger willed than him. She didn't lash out negatively when she bickered with the others in the sanctuary, her loyalty was outstanding.

"I suppose, the Night Mother seems to have great things in store for her. I am not sure what though, she will not say." Ungolim reluctantly allowed my choice. He doubted her greatly.

Once I had arrived back at the Cheydinhal Sanctuary I noticed how late it was, most everyone was gone. So I left the sealed letter for Roselia in Ocheeva's quarters after writing a quick note that this letter was only intendedfor Roselia. I went to look around and only found M'raaj-Dar and Antoinetta. Antoinetta quickly greeted me.

"I'm surprised to see you here dearest Speaker."

"Do you know where Ocheeva has gone to?"

"I believe she has gone shopping with Teinaava."

"...I see. And what of Roselia? I have some-"

"What is it with you and that girl! What happened to us? What happened to choosing me to take Ocheeva's place!"

"Us? There was no us." I said angrily. "Perhaps if you had half a brain you'd realize your nothing but an annoyance!" I snapped. I'll admit I shouldn't have snapped like that but I was getting really tiresome of her behavior towards me.

Her response to my outbreak was simple tears. She quickly ran off. I didn't bother saying anything, I did not need to provoke her even more. I simply looked around the Sanctuary for Roselia, I had found her in Vincete's room.

"I see that some of the other family members have been causing some dispute with you." I seemed to have startled her, she had flinched.

"Good to see you. What brings you here?" She shyly looked up at me, she looked nervous. I wonder if it was due to some sort of feelings she has or simply intimidation that gets her like this.

"I've noticed how well you've been progressing. You've already gone from a lowly Murderer rank to an Eliminator rank in only a matter of weeks. Such talent." I smiled. She would be quite the Silencer.

She smiled at the compliment.

"I do what I can to please our Unholy Matron." She seemed to have calmed down.

I came to her slowly, "Let me see the blade I have given you." She handed me the blade of my last Silencer, it truly was a magnificent blade, I noticed that it was still sharp and from the looks of things it hadn't been resharpened yet... This blade isn't being used very much...

"Why haven't you used this fine blade?"

"I..." She looked away nervously. "I can't quite answer that question. I know not how to explain." She was flustered.

"This Blade of Woe cries for you to use it, yet you neglect it's wishes." I took her hand and placed the hilt of it into her hand, Curling her fingers around the handle under my own. She quickly looked down at our hands but with my other hand I raised her chin so that our eyes met. I had the sudden feeling to close the space between our lips but I resisted.

"When you do use the blade, I hope it serves you well." I let go of her hand and backed away before I did anything irrational.

There was a moment of silence before she spoke.

"I have a question." her tone had softened.

"What is it?" I asked.

"I've heard many things about the dark brotherhood that I am confused about, I've heard our Night Mother was murdered long ago by a member of Morag Tong many years ago in Morrowind, yet she still gives out orders? Does our Night Mother change? Or is she some sort of… Greater power? Like Sithis?" She took me by surprise with her knowledge of all this. How did she know this?

"How do you know that?" I was now curious.

"My mother, she was part of a cult called The Mythic Dawn. They have had many run ins with The Dark Brotherhood since the glory of killing the third Septim emperor of Tamriel was taken from them by the Dark Brotherhood." This subject seemed to be having quite the negative effect on her. I did not press on on the subject and found it better to lie.

"Interesting… Unfortunately I do not know too much of our Unholy Matron. I understand that she is indeed a greater power of sorts, like our dread father Sithis. People who pray to her must perform a ritual to summon her." It seems that wasn't the answer she was looking for.

she laid back down into Vincete's stone bed.

"I suppose that makes sense…"

"Why did you choose to join The Dark Brotherhood?"

"I'm not quite sure anymore…"

I sat next to her, that's when I noticed Antoinetta standing there. I let her stand there. She would die with the rest anyway...

"Roselia... Why is it that..." She looked over at me as I spoke, I had quickly changed my mind about saying anything of that sort. My feelings were irrelevant. If I get to attached and she ends up like the other Silencers it will be hard to let go. Sithis help me... "Nevermind, it's not important..."

"What is it? You can tell me." She seemed reassuring but this was something I couldn't say.

"Perhaps another time dearest Sister." I smiled warmly at her. running my hand through her ebony locks. Her appearance has seemed to become much more beautiful than I remember.

She pouted at my response, it was quite the sight.

"Before I take my leave here are a few words of wisdom. Do not let the others discourage you dear child of Sithis. I've heard The Night Mother has great plans for you." I smiled and took my leave.