Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Everyone was silent as they continued down the road, the sound of the horses’ hooves along the cobblestone were all they heard. Cicero glanced over his shoulder to look at his Listener. Usaeleí had not spoken once since they left the Sanctuary. His eyes were closed, like he was deep in meditation but Cicero could feel his mate’s energy. The Argonian was angry. No. Furious was the right word. When he felt the Keeper’s eyes on him, the lycandrake opened his golden eye, scaly brows furrowed still. There was a dark fire behind those eyes. Usaeleí broke away from Cicero’s gaze to look up at the sky as it began to darken. “We should find a place to rest. It’s not wise to travel on these roads at night.” He instructed as he pointed to what looked like an old cabin ahead. He wasn’t really in the mood to fight nor did he want to lose any more family members. Nodding their heads, they rode towards the cabin and began to set up camp while Usaeleí kept vigilance perched on the old roof, crouched low.

“He’s been up there for nearly three hours....” Babette commented as she sat close to Nazir by the fire.

Nazir turned his head around to look up at the Listener. “You’d think he’d be exhausted after today.”

“Oh, he’s more than exhausted.” Piped the Keeper as he returned with Veezara carrying a few rabbits and fish. “In fact, he’s livid and exhausted.” Veezara sat down near the fire curling his tail around his feet as he began filleting the fish while Cicero skinned the rabbits and continued to speak. “Poor sweet Listener wants to tear the remaining stupid, stupid solider men to pieces. Mark my words, Sithis will have his vengeance through our precious lizard.”

“Not until we get to our new home.” The small band of assassins turned their heads up towards Usaeleí, watching as he leapt down from the rooftop silently. His mismatched eyes were cold and threatening as he strolled over to the fire and he curled up near the fire as well. “Once we’ve settled into Dawnstar, I’ve been tasked to head to Whiterun. The mission is still on.”

“Usaeleí, you really should rest. We all need to rest after these past events.” Nazir stated shuddering slightly when Babette's icy cheek slid down his arm and brushed against the exposed tears in his robe.

“I’ll sleep once this damned mission is over.”

Usaeleí stared into the flames listening to his family continue to chatter until they fell asleep. He maintained a vigil, even occasionally doing a head count to be safe. The pale lizard flicked his tail before laying down beside the sleeping Keeper and he curled up around him. Cicero babbled on in his sleep hardly budging when he felt Usaeleí rest his chin on his shoulder. He still had to find Amaund in Whiterun since the damnable man was more than likely to have information on where the real emperor was hiding along with Commander Maro. He drew his lips back as Maro’s image swept through his mind. The Listener would enjoy sending that particular bastard to the Void after what he had done. Still, that would have to wait until he got his family safely to Dawnstar and at least he had Cicero back in his arms. 

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It took Usaeleí and the remaining members of the Dark Brotherhood three days to arrive in Dawnstar. The Listener guided the horses around the city, past the draugr ruins then made his way towards their new Sancturary. Upon whispering the password to the door, Nazir and Usaeleí carefully hauled the Night Mother’s coffin, following Cicero’s directions and soon set the coffin down on a dais overlooking what looked to be a dining area. Babette brought in what little they had salvaged from their old home and the vampire child sighed. This place needed a lot of work. Cicero followed after his precious lizard, helping him put Wraith in the hidden stable beside the entrance along with the carriage. The two stood back-to-back in silence, grooming both Shadowmere and Wraith, only the sounds of the brush gliding along the animals’ fur filling the air. After what felt like an eternity, Cicero finally spoke up.  

“Listener, Cicero does not mean to sound insubordinate, but he really thinks you should rest before seeking Amaund,”  

The lizard drew his lips back in an icy snarl. “I’ll sleep once this damn mission is over and the Emperor is good and dead.”  

Cicero shook his head then spun the pale argonian around blinking in surprise that he now had to look up at his precious Listener. “Now you listen to me, Usaeleí. You are in no condition to be traveling on very little sleep nor will I allow you to go galivanting on your own in your pursuit for vengeance.” When the lizard tried to protest, Cicero gave him a violent shake that caused Usaeleí’s jaw to click in response. “No! You will rest and recuperate before leaving. We CANNOT risk losing you too! I won’t go through that pain again! Do you understand me?!”  

Usaeleí blinked in astonishment. He was not expecting the jester to scold him nor was he expecting him to practically beg him to stay put. He turned to look at his steed who nudged him into the Imperial’s arm. Even the Void’s steed was urging him to rest. The argonian hissed in anger but he knew deep down, they were right. They all were. If he left now, he wouldn’t have the energy and worse yet, he’d probably make so many mistakes that it would cost him his life. He couldn’t, no, he wouldn’t take that risk. He gave Cicero a reluctant nod before following him back into their new home. Considering the Sancturary was still in ruin, the remaining members decided to camp out together in the dining area on their bed rolls.  

As morning creeped through the cracks into the room, Usaeleí was the first to awaken. He yawned loudly and stretched out his body like a cat before craning his neck to do a head count. He wasn’t surprised to find Cicero curled up next to him and he saw Babette sleeping next to Nazir. Veezara was curled up around the remnants of the fire they made last night. Soon, one by one, everyone stirred from the slumber and found Usaelei sitting cross-legged before them with some dried fish and jerky for them to eat. It was an uneasy silence at first until the pale lizard opened his mouth to speak only to be interrupted by the Keeper.  

“When did pretty Listener get so tall?”  

Usaeleí quirked a brow at Cicero’s comment. “What are you talking about? I’m still the same size.”  

“Um, you’re not.” Babette stated. “I mean, I know I’m small but that’s because I’m a child but since the events at Falkreath, you grew a few inches. Many more.”  

The Listener barked a laugh as he stood up about to prove his family wrong when he discovered that he was now roughly the same height as Veezara as he stood up. He looked down at his own body in disbelief. Then he recalled something strange happening to him when Sithis imbued him with a portion of his power. He was certainly stronger and faster than he was before. Could this have been a side effect? As he studied his body in fascination, he turned his head towards the Night Mother’s coffin sensing an energy of pride. “Well,” Nazir piped in with a chuckle bringing the lizard back to the present. “It will certainly be a boon for you if you are to continue this damnable contract.”  

“Will all of you be alright while I’m gone?” Usaeleí asked almost reluctantly.  

Veezara hummed in thought before answering. “Go on, Listener. We will take care of things here. Just go and talk to that piece of wamasu shit, Amaund, and see what he has to say about the real emperor’s whereabouts.”  

“Bring back a barrel full of gold, okay?!” Babette giggled. “And maybe some new clothes for me? Afterall, a lady needs a proper outfit for every occasion.”  

Cicero embraced Usaeleí tight. “And please, please, for the love of Sithis and the unholy Void, stay safe!”  

~~~~~~~~~  

The ride to Whiterun was long but thankfully, Shadowmere was more than swift. They arrived at the stables no later than the afternoon. He quickly dismounted from the steed who remained by the fence watching his master tug on his cloak tightly to keep his uniform hidden. As he neared the gates, the guards were about to stop him yet one look from his eyes had the pair stiffen and they hastily opened the gates for him. He strolled through the market ignoring the stares from the citizens who saw him. His heterochronic eyes locked firmly on the Bannered Mare . The lizard opened the doors to the tavern and scanned the room. There weren't many patrons at this hour, not that he minded. To his surprise, he found Motierre’s henchman, Rexus sitting at one of the tables enjoying a mug of brandy when he lifted his head. The soldier blinked in surprise and recognition before jabbing his thumb to the room behind him. Usaeleí nodded his head once before approaching the door.  

Motierre was in the process of reading a book when he saw, out of the corner of his eye, a figure entering the room. The Breton growled in annoyance as this was the third time today, he had his thoughts interrupted. “I thought I made myself perfectly clear!” He slammed his book shut. “I said I didn’t...” Amaund found his words get caught in his throat as the figure pulled back his hood revealing the antlered lizard, he met in Volunruud. “Want to be... disturbed...By the Gods, you’re alive!”  

Usaeleí’s mismatched eyes narrowed darkly and seemed to be glowing menacingly as he witnessed the Breton rise suddenly from his chair as though he were staring at a ghost. “Sithis is due a soul.” The snow scaled lizard growled. “Wouldn’t you agree, Motierre?”  

“You mustn’t think I had anything to do with what happened to your Sancturary. I just wanted you to kill the Emperor! The true Emperor! But Maro-”  

“The Emperor. The real Emperor! Where is he?!” The Listener demanded, not really in the mood to chat.  

Motierre blinked in surprise. After everything that transpired, this lizard would still honor his contract? To say the Breton was ecstatic was an understatement. It took him a moment to compose himself before answering the argonian’s question. “The Emperor is still here in Skyrim, but he won’t be for long. He’s aboard the ship known as the Katariah. The ship is moored in the Solitude Inlet but you must hurry. I don’t know how long it will remain there. Finish my contract and I will reveal the dead drop where your payment is secured.”  

Usaeleí turned to leave but just as he placed his hand on the door handle, he glanced over his shoulder staring icily at Amaund. “And what of Commander Maro?”  

“Ah, figured you’d want to get even with the bastard.” Motierre smirked. “Last I heard, he’s conducting the Emperor’s departure from the Solitude docks.  

With that, Usaeleí tugged his hood back over his head, then left the building. He made it to the gates leaving the city and laughed finding Shadowmere waiting just outside the door. The argonian climbed up into the saddle and guided the animal towards the river, listening to the animal’s hooves slosh through the water. When he was certain no one was watching, he nudged the horse’s sides and Shadowmere submerged them under the rapids galloping along the silt riverbed. A familiar swirl of bubbles surrounded them and in a matter of minutes they found themselves in the Solitude harbor looking upwards towards the surface where they spotted the ship further out in the harbor and the docks straight ahead. Now the Listener had a dilemma. Who should he go after first?

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Usaeleí removed himself from Shadowmere’s saddle and hovered above the steed in the water. They would deal with Maro last. Business before pleasure after all and he could only imagine the look on the commander’s face when he learned he once again failed to not only eradicate the Dark Brotherhood but failed to protect the Emperor. The argonian swam off towards the ship, the schools of fish swimming around or away from him as he made his way towards the Katariah . The ship was a beautiful sloop, Usaeleí had to admit but he knew he wouldn’t be able to climb aboard the usual way. His eyes scanned the seabed until he found the ship’s anchor and he grinned. Perfect. Usaeleí gripped the chain tightly and began to haul himself up into the cargo hold, keeping low to hide behind the large crates and boxes. Once he was certain that he was alone, he arched his back feeling a rippling sensation crawl up along his spine. Already he could feel sharp spines protruding along his back as he hunched over, bones snapping silently as they reshaped themselves, fangs lengthening further, claws extending and digging into the wooden planks beneath him. After a few more pops from his neck and shoulders, the lycandrake shook his head then body to loosen up and inhaled the air deeply.   

Faint white silhouettes appeared before his vision behind the walls and up above, but none caught his interest as they would soon fall to his claws if they got in his way. He turned his head slightly to the right and felt a crooning growl of delight leave his throat. He saw near the captain’s quarters a red wraith hovering around his target. He climbed over a crate, startling a crewhand who tried to draw his sword, but his head was already rolling on the floor as the drake’s tail whipped around so fast, all the man heard and felt was a gust of wind. As soon as the body hit the floor though, many of the crew and few soldiers aboard converged on Usaeleí’s location. Claw and fang ripped through steel armor. His roar was enough to send the few remaining crew running to escape the beast. The drake made a proud chuff before finding a familiar man standing guard. A man he thought to be dead.   

“You...” Usaeleí snarled, bristling his spines up.  

Standing before him was Kaius! The Imperial raised his sword and shield smirking smugly. “We meet again, beast. Considering that it’s just you standing here before me, I take it that you are the sole survivor of your little family?”  

“I don’t know how it's possible but it’s good to know you survived.” The drake rose on his hind legs, tail twitching violently. “Now I can tear you apart, piece by piece for Sithis to enjoy!”  

Unlike last time, Usaeleí didn’t wait for Kaius. The drake dropped back to all fours and rammed his head into the Imperial’s shield knocking the man backwards. He ducked his head avoiding the man’s sword and proceeded to sink his teeth into Kaius’ leg. The Imperial let out a startled grunt then bit his lip when he felt the assassin’s teeth pierce through his bone. Kaius smashed his shield against Usaeleí’s head forcing him to release his prey then struggled to regain his footing. The drake rubbed his head from the shield bash but chuckled seeing the man toss aside his shield which was now to too heavy to bear with his injured leg. Kaius sneered before advancing, swinging his sword haphazardly at the argonian who lazily dodged the flurry with several simple sidesteps. He was purposely toying with the Imperial, making him tire himself out.  

“What’s the matter, Imperial?” Mocked the lizard as he blocked a downward slash with his arm, his scales pushing back against the blade. “Getting tired?”  

Kaius panted heavily and in annoyance. “I didn’t survive that fire just die on this ship.”   

The Imperial readjusted the grip on his sword then charged the lycandrake once more. Usaeleí turned his posture to one of being defensive only to realize too late that his adversary had just pulled a feint. He felt the blade carve into this shoulder as he turned but Usaeleí took advantage of the closeness the two were now sharing and bit into Kaius’s shoulder. He could feel the Imperial trying to stab through his abdomen, but the lizard was faster. Finding a gap in the man’s armor, Usaeleí quickly pierced through the exposed flesh, his claws finding purchase against the beating heart. Kaius froze in both horror and shock. The Imperial could actually feel the lizard’s claws around the organ, how it tightened millimeter by millimeter. He choked on his words, eyes staring directly into the argonian’s icy gaze.   

Usaeleí leaned forward as his hand tightened around Kaius’ heart further, reveling in the man’s pained grunts and pants and he brought his scaly lips to the Imperial’s ear. “Hail Sithis...” He all but whispered before balling his hand into a fist then proceeded to rip out the man’s heart. As the body crumpled in a garbling heap, Usaeleí devoured the heart then wiped his mouth with dead Imperial’s scarf. “That... was for my family, you slimy son of a bitch.”  

Usaeleí grunted as he shifted back to normal, marveling at the fact his red and black uniform remained intact but only for a moment. He glanced down at his shoulder wound. It stung when he rolled the shoulder around but other than that, he was fine. Usaeleí turned his attention to the door before him and with a swift swipe of his claws, broke the lock and entered the room. At first glance, it looked like a normal captain’s quarters. There was a bedroom to his left and a small dining area on his right. Before him was a desk with an assortment of papers and documents. Sitting at the desk, though, with the Wraith of Sithis hovering over them was a sickly-looking old man in royal garbs.  

“And once more, I prove Commander Maro the fool.” Titus coughed slightly as he continued to write at his desk. “I told him you can’t stop the Dark Brotherhood. Never could.”  

Usaeleí quirked a scaly brow in confusion, vaguely listening to the scratching of the quill against the parchment. Titus Mede placed the quill back into the inkpot before lifting his head to stare directly at the argonian before him. He then beckoned the young man over to him insisting that he didn’t to stand at the entrance gawking like a dead fish, further surprising the Listener who approached warily. “You were expecting me?” Asked the lizard with a tilt of his head and flick of his tail, all while resting a hand on the hilt of his dagger. He took in how frail the Emperor looked and upon glancing down at the paperwork, noticed his writing was very shaky. Even now, the old man was shaking with a subtle twitch of his fingers. It was clear the man was very sick.  

Mede nodded his head slowly. “But of course, young one. You and I have a date with destiny. Then again, so it is with assassins and emperors.” The emperor coughed violently rubbing his chest afterwards. “Yes, I must die, and you must deliver the blow. But I wonder... would you suffer an old man’s words before the deed is done?”  

“Considering all the damn trouble you put me through, I’m not sure I should.” The argonian growled through his teeth but sighed. “But I will allow it.”  

“Haha… no I suppose not but you carry a sense of honor with you, and I thank you for granting me this dignity.” Said the ailing Emperor as he leaned back in his chair, chest heaving with each breath, as though it took a great effort. “You will kill me. I have accepted that fate. But regardless of your path in life, I sense in you a certain ambition. So, I ask of you a favor. An old man’s dying wish. While there are many who wish to see me dead, I know there was one person who set all of this in motion for me.”  

“Wait a tick, you had someone perform the Black Sacrament to KILL YOU ? Why?”  

Titus chuckled bitterly. “I’m certain you know by now ever since I signed that damnable contract with the Thalmor, life for my people has deteriorated and I fell ill. My family doesn’t deserve the right to rule nor does the person I had set this in motion. Which brings me to my request. Once you have received your reward, kill the one who ordered this assassination. Would you do this justice for me?”  

“Under normal circumstances, I’d say no but,” Usaeleí flicked his eyes as though glancing over his shoulder. “I’ll more than consider it.”  

“Thank you...”  

“Usaeleí.”  

Titus smiled a little at the pale argonian. “Thank you, Usaeleí.”  

The Listener approached the old man, with claws extended and stood behind the chair. He tilted the Emperor’s frail neck, stunned at how thin he actually was but bared his fangs and raked his claws across Titus’ throat. He watched as the life ebbed from his target and caught the last hint of a thankful smile. The lycandrake then lowered former emperor’s head and closed the man’s eyes. The lizard than snagged a spare key from the desk and left the ship, jumping from the room’s balcony into the water where Shadowmere waited for him. His contract was done, but there was still one loose end he needed to take care of here in Solitude before he informed Amaund of his success.  

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Shadowmere trotted along the seabed towards the Solitude docks, his rider lost in thought as he stared up at the approaching platform above the water’s surface. The closer they got, the more Shadowmere tugged against the argonian’s claws. He snorted, bubbles leaving his muzzle as the stallion turned his head towards his rider. Usaeleí titled his head to the side trying to read the expression in the steed’s eyes. Red eyes met his and the lizard smiled in understanding. “You want to deal with Maro, don’t you boy?” He asked, ignoring the spiraling bubbles as he spoke. Shadowmere tossed his head back, slightly rearing up before disturbing the sand beneath his hooves, startling the fish that got too close to them. The argonian took this as a confirmation to his question and with a swish of his tail, removed himself from the watery steed. “Just get ready to strike.” The stallion made a low growl galloping towards the docks while the Listener travelled up to a ladder and hauled himself up onto the wooden planks. 

Commander Maro was making his way along the docks, inspecting the ships while keeping an eye on the emperor’s ship in the distance. From what he could see, the ship was now departing, and he smiled briefly. With the Dark Brotherhood annihilated, and the emperor safely on his way, the commander of the Penitus Oculatus could finally grieve properly after the loss of his son. As he strolled along the docks with his hands behind his back, he let his thoughts linger to the day he met the assassin. The pale lizard was certainly an odd one as he left the men, he had ordered to kill the assassin alive. Wounded yes, but alive. Then there was the fact that most of the soldiers he sent to deal with the remaining vermin never came back, save for Kaius who was now on the ship protecting the emperor. According to Kaius, he nearly lost his life in the fire dealing with the damnable lizard but when he returned, he found the burnt remains of the assassins. This brought a smile to Maro’s face once more. 

He stood at the edge of one of the piers looking towards the marshes of Morthal in the distance. He was hardly paying attention to the bustling activity behind him to notice a figure making their way towards, a serious look on their face. What did attract his attention was the pair of glowing red eyes staring up at him from under the water’s surface. “What the?” The dark-haired Imperial growled reaching for his sword, only to stiffen when he heard a pair of hands clapping slowly. 

“Once again, you were proven a fool, Commander .” Said the all too familiar snowy lizard with the mismatched eyes who was leaning against one of the lamp posts. “You failed to destroy my family and failed to protect the emperor. I have to admit though, you almost outsmarted me.” 

“You again!” Maro gaped at Usaeleí in disbelief. “There’s no way. You can’t be... You’re dead!” 

“Am I, though?” Hissed the argonian, his golden-amber eye and emerald-green eye glowing brightly with spiteful mischief then he canted his head to one side. “Even the emperor said you were a naïve fool thinking you could eradicate the Brotherhood so easily. Pity he had to die...” 

Maro stared in utter disbelief. His fists trembled at his sides, and he gritted his teeth in anger. He didn’t even have the words nor the voice to express his rage. He watched as the argonian’s lips drew back into a sinister smile, revealing his sharp white fangs then in a sweeping gesture pointed towards the ship. Maro’s eyes narrowed before he saw the crew on the ship shouting back to him. They were screaming about Kaius found dead along with the emperor. The commander whipped his head back to the lizard who was now strolling over to baffled man.  

“Say hello to your son for me.” 

And with that, Usaeleí gave Maro a surprisingly strong shove off the pier, but the man hardly let out a scream let alone make a splash as the black beast breached the water. The demonic equine had its jaws wrapped around Maro’s neck, sharp fangs piercing through the jugular veins before the stallion dragged the commander under the waters. The Imperial started fighting earnestly, punching and kicking at the strange horse dragging him down the waterbed. By the time Shadowmere had brought the commander to the bottom, Maro realized how futile it was. He gasped the last of his air watching in the reflection of the bubbles, his life flashing before them. The last image he saw was that damn lizard on the pier glaring down at him. Then he was gone, his vision fading to black and red. 

Usaeleí turned his head to the side to make sure there were no spectators witnessing the events but found himself interrupted when Shadowmere poked his head out of the water, Maro’s dismembered arm dangling from his mouth. The equine shook his head, dispelling the water dripping from his face and mane. “Finish your meal, Shadowmere. We need to get to Whiterun.” Shadowmere snorted at the argonian. “No! You can’t take that with you.” 

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After coaxing the stallion to either leave or finish his meal, Usaeleí and Shadowmere were on the road once more, this time taking the road through Dragonbridge and making their way towards Falkreath. In truth, the Listener was hesitant to take this rout but Lucien had urged him to do so. Lucien was currently riding beside the Listener on a spectral steed of his own. The former assassin had been summoned by the lizard who was looking for company. Not that Lucien minded. Being able to speak with another reincarnated sibling of the Night Mother’s original children was something he never thought he’d see and from what he saw, Usaeleí needed it. They stopped upon seeing the slope to their old home and the Listener dismounted from Shadowmere. Lechance watched as the argonian approached the tree he had found Fetus pinned to and traced his palm along the bark, his claw catching on each notch an arrow left on the tree. Usaeleí suppressed a snarl. The old man had been caught off guard and turned into a fleshy bag full of arrows. He turned towards the empty Sancturary and slowly wandered inside with Lechance trailing after him. Their home was no more than a shell of its former self. Arnbjorn’s burnt corpse still laid where it had fallen. The lizard could still hear the pounding of the anvil where the Nord worked. The faint sound of Usaeleí’s footsteps could be heard as he continued exploring the ruins.  

Gabrielle’s body was still where he had found it but it was burnt to a crisp. The lizard swallowed hard before pressing hard. The dining room was an absolute mess. All that remained of the room was the fireplace and a huge black scorch mark. Lechance turned his head to his little brother watching every little expression. Grief, pain but above all, he saw rage. The Listener marched up to where the Night Mother’s chamber used to be and stared at the massive hole in the window behind where the coffin once stood. Everything came flooding back. The smell of the smoke filling his lungs, the sound of the Night Mother’s coffin closing around him to protect him. He started shaking violently. “All of this... this madness started because of Amaund Motierre.” The lizard hissed, clenching his hands into fists.  

“Hmmm. Well, if you want my opinion, Listener,” Lechance began as he rested his hand on the man’s shoulder, watching the argonian turn his head enough to glance at the ghost. “We completed the contract as ordered. So, as of right now, we are free to do as we please with him.”  

“So long as we get our payment.”  

Lucien nodded his head. “And I for one, wouldn’t mind sending this Amaund to the Void.”  

Usaelei took a deep breath and walked over to the broken wind. “Then let us not keep him waiting.”  

The lizard and ghost leapt down from the window, took one last look around the Sancturary then returned to their horses. They rode around the city of Falkreath, listening to the sounds of nature. The birds calling and singing to the occasional bellow of an elk in the distance. Usaeleí let out another breath, feeling himself calming down further. The ride back to Whiterun was peaceful now as the two arrived in Riverwood. As they were only a few hours away, Lucien insisted that Usaeleí get some rest before they pressed onwards. Soon as morning arrived, the two embarked once more though by the time they arrived at the stables, a storm unleashed its wrath above them, drenching the argonian more than the spirit. The two silently marched through the market, not surprised to see it empty due to the rain. They entered the Bannered Mare , the lizard shaking his head vigorously from side to side, water flailing off of his snout and horns. Rexus lifted his head from his drink, wiping the water sprayed on his face from the argonian in irritation then pointed to the room Motierre was residing in.  

“Aha! You’re back!” exclaimed the Breton in excitement. “And no worse for wear I see.”  

Usaeleí leaned against the door behind him, sensing the spirit he summoned leaning against the other side, maintaining vigil. “Titus Mede the Second lies dead.”  

“I know! I know! I received the news just moments before you arrived!” Motierre cackled with glee. “Oh, how glorious! My friend, you may not realize it, but you served the Empire, no, all of Tamriel, in ways you cannot even fathom!”  

The lizard folded his arms over his chest, flicking his. “I don’t care for politics.”  

“Oh! Right, I almost forgot. Your payment!” Motierre beamed at the pale argonian. “You will find your payment in an urn within the chamber where we first met in Volnruund. Now, off you go, lizard. Collect your prize and our business, thank the gods, will be concluded.”  

Still, Usaeleí did not budge. He remained rooted by the door; his eyes having closed while the Breton had been chatting. When he slowly opened them, the heterochromia gaze locking on to him. “Actually, Motierre,” The lizard started with a thoughtful look but there was something off about the glowing green and gold eyes staring at him. Motierre swallowed nervously. The Listener then pushed himself away from the door and in two short strides, stood before Amaund and leaned forward. “There was one more thing.”  

“Ugh, you assassins and your riddles.” Motierre huffed exasperated then raised a brow trying to remain calm. “What is it, assassin? Spit it out.”  

Shiink!  

“Just a favor... from an honorable man.” Usaeleí whispered into the dying man’s ear. Motierre gaped in pain before looking down to see the argonian had stabbed him in the chest. His clothes were already dying crimson. The Breton stared back at the lizard in shock. “But...” He gagged in a pained whisper. “We had... a deal.” His eyes rolled upwards into the back of his skull.  

“Our deal concluded the moment you told me the location of the payment, which won’t cover the loss my family endured.” The lizard closed the man’s eyes before using his magic to close the wound. “But your death will satisfy them and Sithis.” He took out a vial containing a liquid used for removing blood from clothes then applied it to the dead man’s robes. Once it was cleaned, the argonian mended the fabric to make it look like the man merely had a heart-attack then he left the room after pocketing the gems he found on the body. He’d trade them to get Babette new clothes while still in Whiterun. He left the room, waving for his ghost to follow and upon leaving, made their way to one of the shops to do a little shopping before heading to Volunruund.

Chapter Text

After collecting Babette’s new clothes and a few supplies for the journey, Usaeleí and the Spectral Assassin made their way towards Volunruund. Upon entering the chamber the late Motierre mentioned, the Listener spotted the urn and peered inside. He let out a low whistle at the amount. The two spent a good two hours counting the coins into three large satchels before hauling it outside where they slung the bags onto Shadowmere’s back. The lizard ran his fingers along the steed’s velvety muzzle before mounting the animal and turned him around towards Dawnstar. It took them a day or so to return the Sancturary but they were more than relieved. The Spectral Assassin disappeared back to the Void after assisting the Listener with the gold and supplies. Cicero let out a squeal of delight when he saw his lizard enter the chambers and nearly tackled him to the ground out of sheer excitement.  

Usaeleí placed the satchels onto the dining table as Babette and Nazir met the Listener and the Keeper. The lizard first handed the vampire child her new sets of clothes to which the vampire squealed in delight. “Oh, thank you!” Babette beamed at the lizard as she hugged the parcel tightly to her chest.  

“You’re welcome, Sister.” Usaeleí chuckled softly then his tone turned serious. “Titus Mede the Second is dead by my hand.”  

“Could you have brought more fortuitous news?” Nazir chuckled before patting the Listener on his shoulder. Despite the recent events, this was indeed a happy day. Despite the misfortunes they suffered, Usaeleí remained true to the Old Ways and still saved most of the family. “You did good, Scales. You did good.”  

Veezara approached the group with fresh fish for dinner and felt a smile creep up on his dark green maw. “Brother! You’re safe! How did your mission fare?”  

“Splendidly, egg-kin. We made over twenty-thousand gold.”   

Cicero cackled loudly. “The Listener is the best! The Keeper can attest, the Listener is the best!”   

The reunited family soon sat at the table and dug into a nice warm meal. The pale argonian regaled his tale on his kill as well as his revenge on Maro. The Shadowscale and the Keeper laughed hard when Usaeleí told them about Shadowmere wanting to keep the dismembered arm though Babette chimed in stating that he should have let the horse keep the limb. As the family tucked into their meal, Nazir suggested that they speak with Delvin at the Thieves Guild to see about making repairs to their home. The Listener had to agree. While their new home needed many repairs, it was nice to be home again with his family. Once the meal was finished and everyone was tucked into their sleeping bags, the Listener turned his head towards where the Night Mother was located and heaved a sigh of relief when he felt a ghostly hand run across his scalp then cup his cheek.  

Rest, my son. You have more than earned it. When our home is repaired, the real work begins.  

Usaeleí opened his maw, a loud yawn leaving his throat before he wrapped his arm around Cicero who was snuggled close to him and pulled him closer. This was the start of a new beginning.  

~~~~~~~~~  

“And that’s that. New banners, a poisoner’s nook for your little vampire, a torture chamber for business or pleasure, a secret entrance that has been enchanted by our lovely Guildmaster so that only true Dark Brotherhood members and your friends can see, and a chamber fit for a king.” Delvin beamed proudly as he gave the Listener a tour of the newly restored Sancturary with the aid of Khyeena, though the khajiit was busy dealing with the College of Winterhold at the moment. They finished up by stopping at the Listener’s new chambers which was indeed fit for a king. Usaeleí had to admit, the Thieves Guild certainly got repairs done rather timely.  

Usaeleí took the time to study his new quarters, chuckling when he discovered Cicero humming merrily to himself as he placed his garments within one of the dressers. “So was this your idea or Khyeena’s idea to give me such a large room?”  

“Why is the Listener complaining?” The jester cackled flopping on the soft furs. “Ahhhh, so soft... and warm. Would be warmer with another body to snuggle with.”  

The pale argonian shook his head laughing before shaking hands with Delvin. It was thanks to the Thieves Guild member that the Dark Brotherhood now had a proper Sancturary to return and already Veezara was busy training new recruits. Nazir was still ornery at best, but he was content. Babette was more than excited with her new poisoner’s nook. As the Breton left the Sancturary, the Listener made his way to the bed and grinned at his Fool of Hearts. “So, tell me, my Keeper, shall we have ourselves a romp before we go out to do Mother’s bidding?”  

The Fool of Hearts had a grin on his face as he nodded his head vigorously. “Oh, yes! Yes! But...” Cicero leaned forward, his tongue trailing along the Listener’s scaly neck causing him to shudder. “We will be doing this my way.” Usaeleí made a small whine as he tilted his head back in compliance then growled sharply when the Imperial moved a hand down the argonian’s clothed chest then brought it to rest on the front of his pants roughly and began rubbing the pale lizard’s member through the fabric.  

“ Xuth...Seht ...” The argonian gritted his teeth only to sigh when Cicero nipped a sensitive spot with his now sharp canines. “Fine... you lead this time.”  

However, Usaeleí nearly instantly regretted the decision when Cicero brought out leather strips and had his precious lizard strip naked. He glared up at the ceiling doing his best not to growl with concern as his wrists were bound to the headboard of the new bed on either side of his head and Cicero had tied a thick piece of rope around his maw. He snorted through his nose, mismatched eyes lowering to glare at the Keeper who had a hungry look in his own amber eyes as they roamed over the snowy white scales of his Listener. The argonian’s mind was pulled from its musings when the Imperial shuffled closer, rubbing up against his scaly body slowly. Cicero had to admit, it was rather beautiful seeing his lizard who had become so strong now look defenseless. True, there was another reason for his strange kink. Usaeleí did after all have a bad experience at being bound. Cicero wanted to change that as well, replace the bad memories with a much more fun experience. He chuckled when his Listener growled through the muzzle then choked on the sound when the Imperial began drifting his gloved fingers over the lizard's chest and stomach scales in a torturously slow motion.  

Usaeleí growled again through muzzle trying to throw back his head but could not and he felt his body starting to overheat from the stimulation of Cicero’s teasing. Occasionally, the gloved fingers would drift south but never touch his straining member, driving the bound Listener mad. Soon enough, the jester removed the leather gloves and placed them carefully on the nightstand only to continue the sinfully pleasurable touches across the writhing lizard’s scales and the Fool of Hearts smirked smugly at the whimpers and whines that were coming from the argonian. Just when Usaeleí thought he would not be able to withstand any more of the Keeper’s sadistic teasing, Cicero finally moved one hand to the Listener’s throbbing cock, then began to stroke in a painfully slow. Usaeleí shivered, his tail flicking when he felt the Imperial’s other hand move up his maw and removed the ropes binding his jaws shut.  

“I want to hear you, Pretty Lizard.” Cicero chuckled darkly as his grip tightened on the lizard’s member.  

The Keeper was not disappointed, for Usaeleí’s growls switched to a needy moan. The warmth of the Imperial’s thumb swirling around the head of the Listener’s cock drew a strangled gasp from the usually calm argonian.  

“C-Cicero...”  

The Keeper paused for a moment, relishing the sweet crooning of his name being said so intimately. So shy, and almost fragile. He had almost forgot how soft his lizard was with intimacy. The jester pressed his lips to Usaeleí’s, licking the softer, much smoother scales until the other’s reptilian tongue danced with his own. Cicero felt the lust, the need, the trust flow from his snowy scaled lizard over the bond they had forged, and his own need made the jester stop teasing. He wanted to pleasure and be pleasured by the Listener. Usaeleí moaned loudly, his voice sounding more song-like as Cicero’s skilled hand moved faster, hand clenching and unclenching.  

Usaeleí growled and whimpered, tugging on his restraints but they held fast. He felt himself crooning unashamed when the damn Imperial stepped back, stopping the ministrations that been seconds away from bringing him to his climax. “Ah, ah, ah. Listener must behave.” Cicero grinned then yelped when the lizard’s tail whipped around and lightly smacked the jester’s shoulder. “Ooh Cicero forgot about the Listener’s pretty tail...” Still, Cicero merely cackled as he slowly stripped himself of his motley and crawled up to the lizard with a large smirk on his face as he lifted the younger male’s legs to wrap around his waist. Usaeleí immediately tensed when he felt the Keeper’s member pressing against him making a shy sort of trilling sound.  

“Cicero, I-”  

“Shhhh, trust me, Usaeleí.” Cicero purred in a soothing voice. “I’ll be gentle.”  

And with that, he brought the Listener down on his cock. Usaeleí cried out, eyes shutting tight, pleasure shooting through him like a lightning bolt. Cicero grunted , resting his forehead on the lizards, scaly chest, bucking his hips slightly to get himself fully sheathed. Once he was, he breathed a deep growl as he lifted his gaze to stare into the argonian’s. Usaeleí was panting, nostrils flaring like a racehorse. The look excited the Keeper immensely and he flashed the lizard a sharp toothy grin. It seemed his own beastblood was aroused by the scent as well. Cicero kissed Usaeleí, gently nipping his scaly lips and coaxing his tongue to mingle with his own as one of his hands slowly slid down the pale scaly hide, tracing the hip to stroke the slowly waning erection back to life causing the lizard to jolt.  

Usaeleí whined and squirmed as much as he could while being bound, but soon his body relaxed, and he gave his Imperial a weak, almost pleading crooning sound. More. The lizard’s mismatched eyes pleaded. The lycanthrope Keeper growled deeply, pulling out slightly before thrusting back in fast and hard. The lycandrake bit back a roar of pleasure, gritting his now lengthening fangs. The pleasure of the fellow mate hitting his prostrate successfully every time was already causing the Listener’s already searing muscles to contract. He was close, so very close. Like a bowstring drawing tighter and tighter within his stomach. Cicero felt the Listener’s body clench down hard on him, already feeling his own rapidly approaching. The Keeper then sank his fangs hard into Usaeleí’s neck, drops of blood trickling down the white scales, staining them pink and drawing out the lizard’s own climax.  

The two remained still, panting and huffing after their exertion before Usaeleí made a low growl and turned his head to bit off the restraints on his left hand then shredded the leather holding his right with his claws. Cicero settled under the covers, smirking at the lizard as he rubbed his wrists. “Did Cicero succeed in serving the Listener?”  

“I think you were dying to just tie me up and have your way with me.” Usaeleí teased settling down under the furs, chuckling as the Keeper snuggled close to his scales. “But it was satisfying.”  

“Good! Just wait for the knife-play next time!”  

The lycandrake huffed before bringing his snout to Cicero’s ears. “Next time it will be my turn to dominate you...”  

The Keeper shuddered in delight. “Listener is such a wicked creature!”  

“Learnt it from you, I did.”  

“Cicero is starting to have second thoughts...”