Chapter Text
Nazir had rarely seen Astrid this agitated, grilling Veezara about his latest contract - that apparently somebody else had taken care of.
“And are you sure the rumours are true?”
“Yes, Astrid. I checked the Riften Orphanarium myself. Somebody murdered Grelod the Kind in her sleep, much to the orphans’ unbridled joy.”
Astrid hissed in frustration, pacing with a scowl that made even Arnbjorn uneasy.
“The audacity! That contract was ours!”
Out of the corner of his eye Nazir could see Babette hiding in the shadows, listening to the display. He could be sure that Gabriella and Festus weren’t too far either.
“It was just an old lady, what does it matter if somebody else took care of her,” Arnbjorn asked from where he leaned against the nearest wall, watching his wife with hawkeye focus.
“It’s the principle. That was our contract. Our kill.”
Veezara ducked his head.
“I am sorry, sister. I failed the family.”
Nazir frowned. Veezara did nothing of the sort. Rumours spread slow, they hadn’t heard about the boy making the Black Sacrament until it was too late. It was just a matter of time before this happened, Skyrim was a vast place.
“I know, brother. I know,” Astrid said placatingly and Nazir relaxed a bit. He never liked to go against Astrid, but he wasn’t afraid to stick up to the others when she was being unreasonable - which had been becoming more frequent the longer their little family struggled.
“Think it is time I paid our wannabe assassin a visit,” Astrid announced and proceeded to hastily leave the sanctuary. Nobody attempted to stop her. There was no point.
---
Astrid had returned only a few hours prior after being on her “visit” for almost two weeks and already the sanctuary was abuzz with whispered rumours. A new initiate. A dunmer. He passed Astrid’s little test without questioning her in any way. Nazir was torn. They had little contracts as it were, another person in their midst meant even more competition. Then again, there was no guarantee this Lumenis would survive the first week or even take up Astrid on her offer - even though she had basically waxed poetic about the man, much to Arnbjorn’s growing annoyance.
“You seem lost in thought, brother. What’s on your mind?”
Veezara sat next to him, his scales shimmering in the light cast from the nearby fireplace.
“I do not know what you may be referring to.”
The lizard next to him laughed, a sound that resembled more the hissing of a snake before striking than an expression of mirth.
“The whole family is gossiping about him like old crones, I find it hard to believe that you don’t have anything to say on the matter.”
Nazir hummed noncommittally, taking a sip of the spiced wine he had been nursing the whole evening.
“I believe that Astrid’s decision to disclose our location to an outsider was - rash. He could tattle.”
Another hissy laugh.
“My dear friend, always so paranoid. The man killed an old frail lady in cold blood without a second thought. I believe we’ll soon get to welcome him in our midst, you’ll see.”
Nazir simply hummed again, wishing he could feel such optimism.
---
Another week had passed before the dunmer eventually showed up just as Babette was relaying the story of her latest kill and while the rest of their group didn’t seem to pay him no mind, Nazir didn’t let his eyes off him as soon as he spotted him. He had already put on the signature Dark Brotherhood armour on, the black and red standing in sharp contrast with his unnaturally pale skin. He was hovering around the entrance to the main area of the sanctuary and Nazir scoffed mentally. This was supposed to be the newest member of their family?
The mer’s eyes suddenly met his and they seemed almost white in the dim light of the cave and candles. Nazir held his gaze for a while longer before turning back to his family.
“What about you, Festus? How did that last contract turn out?”
Nazir let his attention slip back to the newcomer who had been slowly approaching the group. The mer was much smaller than he was used to seeing the members of his race being, the armour engulfing him, hanging on his body at places where it was too big. Two daggers were strapped to his hips securely and by the expression on his face Nazir knew that he had been listening intently to their chatter with interest that showed at least some semblance of intelligence - more than Arnbjorn in any case.
Soon enough they dispersed, and Nazir moved to his usual spot. If the newcomer wanted to talk to him, he could find him - he himself wouldn’t put in an ounce of effort into meeting someone who could be dead the next day.
And surely enough, not too long after, the mer approached him. And now that he was closer, Nazir could finally see the details of his face - skin that was even paler than some Nords he had seen, eyes a pink so light they seemed almost translucent but there was a spark of cunning and danger in them that contrasted his soft features. His hair was pulled back and braided in a traditional dunmeri fashion, only a rogue strand escaping its confines stubbornly.
Nazir was officially intrigued.
“So you’re the newest member of our dwindling, dysfunctional little Family. I’ve heard quite a lot about you.”
He was met with a wall of silence and he quirked one bemused eyebrow.
“Ahh, going for the mysterious and brooding thing, hm? That may work for your targets, but you’ll find I’m not so easily impressed.”
The mer’s eyes widened before he hastily touched his throat and then pointed to his lips, shaking his head. Nazir frowned. Astrid hadn’t mentioned that Lumenis was mute - how did he get past the Sanctuary’s door?
“I see. Well good that our job doesn’t require much talking.”
Lumenis nodded once, his eyes boring into Nazir’s with intensity he had rarely felt before. Just as Nazir assessed the mer, he was now being assessed in turn. Perhaps this newcomer would turn out to be more competent than he originally thought.
“Well, there are a few lingering contracts we haven’t had the chance to complete just yet. These aren’t particularly glamorous assassinations, I’ll be honest. Don’t pay much either.”
Lumenis cocked his head to the side, watching him intently as he described the first of the three marks, clearly cataloguing away all the important information before nodding once more and leaving silently. Nazir would wait until he returned to take true interest in him but when he saw the purpose with which the mer moved, he suddenly got the feeling that he’d be pleasantly surprised.
---
Nazir was currently sharpening his trusty scimitar, when he felt eyes on him - working as an assassin for hire proved useful in making you hyper aware of your surroundings. He didn’t even need to look up from his work to know who his unseen observer was. The rest of the Family had known him for long enough and had no need for spying. That left only one option.
“A little birdie told me that a certain beggar’s suffering had been cut short. Found floating in a river, probably drank too much and tripped, the poor soul.”
There was a soft shuffling sound and soon enough Nazir could see Lumenis’ shadow moving across the floor. Finally he looked up, meeting the mer’s gaze straight on.
“Congratulations,” he continued with a sharp smile, and dug out the money pouch from his pocket, tossing it to Lumenis who caught it without breaking eye-contact. So he had good reflexes, as expected.
“You slaughtered an emaciated beggar in cold blood. You are truly an opponent to be feared.”
Lumenis simply rolled his eyes at the false compliment, but Nazir could see the slight twitch of his lips as he pocketed the pouch and sat next to the Redguard, picking up an apple from the table.
They sat in silence for a while that was interrupted by the sounds of apple crunching and crackling of the nearby fire, Nazir having returned to his previous task of sharpening his blade. He had been itching to go out and work off some of his frustrations on an unsuspecting contract, however Astrid was adamant that all of the unimportant marks were to be given to their newest member - so he could prove his worth, she had said.
“I have another target for you if you’re ready for more.”
Lumenis inclined his head towards him, a sign for him to continue.
“She separated from her husband several months ago. Now the two run competing mining operations in Dawnstar. Beitid’s angry and desperate. A fighter.”
The mer nodded, finishing his apple before standing. Nazir expected he’d be on his way now, however he was surprised to see him invade his space, reaching for the goblet with spiced wine. His spiced wine.
Nazir supposed this should make him angry but as he watched Lumenis’ throat move as he finished the remains of his beverage, he couldn’t help but feel a thrill run through him. So, the mer had courage and wasn’t afraid to push his buttons. This should turn out to be fun.
After he finished, the elf placed the goblet back to its original place and their eyes met once again. There was mirth in the pale pink of his eyes and Nazir could see the unspoken challenge.
“I see you like to play with fire, little elf,” he said evenly, not willing to show any reaction to the taunt, simply acknowledging it. Lumenis smirked, his soft features morphing into something more wicked, dangerous and with a wink he turned on his heel and left just as quietly as he originally arrived.
---
It had been late when Lumenis returned next, and Nazir was just getting ready to turn in for the night. Instead he stepped further into the shadows, observing the mer from a distance. Lumenis stepped closer to one of the braziers, warming up his hands before stretching, a loud pop cracking through the stillness of the cave.
Nazir slowly moved towards him, mindful to stay out of his field of vision before he stood close enough that he could touch him if he wanted.
“I see you’re back from Dawnstar.”
The reaction was immediate, Lumenis whirling around, ready to strike. Luckily Nazir thought that may happen so he was able to catch the other’s arm, holding onto his wrist tightly. And he frowned. There was a giant bruise on the right side of the mer’s face, his eye swollen and bloodshot. And sure, the contract was harder than the first one, however Lumenis was no fool, he worked from the shadows if the previous kills were anything to go by.
“Easy now. You’re in the sanctuary. You’re safe.”
The elf relaxed, his arm going limp in Nazir’s hold, shoulders slumping slightly.
“Beitild lies dead, I hope?”
A nod. Nazir had assumed as much, although the payment for this particular kill still hadn’t reached them. But all of that could wait for tomorrow.
“What happened to your face? No miner I’ve known could do that much damage on a trained killer. Unless you were being careless and let her know you were there.”
At that Lumenis’ brows furrowed, eyes filled with a blaze as he tried to yank his arm free - Nazir simply tightened his hold again, his height giving him a clear advantage.
“You are part of the family now and you have no use for us dead. Now I’ll ask you again. Did Beitild do this to you?”
Lumenis stared at him furiously for a moment before reluctantly shaking his head. Nazir reached up, catching the mer’s chin who in turn attempted to bite his fingers - luckily he was used to Babette doing the same and he was faster, the mer clearly exhausted.
“Now, now, I’m trying to be nice over here. Be a good pup and let me look at it.”
The bruise was ugly. Definitely a blunt impact, possibly against a rock wall if the scrapes and bits of dried blood were anything to go by. The way it looked it seemed the mer had already taken a healing potion so it should be gone in a few days.
“You got ambushed?”
A nod. Nazir tsked. The mer had potential but if he was going to get in trouble outside the contracts, he’d better start learning how to pick opponents fast if he wanted to keep living.
“Babette can give you something stronger in the morning. You should rest. When you’re healed I’ll give you the information on your next mark.”
He let go of the mer and headed to bed without looking back. There was something more happening with the mer and he would get to the bottom of it.
---
Lumenis found him the next day, his face almost fully healed - no doubt thanks to the talented Babette and her incredible alchemy skills. The mer looked at him with determination in his eyes and Nazir had to admit that he was sturdier than he’d seem at a first glance.
“Ready for the next contract?”
Lumenis just kept on staring, waiting for Nazir to finish.
“Ennodius Papius. He lives just outside Anga’s Mill, in the woods. He was once the miller. Now Papius is just a paranoid recluse who thinks someone is out to get him. And he’s right. Think you can manage it without getting injured this time?”
The elf bristled at the jab but didn’t do anything - which was a bit disappointing if Nazir was honest with himself, however it was smart. The elf was smart enough not to give him ammo way too easily, a reaction would be just that.
“But seriously. Stay out of trouble this time. You’re becoming Astrid’s new favourite and I for one would like to see Arnbjorn bristle with jealousy more often.”
That did get the smallest smirk out of the mer, his expression more resembling the one Nazir grew to expect out of him - confident and calculating, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“And go see Babette to get some more potions,” he called after his retreating form, only a short wave informing him that the other had heard him.
---
Nazir had been watching the scene unfold in front of him, silently wondering if it was too late to change career paths.
“But the Night Mother is a mother to all! It is her voice we follow! Her will! Would you dare risk disobedience? And surely… punishment?”
Ugh, the clown truly had a grating voice - and his clothes! Abrasive from the bottom of his pointy shoes to the jingle bells dangling on his jester hat, Nazir would love nothing more than to-
A sudden movement at the entrance to the sanctuary caught his attention. It was Lumenis, silently entering, looking with interest at the commotion. The elf’s careful steps were slightly stiff and Nazir frowned even more than he already was. The Dunmer better not be injured again.
Pink eyes met his briefly and Lumenis gave him a slight wave before stopping far enough from the gathered members that he wouldn’t intrude with his arrival but close enough so he could observe comfortably.
“You and the Night Mother are of course welcome here, Cicero. And you will be afforded the respect deserving of your position as Keeper,” Astrid said empathetically. Nazir suppressed the frustrated sound that threatened to bubble out at the image of having to share quarters with the annoyingly loud jester. However he could hear the rumbling growl that emanated from Arnbjorn. At least the furball felt similar on the issue.
“But make no mistake. I am the leader of this Sanctuary. My word is law. Are we clear on that point?”
Good old Astrid, unwilling to let even a smidge of power slip through her fingers. Nazir was honestly surprised when the Keeper agreed so hastily but he was glad that this discussion was finally over.
There was a slight tap on his shoulder and he looked to his side into Lumenis’ smiling face - and when had the mer moved so close to him?
“How went your meeting with Ennodius Papius? Did you prove his paranoia legitimate?”
He wasn’t surprised when all he got was an affirmative nod.
“Good. I have no more contracts for you at the moment. Astrid believes you have proven yourself enough and is preparing something a bit more - challenging. I’d recommend resting while you can.”
And truly the elf looked like he hadn’t slept in ages. Dark circles were standing in contrast against his pale skin, making him look almost ghoulish.
Lumenis instead looked in the direction of their newest guest, the jester prancing around the sarcophagus, humming an annoying cheery tune and Nazir couldn’t hold it in anymore.
“Come on. You should eat.”
He basically dragged the elf into the dining area where he promptly pushed him towards one of the chairs. Quickly he plated some of the stew he had cooked just this morning that was simmering over the fire, placing it in front of Lumenis. And to his frustration, the elf had smiled at him, his eyes unbearingly soft - an expression that seemed so out of place on the face of an assassin that it made Nazir more uneasy than any direct threat the other could have pulled instead.
“Don’t get used to this,” he grumbled, a sigh of relief leaving him when the mer’s smile turned into a cheeky smirk as he dug into the stew with enthusiasm, stealing a piece of bread from the table. Nazir sat next to him, willing to share in the quiet companionship before the mer finished his food, if only to make sure he would turn in right afterwards.
“Oh, dear brother, it is good to see you’re back.”
And there was Gabriella making her way towards them quickly. She sat next to Lumenis who smiled at her but otherwise did not stop eating.
“I would like to thank you for that tip with the Canis root and Deathbell. It was truly inspired.”
Nazir quirked an eyebrow, but otherwise stayed silent as Gabriella chatted away about poisons, listening intently in the hopes he could learn something - despite his best efforts, he did not have the talent for poisons and ingredients some of the other members of their family had and he was always willing to listen in on the conversations of others.
Lumenis scribbled down something on a scrap of paper, giving it to Gabriella who, upon reading it, looked as if he had given her an early birth celebration present.
“Yes, I believe Babette and I can brew something truly potent with this. Thank you, brother!”
Nazir watched as the dunmer left, an unusually cheerful bounce to her step.
“I see you’re fitting right in.”
Lumenis just shrugged, going back to his bowl. Nazir would never admit it out loud but he was glad to see the other members of his family enjoy the cooking he had done - after all, if you were weak and famished you couldn’t properly kill your marks, which was their whole livelihood.
A knee knocked into his underneath the table and he looked up at Lumenis, whose expression was innocence personified - which meant that the contact was intentional. Nazir repaid the motion, which was rewarded with Lumenis’ lips curling slightly as he finished the last of the stew.
Nazir noted the way the other’s shoulders sagged, the exhaustion of the last three contracts clearly weighing him down. A few days of rest and no travel would do him good.
He managed to snatch his spiced wine back before the elf could grab it. Lumenis pouted but shrugged again, standing up from the table, taking the bowl and spoon to the nearby washing station they had set up in the corner.
“Sleep well, friend,” he said once Lumenis waved at him with a barely suppressed yawn, shuffling towards their sleeping quarters.
---
The next day, Nazir awoke to an already empty room - an occurrence not that unusual since he had usually stayed up the latest. What was unusual was the chatter that was emanating from the dining area. As he walked closer the voices had become clearer, and he could distinguish Babette and Veezara talking to what was presumably Lumenis.
“Markarth is a city of blood, brother. You should keep away from the guards - there had been reports of their corruption.”
“You are going to the Hag’s cure, correct? Bothela’s stock has always been of top quality. Would you mind getting a few ingredients for me?”
Nazir entered the room and saw the mer nodding along, taking a list of ingredients from Babette with a small pouch of coins that would more than cover the whole cost.
“Leaving us so soon?” Nazir asked, three sets of eyes turning to look at him.
“Oh yes. Astrid has sent our dear brother on a contract. A lover scorned is calling for her ex-lover’s head.”
Nazir scowled. He knew that Astrid would want their newest recruit to take on a more difficult contract, however anybody with eyes could see that the mer was still fighting off exhaustion. Another trip to Markarth so soon after he had done three contracts back to back?
“Babette, could you spare some more potions?”
“Of course, I was already on my way to get him a sample of the latest batch. Come, brother.”
Veezara and Nazir watched as Lumenis dutifully followed Babette before the argonian’s face split into a toothy grin. Nazir didn’t like it one bit.
“What?”
“You’re going soft, dear brother.”
Nazir scoffed, his scowl reaching new heights. He was not going soft . He just didn’t like seeing Astrid pushing them to the bone. Any of them.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You’ve never warmed up to someone so quick. You like him,” Veezara continued with a teasing smirk, pointy teeth glinting in the firelight.
“Careful, lizard. You keep wagging that tongue of yours, one day you might wake up without it.”
It was an empty threat. And judging by the hissing laughter that followed the argonian out of the room, Veezara knew it too.