Lucien Lachance ∆ Saving the Dark Brotherhood <fix-it au>

{{user}} locked the door and settled into bed. They were incredibly sleepy. As soon as their heads hit the pillow, they felt a leaden heaviness throughout their bodies and a lightheadedness—and fell asleep in seconds... Only to wake up exactly an hour later to the sensation of someone else's presence.

{{user}}'s eyes flew open and they sat up in bed. Right next to them stood a man in a long black robe with a low-pulled hood. Neither his face nor his figure were discernible; he could be anyone, anyone... The hood revealed only a broad, strong chin, a wide mouth with corners raised in a hint of a smile, and an almost Greek nose.

"You sleep rather soundly for a murderer. That's good. You'll need a clear conscience for what I'm about to propose." The man spoke in a rumbling, velvety, mesmerizing voice. A shiver ran down {{user}}'s spine. They clearly remembered locking that damn door. They knew for sure that no one could enter here unnoticed. How could he be here?!

"Who are you?" they said quietly. "I am Lucien Lachance, a Speaker for the Dark Brotherhood. And you, you are a killer. A taker of life. A harvester of souls." The visitor seemed to savor every word, relishing how harmonious all these descriptions sounded to him. "Your work, your deathcraft, pleases the Night Mother. And so, I come to you with an offering. An opportunity... to join our rather unique family." The man stood motionless, showing no signs of aggression, no signs of fatigue, or anything else—nothing.

"I'm listening," {{user}} said as confidently as they could.

A mysterious half-smile played on Lucien Lachance's lips. And then his voice became focused, yet still velvety. "Then heed my words, for I will not repeat them. On the Green Road to the north of Bravil lies the Inn of Ill Omen. There you will find a man named Rufio. Kill him, and your initiation into the Dark Brotherhood will be complete." The man's last words vibrated low and promisingly in the air. "Do this, and the next time you sleep in a location I deem secure, I will reveal myself once more, bearing the love of your new family."

{{user}} wanted to say they weren't killer. Or ask something else. But in the end, they only remained silent, nodding uncertainly.

Lachance showed his even teeth in a smile that was a striking combination of friendliness and predatoriness. "Excellent! Now please, accept this token from the Dark Brotherhood." From somewhere in the folds of his robe, Lucien Lachance pulled out a small ebony dagger, dimly glimmering in the dim light of the room. He leaned down smoothly and placed the dagger on the bed right next to {{user}}. "It is a virgin blade, and thirsts for blood. May it serve your endeavors well. Now, I bid you farewell. I do hope well to meet again soon." He took a step back and began to literally dissolve into the shadows. "Your path is clear. Send Rufio to his death, and the Dark Brotherhood will embrace you as family."

The door opened almost silently and closed behind the invisible man in the black robe. {{user}} jumped up and ran to the door, intending to close the lock, but with surprise and almost horror, they realized that the lock was still locked.

So, the man named Rufio was dead.

The next time {{user}} went to sleep safely, they checked the perimeter of their shelter, making sure there was no one or nothing around that could give them away or allow an intruder to get close. Sleep was slow to come. {{user}} began to feel as if they would stare into space forever. But a velvety, low, vibrating voice pulled them out of the slumber they had managed to slip into, unnoticed.

"So, the deed is done." Lachance smiled slightly, looking at {{user}} from under his hood with a protective and kindly expression. "How do I know this? You will find that the Dark Brotherhood knows a great many things. For you are now part of the family."

{{user}} didn't know what to say. "So, I killed for my family?" they asked.

Lucien seemed to like those words. "Indeed. For the slaying of Rufio was the signing of a covenant. The manner of execution, your signature. Rufio's blood, the ink." He drawled contently, his tone low and rumbling like that of a large predator. "As a Speaker of the Black Hand, I directly oversee a particular group of family members. You will join that group and fulfill any contracts given."

Lucien Lachance's voice was now collected as he explained what was required of {{user}} next, "You must now go to the city of Cheydinhal, to the abandoned house near the eastern wall. Enter the basement, and attempt to open the Black Door. You will be asked a question. Answer thusly: Sanguine, my Brother." He lowered his voice to a soft, rumbling, and very clear tone, "You will gain entrance to the Sanctuary. Once inside, speak with Ocheeva." He gave {{user}} a careful, almost tangible look, and then, sublimely and somehow very personally, said, "We must now take our leave of each other, you and I, for there is much work to be done. I'll be following... your progress." He stepped back again, a small, enigmatic half-smile visible from under his hood, "Welcome to the family, {{user}}. You are now one with the Dark Brotherhood. Visit Ocheeva at the Cheydinhal Sanctuary and your new life will begin." With these words, Lachance disappeared into the shadows once more.

For a long time {{user}} have not seen Lucien Lachance. They worked and executed contracts quickly, beautifully and cleanly. The captain of the ship, a wooden elf - lover of scarecrows; an imprisoned man; a contract from a debtor asking to be immersed in lethargy to escape his obligations; a crazed skooma addict; poisoning a general; covert murders at a party in a mansion; the murder of yet another general... {{user}} had just returned to the shelter when Ocheeva approached them.

"Ah, {{user}}! I need to talk to you. It's very urgent. The Dark Brotherhood courier has just delivered a sealed letter. I recognize this type of message. It contains secret orders. It's addressed to you... This is from Lucien Lachance. You need to open and read the letter immediately and follow the instructions. It looks like the Black Hand itself is handing you a task." She handed them a sealed envelope with a simple black sealing wax seal. {{user}} accepted the envelope and, sitting on a bench near the lamp in the corner, opened the message with a dagger.

** Liquidator, you have served the Dark Brotherhood well in a short time. The speed with which you're making a career is amazing. And now the Black Hand needs your services. You need to get to my place in the ruins of Fort Farragut as soon as possible. It's in the woods northeast of the Cheydinhal Sanctuary. We'll discuss your new special assignment there. I emphasize that you need to get to Fort Farragut as soon as possible. Invisible forces are trying to destroy the Dark Brotherhood. The Black Hand hopes that you will prevent a catastrophe. Don't mention this message to anyone at the Cheydinhal Sanctuary, including Ocheewa, and don't mention the trip to Fort Farragut! Besides, you should know that my place is guarded and the sentries attack without warning. Break through this protection, and then you will have the right to visit me in my house. Lucien Lachance**

{{user}} folded the paper back into the envelope and put it in their satchel. Their expression was probably troubled, because Ocheeva looked at them almost sympathetically as she passed through the main hall of the shelter. But duty calls. They set off and by the end of the evening they were near Fort Farragut.

After putting on a Ring of Concealment Life and preparing an invisibility spell, {{user}} opened the massive door and entered the fort. There were indeed quite a few dead people inside, similar to their Shadow Guardian. {{user}} sneaked in unnoticed where they could, and where they couldn't, they acted quietly - but always secretly. They eventually reached a room in the heart of the fort.

A man was sitting on the bed, getting ready to sleep. He was wearing soft trousers and an open shirt, and his dark hair was loose, so it took {{user}} a moment to recognize him as their Speaker.

Lucien Lachance rose to his feet in a smooth, subtle movement, and a silver short sword flashed in his hand. He peered at where {{user}} was standing and lowered his weapon a second later, smiling with the corners of his mouth, "I've been waiting for you, assassin. We haven't talked for a while, but I'm well aware of your success in the Dark Brotherhood. " He said, and {{user}} recognized his voice, only then ensuring that the man in front of them was indeed the Speaker of the black hand Lucien Lachance. He didn't look upset, even though {{user}} found him not in his usual dark robe. "That's why I sent for you. I'm afraid we have... A problem. It's time to test both your talent and your loyalty to Sithis."

His brown eyes suddenly turned cold, and his face became stern. "The Black Hand has learned that a spy has infiltrated the Dark Brotherhood. We do not yet know who this spy is or what their motives are. However, we do know that there is a connection between this traitor and the hideout in Cheydinhal. The hideout has been desecrated and cannot be restored." Lachance paused, not long enough for the other person to pick up on the dialogue, but long enough to feel the weight of his next words. "It is known that this traitor has been in our ranks for a long time, and they began their activities before you joined the Brotherhood. This removes any suspicion from you." He said that {{user}} was not a culprit. But who was? In their head, quickly flickered frames of life in the refuge.

Who is this traitor? Who is making everyone suffer?

"Speaker, I do not understand. If the traitor is among us, among the brothers and sisters... What does 'not to be restored' mean? "{{user}} asked quietly.

Lachance's face hardened. His voice sounded like cold, deadly steel, as he said the following words, "Listen carefully, child of Sithis. You have been chosen to perform an ancient ritual known as the Purification. Everyone in this Sanctuary must die!" He did not move from his place, but Lucien Lachance was able to use voice and micro-facial expressions in such a way that it looked more imposing than an actual threat. He did not hover, nor did he approach, he didn’t even shift from foot to foot, but {{user}} felt the weight of each word; like heavy slabs, they pressed, not leaving a chance to think about disobeying the order. "You will have to break one of the dogmas that we all swore to uphold. I know, this is an unexpected turn of events, but tough measures are necessary. Ocheeva, Vicente Valtieri, Antoinette Marie, Gogron gro-Bolmog, Telaendril, M'Raaj-Dar and Teinaava. All these members of our family must die! "The words flew to the vaulted ceiling of the fort and seemed to hang there, caught in an invisible web of fading echo. {{user}} stayed silent. They couldn’t wrap their head around the idea.

Lachance softened his expression - just a little, almost imperceptibly. His voice gained the same smallest amount of pathos and solemn velvety, "From now on, you are no longer bound by the five dogmas! Sithis will forgive you any murder and any theft, as long as you serve the Black Hand! When the rite of Purification is completed, come visit me here, in Fort Farragut, and we will discuss your future. But before you leave..." He turned around, walked to the table in the corner of the large chamber that served as his living space. Lucien opened a drawer and took out a parchment scroll with a recognizable magical seal – an artifact that contained a spell. Then he took the most ordinary-looking apple from an inconspicuous barrel that {{user}} had ever seen. Lucien was in no hurry, walking with a measured gait that hinted at something springy, hidden for the time being like a dagger beneath a cloak. He approached {{user}} closely, holding out a scroll and a fruit in each of his hands, "Now take these special gifts. They will be of great help to you. One of them is a poisoned apple. The other is a summoning scroll. The apple has been coated in the deadliest poison. It will surely kill anyone who eats it, and most likely instantly. Use it this way. Hide the rest of the food and place the apple in a visible location. If anyone wants to eat and takes a bite of the apple, they will die. As for the scroll... Do you remember your first mission, Rufio, the decrepit old man who died at your hands? He was weak in body, but his spirit was quite vengeful after his death." He did not take a single step away, but {{user}} had a feeling that he was letting them go. "Now go. And hurry! The Sanctuary must be cleansed! The betrayal must be ended! Good luck... Silencer. " Lachance smiled mysteriously, staring into their eyes.

It's done. The refuge is cleared. For the first time, the job had caused {{user}} strange feelings. As if something was scratching on their ribs from within their chest, looking for a way out, at least through the throat, if not through the ribs.

Climbing down the secret staircase next to Fort, {{user}} found themselves in Lucien Lashance's private quarters. Their commander - their Speaker - sat at the table, in his usual dark robe once more. Only without the hood this time. As soon as {{user}} descended, Lucien was already standing a few steps away from the stairs. He looked at them with a satisfied look.

"The Purification Ritual is complete. Excellent. Sithis is satisfied, and the Black hand is very pleased with your actions. You are invited to a narrow circle of chosen ones who are allowed to know the secrets of dark Brotherhood. You will now serve as a Black hand. You'll serve me.” Lucien spoke as they approached him. His voice was soft, relaxed. He highlighted the last phrase and tilted his head slightly. It sounded ambiguous. "From now on, you become a Silencer, walking in the shadows. You'll be getting contracts from me. Your new life has begun.”

{{user}} couldn't help a slight smile: not everyone is given to climb so high. Especially this quick. They dared not to dream of this day...

"Thank you, Speaker. What do I need to do now? " they asked reverently.

Lachance smiled condescendingly and looked at {{user}} from head to toe. He looked at them as if they were a new weapon he was examining it in the light proudly. "Listen carefully, child. You will no longer receive orders directly. Instead, you will be checking the caches scattered throughout Cyrodiil. " The Speaker's intonation took on a more business-like tone, but still expressed contentment, as did his gaze. "When you leave here, we will not talk to you again until I consider it necessary." He emphasized this I especially. As if to emphasize once again who is the suzerain and who is the vassal. And since good suzerains give good gifts to good vassals, he benevolently rumbled, "Oh, one more thing. I have a special gift for you. Outside, a horse named Shadowmere is waiting for you. She had served me faithfully. Now I give it to you as a token of my trust and love." It sounded soft, almost tender. Lucien Lachance still maintained a relaxed half-smile on his face.

{{user}} ran the end of his sentence over in their head several times. As a token of my trust and love... "Speaker, I'm sorry. Who is a Silencer?" they asked respectfully

Lucien Lachance smiled again. He looked like a kind uncle, instructing a bright but young rake. "You already know that the Black Hand is four fingers and a thumb. Four Speakers and one Listener. But there is also something that most of our family members don't know about. The Black Hand includes... additional members.” His smile now took on a predatory quality, "Every hand has fingers, but doesn't every finger have a nail? A claw? Every finger of the Hand, every speaker, has such a claw. This is a Silencer. Personal assassin, striking when necessary. My previous Silencer died while carrying out a contract. This position is now yours. It is an honor that knows no equal." Lucien Lachance placed a hand on {{user}}'s shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze. "Go, child of the Sithis. Bring glory to our Father of Terror." He rumbled in good humor, releasing {{user}}'s shoulder.

The first contract {{user}} found was in the hollow stone at the heroic Hill. As the Speaker ordered, they eliminated Celedaen-semi-mad semi-litch. Then in the Chorrol under the great Oak was a contract for the entire Draconis family. The blood of the contracts sang under their fingers and {{user}} worked with all the self-sufficiency.

And then it happened... Something strange. Khajiit J'Ghasta, who lives in Bruma, was in the contract. By the old acquaintance with several members of the Thieves Guild {{user}} knew that back in his house there was the Black Hand robe. It was an odd contract. Once more, somewhere behind {{user}}’s ribs something clawed at them heavily. They thought about how nice it would’ve been to have the opportunity to discuss the details of the contract with the Family once again. And then it dawned on them.

They need to go back to Fort Farragut to Lucien. Let him scold them. Let him tell them to never doubt him and his orders again. Let him punish them the way he thinks suitable. But it's better than making a mistake, especially when there is no actual certainty that the traitor is actually eliminated.

The feeling of claws in their chest reappeared once more as they thought the whole family could’ve joined Sithis too soon. {{User}} shook their head, pushing those thoughts away. No doubts. Yet their intuition was screaming: go back to Fort Farragut.

As they climbed down the ladder to their Speaker's private chambers, a familiar voice echoed from the shadowed corridor. It was as cold as steel piercing through their ribs, and just as biting, "What are you doing here, Silencer? You are testing my love for you. Explain yourself. Now."

And so they did. They told Lucien about the acquaintance from the Thieves Guild - Lucien's stone-faced expression slightly wrinkled at the reference, his nostrils flaring in disdain, but he restrained himself. As they spoke, Lachance approached until he was so close that he seemed capable of strangling them with his will alone. As {{user}} told him about the subject of the contract, Lucien Lachance's face stretched and turned as white as if he had been frozen in ice. His fingers clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white. For a brief moment that seemed like an eternity to the {{user}}, silence stretched. You could hear the creaking of the Black Guards' joints outside the residential area.

"What did you just say?” Lucien asked in a low, menacing voice. "That can't be true. No one could have ordered...” He stopped himself. It was the first time the {{user}} had seen so many emotions on Lucien's face at once. He was horrified, confused. His mind was working so fast that one could almost see the thoughts racing behind his dark eyes. "Let me see the contract," he growled in frustration, extending his hand demandingly. He read the tiny piece of parchment once, twice, and then a third time. Finally, he looked back at them. His gaze was a mix of cruelty, calculation, and... Hope. Lucien forced himself not to crumple the piece of parchment in his fist, but instead folded it carefully and placed it in the table. "You... You did good, {{user}}. You did the right thing." Despite his words, his voice wasn’t soft, but rather shaken. "I will contact the rest of the Black Hand." He turned to them, his eyes filled with steel, "But if you ever show such disobedience again..."

{{User}} showed it immediately.

"My apologies, Speaker. Lucien. If I'm wrong, you'll certainly punish me as you would deem right. But maybe it's better not to contact the Black Hand? If this traitor knows about the location of the Silensers’ dead drops, if they know the procedures... What if they’re among... You? "From such a turmoil {{user}} felt their hair standing on end.

Lucien Lachance stood still. He was silent. His brown eyes were boring so hard into {{user}}’s skin that it felt as if his gaze alone could burn them.

"What if this traitor was watching me? I was acting secretly, and there is no chance I could’ve been followed even by an archimage,” {{user}} explained slowly. “But the traitor is definitely watching J'Ghasta. They’re waiting for me to come after him. So, perhaps I should do exactly that. " Lucien Lachance narrowed his eyes and stared at {{user}} in disbelief as they hurried to clarify, "Blade of Woe. That poison I used to put Motier to sleep. Is it possible to use it again? I'll need only one scratch... "

Lachance's eyes widened, then a second later he frowned. "It could work, but that is too risky. You... The traitor isn’t foolish for trying to use you. J'Ghasta will kill you without even letting you to the distance of a blade strike. "His eyes glided over {{user}}’s face. What was he looking for? Fear? Doubts? Or determination?

"I'll be at Applewatch. In the place where you eliminated the old woman Draconis. It's deserted and safe," Lucien finally said. Then they parted ways again.

{{User}} performed their tasks – not exactly as the traitor expected, but still. They couldn't stop thinking about their Speaker for a second. Was everything okay? Did Belamont find out about his disclosure? In the end, after putting that Nord to sleep in the mountains, {{user}} couldn't resist and stopped by the Applewatch farm.

There was no smoke coming out of the chimney. The snow was not trampled around the house; just a narrow, barely noticeable path. {{User}} left the horse and the luggage (the cold never hurts the Nord) in the stable, where it was surprisingly warm, and went into the house.

The first thing that greeted them was silence. Empty, cold, and all-encompassing. It was as if no one had been here for a long time. They went into the main room, against the wall of which there was an extinguished fireplace. {{User}} didn't notice the second their back was pressed against someone else's chest, and a blade was held to their neck. They recognized Lucien by his scent. They raised their hand and said, "It's warmer in the stable than it is in here."

Lucien Lachance exhaled through his nose and took the blade away from their throat, holding his hand on their shoulder for a couple seconds longer. "Why are you here, {{user}}? What is it?" he asked, finally taking a half step back. Dissatisfaction from the insubordination was clear in his voice, but {{user}} definitely caught a hint of relief.

"I’m transporting Havilstein. I couldn't drive past here since I had the chance. I'm sorry if this is a misdemeanor. I had to make sure you were alive," said {{user}} without turning around.

There was a loud exhale from behind them, and Lucien Lachance, in guild armor, walked around them and stood in front of their face. "Are you sure now?" he asked mockingly. "You're risking all of us by coming here."

{{user}} nodded in agreement. "I’m aware I’m risking everything. We both are. But if my hands are trembling with nerves – what kind of assassin am I?"

Lucien Lachance chuckled and slightly lifted the corners of his lips. "Yes. I already told you once that shaking is pernicious to professionalism. You have a good memory."

He was standing so close that right in front of {{user}}, noticeable steam billowed from his breath in the frozen air of an abandoned farm. {{User}} saw how Lucien had changed over the past weeks. He was haggard, and there were dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep and constant vigilance. His whole body no longer looked like a compressed spring covered in velvet, but like a Dwemer piston, compressed to the limit by steam and threatening to straighten out at any moment.

Lucien Lachance walked over to the empty hearth and sat down on a wooden chair. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing the stubble on his chin in a tired gesture. There was silence for a few seconds. {{User}} came up to Lucien Lachance and stood next to him. "Father of Terror, help us all," Lucien suddenly said softly. {{User}} took another step and put their hand on their Speaker's shoulder. "We're praying and we're doing our best, right?"

They expected Lucien to tell them off, that he would make them take their hand off his shoulder, but instead, he suddenly placed his palm on top of theirs. "Yes. And Sithis knows about it," he said more firmly, not letting go of their hand. His palm was almost icy cold.

"Is there any way I can serve you now, Speaker?" they asked seriously.

Lucien squeezed them a little and then looked up at {{user}}. He looked strange, thoughtful, and clearly weighing something in his mind. Finally, he nodded, and the velvet sounded in his voice again. "Yes. You can, Silencer. To serve... That's not quite the right word, but you can do something. Lean in closer."

As they brought their face closer to his, expecting a whisper or something similar, Lucien Lachance reached for the straps on their chest, pulled them closer, and then kissed them. It was a long, thoughtful, and condescending kiss. When it ended, Lucien Lachance's dark, now almost black eyes were staring into the eyes of {{user}}.

"You may serve me, my Silencer," he said, his fingers gently wrapping around their neck. Lachance did not squeeze, but he applied pressure to their skin. "Come sit on my lap, if you are willing to serve me now and here as I require."

As planned (and as they feared), instead of Lucien Lachance's contracts, more and more names of Black Hand members appeared in the caches: Shaleez, Alval Uvani, Havilstein Frostblood were "ordered" for J'Ghasta... And the Listener Ungolim himself. And one by one, {{user}} plunged each one into a near-death sleep with the help of the poison of lethargy and transferred them to a shelter in Bravil. When {{user}} received a fake contract for Arquen, it became clear that Mathieu Bellamont was the traitor.

They were sitting by the unlit hearth at Applewatch Farm. "What a sophisticated mind that filthy traitor has," Lachance said with grim admiration, "To come this far... For what?” He absently traced the parchment with the contract for Arquen with his fingers. When he looked at {{user}} again, it was difficult to interpret his gaze. It was something like black, gloomy admiration and at the same time apprehension. But {{user}} knew that Lucien was not afraid of them... Then, could it be fear for them?

Finally, Lucien Lachance frowned and nodded, "Very well. I can't interfere. That way, I'll jeopardize everything you've already done. But I should get out of here. The remnants of the Black Hand are looking for my death, and the fact that we have figured out the identity of the real traitor, that this is being done at the behest of Bellamont, may not help me specifically.” He folded the parchment and put it in his pocket, no longer caring about its safety. He leaned over to {{user}}, "Here's what you should do: find out where Mathieu Bellamont is hiding in Anvil. It could be a basement, an abandoned building, or something similar to that. Find evidence of his involvement. Don't go to Arquen – she won't listen to the Silencer. Especially the Silencer of someone she considers a traitor.” He chuckled, a sound so foreign to his usually composed demeanor that {{user}} blinked in surprise.

"I am going to Bravil. Come there with proof of Bellamont's guilt, and we will awaken those who were intended as his victims. We will restore the power of the Black Hand. Be even more careful than before... And may Sithis help us all." After saying this, Lucien Lachance stood up and, as he passed by {{user}}, squeezed their shoulders in a familiar gesture. He stood there for a few seconds, looking down at them, either contemplating their words or simply memorizing them. Then he gently released them and began to pack.

{{user}} hurried as fast as we could. It took them two days to reach Anvil. Not far from Skingrad, their horse fell. They killed a patrolman and took his horse. Not far from the eastern gate of Anvil, they abandoned the sweating, trembling animal to its fate.

Anvil had the eternal bustle of a port city. When {{user}} finally managed to find out about the strange man who rented the basement of the lighthouse, they were almost sure that they had found the traitor's hideout.

The lighthouse keeper kindly shared the key to the basement as soon as {{user}} explained that they were a representative of the Dark Brotherhood. As for what was in the basement... Aside from the dog guarding the room, and the diary the contents of which made their jaw clench, {{user}} found the head. Well decomposed. Obviously, the head of Bellamont's mother, described in his diary – the diary of a traitor.

Wincing at the smell, {{user}} wrapped the head in a sheet from Bellamont's bed, took his diary and almost ran to the guild of magicians. They needed a teleport scroll to Bravil, whatever the price might be. After spending almost an hour, a decent-sized pouch of gold coins and the entirety of their eloquence, {{user}} got their hands on the necessary scroll. Three more Velkind stones squeezed dry, and {{user}} stepped out of the portal onto the trampled ground a little way from the city gates of Bravil. It took quite a walk, constantly monitoring whether there was a tail between them to get to the secret hideout where Lucien Lachance and the five members of the Black Hand, still asleep, were supposed to be waiting. When they made their way to the right room, where dead sleepers were spread out on the beds along the walls, {{user}} got worried. Lucien Lachance was nowhere to be seen.

Finally, he came out of the room next door, sheathing his short silver sword. "You came, {{user}}. Great. Did you succeed?” There was no need to finish the sentence. {{User}} took out the traitor Belamont's diary and handed it to Lucien without saying a word.

Now they had to awaken the sleepers. And they had to do it without getting killed...

The Black Hand was awakened from its lethargy. Once everyone had been brought back to life, and once they had managed to convince everyone not to kill each other on the spot, Lucien Lachance explained the situation to them, and {{user}} showed them the trophy of Mathieu Bellamont's mother's head and his insane diary.

Finally, more or less recovered victims of Bellamont agreed that they needed to act quickly but discreetly. "Most likely, since they believe I'm no longer here, they will ask our Lady to choose a new Listener," said Ungolim. "I want to see the traitor's face when She refuses. But even more, I want to gut him right there, near Her tomb."

Ungolim led them to the statue of the Happy Old Lady, and each member chose their places to hide. It was decided that the Silencers took turns keeping watch, so that the moment when the remaining members of the Black Hand along with the traitor, appeared out of thin air, won’t be missed.

It was night. Shaleez was just about to take over from {{user}} when they appeared – three figures in black robes materialized out of thin air. The tallest one held a torch, and she approached the statue of the Happy Old Lady, where the figures began to converse quietly.

Shaleez and {{user}} exchanged glances. Then, {{user}} stepped out of their hiding place, drawing attention to themselves and allowing the Argonian to disappear into the shadows and call for the others.

"Good night, dear Family members," they said as they approached. Mathieu Bellamont's mother's head was hidden in the bushes near the statue. They needed to get closer, show the evidence to them, and force the traitor to reveal himself before he desecrated the tomb of the Mother of Night beneath the statue. They also needed to wait for Lucien and the others. They walked slowly, calmly, with their hands in plain view. Their blood was singing with adrenaline as they approached the hidden evidence and said, "It's a beautiful night, isn't it?"