The Story of the Listener, My first fanfic. Options

[Kayla]

The ride to Bravil was slow. The night quickly enveloped the sky and as I listened to the sound of Shadowmere’s hooves hitting the packed dirt on the road, I began to wonder whether or not I’d been followed to Cyrodiil. All that mattered to me now was reporting our success to the Night Mother.

I could not recall a time in my life that I’d felt so depressed, so guilty. The smell of dirt still lingered in my nose, and Saprius’ last words still rang in my head. I’d been dealing with death for a long time, but nothing had hit me as hard as this. I’d killed my own comrades, my actions had led to the death of the only person in the world I had cared about, I’d killed a god, leaving many people in the world hopeless, so why did this bother me? I sighed. I didn’t know what was going on, and I was much too tired to sort my thoughts out.

A cold breeze made me shiver when I dismounted Shadowmere and walked through the Bravil city gates. The night was moonless and foggy. I could see my breath whenever I exhaled. The city was empty, save for the patrolling guards. I walked to the statue of the lucky old lady, but this time, I did not kneel.
“We have completed our contract, Night Mother. Vivec is dead, and so is Saprius.”
“These things I am aware of.” The Night Mother answered. “I was beginning to worry for your safety, Listener. I am glad you are well.”
I looked up at the statue’s emotionless face. “Did you know that Saprius was going to die if he went with me?” I asked.
The Night Mother was silent.
“Answer me.” I demanded, clenching my fist.
“Listener… You need some time to calm down.” She said.
“Answer me.” I demanded again, feeling anger rise within me.
I’d trusted the Night Mother’s judgment, and she had betrayed me by sending a competent member of the Dark Brotherhood out to play a pawn’s role.
“No one else could have helped you complete the contract. If I hadn’t sent Saprius, you would have died instead. It was either send Saprius to die, or you would inevitably fail.” She answered.
“You will not do this again.” I said. “You will not send anyone else out to die for me.”
“Listener, it had to be done.” she said.
“I don’t care what you thought had to be done! You’re supposed to care for us, not cheapen our lives! We are not disposable! I trusted you! How can I trust you again after you do something like this? What’s stopping you from sending me to my demise? Or any of your other children for that matter?” I was almost yelling.
I took a deep breath and turned my back to the statue.
“We put our trust in you and you do this to us…”
“Listener…” she said.
“We did what you asked. This won’t happen again.” I said, walking away.

[DarkHunter]

thats a good way to get yourself killed...

[Mazelure]

Betrayal... did I mention that I hate betrayal more than anything else in the world before... it sickens me ...

[Black Hand]

Very well written indeed Kayla. I WAS gonna write something on the Dark Brotherhood before I read this...oh well....I'll stick with the Morag Tong, they're deadlier the the DB newayz

[Kayla]

Not according my story!

Sorry I've been out recently. I've been having internet problems. Modem problems. Anyway, I'm back! Expect updates!

[Kayla]

I walked out the city gates, planning to return to Cheydinhal. I just didn’t know what I was going to do once I got there. My body was weary and I very much craved sleep. But I knew that I wouldn’t be able to sleep. Saprius’ death, along with my own feelings of guilt were still haunting me, and as Shadowmere and I made our slow way back to Cheydinhal, I found myself becoming paranoid, wondering if someone was following me. I couldn’t hear any noise, but I’d become so tired over the past few days, I’d come so far, that maybe my weariness was taking a toll on my senses. Either way, I reached Cheydinhal at sunrise without incident.

I dropped down through the well, landing in the sanctuary. All was still and dead quiet, save for one wailing noise coming from the back of the sanctuary. I followed it as it got louder, and found myself standing over Coventia, kneeling at Saprius’ grave. Her back was turned toward me and her shoulders were shaking. She was sobbing. I sat down behind her, resting my back on the stone wall.
“He was a good man.” I said quietly.
Coventia didn’t turn around, and it was a while before she answered me.
“I’m sorry, Listener. I feel as though you felt I was blaming you for his death. I can tell you feel bad about it.” she said, her breaths coming in short gasps between her sobs.
“It’s quite alright. It’s very understandable that you would want someone to blame. But, “bad” doesn’t even begin to describe the way I feel right now.” I answered.
“He was very special to me…” she said, calming down. “I’d known him for a long time. We were the best of friends… Perhaps someday, it could have been something more… I really did care for him.”
“I’m sorry, Coventia. Someone I cared for died some time ago. I know how you feel.” I said.
“And I’m sorry for blaming you, Listener.” She said.
Her shoulders slumped.
“It’s all the Night Mother’s fault… Why did she have to send you two on that contract anyway?” she said, starting to cry again.
I sat there for a long time, listening to her cry. I didn’t know who to blame, or even if it was right to blame anyone. Finally, I spoke.
“Saprius wouldn’t want us to blame anyone. I’m sure he’d want this family to live on.”
“I’ve lived a good life. The Brotherhood has given me a family…”
“He wouldn’t want us to blame the Night Mother. She was just doing what she thought was good for the Dark Brotherhood. She’s always protected us, and always will. And we will always protect each other.”
“You have given me friendship and had faith in my abilities...”
“We killed a god and outsmarted our enemies. Saprius would want us to prosper and remember what he’s done for us. He believed in us and wouldn’t have done what he did otherwise. He was very proud to die for us all.”
“In your company, under your leadership, under the service of Sithis and the Night Mother, I proudly accept my fate…”
I thought back to what the Night Mother had said to me earlier, what she had told me about fate.
“This was his decision. Maybe he was fated to live. But, he chose to die for us. And we can’t let him die in vain.”
“Goodbye, Sarelle.”

Coventia’s sobbing had ceased and she was quiet for a long time before she turned to face me.
“I won’t let his death be in vain. We’ve gained many new murderers and though we’ve lost Saprius, we’re as prosperous as ever. The Brotherhood is still strong, and so it will always be.”
I nodded and she stood sleepily.
“I believe I feel well enough to rest now. You should rest too, Listener. You look incredibly tired.” She said.
“I am incredibly tired.” I answered.
“Then rest.” Coventia said, walking toward the front of the sanctuary, leaving me alone.

I sat there for a long time, deep in thought. The Night Mother had told me that at some points during some of my earlier contracts, I was destined to die, but we can all change our fate. Even though Saprius was destined to die, there was still a chance that he could have lived. After all, I had changed my fate. He could have changed his. I sighed, knowing I owed the Night Mother and apology. She never meant to look as though she was cheapening our lives. I’d known all along that she was just doing what she thought was best, but I’d been blinded by sadness and confusion.

I looked to my left, eyeing the mound of freshly overturned dirt.
“Goodbye, Saprius.” I said aloud.
Then, still sitting against the wall, I rested my arms on my knees and buried my face in them, quickly falling asleep.

My dreams were greeted by Lucien’s face.
“Saprius is with us now, Sarelle. There’s no need to worry.”
I’d missed his voice.
“You did quite well.” He said, wrapping me in an embrace.
“Thank you, Lucien.” I said, wearily.
“The Night Mother understands how you feel. She is not mad for what you said to her earlier.” He said softly.
I sighed in relief. “That’s good to hear.”
“Do not feel guilty anymore, Sarelle. Saprius blames no one.” he said.
I nodded weakly. I could no longer summon the strength to talk.
Lucien kissed me and smiled. “You are a good leader, Sarelle. The Brotherhood would not be where it is now without you. Rest now. You will feel better when you awake. I promise.”

And with that, he was gone.

[Mazelure]

Ewwwww... I hate emotional episodes... they sicken me...

[Kayla]

[Mazelure]

... ...

[Kayla]

[Kayla]

Half a year later...

“Listener, is that all you’re going to tell us?”
I smile as I stand up, stretching my muscles.
“Yes. For now.” I answer.
“It was a very good story.” One of the Dunmer murderers tells me.
“Thank you all for listening. Perhaps I’ll tell you more someday.” I tell the crowd that has accumulated over the past few days to hear my story.

I walk toward the front of the sanctuary, passing by Coventia, who is overseeing the construction on the sanctuary. About a month ago, we decided to enlarge the place. We’re getting new recruits almost daily, and the small size of the sanctuary could barely keep up with the growing numbers.

The Dark Brotherhood is thriving, just as everyone who died for us wanted. Lucien still visits me in my dreams. Sometimes I wish that Saprius would as well so that I may properly thank him for all that he’s done for the Brotherhood. But, no one lives forever, and someday, I know that I will be able to give my thanks to Saprius.

There are many people in Cyrodiil who wish death upon their enemies, and there are now many Dark Brotherhood assassins willing to make death happen for our clients. We must all face our deaths at some point, and as assassins, we work directly with the tides of fate. We are quiet observers, and the shadows have taught us all many things. The most important of those being a great understanding of the cycle of life and death.

“Take life seriously, if you’re in the business of taking lives.”

I exit the sanctuary, walking toward the town gates. The sky is painted with many colors of the sunset. I am off to speak with the Night Mother about the latest contracts.

The future is uncertain with destiny working in mysterious ways. Slowly, I make my way toward Bravil, eager to start another chapter in my story.


The End
----

I would like to thank all of you who have read and commented on this story. It was an awesome story to write, and you guys have given me alot of confidence when it comes to my writing abilities.

Thank you all so very very very much!

[Mazelure]

That is the end... but... but... she has one more contract... o well... I guess it is up to you and not me... but you did a realy fine work on this here story.... Congratulations Kayla for having captured my attention and hold on to it for a long while now ...

[DarkHunter]

The End? Thats it? I suppose it had to end sometime... You Must Write again! Or join us at Farfallen Co. !

[Kayla]

Farfallen Co.? Give me more information.

I do intend on writing again. But, it might be awhile. I'm rather busy atm. Thank you guys so very very much!

[DarkHunter]

Check Genral Section... under Game Making: proper spot... then visit our site!

[jack cloudy]

A beautifull story. Brilliant!

[jediravenclaw]

I had to let you know that I just now regestered at this site so that I could leave a comment letting you know how much I loved your story! It was brilliant and completly captured my imagination! Bravo!

*applauds*

[sins_to_dark]

All I can say is i love that story, very well written and at the end of every update kept me wondering what happens next, a skill of a true writer . Your very talented and i really really enjoyed this story, looking forward to future fan fiction work by you