18+ (IC) ♪♫ Laughter From The Void ♫♪

Shadows hands stilled at Scarlet's question. Yes she did wonder what life would have been like if past events had of happened differently. She hated to dwell on it, believing that if she didn't think too much on it, that eventually, in time, the hurt would slowly disappear until it was a small dull ache in one tiny corner of her heart.

"Sometimes..." she said slowly, staring into the flames "...and then I make myself NOT wonder about it". She stood and placed her brush back into her satchel and climbed into bed, sliding under the furs. She realised she was a little harsh and even though it was out of character for her she asked anyway... "Why so sentimental Scarlet?"

She continued to stare into the flames, his face started to appear, without looking at Shadow, Scarlet could tell that she probably didn't feel like talking about it now "Oh nevermind Shadow, just thinking out loud I guess" she shrugged her shoulders, getting up to check her clothing, almost dry, she started going through her bag grabbing dry garments and her journal, slipping into her dry garments she took her place again in front of the fire, looking over her shoulder she couldn't tell if Shadow was sleeping or not yet, she thought it'd be best not to find out. She was glad when she looked back into the flames his face was still there "I miss you so much" she whispered softly as she started to draw, she soon crashed on the floor clutching the journal tight against herself, waking up a few hours later when the room had gone cold, she sat up stretching "f***f" she started to rub her neck "Should of at least grabbed something to cover up with" standing up she continued to stretch before putting more logs on the fire, she pulled her clothes closer to the fire to warm them up.

She checked to make sure the room would stay warm until they both woke up, after she checked the lock on the door she crawled into bed wrapping the blanket tight around her, picturing his face again and slowly drifted off to sleep, cuddling a pillow.

Shadow judged by the terrain that they were half way to Bruma. She and Scarlet had traveled quickly across the mountains, wanting to reach the city as soon as possible. Shadow was curious as to what lay ahead for her and she guessed that Scarlet had equally similar and different reasons. But as the day drew to a close she looked to her friend, and decided to ask if they should camp for the night. She was tired from a full day of travel and could tell Scarlet was to. They had come to a small clearing among the pine trees next to a bubbling stream which looked to be as good a place as any to camp in. Shadow surveyed the area. Plenty of cover, two sides blocked by a stream and high rock face, escape towards the back if needed. A good place.

"Scarlet" she stopped "I think this is a good place to stop for the night?" she half questioned her friend.

Afuroc awoke from his dreamless slumber, his mind slowly taking in the ceiling before him. He began to roll over, and found himself face to face with a large Nord wearing what best could be described as a strange mix of leather, banded iron with a jawless troll skull as a pauldron. Before his awaking mind could respond, the Nord had his hands around Afuroc’s throat. The slender Redguard struggled but faster than he thought possible the larger man was on top of him, his weight and strength utterly dominating the smaller man. Afuroc futilely grasped for his father’s sword but found it had been knocked down between the wall and the bed he was sleeping in. His lungs were burning in agony, and before he blacked out he heard a loud snap, and he found himself lost into the void.

Rangar Proffit looked at the Redguard he had just killed. Realizing he was still straddling his victim, Rangar hopped off the corpse revealing more of that deceptive agility he possessed. Fifteen hundred Septims, Rangar thought to himself. For this guy? The Shrouded Sword was surprisingly easy as a bounty. Rangar knew he “cheated” but when the bounty is just right there Rangar had to be pragmatic. He wondered how good the duel would have been, looking at the large dragon bone dagger at his hip and thinking about the crossbow across his back. Even with all the other daggers on his person, Rangar heard many interesting tales about this Redguard. The Nord took off his helmet, which was more of a keepsake than for any real protection, revealing a middle aged man with medium length blonde hair, blood red Nordic swirl of war paint on his right cheek.

Rangar turned suddenly, The Giant’s Toothpick flying out of its sheath only to see the Head of this Fighter’s Guild. The man looked spooked, suddenly seeing a heavily armored and armed Nord. He looked at Afuroc’s body, but before he could ask his question Rangar held out the Official Bounty for Afuroc’s head. The Head of the Guild visibly relaxed as Rangar sheathed his dagger. Rangar’s icy blue eyes didn’t waver as he walked past the Guild Master, he wondered why The Shrouded Sword would come to Bruma, Skyrim was the best province for a man who liked to prove his dominance with a blade.

He exited the Fighter’s guild, realizing the alarm was raised, Rangar smiled. Prison breaks make for some of the best business. Unfortunately the city guard seemed to be locking down the exits. He looked up towards the castle and noticed a strange tattooed woman sneaking away. Odd how sometimes trying to be inconspicuous makes you more obvious sometimes, Rangar thought. He drew his crossbow from his back and took careful aim. There was a loud crack as the crossbow released the bolt, knocking the woman from her feet. Rangar reloaded quickly, keeping his eyes on his target. Even if this wasn’t the escaped convict, no one would miss a missing cutpurse.

Rangar approached with caution, the stuck woman still moving. He thought he recognized the gait of a Reachman, and that she was carrying a small armories worth of weapons. With little hesitation, Rangar shot the prone woman in the head. Picking up the body he went to the nearest guard. The guard looked shot until he realized he knew the woman.

“How much was her bounty?”

“Couple thousand Septims. You caught yourself an escaped murderer.”

“Good business. Should I see the Countess about it?”

“Yes, you should. This day has been a nightmare.”

“Rest easy. This woman looked like a psychopath, rest easy now that she got what was coming to her.”

“Aye, Kinsman.”


Rangar striped the body of anything worth taking, crossbow bolts and daggers were obvious choices to take, Rangar finding places in his quiver and bandoleers for the new additions to his arsenals. He appraised her crossbow and had to feel inadequate when he realized the assassin’s crossbow was of a better quality. He smirked as he took the fancy armor off. Once again Rangar seemed to have a stroke of good luck when dealing with dangerous fugitives. He hefted the body over his shoulder after he finished picking the corpse dry, discovering a strange note. Finishing his business within Bruma (Collection the bounty, selling the woman’s things he didn’t keep, and buying supplies), Rangar took out the note and read began to read.

Shadow blinked as she woke the next morning with a face full of blazing red hair. She was wrapped in furs and lying pressed against Scarlet's back, the rise and fall of her friend telling her she was still asleep. The warmth from her Were blood gave Shadow a surprisingly restful night's sleep and she approved of their decision to share a bedroll.

She slipped out from the furs, fully clothed. She had kept on her leathers for two reasons, one being it was just too darn cold to take them off, and two being that it was safer. If they were surprised by intruders, she did not want to be caught without a stitch of clothing (the way she preferred to sleep). This way, fully dressed at least she had a chance to make a quick escape if needed. Scarlet stirred and also woke up, flashing Shadow with one of her trademark grins.

"Sleep well?" she winked. Shadow busied herself stoking up the fire again that had died down during the night.

"Well enough. And you?" she answered as she watched Scarlet bound out from the furs, a bundle of energy as always.

"Oh like a log" she answered then arched an eyebrow "Must have been the company". Shadow had to smile at that. As far as Shadow's preferences went she did indeed like her little dalliances with men. But now and then she did like to jump the fence. There was just something about a woman's body that a male could never compare to. She watched Scarlet as she moved around the camp. She had never thought about her friend in that way... but now that they would be spending a lot more time together, the thought did appeal to her.

"We should probably move on quickly" she said then, eating a ripe apple she had found in her satchel. She used the long thin push-blade she kept hidden down between her breasts, to slice the apple. Her ebony daggers,The Girls, were not for slicing fruit. Covered in poison as they were, they only tasted the blood of her victims. She thought about where they were, on the Cyrodiil side of the Jerall Mountains "I make our time into Bruma to be mid afternoon today" She was keen to reach the city and find the sanctuary. As solitary as she liked to be, the thought of belonging somewhere was starting to grow on her.

she walked around the little camp gathering her things, grabbing her boots by the fire and pulling an apple from her bag, she bit into it, holding it with her mouth she pulled her boots on leaving the laces untied, sinking her teeth through the soft yet crunchy red flesh of the apple she smiled up at Shadow "Mid afternoon if we are lucky and the weather holds out" taking another big bite and once again holding the apple in her mouth she laced up her boots, standing she swapped at her bottom brushing off the grass and dirt.

The two set off on the road, walking side by side, Scarlet occasionally hip bumping Shadow "I dont remember you ever being this silent when we use to go out" Shadow just shrugged at her, Scarlet shrugged back "Its ok, probably have a lot on your mind, dont know if youre excited about this new path, but I'm hesitant of the others that she said were out there yet excited that the Brotherhood will once again, for whatever the number is of trying to be wiped from the plains of Nirn, to rise once again from the pits to bring fear in the hearts of men... and women" her evil grin spread across her face as she started gripping the collar of her shirt.

She stared out in front of her, her yellow-green eyes scanning the land, her ears tuning into the sounds around them listening for sudden surprises and near by creatures, reaching into her bag pulling out pieces of dried meat she started to bite and chew into the meat, opening her bag up to Shadow if she wanted to get something to snack on while they traversed towards Bruma, the city was within a stones throw as it was coming closer into view as they broke through the mountains, heading up to the large gates "Well my friend, here goes nothing" taking a deep breath the two ladies pushed on through the gate entering in the city to which was in a chaotic uphold. "Looks like we missed something" grabbing Shadows hand she gave it a light squeeze before releasing "Let us hit the tavern first, then the temple"

Bruma, Cyrodiil's most northern city was mostly populated by Nords. Being high up in the Jerall mountains it was a city of harsh climates and was perpetually covered in a sheet of snow. As soon as Shadow stepped through the gates of Bruma she immediately wanted to leave. Usually a more sedate place, today the Nordic city was in chaos. Guards rushed here and there and citizens shut themselves inside their homes. An alarm of some sort peeled out from the Castle beyond the inner walls. The cathedral stood to their left. The only fully stone building in the town apart from the castle, it rose high above the other buildings, even with the steep incline of the city.

"Looks like we missed something" Scarlet commented, grabbing Shadows hand for a moment then tugging her up the street "Let us hit the tavern first, then the temple" Shadow wrinkled her nose at the cacophony of noise that almost made her head hurt. She nodded in agreement more to get off the streets, and let Scarlet lead the way. They proceeded to Olav's Tap and Tack, an Inn that catered for the lower end of the market. The original proprietor, Olav was long gone but no-one ever thought to change the name. The two women pushed open the doors and Shadow felt the warm air hit her face. Warm air that smelt of booze, sweat and piss.

"At least it's warm in here" Shadow said, heading for the bar. She ordered a whole bottle of mead before she and Scarlet settled down with their drinks at a small table in a dark corner and watched the other patrons. "I wonder who else is here for the same reasons we are?" she said quietly to Scarlet.

Rangar watched the two women enter Olaf’s Tap and Tack with wary eyes. He hadn’t been drinking, something was bothering him too much. The note said she was a part of the Dark Brotherhood, but Rangar knew that couldn’t possibly be true, the Dark Brotherhood was dead as an organization. No members could possibly be still active. Right? Rangar cursed. As far as he knew, anyone who claimed Dark Brotherhood were second class killers trying to boost their reputations. Yet he as he took the time to analyze every person he saw as subtly as he could, he realized there was something in their steps. You could call it a sureness. Somewhere between the aggressive stomps of the Warriors, the unsure footings of a wizard, and the gentle glide of a thief they moved just between the warrior and the thief. A hunter’s step is what his father figure called it. Where you were moving with the ability to be gentle like a thief, but with the intent of a warrior out for blood. He was in the back left corner of the room, able to watch the exit and the entrances to the rooms.


He watched as the women ordered drinks and began to enjoy themselves. So far they were the only Wolves among Sheep that Rangar spotted. But that was likely to change. The Forsworn woman may have been insane, but Rangar had seen her handy work. She cut through trained guards like they were first year novices. Her equipment was beyond good, but the pinnacle of what someone could buy without getting in contact with Mages. Rangar watched the woman with red hair air her pleasure of the drink she was partaking in. He leaned back and drank from his cup. I guess I can follow them, Rangar smirked at the thought, and started laughing to himself. I guess I could see if any of them are worth any money.

The Inn was starting to fill up with rowdy patrons. Shadow observed all the goings-on from their table in the corner. She was half way into her bottle of mead and it warmed her belly pleasantly. She would have felt more at ease had it not been for the man watching them from the opposite corner. She was sure Scarlet knew as well as she seemed to be a little more on edge than usual. Both women made no move to indicate they knew they were being watched. Shadow was under no illusions, the man emanated danger. Even if he was not one of them he had ill intent all the same. She stoppered her mead and stowed it in her satchel.

"To be honest Scarlet, I would rather just go to the Cathedral, find the door and wait for the others to show. If any do that is." she gave Scarlet a meaningful look to which her friend nodded slightly. They stood and left the Inn, making their way through Bruma to the Cathedral. The streets were less chaotic now and people were starting to resume their normal daily lives. Getting into the Cathedral was easy as it was opened for the weekly alms for the poor. Scarlet and Shadow picked their way through the beggars and poor folk and descended the stairs down into the bowls of the church. Downstairs was a massive jumble of old storerooms, and twisting passages. A thick crust of dust covered everything. It didn’t look as though anyone had been down there for years. Shadow looked to Scarlet.


“Now to just find this dammed door” she whispered in the quiet, her hands resting on her daggers.

Now now, Daxos. No need to get hasty. A hooded figure thought to himself, staring at the cathedral door. He had seen the rather intriguing looking women enter, not looking even remotely like the beggars that littered the path before and somewhat inside it. The look of their outfits gave the man a near sure feeling that this was indeed where the maiden in black had showed him in his dreams.

The maiden that promised his wandering soul a purpose.

Purpose…

The one thing that pulled him into the northern reaches of the Imperial Province. The only thing he ever pined for.

The only thing that was to keep him from going insane.

Some found solace and meaning in money. Others, in the company of multiple companions. Some even found it wandering and helping out those in need.

None of those appealed to Daxos. For he believed he could have all of that and still be found wanting. He needed to keep his hands and mind busy.

He needed a real challenge.

His focus returned to where he was at the present, and his eyes caught the women again.

His eyes lingered on the pair, watching as they eventually disappeared out of sight. Daxos sighed and lowered his hood even further, and headed for the doors.

No need to continue waiting, I suppose. They seem interesting enough.

His eyes stayed focused on the path ahead. However, as he stepped closer, the thoughts of entering the cathedral were put to rest.

Laughter began to echo in his mind. Soft, but almost sinister in nature. Daxos had never had an experience like this, and he truly believed this sorceress, witch -whatever she was- was trying to drive him mad. However, his focus returned, and he continued into the cathedral, far enough from the women so they could not see, but enough to see them head down a darkened passage.

As he continued onward, toward the passage they walked, the laughter began to increase in volume. He began to feel dizzy, but soon regained his footing. His palms remained on his head for a moment, however, until the laughter finally ceased.

Daxos soon questioned if doing this was a good idea at all. Sure it would give him reason and meaning...but...

He shook out his head and started forward again, ignoring any of the populace who noticed his small episode.

Whatever this witch had in store, it better be damn good. He hated those who played mind games.

Rangar watched the strange women leave the Inn. His curiosity got the best of him, throwing down a couple Septims and heading outside. The snow felt oddly gentle, unlike the brutal storms of Skyrim. Rangar breathed into his hands, bandoliers of daggers jingling ever so slightly. A chorus of funeral bells… He thought. Rangar found his thoughts drifting back to the man who coined the phrase. A surly, fatherly lizard. Then again, Rangar never saw any knives on that Argonian. It would be ironic but then again his name was Hides-Many-Knives, so maybe he spoke of how it gave away ones position. Rangar sighed and wonder if he should adjust his bandoliers, he shook his thoughts away approaching his quarry’s destination. The Cathedral? Rangar was very confused. By the nine, why a cathedral?

Rangar never liked cathedrals, they always seemed to make ones sins weigh heavier on ones shoulders. As if the weight of the gods loomed above them and was starting to lay the burden upon you. Hearing a squeak from below him, Rangar realized they were taking to the catacombs. At least I assume they aren’t going through the priest or priestess’ clothes, Rangar thought with a smirk. But weirder things have happened. He dropped into a crouch and realized he was not the only tail these women had. Rangar watched as the man dipped as if fainting. It was intriguing to the Bounty Hunter how strange this man was acting. It is as if he is hearing something within his head, and then it hit Rangar like a hammer. Daedra or some other force was at work.


Rangar groaned silently, feeling a little sick. A voice in his head began to speak. His head began to throb, promises. Empty promises is what it spoke of. A family, a true family. Of never ending work, a challenge worth the time in Septims. He realized it was a woman’s voice, and cursed. Dark Brotherhood… Not exactly the people he liked dealing with.

Looking around the crypt, Scarlet started examining the statues, reaching out she lightly grazed the cold marble, her fingers tracing the statues face "We have company, and not just the dead" she looked over to Shadow, adjusting her gear "Of all places I'd rather not fight in, a temple is on my top list" she turned towards the entrance they had passed through, swiftly she moved without a sound as she gently shoved the stone door closed, casting absolute darkness, her movements once again silent as she walked up of Shadow grabbing her empty hand and replacing the emptiness with a piece of jewelry, whispering in her ear "Put it on and don't make a sound until we get inside, the handle has to be around here somewhere", the two shadows felt their way along the statues feeling for something out of place.

After a few minutes of searching Scarlets hand brushed against a small button different from the rest of the marble, opening a small door leading into a tunnel, cool air rushed through, blowing pieces of her red hair back from her face. "I guess it's been while" she whispered back to Shadow who was standing beside her, wide eye they both inhaled and started down the tunnel the stone door closing behind them, Scarlet grabbed Shadows hand "Here goes nothing".

Coming to the end the darkness started to die out as they set foot into the sanctuary taken back Scarlets green eyes started to sweep back and forth across the place, stepping down the stairs it flared out into an open cavern with five tunnels fanning out, still holding on Shadows they made their way towards the center of the clearing, looking above there were carvings in the stones above the tunnels...

(Anvil)-

(Garden)-

(Magic)-

(Kitchen)-

(Living)-

Scarlet looked to Shadow "I am going to take a wild guess that nothing has been stocked for yeeeeeears" looking at the table in the center she ripped the sheet off revealing a cherry stained round table with a large black hand burned into the wood "And we might have to go shopping"

(when I get the chance I'll edit the daedric writing with the symbols hopefully)

Shadow coughed as tiny dust particles filled the air. She used a tiny bit of flame magic to light a brazier and the huge cavern was soon bathed in a golden glow.

"You are right about that" she said to Scarlet, then examined the crude symbols etched over each doorway leading off from the main area. The symbol for Garden caught her eye and she moved off to investigate "I'm going to have a quick look down this way Scarlet" She lit a torch from the brazier and then passed under the door and walked along a small passageway until it opened up into a medium sized cavern. It seemed to be made from natural rock and not carved from human hands. The sound of running water drew Shadow to the far end of the cavern and she discovered a small riverlet running through, only to disappear under the rock again. Along the banks of the stream were beds of rich dark soil just waiting for seeds to be sewn. Tiny rays of sunlight shone down from cracks in the rock above. She could envision rows of poisonous plants growing there, ready to be made into the deadly toxins she used on her weapons. She could even set up a small alchemy station.

"Perfect" shadow smiled to herself. She was even more delighted when she discovered a small cavern off to the side that contained some pieces of furniture including a bed that badly needed to be re-stuffed. A trip to the market for some sabre-cat furs was needed, as well as some candles and personal items. Shadow wondered if there was a bathing area in the sanctuary. If not then she would just use the river. She put her satchel down in the garden bedroom to stake her claim and then made her way back to the main cavern to see if anyone else had arrived.

"No. Never. Not going to happen. Whisper all you want, invade my dreams all you want. But I am most certainly not going to Bruma. I am no longer your child. So kindly go bother some other poor souls." Aden had been hearing the whispers for as long as he could remember. Ever since he was a little boy...he shook his head. He didn't need to think about that, it just gave her more power. He had left that life long ago and for good reasons. The whispers had been gone for so long that at first he hadn't believed he was really hearing them. Now they were incessant. They wouldn't be denied.

He couldn't sleep and drinking didn't help. He was meeting a client for a job and didn't need the whisperings from her in his ear. Pinching the bridge of his nose with one hand and running the other through his wavy, blond hair he sighed. His life was already plenty complicated without the past coming back to rear it's spectral head. He looked up as a figure in a black hooded cloak entered the Bannered Mare. He was used to dealing with shadowy figures or nobles who played the game but didn't want to be recognized. "Mr. Black I would assume. Or is that a dark violet or blue? Perhaps I should order a dry red and we can drink until we are both white...er."

The figure sat down and dusted of the thick cloak without a word, laying his or her hands on the table gingerly. Staring at Aden, who raised an eyebrow, the figure didn't move for a few minutes as the time just slipped away into the night. He couldn't see the figure's face or even their eyes, the cloak hid their shape as well so he couldn't identify race nor gender. The figure moved and slid an envelop along the table to the Breton. He took it and held it to a candle. He couldn't make out any words or anything else, so he cut open the letter with a small dagger he always kept on his person hidden faster than an eye could track and hid it again. It was a gift from long ago, a dagger that was completely blood red; the Blood Oath it was called. If only it had held true. He took out the parchment but nothing was written on it.

"Oh, but you do have such a way with words. Now what is this about? A love letter? I'm touched, but we hardly know each other. Let's start with drinks and getting to the point before we take our relationship further, shall we?" Aden smiled but he was getting annoyed.

Suddenly he lunged across the table, Blood Oath sliding into his palm, and drug the blade across the figure's throat. Aden smiled and somehow saw himself as if staring at a mirror. Tattoos started forming along his body once again in strange and intricate symbols that he easily recognized. "Come back to the family...don't deny your nature. You can fool others, but you can't fool yourself. You're no thief, you're an assassin. And you like it..."

Shaking his head he snapped out of the fantasy. He looked to the figure who pointed to the letter as words started to form. His eyes widened as he read the elegant but dark script.

Scarlet nodded at Shadow "Ill go check out the living area" she walked down the short hallway that lead into another open room, white sheets laid out over different pieces of furniture and over three chandlers, one by one Scarlet pulled off the sheets and neatly folding each one.

What was revealed under the sheets were three ebony wood couches with soft grey fur cushions that circled a small table similar to the one in the main hall, the black hand burned in the center. The next items where those like the couches but single cushioned chairs, red stained high tables with red crystal lamps that held the remains of black wax "Good thing I like the color black", she pulled the sheets from the hanging chandlers, black iron with the same black wax, reaching in her satchel she pulled out a small blank book and started to make a small list of items they'd be needing "...and candles" she started tapping her charcoal pencil when her eyes caught the other side of the room.

Bookshelves that took up majority of the wall and filled with books, her eyes widen as she ran her fingers along the leather spines "Someone took a great deal in getting these books" she pulled one from its place, dust covered she swiped her hand over the cover "Darkest Darkness" she shook her head "Hmm of course Id pick this one" she smiled placing it back, looking around she saw another entryway, looking above she saw the daedric lettering for sleep.

It was a long hallway with rooms on each side, each room held a bed with no covers, sheets or pillows but was all padded, a light reddish brown stained dresser and bed table, a mirror in a ebony frame and black iron candelabra. "Sheets, pillows...." she wrote, she continued down the long hallway, reaching the end it divided in two areas both hot spring areas, but both different one had lavender growing from the rocks, with purple and blue pebbles under the crystal clear water that ran from the small waterfall, the other was the same only it had blue and green pebbles with juniper berries growing from the rocks. "Floor mats and towels... soap" she turned around leaving the area and headed the first door nearest to the living area.

She looked around, dropping most of her stuff on the bed, she examined the walls, noticing different stone she touched it, watching it move "Well this is interesting" she walked into the next room, the wall closed behind her, she casted a soft light above her and walked down the semi-cramped hallway. She came to a 3 way spilt in the way one lead to the outside of the temple the other leading to the living area and lastly one leading into a garden area "Hmm" turning around she walked back down and out through the living area, watching the wall close, heading out she saw Shadow "So my room I'm picking leads the garden that had a room of its own, taking you are claiming to it?" she winked walking towards her "Im making a list of stuff we will be needing" holding it out towards her "Anything you can think of, just add it" Scarlet looked around, grabbing Shadows hand "Theres a bathing area too" looking towards the tunnel that had "Kitchen" carved in the stone arch "Let's go check that out, if anyone else comes, pretty sure they'll go towards the noise" she held on her friends hand and the two walked down towards the kitchen.

Daxos continued on through the dark passage. He had lost sight of the women a while ago, yet the sounds of their steps and speech led him through.

At least it wasn't the sounds of insane laughter...

The light began to get brighter near the end as Daxos traveled, enough that he knew that he had found something. He just hoped it was what he was looking for.

As he stepped through, he was taken aback.

One great corridor stood around him, leading off into five different sections. Each of them had a writing above them he barely could make out. But from what he read, he could see they were rather specific sections of the tomb-like hall around him.

As he turned around to catch every detail of the room, he began to hear sounds.

Footsteps. More talking. The women were here too.

He turned to find the source of the sound, and it seemed to be coming from the hall that was labeled...

Daxos looked hard at the writing. Food?

Ah. Odds are that would be the pantry. Each hallway must serve some sort of important need.

Should he go ahead and meet these people who he was certain shared his new-found purpose? Or should he wait until more arrive?

Finally choosing the latter, he followed the furthest pass from him, the one with the symbol of the anvil.

As he stepped through the cramped hall, the space behind it opened up to reveal what he had indeed found the room he had expected.

However, he was sure it had seen better days.

The forge had long sense been cleaned out. The shelves and chests that were scattered around aimlessly were all emptied. Metals, coal, wood, leather, there was nearly nothing left for anyone to even forge a iron dagger.

It was the most pitiful excuse for an armory or forge he had ever seen.

What on Nirn...

He wandered the room, taking in the age and emptiness around him. He felt a sense of something surge through him, and he smiled softly to himself.

Purpose...

Whatever he was needed here to do, he knew for certain what he would be doing in his spare time. He had finally found the busy work he needed.

That was, as long as the others had no qualms. Then again, even if they did...

Would Daxos even care?

"So my room I'm picking leads to the garden that had a room of its own, taking you are claiming to it?" Scarlet asked as she rejoined Shadow in the main room. Shadow was leaning against the round table with the Brotherhood hand print stained onto its surface.

"Of course" she inclined her head, interested to know that her and Scarlet's room had a connecting tunnel. She felt someone approaching on silent footfalls and stood alert but calm, her hands always resting on her daggers. Scarlet waved a shopping list in front of her nose but whisked it away again before Shadow could even read what was on it. She wasn't worried though for she had no doubt Scarlet would be thorough. Shadow knew of her fondness for lists. Which was unusual for one so..chaotic. Shadow suppressed a smile at Scarlet's enthusiasm. She was then delighted to hear about the bathing rooms, but before she could investigate them, Scarlet grabbed her hand again and tugged her towards the corridor marked "Food".

"Let's go check that out, if anyone else comes, pretty sure they'll go towards the noise" They turned towards the door and Shadow discretely held up a finger.

"One?" she mouthed. Scarlet cocked her head, nostrils flaring and nodded.

"For now" she mouthed back. They walked down the corridor, lighting wall sconces and braziers along the way, and then found themselves in a large room. The centre of the room was dominated by a long table made from old stained wood. Bench chairs lined either side of it. The table was bare of anything but for a few candlesticks that still had fat black candles sitting in them. Shadow used a small flame spell to light them all and surveyed the room. At one end was a large fireplace with an iron frame on which to suspend cooking pots and kettles from. Cupboards lined one wall and an opening in another wall revealed another corridor to who knew where, as well as a large pantry. Shadow wondered where the corridor led to and hoped it was another way out of the Sanctuary. She always liked to know where the back exit was. It was a necessity with her job. There was nothing in the pantry except for a piece of meat so old it was shriveled and hard as a rock, and a bowl of something that was most likely to have once been apples. Shadow wrinkled her nose as she and Scarlet peered into the pantry.

"It's going to take some doing, and everyone will have to be discrete coming and going, but I can see this working Scarlet" Shadow displayed a rare bit of open affection by planting a small kiss on Scarlet's cheek. "The other one is walking through the sanctuary." Not really the social type, she was reluctant to make the first move and go greet him or her so she would leave it to Scarlet and follow her lead.