Nazir had managed to come up with a couple of contracts for Aerelin to carry out, though she took her time. It wasn't as though they were pressing, and there was Guild work to attend to. It was simple really; just a brief mission to convince the world that the Guild was at full strength and still to be feared. As she left Riften with somewhat heavier pockets, she decided a trip to Solitude wouldn't be out of place either. Those contracts were on the way anyway, and it felt like a two birds, one stone situation. The kills were simple enough, and she didn't even need to clean her armor afterwords. The fletcher in Solitude gave her armor a cursory look before pulling his best stores out, leaving her with a whole new set of ebony and daedric arrows. How he came upon them, she'll never know, but she was happy to keep the gold flowing as long as he did. By the time she returned to the Sanctuary, she could practically feel the excited energy in the air, and for whatever reason it didn't feel good to her. Astrid met her in the entryway, giving her a calculating look.

"I've thought about what you claim the Night Mother said. Go, find this Amaund Motierre in Volunruud." The details were given to her, as though Aerelin hadn't been the one to receive them in the first place. With a sigh, Aerelin nodded, moving deeper into the Sanctuary to gather more supplies for her new journey. She didn't notice anyone attempting to speak with her, so caught up in their work as they were, and she certainly didn't notice the Keeper watching her from afar. She didn't hear him approach as she packed food into her bags, as well as potions that Babette had had made.

"Ah, Listener!" Jumping nearly out of her skin, Aerelin spun with her hand already on her blade. Cicero smiled down at her, clearly not at all disturbed that he had nearly been stabbed. "How are you?" She blinked, hand moving slowly from her weapon as she relaxed. She gave what was likely a tight smile as she secured her bag.

"I'm quite fine, Cicero, thank you." His own smile never wavered, but she saw a glint in his eye that gave her pause. He stepped closer, lowering his voice a bit.

"Cicero is smart, Cicero knows when his friends aren't 'fine', dear Listener. You will tell Cicero if anything troubles you, yes?" In that moment, she realized that maybe her friend wasn't as mad as he wanted everyone to believe. She gave a mute nod, and that seemed to satisfy him, for he gave his own nod and turned to leave. Aerelin stayed rooted to the spot for some time before mentally shaking herself and leaving on her errand, eager to get this over with. If she were lucky, it would be a simple enough contract.

Of course, Aerelin's luck hadn't been the best since her arrival in Skyrim. As Astrid seemed to take glee in the idea of murdering the Emperor, all Aerelin could think of was how much responsibility she suddenly had again. A part of her wanted to flee, but she knew the Brotherhood would find her. No, she would have to step up to the plate, and she wasn't dumb; she knew she'd have to handle her other priorities soon as well. Holding back a sigh as she received new orders from Gabriella, she bumped into Cicero once again near the main room. Everyone was going about their own business, and Cicero was quick to take her arm and lead her up to his room where the Night Mother resided. He shut the door before pulling her again, gently guiding her to a chair.

"Cicero, I have to get going." He crouched in front of her, any trace of his usual mad merriness gone In fact, she had never seen him look so grim or so lucid, and it gave her near chills. "Cicero?"

"You must listen to me closely, kind Aerelin. Cicero does not trust this Astrid." His eyes clouded over darkly at the mention of the matriarch's name. "Go, complete your contract as the Night Mother has ordered, but promise to be careful." She could only give him a confused look and he took her hand tightly in his, not once releasing her gaze. "Promise." There was a tinge of desperation in his voice and she swallowed.

"Cicero, would you prefer to come with me? If you're so concerned?" He shook his head, still not dropping his gaze from hers.

"Cicero must stay here and take care of the Night Mother." He stood, looking down at her. The concern hadn't faded from his gaze and she stood slowly, squeezing his hand.

"I'll be safe, Cicero. I promise." That seemed to relax him a bit. He pulled her into a hug then, and it took her a moment to return the sentiment. As he pulled away, his usual mad smile was in place and she gave a smile. Oh, if only the poor jester knew just what all she'd need to be safe from.