The following morning, Katarina awoke to the sound of an argument taking place right outside her door, Dagur's gruff voice alternating with the oily tones of a stranger:
"I'm sorry, could you describe the smell?"
"Like some horrible monster was turned inside out, and then exploded! What did you do?!"
"It was a minor miscalculation. I've already corrected it for future experiments."
"This, this is why people have a problem with your college, Nelacar."
This told her three things: the stranger was called Nelacar, was affiliated with the College of Winterhold and been conducting some sort of experiments inside the inn. Kate, who had expected as much, was unsurprised to find the purple-robed Altmer sitting at the bar with a slice of snowberry pie in front of him. Of the mysterious stench, there was no trace.
"Good morning", greeted Haran as she made her appearance; Dagur crouched behind the bar, rooting around in there and mumbling to himself. "Slept well? Was the room to your liking?"
"Good morning. Yes it was fine and I did, thank you."
"Do you want any breakfast?"
Kate shook her head; her stomach had tightened into a ball again as the moment of truth drew near and she didn't have much of an appetite. Besides, if all went well, she could take a meal later with her fellow Apprentices at the College of Winterhold; if not...she would have to ration her gold for the journey back. Journey back...journey back where?
"I have to get going", she replied, trying to put such thoughts out of her mind.
There was a thud, followed by a cry of pain, and Dagur staggered from under the counter rubbing his head but cracked her a smile just the same.
"Good luck, eh? I don't know what you have to do to get in, if there are any tests and such, though I guess there must be...Nelacar here might know, he's an old timer from the College."
The aging Altmer let out an impatient sigh and drew himself up in his chair.
"I told you, I don't deal with College applicants these days; I keep to my affairs and I'm more than happy to leave them to theirs. She'll just have to go there and see for herself."
He glanced at Kate, a look of bored indifference on his golden features. He didn't really resemble Volanaro: his face was broad and squarish whereas Volanaro's was a narrow landscape of sharp peaks and deep grooves, but he the same air of aloof superiority about him that caused Kate's eyes to grow cold with dislike. She said her farewells to Dagur and Haran and departed in a hurry.
It had snowed again during the night, judging by the fresh white layer on the ground; it was still snowing but the wind was bearable and the frost had broken a little, so Kate pulled her cloak tighter around herself and pushed on. Winterhold looked even smaller and more desolate by the light of day, ruin and neglect in evidence all around. Only the ancient defense walls still stood, sections of it missing where they'd crumbled into the snow but still impressive, relics of another time.
It wasn't long before Katarina reached the bridge leading to the College and took her first steps across it, braced against the wind. It was quite narrow, barely wide enough for two people to walk side by side, and a closer inspection revealed signs of deterioration. About halfway across the pediments had broken off completely, leaving nothing between Kate and the gray expanse yawning on either side. A sudden vision in which she slipped on the smooth stone and was dashed on the rocks below filled her mind and she shuffled on, heart firmly lodged in her throat. Ahead she could at last see a large iron gate which opened into a round courtyard where the College access points met. A column of blue light flowed out of a stone basin at its center, between the outstretched arms of a statue depicting a robed figure. As Kate drew closer a tall figure emerged from the castle as if on cue; the timing was so precise, she had to wonder whether her approach had somehow been observed. Probably.
"My name is Faralda and I am one of the senior wizards here", said the greeter in a clear, melodious voice. She stopped at the gate which remained closed. "Welcome to the College of Winterhold; now I must warn you, if you're only here to complain, you would be better off speaking with the Jarl instead. However, if there's something else that you seek, I may be able to assist you."
She was a stately blonde in fine purple robes and a white fur cape resting on her shoulders, her hair pulled up in pigtails. Kate was startled to discover her first reaction at the sight of those unmistakeable Altmer features was to tense up with suspicion: when did she start thinking like that?
"I am Katarina Murrianus and no, I'm not here to complain, I'm here to apply for membership. I wish to study at the College."
Faralda seemed to ponder this for a moment.
"I see. Have you had any previous magical training?"
"Not formally, no. My grandfather tutored me as a child but beyond that I'm largely self-taught. The School I'm most adept in is Destruction and I've also dabbled in Enchanting and...Conjuration."
Kate had very nearly left that last one out. The summoning of daedra and worse still raising undead were frowned upon in Cyrodiil, particularly in the Imperial City where the Synod had its headquarters. That remnant of the Mages' Guild had banned Conjuration from its curriculum altogether, blaming it for contributing to the Oblivion Crisis two hundred years past, but she knew other magical institutions did not adhere to this restriction.
"Our College has plenty to offer to a student of any of the arcane arts but the question remains what can you offer the College in return." Faralda explained, unperturbed. "Applicants must prove they would constitute a valuable addition to our ranks before being admitted; a test if you will. You mentioned Conjuration. The Atronach is a vital companion for anyone relying on that School, summoning one here would certainly demonstrate your skill. Flame, frost or storm, I'll leave the specifics up to you."
Using any type of magic was an act of will, by which the wizard tapped into that reservoir of raw energy flowing from Aetherius and harnessed it into a spell. Some acts were small and easily accomplished – casting a weak flame, for example, something Kate had first started doing instinctively as a child. Others required a far greater investment and bending the will of another entity was among the most challenging, not to mention dangerous of all. Kate had studied the process in an old book, a Conjurer's Primer containing instructions on how to call upon elemental daedra called Atronachs and temporarily lure them over to serve as guardians. By the end of it she knew the words by heart but it was weeks before she attempted an actual summoning. First she learned how to delve into that nameless realm of formless darkness where such creatures lived and touch their minds with hers, establish a rapport. They had the temperamental minds of wild animals, as eager to lash out as they were to snatch the bait dangled before them, and many an inexpert conjurer had been torn apart by an out of control Atronach.
Kate took a deep breath of cold air, trying to still her racing heart and focus. She sent her mind questing to that other realm of primeval chaos with barely an effort – that was the easy part. There she could sense them, their presence, and they sensed her back. Kate set her trap. There was a rush as several creatures came to investigate but they lingered beyond her snare, distrustful of her promises. Some vanished back into the roiling gloom but a few remained as they usually did, and one reached out to answer Kate's call. She beckoned to it, soothing it, cajoling it as her will burrowed into its consciousness: come to the air, come to the light, follow my voice, come to me. It was a Flame Atronach, like always, the only type she had ever reached with any degree of success and it blazed with joy. They lived in darkness but loved the air and light, because fire was light and air was what made fire burn. Energy rippled through Kate's body, climbing up her spine and shooting down her right arm like an electrical current. A dark blue vortex spun between her fingers, growing larger; there was a loud snap as she released it followed by a sudden gust of wind and orange light blossomed like the rising sun. It had come, a creature that was fire given form, humanoid and distinctly female, encased in a kind of minimal armor made of molten rock. It hovered patiently midair, seeming to watch Kate though it had no eyes to speak of. The young Imperial woman's face had gone rigid with effort; if her focus wavered the link between their minds would snap like a thread and a rampaging elemental Daedra would be unleashed on the College's doorstep.
"Ah, the Flame Atronach", Faralda observed, "The most sociable of the elementals and thus easiest to conjure; not the most powerful, perhaps, but swift and useful against many types of opponents. That was a textbook summon."
"I learned it from a textbook", admitted Kate.
"Well-executed, but slow – time is of the essence in dangerous situations and you ought to be able to cast the spell comfortably, not strain your magicka reserves to the limit like you're doing now. But all that comes with practice, therefore I consider your test passed. Welcome, Apprentice Murrianus; from this moment on, the College of Winterhold is open to you."
As the gates magically sprung aside, Kate was unable to hold back a deep sigh of relief. She kept the Atronach on its leash just long enough to banish it back to Oblivion where it retreated, sulking, to its lair. Her heart soared and there was a sparkle in her eye as she followed the Elven woman into the courtyard. She did it, she passed the test! She was on her way to becoming a proper mage and this time nobody would be able to stop her! Lastly, Faralda gave Kate some basic directions for finding her way around the College and directed her to speak with Mirabelle Ervine in the Hall of Attainment. As Master Wizard, helping new arrivals get settled in was one of her duties.
The Hall of Attainment was located inside the western tower, a circular two-storey building housing some dormitories, a dining area and storage room fanned out around a well of arcane energy much like the one in the courtyard. A tall young man with Nordic features and a Dunmer girl wearing an oversized hood ceased their conversation as Kate walked in, nodding at her from across the hall. She nodded back but did not stop to introduce herself, wanting to get the interview with Mirabelle Ervine out of the way first. On the second floor she came face to face with two Elven women who watched her silently as she passed by and did not return her greeting. She found Mirabelle in her room, working at her desk; she was wiry middle-aged woman who asked Kate her business then reached inside her desk for a set of papers which she handed to her. One contained the schedule for all the activities the College offered as well as a list of faculty members and their specialties, the other was a map of the castle. Mirabelle also told Kate she would be sleeping right there in the Hall of Attainment in the room closest to the entrance to the right. If she wished, she would be issued a set of standard robes though wearing these was not compulsory.
"Any questions?" Mirabelle ended matter-of-factly, interlocking her fingers upon the desk. Kate, who had heard of the many draconian rules and regulations the Synod practiced, had expected a more extensive interview.
"Are there any rules, any other expectations that I should be aware of?" she inquired guardedly.
"There are no expectations." replied the Master Wizard, seeming nonplussed by the question. "This is a place to study and practice magic freely; what you do with your time is up to you. Should you make any discoveries in your pursuits, I hope you will share them with the College first; that way we all benefit. As for rules...it goes without saying that purposely harming other members will not be tolerated and if you damage College property you'll have to pay for it. If you practice Conjuration, please keep your summons away from town, they spook the locals; especially if you're planning to raise any undead."
Katarina was astonished; she would never have enjoyed this much freedom with the Synod! But...undead?!
"Necromancy is allowed...?"
Mirabelle Ervine's lips twitched ever so slightly and she eyed Kate with the air of someone who had been expecting that question.
"This isn't Cyrodiil, Apprentice Murrianus. We are an independent institution and have been so even when the Mages' Guild still existed; we consider all forms of magic worthy of study here and yes, that includes Necromancy."
Outside Mirabelle's room, Kate found the same two Elven women from before waiting for her. They were both blond and golden-skinned and were studying her dispassionately. The taller of them spoke first.
"So, another student...Breton, yes? Preferable to some of the additions we've had lately, such as that Orc they let in not long ago. An Orc! Can you imagine that?"
Kate, who had Breton ancestry and had inherited their diminutive stature, smiled thinly. She didn't like this woman's attitude and couldn't help thinking it was so typically Altmer!
"My name is Nirya, this is Lalwen; and you are...?"
"Katarina Murrianus and no, I'm not Breton."
"Well, I suppose it's not your fault", Nirya replied in a tone so dripping with condescension Kate could feel herself bristling, "And with enough dedication even someone like you can achieve some degree of magical proficiency; after all, look at Lalwen. She is only a Bosmer but her skill with shock magic surpasses that of many here."
Lalwen looked none too pleased with this endorsement but held her tongue.
"I meant that as a compliment, dear." her companion soothed.
"No, you didn't", thought Kate but it was obvious whatever the relationship these two had, Lalwen was a willing participant. She looked Nirya straight in the eye, smiling broadly:
"Thank you for the kind words of encouragement."
Kate didn't bother waiting for a reply. She could feel the heat of their glares in the back of her head as she walked away and knew she hadn't made any friends there. So be it. Immersed in her thoughts, she almost collided with two figures loitering at the foot of the stairs: the dark-haired youth and hooded Dunmer she'd seen coming in, except the latter had since removed her hood. She had thin, delicate features and large red eyes like those of a doll.
"Sorry", she began, "I didn't see you there."
"Don't worry about it, this stairway is quite dark. Welcome to the College! I'm Brelyna, by the way, Brelyna Maryon."
"Onmund. You're called Katarina...right?"
He stole a worried glance at his companion, but Kate wasn't too bothered by their eavesdropping. She would have done the same.
"Call me Kate, and thank you. I'm glad to be here."
Another pause, another tell-tale look passed between them.
"Even after meeting the president of the superiorly-bred Mer club and her adoring fan?" Brelyna asked slyly. Kate smirked openly at that: Hah! She might get to like this one.
"Lalwen isn't a bad person", put in Onmund. "She just..."
"...wishes she'd been born an Altmer." Brelyna completed the sentence. "It's so obvious."
"I've met worse, the Imperial City is home to plenty of their kind."
A look of astonishment dawned on Onmund's face then, his eyes round and gleaming in the dimness.
"You're from the Imperial City?!"
"Born and raised."
"That's one of the places I'd like to see some day", he said wistfully, "Though my Pa would surely disown me if he knew."
"He practically has already", his friend pointed out.
Before anyone could add anything else, the doors burst open and a short woman stalked in with a large stack of books and scrolls balanced in her arms. She could have been Mirabelle Ervine's sister but unlike the prim and professional Master Wizard her hair was unkempt and she was gasping for breath under the weight of her burden.
"Brelyna!" the woman called out shrilly, barely seeming to notice Kate. "Oh, hello", was the only greeting she offered, not even acknowledging Onmund's presence. She looked agitated to the point of distress.
"Brelyna dear, are those reagent batches I asked you to put together ready?"
"Yes, Colette, they're in my room."
"What are you waiting for then, go fetch them, I leave for class in five minutes! No, wait! I'm coming with you, we'll save time that way."
Kate watched them go, half-expecting that mountain of clutter to tumble to the floor in which case she feared the woman might blow a gasket. She hadn't seen anyone so highly-strung since the time her mother was busy preparing the store for business in anticipation of the Emperor's nameday.
"That's Colette Marence", Onmund told her. "She teaches Restoration and she's...well, different. Don't get me wrong though, she's good at what she does."
Together they approached the fountain of rippling energy at the center of the Hall and leaned against the stone fence around it. Deep shadows danced across the walls and their faces, robbed of color by the blue light.
"Why leave a place like the Capital and come all the way up here?" Onmund asked Kate, earning himself a wary glance. She didn't feel like delving into that particular topic.
"Maybe I felt the need for a change in scenery; the Capital can get old after a while."
"I imagine one of the greatest cities ever built must be so boring to live in."
The note of bitterness in his voice caught Kate's attention, remembering something he and Brelyna had said earlier. "My Pa would surely disown me if he knew." "He practically has already."
"Would you leave Skyrim if you could, then? Go live elsewhere?"
"No...not really", Onmund sighed. "I love my country, it's just that...I often wonder what it's like to live in a place where magic is respected and celebrated, not shunned and feared like it is here. I've never been outside Skyrim, you know, but I'd like to visit other places some day...is it true the Imperial City is so big it's basically a Hold on its own? And the White Gold Tower must be a sight to see!"
Kate gave him a curious stare. Part of her wanted to laugh at how provincial he sounded, but another could relate to that longing for exotic, faraway places and fresh experiences. A smile lifted the corners of her mouth.
"Come", she invited and lifted her knapsack off the floor. "There is something I want to show you."