PART 2: STRONG TOO LONG
They gathered at Lakeview Manor, in the main hall. As steward, Rayya had given Llewllyn the bard a generous amount of personal leave and a bonus purse of septims before nearly shoving him out the door. She had also arranged for the Children of the Dragon there to study magic to be escorted north to the College of Winterhold to work with the specialists directly. Now, only the seven of them remained to guard the weakened Dragonborn.
As the Dragonborn's mate, Lydia had the right to sit to the left of the head of the table, but chose to stand instead. It had been two days now and Numidia had not regained consciousness, despite Serana's alchemical infusions to aid her recovery. Now they waited, each a silent caretaker and protector of Skyrim's greatest treasure.
"I'll be the one to say it, if no one else will," Mjoll the Lioness said from her perch on the staircase. "Why? What could cause her to go and debase herself like that, to simply give up? It flies in the face of everything I know about her."
"She was in pain over this business with the Ebony Warrior," Lydia replied. "Or at least that's what I surmise. My sources tell me the two of them dueled it out high in the mountains of the Rift. The way distant onlookers tell it, it was truly one for the history books, a reckoning of titans."
"The details now known only to one," Uthgerd said at the far end of the table, sipping from her mead horn.
"And what happened afterward?" Karliah said from her chair. She had taken off her hood, and her fingerless gloves were draped over the table near her untouched wine glass.
"She arrived in Solitude, weary but not dimmed or diminished," Lydia replied. "She gave me this armor and said that she wanted me to wear it. It was special to her, she said. At the time I laughed. She had been trying to get me to update my plate mail for some time, and thought ebony would suit me the most. She spent the night. Something felt off in her kiss, but I merely thought the road had been hard on her. I had no idea that she might…" Her voice trailed off.
At her place by the burning hearth, Serana touched her forehead in consternation. "So, it's true. The armor you wear is his. Her prize for defeating him."
"I didn't know," Lydia said. "She must have put it on, for it was too small for me at first, before it reshaped itself to me. The Warrior himself was said to be well over seven feet tall. I only knew that it bore particularly powerful enchantments, but I thought that either she had found it, or made it. Her skills in the forge are on par with her ability to imbue magic. I took it as a gift…from the one closest to my heart."
Many looked down into their various mugs, tankards and drinking vessels. "She left not long after," Lydia continued. "It was nothing new. I asked if I could come along, but I knew without her saying that she needed to travel alone. Two weeks went by, then a third. Even at the height of the war, when we were often separated, some word of her reached me no matter the circumstance. By the fourth week, I began reaching out, first to the holdings, then to the Companions," she said, looking in Aella's chair next to Karliah. "Then to the Dawnguard, and even the Guild." Mjoll frowned at the mention, but Karliah merely shrugged it away.
"No one had seen her, or knew where she had gone after she left Solitude. If Maul hadn't come across that unregistered manifest, and handed it over to Vex, I might still be searching for her."
"We all would," Aella corrected. "Each of us here loves the Dragonborn, or owes her in ways we cannot repay. You were wise to bring us together in this search."
"True, I am not the only one with a concern for her health and well-being," Lydia replied, perhaps a little tartly. "But isn't that just it? We all know different sides to her. Rayya and I were assigned to her as Housecarls. She rescued you from your crypt," she said with a nod to Serana. "If not for a random bar brawl you might have never known her, Uthgerd, much less fought by her side. Aella saw first-hand the wild beast at her core. Mjoll, when you met her, you were vehement in your hatred of the Guild. You didn't realize she was a member. By the time she returned Grimsever to your hands, she was the Guildmaster."
"And so much more," Karliah said in her smoky Dunmer accent. "All things to all people, it seems."
"Yes, and I still haven't fully come to terms with that…aspect of the Dragonborn's personality," Mjoll admitted. "But even in her most questionable acts, Numidia shows a sense of honor and fairness. She knew of my feelings for the Guild, and yet she never once led me astray or showed me anything but friendship. She reworked Grimsever to be better than ever before. That's what I mean: I've never known her to harm an innocent, or a child, or end a life that she didn't truly believe needed to end. And yet, she gave herself –willingly— to a monster."
"Who treated her monstrously," Rayya said. Her grey facial tattoos seemed to give her anger frightening new dimensions.
"Exactly, so why would she do this to herself? Doesn't she know what she means to us, her friends, and to the people of Skyrim?" Mjoll asked.
Lydia leaned on the table, and let a long breath out. She felt suddenly old and tired. "Perhaps that was the problem."
"What do you mean?" Serana said, warming her hands behind her. "She's been a rock, strong as any mountain, even when the whole world was arrayed against her."
"And you fear that the Dragonborn has, what, tried to be a rock for too long?" Uthgerd asked. "Is that it?"
"The World-Eater wakes, and the wheel turns upon the Last Dragonborn," Lydia said, quoting the Book of the Dragonborn. "We know the prophecy, we all know it." She looked up towards the bedroom on the second floor and the hero who slumbered there. "After Helgen, she could have just as easily stolen a horse and disappeared into the crowds of Markarth or Solitude, and let the shards fall where they may. But she didn't. The moment she slew Mirmulnir at the Western Watchtower, her life was no longer her own."
"What are you saying, then?" Mjoll asked. "That we drove this to her? We love her, you most of all."
"Perhaps I do," Lydia said with a pointed looked at Aella. "But all of us, all of Skyrim, and indeed all of Tamriel, have pinned our collected hopes and dreams on her. She may bear the soul of a dragon, and some of the proclivities that come with that, but she has no more the mental resolve to deal with grief, death, and loss as the rest of us. I believe her encounter with the Ebony Warrior drove her over the edge. How far over remains to be seen."
"He was a coward," Rayya said with disgust, and everyone looked at her. "Too afraid to live on, scared he might die in his sleep. As if the Alik'r are allowed into Sovngarde, regardless of how we meet our end. What a selfish request it was, and what might he have cost us all if he had somehow won?"
An uneasy silence fell at this proclamation. Lydia knew Numidia had tried to talk the Warrior out of the duel, and had likely even tried to recruit him to their efforts with the Children of the Dragon. But it hadn't worked, and Numidia had killed him all the same. Had that been the straw that had broken the dragon's back?
"She's a killer," Aella said. "It was what she was born to do; I sensed that the moment I saw her put an arrow cleanly through a giant's eye. She is without match in battle, whether with bow, or sword, or spell – none can stand against her. Indeed her very destiny was to slay dragons. When I…shared my blood with her, I was amazed, even jealous of how strongly the wolf came out in her. Whole ages have come and gone without someone of her gifts stepping foot on the battlefield, even though…"
"She never enjoyed killing," Lydia finished for her. "A necessary evil, perhaps, but ultimately each life she took, even Ulfric's, cost her dearly." Lydia shook her head. "The fates were cruel to match such a peaceful soul with a destiny demanding so much destruction."
Uthgerd frowned, which was never far from her normal expression anyway. "Peaceful? Are we even talking about the same person? She was a force nature, like a flood or an earthquake, when she held the gates of Whiterun, and again when she smashed through the byways of Windhelm. I have never seen its like, before or since."
"I was there as well," Lydia countered. "And you didn't have to hold her as she cried in the aftermath, when the confusion and doubt would take her, leaving her wondering if she'd done the right thing. She didn't hate the Stormcloaks. Shor's Throne, Uthgerd, she agreed with much of what drove them. If it hadn't been for Ulfric and his treatment of non-Nords, and her Imperial upbringing, she might have joined them."
Lydia shook her head, and firelight caught a glistening around her eyes. "After each battle she would tear off the petals of red mountain flowers, one for each of the lives she had taken, until there was a crimson pile at her feet, and she would wish that Talos would see their souls safely to Sovngarde." They looked at her in disbelief, but Lydia could feel fire in her blood. "Yes, Talos. And she would ask for their forgiveness, because they had only done what they felt was right, and their sin was only the misfortune of crossing her path in battle. Now, did you know that?"
Uthgerd's sternness softened, and she crossed her armored arms across her chest as though to ward off the cold. It seemed to resonate around the room. "I did not. Forgive me, Lydia. I meant no disrespect to you or her. I suppose her helmet conceals far more than just her face."
"We can all be thankful for her merciful nature," Karliah said. "Without it, Skyrim would far worse off. But I must ask the question: What do we do now?"
Rayya fiddled with the bread and cheese before, but did not eat of it. "She's right. The Dragonborn's presence has been a great deterrent for those who wish to undermine Elisif's throne, not to mention all manner of other threats. Pirates, bandits, and other destructive elements. Skyrim is still recovering from the war. Without her in the field, what's to stop a return to anarchy? I've already heard rumblings about that street gang in Falkreath."
"And smugglers near Solitude," Mjoll said.
"And a new death-cult emerging in Markarth," Serana said.
Lydia straightened to her full height.
"Us."
They stared at her. There was no doubt that she had their attention. "We rise to the challenge. And when my wife is back on her feet, perhaps we let her rest a while longer. Each of us has learned something from her in our travels. I think it is time to put those lessons to their greatest use."
"Forgive me, shield-sisters," Uthgerd said. "Mighty though we may be, we are a poor substitute for the Dragonborn."
"True," Serana said. "But not every threat must be answered by the power of a demi-goddess. What regular mortals could truly contend with all of us, if united?"
Lydia's heart soared. The decision had been so clear, and now Serana was on side with it. Lydia looked around the room. She could see it on their faces as they considered it, the possibilities growing in their minds. It only made sense.
"We'll need to keep her condition a secret," Karliah said. "And ensure that's she's protected while she can't defend herself."
"The magical wards on this house are considerable," Rayya said, "as are the defenses against unwanted intrusion. So long as she remains inside, she should be safe. As for her caretaking…" Rayya looked to Lydia.
"I'll send for the shaman, Frea of the Skaal tribe," Lydia answered. "If anyone can maintain a vigil and nurse Numidia back to health, it's her. And she can be trusted to keep it quiet, I have no doubts."
"Brynjolf can help as well," Karliah said, looking directly at Mjoll. "You may not care much for him, but we've both taken a sacred vow to defend our shadow-sister. He's as good with a blade as he is with a lock, and secrets are his specialty."
Lydia looked around the room at the group taking shape. Each of them was a master of their respective field, but the divisions were clear: Mjoll hated thieves, even noble ones like Karliah. Serana still had some prejudice towards Aella's wolf-blood, despite not being a vampire anymore. Uthgerd didn't like anyone easily, and preferred to work alone. Rayya's vows as steward and housecarl conflicted with extended periods away from Lakeview Manor. Lydia had once competed with Aella over the Dragonborn's affections.
"If we do this, let me make this clear," Lydia said. "Whatever axe we might have to grind with each other, we put it aside for however long it takes. All of us are here because of our love and sisterhood with the Dragonborn. Let that be our rallying cry to each other, our reason to join in common cause. Agreed?"
"So long as we're sure that no one persona conspires against another, I'll accept that," Mjoll said.
"Don't worry, I'll keep my hands off your valuables," Karliah said, then added: "Aside from those I've already pocketed." The Dunmer smiled broadly, and it looked good across her sharp Dunmer features. Everyone else frowned at her, Lydia included.
"Joking, of course," Karliah said, holding up her hands. "I make it a point of professional pride not to take from those I'm working with."
"I take her at her word," Lydia said, looking around. "Anything else?"
"We'll need a leader," Aella spoke up. "I suppose you think that's you." The challenge there was unmistakable.
Lydia turned to face her, squarely. "Yes, I do."
"All of us are quite capable to lead," Aella replied. "Why should your voice be heard over mine, or Rayya's, or Uthgerd's, or anyone here?"
A fair question. Each woman here was a champion in her own right. What did give Lydia the right to lead amongst a field of Skyrim's finest?
"I know Numidia best," Lydia replied. "Not just the face she presents to the world, but the real her. If we are truly to stand in her stead, we need to know how she would handle the situations that face us, and act accordingly. I'm the only one here who can do that."
A long look passed between Lydia and Aella, unblinking and defiant from them both. The huntress looked on the verge of protesting, but then Lydia saw her straighten in her chair instead.
"I'll accept that," Aella agreed. "Count me in amongst my sister…valkyries."
Lydia looked to the others, feeling the momentum behind her suddenly. Rayya gave a slow, serious nod, as did Karliah.
"I'll do it," Serana said, and Lydia was glad to hear her say it out loud. "For her."
"Why not?" Uthgerd said. "I suppose I can drink my mead anywhere; Hulda will save my spot at the Bannered Mare."
All eyes turned to Mjoll on the stairs. Of everyone, she took the greatest issue working with a member of the Guild. The Lioness stood with a clank of her resplendent Nordic plate and drew Grimsever, reversing the grip to hold the point down before her.
"I swear by the honor of Grimsever that I will see it done in the Dragonborn's name, without malice or hesitation."
Lydia let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. It was done. With Mjoll's vow, these… Valkyries were a now a force.
"It is decided then," Lydia said. "I will remain here with Rayya until Frea can arrive. We have perhaps two weeks before we can be certain we can step away from Numidia's side. In that time, we need to know what we are up against." She addressed them each in turn.
"Uthgerd, perhaps the Bannered Mare is the best place for you for now. Trade and rumors run through Whiterun like its stream. If there's anything you pick up from caravans or travelers, make note. Aella, any information the Companions can find would be most welcome as well."
She turned to Karliah, "I'd like you to head to Solitude. I'm sure these smugglers have no intention of playing by the Guild's rules. I want to know what they're about…who runs them, what they're bringing in, as much as you can find out." Karliah answered by putting her fingerless gloves back on and flexing her hands in readiness.
"Mjoll, head back to Riften, and keep your ears open. If there's even a hint of talk that the Dragonborn isn't in play, laugh in their faces. Tell tall tales if you have to, but keep it quiet, and watch out for Ingun. I doubt she'll make waves, but be ready in case she does."
The Lioness sheathed Grimsever with a nod.
Finally, Lydia turned to Serana. "Go to Markarth and see what you can find on this cult. I would bet my warhorse that it has something to do with Molag Bal, and you are the one most knowledgeable about his following."
"Unfortunately, that is true," Serana said. "But I hope you're wrong about the Bal being involved. After what happened with my father, I'm not exactly on his favored list anymore."
"Everyone eat a hearty meal before you go; there's plenty in store. Ride hard and be ready to move when you receive my signal." Lydia lifted a goblet of mead and held it aloft.
"Daughters of Skyrim…to the Dragonborn, and to the Valkyries."
They lifted their glasses together in union with each other, as one. Now the real work began, and they would have to face it together, without the hero who had, unintentionally, brought them all together.
And yet, as Lydia looked around the room at her new sisters, pride welled up in her chest. They would carry the banner of the dragon into the fire, and their enemies would come to rue the day they first thought to bring their darkness to Skyrim's shores.