Just a Skyrim fanfic: Extended cut

Proceed with caution

Arnbjorn: That's impossible!

Leonidas: Is it? Just think as if you were in her shoes. Her leadership is threatened so long as Cicero lives, and he has already made some recruits question her. And since I was chosen as the listener and not her, I'm probably next

Veezara: I hate to say it, but I think he might be right

Arnbjorn: No. I don't believe it

Leonidas: If you don't want to take my word for it, why not ask her yourself? She likely trusts you more than anyone else

Arnbjorn:... Fine. I'll give you a chance. But if you're wrong, I'll do it myself

(Cicero springs up)

Cicero: You thought me near death?! Think again! Hahahahaha! I will serve the listener until one of us dies horribly in service to our mother! Best friends forever!

Leonidas: For now, just make yourself at home here at the sanctuary. Veezara, find any recruits who question Astrid's judgement and make a list of names. We need to know who's on our side if things go pear shaped

Veezara: I will

(Leonidas, Veezara, and Arnbjorn head back the the Falkreath sanctuary while Cicero stays in Dawnstar)

Astrid: Arnbjorn is safe. And for that, you have my thanks. But what of the fool? Is Cicero dead?

Leonidas: Yes. Cicero is dead

Astrid: Excellent. Once again, you've proven yourself a born assassin. Tell you what. Why don't you hold onto Shadowmere a while longer? He's a fine steed, and hasn't been ridden nearly as much as he should lately. And now that this Cicero mess has been mopped up, we can get back to the matter at hand, hmm?

Leonidas: Right. So, what should I do next?

Astrid: There's just one more target before we strike out at the Emperor. Have you by chance heard of the gourmet? Read his cookbook? It's become quite a phenomenon

Leonidas: You mean the anonymous master chef?

Astrid: Yes.  The gourmet is scheduled to cook for the emperor at a special dinner. You'll kill him, steal his Writ of Passage, and assume the roll of master chef. Festus has been spearheading this part of the assassination plan. He's close to uncovering the identity of the Gourmet. You should report to him.

Festus Krex: There you are. Took your sweet time dealing with Cicero, hmmm? Now let's get down to business. Astrid told you about the gourmet, I hope?

Leonidas: That I need to kill him and impersonate him

Festus Krex: Quite so. But first you'll need to learn who he is. Assuming, of course, that the Gourmet actually is a he. Could be a woman for all we know

Leonidas: So you don't even know who the gourmet is. Wonderful

Festus Krex: Don't be so petulant! In my investigations, I came upon this. It's a copy of the gourmet's cookbook. Ah, but not just any copy. It's signed you see! Seems to be a message from the gourmet to one Anton Virane. I've tracked Virane to the keep in Markarth. It would seem he's the cook

Leonidas: And you think this Anton Virane knows the gourmet's true identity?

Festus Krex: I believe so. Therefore, you are to obtain that information from Virane. Who the Gourmet really is, and where he can be found. Oh, and when you're done with Virane, kill him. Loose ends and all that. Next, you'll have to... Are you still paying attention?