Children of the Void, The sequel to The Story of the Listener Options

[Kayla]

Alright. I just finished writing and refining this to my satisfaction. I hope you all will enjoy this. This story takes place right after the last one ended. However, for awhile, it might be a few days between updates. I'm still trying to get some school things straightened out and I'm quite busy, but once things settle down at school, I'm sure I'll have more time to write. Enjoy what I have so far!

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My boots crunched softly in the snow as I weaved through the trees in the forested Jerall Mountains north of Bruma. The moonless night was cold and shadowy; just the way I liked it. The Night Mother’s words echoed in my head as I pulled my black robe tighter over my lightly armored body to fend off the biting cold.

“I know the Speakers usually go out to meet our clients, but this one is special. I want you to handle it personally, dear Listener.”

For the past six months, the Dark Brotherhood had been busy. Not only had we added on to the sanctuary, we had received a fair amount of new members. Though I enjoyed them, none of the newer members really shone through as Speaker material. Coventia, the only Speaker we had at the moment, and probably my oldest friend that was still alive in the sanctuary agreed with me. Therefore, it wasn’t unusual for the both of us to be very busy meeting clients. There was no shortage of people who wanted others dead. To add on to the situation, politics in Tamriel had become very rocky. And when politics became competitive, we were usually quite busy. I had also heard whispers in the underground of plots to assassinate the emperor…

I caught a glimpse of light through the veil of tree branches ahead. I was to meet an old Breton woman who lived in a small cabin in the forest. As I got closer to the light, I could make out the shape of a small cabin in a distant clearing. Warm light was shining through the windows. I stepped out of the forest and into the clearing, the surveyed the small structure.

“This must be the place.” I mumbled to myself.

I pulled my hood up over my head to hide my face, then moved to the front door and knocked quietly. I waited a few seconds and received no response. I knocked again, this time, louder. Still, there was no answer. I couldn’t even hear any noises from within the cabin. Cursing under my breath, I grabbed the doorknob with a gloved hand and pushed the door open, stepping inside the warmth of the cabin.

The place was empty. The fireplace on the opposite wall was lit, as were some candles that adorned tables in the room. Suddenly, I sensed a presence behind me. Turning around, I drew my shortsword and was greeted by a blinding flash of blue light. I felt an impact in my chest that knocked me to the wooden floor, and a sharp pain that was both burning and freezing.

“You won’t kill me, you psychopath!” a panicked female voice screamed.

I quickly sat up, pulling my hood off to reveal my face. I saw an aging Breton woman with her back against a wall, frantically edging toward the door of the cabin. As our eyes met, I watched her expression soften.

“Oh my…” she breathed a sigh of relief. “You’re not a murderer.”
“Technically, I am.” I replied, standing. She walked forward quickly and cast a healing spell on me, which made the pain my chest subside. “I’m from the Dark Brotherhood. Did you just hit me with a frost spell?” I asked. In my opinion, frost spells were much worse than fire spells. They had a different sort of pain that you could only feel on the business end of a magickal burst of ice.

The woman’s blue eyes looked me over nervously. “I’m terribly sorry…” she said.
“It’s alright.” I murmured, stepping toward the fireplace to warm myself. “Who is it that you want dead?” I asked.

The woman hesitated. I looked over my shoulder at her, waiting for a response. She shifted nervously, ran her hands through her short, graying hair, and finally, she spoke in an anxious tone. “There’s a murderer out here. He’s killed all my neighbors… I think I’m next…”

I turned my head and watched as the flames in the fireplace danced.

“Why did the Night Mother want me to take care of this?” I thought to myself.

Keeping my gaze fixated on the fire, I spoke. “Lady, we’re the Dark Brotherhood, not the Fighters Guild. Nor are we mercenaries-“ Before I could say another word, there was a loud crash. Shards of glass scattered across the floor and a black figure practically flew into the cabin through the broken window.

The figure stopped a few feet away from me, standing up straight. It was much taller than I was. It spoke in a deep, gruff, and obviously male voice.

“You’re in the Dark Brotherhood?” he half stated, half asked.
“Yes.” I answered, staring at him.

The tall, shadowy man was unlike anything I’d ever seen. He looked like a Dunmer, except his skin was much darker, almost black, and his long, black straight hair went down past his broad shoulders. When our eyes met, I was absolutely mesmerized. His eyes were a deep red, very similar to the color of blood. The more I looked, the more I was convinced that any moment, he would begin crying tears of thick, sanguine blood. Looking past the color of his eyes, it was easy to see that he was a murderer. The eyes are the windows to the soul and his soul was as black as the void.

“The assassin and the murderer… this should be quite fun.” He said, stepping forward and brandishing an ebony shortsword.

As I drew my Elven shortsword, I found myself wondering how I had gotten into this situation in the first place. The old Breton woman dashed away from us as he charged at me.

He grunted with each swift swing of his sword. He was fast, but I was faster, dodging and parrying his blade, trying to get in a hit of my own. Though I had this man beat in a contest of speed, I was not about to challenge his strength.

After a few more minutes of dodging, and getting no hits of my own in, my back hit a wall. He smirked as he saw his opportunity. Quickly, he brought his sword down in a vertical slash. I managed to block it at the last second by holding up my sword. The ebony and Elven metal of the blades collided with a loud clash. He clenched his jaw as he used his strength to try and bring his sword down and break my defense. I was struggling just to keep his sword away from my body. I looked up at his face to see deep wrinkles and for a moment, I found myself wondering just how old he was.

In a sudden movement that surprised me, and pulled me from my thoughts, he drew a silver dagger from a sheath on his left leg. He brought the dagger up to stab me, but I thrust out my left hand and grabbed his arm. Now I was doing all I could to keep him from bringing two blades down on me.

Knowing I would surely die if my back stayed against the wall for too long, I used the last bit of my strength to push him away. Then, I grabbed his left hand and moved smoothly to the left, pulling his arm behind his back and simultaneously took his dagger from him. Wasting no time, I jabbed his own dagger into his neck. Oddly, he remained perfectly still, not even making a noise.

For a few moments, we stood there, frozen in absolute silence until I heard a dripping noise. I looked down to see a puddle of blood forming near my right foot… and a Daedric dagger lodged in my ribs.

“It’s over for you…” he said quietly.

I pulled the silver dagger out of his neck, scarlet blood flowing rapidly from the gash, and then I stepped back. Surprisingly, my wound wasn’t very painful. However, I knew that if the Daedric dagger were to be removed, it could be very serious. He turned to face me, laughing and clutching his wound, blood seeping through his fingers.

“What the hell is so funny?” I asked.
“That’s a bound dagger.” He replied.

For a moment I was quiet, then I looked up into his eyes.

“What is your name?” I asked him.
He seemed surprised by my question. “I am a monster. I have no name.” he replied.
“You are a man. You have a name. What is it?” I asked.

I felt the dagger in my ribs disappear. Warm blood was now flowing out of the wound at an alarming rate. For a moment, I thought I saw his eyes widen in a look of concern, but his gaze quickly intensified.

“My name is Verano, and you are going to die soon…” he said.
“How would you like to join the Dark Brotherhood, Verano?” I asked.
He grunted.
“You could prove to be quite useful.” I added.
“You’re going to bleed to death…” he said.
“So are you.” I said, meeting his gaze. I knew that the wound I’d inflicted on him was just as bad as the wound he’d inflicted on me.
We stood in silence for a moment.
“I’ll join…” he finally answered.
“Good.” I said, pulling two healing potions from my pocket. I began to drink one and tossed the other to him. My pain faded almost immediately.
I began to walk to the door. “Come, I’ll show you the sanctuary.” Apprehensively, he followed.

The Breton woman ran forward and grabbed my arm. “He’s a psychopathic killer! A monster! You’re going to let him join with you?!”
I looked at her. “Deep down inside, we’re all monsters.”
“You will receive no payment from me!” she shrieked.
“Whether or not you want to, you will pay my Lord. Sithis demands blood.” I said, slitting her throat before she even knew what was happening.

I looked into Verano’s blood red eyes. “My name is Sarelle. I am the Listener of the Dark Brotherhood. Welcome to our family.”

[Kayla]

Sorry it's been so long between updates this time around! I've been so busy as of late, but I think that things have slowed down for awhile. I've really taken this time to get ahead on my writing. So, that I'm happy about. I hope you guys enjoy this update! Expect the next one to be sooner this time.
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I was almost relieved to see Verano standing next to Shadowmere, petting her. He hadn’t tried to follow me. That was a wise decision. We climbed on Shadowmere’s back and started on our way to the Imperial City.

“Where did you get this horse?” Verano asked. “She’s certainly beautiful.”
“A good friend gave her to me.” I answered.
Verano smiled. “Friends just don’t give horses to each other. Who is he?”
I hesitated, not sure what he was asking.
“C’mon. You’re a pretty girl. There must be a special man in your life.” He persisted.
I cleared my throat. “He’s dead now.”
There was a moment of silence.
“I’m sorry, Sarelle.” He said, placing a sympathetic hand on my shoulder.
“No need to be. It was some time ago.” I said, keeping my gaze fixed on the road in front of us, while reaching up with my left hand and clutching my necklace.

Suddenly, a startling thought entered my mind. That voice that woke me before Ro’Vir could strike me… it was Lucien’s! Lucien hadn’t visited me in a long time. I thought he had moved on to the next life. I had often found myself missing his visits…

“I don’t think anyone, no matter how strong they are, ever really gets over the pain of losing someone they love.” Verano said, an odd tone in his voice.

“Did I love Lucien?” I asked myself. “He loved me, didn’t he…?”

“Do you think you’ll try to give love another chance?” he asked.
Again, I hesitated, wondering what he was getting at.
He began to laugh. “I’m old enough to be your father. My time for love is over, but, finding love again might be good for you.”
“I don’t have the time for love… I… never did in the first place.” I muttered, becoming increasingly uncomfortable with this topic of conversation.

The grand Imperial City came into view. All we had to do was travel on the winding road next to Lake Rumare until we came to the beautiful bridge that led to the city gates. I could already see the Waterfront District from our position on the road across the lake. I thought about resting in my house at some point during the trip…

A loud crash of thunder interrupted my thoughts.
Verano sighed. “I wish I knew what was going on with the weather.”
“You’re not the only one. But the Night Mother said we would find out soon enough.” I said, pondering the possibilities.
“So, you talked to the Night Mother about it?” he asked.
I nodded. “I now have official business in the Imperial City. I have to meet someone.” I said.
Then, I realized something. “You’re not in the Arcane University, are you?” I asked Verano.
“No.” he replied. “I’ve never been much of a mage.”
“Then that means they won’t let you inside. I’ll let you stay in my house on the Waterfront until I’m finished with business at the University. Is that alright?”

Shadowmere’s hooves thudded on the white stone as we began to cross the bridge to the city.

“It’s fine.” He said. “I’m sorry to cause you so much trouble.”
I laughed. “No trouble at all. I’m accustomed to making this journey alone. It’s nice to have some company for a change.”

We arrived at the Imperial City stable. Leaving Shadowmere there, we entered the vast city.

The beggars, commoners, nobles, and guards alike were all peering up at the sky. Some were talking to others about the weather. I led Verano through the city to the Waterfront.

The Waterfront District of the Imperial City was a small port in Lake Rumare. It had many warehouse buildings as well as a lighthouse. The Waterfront was also known as the slums. Many beggars were known for wandering around there, as well as outlaws, pickpockets, and thieves. The houses there were cheap, however, and the people there didn’t bother me.

Dodging beggars, pirates, and reputed pickpockets, Verano and I arrived at my house. I fished the key out of my pocket, unlocked the door, and pushed it open. Inside, the small house was very dark and a bit cold. The fire in the fireplace had burned out long ago. I grabbed some logs from a crate outside, then stepped into the darkness and set them down in the fireplace. Once they were all situated inside, I cast a fire spell on the logs and the room was illuminated almost immediately. Small embers bounced out of the blaze, landing on the stone floor, and slowly fading.

Verano looked around the cozy, one-room house, from the small bed to the kitchen table. I sat down on the bed to rest my legs. Walking through the city was tougher than one would imagine.

After awhile, I stood.
“I hope you don’t mind staying here. I shouldn’t be out too long at the University.” I said.
Verano was slowly pacing about the room.
“I’m fine.” He said, looking up at me and smiling. “I’m sure I can find plenty of ways to entertain myself.”
“Good,” I said. “Just make yourself at home. You can use the bed to sleep, read some of my books, or take a look around the city. I’ll return shortly.”

When I exited my house, the wind was howling. The clouds in the early morning sky were writhing and twisting, covering the rising sun and making everything very dark.

I walked across the city, my robes billowing in the strong wind. No matter what district of the city I entered, all the people were yelling over the shrieking wind and rumbling thunder to discuss their opinions about the odd weather conditions. Even the torches that burned on magicka at the Arcane University were dancing in the wind, threatening to go out.

I walked through the gate of the University to see that despite the vicious weather, the lives of the students continued. Apprentices and instructors hurried from one building to the next, often stopping momentarily to look up at the sky.

Walking past the many samples of plants that were swaying in the wind, I entered the Arcane University’s arboretum. The place was empty, save for one short Altmer woman. I found it strange that she was so short, considering all High Elves seemed to tower over the other races. The Altmer woman stared at me as I walked to a table adorned with alchemy apparatuses. The table was surrounded by glass cases filled with ingredients that were freely available to any student in the University.

I opened the large case, reached inside, and withdrew some Nightshade flowers, along with Spider Daedra silk, Daedroth teeth, and some flax seeds.

With nervous, uncertain steps, the Altmer woman approached me.
“You… you’re with the Dark Brotherhood, aren’t you?” she asked in a timid voice.
I smiled to myself at the thought of her asking every single person who walked in that very question.
I grabbed a small cloth sack from the corner of the room and began filling it with ingredients.
“Are… are you?” she asked, her tone hinting at slight panic.
I looked up into her wide, lilac colored eyes. They were filled with regret, fear, and great sorrow, as well as anxiety and fear.

“She is a possible member?” I asked myself. Usually people who killed others were more… hardened than this young Altmer woman. Still, she looked as though deep inside, she had a lot of inner strength.

“Yes. I am from the Dark Brotherhood. And as I understand, you’ve murdered someone recently.” I said.
“I… I…” she said, backing up a little.
“No need to explain yourself. I can understand murderous tendencies. I’ve come to invite you to join the Dark Brotherhood.” I said, smiling.
“Why me?” she asked.
“Your skill is commendable.” I answered.

She truly looked as though she regretted what she had done. I could tell she had a high respect for life. That was something to be admired.

She hesitated.
“I can see you’re not interested. I’ll leave you alone.” I said, gathering the ingredients I needed. “You don’t have to worry about me telling the authorities either. Have a good day.”
I headed toward the door.
“Wait.” She said, abruptly. “I’ll join you.”
I turned completely around to look at her face. Her purple eyes showed a newfound sense of determination and resiliency. Almost all the regret had dissappeared.
“What’s your name, Breton?” she asked, offering her hand. Her actions certainly puzzled me, but not in a bad way.
I shook her hand. “My name is Sarelle. What’s yours?”
“Sylvanna Swamp Blossom.” She replied with a charming smile.

“Odd name for an Altmer.” I thought to myself.

“If you’re ready, I’d like to take you to the Waterfront. I own a house there and I think I’m going to stay here in the city for a day or so to get some rest. A friend of mine, your new brother is staying there as well. The three of us can get better acquainted.” I said.
“Alright.” She said, “But first, I need to stop by my residence to gather a few belongings.”
I nodded and we both stepped outside, into the fierce wind, to walk the short distance to the large building in which the students of the Arcane University lived.

I waited outside while she went in to get her things. While I waited, I began to study some plants around the building, picking some Lady’s Smock and Tiger Lilly flowers to add to my bag of ingredients.

A clash of thunder sent my eyes straight up to the sky. As I was mindlessly looking up, someone bumped into me. For a fraction of a second, I felt an intense chill as our bodies touched. I brought my eyes down to see the person’s face. I only caught a glimpse of a male face, barely visible through the shadow a black cloak was creating over his face, and a pair of startled blue eyes. Without a word, he hurried past me. Briefly, I stood there, lost in thought.

“His eyes… Were they… blue?”

I turned around; looking in the direction he seemed to be going. There was no sign of him. I sighed, truly thinking I was going insane, and suddenly, it started to rain.

Sylvanna emerged soon after, to see me standing ther, lost in thought, and at the same time, getting soaked by the pouring rain.
“Oh my, Sarelle! Come! Lets hurry before it gets worse!”
We sprinted across the city. I’ll admit I was surprised at the shape she was in. most mages I knew couldn’t lift a claymore, much less run from one side of the Imperial City to the other.

We walked into my house, dripping wet. Verano looked up from a book he was reading.

“Verano, this is Sylvanna Swamp Blossom. Sylvanna, this is Verano. Sylvanna is now the newest member of the Dark Brotherhood.”
Verano stood and politely bowed to Sylvanna.

I walked to the fireplace and peeled off my soaked black robe and draped it over the back of a chair. Then, I set the chair near the fireplace so that the robe would dry. The house felt warmer than it was when Verano and I had entered earlier.

Sylvanna stared at my Dark Brotherhood armor.
“You’ll get a set like it when we return to the sanctuary.” I said, smiling, and digging through a chest of drawers.
“Where is the sanctuary?” she asked.
“Cheydinhal.” I replied, handing her some dry clothes.
I turned to Verano.
“I think we’re going to stay here until tomorrow. I could use some rest.”
Verano nodded.
“If you two want to go tour the city, be my guest. I’m going to get some sleep.” I said, flopping down on the small yet comfortable bed. I could hear the sound of the rain hitting the roof as I drifted off into a comforted sleep.

I awoke abruptly to hear yelling outside.
I looked around the small house to see Sylvanna and Verano sitting at the table. They had obviously been talking. I was glad they’d taken the time to get to know each other.
“Do you know what’s going on outside?” I asked them, rubbing my eyes.
They shook their heads.
Feeling well rested, I got out of bed and went outside. The weather was cloudy and it was daytime. The wind had calmed down a bit and I wondered how long I had been asleep.

I noticed a large crowd of people standing near the docks and approached them. An Imperial man was standing in the middle of the crowd, a thick stack of papers under his arm.

“Get your copy of the Black Horse Courier! Very urgent news today!” he yelled.
More people were walking up now, curious about the “urgent” news.
“Here you go, lady!” he said, thrusting a paper into my hand.

What I read sent adrenaline pumping through my body. I pushed through the steadily growing crowd and jogged back to my house.

“C’mon, you two. We have to get back to Cheydinhal. Now.” I said, picking up my now dry Black Hand robe and putting it on. Then, I picked up the sack of ingredients I’d retrieved from the Arcane University.
“Sarelle, what’s wrong?” Verano asked, his blood red eyes filled with concern.
I looked at them, still sitting at the table, curious looks on both their faces.
“The Emperor was murdered last night. We’re going to be the first group they suspect. We have to get back to the sanctuary now.” I said.