Ivan walked back into the great room, expecting to still be hearing an argument. There wasn't a sound. Everyone stood in a circle, looking to be thinking hard. Astrid saw Ivan and smiled.

"There he is. Ivan dear, join us. We're making an important decision. You are the Listener after all." Ivan was confused. Astrid's tone of voice was one he hadn't heard since he first met her. She sounded coy, yet something... dark hung in her speech. Ivan joined the circle, grateful enough to simply feel included in the family affairs again.

"I think he should go." Veezara said, nodding to Ivan. "The Night Mother didn't just say someone should go to Volunruud, she said Ivan should go."

"Fair enough." Astrid said. "Veezara, why don't you join him? I've never heard of this Amund Motierre, and I would hate for something to happen to our Listener."

There it was again. Like a jab to his rib cage. The way Astrid spoke of him without speaking directly to him, the way she said 'Listener', was she still upset? Could she be jealous? Ivan wanted to talk to her, to assure her that he didn't want to take over her position, but it seemed as though everyone had settled things while he was away. Veezara smiled and put a hand on Ivan's shoulder.

"An assignment with my favorite nephew? I'll gladly take it! Ready to go, Ivan?" he asked with a smile. Ivan was ever grateful to his uncle. Through this new chain of events, Veezara remained the same. Being the Listener didn't change the way his uncle looked at him, or spoke to him, and that was enough for Ivan.

As they readied to leave, Arnbjorn gave Veezara a map marking the location of Volunruud. The werewolf smiled at Ivan before they left. Ivan had never seen the man smile before, and it sent a chill down his spine. Something was definitely wrong.


Finding Volunruud was no issue for the two assassins, and they slipped inside by cover of night, in case there was to be a trap waiting for them. Inside, it was pitch dark. Ivan's eyes quickly adjusted to be able to see, but his uncle seemed to be frozen, not wanting to run into anything.

"Uncle, put your hand on my shoulder. I'll guide you." Ivan offered.

"You mean you can see? It's darker than night in here!" Veezara responded, placing a hand on Ivan's shoulder, with some help from Ivan.

"I'm half Khajiit, remember?"

"That's right. You get the best of both worlds. Lead the way, Nephew."

Ivan navigated through the burial tomb. The only dragur to be found had been done way with. And by the looks of it, very recently. Finally, Ivan came to a wooden door. He pushed it open, and put a hand over his eyes as light spilled from the room. When Ivan's vision adjusted again, he saw two men, Imperial by the looks of them, standing beside a circle of candles and an assortment of black sacrament materials. One of the men spoke.

"I assume you two are from the Dark Brotherhood?" he asked.

"And I assume you are Amund Motierre?" Ivan asked in response. The man seemed impressed.

"Excellent. It seems this dreadful black sacrament thing truly worked, then! I am about to give your organization a contract that will see you rise to fame and fortune, much like the Dark Brotherhood's glory days of old, I'd wager." Amund said animatedly.

"What manner of contract could do that?" Veezara asked skeptically.

"One that would require you to kill... the Emperor."

Ivan and Veezara exchanged wide-eyed stares.

"The Emperor? Of Tamriel?" Ivan asked in disbelief.

"Yes, as well as several others in positions of high power and influence I've made note of on this list." Amund gestured for his companion, who looked to be a bodyguard, to come forward. The guard handed Ivan the list. Ivan looked it over briefly. He didn't recognize any of the names, but there were several. He gave the list to Veezara.

"The pages after the list of names detail a plan on how I wish each one to be done away, and they must be killed in that order. It is crucial that you follow my instructions to exactness." Amund said seriously.

"Are you a Stormcloak?" Ivan asked him. He could see no other reason this man would want to cripple the Empire. Amund chuckled.

"Nothing so menial." he said. "I am not on either side of this petty feud between families. I am on the side of wealth and power. I aim to climb the ladder of success, and doing away with those in my way is the fastest way there."

"And what compensation do we get in return? This is no small feat you have placed before us." Veezara asked. Amund smiled, handing Veezara an amulet.

"This is just the beginning." he said in a low voice. Veezara looked the amulet over, his eyes growing wide.

"This... is an amulet from the Emperor's personal collection! Selling this could get us a small fortune!" he said in amazement.

"Consider it a cover for the cost this operation will require. There will be much more like this when the whole ordeal is over." Amund said. Veezara pocketed the amulet and nodded.

"We will see to it that your contracts are killed. We will return for our payment when they all lie dead." he vowed. Amund grinned.

"Excellent. We will be staying at an inn in Whiterun, waiting for your return. So please hurry."


Ivan and Veezara made the trip back to the sanctuary, eager to share this new contract with the others. When they entered, Ivan found that Cicero was nowhere to be seen. Probably off on some contract. That was just as well. Ivan had grown to dislike the madman. Veezara relayed what had happened to Astrid.

"By Sithis... you're joking. The Emperor?"

"Is something wrong?" Ivan asked. "Should we not have accepted the contract?"

"Of course we're accepting this contract! The Dark Brotherhood will gain a fear and renown we haven't had in hundreds of years! This is just the kind of contract we need." Astrid said excitedly.

"Seems like the Listener's connection to the Night Mother will be our ticket to success!" Festus said in a pleased voice. Ivan winced as he could see the faintest twinge of displeasure cross Astrid's face momentarily. Then she was back to smiling. She looked at Ivan with a smile that seemed almost... venomous.

"Yes... Yes! The Listener! Our Listener. Dearest Brother, I think you should have the honor of taking on this series of contracts. You definitely have the skill. What do you say, family of mine?" Astrid asked, turning to the others. They all smiled and nodded in agreement. Veezara looked the most pleased.

"Looks like our baby of the family is growing up!" he said, ruffling the fur on Ivan's head. Ivan allowed a smile. Even though he very much did not like that tone in Astrid's voice, perhaps she was still trying to be kind. She probably just needed time. Ivan preferred her calling the shots anyways. He smiled at her, hoping to convey this to her. For a moment, Astrid's coy smile faded to show what looked to be surprise. Then she returned his smile. Ivan felt relieved.

Ivan readied to go almost immediately. His first target was a Vittoria Vici. Veezara tried to explain to Ivan the circumstances in which he would find the woman, but Ivan preferred not to know. It made it easier to kill when he didn't know much about his targets. He shouldered his pack, and left for Solitude.

The closer Ivan got to Solitude, the more uneasy he became. He couldn't understand what his problem was, until he suddenly recognized the path he was on. A chill ran down his spine when he realized he was very near the place his parents were killed. He stared at the hill just off the path. He knew he needed to see, but his legs felt like lead. He had to see if the stone Serana had carved on was still there.

He dragged his feet as he made his way up the hill. He looked about, not sure what he was hoping for, when his eyes fell on the stone. He fell to his knees before it. There it was, the spot where his parents died. The place where Ivan realized he had feelings for Serana. Oh, how it seemed like a lifetime ago. Ivan was a different person, now. He felt only a hollow shame. If Serana and his parents saw him now, what would they think of him?

Ivan placed the palm of his hand on the cold stone, and closed his eyes. As ashamed as he felt, he would feel even more so if he didn't pay his respects. Suddenly, a thought entered his head. Serana had no grave. Her body had been left in a plane of Oblivion. Ivan stood, and looked around until he found a stone about the same size as his parents' grave marker. He placed it beside the other one and took out a knife.

"In memory of Serana Volkihar. May she find peace in Sovngarde."

Ivan put away his knife, satisfied with his handiwork. It was by no means beautiful, in truth, Serana did a much better job than he could, but he felt at least that she would be pleased that her stone could be beside his parents'. He remained kneeling for a few moments longer, before continuing his journey to Solitude.


Solitude seemed happier than usual. People were bustling around the streets, talking excitedly with one another Ivan used his Khajiit ears to listen to some animated shoppers, turning his pointed ears in their direction as he walked by.

"Imagine! A wedding right here in Solitude! For the Emperor's cousin, no less! This will be a great public example to those Stormcloaks how refined the empire is!" one woman said.

"I heard that some Stormcloak protesters will be at the speech! The audacity!" the other responded.

Ivan had a sinking feeling he knew who his target was. It made sense. A surefire way to draw the attention of the Emperor was to kill a relative. But to murder the bride on her wedding day, that would no doubt draw him directly into Skyrim. Ivan did his best not to think of the poor widower-to-be.

The wedding was indeed a beautiful one. Ivan kept an eye out for a nice vantage point to shoot an arrow from as he pretended to enjoy the festivities. He mingled with the wedding guests, being as polite and as gentlemanly as possible. When it came time for Vittoria Vici to address the crowd, Ivan excused himself. He disappeared into the shadows, and made his way to the walkway above the balcony where the bride would be speaking.

Ivan looked around. The place he was standing was not ideal for shooting an arrow. He would be noticed for sure. But if he made it look like some kind of terrible accident...

His eyes fell upon a stone gargoyle that sat perched right above where Vittoria came to stand. Ivan then saw the large crack at the base of the stone creature, and he got an idea.

The bride began her speech, addressing the crowd with tidings of forging peace between Imperials and Stormcloaks. But her speech was never finished, for she suddenly met her end when an unfortunate accident took her life. The structural integrity of the stone walls of Solitude came into question immediately afterwards, and news of Vittoria's death spread through Skyrim faster than a certain Khajiit making his way due South, away from the chaos that overtook the great city.


Ivan was welcomed back into the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary like a hero. Veezara had never looked more proud.

"You should hear the chatter in Falkreath!" Festus laughed. "Everyone's all in a tizzy! The Solitude guards must be getting a flogging for letting the Emperor's cousin die right in front of them!"

"I would've done the same thing you did, Brother." Babette said, looking pleased.

"Inventive thinking, Ivan! Using your surroundings to your advantage! People will be talking about this one for a long time to come!" Nazir said with a grin.

Arnbjorn approached Ivan and patted him on the head stiffly.

"I like your style, Kid." he grunted.

Ivan smiled at everyone, finally feeling that everything was returning to normal. He scanned the room, but couldn't find who he was looking for.

"Where's Astrid?" he asked.

"In her room." Arnbjorn answered in his deep voice. "She always hides when the jester is home." Ivan nodded in understanding. Veezara nudged him with his arm.

"Go on and talk to her, Nephew. Your next assignment is waiting, I'm sure." he urged. Ivan obeyed.

He knocked on Astrid's door, which was slightly open. He could see Astrid standing over a table, looking at Amund's instructions.

"Enter." she said. Ivan pushed the door open and took a step inside.

"Astrid." he said humbly. "Vittoria Vici lies dead. I have done as you asked."

"So I've heard." she answered quietly. "Well done, Listener." Ivan swallowed.

"Astrid, I wanted to talk to you about all of this." he began, but stopped when Astrid held up a hand.

"Say no more." she said. "I owe you an apology. This whole Night Mother deal did make me feel threatened by you, I'll admit it, but I also know who you are, Ivan. You've done nothing but make us proud here, and I should be glad about this turn of events."

"Astrid, I don't want to take your place!" Ivan insisted. "I would have things continue just as they used to, same as you! But Sithis and the Night Mother do speak to me, and I do think it wise that we heed them. Can't I simply... tell you what they say, and let you run the Brotherhood still?"

Astrid seemed deep in thought. It was a good while before she spoke again.

"I would see our family gain the renown we deserve." she said. "I want nothing more than to protect us all from those who would seek to destroy us."

"That is why this family needs you as their leader." Ivan insisted. "Not me."

"Yes... Yes, you're right! Thank you, Ivan! I think I finally see an answer for us, now! Don't worry, I'll take care of everything. You simply... heed the Night Mother and continue to follow my directions, alright?" Astrid finally said. Ivan heaved a sigh of relief at hearing her speak using her normal voice again.

"I would enjoy nothing more, Sister." Ivan said with a smile. He left, feeling satisfied that he and Astrid had finally settled their differences peacefully. Astrid turned back to her plans and smiled.

"Yes... This family needs me, not him." she murmured.


The news of Vittoria Vici's death hadn't even had a chance to die down before more news spread. The Penitus Oculatus was preparing for the Emperor to visit Skyrim. His excellency wished to speak with Jarl Elisif about how his cousin died violently in Elisif's city. It was also rumored that the Emperor wished to personally convene a moot to elect a new High King, something that was making everyone nervous, Imperials and Stormcloaks alike.

Astrid gave Ivan his next assignment. He was to cause unrest within the Penitus Oculatus by targeting their leader, Commander Maro. It was Maro that wiped out the Dark Brotherhood in Cyrodiil, so everyone was all too pleased to cause him harm.

"You are not to kill him, however." Astrid instructed seriously. "If the Emperor's head of security is killed, he will leave Skyrim immediately. No, you must distract the commander, make him less focused on protecting the Emperor. You must kill his son. And not only that, you must plant this letter on the boy's body. Evidence that it was him who was planning to assassinate the Emperor. This will distract Maro for sure. Can you do this, Brother?"

"It will be done as you say, Astrid." Ivan said respectfully. He understood the full weight of what he was about to do. Commander Maro was a personal enemy to his family. A man bent on wiping the Dark Brotherhood off the face of Nirn. Ivan would see him suffer.

As Ivan readied to go, Cicero came to his room, grinning widely.

"Dearest Brother of mine! Has our Lady Mother spoken to you again, by chance? Oh, do tell Cicero what she has said! Cicero lives for her every command!" he said gleefully.

"Sorry, Cicero. The Night Mother isn't terribly talkative." Ivan answered. Cicero deflated slightly, but only for a moment. He then put on a face of determination.

"Send Gaius Maro to Sithis, my dear Brother! Commander Maro slaughtered my family! Cicero would love to see the look on Maro's face when he finds out his son is a traitorous worm! Do us proud, Listener!" Cicero said, giving Ivan an encouraging smile. Ivan smiled in response. As delirious as Cicero was, he truly did care about the Brotherhood.

It was easy enough for Ivan to track Gaius Maro down and kill him without being detected. The next morning, news spread of Gaius's nefarious plans to do away with the Emperor. The Commander denied his son's involvement in anything of the sort, but the stress of keeping the Emperor safe amidst his son's death and evidence of treason showed plainly on his countenance. No longer did the Commander wear a look of military pride, but instead, a wearied and downtrodden look. Amund Motierre's scheme was going exactly as planned.

When Ivan returned, Gabriella met him at the door. Her eyes were wide, and her face pale.

"Gabriella, are you alright?" Ivan asked her.

"It's not me you should worry about!" she gasped. "Veezara, he..." Gabriella covered her face with shaking hands. Ivan's heart dropped.

"What happened? Where is he?"

Gabriella only pointed towards the great room. Ivan swiftly walked into the room. The smell of blood hit his nose immediately. His breath came in short when he saw Veezara crouched on the floor, holding his side. The others were gathered nearby, looking shaken. Babette handed him a potion.

"Drink this, Brother. You'll feel better soon." she said.

"Thank you, Dear." he said in a strained voice as he obeyed.

"Uncle!" Ivan finally found his voice, as he ran to Veezara's side.

"Uncle, what happened? Are you alright?" Ivan checked Veezara's wound, a knife cut that ran from his side to his abdomen. It wasn't deep, but it was large.

"Nephew! Don't worry, I'm fine. Cicero suddenly went crazy and tried to attack Astrid! I intervened. I underestimated the little clown, and I paid for it with blood." Veezara explained. "I will be alright. I'm more concerned about Arnbjorn." Ivan turned to look at Astrid, who looked miserable.

"My husband flew into a rage and chased him out of the sanctuary. I don't know where they could've gone." she said.

"What made Cicero turn against us?" Ivan asked in confusion. As crazy as he was, betrayal didn't fit in his character quite right.

"I may have been... somewhat disrespectful to the Night Mother. Said some things... You know how I feel about the Old Ways." she admitted. Ivan nodded. So she offended him.

"We have to find them." Astrid said resolutely. "Maybe there are some clues as to where Cicero would go in his room."

"I wouldn't count on it." Ivan said. "I searched it once before, and found nothing of interest."

"I'll search it all the same." She left the room. Ivan turned back to his uncle.

"Come, let's get you to a bed so you can rest." He helped his uncle to his room and fished around through his pack for a healing potion, giving it to him.

"You and Babette keep forcing potions down my throat." Veezara complained jokingly. "I've got to wonder if mixing potions will have any side effects." He laughed a little, but groaned when it hurt. Ivan worried for his uncle, but Veezara seemed to still be in good spirits, and lively enough. He was going to be fine.

"Uncle, I wanted to thank you." Ivan said in a low voice. "I feel like after my parents died, I became somewhat lost. It's nice to have family again." Veezara smiled.

"Is this your way of saying you won't stop worrying about me until I'm fully recovered?" he asked. Ivan smiled back.

"It is, in fact." he answered. "Now, I have to go. I have to repay a debt of blood to a certain jester."

"Be careful, Ivan. If you find him, don't underestimate him." Veezara warned. Ivan nodded as he left the room.

In the great room, Astrid approached Ivan with a small book.

"The little fop has been keeping a journal!" she said angrily. "He's been hiding it under the Night Mother's coffin. It talks about the Brotherhood Sanctuary in Dawnstar. It's been abandoned for decades, so it's the perfect hideaway. Let's go!"

Outside the sanctuary, Astrid summoned a demon horse. A gift to the brotherhood from Sithis, to be used during emergencies. Ivan and Astrid rode Shadowmere swiftly all the way to Dawnstar, not stopping for anything. When they drew close, Astrid gave a cry and dismounted, running to the figure of her husband lying beside the sanctuary door.

"Arnbjorn! Arnbjorn, can you hear me?!" she asked desperately. The werewolf groaned as he opened his eyes.

"Astrid? Thank Sithis you're alright." he muttered.

"Idiot!" Astrid said, tears forming in her eyes. "You're the one who's bleeding! Worry about yourself for once!" she shouted.

Ivan jumped off the horse and brought it closer to them.

"Take him home, Astrid. I'll deal with Cicero." he said.

"I gave as good as I got," Arnbjorn said. "but he's still a dangerous one. Be careful." Ivan nodded as he headed inside.

Ivan followed the trail of blood through the sanctuary. He held his bow at the ready, determined to send the clown to The Void for what he had done to his family.

"Listener?! Is that you?!" Ivan heard Cicero call.

"Prepare yourself, Cicero!" Ivan answered in a loud voice, looking around. It was impossible to tell where Cicero's voice was coming from with all the echoes. "You wounded my uncle, and one of my friends! I'm here to finish what you started!"

"Cicero can explain, Listener! Cicero feels bad about hurting the Argonian, but he just got in the way of that traitorous Astrid!"

"Astrid has only done what she feels is best for the Brotherhood! She may not like the Night Mother, but that's no reason to attack her!"

"You don't understand, Listener! Astrid will destroy us all!"

With this, Ivan's Khajiit ears located the jester. Ivan pushed open a door and saw a pathetic sight. Cicero was curled up in a corner, his clothes torn off in some places and tied to hold wounds closed. There were some empty potion bottles near him.

"Listener, you know I've always respected you, but the Night Mother will be angry if you kill the Keeper! This Cicero knows!"

Ivan raised his bow and drew an arrow, pointing it at the clown's head.

"Veezara is the only blood family I have left. Blood that you spilled. I will see it paid back." Ivan said darkly.

There was a pause. Ivan was not hesitating, he simply could not release his arrow. He tried letting go, but his fingers clenched the bowstring tightly. Cicero put on a confused look.

"L-listener?" he asked quietly.

"You will not harm my Keeper, Ivan Daynes." The Night Mother's voice rang in Ivan's head. "You will return to the others and say you have killed him."

"Sorry, Ivan. I'm afraid this is something I have to use force on." Sithis's voice responded. Ivan was furious. So his uncle's wounds would simply go unavenged? Ivan tried to release his arrow again, but was simply unable to do so. He finally lowered his bow, heaving a sigh.

"The Night Mother has asked that I let you live." Ivan said darkly. "Pray that our paths do not cross again." Then Ivan turned and left. He heard Cicero speak as he walked away.

"Dearest Night Mother! Cicero will not forget your kindness! Cicero swears to fight for the Old Ways! Your Brotherhood shall return to its original glory!"

His words echoed through the mostly empty sanctuary as Ivan closed the door behind him.


"So he's dead, then? Thank Sithis." Astrid said, sitting down on the bed her husband was resting on. Ivan swallowed. He wished he could tell her the truth, but Sithis and the Night Mother constrained him.

"How is Arnbjorn?" he asked, changing the subject.

"He'll be fine. Babette is one amazing alchemist." Astrid answered. Ivan felt relieved. Astrid's eyes lit up.

"I nearly forgot, in all the excitement. The final step in our plan to kill the Emperor is finally here."

"Already? What is it?" Ivan asked with interest.

"Nazir wasn't here earlier, because I sent him off to kill the legendary Gourmet. He was a famous cook who kept his identity a secret for many years. The Emperor arranged for a banquet to take place tomorrow evening in Solitude, and have The Gourmet cook his finest dish for him. You will be posing as The Gourmet, and thereby have unlimited access to the food the Emperor will be eating, if you catch my drift." Astrid smiled.

"You want me to poison him." Ivan understood. "Not usually how I work, but I pride myself on being flexible."

"Excellent. Here is the official writ of passage signifying you as The Gourmet. Travel to Solitude, represent us well, and send the Emperor to Sithis." Astrid gave Ivan a vial of poison and the writ of passage. "And before you go, I should tell you that I've arranged for the southern walls to be unguarded during the banquet. I suggest you use that as your escape route."

"Thank you, Astrid." Ivan bowed to her before turning to leave.

"No, thank you." Astrid smiled. Then she returned to her sleeping husband's side.

'This will all be over soon. Then things will finally be normal again. They way they were before... him.'


Ivan was in Solitude once again. Not that he disliked the city, but he didn't much care for returning to places so soon after completing a contract therein. He always wondered if he might be recognized. Ivan stopped by a clothing store and bought the fanciest clothes they had for sale. Then he made his way to the Solitude castle. He momentarily froze when he recognized Commander Maro standing guard before the door he was supposed to enter. Ivan mustered up his courage, and pressed forward, doing his best to look official.

"Greetings, kind Sir!" Ivan said in the most Elsweyrian accent he could muster. "I have been summoned by his excellency to do what I do best. That is to say, cook." He handed the writ of passage to the commander and looked around the tall buildings, as if to be impressed by them. Commander Maro's stone-faced expression remained unchanging as he read the writ, then he waved Ivan inside.

"Took you long enough to get here." he grumbled. "The guests are already being seated!"

Ivan was ushered into the kitchen. A Nord woman stood, stirring a broth over the fire. When she saw Ivan being escorted into the room, her eyes widened.

"Are you The Gourmet?!" she asked excitedly. "I am such a big fan of yours! Oh, I'm so glad to meet you!"

"The pleasure is all mine, I assure you." Ivan said humbly. "To be in the presence of so beautiful a woman such as you, I can only hope my cooking will not pale in comparison." He watched as the woman's face turned bright red.

"I- I hope you don't mind, I've already started cooking your signature dish!" she stammered, bringing Ivan over to observe her work. "But everyone makes it differently, and I would be so honored if we could make it The Gourmet's special way." Ivan's mind drew a blank. He realized suddenly that he had no idea how to cook. If he failed here, his cover could very well be blown!

"My dear, you have done such an excellent job with the start of the dish!" he complimented her, stalling as he looked around the room for something, anything he could throw in to the stew that wouldn't get him in trouble. Ivan suddenly remembered that he had eaten several of The Gourmet's dishes! He silently thanked Festus for the days it was his turn to cook.

"Horker meat should be generously added." Ivan instructed. "And for vegetables, sliced carrots! I trust you have Nirnroot available?"

"Oh, of course!" The woman answered. "It's amazing, your methods for cooking are so... free-spirited! It's inspiring!" she said as she added the ingredients Ivan suggested. When she was done, she smiled as she smelled the stew.

"I think it's done! Anything else might just be too much, if you know what I mean." she said. Ivan smiled.

"Just one more thing." Ivan reached into his pocket and pulled out the small vial. He poured the fine powder over the stew, doing his best to do so with flair. The woman's eyes lit up.

"What's this? A secret ingredient? Oh, what is it? Won't you tell me?" she batted her eyes at Ivan. He smiled and patted her on the head.

"I wouldn't be The Gourmet if I let out all my secrets, now would I?" he asked. She sighed dreamily and gave the stew a last stir. She lifted the ladle to test the taste, but Ivan stopped her, putting a finger to her lips and smiling.

"Let us allow his excellency have the first taste, shall we?" he said, masking his alarm for enthusiasm. Had she tasted the stew before he could stop her, Ivan's cover would've been blown for sure. The woman's face turned red again. She turned away, picking up the pot and carrying it towards the dining room.

"Of course, Sir. Come, I'll serve the guests. You just stand there and... be amazing!" she said excitedly.

As Ivan entered the lavish dining room, he made sure to place himself near the southern door. He watched anxiously as each guest was served. The Emperor claimed the right to first taste, and he eagerly ate the stew.

"Why, this is simply divine! This is the most wonderful..." His smile fell, and his face twisted in pain. "I... I think something's wrong! I... Agh!"

Ivan was out the door before the Emperor's body even hit the floor.

Ivan sprinted across the bridge towards the exit, but his way was suddenly blocked by a dozen or so soldiers. Ivan skidded to a halt. A man stepped in front of them, approaching Ivan. Ivan's stomach sank as he recognized the grim face of Commander Maro.

"You know, I'm shocked. You had even me fooled." he said, smiling bitterly. "When one of your Dark Brotherhood friends came to me and said they'd cut a deal, I didn't know you'd be posing as The Gourmet himself."

"Cut a deal? What are you talking about?" Ivan asked.

"I was promised that the killer of my son would be at my mercy, in exchange for letting the Dark Brotherhood alone. But you know what I think about your little Brotherhood?!"

He swung a punch at Ivan's face. Ivan's mind was reeling, only partially because of the punch. Who of his family would betray him to Maro like this? He couldn't imagine any of them cutting a deal with Maro, someone they all hated equally.

"We've finally found your little hideout." Maro said darkly. "My men are destroying it, even as we speak. And now, I have you. The last member of the Dark Brotherhood. Once I kill you, there won't be any of you rodents left."

"No..." Ivan whispered as he felt his heart drop. Not his family. He had just gained a new place he felt like he belonged to! Maro couldn't do this! Ivan had to get back to the sanctuary! Perhaps it wasn't too late to save them!

"I'd do you in myself, but the real Emperor needs me. That's right, that was a decoy you killed. Your last mission was a failure, that that's how your organization will be remembered." Maro said in a mocking tone. Then he turned to his soldiers. "Make sure there's nothing left of him to bury." he said as he left. Ivan realized he was unarmed. He took a few steps backwards as the soldiers drew their weapons. Ivan took a deep breath.

"FUS... RO DAH!" He Shouted. The guards fell backwards, some even falling off the bridge. Commander Maro turned back, eyes wide, only to see Ivan's silhouette as he disappeared into the shadows.

Ivan ran. He ran for all he was worth. He had to get back to the sanctuary. As he got nearer, he could see smoke rising from the direction of Falkreath Hold. He prayed to Sithis, and all the gods names he could remember, that his family would be alright, especially his uncle. Ivan chastised himself for having Shouted. He hated using his Dragonborn gift since he had turned away from that destiny.

Ivan finally made it to the sanctuary entrance, and found the door ripped from its hinges. Smoke billowed from inside. Ivan took a few deep breaths, and entered the sanctuary.