He had made his way back and arrived at the camp to find Rose sitting on a log near the fire observing Rigmor. She noticed him and had raised her gaze to ask him, “How did it go? Did Lucan and Camillia have what we needed? We’re the Thalmor still about? I also need to show you something if you have those supplies.”
The adventurer watched Rose as she took the bandages from him. She went, knelt near Rigmor, and began to treat her. As she finished treating her, she turned and said to him, “Come closer and look at this!” She watched the adventurer step forward then slide the fur away from her shoulders to reveal what she had found.
He was moved by what was revealed to him. She had been abused with a slaver’s lash repeatedly until the skin on her shoulders and back had been permanently scarred. He responded to Rose, “She is lucky to still be living after suffering through that alone. I wonder what this girl could have done to spurn someone to just deepened levels or cruelty?”
There was silence as his eyes began to pool with tears that filled him from seeing what she had endured. Rose had noticed his reaction, pulled the fur back up and added the new ones as well. She then stood up, walked over, and sat down on the log again waiting for him to join her.
The adventurer looked over at the injured girl, then spoke to Rose, “Her name is Rigmor, Rigmor of Bruma!” Rose responded, “How do you know that?” The adventurer replied, “Her posters are up all over the town of Riverwood. The Thalmor harassed me at the entry to the town. They have posted a reward of 15,000 Gold Coins for her, Dead or Alive.”
There was silence that fell between Rose and the adventurer after she heard that. She considered then said, “I know what you saw and heard, but I am not going to judge this girl until I hear her side. Especially considering it involves the Thalmor.”
The adventurer replied, “I agree, think about it, she is with title to be referred to as ‘Rigmor of Bruma’. The Thalmor would not have used that designation without there being respect for who she was if not what she was.” He pondered briefly then asked Rose, “Okay, what’s next?”
Rose responded, “I’ve been thinking about it. If you can stay a while longer, I will need some food and medicine to help her healing process. Can you, will you stay?” He never hesitated, “Of course, what is it you need me to do?”
Rose signed slightly then said, “There’s an Alchemist. She lives across the way from the hunter’s camp. She has a cabin in a clearing, upward towards the right after you cross over the White River. She has a herbal and vegetable garden growing alongside of it.”
She paused a moment watching him then continued, “She makes a potion with Nettles that could help her. She also may have some cabbage and other things we need so I can make some soup to help her recover.”
The adventurer asked, “What is her name, this Alchemist?” Rose replied, “Anise is her name, just let her know that I sent you to gather the supplies. Whatever you do though, don’t go down into the cellar if you happen to be the curious type.”
The adventurer and Rose stood up. She began to turn, looked back at him. The adventurer smiled slightly and replied, “Okay, I’ll get the items from Anise, and I won’t go exploring her private cellar.” Rose chuckled at him and said, “Oh, her cuirass was damaged, can you take it into Alvor’s in Riverwood and ask Hedren if he can do us a favor and repair it? Hedren works for Alvor and is learning the craft from him.”
The adventurer replied, “Sure, hand it to me and I’ll make sure I speak to Hedren about repairing it. Besides, it will give me some time to see if I notice any more of the Thalmor lurking around the town.”
Rose responded, “Thank you so much I, we can’t thank you enough for staying to help with her recovery. I’ll have to think of some way to repay you for all your efforts. “
The adventurer replied, “There is no need for you to repay me, I am staying because she, Rigmor, needs our help. There’s a story here to learn. Let’s get her healthy again so we can discover what that is. Maybe, she’ll be able to tell us why the Thalmor have such a keen interest in her.”
Rose replied, “Here, take these coins with you at least, it will help pay for what is needed.” The adventurer turned and said as he walked away towards the boat, “I’ll be back soon, take good care of our girl.” The adventurer held out his open hand and received the gold coins. He turned, walked toward the boat sitting at the shore, and sensed Rose watching him as he faded into the trees that hid the campsite from others on the lake.