Nirn's Finest [Elder Scrolls One-Shots]

iv) Bittersweet

I sit in a corner of the Ragged Flagon, quietly sipping on a bottle of Black-Briar mead and taking in everything thing going on around me.

Vex and Tonilia chatter about nothing in particular, although the names Brynjolf and Vekel can be heard from time to time. Apparently Vekel notices too, as his eyes occasionally flicker up to meet his lover's- Tonilia's-, but he focuses more on cleaning his bar and listening to Delvin boast about an exceptionally hard job he completed the other day. Vekel knows he doesn't have to give Delvin his full attention, as the loud man is only storytelling to impress Vex.

A tall Nord catches my attention. The man approaches me, his walk full of swagger. His brown eyes are full of confidence, and although I can't quite identify the man due to his hood, I know exactly who it is when I hear his voice. "So, Sapphire. Can I do anything for you, or more to the point... to you?" A sly smirk plays on his lips.

"Vipir 'the Fleet'. The only man who's foolish enough to name himself after his bedroom prowess." The smirk jumps off his face and onto mine.

Vipir's eyes fill with hatred, and his face contorts as he spits out a reply. "You stupid cow. You don't know what you're missing."

Before I can say anything else, he stalks off to sit with Delvin. I sigh inwardly. Gods, he's such an arse.

I take the last sip of my mead, and leave the Flagon, instead heading to the training room. I pass the other members of the guild, peacefully sleeping in their beds. The only one awake in the Cisteren is Mercer, but it's not unusual. He tends to spend his free time searching for anymore clues about the mysterious Goldenglow estate buyer.

Inside the training room, I slowly unsheath my weapons. Almost immediately, I'm completely lost in the art of skillfully attacking my opponent. The sound of metal slicing through the air rings in my ears, and swear drips from my forehead, flying off as I preform spealized moves on the training dummy. My hands shake at the force of slicing into the wood, and parts of it chip off, sending splinters flying.

Memories begin to slowly creep into my mind, one by one.

~~~

"-and when I told him to run, he had every intention of doing so- the entire way here!" Laughter erupted from the circle surrounding Vex. Her eyes were shining with adrenaline, and the entirety of her body seemed much more alive.

Suddenly, the door to the Ragged Flagon swung open. Everything fell silent, and Vipir emerged from the dark. His body was drenched in sweat, and his hair was wild, streaking back behind his head although he was no longer moving. As his eyes adjusted, he saw the group of thieves surrounding a blonde figure. His body heaved with large breaths, and he slowly and shakily walked into the Flagon's main area.

As he came closer to the group, he realized who the blonde figure really was- Vex. Her smug tone broke the silence. "Hello Vipir- the Fleet." Once again, boisterous laughter rang through the Flagon.

A small, amused smile tugged at the corners of Vipir's mouth. The Nord took a seat, and his body sagged with relief. Our eyes locked for a short moment, and, unsure how to react to the Guild in his current position, Vipir the Fleet simply shook his head.

~~~

It was day time, and almost everyone was out on a job. I sat sprawled on my bed, staring down at a little piece of life-changing information in front of me.

It was a letter from Glover.

I found it inside of my bedside table, lying peacefully among the rest of my belongings. It wasn't what I expected it to be when I picked it up, and I was still in shock. My head and chest pounded- I know who I am now, and I wasn't sure how to feel about it.

Small, unwelcome tears gently fell into my lap. I hadn't cried since the bandit attack. Honestly, it felt... nice.

Suddenly, a hand was rested on my shoulder. I looked up to find Vipir the Fleet standing behind me. He seemed confused, probably at me showing any form of emotion, and his voice was laced with concern. "If you need to talk, I'm here."

I nodded at his words, unable to speak. He squeezes my shoulder before releasing his grip completely. With that, Vipir left, his footsteps echoing through the Cistern.

~~~

The pungent smell of alcohol stung my nose as in entered the Flagon. Vipir was drinking- again.

Three days ago he was released from Falkreath's jail. It was out of character for him to break the two lockpicks he managed to hide, much less to be caught.

I stalked over to him, ready to give the man a motivational speech- or a piece of my mind depending on the way you look at it- sick of the way he had been moping around in the Flagon since he returned. "Vipir, get off your arse and go bathe. You need to stop sulking and go do something!"

"Like what? Go to jail again?" He scoffed. "It's not like it's ruin my 'perfect' record- that already happened."

"How about you go train so it doesn't happen again?" I crossed my arms, looking down at him.

"Hah, you don't know anything." He seemed to think for a moment before adding, "Especially your parents."

Various gasps came from around the Flagon. I clenched my jaw as well as my fists.

Steadying myself, I placed my feet about a shoulder's width apart. With one arm close to my chest, I forced the other outward, hitting Vipir square in the face. "At least I know how to hit someone."

I walked away briskly, hoping to avoid a full-on fight. Before I was able to get out of the Flagon, I head Delvin's stuffy voice say, "It's already turning black."

~~~

I quickly wipe away bittersweet tears when I hear more sets of footsteps. I had grown to know them over the years. Damn, Vipir, why do you have to come now?

"Sapphire, I- you're not doing that right." At first he seemed like he was going to apologize, but instead he came to criticize my work.

Great.

"Please just leave." An exasperated sigh loudly escapes my mouth, giving away how much I really didn't want him here.

"No, wait. I can help." He takes my hand and adjusts my grip on the dagger.

Whatever. How much harm can this do? Besides, he's helping me with my efficiency with daggers which just means it'll be easier to kill him later.

"There. Try that." I lash out at the training dummy once again, and it is, in fact, easier to control my movements.

My training overtook me once more, and I find myself laughing every so often. Training is one of the few parts of my life I completely enjoy. It makes me feel free and in control.

I must have looked more relaxed, as I suddenly find Vipir's arms wrapping around me. He begins to apologize for earlier once again, but I shove him off. "Get off of me for Nocturnal's sake!" He looks like a small dog, standing surprised with large eyes.

Turning and stumbling away, I try my hardest to hide the blush creeping into my face.

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I ship these two so hard. Honestly, they're my first Skyrim ship, as well as my first ship to write about. XD

I hope you all have a lovely day, and I hope to see you soon!