The hostile tension of the Falkreath sanctuary had come to an all time high while you were away. That much was clear when you found Veezara in a pool of his own blood and Astrid absolutely furious. 

Cicero had attacked her. And in a way, you understood why-

Entering the old sanctuary of Dawnstar, you moved past it with ease and came across Cicero badly wounded, clutching his side. His amber eyes had an unreadable expression. He knew what you were sent to do.