An Array of Ingredients

Chapter 1: The Inquiry

The sanctuary felt awfully empty without her. Zenith's usual ambitious self had vanished to Sithis knows where. The snide comments that came with the package followed her spirit. Her energy filled the sanctuary with such life that the members of the sanctuary missed quite deeply (excluding the cat). Even Schemer looked out of sorts. A particular member, as a matter of fact the Speaker, had become agitated at the absence.

The girl had been absent for more than six weeks. Lucien understood if a she would have taken a week off, but not six weeks! The damned girl could be dead somewhere in a ditch, for all he knew. The Speaker paced nervously around Fort Farragut. What would was he going to do? He couldn't just leave a family member behind; and waiting until his paranoia got the best of him would not end in high spirits. No he wasn't paranoid; just concerned. Deeply concerned.

Lucien ran a hand through his hair. He would retrieve her. He would put an end to his nonsense and have her back at the sanctuary, where she belonged. The Speaker leaned over his fireplace, hazel orbs staring deeply into the burning embers. Convincing her to return would not be easy. She was as stubborn as a mule.

He didn't even know where she was hiding. She could be anywhere in Cyrodil, for all he knew. Frustration began to boil inside of him. He was in no mood to scour through the entire province.

Another Speaker may have brushed her off their shoulder, but Lucien's sanctuary was his purpose for continuing on. They were apart of him. Losing a member would be like losing a part of himself. Their utter devotion to the Dread Lord and his bride, the Night Mother, made him proud to oversee them. Of course his allegiance always would lie with the Dread Lord, but they were the closest match to Sithis himself. They were a union of like minded individuals, as he had said Zenith so many months ago. They were family.

Lucien exited Fort Farragut through the hidden trap door and hunkered down the steep hill. Heavy rainclouds swept over the skies, drenching the Speaker the minute he stepped away from the exit. Shadowmere's shadowy figure leaned over a bush of nightshade, chewing the deadly plant like candy. Even in a vulnerable position like this, she looked fierce and powerful. Shadowmere snapped her head abruptly away from her delicacy and trotted over to the Speaker. She nudged her head into Lucien's neck, nipping his ear as a sign of affection. He ran a gloved hand through her mane as she whinnied loudly. By Sithis, what did he do to deserve her?

Lucien mounted Shadowmere quickly and tapped her flank, motioning toward the sanctuary far in the distance.

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Lucien dropped from the Cheydinhal Sanctuary well entrance dripping wet. The main hall stood, barren. It was a little over midnight, and Lucien didn't expect members to be up.

He descended the basement stairs and treaded down the stone corridor silently, but hastily, until he stopped at Ocheeva's door. The door was wide open and the Argonian sat at her quaint round table, reading an old book. She looked up abruptly from her place and almost did a double take.

"Speaker! To what honor to we owe you this visit?" Ocheeva exclaimed. She looked him up and down, raising a scaled brow. Lucien waved a gloved hand at her, attempting to ease her. "The pleasure is mine, Ocheeva. Though I have come for...information." Ocheeva nodded.

"I need to know the residence of our alchemist, Zenith Aviig." Ocheeva's eyes darkened, understanding the meaning for his inquiry. "Some time ago, I overheard her speaking to Antoinetta of her shack in the Waterfront. Though, I am sure she rarely visits. I'm afraid that's all I know, Speaker"

The Waterfront? What was she doing there? Surely she was paid generously enough to be able to move to a less disease-filled place. The old rathole was full of beggars, thieves, and liars, certainly not a suitable lifestyle. The Dark Brotherhood had made a pact with the Thieves Guild, protecting members from both parties from harm, but still.

"Thank you Ocheeva. Your information will prove to be most excellent." He gave a quick nod and moved to exit, but the argonian's voice stopped him."Speaker, please bring her home. The sanctuary isn't the same. " It was merely a murmur, but the Imperial could hear her just as loud.

"I make no promises. Walk always"

"Walk always"