The fields of Windhelm were ablaze, and a colossal shadow towered over the mountains, unleashing a devastating red laser from its eyes upon the overworld. This force cast the realm into an apocalyptic shadow, and it seemed that no arrow, spell, or prayer could halt its destruction. Massive rows of fire spread like a match touching gasoline, consuming the trees and the snow-laden plateau.
The great force tore over the fractured hills like a brutal insect, its legs stamping down life wherever it could find it.
Riften's Marketplace was shaken by the tremors in the earth as its inhabitants scurried like rats, desperately clinging to life as the pavement and wooden walkways were sundered beneath them, and plummeted into the boiling lake below. Blood littered the streets, and Daedra slaughtered all they could find.
Mistveil Keep collapsed unto the soil, brick by brick falling to pieces, and the city guards cried out as they were incinerated where they stood.
The Throat of the World cried the loudest as it was obliterated by the moving force of destruction, and then Whiterun followed suit, stampeded to nothing; Legionnaires and Stormcloaks alike fleeing in terror; Thalmor scurrying to carriages to escape their fate.
The darkness was absolute, damning. Not a single sign of life persisted in the ashes it left behind.
Inigo's heart pounded as he surveyed the desolation that was once his home, crying out in torment. His roar cut through the silence, his tears falling to Aetherius.
"NOOOOOO!"
With a loud shriek, Inigo shot upwards in his bed, drenched in sweat. He huffed and heaved, and scrambled for air as the images which haunted him slowly began to dissipate. He slowly came to, realizing that he was not at the center of a calamity, but rather, in the guest room at Stendarr's Beacon. He had spent a couple of days with Illia training in the forest nearby with the Dawnguard, which brought back memories of the old days.
As the blue Khajiit collected himself, he closed his eyes. "Gods, what a horrible nightmare. Reminds me of the days I spent flying on skooma..."
"A-are you okay?" an anxious-sounding woman inquired from some distance away. It was a young Vigilant of Stendarr: a Breton, with a mane of flaming orange hair. She was donning a Vigil Enforcer armour set, with a red sash sloped over her right shoulder. She had a red clawmark tattoo over her left eye, a fascinating thing to see. She put down the book she was reading and walked over to Inigo. "That scream... I've had ones like that in the past, myself. That's some serious trauma you must be carrying."
Inigo studied the foreign Vigilant up and down. "Yes... it was. I had a horrible nightmare, but I wish not to speak of it."
The Vigilant nodded, her expression softening with empathy for Inigo's predicament. "Of course. I won't pry if you're uncomfortable."
Inigo cast a glance over his shoulder at Cura, whose lifeless form lay in her bed, hands clasped tightly around her Amulet of Stendarr. She looked deathly pale, but otherwise, she seemed more as if she were in a deep slumber. A part of him was tempted to walk over and shake her shoulder to awaken her, but he knew it would do no good; and likely anger Meridia, who was watching over her.
The Vigilant spoke again, "Vigilant Cura; the Pride of the Vigil. Stendarr's Dragon. If even she could be killed by the Daedra, what hope do little folk like we have, huh?" Her shaky voice betrayed her feelings of anxiety as she forced herself to appear calm.
Inigo shook his head. "Stendarr's Dragon still has her fangs; do not be worried." He tried to reassure the young Vigilant.
One of the other Vigilants walked by a desk adjacent to them and his arm accidentally smacked it. A loud thumping sound rang in the air, and the young Vigilant shrieked. She quickly spun around to see the clumsy Vigilant waving his hands and excusing himself for the intrusion.
"Are you all right?" Inigo inquired.
"Ah... pardon me. I'm afraid I'm a bit jumpy. My team and I were ambushed by vampires on patrol." The young Vigilant articulated the reasons behind her sheepishness. Previously, she appeared to be tense, but at this moment, her hands trembled with an intensity that betrayed years of harsh encounters. They were Cronvangr... hiding in the shadows and striking when our backs were turned. I was lucky to make it out alive... but my comrades didn't..."
Inigo raised a hand. "It is okay. I will not pry on your horror if you do not pry on mine. Deal?"
The Vigilant nodded, and began to rub the palms of her hands in a soothing manner. "Deal. Th-thank you."
"So, who are you?" Inigo inquired.
"Raelynne Belette." the Vigilant responded sheepishly. "Th-there's not much to tell, really. I'm a scholar... I study medicine and how to use the healing arts to fight Daedric influence. My goal is to one day invent a potion that can cure Daedric influences- forcibly returning vampires and werewolves back to their true forms." She inhaled and blew out her disappointment. "I... haven't made any progress, though."
Inigo scratched the back of his neck and leaned back on the bed. "Well, I doubt you have had much time, with the Daedric Insanity plaguing the land these days. Mr. Angry Red Four-Armed Lobster Man and his band of jolly ne'er-do-wells stampeding over the lands."
"Yes. The presence of Mehrunes Dagon's forces are a terrifying tribulation to us all. It's a good thing Keeper Ciirta is handling the considered-to-be-lesser threats so Brother Jacob and Keeper Thorondir can focus on the major threat of the invasion." Raelynne said with great certainty.
Inigo raised a brow. "Who?"
Another face he was not accustomed to seeing?
"Keeper Ciirta." Raelynne repeated the name, as if she were certain that Inigo would know it. His face revealed that it was more than evident that he did not. After all, with the many men and women wearing those robes, how could Inigo possibly know them all? He struggled to remember Tolan and Adalvald's names at some times.
"Who is this?" Inigo asked, revealing the foreignness of the individual to his fellow conversationalist.
"Keeper Ciirta Antabolis. She's a wonderful Keeper. Without her, Stendarr's Beacon would have been decommissioned years ago." Raelynna explained without falter. "Her devotion to spreading Stendarr's mercy is truly admirable. Don't let her youth fool you. Ciirta is a worthy leader."
Inigo remained confused. "I did not know Stendarr's Beacon had a Keeper. Why did she not help us at all against the Volkihar?"
"She did, Inigo. She dispatched the Vigilants roaming from between the Beacon and Cheydinhal to come to your aid." Raelynna said with a raised eyebrow. "Many of our group from the Beacon fought the Volkihar menace alongside the Dawnguard. Many of our brothers and sisters-in-arms died in that battle." She scoffed with amusement. "I suppose it's just as well; we Vigilants may as well be invisible for how little anyone ever regards our work." a visible bitterness laced her tone and snaked around the room, eliciting guilt from Inigo.
Inigo paused when he realized how brusque he'd come across, and the hurt in her eyes spoke volumes to him. "I am sorry; I did not mean to sound so harsh, I just do not think I have seen you before. Or Ciirta."
Raelynne chuckled lightly; a chirp which echoed off the walls. "Well. You have. Perhaps you didn't notice me in the sea of hooded faces, but I saw you, Inigo. And Lucien, and Vilja, and Vigilant Cura." Raelynna confirmed, "At... at the Red Scar Cavern. I was one of the few Vigilants who survived that ordeal. I can't believe the Keeper Carcette who was with Cura and you was a fake. She looked so convincing. Granted, I never knew Keeper Carcette personally - I've only accepted letters from her and brought them to Keeper Ciirta."
"That is another thing; why did the Vigil have to send a 'replacement for Carcette' if there was another Keeper here?" Inigo gestured to the Beacon around him.
"With the Mythic Dawn skulking about, being masters of disguise all these years, we needed to keep some of our affairs a secret." A blonde Imperial woman in Apprentice Robes of Restoration with her hair tied in a partial ponytail said softly as she approached the two of them. "It's only fitting that it would be the best time to call Father Jacob back to Skyrim."
Inigo turned to face the mysterious interloper, his face mottled in confusion. "Wait. So you are..."
"I am Keeper Ciirta." the blonde woman replied nobly. "I have been in strategic hiding for the past couple of years, now, as my subordinate explained." she breathed out deeply. "It was the only way the Vigil of Stendarr could ensure our operations could continue in the event of a horrific event. Or, perhaps, in the case of several horrific events over the past few years."
Keeper Ciirta gave a dismissive nod to Raelynne, who jumped lightly and quickly returned to her affairs, aiding Vigilant Emma in the Library a few floors below.
Inigo scratched his chin. "So I take it you were the one who kept things coordinated with Cyrodiil?"
"We are closest to the Jeralls." Keeper Ciirta explained. "Anyways... I am a Keeper, though of a smaller chapter than Carcette was. I coordinate mostly in secret beneath the Beacon, at Stendarr's Watch. I suppose you could say the Vigilants of Stendarr's Watch are something of a failsafe to our Skyrim Operation."
Inigo chuckled. "How nice of you to tell me this for free. Is this the part where you kill me for knowing too much?"
"Of course not. You're not a threat to our organization." Keeper Ciirta chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with friendly mirth. She walked forward and stopped short of the bed Inigo sat on. "I know who you are: you're Inigo the Brave. The bold Khajiit who was one of the leading forces in the battle against the Volkihar, standing behind the great Vigilant Cura herself. I would trust none greater."
"You know what? You Vigilants are far clever than I realized." Inigo admitted in shock. He never could have expected such craftiness from their very oftentimes too forthcoming organization.
Keeper Ciirta chuckled. "Believe it or not, but it was Keeper Moric Sidrey who established the base underneath the Beacon, with Father Jacob. It was almost as if they knew this day was coming. Keeper Carcette, as well - she was diligent in ensuring that my office be kept a secret from any outsiders, and even most Vigilants, so that if anything were to occur, we could continue undeterred, should anything happen to the Hall of the Vigilant in the Pale."
"Very clever." Inigo admitted.
"When your only source of funding is the Church of Stendarr, and the rest of Skyrim leaves you to fend for yourselves, your organization must find creative ways to survive." Keeper Ciirta admitted. "Things have gotten better now, what with the Dragonborn raising our Public Relations here in Skyrim. Thanks to her efforts, we've been able to afford all of the materials we needed to form proper battlements around the area and forge greater weapons. Stendarr bless her for all she's done for us."
"Do you know Cura?" Inigo asked, leaning forward to hear the answer.
Keeper Ciirta pursed her lips and swayed on one foot to the other as she considered her response. "Yes, and no. Certainly not as well as you do. But I have read many reports where her name consistently popped up over the years. Vigilant Cura defeated the corrupted Fenrik in Dawnstar. Vigilant Cura thwarted the Machinations of Vaermina in Dawnstar. Vigilant Cura aided the Daedric Prince Meridia. Vigilant Cura joined the Companions. Vigilant Cura is the Dragonborn. Vigilant Cura became a Werewolf. Vigilant Cura was wrongly captured and sentenced to Cidhna Mine in Markarth. I have never even seen this elusive figure until she lay in this bed over the past month and a half, but I can say that I do know much about her. All of the Keepers know who Vigilant Cura is, in fact." she held her hands behind her back and walked forward. "Irbrand Bienne, Stendarr bless his soul, collaborated with us, and helped us stay discreet, and up to date with the affairs of Skyrim while we continued our blessed work."
Keeper Ciirta spun on her heel and looked upon the Dragonborn. "I will say that a part of me does envy Keeper Carcette; imagine being tied into the legend of such an amazing figure? Though, I am not much older than Cura, in truth." she snickered to herself lightly. "Were she raised in Stuhn's Ravine, we could have been as sisters."
"How did you come to lead this branch of the Vigilants?" Inigo inquired, his tone conspiratorial, like a maiden indulging in gossip. Though, his curiosity was piqued. This was all new to him.
Keeper Ciirta pulled a chair from nearby and sat with him. "I suppose I was raised for it. My parents left me at an old Stendarr Temple named Stuhn's Ravine when I was an infant. I... never learned why. I'm not even sure who my parents were... but I was raised by the Vigilants there. They brought me up to follow the teachings of Stendarr, to protect the innocent and hunt the wicked wherever I can."
Inigo raised an eyebrow at her story. It sounded awfully familiar to him. His eye briefly glanced over to his best friend, who lay still upon the bed a few down from where he rested. His gaze fixed on Ciirta. "Is it a common thing for people to abandon their children to Vigilants, or is there some sort of membership drive for this kind of thing?" It was uncanny.
Keeper Ciirta chuckled at his comment. "Maybe. Who knows?" she continued her tale, "Anyways... On my fifteenth birthday, I came here on a pilgrimage, only to find the Keeper dead. Murdered."
"There was another one?" Inigo exclaimed in shock, cutting the rhythm of her story in two.
"He was well-known and attached to the Agents of Righteous Might. His death was what inspired Carcette in her plans regarding my tenure. May I continue?" Keeper Ciirta requested.
"The floor is yours." Inigo beckoned her to continue.
"I spent months investigating, studying the history of the Beacon and its Keeper, until I had enough evidence to locate the murderer." Keeper Ciirta began again, "I tracked down the killer - a rogue Vigilant who had been seduced by daedra worship - and brought them and their allies to justice. For my valour, I was appointed the new Keeper. I have lived here ever since."
"Tell me about the Vigilants." Inigo inquired. It was clear that he had much more to learn about the ones at the Beacon than he initially thought.
"That's... quite a broad question. Was there something specific you wished to ask?" Ciirta scratched underneath her jaw.
"The ones who work under you, like Raelynne. Who are your inner circle, so to speak? I know Keeper Carcette has Brother Adalvald, Vigilant Tolan, and my best friend." Inigo wondered.
Keeper Ciirta nodded, understanding the question. Knowing Inigo's reputation as the best friend to Vigilant Cura, she felt safe enough to reveal as much to him. "Bazur gro-Shagk." she named her first with great zeal. "He's been a member of the Vigil since before I was born. He was practically a second father to me back in Stuhn's Ravine."
"Ah, so like a big green, fanged Brother Adalvald!" Inigo laughed heartily, causing the Keeper to raise a brow in confusion.
She digressed, returning to her point. "When I left Father Jacob to establish my own branch of the Vigil here, Bazur accompanied me as my bodyguard. There's nobody I'd trust more than him." She rubbed her hands together. "Next, there's Dagail. You've probably met her during your time with the Dawnguard? She is amazing with a crossbow and even greater with a bow." she brought up the positives before delving deeper into her life. "Her family was slaughtered by vampires. She vowed to spend the rest of her life avenging them. She spent a decade alone, hunting vampires in Valenwood before one of her hunts brought her in contact with the Vigilants." she pursed her lips as she considered her friend's position in the present. "I'm not sure why she chose to come to Skyrim. Perhaps the distance from her home helps soothe her pain..."
Inigo sighed, "It usually does. Somewhat." he continued, "The girl I was just talking to before. Raelynne."
"Be gentle with the poor dear, please... she's been through a lot." Keeper Ciirta entreated on her behalf. "Her family was attacked by vampires when she was a child. She was the sole survivor, but the attack left her infected with Sanguinare Vampiris. She was two days into the infection when she dragged herself to town. A few more hours, and she would have turned."
"Gods..." Inigo exhaled lightly. He understood the pain of losing one's entire world in a day like that all too well.
"Since then, she's been careful to always carry several Cure Disease potions. If you intend to hunt vampires, you should do the same." Keeper Ciirta stated plaintively. "But, you know that. You were with the Dawnguard."
"Anyone else?" Inigo asked.
"Vidkun Fang-Breaker." Ciirta said his name with a hint of trepidation.
"What is he like?"
"...Enthusiastic?" Keeper Ciirta tried to remain polite, but the word itself spoke volumes. "I admit I have a bit of trouble understanding the way his mind works on occasion. But he's a devoted follower of Stendarr, a staunch enemy of all abominations, and puts his full effort into everything he does. What more can I ask?"
Inigo chuckled, "So an eccentric Nord warrior who strikes fear into the hearts of Vampires and Werewolves and stuff. I hope he does not try to hurt Serana."
Keeper Ciirta shook her head. "No. We know Serana, and the pivotal role she played in aiding the Vigil and the Dawnguard against the Volkihar clan. So we turn a blind eye to her. She is not a threat to us, at least as far as we can see. But we are always Vigilant."
"Not only that; she is a dear friend to Vigilant Cura, and helped her throughout her journey to get strong enough to stop Alduin. Serana is not a mere vampire: she is a hero of Skyrim! She deserves your utmost respect." Inigo declared boldly.
Keeper Ciirta's expression shifted to one of surprise, and she nodded, her countenance one of acceptance. "No... you're right, Inigo. I suppose I may have come off a tad cold. I have nothing against Serana. I have never personally met her, but I have heard many positive things about her." She sighed, "But still; her presence on Nirn is another foothold for Molag Bal's influence. The Vigil cannot separate her from her Vampirism."
"Molag Bal will not matter for much longer." Inigo gestured over to Cura. "The Dragonborn comes to claim his head. Mehrunes Dagon is a bigger threat to us right now."
"Only so because the Vigil have been enacting Stendarr's Purge." Keeper Ciirta explained. "Our Agents move throughout the Province in its shadows, hunting down Daedric Cults and known vampire lairs."
Inigo was curious. "Have you had any successes so far?"
"Yes. We've located a cult of Namira in Markarth, and a cult of Boethiah in the mountains approximately east of Windhelm." Keeper Ciirta explained. "As well, we have cleared out Cronvangr cave, Pinemoon Cave, and the Bloodlet Throne."
Inigo scratched his chin. "You guys have really been busy, huh?"
"I sincerely wonder how the Historians are going to label this conflict." Keeper Ciirta glanced over Inigo's shoulder at Cura briefly. "Perhaps they will dub it, 'The Dance with the Daedra?'"
Inigo laughed at the name, "Not bad. Not bad. Or perhaps they will call it 'The Day the Daedra Raced Tamriel's Finish Line.'"
Keeper Ciirta sighed, "That's certainly one way to put it, yes. But it doesn't quite have the same ring to it."
"Well, a "Tale of Two Daedra" could work, as well." Inigo suggested humorously.
"Perhaps."
"Anyways, you have been targeting Vampires too, yes? What do you know of the ones in Skyrim?" Inigo inquired.
Keeper Ciirta paused for a few moments before getting into it. "Skyrim has always been plagued by Vampires. The mother of all vampires, Lamae Bal, was said to have been turned here in Skyrim."
The name made Inigo freeze. He'd survived Lamae Bal herself, not all too long ago, in the ruins under Windhelm. She'd even convinced him, somehow, that he had feelings for her. Though, in the end, he pitied the Vampiress for the exact thing Keeper Ciirta was about to go into.
She continued, "In fact, there is a theory that Shriekwind Bastion is named for the legendary screams of Lamae, which are said to echo through Skyrim to this day." but in keeping with his question, she began to list off some of the others. "The Volkihar are the oldest still-existent clan in Skyrim but far from the only one. The Old Holds - eastern Skyrim, that is - have long been plagued by the spider vampires - the Cronvangr. And shortly after the Red Year, the Quarra Clan vampires arrived from Vvardenfell and quickly seized control of western Skyrim from the local clans. Historically, there have been several other noble clans: the Nighthollow, the Snowbrood, the Lothid... though those are all believed to be extinct. In modern times, the three primary clans are the Quarra, Cronvangr, and Volkihar. Most other so-called "clans" are small gatherings of strays." her expression grew grave. "But regardless of how they identify, all vampires pose an equal threat to the people of Skyrim."
Inigo cleared his throat. "Well, the only Volkihar that remain are Serana and Ronthil. And both are on our side, so you can cross them off that list."
Keeper Ciirta nodded. "Right... I must take my nose out of my books every now and then." she stood up from her chair and walked over to Cura, who was pale and cold to the touch. "Tell me, Inigo. Do you truly believe that Cura will return to life? And if so, that she will still be mortal?"
"I do." Inigo said firmly, his eyes gleaming with the fires of hope. "She would never let us down." he twisted himself to the side and pushed himself up off of the bed. "Now I have a question for you, Keeper Ciirta."
"Of course; what is it, Inigo?" Keeper Ciirta responded, ready to answer.
"If you believe in the Divines; do you doubt what Stendarr, Mara, Kynareth and Akatosh can accomplish? Even now, after you've all come so far?" Inigo asked. "You should know that the Divines, in their infinite wisdom and boundless mercy, have the power to weave the threads of life anew."
Ciirta, her countenance a blend of reverence and skepticism, regarded Inigo with a measured gaze. "Inigo, your words are not without merit, and your positivity is definitely a beacon in these dark times. Yet, our world is rife with uncertainty, and the intentions of the Divines are often shrouded in mystery. How can we, mere servants, claim to understand the grand designs they have woven?"
Inigo nodded, acknowledging her doubts, yet he was undeterred. "Well is it not said that fate is the instrument of the Divines? And are we not on their side? I think they have good plans for us all. There may be more Daedra, and they may like to toy with us incessantly, but I have seen the influence of the Aedra firsthand." His mind was clouded with the horrific visions of his nightmare, but he knew that to doubt now would ensure its coming to fruition.
Keeper Ciirta's eyes flickered with the spark of possibility, her belief in the machinations of the Divine stirring within her. "Your words stir the soul, Inigo. Perhaps it is my own doubt that blinds me to the possibilities that faith can unveil. The Divines have indeed shown their hand in the affairs of mortals before. Who are we to say that they will not do so again, especially for someone as devoted as Vigilant Cura?"
"Perhaps I have given you something to think about." Inigo chuckled lightheartedly as he prepared to leave. In this time of catastrophe, all of Skyrim was laced together, forming a safety net to catch those who would leap from the Daedric onslaught boiling within and without. He was happy to learn that the Vigil was more responsible than he initially thought, and knew that the Alliance was planning against Mehrunes Dagon's forces.
Keeper Ciirta followed after him before he could reach the stairs. "You've given me a lot to think about, Inigo." she took his hand and gave it a friendly shake. "Thank you; it was an interesting talk. And always know that the Vigil will stand behind you, as well. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Inigo smiled, "Likewise. Take care of my friend while I'm gone, will you?" he gestured over to the body of Cura.
"Of course." Keeper Ciirta promised. "There's already been one attempt to destroy her body - we will ensure that there will not be a second." She let go of his hand and Inigo ascended the stairs, exiting the Beacon.
Once outside, Inigo saw Vigilants training in the courtyard on the mountaintop. The Beacon had changed a lot overtime. They had ballistae mounted on high walls that seemed to arc around the mountain, and there was an entirely new keep to the south, part of the structure, which was being used to house the stray citizens of the Rift.
Illia was brewing potions outside with Colette Marence, and Phinis Gestor was teaching Vigilants how to Banish and Subdue Daedra properly.
Inigo gently tapped Illia on the shoulder as he walked past her, and they smiled briefly at one another. He continued walking onto the highwall that loomed over the sloping path, where he overlooked the forest of the Rift. Below he could see the Dawnguard training under Durak and Vori. His mind wandered to Lucien and Serana. Where were they? What were they doing?
He continued to survey the Dawnguard directly below his perch on the palisade walls. Vilja was among them, honing her skills with a blade. When she noticed Inigo looking down at them, she smiled and waved at her blue cat friend.
Inigo waved back at Vilja. "Hey, Vilja! I'm King of the Castle!" he proclaimed as a joke as he loomed above the Palisade wall.
"No; you're the stinky bandit who invaded it!" Vilja said with a mischievous chuckle.
Inigo snorted and quipped back. "You are just jealous because I have the high ground in both my stance and my cleverness."
"Oh, how rude!" Vilja placed her hands on her waist. "Don't you make me come up there, now, or you're gonna get it!"
Inigo began to giggle. "Oh, no! I am so scared." he held the back of his hand to his forehead flatly, feigning fear. "Oh, somebody help me! The frilly little girl with the mousey blonde pigtails wants to shear me for her coat!"
"Okay, that's it." Vilja slid her sword into its sheath and hastened up the path. Spotting her approach, Inigo swiftly wriggled off his perch.
"Uh oh."
"Frilly? Frilly, am I?" Vilja muttered under her breath. "Like some prissy little noblesse?"
Inigo chuckled upon seeing her approach and scanned for an escape, but the courtyard was bustling with activity.
Vilja, without hesitation, dashed towards him, "You know what? I think your blue fur would look nice on my armour!"
"Yeek! Help! She's crazy!" Inigo yelped with a mischievous laugh as Vilja tackled him into a snowbank. They tumbled together briefly before coming to rest, blanketed in snow and laughing uncontrollably.
"I got you, Inigo - now you have to take back what you said." Vilja tagged his shoulder with a firm palm.
"Take back what?"
"I don't wear frills." Vilja said sternly.
Inigo protested. "That is not true! I have seen you wear dresses before."
"With Laces, you dummy." Vilja corrected him. "Not the same as frills."
Colette Marence and Illia observed the scene from a modest distance at their Alchemy Tables. Illia chuckled at Inigo's antics, while Colette was far from amused.
"What a couple of barbarians." Colette's expression was one of irritation as she meticulously drew out the essence from the Ambrosia laid upon the table."We're in the middle of a war. Act like it!"
Inigo got up and dusted himself off, followed by Vilja. "Well, I was the King of the castle and she was the invader. I would say we were acting like we were in the middle of a war." he responded to her seriousness with amusement.
Illia finished a Marksman's Draught and gently handed it to Inigo. "Here you go, Inigo; I hope this will come in handy when you need it. I made it, specially for you."
"Aw, thanks, Illia!" Inigo accepted it and gave her a kiss on the forehead. "I will think of you the next time I turn a Daedra into a pincushion."A short distance away, Vilja gazed at the unfolding scene, her mind besieged by a torrent of questions and curious thoughts.
Illia smiled in response. "And I'll think of you the next time I incinerate a Dremora Kynreve."
"Uh... thanks?" Inigo raised an eyebrow, and Illia quickly realized that it didn't sound too good.
"Oh! Er, I didn't mean it like that - I'm not upset with you, Inigo - I meant that I would do it in your honour." she elaborated further, shifting awkwardly. "It was meant in the same spirit as your pincushion, and..."
Inigo laughed and placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's fine, Illia - I know what you meant. Thank you!"
Illia nodded, relieved. "Of course."
Vilja stood nearby, leaning on the wall with her arms crossed. "Ooh, Inigo. Got yourself a girlfriend now, do you?" she teased.
Inigo scoffed, and redirected with Colette's own words. "We're at war, Vilja. Act like it."
Vilja snickered and shook her head, relenting but suspicious just the same. "Fine, I'll go back to my training for now, but you will tell me later. I need all the details!" She slowly descended the natural slope to return to the Dawnguard training area.
Inigo's blue fur was a blessing in disguise, hiding the telltale blush creeping up his cheeks from Vilja's gaze. Illia, on the other hand, couldn't hide her flushed face and hastily dove back into her potion concoction. Meanwhile, Inigo decided to mingle with the Vigilants practicing their aim in the courtyard. It was the perfect opportunity to strut his stuff and give them a masterclass in marksmanship.
Author's Note: I recently started "A Tale of Blood And Snow" - one of the new Creations, and the Vigil of Stendarr is not only joinable in it, but it also references things you did in Vigilant Mod! :O I had to add them. I had to. Naturally, their tale will not play out the same as Blood and Snow, but they have grown on me, so I included elements from it and worked it in. Seriously, though; the Vigil of Stendarr is starved for content. I love that they seem to be getting more love. :)