Things were quiet in the sanctuary. Some of the family members were off on contracts, but some had simply left because it was the weekend and wanted--or needed--to keep up appearances in their "normal" lives. There were only a very small few who didn't [i]have[/i] normal lives to keep up. Mainly, Ocheeva, her brother, and Vicente. Lucien too, but he rarely ever stayed in the sanctuary anyway. He was always off doing some work or other with the Hand. Ocheeva sometimes worried for the man, but she was well aware that he could easily take care of himself. If not for Ungolim, he might even have been Listener by now--which wasn't necessarily a good thing. Of course Ocheeva was fond of him, despite the man having become someone difficult to like, but she didn't think it would be good for the Brotherhood for him to lead. It would be a lot of power, and men like him had a certain love for it. Lucien liked being in control, and that is what concerned her. So even if Ungolim was an ass, she was thankful that he was still alive. If Lucien vied for his position, there was no telling what the other Speakers would do.
Well, anyway. That was all moot at this juncture.

It was then that Ocheeva noticed the night-watchman standing at her shoulder.
"You don't surprise me any more, Vicente."
Ocheeva could tell he was amused.
"Is that an insult, Ocheeva?"
"You can take it as one if you like." There was a glint in her eye.
The Breton laughed quietly. It wasn't a pretty sound--more often then not, it made her skin prickle uncomfortably, but such was his nature.
"Well, I suppose if you're up, it must be time for the rest of us to sleep. What time is it?"
"Late. Too late."
"How do you mean?"
"Venasa of House Indoril is late on return. But I expect she'll be here shortly."
"Indoril?"
"Yes."
"The letter didn't say."
"No, it didn't."
"Is Ungolim keeping secrets?"
"None that I am aware of."
"How you manage to figure these things out is beyond me."
A grim smirk.
"And I suppose you'll be out here to pay her."
A pause. "Ah, you were wondering why I had left my room."
"You don't, often."
"Indeed not."
Another pause, then Ocheeva roused herself. "Well then, my friend. Enjoy the solitude while you can, because you might not have it for long if Venasa [i]is[/i] about to arrive soon."
"Sleep well."
Ocheeva cringed. "That always sounds terrible, coming from you. Did you know?"
Another quiet laugh. "Yes, I suppose it would."
Ocheeva excused herself, leaving the shadowy figure to himself.