Chapter 28
Only the magical lights that Ancano had conjured provided some light around his working desk, leaving the quarters barely lit as a whole. Ancano preferred to keep it so lest anyone think he was awake and Faralda or anyone else thought it fine to come pester him at this hour regardless of the nature of their request or inquiry. As exhausted as they all were, Ancano knew that Ondolemar's wound required immediate attention when Ondolemar barely managed to dismount on his own from the pain and fever. As not to worry Fjönn, Ondolemar had lied to the girl that Ancano required him for a small favor and he would be back shortly, so she had gone with Ganir to be shown her room.
Using pliers, Ancano removed the charred Skeever hide he left hanging over the fire and without warning, he laid it on the festering wound on Ondolemar's back. Ondolemar hissed and swore as he hadn't seen it coming, sat leaning forward in a chair and facing away from the Arch-Mage.
"Don't complain. This is your own fault," Ancano chastised him as he scrubbed the hide over the wound to rub the dirt, crusts and pus out. Eager to test the theory in a book he had found amongst the countless others in his quarters, Ancano was pleased to find that this method was as efficient as described, even if primitive in comparison to potions and spells. Cirilonde would have had this fixed with ease in no time… he thought, scrunching his nose in disgust at the hide, but the wound was clean.
"I didn't exactly plan to get shot," Ondolemar snapped, glaring at the other elf over his shoulder. Thankful as he was that the wound no longer itched or burned, he was exhausted and he'd had enough of Ancano's snide comments and cold treatment. "What was I supposed to do then? Ride along like I hadn't seen or heard a thing?"
"Not the point." Ancano turned away to discard both the charred Skeever hide and his gloves in a nearby bucket. "Your method was rash, uncalculated and whether you agree or not, you took an unnecessary risk."
"And if it had been Cirilonde instead of Fjönn?" Ondolemar shot to his feet when Ancano spun on his heel and he had all reason to feel intimidated by the Arch-Mage. But mentioning Cirilonde had clearly struck a chord like Ondolemar had intended. This had to stop.
"Don't you dare compare…" Ancano felt his temper flare like it hadn't in quite some time, but combined with his exhaustion, all his pent up emotions surfaced when even Ondolemar of all people dared question him. He had no obligation whatsoever, but he had felt he owed Cirilonde and Ganir to lead the College of which the inhabitants still didn't trust him and questioned his every move and decision directly or indirectly. But in spite of it all, he had stayed for Cirilonde and he had aided Ganir not only because he trusted the Dark Elf, he was also very aware the Dragon Crisis could not be ignored. Now that even Ondolemar began to pressure him…goad and taunt him even. It infuriated him.
I'm doing the same what you would've done for me, Ancano. "Oh, I dare," he wished he felt as confident as he sounded. "The sole reason you're pissed is that the very idea of losing me or Ganir terrifies you because it makes you realize how vulnerable you really are since all you'd have left is the self-pity, self-loathing and guilt to wallow in. How long are you going to blame yourself for Cirilonde's death while there was nothing you could have done to save her? How long are you going to shut us out while we need you?"
Ancano's face was set in a snarl and he shook with rage. But when the very idea of punching Ondolemar crossed his mind for his tongue, he turned away and tried to calm himself down. "You don't even know…Do you even realize-,!"
"That you fell in love with Cirilonde?"
Ancano felt a pang in his chest when Ondolemar hit the nail on the head. I'm getting too old for this…he thought as he looked at Ondolemar over his shoulder. There wasn't a huge age-difference between the two of them, but he'd been Ondolemar's mentor and he'd surpassed him. Ondolemar's gaze softened when Ancano's barrier fell. "The situation simply did not permit for me to risk it," Ancano saw the memories flash before his mind's eye. The moment he held the door open for Cirilonde after it had crossed his mind to kiss her in the stairwell. To let his hands wander when he laid his hand on her shoulder after calling it a night and pull her close.But he had not acted because just when they got rid of the Eye of Magnus, he was summoned back to Solitude. By the time he returned to Winterhold it was too late. "Everything was on the line for us and the College and as much as I tried to deny and ignore it, she was always there and I wouldn't want it any other way…" His voice cracked as he could still feel Cirilonde's warmth when he held her in his arms but she did not wake."I would have loved her…"
It tore at Ondolemar to watch Ancano run a hand through his long, silver-white hair, looking so old and tired all of a sudden. He joined Ancano's side, leaning against the desk as well and laid his hand on the other elf's shoulder. "I know it's been difficult. It's been hard for all of us, but the College needs their Arch-Mage. And while none of it may bring her back to life we must stop Alduin and we can't do it without you."
There was a moment of silence in which Ancano didn't bother to pour himself a glass of wine but drank straight from the bottle before handing it to Ondolemar, who had put his tunic back on and took a few swigs. "We will have to discuss these plans of yours and Ganir's later today..." When Ondolemar made to turn and leave, Ancano grabbed a hold of his shoulder. "…Thank you."
"You're welcome, Commander." With a curt nod, Ondolemar threw the bloodied overcoat of his Thalmor uniform over his shoulder and left the Arch-Mage's Quarters.
The walk across the courtyard to the Hall of Attainment was brief, but it was rather chilly outside and Ondolemar welcomed the warmth of the dorms. Though he wanted nothing more than go straight to bed, he peered into Ganir's room to find Fjönn sound asleep in the Dark Elf's bed. Granted that perhaps Ancano had a point he had taken an unnecessary risk in saving her life, but he didn't regret a single moment of it. Now that she was here, he had the strong sense that she would achieve great things.
Pulling his tunic over his head as he made his way into his room, he spun on his heel, startled when he saw a flash of red from the corner of his eyes. He gripped his chest, "You need to stop doing that," he snapped at the Dark Elf, who had been seated in the chair at the foot end of his bed.
"Well, it took you long enough to return…and half-naked no less, so I got some shut eye." Ganir had but caught a glimpse of the Altmer's body back in Blackreach to cover it soon after and get him warm. Whereas Ancano was thin and lean, Ondolemar was muscular and broader. Few, light scars marred his flawless skin and though the Dark Elf had found him attractive to begin with, something stirred within him now that he saw what those thick robes always hid. Ganir cocked his head slightly to conceal the fact he'd been ogling Ondolemar, picking at his beard and grinning. "But I waited here for you to make sure Ancano let you return in one piece."
"We had a … discussion. I'd had quite enough," The High Elf waved a dismissive hand when the Dark Elf raised a brow. "No matter, it is dealt with. I just want to sleep now."
"I take it he took care of your wound, then?" Ganir asked while fingering his golden earring between his index and middle finger. "I still feel bad about it, really. I know I wasn't to blame, but…I'm just really glad you're back here in one piece."
"As am I." When Ondolemar sat down on his bed, the Dark Elf got up. "Where are going?" He really wanted nothing more but to sleep, but Ondolemar didn't want him to leave either, he realized.
"Find myself a place to sleep," he replied with a shrug. "Unless you don't mind I hog your chair for the night," he then chuckled, "and you feel comfortable sharing a room with a vampire."
Ondolemar gave an uncharismatic snort. "I'd have a witty response to that if I wasn't so tired."
Compared to earlier that morn, the Arch-Mage's Quarters were well-lit at this late hour well past dinner time. "I understand that the circumstances may not have permitted you to notify me, but a note of some sort at the very least would be appreciated," Faralda said. "And what is Fjönn's purpose here? She has no training in the magical arts whatsoever."
Fjönn had pulled a muscle in her neck earlier that day because everything about the College left her in awe, filling her with questions Faralda didn't mind to answer if she had one. But the Arch-Mage's Quarters had taken Fjönn's breath away and she as though her eyes were about to pop out of their sockets because she saw so many things she was curious about. An ancient but broken staff lay in a glass display case, there were countless old tomes in the book-cases, sided by Dwemer and other glass trinkets, crystals and gems. But Faralda's comment had her attention snap back to the conversation at hand between the two elves.
She didn't really appreciate to be discussed as though she wasn't there, but Fjönn minded her tongue because she didn't want to come across as disrespectful or mouthy towards Ancano, who could very well kick her out if he so chose. She had noticed there was something different about the Arch-Mage that she couldn't exactly pinpoint but she still found him harsh and unkind. But what bothered her (and even Faralda noticed this) was that the Altmer's eyes every so often would shoot towards Fjönn, his gaze fixated on the dress-robe she wore that she had been given by Faralda.
Ancano took his time to return the tomes he held back to their rightful place on the shelves of the bookcase near his desk, much to Faralda's annoyance as she waited for an answer. "Fjönn will be living here from now on under Ondolemar's care and I expect she is treated well in the event of our absence. As for her past, that is up for her to disclose if she desires," Ancano finally replied, not necessarily intending to keep the woman waiting. He was more concerned with phrasing. She only needed to know so much. "Other than that, it would be appreciated if you ceased questioning my courses of action. I don't believe I need remind you we are dealing with a Dragon Crisis that I consider more of a priority than your petty squabbles and insecurities in regards to my person or functioning. Unless you wish to question my abilities to lead this College…"
"No, of course not, Ancano. I had no intention to be disrespectful." Faralda apologized. As much as she wanted to strangle the former Thalmor at times for being overly demanding and criticizing of the staff and student body, he had proven to be a most capable man who really knew what he was talking about. Just how did Cirilonde put up with this man though? "It's just that-,"
"Don't waste my time, please," Ancano didn't veil his irritation. "If you have no intention of being disrespectful I suggest you and the rest of the staff re-evaluate the words and actions you think elude me." Faralda swallowed. Good…Squirm. I'm tired of being treated the fool, he thought when he saw the Altmer female looked quite embarrassed. "And before you go so I can attend to matters of actual importance, I would appreciate it that you see to it that Fjönn is assigned proper attire."
"But these are Ciri-," Faralda scraped her throat when Ancano shot her a deadly look. "Yes, but of course, Arch-Mage, I understand."
"I'm glad we've come to an understanding." Ancano's smile would have held more charm if it had been genuine. "Is there anything else?"
"No, Arch-Mage. I'll see to it as soon as possible," Faralda said with a small bow.
"Noted. Fjönn will be joining you in a moment. You can go now." Ancano waved his hand in a dismissive gesture at Faralda, whose eyes shot from Fjönn back to Ancano, before she gave a bow and left the Arch-Mage's Quarters. When he gestured for Fjönn to take a seat like he had, she hesitated, "Stop fiddling with your hands, girl. I'm not about to curse or jinx you. I merely intend to discuss some things with you."
"I dunnae mind but it'd help if ye didn't scare the livin' daylights outta me," Fjönn grumbled.
"If you have issue with my person, I'd appreciate it if you were loud and clear and looked me in the eye," Ancano said.
Fjönn looked up at him, her grey eyes meeting his cold, golden gaze. "Ye scare the livin' daylights outta me with all that scowlin' and glarin' ye do."
"Well, aside from sounding like you're choking on a potato, at least you have the decency to speak your mind. Perhaps there's hope yet," There was a twitch at the corners of the High Elf's lips, but not necessarily because he was pleased or amused. She reminded him of the countless recruits he'd interviewed. They would be nervous…terrified, even, of him, when they sat face to face with someone as powerful and influential as he.
And you sound like you've got a permanent stick up your…
"To the point," Ancano continued. "The sole reason I permitted for you to live here, is because Ondolemar requested it of me and as I'm sure he told you, you are to earn your keep. As Faralda stated, you indeed don't have an ounce of magic flowing through you-,"
Fjönn frowned. "How can ye know that now?"
"-, and due lack of manners…" Ancano glared at her. "But we can work on that…" Again that charismatic, unkind smile. "But before we get to anything in regards to of what is expected of you, know that there's a good reason for what I am about to tell you and why you are not to leave the College grounds without my explicit permission…"
His pause was not to contemplate his words, Fjönn could tell and though she was bursting with countless questions, she bit her tongue. Ill-mannered? I'll show ye!
"What I am about to tell you shan't leave this room under no circumstances for the safety of both the staff and students. Can you abide by this?"
This time, he was waiting for her to answer. "I shan't leave the grounds and whatever yer about to tell me shan't leave this room. Swear on me parents' graves." She looked at her hands. By Talos, I miss ye so much, ma 'n da… But she had tired of crying like a baby. She had to move on.
"Are you aware of who I truly am? Who Ondolemar truly is? Or Ganir, for that matter?" Ancano asked. When the girl shook her head, the High Elf pinched the bridge of his nose, glaring at the door, "I do recall I damn well indicated I do not-,! Ah, Ganir, Ondolemar. Evening."
Though the Arch-Mage did not indicate they were permitted to enter, Ganir and Ondolemar made their way in. Fjönn looked up at Ondolemar, who looked so…strange, clad in these College robes. But it was the flicker in Ganir's eyes when his eyes too locked on her dress-robes. What was it about these damn robes that everyone seemed to have an issue with?!
"Don't get me started," Ancano growled when he saw the Dark Elf's brow furrow. "Faralda thought it fine to just…never mind. It's being taken care of…"
"Why is Fjönn here?" Ondolemar asked.
The Arch-Mage leaned his head on his fist. "Well, there's some things you may have overlooked that we will need to set in stone, so to speak, while she stays here. After all, I don't think it wise she wanders about Winterhold freely while linked to us now…"
"You have a point, but…Are you sure that's wise? I trust Fjönn, I do, but she's been through-,"
"Could ye all please stop talkin' as if I'm not 'ere?" Fjönn snapped. "Yes, I've been through a lot. Yes, I miss me ma 'n da, but I'm not a wee lass anymore. I told ye I'd earn me keep here. I'd study, clean, do whatever ye need of me, so I'll be doin' just that."
Ganir chuckled. "Got to hand it to you, Ondolemar, she has spirit."
"I grew up with two sisters. Trust me. " Ondolemar rolled his eyes. "But you heard her, Ancano."
"Yes, quite clearly," The Arch-Mage tapped the tips of his fingers against one another. "Ondolemar here is the former Commander of the Thalmor's Justiciars in Skyrim. I state former because due circumstances we were reunited here. Yes, I too am a former member of the Thalmor and now lead the College as its Arch-Mage. Ganir, over here, is a vampire. No, he is perfectly house-trained…" Ganir's eyes shot fire at Ancano, who smirked, rather content with the Dark Elf and Fjönn's expression and response to this fact and his remark.
"Wait, he's a vampire…? I…"
"I'm sure Ganir will gladly inform you of all the delights in regards to his state of grace, but kindly focus," Ancano said. "Yes, he's a vampire, but he is also the Dragonborn. Hence why we do not want you to leave the College; we are wanted men by the Thalmor, who have no foothold here, but that doesn't mean they'll try one way or another. Which is why I strictly forbid you to leave the College grounds without my explicit permission."
Fjönn nodded, looking up at Ondolemar to see if she could pin-point his disposition or thoughts about everything the Arch-Mage said, but he did not meet her gaze in any way or form. She looked back at the Arch-Mage.
"While you are here, you will be assisting Urag gro-Shub, the warden of our Arcaneum, when you are not attending the seminars hosted by our staff. Though there's not an ounce in magic in you, I will want you to obtain some grasp of what happens here and how magic works. Are we clear?" Ancano's eyes shot from Fjönn to Ondolemar.
As firm as these rules sounded, when Ancano said she would be studying magic, rather than groan and whine, her eyes had lit up with excitement and she was positively beaming. She had been very content with her simple life on the farm, but she had always been mesmerized by wandering warriors and magi and all these places they would wander off too in search of knowledge, adventure and glory. "Yes, yer loud 'n clear, Sir!" she nodded.
"Ondolemar?"
"I suppose that's reasonable enough," Ondolemar nodded. "Thank you, Ancano. I really appreciate it. She won't disappoint you."
The Arch-Mage shot him a certain look. "That will be all for now," he said to Fjönn. "Should you need anything, or should you have questions, the staff will be notified they are to assist you where possible and that Ondolemar is held responsible for your actions and behavior."
The red-head swallowed and nodded again. She would really have to give it her all!
"I'll be with you shortly then, if you don't mind," Ondolemar said to Ancano, who nodded.
With the nod of his head, Ondolemar made clear he wanted to speak with her and the two of them left the Arch-Mage's Quarters. Ondolemar made sure the door was closed behind them and they stood in the stairwell. "I'm dreadfully sorry I wasn't awake when you were. I had quite the journey behind my back before we…'met', as I'm sure you can understand," he explained. "Is all well with you?"
"I'm as good as can be. I kinnae thank ye enough, Ondolemar!" Fjönn raised her hands to gesture at their surroundings as a whole, beaming. "This place is amazin'!"
"It…can be, but, look…" Ondolemar laid both his hands on Fjönn's shoulders, lowering himself to her level. "What Ancano told you about not leaving the grounds…promise me that you adhere by it. No matter what happens."
The High Elf's green eyes sought hers and she furrowed her brow. "I'm not a stupid lass, Ondolemar, but cross me heart and swear ta die, I'll not leave the College grounds without Ancano's permission." She then bit her bottom lip, contemplating it for a moment and the High Elf could tell. "Who is this Cirilonde? I'm sorry if I'm pryin', but…"
"Ah, yes, that…" Ondolemar took a sharp breath, scratching at the stubble along his jawline. "I hope Ancano didn't give you hell about wearing her dress-robes…"
"He seemed about to bite me and Faralda's head off he did. Ganir didn't look too happy about it either…" She scratched her head. She appreciated that she was told everything, but at the same time it was very overwhelming and confusing.
"Cirilonde was important to the both of them," Ondolemar explained. "I can't really tell you much about her as I didn't know her myself as she died shortly before I arrived here, but her passing is still a bit of a delicate matter."
Fjönn nodded, feeling rather uncomfortable wearing the dress-robes which had been prettier than any she had ever seen. It didn't fit her very well as she was just a little bit too short, but other than that, it fit her well. The fashion in which the fabric was woven was unlike anything she'd felt and the colors were beautiful, vivid hues of blue and green. Ondolemar noticed and gave her a reassuring smile. "You didn't know, Fjönn. So try not to worry about it too much," he said to her. "But what I need you to know is that…I helped raise my sisters. I'm not exactly a father-figure, but I brought you here for a reason. I want you to be safe and at home here and I'll do my best to be there for you, but like Ancano explained, Ganir is the Dragonborn. We are helping him. So it is possible I will be leaving the College at times to tend to matters I can't tell you about for your own safety."
The red-head nodded but while everything was clear, her mind buzzed from all the information that had yet to sink in on her all. "About Ganir…" she cleared her throat. "He's a vampire and a Dragonborn? He the good sort?"
"There is absolutely no reason to be afraid of Ganir. I promise you." Ondolemar said to her, "I had some trouble believing that, but Ancano trusts him and I have no reason not to trust him after what we've been through, if that helps any."
"It does." Fjönn nodded. "It's just a lot to take in. Tha's all."
"And that's fine." He assured her, once more. And if Ancano had let me handle this instead of just loading all of it onto her at once…he thought. "Is there anything else you need to know, or want to ask?"
"No, I'm good," she smiled at him. "Thank ye again, Ondolemar. I'd be scrapin' for coin or food on the streets now if not for you."
"Try not to think about that anymore," Ondolemar smiled at her. "I saw Faralda waiting down the stairs. Maybe she can show you around. I know I promised you I would, but there's some really important matters I need to discuss."
"That's all right. I'm a big lass. I'll manage." Fjönn smiled. Against his expectations, the red-haired girl held him tight and a warmth washed over Ondolemar, who held the girl in return. She really reminded him of his sisters, which explained why he felt so protective of her. He didn't deny that perhaps this wasn't the best or safest place or position for her to be in, but if anyone would even lay a finger on her…
"Go. I'll see you when I am able," he said to her and with that, Fjönn was practically skipping down the stairs to Faralda. Shaking his head, he returned to the Arch-Mage's Quarters where Ancano and Ganir were already discussing their plans of approach.
"I think you have seen a few minor flaws in this plan of yours." Ancano was looking at the copy of some odd, foreign object which seemed to depict a map of some sorts and a variety of notes laid out on his desk, which he had cleared in a rather crude fashion, having swept all the scrolls, tomes and the sort onto the floor. Typical Ancano at work…Ondolemar thought, amused, because this was the Ancano he knew. "How exactly do you intend to even approach Tullius without being recognized by officials of either the Empire or the Thalmor given your…history?"
"Thorelas can act as a messenger," Ganir replied. "He's still held in the Midden, is he not?"
"As you insisted…" Ancano didn't veil his contempt for the General or Ganir's choice to spare Thorelas' life until they figured what was best to handle him. "What makes you think that wretch will agree?"
The Dark Elf tapped his teeth. "I can enthrall him."
Ancano and Ondolemar both very well knew what that meant. It was a dark fate and Ondolemar's eyes shot to Ancano, who had given him a curt nod earlier when he rejoined them. "As much as I want that scum to suffer…You do realize you will…"
"I know," Ganir said. "I've been thinking a lot about it, but were we to send a common messenger, we don't know whether we can trust them, not to mention that the messenger could be intercepted. Enthralling Thorelas will ensure he will be driven by my word to deliver the message by all means possible…When he returns, I will end his suffering."
Ancano ran a hand through his silver-white hair. It didn't sit well with him to make use of Ganir's vampiric powers, but the Dark Elf had a point. And it would remove a thorn from his side. "Ondolemar?" When the other High Elf nodded, Ancano looked at Ganir again. "As for this insane plan of yours to trap a dragon in Dragonsreach, how exactly do lure a dragon there to begin with?"
"That's where this comes in," Ganir laid his hand on the parchment with the odd map and the other on a musty old tome. "This parchment here is a copy of the Dragonstone Delphine had me retrieve through Farengar, Whiterun's court-mage, from Bleak Falls Barrow with Ciri. It's a map of all the dragon burial sites across Skyrim. Back when we headed to Sky Haven Temple, I took the opportunity to 'borrow' this tome from Esbern, which contains the exact, same information as the Dragonstone does, except, here, the locations of those dragon burial sites, have the names of the dragons buried there…" The Dark Elf's eyes shot from Ondolemar and Ancano to see if they still followed. "You see, while Ondolemar took his detour to Windhelm, I returned to High Hrothgar and I discussed this whole matter with Arngeir. He told me that the names of Dragons are much like Shouts. Fus Ro Dah, for example, roughly translates to 'Force', "Balance' and 'Push'. The names of dragons work in a similar fashion. Paarthurnax told me that if I were to have a name and Shout it, the dragon would be compelled to answer the challenge, especially since I am the Dragonborn."
Both Altmer listened, intrigued by the ancient, powerful workings of these Shouts, having witnessed these Shouts for themselves a multitude of times now. To call forth the arcane and cast spells was one thing, but to Shout, projecting one's voice into pure raw power with mere words…"And you have a name?" Ancano asked.
"Well, Delphine was so kind to leave notes on her copy of the Dragonstone that I also happened to borrow," Ganir explained. "See this one here, near Whiterun? That's the burial from Mirmulnir, whom I slew near Whiterun. And this one here, between Winterhold and Windhelm, that's Strunthurvik's that Cirilonde ran into. All these, like the one at Kynesgrove not long after, have been resurrected by Alduin over the course of the last few months. And it would not surprise me if he has resurrected this one…Odahviing; Winged Snow Hunter."
"I have to admit, I'm impressed. You have actually thought things through for a change and I don't need to hold your hand." Ancano's compliment held its usual tone but Ganir appreciated it nevertheless. Whatever Ondolemar and he had discussed last night, it had sparked something within the Arch-Mage and that fire had returned to his eyes. "Now that this is out of the way, however, there is one matter we have not yet discussed; the negotiations. How exactly do you intend for the Empire and Stormcloak rebellion to lay down their arms for a truce long enough for you to fulfill this task? Remember Ulfric's dossier. It would not surprise me if he were to break any oaths or promises made in regards to all this."
"Ulfric was a student of the Greybeards. To disrespect them and the truce would go against everything he stands for as a 'true son of Skyrim'. And after the little discussion I had back with him in Windhelm, I doubt he would want to cross paths with a Dragonborn," Ganir and Ancano grinned at one another.
"You will really have to tell me how you exactly got me out of Windhelm because he knew exactly who I was…" Ondolemar said, furrowing his brow as had had been wondering about that. "But regardless of what Ulfric may or may not do, you do realize that Elenwen will be present at these negotiations, right?"
"Hence why I will be joining Ganir to these negotiations at High Hrothgar," Ancano's tone made it very clear he wouldn't tolerate any objections. "I will nip any of her attempts to sabotage the negotiations in the bud. On top of that, it will help if a neutral representative of an influential organization is present to back the Dragonborn up; myself…" Ganir was genuinely, but pleasantly surprised that Ancano would do this for him. The High Elf's dark golden eyes locked with the High Elf's. "It's high time that I act. So what is it that Jarl Balgruuf requires of me at Whiterun?"
"Damage and crowd control. When Odahviing will answer my call, I need to make sure he remains focused on me and we lure him into the trap," Ganir replied. "And of course, see to it he doesn't burn the city or palace down."
"So, to summarize," Ancano said. "If and when Thorelas is successful in delivering his message to Tullius and the parties gather at High Hrothgar to negotiate a truce, we will be allowed by Balgruuf to attempt trap a dragon in his palace as according to the legend of Olaf One-Eye. And then what? What makes you think that this dragon will tell you where Alduin has gone?"
"He won't have a choice," Ganir replied. "I can't really explain it, but he won't have a choice but too. And when he discloses Alduin's location, I will seek him out, alone." Ganir looked at both the High Elves. "This has nothing to do with making some 'noble' sacrifice to be the lone hero. I don't know if any of it makes sense, but…I have a feeling that where Alduin has gone, is no place for any of you two and when I seek him out, I know that any dragons under his command will retaliate. You need to stay here and protect the College."
"He's right," Ondolemar said. "After all, remember what he said on the top of the Throat of the World? 'You will fail like you have done before and I shall feast on the souls of your beloved'? We will definitely need to make preparations…"
"Then I see no reason for any delays." Ancano ran a hand through his hair, "As much as I want that thorn out of my side…It must be done this way. Just see to it that no one sees the General, Ganir."
The Dark Elf nodded. "Don't worry. I'll make it seem like he made his escape but found an untimely demise somehow when they find he's gone come morn."
"I'll come with you to make sure it all goes as planned. You never know," Ondolemar said. "After all, he was a general."
"Then it's settled," Ancano said. "While you do that, I shall see to it that Fjönn's needs are met."
Blizzard Overlord Vicious – Iizstrun Thur Vikaar – Strunthurvik : The dragon that Cirilonde 'stumbled' upon when she left the College after an argument with Ancano.
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Hello there everyone. I'm dreadfully sorry to keep you waiting, but in all honesty, this was not an easy chapter to write as you may have read. To write about Ancano in the way at the very start without pulling him out of character too much was not easy, but I hope I him justice. The same goes for Ondolemar, really, when it comes to his relationship with Ancano and Fjonn, it really took some re-writing and tweaking here and there until I was finally content with it. But finally, here we are, approaching a Season Unending. Please let me know what you thought of this chapter, how you feel about Fjonn and all. It's appreciated to see what you guys think.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to read this fan-fiction, and thank you to the followers and reviewers . I'm really happy to see you look forward to a new chapter and that you enjoy it all still.
