Northbound Pilgrimage II

Chapter XIX - Casualties

Author's Note:

Lots of religious talk in this chapter, though what else can you expect from traveling with paladins? :D

I hope you all enjoy it and thank you for reading <3

________________________________________

Aeyrin traipsed after the group of Vigilants through the Rift's lush forests.

The Altmer introduced himself as Vuaerion – head of one of the largest contingents within the Vigil of Stendarr. He asked Aeyrin a few questions about her willingness to help and about her abilities, but she only vaguely answered with reassurances – she could handle herself and she merely offered as any Stendarrite would. She wasn't even sure why she wanted to help. It sounded like a nice distraction. And Vuaerion certainly didn't need to know about the Dragonborn thing; in fact it would be refreshing for once to be around people who didn't know.

The Vigilants were apparently tracking a pack of werewolves attacking bandits in southern Rift. They had noticed a camp of slaughtered bandits one day and instantly recognized their mangled corpses as the work of those beasts. Vuaerion was sure that it was only a matter of time before they started hunting further and targeting settlers and travelers. The werewolves escaped the paladins for a long time, but finally they were able to pinpoint their base location in a secluded cavern.

It was only a few hours away from the crumbled tower.

The Vigilants weren't very talkative. They seemed to be much less sociable than the paladins she was used to. After all, the Order of the Imperial Dragon was often more of a political force than a religious one, but the Vigilants seemed different. They were more the grim warriors than glitz to be admired by nobles. They all looked just as immaculate as any other paladin would but they certainly weren't that courteous. Except for Vuaerion, it seemed. He seemed like the paragon paladin. Not even a paladin perhaps. He seemed much prouder and confident – there was no hint of piety or humbleness in his manner. He walked with his head raised high which made him seem even taller than he was and whenever Aeyrin spared him a glance, she earned a charming and confident grin from him.

"So, tell me, Aeyrin, why didn't you have your amulet?" Vuaerion studied her curiously after a while of silent marching through the forest.

"Why did you even assume I was missing one?" she smirked at him in response.

"Most random travelers only stop by the tower to find any forgotten treasures, not to actually meditate by the shrine. You are clearly a sister in faith," Vuaerion smiled at her. He looked rather impressed with his own assessment. "If you had one, you'd hardly hide it away now, would you?"

That wasn't strictly true. She used to hide hers below her armor, for one out of practicality in battle, and also because Master Therien used to do the same thing. He said that it only meant that he had it closer to his heart. She liked the idea of that. But the paladins clearly needed to represent their allegiance and were used to more prominent displays of faith. And their armor insignia wouldn't be complete with the amulets hidden.

"It was lost... stolen," Aeyrin sighed a little. It was a shame that the amulet couldn't be retrieved from Thorn's lair. It was the Cyrodilic one after all – it was such a special reminder of home. And it was from Bishop. Luckily, the more important and unique makeshift 'amulet' from him was safe and sound underneath her armor.

"Sister, they're a septim a dozen," Vuaerion chuckled at her. He didn't seem to be joking though – there seemed to be a loaded question behind the quip. He gave her a strangely searching glance as they walked forward. She could feel his bright seafoam eyes upon her the entire time.