Morndas 12 First Seed 208 4E 9:00 AM
"Where in the Void is the Keeper?" I yelled.
Assassins were scurrying around me trying to get ready for our trip. I was standing on top of the wagon, right behind the driver's seat where Nazir was comfortably sitting with the reins in hand. Siltal, an Altmer who joined us last year was sitting primly next to the Redguard. Her narrow golden eyes were wide in wonder as she watched the circus that was our Family getting ready to go to Markarth for the next week.
Garnag, the elder orc from Cyrodiil, was getting too old and weak to continue leading the Wayrest Sanctuary in High Rock. Nazir was going to transfer to Wayrest and learn Garnag's system and people before officially taking over as Speaker there. Siltal would inherit the role of Speaker here in Dawnstar.
"Listener, are you sure I should be named Speaker?" she asked once again. "There are other brothers and sister who have more seniority."
"I'm sure, Sister," I said calmly. There were others who had been part of the family longer like Meena, but I wanted Siltal. Not only was she good with organization, but the High Elf knew how to talk to people, a valuable asset for a Speaker. Most important of all Siltal was an Altmer and that meant her natural life span would be close to two hundred years. I wouldn't have to worry about needing to replace my local Speaker too often. A little selfish, but I was at the point of wanting to surround myself with the longer-lived races now.
"Move it, people! I don't want to wait until the end of the Era!" Nazir bellowed. The Redguard had been smiling nonstop since I told him of my decision to send him westward. I had worried that he would be offended that I was sending him away, but Nazir's reaction had been, "You mean I don't have to deal with any more singing or dancing or juggling or tumbling? Thank Sithis!"
"All the best assassins in this wagon!" Meena trilled. The Khajiit was driving the second wagon since there wasn't enough room for everyone for just one. I would soon reopen Corinthe Sanctuary in Elsweyr and our frisky feline would be Speaker there. Normally not a move I would make, but as a Khajiit Meena would have a natural cultural advantage in the sandy lands of the catkin.
Also, she had never quite forgiven Cicero for the murder of Rasha, a Khajiit she had never met but a Brother and a Khajiit too. Meena was never one for rules, but she had taken to the Tenets rather religiously, especially the one about not killing another sibling. The two of them had become distant. Instead of Meena's constant flirting there was an uncomfortable silence and I thought it best to separate them before further words could be said.
"Has anyone seen Cicero?" I called out again trying to be heard over the crowd.
"He's hiding down in the catacombs, miss," a twenty-something Breton male told me. I looked at Siltal questioningly.
"Thank you, Frand," Siltal provided for me. I nodded my thanks as well as the younger man scurried to get a seat.
It was getting harder for me to keep track of who was who in the Brotherhood. Not only were there so many more of us now, but I just couldn't bring it in me to get close to anyone.
"Gods dammit, he knows we're heading out today," I growled. "Siltal, come with me. It wouldn't hurt for you to know where we've stashed away the Night Mother's coffin."
"I never got to know the location," Nazir jokingly pouted.
"If you would rather stay here as Speaker, I'll take you instead," I threatened.
"I think I'll manage. It would be a shame to not see Garnag again and trade recipes," Nazir said quickly.
I gestured for Siltal to follow and jumped off the wagon. "Be sure no one takes our seats," I commanded Nazir. "Don't forget Cicero is going to be sitting with me. Be prepared for him to whine nonstop until we get to our first rest stop."
"Lovely," Nazir grumbled. He adjusted the reins of the horses. "At least I'll be given plenty of reason to remember why I want this reassignment."
"Gods, you'd think we were going to castrate Cicero instead of going to the temple of Dibella for some rest and relaxation," I muttered as I headed back into Sanctuary.
Siltal and I ducked and dodged among the dozen and a half assassins gathering around the wagons. Everyone was laughing and chatting excitedly about our trip to Markarth. I had planned this trip for months, ever since I decided to honor Garnag's request to step down as Speaker. In the past, the Black Hand waited for a member to pass before finding a replacement, but that usually happened after a violent death. Garnag was old and had not taken a contract in years. The orc was more than happy to die quietly in his bed instead of alone and hurt on some field somewhere.
The Brotherhood was going to have a private function at the Temple of Dibella in Markarth. The priestesses would be there to wait on us hand and foot fulfilling any desire in the name of their goddess. For a small fee, of course, but I didn't mind. I was throwing plenty of money to the church for their discretion on the matter. I hadn't named our group specifically, but it was likely that the siblings would be sharing stories of kills and it was better to throw a lot of money at the priestesses beforehand instead of trying to play clean up afterwards.
Not only would there be dancing and song, but there would be plenty of food, mead, and wine and access to the famous Markarth piped heated hot tubs. The priestesses of Dibella had taken advantage of the old Dwemer plumbing system for their worship services by setting up several large bathing areas big enough for many people to lounge together and the water to never go cold. Of course, we couldn't forget about how the priestesses of Dibella preferred to worship their goddess – sex and plenty of it.
Most of Wayrest Sanctuary would be meeting us there to get to mingle with their distant brothers and sisters. Garnag had declined to come personally because of health issues, although his letter had a tone of regret of not being able to come. It would be good to see the recruits who had left with Garnag and the ones who have joined since then.
The only person in the Dark Brotherhood not excited about the trip was Cicero. The Keeper had whined and pouted every time the trip was brought up. Cicero was still as stubborn as ever that he had no interest in buying the company of a woman and that he only wanted to serve the Listener. I could have assured him that it was not a problem, but I had a surprise set up in addition to our outing and didn't want to ruin it by telling him. Besides, I felt like letting him squirm for a change.
"Listener, why is the Keeper so vehement against going? Does he prefer men?" Siltal asked. The Temple of Dibella was famous for only having female worshippers. I had made sure that they called in some of their male priests for this trip so our siblings who preferred men wouldn't feel neglected.
I laughed at the thought of Siltal's question. The thought of Cicero climbing onto the lap of a large Nord man and whispering his sweet bed talk into the man's ear as they undressed each other was just too comical. I stopped laughing as the thought continued of the two men kissing passionately while stroking each other's throbbing members right before they turned their lusty eyes to me inviting me to join them. I gulped as I felt heat flush over me at the thought.
"Listener, are you okay?" Siltal asked.
"Just a bit warm," I muttered as I hurried into the cool caves of the catacombs.
The Keeper was exactly where I thought he would be; hidden behind the Night Mother's sarcophagus. I could barely make out his silhouette because he had pulled the coffin so close to the wall this time. Usually Cicero left enough space for me to crawl in with him even if it was a tight fit sometimes.
"Come out, Cicero," I said encouragingly. I was on my hands and knees trying to see into the niche the Keeper was hiding. It was kind of funny when you thought about it. Cicero hated how I would sometimes sit in my wardrobe to think in the dark and quiet, but when he was upset he sequestered himself behind the Night Mother's coffin. "It's time for us to head out."
"Cicero doesn't want to go!" the Keeper said.
"Everyone is going."
"Not Babette, not the un-child. Noooo, she gets to stay at Sanctuary." Babette couldn't go because of her apparent age. I had apologized for excluding her, but she had smiled and simply asked that I bring back a souvenir for her. I wasn't completely comfortable with how her eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Don't make me come in there for you," I threatened.
"Ha, ha, ha! As if Hecate could get her fat ass back here," Cicero taunted.
I saw red. "YOU GET OUT HERE RIGHT NOW, KEEPER!" I yelled putting authority into my voice. The Night Mother's coffin practically flew as Cicero moved it so he could scramble out to be by my side. I grabbed a handful of his red hair making sure to snag some ear and cap in the process. "We're going now!" I growled as I dragged the jester out of the catacombs. I could have sworn I heard a low mental chuckle from Mother as we left, but the Matron was never known for participating in her children's arguments.
When we were outside, I let go of Cicero and pointed him towards our wagon. "Get your butt in there now," I said pushing him with my foot on his bottom. Cicero stumbled from the force of my kick, but he still turned and made a rude gesture at me as he climbed into the wagon. I noted he was still wearing his jester's outfit despite the fact I had clearly told him to be wearing normal clothes when we left. It was no matter; I had packed an extra set of clothes prepared for this little display of rebellion.
I climbed into the wagon behind Cicero and waved to get everyone's attention. "If everyone's ready, it's time!' I called. As I settled into my seat by Cicero, who was still mumbling curses, Aventus stood up from his perch on the other wagon.
"Ready? One, two, three!" The rest of the Brotherhood broke into song. The tune was the same as the Age of Aggression, but with slightly different words:
We're the children of Sithis, and we kill all our lives.
And when Night Mother beckons, every one of them dies!
But this contract is ours and we'll see it redeemed.
For the hope of a bonus and gold that gleams!
Morndas 12 First Seed 208 4E 12:00 PM
We stopped in Morthal for lunch. The rest of the Brotherhood was eating while I rented a room at the Moorside Inn so Cicero could change clothes. I could hear snickers from the others as I marched into the room with the Keeper on my heels. I closed the door ignoring them.
"Cicero, put these on," I said as I pushed the pile of clothes into his hands. "I'll let you keep either your jester boots or gloves, but not both."
"Cicero wants both," he pouted.
"Too bad. You only get one," I crossed my arms. I made sure I was standing between him and the doorway. The jester had never tried to run away so far, but I was always worried that he would and if I ever gave him the opportunity he would take it.
"Cicero wishes to plead his case," the jester said as he casually tossed the outfit I gave him onto the bed. He walked forward so he could place one hand on each side of my head on the door. Cicero grinned wickedly. "May he do so?"
"This will be interesting," I muttered. "Sure, go ahead."
Instead of saying anything, Cicero leaned forward and started kissing me. One hand pulled me into a closer embrace while the other hiked up my skirt. When I started to protest, Cicero said, "Shush, Cicero is getting to his point." Heavy petting continued for several minutes with Cicero's hands roaming all over my body while his mouth assaulted mine.
As my breathing deepened, Cicero leaned back so he could pull off his right glove with his teeth. "Now, Hecate is ready to listen to Cicero's words," he whispered in my ear before licking the lobe. His right hand slid back down under my skirt and pushed away my smallclothes already damp with desire. "Hecate says one is best," Cicero said as he traced one finger along my folds before plunging in to slide back and forth.
I mewled with pleasure trying to stifle my cries. We were pressed right against the door and I worried the others would hear me. Cicero chuckled against my neck as he rubbed with his thumb against my clit. "What are you doing?" I gasped.
"Making a point," Cicero said. "As you can see, one is fine, but both are better." He slid another finger in and increased the tempo. I bit down on his shoulder tasting the rough velvet in my mouth to refrain from moaning. I hooked one leg around Cicero's waist, pulling him closer. My hips thrust in counterpoint to Cicero's rhythm.
My tension mounted and I was on the verge of release when Cicero changed the rhythm and removed one finger. "But Hecate only wants one! Now do you see why Cicero wants both?" The jester's eyes were glittering with amusement at my vexed expression.
"One, Keeper," I insisted, "and if you're on your very best behavior at Markarth, I'll let you wear your jester's cap all the way home." Cicero nodded in agreement. Of all of his articles of clothing, the cap was his favorite and I rarely let him wear it outside of Sanctuary. "Now, you have five minutes to finish what you started."
"Cicero only needs three," he smirked.
Morndas 12 First Seed 208 4E 12:30 PM
Cicero and I emerged from the room minutes later. I was satisfactorily flushed; the Keeper had been as good as his word. Cicero was humming happily as he adjusted his jester's gloves with his tunic. I glanced around the huge common room and noticed everyone staring at us.
"Okay, everyone, pay out!" Siltal said. Several siblings groaned as they walked over and handed coin purses to the High Elf who meticulously made notes in her ledger as she took and gave coins.
"What is going on?" I asked Nazir.
The Redguard laughed. "Oh, there was a betting pool on whether the two of you would sneak off and have sex at the first rest stop or not."
"Siltal!" I yelled, "I cannot believe you concocted this little scheme."
"Not I," the Altmer shook her head. "Babette arranged the whole thing. Set up odds and took bets. I'm just a neutral party collecting on her behalf since she cannot be here."
I growled. That little vampire! I knew she was up to something.
"We weren't even that loud," I grumbled.
"Cicero wasn't," Nazir admitted, "but it's a little hard to miss whenever you…ahem."
"When I what, Speaker?" I asked narrowing my eyes.
"When you finish," Nazir mumbled, his dark cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Your dragon language thing always makes the area around shudder."
"Oh gods," I slapped my head in my hands. The initiates' room was just down the hall from mine. I could only imagine what they thought. I looked up. "Where's Cicero?"
"I think he went outside," Nazir said quickly, obviously glad to change the topic. Most of the Brotherhood was filing outside to get back into the wagons since lunch was done.
I went outside and saw Siltal give a pouch of gold to Cicero. The Keeper pocketed the coins, smiling wickedly.
"What in the Void?" I asked as I approached them.
"Cicero made a wager, Listener," Siltal said not looking at me. I glared at Cicero who just shrugged.
"Cicero likes a challenge," he said simply grinning smugly. "Not that it was really a challenge at all."
"CICERO YOU FOOL!" I yelled. The thu'um activated and the Fool of Hearts went flying into the air laughing maniacally. I think he landed in some bushes or a tree by the sound of his landing.
"Pay out!" Siltal called. Once again siblings lined up to cash in their wagers.
"Oh for the sake of Zenithar!" I said my cheeks red with embarrassment. "How many of these are there?"
"I didn't count, but there's a list," Siltal admitted as she made change for a smiling Bosmer sister.
"Give me the list!" I insisted.
"Pay out!" Siltal called out again as she handed me a scroll.
"Oblivion!" I cursed as siblings went back into line to redeem or pay up on apparently the next bet Babette had set up. "I swear when I get back to Sanctuary, I'm going to have a talk with that little bloodsucker!"
The list was rather long, but only the top three were about me specifically. There were a variety of odds depending on certain factors such as if I had found out about the list before or if it was raining and we decided to stop for our first rest stop in the woods versus plains. I grumbled as I looked at the rest of the list; all of them depending on what Cicero did during the trip.
"Two to one odds that Cicero runs around Markarth naked. Three to one odds that Cicero will try to stab a priestess. Two to one odds that Cicero will do something that will warrant him being arrested. Five to three odds that he'll avoid being arrested," I muttered reading the list. It went on for quite a bit in that fashion of how much mischief Cicero would get up to while he was out of Sanctuary.
At the bottom was a note for me written in Babette's elegant, neat handwriting:
Dear Listener,
I hope you do not mind the little amusement I set up. As you know I am unable to venture out with the rest of our family, so I have to find entertainment where I can. I thought this would also be a good way to recuperate the money I lost training my enchantment instead of focusing on my alchemy business. You do understand, dearest sister, that making money is vital for funding some of my personal projects and I must be ever vigilant in not interrupting them less I deal with dire consequences.
Nonetheless, I hope you have wonderful time and that the Keeper enjoys his little gift.
Sincerely,
Babette
I crumpled the list in my hand. I had asked a big favor from Babette when I wanted her to learn how to put multiple enchantments on a single item. The vampire had spent a lot of her spare time enchanting various blades and armor for the family. No doubt at a fair price, but it still took her away from her preferred profession of alchemy. Only master enchanters could do what I had needed and it had taken a long time for Babette to reach that level of proficiency.
I sighed. No doubt she had included that note to either placate or guilt me into not yelling at her when I got home. I hated the fact that it was working.
"Gods, why is Babette so obsessed with my sex life?" I muttered to myself.
"Probably because she cannot have one," Meena purred as she passed to get back into the driver's seat of her wagon, "and you're so damn loud."
"It's not on purpose!" I complained. "I do try to be quiet." I climbed up to sit next to Meena. Maybe the Khajiit had a point. Babette was forever frozen physically as a ten-year-old. I was never sure how mentally mature she was, but maybe she was curious about the act to the point of voyeurism.
"All the women get into Meena's wagon!" I yelled. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Cicero emerging from the forest covered in twigs. "Once the lot of you are done gambling, we'll head out."
"Did she ask for the list?" Cicero asked Siltal. The High Elf nodded and handed the Keeper his winnings. Cicero laughed as he pocketed that as well. The redhead turned and tried to climb into the wagon next to me.
"What do you think you're doing?" I asked.
"Riding with Hecate," Cicero answered, unapologetic as always. I wished he would at least look guilty for seducing me to win a bet, but honestly I knew better at this point. Cicero played to win always.
"Not this time," I said as I put my boot on Cicero's head and pushed him off the wagon. The jester grunted as he landed heavily on the ground. "Girls only on this part of the trip."
"Oh, but Listener, Cicero wants to ride with only you!" Cicero said in a female falsetto as he jumped to his feet. He lovingly rubbed his face against my calf before I could pull it back. "Don't be mad at Cicero for a having a little fun."
"I'm not mad at you," I sighed. "Well, I am, but that's not why I'm making you ride in the other wagon. I have something I want to discuss and it's only with the female initiates."
"Oh, about what?" Cicero asked switching back to his normal high pitched voice. His eyes were wide with sincerity.
"Girl stuff," I said tilting my head to indicate emphasis.
"Like menstruation?" Cicero blinked in confusion. "Don't you think they're a bit old for that particular talk?"
"No, you Fool! Gods, why do you even care? It's girl stuff for girls to talk about and you're a boy!"
"I'm glad you noticed," Cicero waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Cicero doesn't mind if the women talk about women stuff. It's better than being forced to ride on the other wagon." He gestured and I could see that the male wagon was pretty crowded. There were about twice as many men than women in our Sanctuary.
"I know you don't like to be crowded, but it's only until dinner," I said gently. "Besides, don't you always complain of how lonely you used to be? Now is a good chance to get to know some of your brothers."
"Cicero would rather get to know his sisters," the jester said as he shot a flirtatious smile to the Bosmer sister.
"Are you trying to make me jealous?" I asked.
"Is it working?"
"No."
"Then most definitely not," Cicero promised.
"Go ride in the other wagon, Keeper," I said firmly. "If you have to then pull rank to get the other half of the driver's seat next to Nazir."
"As you wish, oh great and powerful Listener," Cicero said sarcastically with half-lidded eyes. Gods, he was going to make me pay for pushing him away. He half ran to the other wagon to secure his seat.
"Don't feel guilty," Meena advised. "Being apart should be good for the two of you. This one swears you're practically joined at the hip with the red one nowadays."
"I don't feel guilty," I said as I watched Cicero climb on the driver's seat and started dancing at the encouragement of his brothers. Nazir was holding his head in his hands grumbling. "I'm worried. Cicero had that look."
"What look?" Siltal asked.
"The 'I'm going to do something crazy to get the Listener's undivided attention' look," I said.
"And only a day and a half until we get to Markarth proper," Siltal sighed. "Are you sure it was a good idea to force the Keeper to come along, Listener?"
My hand drifted to the small box in my belt pouch that held the gift I had worked so hard for Cicero. "Yes, I have something special planned."
Nazir started his wagon, ignoring that Cicero was doing a handstand, and the boys pulled ahead. Cicero quickly flipped back into a sitting position, but he was turned backwards so he could still see me. His expression as worried, although I didn't know if because he hated being away from me outside of Sanctuary or he was concerned what I was up to. I blew a kiss and he made sure to catch it before smiling foolishly.
Once the men were out of hearing distance, I turned to the women. Meena was driving the wagon slowly so we wouldn't catch up too quickly. Other than Siltal, there was the Bosmer, a Dunmer, and a Nord. I suddenly realized I had no idea what their names were and felt ashamed. I should know all of my family's names, right?
"Um," I cleared my throat suddenly bashful, "there was something I wanted to broach before we got to Markarth." I fiddled with my hands as I blushed.
"Oh for Mara's sake," Meena growled. "Meena never understands why Hecate gets so shy about sex." She turned to the others, "The Listener brought birth control tea for anyone who needs it. We don't want any little assassins in nine months. Or however long you elves gestate."
I reached into my pouch and pulled out the packets that Babette had prepared for the trip. Eager hands emptied mine quickly.
"That was easy," the Nord laughed. She was tall and almost gangly. Her long, curly brown hair framed her face prettily. "Any restrictions on who we can bed, Listener?"
"No," I said. "I used to be a little uncomfortable with sleeping with siblings, but it would be hypocritical to say that now, wouldn't it?"
"So, the Keeper is fair game?" the Bosmer teased. I really did need to learn everyone's names.
"Good luck with that," Meena laughed. She hadn't taken any of the tea, but as a Khajiit she couldn't get pregnant with men or mer and didn't need it. "I tried years ago and Hecate kicked this one's ass in a brawl." The other women were obviously impressed. I smiled at Meena and mouthed 'thanks' to her.
"Cicero has a vow that he'll only lay with the Listener," I clarified. "He says it is part of his Keeping duties." I really hoped that wasn't true anymore or at least it wasn't the main reason he slept with me. It was a useful reason for the others in the Brotherhood to not approach him though.
"Is the Keeper good in bed?" the Bosmer asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"She wouldn't scream so much if he wasn't," the Dunmer retorted.
"Why are we talking about this?" I asked flustered.
"Because it's what women do when men aren't around," Siltal said winking as she handed me some bread and cheese to nibble. "We talk about men and their bedroom prowess."
"Honestly, I don't see the appeal for Cicero," the Nord said. She leaned back against the side of the wagon. "He's much too old for me and spoken for. I'd take Aventus any day. That's a stallion that needs to be broken."
Hearing about Aventus sexually was more awkward than answering questions about Cicero. I had been leery to bring the boy on this trip, but he was old enough and a full-fledged assassin in his own right. Except for Meena, he had been with the Brotherhood the longest out of the recruits after we relocated to Dawnstar.
"Do you think he is a virgin?" the Dunmer asked. "Aventus is fairly young."
"With a body like that? I'm sure he's had a few close calls for little assassins," the Nord smirked.
Maybe I should have allowed Cicero to ride with us after all. If he was here, they wouldn't be talking about this right now. I looked at Siltal, my face full of misery.
"Don't worry, Listener," she said patting my hand sympathetically. "I prefer women, so I won't lust after your adopted son. Although I would not turn down an Altmer male. Have any of you slept with one? We are called the superior race for a reason."
I rotated in my seat so my back was to the gossiping females as they speculated who was the most endowed and if any of the brothers were interested in them. I vaguely remember participating in such gossip when I was a soldier for the Imperial army, but that was several lifetimes ago and I was barely old enough to be called a woman. Had it really been twenty years ago?
"The two of you are good for each other," Meena said casually. "Meena didn't get to see what you were like before Dawnstar, but in five years she has seen how well you complement each other. When one is loud, the other is quiet. When one is crazed, the other is sane. Meena is glad she did not defeat Hecate for leadership of the Brotherhood. Even if she is pleased to be named Speaker soon."
"Thank you, Meena," I said softly. I found the small box in my hands. I don't remember taking it out of my pouch, but my hands restlessly roam over it turning it over and over.
"What's that?" Meena asked, curious as always.
"Focus on driving, cat," I said good-naturedly. Meena wrinkled her whiskers as she stuck her tongue out at me, but she listened for a change. My heart thudded heavily as I played with the box some more. I wanted Cicero to be the first to see what I labored so hard for him.
After three years of waiting, Cicero was finally going to get his ring.