Mourning Never Comes

Clowning Around

This quest begins once you complete Dark Brotherhood Quests: Sanctuary.

After returning from your first side contract (or later), it appears the Dark Brotherhood are welcoming a new visitor. Cicero and his oversized coffin have arrived; you’ll find them in the grotto. Cicero is engaged in a slightly tense conversation with Arnbjorn. Astrid isn’t overly fond of the jester but still welcomes him into the fold, along with his cargo. Ask Astrid about a contract, and she gives you instructions. An Apothecary’s Apprentice over in Markarth has completed the Black Sacrament. Find her and follow her wishes. You can ask Astrid about the Night Mother (the corpse Cicero has hauled in with him), advice on the contracts, and other rules to follow if you desire.

The Hag’s Helper

Journey to Markarth and seek out Muiri, who may be hanging around inside the Silver-Blood Inn, walking nearby, or heading toward the Hag’s Cure apothecary shop (or already inside). Tell her that you’ve come, and she speaks conspiratorially about her problem: While visiting the wealthy Shatter-Shield family in Windhelm—who were old and dear friends and recently lost their daughter to a murderer—Muiri went to the local tavern to drown her sorrows; there she fell in love with a dashing stranger named Alain Dufont. What Muiri didn’t know at the time was that Alain was actually using her so he could infiltrate the family and rob them blind. Alain, who turned out to be a local bandit leader, made off with an impressive haul.

The Shatter-Shields blame Muiri, and the family matriarch (who once viewed Muiri as another daughter) now wants nothing more to do with her. So, not only has Muiri been betrayed by the man she thought loved her, but she’s also been disowned by the Shatter-Shields. What does Muiri want? Revenge. Twice over! She wants you to travel to where Alain and his bandits are holded up and kill the thieving liar. But she also offers you an optional objective: to kill Nilsine Shatter-Shield. With both of her real daughters now dead, family matriarch Tova will surely accept Muiri once more as her surrogate daughter. Or so her addled mind believes. Before you go, Muiri offers you some doses of a particularly potent poison, which you can use on your targets if you wish.

• Lotus Extract (2)

Contract: Alain Dufont

Plod through the snow until you reach the spectacular carved dwarven stronghold. If you aren’t being particularly sneaky (and you don’t need to be), prepare for bandit attacks as you ascend the outer stairs. Deal with these light threats and open the door leading to Raldbthar Consortium.

Enter the Consortium level. Cut down the bandits you see as you navigate the fire trap and head down the sloping corridor to a giant chamber of crumbling columns. Alain Dufont’s bandit clan are having a conference. A single arrow dipped in Lotus Extract is a professional method of taking Alain out, or you can wade in with your favored offensive spells or melee weapons. Don’t forget to poison your weapon before it strikes Alain to drop him in a single strike. Afterward, take his unique weapon, Aegisbane, before you depart. This weapon is the stolen family symbol of Clan Shatter-Shield. You can:

• Continue to explore this stronghold (consult the Atlas for more details)
• Journey back to Muiri
• Or continue your assassinations by tackling the optional target, Nilsine Shatter-Shield.
• Unique Weapon: Aegisbane

Nilsine Shatter-Shield (Optional)

Set off to Windhelm and search out the location of Nilsine, who is usually in the market area between the White Phial and the Blacksmith Quarters. You can speak to her about the recent death of her twin sister, but that isn’t the reason you’re here. You’re here to kill her (ideally after coating your blade or arrow with a dose of Lotus Extract). If you’re spotted, it is usually better to flee than be overwhelmed by the city guard.

Quest Conclusion

Trek back to Markarth and explain to Muiri who you’ve killed. She is pleased with the demise of Alain Dufont and is ecstatic if you also carried out her optional wishes. She rewards you accordingly:

• 50 gold pieces (Alain Dufont)
• Muiri’s Ring (Nilsine Shatter-Shield)

Postquest Activities

Return to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary and locate Astrid. She is happy that you finished your contract, but she needs your help with a matter of a more personal nature. Although she may be paranoid, you’re sure that jester is part of it! Dark Brotherhood Quests: Whispers in the Dark now begins.