Bound By Madness

51. Uncertain Truths

I ignored the Pretender's questions other than to hand her the note detailing the deaths of the two targets, as well as the additional death of the vampire's mate after she'd walked into the house at the wrong moment. It wasn't as if the female Nord would understand my answers anyhow since she'd made it clear enough times that she didn't read lips and had no desire to learn.

No, I would be shocked if anyone bothered to learn beyond those select few who had already learned the skill before I'd even met them. I'd discovered my feelings to be confusingly mixed about that, as well. On one hand, I liked having just a small circle who could read my lips, allowing me a feeling of privacy when I spoke to them or my companions. It was only a small part of me that yearned to have a Family that cared enough for more of them to learn how to communicate with me without needing to pull out parchment and ink or charcoal.

Well, if they ever bothered to put two and two together and realize that reading books meant that writing was a valid form of communication. It was amusing at times to wonder at how long it would take them to figure that one out. Of course, it would probably help if I used notes with them myself, but where would the fun be in that? Besides, dragging someone along to translate for me was an opportunity for us to bond, even if it wasn't the most enjoyable way to do so.

That and it was fun to annoy the others when Babette's version of translating would take several sentences and compress them into one, leaving them wondering what I had really said. Sometimes I would even catch Nazir muttering about it hours later.

"Fine, but don't get too comfortable. Once the initiate comes back, be ready to leave again. For now, try not to make trouble. The Keeper does that enough when you're gone," she said before turning away to sit at the desk, pulling out a book and beginning to read.

Well, maybe if you didn't make me leave so often, he wouldn't make so much trouble for you.

Lifting my pack back over my shoulder, I stumbled slightly before catching myself and heading down the stairs, using the wall for support. Of course, it would be easier if my pack didn't weigh so much, but I couldn't come Home without gifts for my Family! I'd even found a trinket I thought the Growly Nord might like and I wasn't about to leave that behind!

"It's about time you got back. The foo- the Keeper has been even more annoying than usual for the past few days. You're the only one he'll listen to other than the Listener, so do something if you would. Before he drives me insane," the Kitchen Master spoke from where he'd been chatting with the Scaled One.

Shifting my pack again, I began walking slowly across the chamber, making my way toward the stairs that would take me to my Cicero. Before I even got halfway there, a wild cackle echoed through the room and my Jester Assassin flew down the stairs.

"Home again, home again! Sweet Faith has returned to her Cicero!" He shouted the words before stopping just in time to wrap his arms around me and lift me up to spin me around.

The moment he felt me flinch, he froze and slowly sat me back on my feet, stepping back from me as he reached out and removed the pack from my shoulder. Staring into my eyes, he placed the pack down and moved his hands to each side of my face, not letting me look away no matter how much I wanted to. By the time he started talking, I couldn't have looked away anyhow, already sinking into his gaze.

"Why is dear Faith hurt? What happened to the potions the Unchild gave her in case Faith was injured? Cicero made sure she took extra when he found out she was going on two contracts with the Listener. What happened that Faith comes back still wounded?" It was only now that his hands lowered to start tugging me along with him, heading toward the stairs as he began calling for the Not Child.

I'm sorry, my Cicero. I didn't mean to get hurt so much. We ran into a little trouble with the vampire contract. The Listener did his best to bandage up what the potions didn't heal, but there were not enough for both of us to fully recover and it was more important for the Listener to be in full health since he still had a contract to complete.

"The vampire contract? Was Faith bitten? Did she use a cure disease potion? Does she still need one? What of the Listener? Is he okay? No, no, of course he is or Faith would have brought him home. But what of dear Faith? Will she be okay? Unchild!" He shouted once more for our Sister as he shifted his attention between me and the stairs as we reached the top, the Not Child standing a few paces away with her hands filled by different colored bottles.

"You can stop shouting. I have everything that she should need. Including a cure disease. Luckily I had a couple on hand just in case the need arose. I take it you gave the one I sent with you to the Listener?" She sighed at my nod, handing over one of the bottles. "I figured as much, not that I don't understand your reasoning. Let's go take a look at your injuries so I can make sure there are no surprises waiting for us."

Following her slowly to her room, I turned my head toward Cicero as soon as I finished downing the potion. I was thankful for it, knowing I never would have been able to afford one with the small amount of coin I'd had on me.

I'm so sorry, Cicero. I tried to be careful like you asked but... the female caught us by surprise. We'd thought she had left. We... I was wrong.

"Shh. Pretty Faith should just worry about getting better. She can worry about being more careful next time. For now, just let the Unchild do what she can and Cicero will take care of sweet Faith afterward," I could hear the hint of anxiety in his voice, even if he tried to hide it, the slight rhythm to his words letting me know how he really felt.

Of course, my dearest Cicero. I will drink her potions and then do whatever you think will help. For you, I'd even eat stew with extra carrots in it. And I'll eat all the carrots, every one of them. I promise I will.

Reaching out, I paused my steps just long enough to pull him in for a quick kiss, my lips barely brushing against his before I pulled away and smiled at him. I would do anything I could to put a true smile back on my love's face.

"Then while the Unchild tends to sweet Faith, Cicero will go see to making his best stew for darling Faith to eat before she rests for the night. With extra, extra carrots for her to enjoy!" As soon as I sat on the stone bed in the Not Child's room, he pressed his forehead against mine with a soft smile, pulling back moments later to press his lips against the spot.

With a soft laugh, he turned and danced his way out of the room, leaving our Sister to look at me quietly for a moment before shaking her head.

"He seems to function better when you are around, but I think seeing you hurt like this does him no good. I'll pack you a few extra potions next time. Hopefully, it will be a while before you need to leave again so he can regain some of his... stability," Babette said quietly, handing me one potion after another as she watched me drink each one in turn.

Your leader wishes me to prepare to leave again as soon as the Listener returns from his last contract. I can only hope that it will not be a lengthy contract again and I can return quickly to see to my Cicero.

"I noticed that you are both being affectionate with each other now. Is this by mutual choice?" She spoke softly, pausing as she held the last bottle in her hands, eyes narrowed as she waited for me to answer.

I took a chance and let him know of my feelings for him. I was lucky enough that he said yes and will let me see where these feelings might take us. But the true blessing is that he might feel the same way.

"You are unsure of his feelings for you?" She seemed surprised at my words.

If he cares for me as I do for him or if he is simply willing to let me give him my love until our paths no longer run side by side, it is not under my control. I shall take what he will allow me to have and that shall be enough for me.

Taking the last potion, I downed it and handed the empty bottle back to her before turning to leave the room. I stopped in the doorway just long enough to send her a quick smile.

If I am lucky, my love will care for me enough to let me stay with him until Sithis takes our souls to the Void. If not, then I shall just have to treasure my time with him that much more during the days that I am still allowed to call him mine. Perhaps, if Mother is kind enough, she will let me find him there in the Void, so that I may stand beside him again. Even if it ends up only as a friend.