Taking on a New Job IV

"My friend, are we looking for bandits or just a quiet place to talk?" Inigo asks.

"The latter, but I wouldn't be disappointed in finding the former." I joke before continuing, "I haven't been all too truthful about my intentions with wanting to go to Whiterun first."

"Me and Mr. Dragonfly figured there was something you wanted to do there, but could not figure out what." Inigo concludes.

"Well, it's a number of things. First, I'd like to join the Companions to gain access to a certain gift they have to offer. Lycanthropy. Second, I plan to accomplish a couple minor jobs for the Guild. Third, I got a message from someone asking to meet in Whiterun. Fourth, I'd like to check in on Lokir and the rest to see their progress on our future headquarters. Lastly..." I pause, debating whether or not to tell Inigo about the Dark Brotherhood.

"My friend, do not force yourself, while I have known you before your amnesia, you are only just getting to know me. It is alright to be cautious." Inigo says in understanding, deciding what I should do.

"No, I trust you. I don't know why, but something inside tells me you're reliable. I've accidentally caught the attention of the Dark Brotherhood." I confess to Inigo.

"My friend, how did you accidentally get the attention of a secret group of assassins?" Inigo says, looking at me quite perplexed.

"Well, it's actually the reason we had to leave Riften in such a hurry. I killed Grelod, the hag who ran the orphanage." I say.

"I know she seemed quite rude and abrasive, but I don't think you would kill her because of that, and how does this tie into the Dark Brotherhood?" Inigo asks.

"*Sigh* After the Goldenglow job went off so smooth, I went up to the street level where I heard Grelod shouting, which I dismissed until I heard the children... Being beaten..." I loosely outline the events for him, and my seeming loss of control.

"That... Is most unsettling my friend, though I won't say such a despicable person deserved to live, you did the right thing saving those children. But I still don't know what Grelod has to do with the Dark Brotherhood?" Inigo asks just as confused as before.

"Well, I heard a guard say that someone was attempting to contact the Dark Brotherhood about placing a contract on Grelod while on our way out of town." I explain.

"Are you sure that that is not just a baseless rumor my friend?" Inigo asks before a rustling in the nearby bushes puts us on high alert.

That is until the figure enters the moonlight and says, "There you are, I've got a message I'm supposed to deliver. Your eyes only." The courier says handing me a single note.

On it is a black hand and some text that reads.

[We Know What You Did.]

I turn to Inigo and hand him the letter, before saying, "Just a baseless rumor, huh?"

Inigo is left speechless for a moment before asking in visible confusion, "But how did the Courier know where we are? And where did he go?"

"Eh, no one knows, best not to question it. But if you ask me..." I say pausing to check my surroundings before pulling Inigo in close, "I think he's a Daedric Lord who runs the mail when he's bored."

"That... Makes sense!" Inigo answers enthusiastically.

"I know, right, but that reminds me. You said you knew me from before. What exactly did you mean? Am I any different from before?" I ask trying to pry some information from him.

"Not really, at your heart you seem very similar. Despite being a bit more eloquent and talkative, as well as being free from some weight that held you down. Unfortunately, if you are wanting some personal details you never shared any with me. We were thrown together by circumstance for an adventuring job together. I was hooked on skooma and the noble who hired us said the one who returned would get the other's pay." Inigo looks away from me.

"I fell to temptation and killed you for the money... Well, I tried to at the very least." Inigo says remorsefully.

"Damn... What about the money, any of that left over?" I ask hopefully.

"Ha! Nope, the noble who hired us was killed by his sister who he hired us to kill. So no money after all of that." Inigo says with a sad smile.

"Shit, could've used a surprise pay day. Next time let's get paid up front first, alright?" I say with a chuckle.

"I agree, my friend." Inigo agrees with a laugh.

"And if we're being honest..." I trail off.

"What is it, my friend?" Inigo asks with concern.

"The Companions are werewolves and I plan to become one." I say seriously.

"Ha! Good one, my friend." Inigo laughs... Before realizing that I'm not laughing with him. "Are you serious, my friend?" Inigo asks in disbelief.

"Yes... They are lycanthropes. It's the secret to their ferocious battle prowess." I tell him as we start to traverse some loose rubble.

"That makes their tales of battle much more believable. But, is there a reason you want to become such a beast? I thought your preference leaned more towards the feline. With that little lost kitten of yours." Inigo jokes talking about M'rissi.

"Think that's funny huh?" I say, pulling him through some uneasy rubble, making him trip slightly before regaining his balance before pulling me back causing us both to slide down the small rubble before stopping at its base.

We look to each other before busting out laughing, I push myself up and then extend my arm to lift him up as he dusts himself off.

"As for why the Companions and why I'm wanting to become a werewolf... I'm not just building a mercenary company, but a true army. And every army needs its shock troops... And aside from the personal power the beast form would give me, the only way to truly lead a pack is to become its Alpha. And they won't just follow a normal warrior no matter their strength or skill." I explain to him.