Innocence Lost

The Black Sacrament Enacted

Begin this quest in a number of different ways:

1. You can hear a rumor that mentions a boy named Aventus Aretino if you visit any of the inns or taverns across Skyrim. The nearest to your starting location in Helgen is the Sleeping Giant Inn in Riverwood. The one closest to this quest is Candlehearth Hall in Windhelm. Keep asking about rumors until Aventus’s name is mentioned; then follow up on this information.

2. Or, you can visit the Honorhall Orphanage in Riften. Enter the premises and watch as Grelod the Kind doesn’t live up to her name. Once the harridan has ordered her children to bed, speak with any of the “guttersnipes.” Francois Beaufort, Samuel, Runa Fair-Shield, or Hroar all point you in the direction of the escaped orphan, Aventus Aretino, and his location in Windhelm.

3. Or, if you’re already in Windhelm, the first city guard you speak to mentions something about the ritual going on in a building inside this settlement. If you’re close to the Aretino Residence, you can witness a conversation between Grimvar Cruel-Sea and Idesa Sadri; speak to them about this “cursed” child who some have heard reciting the “Black Sacrament.” As the house is close by, you can easily check whether these stories hold weight.

The Sadist Headmistress Redacted

It appears the rumors are true; Aventus Aretino, a recently orphaned child, has fled from Riften and headed back to his family home.

(Lockpick [Novice]) The only way into the dwelling is to pick the lock. Once inside, you find Aventus in a trancelike state, reciting the Black Sacrament—the means by which those wishing revenge are said to contact the Dark Brotherhood. Aventus isn’t concerned that you’ve found him out; in fact, he’s thrilled that a Dark Brotherhood assassin has come to arrange a murder! Even if this wasn’t your intention, Aventus doesn’t listen; he wants the cruel and sadistic headmistress of the Honorhall Orphanage dead, mainly to save the other children from her violence and so her more compassionate subordinate, Constance Michel, can take over.

Travel to the Honorhall Orphanage and speak with Grelod the Kind. You may reveal as little or as much of your plan as you want. Immediately afterward, you must kill her for her crimes against children.

(Sneak) Just like any murder you commit as part of the Dark Brotherhood, slaying your target while remaining stealthy is preferred so nobody witnesses the crime. With Grelod, this can involve waiting until she’s sleeping. However, Grelod will scream when she dies, alerting the children and Constance, and everyone becomes suspicious of you, even if your Bounty hasn’t increased in the Rift.

Quest Conclusion

Travel back to Aventus and inform him that the assassination is complete. He is thrilled and rewards you with a fancy family trinket. It appears this quest is over.

• Aretino Family Heirloom

Postquest Activities

An odd occurrence gives you pause. Once you leave Windhelm and enter any other city in Skyrim, a courier approaches you (assuming you don’t run past him). He was told to deliver a message. Examine the black handprint and the words inside that state simply, “We know.” The commencement of Dark Brotherhood Quests: With Friends Like These... will follow.