An illustrated Skyrim story beyond the fall of the Dark Brotherhood~
After a surreal event, Cicero is inexplicably thrown back into a clear state of mind and his memories from his life prior to his madness return. We begin to learn who he really is...
Leaving Sage to deal with the situation outside, Cicero made his way into the Sanctuary. Ruby followed, holding tightly to his arm. She could feel his aura swell with pride and optimism. This new positive vibe excited her. His new messy haircut, however... not so much.
As they reached landing above the main hall, Ruby suddenly released from his arm. Cicero began down the steps before he realized something was wrong and turned to look back up at her.
"What's wrong?" he asked seeing the nervous look on her face. She was staring down at the dining table below. Cicero glanced back to look as well. Someone was sitting there. A petite man with long dark hair. Cicero lifted his hand signaling to Ruby to wait. He then cautiously continued down the steps.
The unknown person, dressed in what appeared to be ancient Brotherhood light armor, was seated at the table with his back to the room. As Cicero approached, he was startled by a flash of red in the corner of his eye and before he could even react, a large crimson-colored hawk swooped down and perched upon the man's shoulder. The stranger didn't seem alarmed, suggesting that the bird was his pet. It shifted and locked its bright yellow eyes on Cicero as if sending a warning.
A chill ran up his spine. Cicero was not a fan of birds, even less so the kind with sharp talons ready to claw your eyes out. Animals were unpredictable, especially when trained by violence-prone humans... and this hawk was undoubtedly protective of its owner.
With his new promotion to Knower, Cicero had the responsibility to be more aware of the other members of the Sanctuary and make sure they knew who he was as well. He cleared his throat and straightened his posture hoping to appear larger than he actually was. "Um, initiate?" he asked quietly, never losing eye contact with the foul.
The man still didn't reply or even move. Awkwardly, Cicero glanced back toward the landing at the top of the stairs. Ruby was gone. He was beginning to understand what had her so bothered. Something didn't feel right about this unresponsive rookie.
"So... Nazir recruited you?" Cicero asked calmly, keeping his distance as he paced by the table toward the cooking station. Again he was met with silence. Sage's typical meat stew was simmering on the fire. He lifted the lid and inhaled the pleasant aroma; the spices helping to clear his sinus.
Cicero helped himself to a serving while watching the man in the corner of his eye. That damn bird was still staring at him. He hesitated as he reconsidered sitting at the table. Maybe he could just come back later and introduce himself after he got something in his stomach... give the man time to settle in as well...
Cicero timidly walked back across the room keeping his eyes on the bird. As he passed behind the man, the hawk suddenly screeched, snapping its sharp beak and flapping its wings wildly. Cicero shrieked in panic as he stumbled away, dropping his bowl of stew in the process.
"Red..." the small man finally spoke in a scratchy, tired tone.
Cicero panted in frustration, staring down at the hot stew splattered across the floor. He glanced back up at the bird with intense eyes. It almost looked as if it was amused. He squinted and made a threatening gesture toward the unruly fowl.
"I don't think she likes you," the man mumbled, turning his head stiffly to look back at him.
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