Well I've had another idea stuck in my head so now I wrote it down to get it out of my head. The majority of the nobles in Zero no Tsukaima appear to be jerks to commoners what with their magic proclaiming their superiority. I dislike how they think commoners are beneath them in everything and I would love to see them try making their own food, cleaning their own clothes, etc.
Anyway I thought of how the Nobles would they react to a completely different magic system where magic is wielded not exclusively by nobles. The College of Winterhold seemed like a good premise as they seem to appreciate merit above other things like wealth, political connections, and nobility. That and since I think magicka is present in all beings, just that some have more than others. If this isn't true then it will be here anyway or otherwise my entire idea falls apart.
Since the college seems a bit underwhelming for a great place of learning and magical research. I embellished on it and made it bigger than it actually is in Skyrim. This will also be set after the events of Skyrim, so Alduin will be dead and Paarthurnax was spared to lead the Dovah on a more peaceful path. I still dislike the blades for even asking me to kill him.
Since I supported the Legion then they will have won the Civil War though that won't really matter that much anyway. Also I made everything 'bigger' otherwise it would seem a bit strange. Honestly the Civil War has major battles consisting of about maybe 15 guys and there seems to be more bandits, necromancers, Forsworn, etc than there are people in cities.
Disclaimer: Zero no Tsukaima belongs to Noboru Yamaguchi and Skyrim belongs to Bethseda.
(EDIT: Just a warning in advance that there are spoilers for Zero no Tsukaima or Familiar of Zero in the reviews.)
The Archmage walked down the empty halls. His footsteps echoing as he made his way towards his quarters. Down in the great hall, the majority of the students and mages were busy getting them drunk as they celebrated. The old Bosmer had already had enough alcohol and wisely chose to retire before temptation overtook him. The resulting hangover was that he risked was not worth the short amount of pleasure he may receive from the over consumption of alcohol. It would hardly be benefiting for someone of his position to be publicly drunk anyway.
It was the 32nd Anniversary of the day Winterhold was officially restored. Unlike his predecessor, he had worked hard to cultivate relations with the local Nords and new Imperial-backed Jarl Kraldar. Offering the services of the College in the restoring Winterhold to its former glory, the Archmage, Motabe and Kraldar worked cooperatively to this end.
While initially wary of the Archmage, Jarl Kraldar had eventually caved in and accepted the College's aid. His desire to help Winterhold back to its former self; overcoming his distrust of the mages.
While Winterhold was still not as great as it used to be, it was now on the way. There were suspicion and sometimes outright hostility from the residents initially. But after years of financial problems and a decreasing population they eventually accepted their aid, though some were still grumbling about it.
Lacking any source of major income, they had serious financial issues until Motabe realized Winterhold's greatest resource. Magic.
The mages of the College of Winterhold was what the province was famous for. So it was decided to put them to use. Groups of students under the supervision of senior mages were sent around Skyrim, offering their magical services in exchange for gold septims and selling their surplus of potions to those who need or want it.
This not only provided a stable course source of income, as the Archmage donated a generous portion of the money towards the restoration effort, it provided the students with more practical experience and relieved the Nords of some of their mistrust of magic.
The School of Restoration was especially sought after as the healing of injuries and diseases they could provide for a few septims was both convenient and cheap. That is not to say the other Schools did not play their part.
The School of Illusion played their role more discreetly, charming animals and setting up temporary petting zoos. This was greatly received at the cities where the people inside rarely see the more exotic creatures that roamed Skyrim that ranged from the simple rabbits and birds to the more unique Snow Foxes and Bone Hawks. They even managed to somehow persuade the Solitude Guards to allow in a Sabertooth for their show.
The telekinesis spell from the School of Alteration was considered one of the most useful spells to have. The heavy lifting required for construction and the like was made aided by the mages from this school. While they lacked the actual skill to actually build structures, leaving that to for the real builders they could magically lift heavy stones and timber.
The School of Destruction and Conjuration had the least success of all the schools. The ability to destroy things was only valued by mercenaries and the Imperial Legion and many related Conjurers to necromancers making many scared of them.
The increase of magical activity in Skyrim had raised alarms in many people's heads. Though, thankfully, this never escalated to actual violence against them aside from the occasional insult and slur. In fact, the prestige of the College was slowly being rebuilt as their numbers increased for the first time in ages.
With this newfound wealth Kraldar was able to jumpstart Winterhold's economy by investing it into the Whistling mine, extending it in search for more iron and producing employment opportunities for the Hold.
He also set to devote more of the economy on the College. His theory was that the College was tied to the fortune of the Hold. Though the Great Collapse had left the College relatively unharmed; it did not stop the decline of the College.
So by improving the College then it would hopefully attract more immigrants to fill their declining population. And since the College was sending back their earnings from their trips back to Winterhold, more magi would also mean more wealth. More wealth would attract more people and hence the cycle would repeat.
After 20 years of this. Winterhold was well on its way, already the population had boomed to its pre-Collapse levels. The small desolate town had expanded into a once again prosperous city with the College being the main attraction of the Hold.
The College of Winterhold itself rapidly grown from the measly 12 members they had 20 years ago to nearly twenty five hundred members including the now need house staff. Mages now taught full dedicated classes of students in their prospective Schools of Magic.
The Midden was cleared of the creatures within it and reconstructed to make room for the College's growing roster. The more dangerous sections such as the Atronach Forge and the Daedric Relic was sealed off to the majority of the College, requiring the supervision of an Senior Mage to even enter their respective chambers.
The Augur of Dunlain was strangely not found. The door to its chamber had mysteriously disappeared though some have claimed that they have spoken with the Augur on occasion when they were greatly troubled.
The Halls of Attainment and Countenance had been moved to the refurbished Midden and were expanded to make room for the new students and mages. The now empty room were turned into lecture halls and labs for alchemical projects.
The Hall of Elements remained largely unchanged and was now the location where the members of the College gathered for announcements and the like. The Arcaneum, however was moved to the very bottom of the Midden. The number of Scripts and text becoming too large for its original size to contain.
The room now was a dining hall for the whole of the College. Aside from a lavish table reserved for the Archmage and the Master Wizards, the entire room was now a place for the population of the College to mingle and socialize.
Motabe paused as he heard Kraldar's loud and hearty laugh beneath him. By Julianos, the man was loud. Smiling wistfully as he began to enter his chambers.
I Louise Francoise Le Blanc de La Valliere...
Turning around; he scanned the corridor. There was no one here but he and he would have been able to detect the life force of anyone trying to hide. So where did that voice come fr-
In the name of the great Five Pentagon Powers…
Five Pentagon Powers? Thought Motabe, as he backtracked towards the Great Hall.
Rushing back down to the Great Hall he saw many of its occupants passed out on tables and on the floor. Those still somewhat sober were looking around in confusion and asking who was speaking like that. Some of the closest looked to him, questions at the tip of their tongues.
Following my fate, summon my familiar!
Familiar! Was the last thought that went through Motabe's head as a sudden bright green light enveloped him.
It was spring at the Tristanian Academy of Magic. A class of students were gathered at the Vestri Court. Among them was a collection of creatures that had been summoned as familiars.
Many of the students were now busy showing off their new familiar to their peers. The familiars themselves were confused at the sudden change to their location but quickly adapted as the charm spell that was integrated into the contract spell set in.
Guiche finished his summoning. His boasts of summoning an earth dragon turned to naught as a he was crushed by a huge mole that landed on top of him. There was scattered laughter among the assembled students before Montmorency rushed to his aid and shot an angry glance at them which silenced the laughter.
The teacher, Colbert nodded in satisfaction as Guiche completed the contract spell that binded the newly named Verdandi to him. Already Guiche was professing that he planned to summon the mole from the beginning to save his pride.
"Now, then the Springtime Familiar is complete let all go back to-"
"Louise hasn't gone yet!" Interrupted Kirche
Not minding the interruption, Colbert turned to Louise who was trying to hide behind the crowd of students that quickly moved away from her.
"Ah yes, I'm sorry I forgot you Miss Valliere. Now if you would step forward to summon your familiar" He said kindly.
Inwardly cursing the Zerbst scion, Louise stepped up. She swallowed down the nervousness and lifted her wand.
"Francoise Le Blanc de La Valliere..." She could feel the power rising inside her. The same feeling she got whenever she cast her spells. The same spells that have always failed for her.
"In the name of the great Five Pentagon Powers," This time it was different. The swelling feeling inside her was more powerful than ever before. Maybe this time would be different,she optimistically thought.
Louise finished her chant. Her anticipation rising. This was moment where she would prove to her tormenters that she was not a failure.
"Following my fate, summon my familiar" she shouted.
The resulting explosion rocked the courtyard. Several of the watching students were knocked off their feet from the power of the blast. A large dust cloud covered the courtyard obscuring Louise from view.
Tabitha lifted her staff and muttered a quick spell and a cool wave of wind blew away the dust to reveal Louise and only her. Immediately the snickering began as the few students who managed to maintain their balance got a good look.
"Hah, that was the biggest explosion yet."
"She's Louise the Zero after all!"
Louise trembled. Her one chance to prove she wasn't a failure and she failed it. She failed to cast even the simplest of spells; she even failed summoning a familiar. What was her mother going to say? Would she want a failure in her family?
Colbert prepared to step in and stop the taunting when he noticed a small white orb falling from the sky. No, not just one but hundreds or thousands of snowflakes fell from the sky.
The students stopped their taunting and cast their eyes towards the sky. Faces fill of amazement as watched the snow descend onto the Academy.
There was snow; in the middle of spring? Thought Colbert, he had seen many things in his lifetime but and this wasn't the strangest but… That was not normal. And it happed when Louise finished her summoning. Turning to stare at the frozen Valliere, could it be?
He found Louise staring off into the north. Following her gaze he widened his eyes in shock. There only a few kilometres from the academy was a small snowy rise. On the small rise was a large city that had an equally large wall surrounding it. Within the city was a tower, a tower that overshadowed all the other buildings within the city.
Louise had not failed her summoning. She had finally succeeded in performing magic. Whether that was a good thing or not remained to be seen.
Groaning softly Motabe painstakingly picked himself off the floor. The hall looked like a mini tornado had spun into it. Chairs and tables were lying broken and scattered around the room. The mages and students were now only getting up themselves.
The few already up were now trying to wake up their unconscious fellows, whether they were just intoxicated or actually injured was debatable. Already the few senior magi in the room were organising the assemble students and mages to work.
Knowing that the Great Hall was in capable hands; Motabe lurched out the door, shaking off the hands of those who went to help him. He might be old but he was still capable of taking care of himself.
The courtyard shared a similar scene. The few outside at the time had fallen into the snow, making life like imprints into it. His boots crunched on the snow as he made his way towards the gate.
He recognised the type of magic used. While it wasn't the same it gave him the similar feeling to when he observed when the Psijic Order transported the Eye of Magnus away, supposedly to their hidden isle.
If that was the case then the College was somehow transported to an entirely different location. And if the entire College was teleported then Winterhold ran the same risk. Using his magic to push open the large metal gate, he sighed in a mixture of relief and annoyance as he saw the city of Winterhold below him.
The usually sleeping city was now fully awake as people got onto the streets in confusion. Talk of a green flash and magic could be heard even from this distance as everyone looked for answers. City guards could be seen herding the people back into their homes assuring them that everything was fine and the problem will be taken care of.
He made his way to Kraldar's home. With the improvement of Winterhold, he had been able to move to quarters more benefitting of a Jarl. The new stone palace he lived in was guarded by the replenished Winterhold City Guards. The two guards on duty let him in with a polite nod of greeting.
As Archmage of the College, he was one of the few able to meet Jarl Kraldar without prior notice. The two of them were long-time friends and complemented each other well.
Kraldar was the more charismatic and political savvy of the two. His efforts in restoring Winterhold had made him much loved by its citizens and the soldiers of Winterhold were known for the loyalty to him. A capable fighter in his youth, he had brilliantly led Imperial troops against the Stormcloak army during the Civil War decades ago as Jarl of the liberated Winterhold and was often seen near the thick of the battle, leading his men from the front and not the back as many generals do now. Now a large number of veterans from his forces made up the city watch.
Matabe on the other hand was more reserved and quiet. Rarely speaking unless he needed to, he was a prodigal mage of great power that had managed to defeat the Thalmor infiltrator, Ancona, who managed to kill Savos Aren, the former Archmage. While not loved by Winterhold like Kraldar he was well respected and was sought out from across the Empire for his wisdom. While he kept the College mostly neutral during the war, it was well known that he had provided healing potions and the like to the Imperials.
Entering the hall Matabe found Kraldar already awake and on sleepily sitting on his throne. Beside him was his housecarl Thonjolf eyeing him warily. The two had never seen eye to eye and while they were willing to work with and respected each other they could hardly be called friends.
Kraldar glanced up at him and gestured for a servant to bring a seat. Sitting on the hastily procured chair Matabe sat and waited for Kraldar to start.
In turn Kraldar waited for him, sure that the issue was the result of a failed experiment.
The silent game was lost by Kraldar as he sighed. "So Archmage Matabe, what has happened? There was a green flash of light that woke up the entire city and now I'm getting crazy reports from the watch of the entire landscape changing. Even for the College; reshaping the entire landscape would be an impossible feat of magic."
Seeing that the Jarl used his formal title meant that he was undoubtedly peeved at the situation. He answered just as formally. "Jarl Kraldar, I am unsure of it myself. Though I have theories on what magic was used for this."
"So you admit your hand in this" accused Thonjolf.
Glaring at the housecarl Matabe replied. "No I did not. I admitted that magic and that I'm familiar with this form of spell, not that the College caused this."
Seeing that Thonjolf was not convinced he pressed on. "The entirety of the College was celebrating and too busy getting themselves drunk to have possibly cast magic on this scale. Even generating a large light like that would have been impossible for all but the most powerful of our mages."
"Who else could have caused this? The College is the only magical institute within Skyrim to have a sizable number of mages. That there are some within your number actually capable of this means that it's likely that one of the Master Wizards themselves did this." Argued Thonjolf.
Thonjolf was definatly angry at something he's not usually this aggressive, even on bad days. Pondered Matabe. Taking in a breath he prepared to speak before Kraldar then let himself into the conversation.
"Quiet Thonjolf, let Matabe speak." Thonjolf bristled at this but stayed quiet.
Satisfied, Kraldar turned back to the Archmage. "Now you said that you have theories on what has happened. Let's hear them"
Matabe nodded, "My first theory is that this is just some sort of prank by some student. If this is the case then rest assured as the student will be severely punished for this."
"The second is that this is the same form of teleportation magic the Psijic Monks used, this means that they have transported us somewhere for reasons unknown" At the mention of the mysterious order of magi both Nords looked more worried.
"The third most likely one is that this is the result of outside influence. Am I right in saying that both of you heard a voice before the flash?"
They nodded to this question.
"I believe that was some sort of spell that caused the flash. The report of a changed landscape means that it probably has the same properties as the Psijic's teleport spell."
Kraldar was now looking fully awake and gravely concerned.
"And the last part of the spell is what has me concerned." Finished Matabe.
"The last part?" inquired Kraldar.
"Jarl Kraldar, did you not hear it" asked Thonjolf.
Kraldar looked somewhat sheepish. "I was asleep when it happened. I didn't hear what was said."
Clearing his throat, Motabe told him what was said.
Now with his new knowledge, he asked "So the familiar part has you worried?"
"Yes, if the entire city was summoned then I fear for the ramification of this." Motabe replied gravely.
"I believe it would be for the best if we kept people within the city. Meanwhile I'll travel outside and confirm if we have truly been teleported."
Kraldar looked worried. "Then you will take some of my soldiers with you, there is no telling what is out there now."
"Thonjolf, find Captain Skald and tell him the he and his men are to escort the Archmage."
"As you command" replied Thonjolf and he quickly left towards the barracks.
Staring at the Archmage, "Motabe, I want you back by midday at the latest. I'll need a report of your findings." He told the Bosmer seriously.
Motabe placed a fist on his chest. "I will do so my Jarl."
Louise reined in her horse and shivered. The snow was seemed to be heavier and heavier as they got closer to the city. By the time they had reached the city gates, her teeth were chattering.
"Professor, now what do we do?" asked Louise.
Colbert scratched his chin in thought. He had hoped that the gate would be opened and they could enter. Now that he was closer he could see the unique architecture of the city. It was human, that much was certain though none like any he has ever seen.
"I'm not sure." The bald teacher replied honestly.
How could they open the gate? He was certain that he could probably blast it open but that would hardly be a good way to introduce yourself. That and a city this big would have soldiers in it and he wasn't confident in killing an entire city's worth of guards by himself.
Louise shivered again as she stared at the gate. Did she really summon a city? It was unbelievable. Nothing like this had ever occurred before in history. What if this caused a diplomatic incident? It would mean disgrace for her fa-
She was interrupted by the groaning of rusted metal as the gate opened outwards. She and Colbert pulled back a little and observed a small group leaving the city.
There were twenty guards, each drabbed in cloaks for warmth but the heavy armour could be seen bulging in the cloak. Then there was the robed individual apparently leading them. By the way the commoner soldiers deferred to him he was certainly a noble of some kind.
Seeing this as an opportunity, Colbert slowly approached on his horse. Both hands lifted into the air as a universal gesture of peace. Upon spotting him the soldiers gripped their weapons while the robed noble returned Colberts gesture.
"Greetings. Who are you and what brings you to the City of Winterhold?" the voice was raspy as the noble asked Colbert.
Deciding not to reveal Louise's hand in this he answered. "I have never heard of this City of Winterhold and me and my student were investigating the sudden appearance of your city."
There were mutterings among the armed men before the noble lifted his hand and silenced them. "Have you heard of Skyrim? Tamriel? The Nine Divines?"
At each of these Colbert shook his head at each of these. The noble seemed to be in thought before he addressed the men. "Captain Skald, you will need to accomplish the mission on your own then. It is best that I take these 'visitors' to meet with the Jarl."
One of the soldiers replied. "Yes Archmage"
The column began to tread off into the snow while the robed man gestured for him and Louise to follow him. "Come, the Jarl will want to hear this. I'm Motabe the Archmage of the College of Winterhold."
Colbert nodded "I'm Professor Colbert of the Tristan Academy of Magic and this is Louise Francoise Le Blanc de La Valliere, my student."
The man lifted an eyebrow, though they could not see. "That's quite a long name you have there."
Louise felt slightly indignant but kept quiet. The noble had introduced himself as an 'Archmage'. Judging by how the others had deferred to him he was certainly a mage of considerable power of at least triangle and maybe square class.
Seeing her face Motabe apologised "Ah, I did not mean to offend you or our name Louise Francoise Le Blanc de la Valliere." The foreign name easily rolling off his tongue.
As they entered the city Louise was awed. She had seen cities before in Tristan. Some were larger than even this. Far larger.
But what surprised her was the magic. Lanterns were lit by glowing lights that seemed to appear only when you get close. There were other robed men and woman milling about magic with their bare hands. Lightning bolts and florescent lights lit up where a crowd of people watched in awe to a performer. That was high level magic and most mages never reached that level.
They reached a large beautiful palace. The two guards at the door seemed surprised at the quick return of the Archmage but otherwise let them in. The trio moved swiftly through the foyer and into the main hall where two men were conversing.
The one on the throne was richly dressed and there was some buoyant feeling about him that made you feel useful. The other was older and looked far more serious, he was standing and saying something about untrustworthy mages.
Motabe waited patiently as the two conversed, completely oblivious to them standing there. Eventually the Archmage cleared his throat and attracted the two nobles attention.
"Jarl Kraldar, I have returned."
Jarl Kraldar looked at them in surprise. "Indeed you have. And not alone it appears."
"Who are they?" Asked the other man.
Colbert took this opportunity to introduce himself. "I am Professor Colbert of the Tristan Academy of Magic."
The older man rubber his head in frustration "Great more mages."
Kraldar glared at the man to be quiet before setting his gaze onto Louise. "And who is the little lady that is with you?"
This time Louise couldn't stay quiet. "I am Louise Valliere from the Valliere family." Intentionally shortening her name to avoid whahappen deed last time.
Obviously the famous House of Valliere meant nothing to this Kraldar as he heartily laughed. "Hah, you have fire in you girl."
Motabe rolled his eyes before he realized he was still wearing his hood. Pulling it back he didn't notice the stares that he received from Louise and Colbert.
"El... El...ELF!"
Well that's done now I can go back to other story. The last part was done on a IPad and I have to say autocorrect is really pissing me off.