Author's note:
My dear readers, here I am with the second update of the week. I was very excited about this chapter, therefore I couldn't wait to post it.
Before I begin, let me thank you dear Elspeth and Valtieri. It was great to read your reviews, just like it was great to see that you're still on board. Also, I definitely have to compliment you and all those who correctly guessed the identity of Mystery Woman. You really are the best!
Although it may sound weird, I'm absolutely glad to know that Vigdis comes across as cold-hearted and angry - actually, that's how I always meant her to be. Apropos, I consider her a rather intriguing character, therefore one day I may write a story about her relationship with Steinarius and their time with the Companions. First, however, I need to finish this fic.
As for Vigdis' motivation to keep Agda safe, I must say that Valtieri did a really great job with their theory - when I began writing this story, I namely wanted Delphine to be the missing link between those two women. Then, however, I decided to change mix things up, as it didn't allow Vigdis to act like the generous woman she actually is.
All that said, it's now time I described my latest update. This chapter will provide us with some more information about Vigdis. Also, it will mark an important twist in the story.
Enjoy!
As she carefully closed the door to Agda's room, Vigdis frowned. After saving her from the deadly embrace of the sea, the warrior had taken the young mage to Frostflow Lighthouse in the hope that the people who lived there could help her heal the awful injuries on the girl's body. Sadly enough, Vigdis had soon realized that something in the old building was wrong, deeply and horribly wrong.
Upon entering the place and noticing Ramani's corpse in the main hall, Vigdis had understood that she couldn't rely on anyone's help to treat Agda's frightening wounds; later, when she'd noticed a dead chaurus near the fireplace, she'd also realized that Frostflow Lighthouse was probably close to a dangerous Falmer den. Vigdis had been upset by that discovery; nonetheless, she'd decided to stay in the building anyway. Agda was too weak to face another journey and was also in great need of warmth and treatment. Vigdis hoped she could provide her with both without any foul creature getting in the way.
As she looked at the door she'd just locked, the warrior sighed. There were a few bear traps preventing the Falmer from reaching Agda's room; also, Vigdis was sure she could stand her own in a fight against those creatures. Nonetheless, the woman couldn't wait for the mage's conditions to improve - she didn't like the smell of death inside the lighthouse and deeply wished she could get out of there as soon as possible. Unfortunately, Agda's conditions made it impossible for the two of them to leave.
Ancano hadn't been kind to her, Vigdis noticed as she approached the unconscious girl - he'd whipped her, he'd broken her nose and a few more bones in her face, he'd made her left eye so swollen that Agda couldn't even open it; but most of all, the Thalmor had disfigured the girl by carving the soft flesh of her face and her bosom and her limbs with a sharp dagger.
As she took a closer look at those newly formed scars, Vigdis had to stifle a shiver. Two deep gashes started at each corner of the girl's mouth, made their ways through her cheeks and finally met in the middle of her forehead, whereas many other marks crisscrossed her nose and her jaws and the rest of her face. Vigdis realized that the scars on Agda's body were even scarier than her own; also, had the girl survived her injuries, they were going to make it impossible for her to lead a normal life - with such a disfigured face, finding a partner or avoiding nasty rumours was namely going to be very difficult.
There was a low whimper, then Agda grimaced. When Vigdis placed a hand on her forehead, the girl fought hard to open her eyes. She gave the warrior a pained look, then she whimpered again. She was now too weak to speak and could only use her expression to convey her thoughts and her feelings.
"The effects of my potions have run out", Vigdis explained her. "That's why you're doing worse".
Agda tried to nod, but the movement caused another pained wince to shadow her face. Vigdis hushed her, then laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Luckily enough, Agda still had no idea of the gravity of her injuries; also, she wasn't going to understand the damage Ancano had caused to her face until someone gave her a mirror - and Vigdis had no intention of doing that.
As she looked at the scars engraved in Agda's face and arms and chest, the black-eyed woman was overcome with hatred. Weirdly enough, she liked Agda: the girl seemed sweet and shy, calm and polite, gentle but fierce. Also, if the way the Thalmor had tortured her meant anything, Agda was likely much more stubborn and braver than she looked.
Willing for the girl feel better, Vigdis uncorked a few healing potions and helped her gulp them. Agda's face immediately looked better.
"You slept for less than an hour", Vigdis said when confronted with the mage's questioning gaze. "The potions I gave you will help your body recover faster. With some luck, they will also help you with your fever".
Agda would have liked to nod, but right then even the slightest movement caused her to whimper in pain. When she finally felt strong enough to speak, the mage tried to ask Vigdis about their location.
"We're in Frostflow Lighthouse", the woman said after correctly interpreting the slurred sounds coming from the healer's lips.
Agda welcomed the news with a frown.
"Owner..."
"The owner of the lighthouse is nowhere to be found. Don't worry, however: he won't complain upon finding us here".
While saying those words, Vigdis tried to hide her worries and reassure Agda with a forced smile. In order to prevent further questions regarding their whereabouts, the warrior thought of a different topic of conversation. Much to her annoyance, she was soon distracted by Agda's renewed attempts at speaking.
"How... after... left..."
When Agda coughed, the other woman rolled her eyes - despite her desperate conditions, the young mage seemed very keen on chatting. For a detached warrior like Vigdis, that behavior was utterly shocking.
When Agda spoke again, her savior snorted. The girl probably wanted to find out more about the events that had taken place after her escape from Whiterun; yet, the elder woman didn't feel like facing that topic. When confronted with the healer's new attempts at speaking, however, Vigdis sighed and gave in to her request - after all, she thought, her tale would cause Agda to stop talking and would also allow her to take her mind off the pain.
"I hate remembering the days after I left Steinarius", the warrior admitted with a grimace. As soon as Vigdis spoke, Agda looked at her with renewed interest. Slightly irritated by that fact, the warrior scoffed and took place by her bedside. "I hate it because back then I felt sorry for betraying my husband and his trust, for rejecting his love, for breaking his heart and shattering his life. Luckily enough, my stubborness and my pride prevented me from changing my mind on the matter. As a consequence, after moving to the Ratway I never looked back".
Agda visibly frowned at the mention of that location.
"Ratway... Thieves..."
"The Ratway is the seat of the Thieves Guild, you're right", Vigdis confirmed.
"You... "
"I still live there, yes", Vigdis nodded. "I'm a thief myself now".
When Agda made to comment on that unexpected news, Vigdis immediately stopped her with a gesture.
"I know what you're going to ask me: you're wondering why a Companion like me forgot her honor and started living as a thief", the woman said. "The explanation is actually very simple. Unlike Steinarius and some other Companions, I had a very troubled childhood - my parents weren't exactly the nicest people in the world and led very poor lives. As a consequence, I was never squeamish when it came to stealing. Therefore, when my friend Sapphire told me she was a thief and offered me shelter in the Ratway, I accepted her help without complaining".
When Vigdis mentioned her job as a thief, Agda couldn't help thinking of Adaeze. Perhaps her friend had come across Sapphire and the black-eyed woman during her time in Riften.
"After my escape from Whiterun, I spent a few weeks crying over the end of my relationship with Steinarius", Vigdis recalled while ignoring the healer's thoughts. "Many miles away from me, my husband was doing the same in Breezehome.
"After a month of utter despair, Steinarius grabbed his sword and started looking for me all over the country. One day he even turned up at the Ragged Flagon and enquired with my fellow thieves about the people who lived in the Ratway. Sapphire didn't tell me about it, just like my new colleagues didn't tell Steinarius that he'd finally reached my hiding place. When I eventually found out about his visit, I deeply wished I could go back in time, throw myself at my husband's feet and ask him to forgive me for everything I'd done. Then, however, I realized that Sapphire and the others had acted in the best possible way: when you need to sever a limb, one clean cut made by a determined surgeon is much better than a series of smaller ones at the hands of a hesitant healer".
Agda frowned at the unpleasant comparison, but didn't say anything.
"When I was done crying my eyes out at my choice of leaving Steinarius, I started making myself useful for my new colleagues", Vigdis continued. "I began by brewing potions for the members of the Guild and by improving my lockpicking skills. I was very good at that - so good that I soon started training the whelps who wanted to become better burglars. Yet, despite my new life in the Ratway, a few months after my escape I still couldn't forget Steinarius. Luckily enough, one day Sapphire made me realize that, by leaving him, I'd taken the best decision of my life.
"Almost one year after I left Whiterun, my best friend led me to an Imperial Camp in the Pale. I didn't know why Sapphire brought me there and I was actually quite angry because of that unexpected journey. Then, however, I understood.
"While my best friend and I were hiding behind some trees, a group of Stormcloaks attacked the camp - and that's when I saw Steinarius come out of a tent, unsheath his sword and take the lead against his enemies. Over those few minutes I watched in awe as my husband killed his adversaries, as he waltzed through their weapons, as the local Legate eventually turned to look at him and complimented him on his skills - and a moment later, when a soldier said something funny about that fight, Steinarius smiled. It was a tiny smile that was gone in a heartbeat, but to me it was like the first ray of sun after a long storm. It meant that Steinarius was slowly getting over our life together and that he'd finally resumed doing what he loved the most: fighting and defending the weak and the oppressed. At least, that's what he believed he was doing by working for the Legion".
When Agda noticed the mocking expression on Vigdis' face, she realized that her savior probably shared Ulfric's view on the Civil War. Before she could voice her surprise, however, the thief resumed speaking.
"Once I discovered that Steinarius had joined the Legion, I felt even more determined to build myself a new life. In few months time I got so good at lockpicking that I started accepting burglary jobs all over Skyrim; nonetheless, there was one last thing that prevented me from becoming an accomplished thief: I hated stealing from the poor. As a consequence, I became a thief-adventurer - it means that, rather than sneaking into houses and taking away all the valuables I can find, I spend my days looking for hidden treasures inside old Nordic ruins. My friends say that one day I'll get killed by a draugr, but the truth is, I love the freedom my job allows me. Moreover, my man thinks that I'm incredibly good at retrieving lost items for the Guild".
Agda was shocked by that last sentence.
"Man... you..."
"I have a new man, yes", Vigdis said with a mischievous grin. "His name is Mercer Frey and he's the leader of the Thieves Guild. On a side note, he's also the owner of Chillrend".
As she heard the name of Vigdis' new man, Agda vaguely recalled a conversation between Adaeze and Vipir. The carriage-driver had mentioned his grumpy Guildmaster, whereas Adaeze had been shocked by the discovery that that gruff Breton had a partner. Lady Frey, she'd jokingly called that mysterious woman.
"My... Redguard..."
"Adaeze has never met me", Vigdis broke Agda off. The warrior had the useful ability of guessing whatever the girl wanted to say long before she was done speaking. "As you can imagine, my job requires me to spend most of my time outside Riften - and even when I'm in the city, I prefer sleeping in my man's manor rather than in the Ratway. That's why your friend doesn't know anything about me: just like my man, I'm not keen on blending in with the rest of the Guild".
Now that Vigdis had told her a lot about her life, Agda's curiosity was almost sated. Nonetheless, the girl still had a few questions: she namely wanted to discover why Vigdis seemed to know so much about her; moreover, she wanted to know why that mysterious woman had revealed her so many things about her life.
"As you may imagine, my job allows me a very important thing", Vigdis said when Agda tried to voice her first question. "Thanks to my journeys, I can namely keep an eye on Steinarius - after all, even if I have a new life, I still do care for that clumsy Imperial".
When she noticed Agda's crossed expression, Vigdis sighed.
"I know that spying isn't a respected activity here in Skyrim, but I must admit that it did help me in my choice of starting a relationship with a new man", she said in reply to Agda's outraged expression. "You namely must know that I started sleeping with Mercer only after Steinarius finally recovered part of his cheerfulness and his chattiness. That happened about a year and a half ago: back then my husband was a Captain of the Legion, had regained some of his happiness, had even started getting over the tragedies of his past. Unfortunately, that's when the dragons came along.
"As soon as I discovered that Steinarius had been in Helgen the day of the dragon attack, I panicked. I looked for him all across Skyrim, then I found him in an Imperial camp near Karthwasten - and once I got there, I saw him slay a dragon and absorb its soul.
"Upon realizing how distressed Steinarius looked after that kill, I almost made the mistake of talking to him. Luckily enough, I stopped shortly before entering his tent - the poor thing was already shocked enoug by his fate as the Dragonborn; as a consequence, had I spoken to him in that situation, I would have probably given the finishing blow to his mental health. Nonetheless, ever since then I kept a much closer eye on Steinarius: he's a good man and I don't want an overgrown lizard to kill him. That's why over the previous year I often followed him around".
When Vigdis stopped talking, Agda frowned. How could that thief spy on Steinarius without being detected by his werewolf senses?
"As you might have noticed, I do have a talent for potions", Vigdis said when the healer posed her that question. The woman's face was lit by a proud smirk. "Therefore, over the course of time I created a special vial that that can hide my scent from enemies and former lovers alike. That's why Steinarius never noticed my spying activities".
Agda was very impressed by that discovery. Not only could Vigdis brew very strong healing potions - she could also create special draughts for different uses. The healer realized that the former Companion definitely knew her way around a mortar.
"While spying on Steinarius, I noticed that he spent a lot of time in Riverwood", Vigdis said, thus resuming her tale and snapping Agda out of her thoughts. "Around New Life Festival, I realized the reason why he did that - he fancied you a lot, Agda.
"That discovery made me incredibly jealous for a while; yet, after enquiring about you with the help of a few friends who turned up in your tavern as simple customers, I was told that you were a good girl - and when Steinarius was injured by a vampire, I had a proof of that myself. While my husband was unconscious, I namely walked into the Sleeping Giant twice; nonetheless, I never saw you, Agda - or, better, I never saw you awake: every time I got into your inn, you were sleeping after spending your nights by Steinarius' side.
"When I discovered that you and my husband had finally become a couple, I felt free for the first time in years. As a consequence, I stopped checking on him and simply asked my colleagues to keep an eye on the two of you. Sadly enough, a few months ago I received the news of your breakup. I was actually sorry for that: I didn't expect Steinarius to give up his happiness and run away from you - after all, you two really did look like a perfect couple".
Agda was irritated by the slight irony in Vigdis' words. When the woman stopped talking, the mage thought of the many things she wanted to say to her. She wanted to tell Vigdis that it was her fault if the Dragonborn couldn't find happiness in another woman, she even wanted to tell her that Steinarius had left her because his past was still undermining his future. Surprisingly enough, the warrior was already well aware of that.
"I know that Steinarius' past probably played a huge part in your breakup, and believe me when I say that I'm very sorry for that", she unexpectedly said. "I deeply wish he could finally forget me, but it looks like he's not ready to take that step - and sadly enough, there's nothing I can do to make him change his mind".
There was a short moment of silence during which Vigdis heavily sighed.
"After you left Skyrim, I temporarily forgot about you - and given that Steinarius was in Solstheim, back then I simply focused on my job", she confessed. "Nonetheless, a few weeks ago my colleague Vipir sent me a note regarding his business as a carriage driver in Dawnstar - and on the list of his latest passengers there was also your name, Agda.
"As soon as I discovered that you were about to join the College of Winterhold, I couldn't hold back my curiosity anymore: I'd never talked to you before and I thought it would be nice to see you from up-close. That's why I turned up in Winterhold with a job for Turrianus, and that's why I waited in that frozen courtyard until you finally showed up. Luckily for you, tonight I was in Winterhold again".
Agda made to ask her a question, but Vigdis stopped her with a gesture. If the young mage was so chatty even in that situation,the other woman dreaded to imagine how much she spoke when she was perfectly fine.
"The members of the Thieves Guild have always used the Midden to get inside the College of Winterhold", Vigdis said after correctly guessing what Agda was about to ask her. "Tonight, when I walked into that dungeon to pay a visit to Enthir and finally retrieve Chillrend, I immediately realized that someone was in there too. Unfortunately, it was already too late: Ancano had just finished torturing you and was carrying you to the Sea of Ghosts. As soon as he dumped your body in the water, I dived into the sea and saved you from death".
"Why? And why... telling me... all of this?"
For the first time since Agda had met her, Vigdis produced a warm, sincere smile that made her eyes sparkle with a tingle of melancholy.
"Because you remind me of myself, Agda - and because, as I already told you, I still care for Steinarius", she simply said. "That man has already suffered a lot throughout his life and, had a Thalmor tortured you to death, he would have done something stupid to avenge you. Moreover, Agda, I must admit that you suit my husband much more than I ever did: Steinarius needs someone calm and soothing, someone who can make him feel loved and protected, someone he can love and protect in return - and you perfectly fit the description. As a consequence, I think that you're the only one who can save Steinarius from himself. Also, you're the only one who can save him from his past".
When Vigdis got up from her chair, Agda remained silent. While thinking about everything the warrior had told her, she frowned: if Vigdis really wanted Steinarius to forget his past, why didn't she just talk to him and reveal him that she'd found happiness in another man?
When Agda tried to voice that question, Vigdis rolled her eyes. Her already thin patience had finally worn out.
"You never shut up, don't you?", she dramatically sighed. "Now I understand why your torturer was so angry at you: you're chatty with everyone but him".
Those words finally caused Agda to fall into a long silence. At the same time, however, they reminded her of the reason why she was so sore and tired and bruised. The girl briefly recalled Ancano's evil grin, his slaps, the way he'd carved a few deep scars in the soft skin of her face; at last, Agda remembered why she'd ventured into the Midden in the first place - and together with that, the mage remembered the task the Augur of Dunlain had given her and the danger Winterhold was running. As soon as she regained those memories, Agda shivered in distress: between her injuries and the shock caused by her meeting with Vigdis, she had completely forgotten her vital role for the survival of the College.
"Winterhold", Agda said as soon as she recalled the Augur's warning about a terrible danger threatening the city. "Archmage... I need... talk..."
When Agda started coughing and visibly paled, Vigdis was quick to hush her and check her temperature. Frowning, she noticed that the mage was now burning with fever. It looked like her cold bath in the Sea of Ghosts was finally taking its toll; also, it seemed that the girl's wounds were getting infected, a fact that the experienced warrior blamed on the special enchantments sported by Ancano's torture devices.
"Agda, right now you need to rest", Vigdis said in a clumsy attempt to soothe the girl. "Close your eyes and try to get some sleep: I promise it will make you feel better. Also, it will you help with your fever".
When Agda shook her head in distress, Vigdis laid a hand on her shoulder, then forced her to settle deeper into her mattress.
"You've been awake for a while, therefore it's high time you went back to sleeping", the warrior insisted as she took a potion from one of the seemingly endless pockets in her armor.. "And this vial will help you do just that".
Before Agda could protest, Vigdis was already feeding her a calming potion by forcing it into her mouth. By the time the girl realized what was going on, Oblivion had claimed her for what felt like the thousandth time in the previous few hours.
It was shortly past dawn and Vigdis was pacing up and down Agda's room in Frostflow Lighthouse. Things had changed abruptly over the previous two hours: the woman had heard some unsettling noises coming from the cellar and had immediately realized that the Falmer from the nearby den were looking for new preys. Judging from the sounds Vigdis' heightened senses were detecting, with them there were also a few chauri. Vigdis was strong and brave, but she couldn't take on too many of those terrible insects at once; therefore, she and Agda needed to find a safer shelter.
Speaking of Agda, her conditions had worsened over the previous minutes: her fever had got higher, whereas the potions that were keeping her vital signs in check had seemingly lost effect. Also, some of her wounds had started bleeding despite the stitches. Vigdis didn't know what to do about it, but was perfectly aware of one thing: Falmer had a very good sense of smell, therefore they were likely to notice the presence of an injured human in the upper rooms of the lighthouse - and as soon as they did, they were going to destroy the traps and the doors that until then had managed to block them in the cellar. No, Vigdis realized with a shiver: if she wanted Agda to survive, she needed to get her out of that wretched place.
Unsheating her sword, the thief carefully made her way to the door of the lighthouse. A violent snowstorm was raging outside, whereas the noises in the cellar had become louder. When Vigdis noticed that last detail, she realized that she needed to leave despite the bad weather. Also, she needed to decide where to go next.
Winterhold was full of mages, but it wasn't an available option for Agda - had she returned there, Ancano would have immediately given her the finishing blow. Given the circumstances, there was only one place where Vigdis could carry Agda, and that place was Dawnstar. Luckily enough, that cold town hosted an experienced priest of Mara who was said to be among the best healers of Skyrim.
As soon as she chose their next destination, Vigdis walked up to Agda and covered her body in a heavy cloak. The girl whimpered at the sudden warmth, but didn't wake up. That fact only increased the thief's worries: Agda' sleep now looked like a deep form of unconsciousness.
Realizing that there was no time to lose, Vigdis took a hazardous decision: in order to reach Dawnstar as early as possible, she chose to rely on her beast form.
Agda felt as though she was experiencing a very vivid dream. A black werewolf was carrying her bridal-style across the snowy landscape of the Pale, whereas a violent storm was raging around her. The girl constantly felt on the brink of fainting and was vaguely aware of the blood soaking the cloak that covered her sore body. Every time the werewolf moved too fast, Agda let out a weak whimper.
The girl didn't know how many times she lost consciousness during her journey; she only knew that, after what felt like a lifetime, the werewolf that was carrying her reached an old crumbling building. The beast gently lowered her onto the ground, then slain the few trolls that were roaming nearby.
Agda almost chuckled at the easiness with which her savior had dispatched those creatures. When she remembered about the identity of her werewolf helper, she smiled: she could finally see why Steinarius had fallen for such a brave and strong woman like Vigdis.
Vigdis frowned in confusion. During her journey towards Dawnstar she'd feared many things - she'd feared for someone to come across her while she was travelling in her beast form, she'd feared for the snow to deceit her orientation skills, she'd feared for Agda to die in her arms. Yet, she'd never feared to come across Steinarius.
Judging from the latest news she'd received from the her spies, the Dragonborn was still in Solstheim. Therefore, when she smelled his scent all over the courtyard of Nightcaller Temple, Vigdis couldn't help but frown: it looked like Steinarius had made it home without her friends even realizing it.
Sadly enough, that night Vigdis hadn't taken the usual potion that allowed her to hide her scent from everyone and everything around her; as a consequence, if Steinarius were still nearby, he was very likely to realize that she'd been in the courtyard of Nightcaller Temple. After everything Vigdis had done to resume a normal life and to help the Imperial get a hold of himself, she simply couldn't allow herself to accidentally bump into him; also, she couldn't allow Agda to wake up and tell him about their conversation from that night.
Willing to keep her secret safe, Vigdis took a painful decision: although she liked Agda and wanted to help her with her wounds, she chose to abandon the girl and give her one of the nastiest potions she'd ever created.
When Agda opened her eyes, the werewolf that had carried her until then had just shifted into a human form.
Vigdis approached the injured girl and carried her to the entrance of the crumbling building. Her black eyes had a coldness Agda had never seen before.
Rather than knocking on the door of the old fort, Vigdis knelt down next to the young mage and forced her mouth open. Agda obliged, but wondered why the thief was giving her a healing potion in that snowy and cold courtyard. A second later, however, everything became clear.
"I can't allow you to reveal my secrets to anyone, Agda", Vigdis frowned. The healer didn't fail to notice a flicker of regret in her dark irises. "I wish things could go in another way, believe me, but I'm forced to erase your memory, at least as far as the last few hours of your life are concerned. I'm sorry girl, I really am".
Agda tried to squirm when Vigdis poured a sour potion into her mouth, but the thief's grip on her jaw was unbelievably strong, whereas the mage's body was too sore and weak to escape.
As the black-eyed woman gave her one last caress and disappeared after knocking on the door of Nightcaller Temple, Agda succumbed once again to darkness. She had no idea that she'd just lost all her memories regarding the way Ancano had tortured her, the way Vigdis had saved her from death, the way the Augur of Dunlain had asked her to save Winterhold from disaster.