An illustrated Skyrim story beyond the fall of the Dark Brotherhood~
After a surreal event, Cicero is inexplicably thrown back into a clear state of mind and his memories from his life prior to his madness return. We begin to learn who he really is...
"Do you dream of a better life, child?" a man's voice rumbled, ripping me from my slumber. I pulled the dagger from beneath my pillow and flipped over, swinging it at the shadowy figure perched above my bed. There was a loud clank and a spark of light as my blade collided with metal. My eyes came into focus and I could see the hooded man standing there holding a uniquely shaped blade against mine, a calm smile on his face.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"W-... who are you?" I asked, unable to move as his cold blue eyes stared into mine, "What do you want?"
"The question isn't so much what I want... but rather, what do you want?" he lowered his blade confidently and took a step back.
I sat up slowly still white knuckle gripping the hilt of my dagger defensively, "Take whatever you want. I own nothing of value."
"I am not here to rob you, child, but rather to make you an offer," his voice was soothing and almost enthusiastic.
"Are you the one who has been watching me?"
"Perceptive. Your paranoia is justified. I am Speaker Ronan of the Dark Brotherhood faction of Bruma. You caught our eye many years ago. Now that you are of age, you could be of use to us. We wish to test your prowess."
I could feel myself beginning to sweat even though the room was quite cold, "The Dark Brotherhood has been watching me? Is this about my mother? Was.. was she part of this?"
"She has employed our services in years prior. But our client dealings are confidential. This isn't about her... this is about you, young Cicero."
Hearing my name from this stranger's mouth was jarring, "Then that note was from you, I take it..." I loosened my grasp on my blade as the man began pacing around the small room.
"You have a potential that we value in the Dark Brotherhood. It seems that we may be able to help one another."
At any other point in my life, I'd have immediately declined his offer. I had enough troubles as it was, I didn't need to be affiliated with a known criminal organization-... but in that moment, I felt utterly alone in the world... helpless and confused, "I'm listening..."
"You need a family. A purpose. A goal..." his voice grew deep, "A mother?"
I squinted at him as the rumors of this cult resurfaced in my mind. None of this made any sense.
"You can have all of these things," he continued, "We are a family. Loyalty breeds loyalty. We can take care of you. But we must first test your aptitude."
I admit, the prospect of safety was incredibly tempting, "Aptitude for what?"
Speaker Ronan reached into his robe and pulled out a folded piece of parchment. He held it out to me with a warm smile, "On this, you will find the name and description of a target. Eliminate him discreetly and without question. Once the job is complete, I will contact you again and your initiation will continue."
