The Lost Dragonborn5

Farkas had gone out but I could hear a guard in the house, one that Farkas had befriended in Riften. He was at the table, bustling around. Or at least he had been. He'd been silent for quite some time but I knew he hadn't left. Still, Farkas's departure aroused my curiosity. Had something happened to Lilith? I didn't care or anything. I was merely curious. My curiosity had led me to their alchemy lab, where Lilith kept an impressive book selection. It had to be hers. After all, Farkas was the dumb one. Huddled on my bed, I read, blocking out the world around me as best I could. I didn't care if the guard left. It was far to late to return to the Sanctuary. Not with those spiders out there. Not that I was afraid of them.
"Good book?"
The voice made me cringe as I thought of my dagger, tucked in my boot by my bed. With eyes that gave nothing away, I looked at the woman at the door. She watched me with narrowed eyes, suspicious.
"Fascinating," I replied.
I recognized her clothing. The thieves from the night before had worn them.
"Pretty gutsy," I remarked. "Breaking into the same place twice. Especially with a guard in the kitchen."
"Not much of one. And I didn't break in. I told him I was here to check up on you."
"Awful nice of you."
My eyes found my boot and the dagger hilt which poked out of the top.
"You're probably wondering why I'm here," she went on.
"Of course not," I replied.
I stretched, nudging the book slowly, so that she wouldn't notice.
"I expect that you're out for revenge."
"No."
Her response made me pause. No? Certainly not what I had expected. Despite that, I continued nudging the book.
"I just want to know how you heard them."
I smirked, the book finally hitting the floor.
"You're not as quiet as you think," I replied.
I was beginning to realize who she was. Well, in terms of organization.
"You're Thieves Guild, aren't you?" I asked.
Her eye twitched but she gave no other indication that I was right. She didn’t have to. I knew. Smirking still, I reached for the fallen book.
"Been awhile," I remarked, hand curling instead around my dagger's hilt. "Is the Gray Fox still running the show?"
"No comment," she replied.
"But of course."
With that, I lunged and she ducked, rolling to the floor.
"Are you crazy? You want that guard to come running?" she demanded.
"I'm not the one with something to hide," I retorted.
I adjusted my grip on my dagger, drawing my arm back and preparing to throw. My visitor  reached beneath my bed, yanking out my cowl.
"Really?" she asked.
I paused, weighing my options. If I threw this and killed her, would I have enough time before the guard came in? I assumed I could since he'd probably shake off sleep before bursting in. But I'd humor her. She was obviously desperate. So I lowered my arm, letting my glare speak for itself.
"I just want to know how you managed to detect them," she said. "And to request your help."
"I won't help you break into the Keep," I declared, crossing my arms.
"We don't need help doing that. But I have a job and I'm good but so was Brynjolf. And you still heard him. Makes me think this curse is real."
Curse? This smelled a lot like Daedra to me. And while I was hesitant to get involved with them, I was also curious.
"What job?"
Her lips quirked.
"Bit eager, huh?" she chuckled. "Though I guess Lilith has probably been doting on you like she's your mum. She does that. Name's Vex by the way."
I crossed my arms.
"I don't recall asking your name nor your opinion of Lilith. I asked about the job."
Vex only seemed amused. Why did everyone find my annoyance cute rather than a reason to speed up?
"Goldenglow Estate is close to Riften. And its owner hasn't been paying his dues," Vex explained. "I need to get into the house and swipe the deed from the vault. And light up a few beehives."
"Seems easy enough," I remarked. "How could you possibly screw it up?"
Now Vex glared at me.
"There are mercenaries all over the estate," she said, crossing her arms. "Which is where you come in."
I smirked.
"Like I said, easy enough."
"There is a catch, though," Vex admitted.
My eyes narrowed, brow furrowing. I didn't like catches. They never worked in my favor.
"The Guild will inevitably find out about you so I want you to come with me as a recruit," Vex continued.
"In case you hadn't noticed, I'm the Dark Brotherhood's Listener. I can't just up and enroll in your guild," I pointed out.
"This one job," Vex promised. "And I'll say you didn't make the cut. Much too bloodthirsty. Mercer with see you as a liability and you'll be out."
I studied her. I didn't trust her but she was making it hard to say no.
"Very well," I finally relented. "I'm in."


With instructions to meet Vex later that night as well as directions to said place, I napped, vaguely aware of Lilith and Farkas's return as well as their bustling in the kitchen.  It was rather annoying that my hearing was so excellent, despite Vex's desire to use it. I supposed in most professions, where one doubted their honed skills, my attributes would be welcomed. But only for that moment in time. Vex had left me a uniform, part of the instructions being to wear it when I met with her. Because I was also to meet Mercer, whoever he was.
"Awake are you?" Lilith asked.
I glanced at her, where she stood at the end of my bed.
"No," I replied. "I am sleep walking."
"Alas, " she quipped. "You are walking nowhere."
I rolled my eyes.
"I am not hungry," I informed her. "Now go away."
I heard her chuckle lowly, murmuring something to herself, so low that even my excellent hearing could not detect it. I could tell she was speaking to those damned Divines again. Or the Daedra. Damn them all, I said. Instinct took over, forcing me to send my dagger flying for Lilith's head. She took a step to the side as the blade's tip slid into the wall next to her head. She studied the ebony blade, her usually amused eyes dark as she looked my way. I matched her look with my own glare.
"Do not consult with your damnable little friends every time I prove difficult," I snapped.
"Do not continue to be difficult," Lilith retorted. "It is becoming more and more like caring for a child."
"And yet, you welcomed me into your home," I said.
She smiled darkly.
"Because I know you. You are a pitiful creature rather than the strong warrior you try so hard to act like you are. And for all your faults, I could no more turn you away then I could a child. Unfortunately, you are far too old for the orphanage and we are stuck with you."
I had a feeling my mouth had dropped open, which seemed to only amuse Lilith more.
"I know Vex visited you today," she went on. "And I also know what path you will take. I only warn you to be careful."
That said, Lilith left, shutting my door gently, despite the rage I felt radiating off of her.



Vex awaited me by the altar of Talos, smirking when I approached.
"It suits you," she commented, jerking at me with her chin.
I ignored her and her implications, crossing my arms over the Thieves Guild armor. I'd worn the cowl, adding a mask to it.
"Follow me," she instructed, pushing herself up and leading me toward a small cemetery.
My lips quirked upwards.  I'd heard rumors that the Dark Brotherhood and the Thieves Guild shared similar methods. Secret entrances was one of them, I mused, watching Vex kick at a lone coffin. The coffin and the floor it rested on slid back, revealing a short staircase. From where I stood, I could see a sewer entrance and grimaced, glad to have covered my mouth and nose. At least I would avoid the smell. Vex trudged down the stairs and I followed, trying not to flinch when she pulled a chain on the wall that closed us in the small space. Dark and small places, I wasn’t good with but Vex couldn't know that. I made sure she could not see my white knuckles as I closed them around my ebony dagger. Breathe, I reminded myself firmly. Vex lifted the sewer covering, revealing a ladder rather than a short jump into filthy water. Glancing my way to see what I thought of said ladder, she grinned.
"Welcome to the Cistern," she said, climbing down.
I followed, leaping from the ladder about half way down, landing in a crouch beside Vex.
"Couldn't just use the ladder like everyone else, could you," Vex murmured.
"No," I replied, rising.
Vex smiled a bit.
"Didn't think so," she said. "Come on."
She started walking, waving for me to follow. I wanted to object. I was not a child that needed to be guided. But given that I was only an "initiate", I suppose I had to at least act like one. At least it was more dignified than, say, a brainless bar maid. So I followed, eyeing the few wanderers scattered around the Cistern. Some were asleep in beds, napping between jobs while others loitered silently near the edge of the water, being courteous to their fellow brethren. I must have made a small sound because Vex paused, glancing my way.
"What's so funny?" she asked.
"Nothing," I lied though it was half true.
The care those awake took to give their sleeping brothers silent was almost honorable. And certainly there was no honor among thieves. Then again, there was none among assassins as well, which is what kept my mouth shut when faced with Vex's question.  Vex shook her head, leading us on, under the watchful gaze of the thieves.
"Mercer!" Vex called, her voice bouncing off the walls.
Apparently she cared little for those asleep.  In fact, those that didn't mumble profanities ,merely rolled over, burying their heads beneath their pillows and went back to sleep.
"Vex!" a firm voice scolded. "For Nocturnal's sake!"
Vex smiled at me again, nodding at the lecturing Nord approaching.
"That's Mercer," she mouthed.
As if  I cared. I intended only to meet him once. And then never again. Mercer approached slowly, his dark eyes narrowing more and more as he took in the sight of me.
"Who?" he demanded as soon as he was close enough. "Is that?"
I could tell he longed to know my gender, to dismiss me but I had taken pains to make it less than obvious that I was female. Luckily, the Brotherhood I had been an initiate in originally had plenty of men trained by my mother who'd been more than willing to play big brother to me in return. In that aspect, we were a real family. I could walk, talk, dress, eat and even drink like a man, though I found the latter a disgusting habit as it turned the most respectable men into brainless clouts. Mercer continued studying me though he addressed Vex.
"This is my new recruit," Vex replied. "I want to take them with me on the estate job."
I smiled beneath my makeshift cowl. She hadn't known why I was trying so hard to hide the fact that I was a girl but she wasn't going to expose me. Perhaps she wasn't as dumb as I had originally believed.  Mercer scoffed.
"You could do that job in your sleep!" he argued.
"This one has potential," Vex persisted. "What better way to test it than a real job?"
Mercer shook his head, mumbling something about regrets and bad ideas.
"Fine," he said at last.
Despite myself, I felt my heart beat increase, excited that this would no doubt be a very bloody night.


As with the Cistern, Vex decided our most likely entrance was through the sewers. Splashing, as quietly as possible, through the murky water, I slid my hood back.
"Your boss is a charmer," I remarked dryly.
Vex chuckled a bit.
"And yours is much better?"
"I wish," I remarked dryly.
I was not the most capable leader. Rather than remain content organizing contracts and playing recruiter, I had insisted that my mother handle that, allowing me to work in the field. Killing people was much preferred to sending others off to do the job. Still, the Listener led the Dark Brotherhood. And Astrid was not the Listener.  Our conversation died a bit as we seemed to draw closer to the estate. There were more giant rats or skeevers to kill which I did with ease.
"No stomach?" I inquired, after I had, yet again, dispatched a small nest.
"I'm in the Thieves Guild for a reason," Vex replied. "I'm no murderer. I will kill if its absolutely necessary though."
She glanced back at me, pausing, the filthy water up to her knees.
"So why do you take so much pleasure in killing?"
I smirked.
"It's in my blood," I replied. "My mother was Brotherhood. My father, Tong."
Vex's eyes widened a bit as she fully grasped my words.
"You didn't stand a chance," was all she said.
We moved on.


Despite my training, my mother refused me contracts over and over again, urging me to better my stealth until the day that I could walk past her and my father unheard. She wanted me to be invisible, I wanted to strike fear into the hearts of my victims right before I ripped them out. We butted heads but I always minded my mother. She was the best at what she did and only wanted to raise me thusly. I can be invisible, which is what Vex required right now. With no noise at all, I lifted the sewer covering, listening for sounds of life. None. At least not nearby. I motioned to Vex who leapt up, pulling herself from the sewer and crouching in the small room.
"Follow me," she urged.
I nodded, crouching and hurrying behind her, my body reaching out for the tell tale sounds of men. Surely they weren't all outside. That would be careless when the real treasurers are usually inside. Vex led me forward, our movements disturbing nothing, even though I could tell Vex was distracted. By what, I was unaware.
"Do you hear anything?" she asked.
She sounded panicked, though not to the extent that it was obvious. Only one as panicked as she would have heard. And I found myself panicked.
"No," I replied.
She let out a deep sigh.
"The safe is downstairs," she announced. "We head down and grab the stash. Circle back and burn the hives."
Her plan gave me reason to pause. Never had I felt comfortable infiltrating a castle to kill a servant. They usually worked and lived under the castle, making it that much harder to get out. An ambush! That's what could await us. But Vex was already out of my sight, creeping into a possible trap. With no other choice, I followed her.
"Vex," I hissed lowly.
She shushed me.
"Job like this requires quiet," she scolded lowly.
"And caution," I snapped back. "Something's not right. I can't hear a thing."
"Must mean they all went out," Vex replied.
"Except they had to know your guild wouldn't roll over so easily."
Vex paused at my reasoning, looking up at me.
"So, if you can't hear them and their not out drinking, where are they?" she asked.
I slid past her, landing lightly at the bottom of the stairs and peeking around it, whispering one of few spells I knew. Instantly, violet flares rose up, shaped like men. I glanced Vex's way.
"Three men," I said to her, voice low.
She nodded. I'd dealt with Tamriel's Thieves Guild. They preferred not to kill. It was bad for business. But I was Dark Brotherhood. And this was my business.
"Stay!" I hissed at Vex.
Before she could ask why, I darted out, obviously taking the men by surprise. Before they knew what was happening, my ebony dagger was in my hand and I leapt, legs circling the meatiest neck as I mercilessly plunged my dagger into the jugular. I was aware of the other two who came running but I leapt off their partner, shoving him back into them. One managed to avoid the dead weight, his war hammer raised as he drew closer. I spun out of the way, slicing his throat with ease. Blood spurted from the wound, splattering on my face where the hood failed to cover me.
"Syra!" Vex yelled in alarm.
I spun, surprised to see the third mercenary had recovered a lot faster than I had suspected. My best bet was to attempt a block, pray it worked and if I failed, the driving force behind his war axe would most likely cause some serious damage. Time seemed to slow, my arm rising, dagger clutched, weighed by the weight of hope that it would be enough. The sound of metal meeting metal rang out in the room as well as the sound of a blade shattering. The tip of my poor, abused dagger clattered to the floor uselessly, much to my horror since the mercenary was gearing for another attack. Weaponless, I threw myself back, a very familiar figure thrusting herself between me and the axe. Vex cried out, dropping the steel dagger she held as the axe dug into her back. Reacting fast, I scooped up the dagger with one hand, catching Vex with the other and plunging her dagger into the mercenary's neck. His gurgled cries filled my ears as I cradled Vex.
"You idiot!" I snarled.
The axe hadn't buried itself in her back, the offending weapon at my feet. Vex smirked.
"Say what you want," she gasped.
I swore, lifting her into my arms and dropping my last piece of dagger. I suspected it would be much harder leaving than it had been getting in.



"Vex!"
I endured the stairs of those in the Ragged Flagon and Cistern, my armor torn and my body bleeding. Except for the wound on her back, Vex was otherwise unharmed. Her eyes were on my face, really studying me. My hood had been torn and the mask portion gone, leaving my bleeding cheeks exposed. Men were running towards us, calling out to Vex.
"Thank you," she said.
I felt strong hands grip Vex and I let her go, collapsing to my knees as I did. As I suspected, it had been harder breaking out then it had been breaking in. Mercenaries had flooded the house, blocking the way to the sewer. So I'd used the front door. Which was why Vex and I were dripping wet.
"Lass?"
I looked up, staring at Brynjolf. His eyes widened, recognizing me instantly. Probably because I had slaughtered his friend. I let my lips curl in a cruel smile. If he ousted me right here and now, I was no match.
"If you're going to kill me, at least pull the arrow out of my shoulder," I requested.
I saw the ghost of a smile grace his lips and he turned away, probably satisfied to tell his pals who it was had thinned their ranks. Without further warning, he bent, lifting me, summoning a loud squeak from deep inside me.
"Where are you taking me?" I demanded.
"To that table," he replied.
I looked at the one he indicated, noticing a very unhappy Mercer. Without a look at his Guild Master, Brynjolf set me down, gently, drawing a dagger from his back. I watched with suspicious eyes but he was calm, hand wrapped around the arrow as he cut through the neck. I grunted but made no other noise. Surely, he wouldn't care for me only to turn around and kill me. His blade sliced through the guild cuirass I wore, revealing my bare skin. I'd been naked before many men before so I was able to remain calm as Brynjolf's fingers prodded the area around the embedded arrow head, probably trying to see how deep it was in and if he could possibly dislodge it.
"It's in there good," I heard Mercer remark.
"Aye, that it is," Brynjolf agreed.
I heard the sound of liquid smacking against a bottle and closed my eyes, knowing where this was going. I'd seen my mother do this to my father the few times an archer caught him when he least expected it and the arrow was in deep. Alcohol to both numb and sanitize the wound while she dug the arrow head out with either her bare hands or a knife. It depended on how mad my father made her.
"Breathe, lass."
His hand was warm against my skin, trying to ease me to relax. I hadn't realized I'd tensed. Slowly, I relaxed and that's when Mercer, for both Brynjolf's hands were on me, poured the drink onto the wound. I couldn't help it, screaming bloody murder as soon as I felt the burn. Steel or iron dug into my flesh as Brynjolf dug the arrow head out.
"Divines above, Mercer. Haven't we got any potions on stock." I heard Brynjolf grunt.
"No," Mercer replied. "She'll pass out soon enough."
And I did, the last thing I heard was Brynjolf's triumphant crow as he produced the arrow head.  



"Awaken, girl."
The voice urged me awake, the command behind it all too familiar. With great reluctance, I opened my eyes, surrounded by sinister shadows at every turn.  The aura of this place was all too familiar. Oblivion. I rose, glancing around, looking for the savagery to be confronted with only darkness.
"Where am I?" I demanded.
This was not the Oblivion I knew. No, this much worse. There was nothing and that was far scarier.
"Do not be afraid. For you are my champion, not my prisoner."
The shadows parted, revealing a woman I had only seen set in stone. Nocturnal.
"Nocturnal," I breathed, tone hostile.
She remained expressionless, staring down at me.
"What do you want?"
My attitude seemed to roll over her like waves over a rock, not bothering the rock a bit.
"I have need of you," she said.
"Need all you want," I snapped. "I won't help."
My declaration was met with a mere rising of her eyebrow. It did not occur to me until then that she could easily keep me locked within the darkness until I agreed to help her.
"Then perhaps a trade," she mused, more to herself than to me.
A smile graced her lips, one that frightened even me.
"I offer you my protection from Molag Bal," she declared.  
My eyes widened, a faint hope rising in me before I crushed it. Mother always said if something sounded too good to be true, it usually was.
"What good is your word, your protection?" I spat. "Against Molag Bal. I know how the Daedra work."
"Indeed," Nocturnal said, voice empty of all emotion. "I am aware of your mother's… unique gift. A gift you share."
I was glaring at her fully, letting all my hatred for her kind pour in.
"Become my servant, within that world," she bargained. "And more Daedra will look to you. And then, the Divine will as well. There is no greater than them, than Akatosh who rules them. They should offer much better protection than I."
Her smile sent shivers through me and I wished only to tear it from her face.
"You have already merited a reward to show my favor. I am rather fond of Vex and her unique way of breaking and entering."
"I want nothing from you," I snapped.
"But you do. Deep in your heart, yes, you still posses one though you try and hide it. I can give you what you most desire," she bargained. "The one familial bond you will have in this world."
My eyes widened as I realized what she meant.
"Impossible," I declared. "I saw him die. Saw them cast him into the sun. And even if he survived, all these years, he will still be a vampire."
"But there is a cure, a long forgotten cure," Nocturnal went on.
I could hear the smile in her voice, the triumphant edge. She believed she'd already won.
"I want proof," I declared. "Before I make any commitments. Do not tell me the cure but tell me where to find him."
Nocturnal fell silent.
"Such a cynical girl," she remarked. "But very well. I will tell you."



Gasping, I awoke, the aches of my body alarming me until my memories returned. I sat up, flinching, but looking around. I was in the Cistern, tucked away in one of the beds. The few thieves still loitering glanced my way and then diverted their attention. I had no time for them, instead reaching up with trembling fingers to touch my sore shoulder. The one that the arrow head had been pried from. Instead of bandages, my fingers found the coarse material of a dress, one I had not been wearing when I came in. In shock, I threw the blankets off, looking at the deep blue material in surprise.
"Awake lass?"
My head went up, locking eyes with Brynjolf. He towered over me, his arms crossed over his broad chest.
"I'm surprised you helped me at all," I remarked. "After I killed your partner."
My voice was low, though it didn't matter. We were the only two close enough for my words to reach.
"Aye, lass, I wondered what silenced my tongue when I meant to oust you," he admitted. "Perhaps my amazement over your survival. That was a death wound if ever I saw it."
I smirked.
"We assassins aren't very good thieves. We cut down our contacts rather than let them live. The same is often true of our comrades."
"And yet, you dragged Vex back here rather than sacrifice her to save your skin," Brynjolf mused, acting as though he was speaking more to himself than to me.
I saw through his ruse but said nothing. I hadn't understood the compulsion to save her. Nocturnal perhaps? No. As much as I damned her and her kind, the compulsion was my own. No one had sought to protect me. Save me, yes, from myself of course, of the legacy of my family. But never protection. That was what Vex had done and in return, I had saved her.
"She's awake, you know," Brynjolf said. "Askin' about you too. Whatever bond you to have only got stronger, lass."
I shrugged at his words, flinching a bit. Perhaps Lilith would heal me. What was I thinking? Lilith was the last person I wanted to see. Vex was a different story.
"She's askin' for you, lass," Brynjolf continued.
"Then take me to her," I ordered.
Without another word, Brynjolf gently caught my wrist, looping his other arm around my waist and lifting me up. I'd underestimated my earlier aches as the worst of my pain and I released a few very colorful words that would have made my father proud, my uncle laugh and my mother red with shame. All were said as I turned, using Brynjolf's shoulder to hide my cringing face. Something was wrong with my leg. A sprain, most likely. I'd had to jump out the window of an upper floor, since our entrance had been blocked. I had thought I knew how to fall. Apparently, I was wrong.
"Quite a mouth on you, lass," Brynjolf remarked, amused.
"You haven't heard anything yet," I retorted.
Despite the pain, I limped along with him, leaning on him more than I would have liked.
"The dress," I began.
"Modest one, aren't you?" Brynjolf asked.
He smiled.
"Mercer had Sapphire change ya. Said it wouldn't help to keep you in bloodied armor," he explained.
I eyed him suspiciously, feeling that he wouldn't have hesitated to change me if he could. His smile grew as if he sensed my thoughts, though he focused more on opening the door ahead of us than denying my unspoken accusations. Once the door was closed behind us, he paused, turning to face me full on.
"Lass, you saved Vex, Had you left her there, she would have died, that is for sure. For that, I owe you, we owe you, a great deal."
My mind flashed back to Vex, defending me from that war axe, saving my life rather than saving her own. I shook my head, the first wave of emotions I didn't want to feel anymore washign over me. I wasn't humble or modest but sometimes, emotions of their sort would rise up within me, as if something as filthy and rotten as I had need of them.
"You don't owe me anything," I declared. "If anything, I owe you. Vex saved me first. That's why she is wounded. My wounds are nothing compared to what she has given me."


Vex had fallen back to sleep while Brynjolf had fetched me. I sat next to her, watching her sleep, far too exhausted to hobble my way back to the bed I had formerly occupied. My leg still ached but that pain did not, or could not, distract me from my thoughts. He was alive. I could remember his face, bright as day, more Nord than I who had mostly taken our mother's looks while he got father's. It was for the best, he had said, calling father an ugly beast and then laughing when father had chased him. Dyre, the heart of my family. He never could kill, not as easily as me. He was my elder by two years but, to save time, father had taken us both out on our first contract. On the trip there, we had laughed, talking endlessly of which of us would be the Listener, while Dyre teased me, proclaiming that he'd someday marry Kaya, just to make me jealous. He thought I objected to their marriage because she was my friend. In truth, it had been my brother I hadn't wanted to share. But I lost that brother on the ride home and I hadn't known why. My job had required me to sacrifice the one thing I could never obtain again. My purity. And my brother had somehow sensed that, remaining deathly quiet until that night, in the sanctuary, when he had embraced me for the first and only time before he left, only to surface four years later a vampire, trying to steal me away, to free me from the life of a Dark Brotherhood assassin. My father had taught him the era of his ways. Caught up in my own thoughts, I didn't hear the approach of Mercer behind me, jumping when his hand landed on my bare shoulder.
"How's Vex?" he inquired.
I shrugged then flinched.
"She hasn't woke up yet," I replied. "Though Brynjolf claims she did."
Mercer nodded before lowering a sleek red bottle into my hand. I looked at him, curiously.
"Healing potion," he explained. "Should help that leg."
I nodded my thanks and he left. Instead of drinking the potion myself, I uncapped it and poured the liquid into Vex's parted mouth. I may not be humble but a little suffering was good for the body every now and then.