Innocence Lost

Innocence Lost is a requisite quest to join the Dark Brotherhood.

Overview

 * Prerequisite: Ask any Innkeeper about the latest rumors.
 * Quest Giver: Aventus Aretino
 * Reward: Aretino Family Heirloom

Background
Please Grelod, may I have some more... revenge?

Walkthrough
While on your travels in Skyrim, you will begin to hear rumors of a "cursed child." Go to any inn and ask the innkeeper for rumors. You will eventually hear that there is a child trying to summon the Dark Brotherhood in Windhelm.

You could alternatively talk to Idesa Sadri inside Candalhearth Hall in Windhelm and ask about a child performing the Black Sacrement. Idesa can also be overheard talking to Grimvar Cruel-Sea about the child outside the Aretino Residence. The child, named Aventus Aretino, can be found inside the Aretino Residence, which has a novice-level lock.You can do this when you start the game.

When first entering, Aventus can be found chanting the The Black Sacrament and asking the Night Mother why she has not answered his prayers.

When you seek out Aventus Aretino, he will tell you that he summoned the Dark Brotherhood because his mother died and he was sent to Honorall Orphanage, in Riften. While there, the cruel matron, Grelod the Kind, abused him and the other children, causing him to run away. Aventus believes that the Dragonborn is a Dark Brotherhood assasain, so he will give you the contract, asking you to kill Grelod the Kind. She can be found in the Honorhall Orphanage, in Riften.

Grelod the Kind shouldn't prove any challenge even for the most low-leveled character. With no means to defend herself and close to no health she is ripe for the picking via arrow to the dome! The children at the orphanage hate Grelod, so they will not report you to the Riften Guard. It is advised though to carry out the deed inside Honorhall Orphanage.

Once Grelod has been dispatched, return to Aventus, who will reward you with the Aretino Family Heirloom which has a base value of 100, and the quest ends.


 * Note: This quest leads directly to With Friends Like These....
 * Youtube guide to completing this quest.


 * :: If you kill Grelod the Kind before consulting Master Aretino, The Dark Brotherhood will not contact you. If you meet him after killing the mark Aventus will be very happy ("I knew the Dark Brotherhood were good... but...") but the reward remains the same. After informing him of the deed, it is only then that The Dark Brotherhood will contact you with their cryptic message.


 * Note: You do not have to talk to anyone prior to talking to Aventus.