I, Mjoll The Lioness have just received the worst news of this year. I just found out Grelod is dead! I am so saddened because of that innocent boy Aventus Aretino. He sadly succeeded in summoning a killer and linking his name to criminality. He hasn't actually committed any real crimes, but he is now associated.

I am deeply disturbed by this news. I have FAILED at my job as protector. How could I have let the Dark Brotherhood scare me away from saving that innocent child. I don't think I can live with myself. I have to go get some mead.

As I tremble like the billowing trees in the storm, I ride up slowly from my chair and with much distress I slowly walk to my front door. I am looking around and everything is blurry. Even a rugged woman like me is broken and I cannot see beyond my tears. My face is flush with sadness and hate. I swear I will get my vengeance on the dark brotherhood. I swear it. I walk a few more steps and slowly twist the doorknob and the door creak was slightly distracting.

I make my way outside to fetch a drink. As I walk, I see the tavern just up ahead. The ground feeling harsh on my feet, I am unable to carry my legs high enough off the ground. The night sky is only reminding me of the darkness that poor Aventus is in. That lonely child, that need MY protection. I am the only one with morals it seems. I just wanted him to be safe, and now he's infamous for his supposed link to criminality. I still put my money on it he is still not bad or corrupted. Just misunderstood and ignored.

I am at arms reach of the door. I open it and am greeted by my friends. Them noticing how upset I am, ask me why I am the way I am. I tell them I don't want to talk about that poor kid. He is too innocent to deal with what he had dealt with. I ask the bar vendor to pass me the mead, and make it three. I down my first bottle and second before anyone can lift theirs to toast. As I pick up the third, I ask for three more. Downing the sticky fire water senselessly.

Now I am feeling the effects. I sink my head for a minute, and ask for four more. The bar tender was not too sure but I got the coin and I wasn't gonna take no for an answer. I drink my seventh and eighth, and as it gets harder to swallow. I pause, letting the effects catch up to me. I hear a voice on my left mention that name. That poor forsaken name. I couldn't handle that, nor could handle his fame. He is too young for any kind of admiration or worship. I stood up and smashed the empty bottle on his face. As he stood screaming and bleeding with the stuck shards only making it worse. He cried "whhhhyyyy?" I told him never to promote the idea of Aventus' corruption and I defended the boy's honor and Innocence. I believe he just didn't want to go back to that abusive orphanage. I should've dealt with Grelod The Kind a long time ago.

As the man was bleeding, I gave everyone a cold glare and warned them to never slander Aventus Aretino EVER. I feel the rush of adrenaline kick in and swig my last two bottles. Then I walked angrily out the door, throwing the two last bottles at the windows.

I turn around one last time as if to say "Don't even think about reporting me".

No one wanted to face me. I was hell bent on Avenging EVERY innocent person alive.

I am outside again, only this time I am sweating and it's not even hot. As I wobble in my stupor, I am getting those intrusive thoughts. And it pains me to say why. I am definitely calling it a night. My heart is racing. I feel like taking myself from this world. But that's cowardice. I want to save the innocent people of Skyrim. I don't want to see anyone else get hurt. I have to make some time tomorrow. I need to talk to dear Aventus and check up on him. I hope at least he's doing alright. I no longer feel the same pain I did when walking earlier. Due to my drinking, I can't feel anything.

I make it back to my house and see a sleeping Aerin. I just need to crash right now. I will solve this tomorrow. As I nod off, the thoughts keep coming. I soon realize I can't sleep. This painful situation has a hold on my sanity. I need to avenge Aventus, morally of course. I don't want more blood spilled because of him. I will decide to walk around the region and hope to have an answer. I unlock my door and head out swiftly. I need a mountainous space and solitude.

I sprint in the dead of night to get away from the city folk still awake. As I pant and push myself to the gates, I feel a spinning sensation.

"I'm too drunk for this" I muttered.

I swing open the gates and burst out of the city. Still panting and my numbness hiding the physical ache I have in my heart and head.

"I WILL do this, I will have a plan before sunrise" I yelled to myself.

For the next few hours, I am walking and wandering Northwest. I do want to stay close to Riften. I have to fulfill my promise. Maybe I can fix this. I am thinking of a way to take out the Dark Brotherhood so at the very least, he cannot join if he fails to see my reason. My mind coming back with the initial shock, I am headstrong to think past it and fulfil my duties as a moral protector. I don't care if my emerald sword Grimsever breaks. I will get my way, with nobody in it. My path is laid out now. I will destroy the Dark Brotherhood.

As the sun rises, the hour dawns for my arrival at Honorhall Orphanage. I have to wait til 10 A.M. for that to be possible. I will talk to the Aretino boy and hopefully take him into a new home. I just want to persuade him to not join the dark side. I start to head back. My stupor has worn off, and I can function fully again. I walk steadily to my abode with the dawn's early light shining at my eye level. I feel confident. My legs lunging at the ground ahead of me one by one in an excited stride. I am getting closer to Riften and my mind is clearing now. And now I know what I'm gonna do to infiltrate and destroy the Dark Brotherhood for good! I open the gates to see my corrupted city once again, only this time with confidence that I will clean it all up soon enough.

"Now I can sleep. I am so tired. Whenever I arise is when I go to see little Aventus" I say loudly to myself.

I run back to my house with a confident smile on my face. I know what'll convince him to end his foolish, yet innocent admiration for that criminal organization. I flew my door open, and it smashed my wall. Aerin, my friend awoke to my banging.

"What the? Oh it's you." As he was sighing.

I told him what I will be doing later. As I dose off, I imagine what I will say in the coming hours. I know it shouldn't matter what he decides, but I want to see him on the right path.

I am now awake and see six and a half hours had gone by. And the orphanage is open to visitors. I rip my door handle off accidentally with a confident yank. I confidently stride and I assure myself.

"He will give up on this plan to be the next scum of the world" I claim.

I approach Honorhall, with the wind blowing past my ear. I open the door and am greeted by the sight of several eager children awaiting adoption. Their sad little faces could make anyone cry, even that no good gutter trash Ulfric Stormcloak. For he is the second major cause for this all happening.

I approach the office of Constance Michel. A kind young woman who looks after all these precious souls. As I was starting to say something to her, a small but excited gasp can be heard in the corner of the other room. I ask Constance if I can speak to Aventus and reassure him. She replied

"Of course! He has been upset about doing that evil trick he did. He claims he wants his childhood back. It's sad, really really sad. All he ever talks about now is how he got Grelod killed and he is getting worse every day."

I am saddened to hear this but hopeful to help him out. Mjoll then approaches the distraught Aventus. With his eyes widening in surprise and relief, he knows my legends. I am the Mjoll!

"Hey! It's you! Miss Mjoll. Wow it's so cool I am actually talking to you. You're my hero!" Aventus cheerfully screamed.

I start responding to him with "How are you feeling. Are you alright. Constance has told me you are getting increasingly upset with your actions. Is this true?"

"Yes. at first I was happy, but now I'm realizing how wrong that was. I'm not a bad kid! Please help me get over this burden of guilt. I was only trying to save myself and my friends. I never wanted to be known as a criminal. Oh the misery" Aventus sobbed.

I reassured him I will do anything to rid his association with crime and the Dark Brotherhood. I lightly hugged him and let him cry it out.

"Oh my hero, you can help me. I trust you. I really do! he exclaimed as I let him go and look him in the eye. I reassured him again that I will help him and he lit up after I said the Dark Brotherhood is going down for good. Constance walks over to me with a concerned face. She told me she needs adoption papers and has none.

"So unfortunately I cannot adopt you, yet. Don't worry I'll be back" I sadly claim.

Aventus groaned and I gave him a high five. He was grateful but he walked to his bed and started crying in his pillow. I walk out heartbroken and still sweating from my sadness. But I know that time to take him home will be soon enough.

As I walked out, the Dovahkiin of all people showed up to explain to me why they had no choice but to help Aventus with the unfortunate task. I was very understanding but I was sad only because the Dark Brotherhood still exists.

I explained "That child is broken over what he had done, he is so sad. I wanna help him but the adoption papers aren't available right now." "It should only be a few days for the towns to deliver more copies."

"I know, how inconvenient." They replied.

I ask the Dovahkiin to walk with me and discuss plans. I ask them if they hate the brotherhood too.

They replied with a hard "YES." They are shook up and feel responsible for potentially corrupting Aventus.

I assured them they didn't. "Aventus is still innocent as ever".

"Good! That's a start!" The Dovahkiin answered. We have to get a faction to help us take out every single member of the twisted faction. I'm the Dovakhin, we could pull it off just the both of us.

"I reply by stating most of the members are hiding.

"The only ones stupid enough to show their faces is The group with the weird Jester Cicero I think his name is. That guy gives me the creeps! I know where they hide, but the others will sure come after us".

I continue to suggest factions like The Dawngard and maybe all the Jarls. Surely they can't beat armies.

We can also ambush them when they're out for their contracts and hits. I agree we need to work together. I calmly take a break with the plans to reflect on the current moment. I look around at the empty trees and everyone shopping in the market square. The Dovahkiin is just looking to the ground, feeling guilty about their assistance against Grelod. I assure him that they did what they had to. I was afraid of the Brotherhood and now I am avenging my guilt too.

"Chin up, buddy. We will get them back for this and purify Skyrim. It's all we can do now. I hug my friend Dragonborn and we slowly part. I look back with a smile and nod, Suggesting we meet up and continue the plan later.

I arrive home deeply concerned for my friend. Poor Dovahkiin is guilty. I am going to see them again soon. I nod off for a while. As I awaken I hear a knock at the door. Its a man, a man wearing a purple cloak. I walk to the door. But before I could, it flew open. My instincts kicked in and I pulled out Grimsever.

"Wait! I have the answer to your problem" he said.

I answered back with "Go on, I'm listening".

"I have a gift a very special gift for you. I know you will like it. It's yours."

He shows me a green necklace with a pink light in the center. He tells me it's a time trinket, but can only be used once because I will be placed back in time where I never received such trinket.

I then ask for the price. He seemed surprised, and a little offended. He hands me the legendary artifact and leaves without saying another word.

I stare and admire the beauty of this godly object. But my mind is conflicted now.

"If I use this now and fail, I may not get another chance, if this truly works at all. I mean it was free! Either he knows my situation or he's a trickster. Either way, I'm taking my chances with this thing anyway." I rationalized out loud to myself.

I think I have to wear it and push the center piece. I lay down on the bed and I slowly get into a trance. I don't need to make it extravagant. I just feel it's more ritualistic. I push the button multiple times, but it doesn't seem to be working.

"Damn, I knew it was too good to be true. I going to bed!" I exclaimed with hopeless frustration.

Just before I could fall asleep, I see myself getting dragged in a green and pink void.

"Ha-hah, it worked!" I cheered calmly. Now I am back. I need to see if the rumors are still true.

I rushed outside with a bit of joy but also with uncertainty. I approached the first guard I spotted.

"Hey you guard, heard any news of that boy doing the ritual" I asked with a little nervousness. "No, I never got wind of that! who are you talking about?"

"Nevermind that, I got to go." I rushed off to the orphanage. Panting and speeding up , my adrenaline kicks in but I feel parched. I make a quick stop to the store beforehand to get myself a drink to stabilize. It really feels good to relax, knowing I can prevent this. I walk over to the bridge near Honorhall and lounge for a few minutes. I take a few deep breaths as I am shaking a little. I stare at the water and contemplate my next actions.

A few minutes later I hear the orphanage door open. It's the Aretino boy. I gotta go stop this at once.

"Aventus, come here boy!" I shouted with concern.

He seemed to look at me for one second "Please, I got to stop Grelod."

Before he can run off I grabbed his attention with "Wait! I'll help take care of Grelod. Just stay here."

"R-Really? You'd do that for me? So I don't have to summon assassins? I don't wanna have to go through with the ritual. I just want someone to help. Please!"

"Don't worry buddy. She'll be taken care of in a minute. Just wait here."

"I don't want to go in. Not until the mess is gone. I've been through a lot already. But please hurry." He said with a tear in his eye.

I sprinted to the doors of the orphanage and gave the knob a sharp turn. I marched into the orphanage with such ferocity I'm pretty sure I was losing my mind briefly.

"HEY YOU ABUSIVE BITCH! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING TO THESE CHILDREN???!!!"

Grelod, that old crone looked over and sneered "Just who do you think you are?! THIS IS MY OPRPHANAGE!!! MY CHILDREN!!! Now I suggest you leave or you'll be sorry!"

I glare with my head about to burst "No. You're the one who's gonna be sorry! Close your eyes kids!"

I stomped over to her and swung my sword and lobbing her head off.

The kids glorified her death. It was both disturbing but understandable. All the kids noticed that Aventus couldn't have had time to do the ritual, so they understood that he came to me. The kids try to talk to me but I have no time to chat. I got to remove this body so Aventus can come back inside.

I decide to put her in the cellar. As I drag her body, I slide it behind some barrels. I feel so disturbed doing this. But better me than little Aventus, right? Then I come back upstairs to retrieve the head, which I hide too. I tell Constance to notify the guards immediately.

I walk back outside. And Aventus speaks with hesitant hope "I-Is she dead?

I respond with a sigh "Yes it is over. And I hide the body so you won't have to worry about that mess."

"Ha-Hah! This is the best day of my life! Thank you so much Mjoll! Thank you, really!"

"Don't mention it, buddy. Now please do me a favor and heal from this."

Aventus slightly frowned "I will. Please don't think I'm evil. I didn't want it to come to this. It's just that she was so unfair and she needed to be stopped. Please understand my anger is for justice. And now it's gone because she's gone. But if I ever get sad, will you come by to hold me? Please?"

My usual firm demeanor softens as I myself almost jerk a tear "Of course little one. I understand your intentions were pure. And anytime you need me, just call out the window

I'll come in and make you feel all better."

Aventus with an uncontrollable pout "C-Can I have a hug. P-Please hold me!"

He hugs me tighter than I expected with little intention to let up. I rub his back as he starts sulking uncontrollably. All of his trauma comes out all at once and he releases all of his built up tension.

"Can you please adopt me? Please. I need you. I don't wanna be alone ever again."

I assure him "Of course I'll adopt you. Just give me a couple of days. I promise I'll come back for you. You deserve only the best."

This was a very emotional moment for both of us. We talked for another hour as I was making sure he was alright on his own. Just one or two more days, and then he'll be free. And I'll make sure those other children find good homes too. No one needs to live in pain, especially innocent beings such as children or peaceful animals.

As we parted ways, he waved to me and thanked me profusely. I told him to remain hopeful for I will deliver on my promise. He heads back inside the orphanage and I drift off into another intense thought as I am walking around Riften. I am glad that is over with. He doesn't need to find body parts for that damned ritual. Nor is he cursed with a negative reputation. I am so grateful for that man in the purple cloak. I must head back to my house and rest. I had a long two hours. I'm not planning on anything else tonight.

I made my way back to the house still tired, but happier than a few minutes ago. I really accomplished something today. I am so proud beyond words.

"This is what Aventus will see tomorrow. This house. I will get another bed then so that the boy gets to sleep peacefully too." I mutter out loud.

I lay down and doze with the last thoughts being Aventus' sad little face becoming happy. I have a dream, and in the dream I am standing in front of everyone in Riften. I am a new Jarl. Everyone is cheering for me. Then I see little Aventus just a little bit older. He's waving and lip syncing the words "Thanks Mom." with a big grin on his face. At this point I realized I am not just randomly a Jarl. I did so much to get here. And then the dream concludes with me resting on my throne with my son by my side.

I wake up and I lie there for a full minute in complete satisfaction. It is morning and now I know what I'm gonna do. I grab my sword and sling it onto my back. I make my way out the door and move quickly to the orphanage. I got the funds and the home to take Aventus in as my own. I don't want the other kids to feel left out, so I have a plan to arrange homes for each of them.

I quickly open the door, and with a stride I march in like I owned the place.

"Constance. I'm looking to adopt. I have the gold and the deed to my house right here."

Constance smiled and looked up from her desk "Excellent. I assume you will be adopting little Aventus. Great choice! He's always been a good egg. Take good care of him now."

Aventus and the other kids overhear this. While Aventus is excited, the other kids are sad.

Francois chimed in first "Aww he's pretty lucky he gets to leave. I don't think my parents are coming back. I want a home too!"

Runa exclaims "No fair! I've been good too! Of course Aventus gets to go home!"

Hroar modestly stated "Well even if it's not my turn now, I'm sure someone will take me in."

Samuel just crosses his arms and rolls his eyes "Fine. Whatever."

I listen intently and then respond with "Children, children. You will all get adopted. I will have nice homes for all of you. It's a process that'll take some time, but I assure you that you'll have perfect living conditions. I've got friends."

All the kids cheer in hopes to be adopted by a trusted protector such as me. I will ask Lydia and Jord for help. And I got two business associates who can afford everything. Bannen and Gordil. They will provide shelter for all of these wonderful kids. I am sure of it.

Aventus approaches me with excitement "I'm finally getting adopted. This is the best day of my life! Thanks mom!"

As he gives me another hug I tell him "Come. Let's get settled then."

Then we leave the orphanage.