Bound By Madness

30. Bitter Harvest

"Umm, could I ask a few questions? If you don't mind, I mean," the young man asked as he walked up next to me, glancing at me before turning to Cicero.

"Well, Cicero guesses he could spare a moment for his new Brother. But only a moment! Cicero and Faith have much to do, getting Mother settled in and ourselves as well! And then kind Faith must speak with the... leader," Cicero almost managed to hide his frown as he glanced at me after having turned to face Destin.

He really didn't like Astrid, did he? Not that I could blame him. She seemed rather... controlling. And almost desperate to prove she was still the leader, not even realizing that the only reason she had ever had a Sanctuary to lead was because of Mother. Without Mother, the Brotherhood never would have lasted long enough for someone like Astrid to ever join, let alone become the leader of this little Family.

If she really cared about her Family, she would show Mother and Cicero both the respect they deserve and do what she could to help Mother regain her voice. Even if it was simply by allowing the Jester Assassin to do his duty freely, without having to worry about his siblings being disrespectful and breaking Tenets in his presence. It was bad enough that he knew they committed such blasphemous deeds, they could at least not shove it in his face!

"Faith? Has Cicero lost Faith to her thoughts again? Or is she ready to return to him and help get Mother up the stairs to her new home?" I felt fingers brush my cheek as the man leaned close to whisper the words into my ear.

Almost jumping away, my face burning hot from the blush that spread across my cheeks, I looked in shock at the smiling Jester Assassin. Taking a few deep breaths, I did my best to answer him without letting him know how much that smile was beginning to affect me, although still not as much as his eyes did.

I- I'll help. Mother deserves to rest after such a long journey... Let's get her comfortable.

I turned and realized the young man, Destin, had already left. He must have already asked his questions while I'd been lost in thought. Looking around, I noticed me and Cicero were alone for the most part, even Ellery vanishing up the stairs leading to the rooms I had started exploring not too long ago. Only Amicus had stayed close, as he always did, placing a hand on my shoulder before whispering into my ear.

"You might want to find out where Mother will be staying. Perhaps the room with the lovely window? It looks suitable for someone as important as she is," he spoke quietly, leaving me blushing yet again at having not thought to ask such a simple question as I turned around to face the still smiling Cicero.

Um... Is Mother going to stay in that room?

I pointed up at the stained glass window that seemed to shimmer red in the low light that filled the main room we stood in.

"Only the best for Mother!"

--------

There's no door. Why isn't there a door?

I had finished helping Cicero with what I was allowed to do, but he'd stayed behind so that he could care for her more properly, in the manner only a Keeper was allowed. I figured this must be something he'd done during the time we'd spent with the Companions and maybe a few times since then, like when he sent me off to gather wood or forage for as much food I could find. Of course, with how easily I lost track of time, I couldn't say if it happened once a week, twice a week, or just every other week.

Looking again at the entry to the Jester Assassin's room, still completely lacking a door, I turned around and looked up into Ellery's face.

They don't even have a door here for privacy. I know Cicero won't complain to them about it, either. No, he's the kind to mutter about it in private and wait for them to do the right thing on their own. But I don't think they will, not this group.

Sighing, Ellery shrugged and walked past me into the room.

"It's not that bad. At least it has a bed for one of you. Someone will need to find a bed of their own to bring in here, though," he spoke, peering around before pointing up at the ceiling. "Might want to get those holes fixed, too. Probably gets cold in here at night."

This isn't right... Someone has to know how to fix this!

"You might be asking for too much from people you only just met, Family or not," Amicus whispered quietly, patting my head for a moment.

I don't care! If I have to trade for help, then I will offer whatever I can in exchange. Cicero deserves better!

"You deserve better, too. Don't forget that you matter as well, and to more than just Ellery and I. You matter to Cicero. Don't let yourself get hurt trying to do this for him," Amicus spoke the words so softly, it almost seemed like he wasn't sure he should say them.

But say them, he did, and it sent my world spinning. It was almost like I hadn't even realized it myself, that Cicero cared about me. Of course, I must have realized this somewhere along the way, but hearing it spoken out loud seemed to make it more... real.

"You realize you are filthy from travel and would likely be refused assistance just based on how bad you smell?" Ellery spoke loudly, a smirk on his face before he burst into laughter.

Looking down at myself, I took in the dirt that covered both me and my clothing. Oh Aedra, Ellery was right. I was filthy! Sadly, there was no sign of a washtub anywhere in the room Not that I would use it without a door to provide privacy, but still!

Several minutes of searching the Sanctuary left me with the idea that either the washroom was behind one of the few locked doors I'd found... or the only water for bathing was the pool of water in the main room where we had met the Family. As soon as I made that realization, I could hear Ellery's laughter echoing off the walls as the waterfall poured down into the pool, my eyes wide as I stared from the bottom of the stairs.

Well, they are bound to see at some point. Their opinions don't matter to me. But if Cicero sees... If Cicero sees... would he stop wanting to be my friend?