The Listener and the Keeper

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Arthur Braxseth, Listener to the Dark Brotherhood, deep in thought and about to be scared by Cicero in the Night Mother's chamber. ( Cicero has a funny way of sneaking doesn't he? XD )

Arthur returned from Riften after selling the Jeweled Amulet to Delvin Malory back home to the sanctuary. On his way, he hoped Astrid would have changed her tune with her distrust.

"Ah good you're back." welcomed Astrid, "What did Delvin say? Is the amulet authentic?" she asked.
"Yes, specially made for the members of the Elder Council" replied Arthur.
"The Elder Council?!" gasped Astrid.
"Oh well that would explain quiet a bit..." said Astrid with a pleasured tone. "Motierre you naughty, naughty boy. Hiring the Dark Brotherhood to rise beyond your station... Delicious."
"Was Delvin willing to buy the Amulet?" asked Astrid.
"Yes, here is the letter of credit." replied Arthur handing her the note.
"Splendid! Now then, I'm busy working on the first contract we need to fufill." she stated.
"Who is the target?" asked Arthur.
"I won't go into the details of the contract yet, wouldn't want to spoil the surprise would we?" she said teasingly. "But I will say this, You'd better have something good to wear!"
Arthur understood.An undercover disguise, he thought.
"Like I said brother, I'm still working on the details, so in the meantime, relax." said Astrid. "You've had a long journey, I'm sure your other family members are all eager to meet the new Listener."
"Al right sister...." replied Arthur while walking down the stairs.

Arthur went to the kitchens to have a meal. Nazir was there and welcomed him, chatting for a while. Nazir cared little for Arthur being the Listener, he thought Arthur was just the same person as before. Arthur was pleased to hear this, though being the Listener is an honor, he just wanted everything to be as it was, just him and his family.

After the meal, Arthur was compelled to go to the Night Mother's chamber. He saw her coffin closed, and he sat himself on one of the benches. He did not know what to say in prayers, and the Night Mother did not say anything to him. He wondered when she would speak again. He didn't know anything about being the listener, and yet he was. So deep was he in thought that he did not hear someone creeping up behind him.

"BOOOO!!" they shouted.
Arthur didn't move nor gave a sign of surprise, though in truth he was terrified and very much surprised. He turned to see that it was Cicero.
"Aww listener!" he laughed. "Cheery Cicero can't even scare you! No wonder our sweet, sweet mother chose you as listener!"
"I was a good try..." laughed Arthur in a modest tone.
"Hahah! You are the listener! You are the listener!" cheered Cicero as he danced about. "I have served mother well I have!"
"I've actually been meaning to ask you, Brother." stated Arthur.
"Ouh! Yes Listener? Cicero will answer any question you have!" said Cicero with a cheer.

"What does the Listener actually do?" asked Arthur.
"Oh, hmm. Well... the listener... listens!" murmured Cicero. "The Night Mother speaks to you, guides you on the path!"
"Path to what?" Arthur asked again, always asking himself the same. "Where will she lead me?"
"Oh listener, I don't really know!" replied Cicero. "Usually she just tells the listener who needs to killed. But beyond that it is between you and our lovely sweet mother!"
"But when the Night Mother speaks, the listener must obey! You must!" exclaimed Cicero. "For her word is the will of Sithis! And Sithis is the Dark Brotherhood incarnate!"

"Of course.... will she speak to me again?" asked Arthur.
"Hah! Surely you are pulling Cicero's leg!" laughed Cicero.
"...." Arthur looked straight at Cicero with one eyebrow raised.
"Wait... you're serious? Oh...." said Cicero with a slight sigh.
"Well of course the Night Mother will speak with you again!" he explained. "She might speak now or later, or maybe.. I don't know! But speak she will!"
"I see..." murmured Arthur.
"You get to hear voices in you head now!" laughed Cicero with glee.
"Hmph. Some of us should be so lucky!" complained Cicero.

"Cicero..." said Arthur with concern. "Did you want to be Listener?"
"Oh.. well... yes, yes I did!" replied Cicero. "I tried to listen! Tried so very hard! but the Night Mother never spoke to poor Cicero!" he sobbed.
"The silence became almost.... maddening..." he laughed.
"Oh but that was then, this is now!" cheered Cicero. "You're the listener! I'm sure the Night Mother chose you for a good reason! Cicero will remain the happy keeper!" said Cicero while cheering.
"Alright Cicero, take care. Alright?" said Arthur with concern. He did feel sorry for Cicero. After hearing most of his ramblings, he still wondered about Cicero's past but never wanted to ask it.

Arthur trained for a while, and spent a few days at the sanctuary with the others chatting and training, He quiet enjoyed these moments, even if he was listener, his family still treated him as an equal brother.

( Hope you enjoy this image-story! Read my others as well! I hope you like them! :D )
( More coming up! )