Disclaimer: Neither High School DXD nor Elder Scrolls belongs to me, all rights to their respective owners.
Chapter 4
Winterhold - Sundas 6 Hearthfire of the 202 of the Fourth era
The carriage creaked as it moved along the snow-covered road, while the cold wind blew lightly ruffling Asia's hair. Which despite Edzard's protests had lowered her hood and was looking at the snow-covered landscape that the region of Winterhold offered. Asia had decided to wear the dresses and boots Edzard had bought for her in Windhelm, as they were warmer than her nun's attire. In addition to the dress and boots she also wore the brown fur cape, which was now held by a round brooch made of gold which had a carved cross on it. The brooch had been a gift from Edzard.
The days that followed their conversation were very busy for Edzard due to the trial and the subsequent death sentence of the defendants. After the execution, he had been busy in the mornings going to talk to the Jarl of Windhelm and the rest of the day was spent mostly in his room, but sometimes he went out in the afternoons to do who knows what. However, it was on the night of the third day, two days before leaving Windhelm that Edzard arrived in the evening and had met her, and presented her with that brooch. When she looked at her little brooch she got so excited that she had jumped up to hug him.
The next day they had eaten breakfast together and gone for a walk along the docks. After that, he told her that they were leaving for Winterhold, so she had to pack her bags. She was very happy, as she would be traveling to a new place. They left the next morning. Edzard had bought a simple cart for the trip, which was drawn by a horse.
The journey was uneventful and was only stopped when they were attacked by a frost troll. Troll whom Edzard had killed with a lightning bolt without even getting up from the driver's seat. This time it was the first time she saw Edzard use his lightning magic with real intent to kill the target. He was very surprised to see how the troll was turned to ashes the moment he received the attack. In the end, the journey took five days.
—Asia, please don't lean over the edge so much. You're going to fall —Edzard said as he glanced at her, for he couldn't take his eyes off the road, unless he wanted them to get stuck getting off it. This is due to the amount of snow at the ends of the road.
Edzard wore his hardened leather armor and the black cloak with the hood over his head; however, this time he was wearing a blue robe under the armor.
—Not. Also, that way I can see the landscape better —Asia replied happily while she was still leaning on the edge of the car.
«Seriously, since we left Windhelm she has been more cheerful than usual» thought Edzard amused, because he liked to see her happy. It was almost like watching a child receive a birthday present early.
And so, they continued the journey. Until Edzard saw in the distance the familiar castle that was the wizarding college of Winterhold. Smiling he decided to tease Asia. He quickly spurred the horse, which stopped walking and started running. This made the cart go faster, causing Asia to fall onto the sacks on the cart.
—Auch, that must have hurt —Edzard jokingly commented when he saw Asia rubbing her butt from her fall.
After finishing rubbing the part affected by the blow, Asia turned to see Edzard and when she saw him smile she decided to stick her tongue out of it, and then she too began to laugh.
—Mou, that was cruel, Ed —Asia spoke, only to shut up when she saw Edzard point his finger in front of her.
Asia looked in the direction she was pointing. She was very surprised to see in the distance a great castle and what appeared to be a small walled city at the foot of it.
—Is that Winterhold?
—Yes, the small town is what remains of Winterhold. This is because much of it was sunk by a natural disaster —Edzard replied—. And the great castle that you see there is the Winterhold wizarding college.
—So that's where we'll stay? —Asia asked excitedly, as she had never been to a castle.
—Yes. And this time we won't be staying for just a few days —Edzard replied—. We will stay for three weeks, I have many duties as Archmagi that I must solve.
Asia smiled upon hearing that. While she liked to travel, she wanted to stay more than just a few days in each place she visited.
The carriage passed the main gate, after Edzard signed the respective documents for his entry to it. Asia could see that it was littered with rubble and the remains of other houses. She could also see children running, as well as workers who were removing said debris. As they advanced, she realized that Edzard had lowered the hood of his cloak and then began to look at the workers, who upon seeing him greeted him as he responded with a nod. Edzard then drove the cart to the stables in the city. Then he paid some young people who were there to help them carry the chests and sacks with their belongings.
When they finally reached the gates of the school, Asia realized that she was standing on a cliff, more exactly, she was standing on a mountain. The school was linked to the city by a bridge that was in very poor condition and it looked like it would collapse at any moment. The school itself is a fortress made up of three towers linked by a wall. Two of these towers were circular and the last tower was square, it should be noted that this was larger than the others. These towers were separated by a large circular courtyard.
As they crossed the bridge, Asia had taken Edzard's hand, for she was afraid of falling. And that fear became greater at the moment of seeing the great fall that awaited her if she stumbled.
When they finally reached the large gates of the school, Asia was astonished to see that there were several people in front. People in their thirties and seventies, all dressed in long-sleeved tunics, black pants, and fur-lined boots. This clothing was present in both men and women, the only variant was the color of the cloaks they wore over the tunics.
Upon entering, she approached the oldest of the group. He had snow-white hair, which was combed back, in addition to having three braids on each side of his head, which had black leather ribbons at the ends. He also had heterochromia, the right eye was hazel and the left was green. He also wore the same robes as his companions, but wore the dark green cloak.
—Welcome back, Archmagi Edzard —the old man spoke, bowing. While the teachers who were behind imitated him.
—Thank you, Master Tolfdir , it's good to be back —Edzard replied with a smile.
—I see you've brought someone with you —Tolfdir said curiously.
—Yes, but I will discuss this with you in my study —Edzard ordered—. The other teachers are fired, I will report this personally later.
Upon hearing this, all the teachers nodded and left the place. Edzard took Asia's hand and led her into the compound. Asia could see that in the courtyard there was a large statue of a person that she did not know.
When she arrived at the Archmagi's quarters, which were on the third floor of the central tower. These rooms were a large room, which had several shelves, a large bed for two people and even a garden inside. As Edzard put his belongings in the room, Asia looked at the garden. She amazed and intrigued him that there might be one there, but mostly what caught his attention about her were the balls of light that floated around.
—Ed, what are those balls of light floating in the garden? —Asked Asia.
—They are balls of light that result from using the spell called wizard light —Tolfdir replied as he entered the room. He was still wearing his robes and cloak, only this time he had a gray cane. This staff had a detail of fire made with fine threads on the top and within this decoration there was an amber gem that shone.
At the moment of hearing the old man speak, Edzard approached and they hugged each other while laughing.
—It's good to see you again, Ed —Tolfdir spoke as he held Edzard's shoulders and gave him a smile.
—I'm also glad to see you again, master –Edzard replied with a smile as well.
—So, who is the girl? —Tolfdir asked his friend and former student—. Is she your new lover?
Edzard and Asia blushed when they heard what Tolfdir asked.
—We don't have that relationship! —Edzard yelled as Asia nodded.
—Then why is she here she?
—It's a long story, so I would recommend that you sit down and make yourself comfortable.
And so, the three of them were seated at a nearby table, where Edzard introduced them, and he began to tell what happened in Solstheim. How he had met Asia. He also told her about the origin of it.
—So, you found and saved a girl from another world, and now you wish to find a way to return her to her world —Tolfdir said with concern. He knew that it was possible to find that knowledge, but this kind of knowledge was very dangerous.
—Yes, master, that's the plan.
Tolfdir sighed. He knew his former student very well. He knew that he would abide by it at all costs. So, he decided to get a better look at the girl named Asia. The girl was pretty, of that there was no doubt. And it was very noticeable to see that Edzard was fond of her.
—Miss, can you show me what you call sacred gear? —Tolfdir asked Asia, the truth is that she was very intrigued about these artifacts.
Asia nodded, then summoned two silver rings with green gems onto the middle fingers of each hand. The moment she summoned them both Tolfdir and Edzard came closer to get a better view of the artifact. While Edzard had known of their existence, he hadn't asked Asia to show them to him, and he was happy to make that decision. Those rings emitted an aura and magical power similar to a low-level daedric artifact.
—Amazing. The amount of magical energy it gives off is incredible, not only that, its design and materials are not something I have seen in my long life –Tolfdir commented excitedly.
—Asia, what do you know about magic?
—Not much, I only know what Edzard told me.
The truth is that she had not asked Edzard more about the subject, because in the church the use of magic was frowned upon.
—Umm… Ed, have you measured her magical potential?
—Actually, I haven't —Edzard replied as he looked at his teacher—. My reasoning is that, not being of this world, she does not possess the reserves of magic that we possess here.
—We don't lose anything by trying —Tolfdir commented, looking at Asia—. So, Asia, do you want to know if you can learn to use Tamriel's magic?
Asia was surprised to hear Tolfdir say that. She is very devoted to the teachings of the biblical god and therefore she did not want to know how to use magic; however, Tamriel's magic was different from what she knew. This did not develop with the study of demonic powers, but flowed into the world by the rupture left by the god Magnus when he returned to Aetherius. Therefore, she is technically not against the teachings of the church. And even if she was wrong, she was no longer part of the church, so they couldn't blame her for anything.
—I want to learn magic —Asia replied with fire in her eyes.
Edzard seeing the conviction in Asia's eyes, only sighed, but then smiled. Rising from her seat, he approached her and kneeling by her took her hands in his. Edzard's hands began to glow blue. Edzard's eyes widened when he discovered something.
«Magic, she has reserves of magic, but how is this possible? Asia should not have reserves to use Tamrielic magic» thought Edzard worriedly.
Determined to know the reason for this, he made up his mind to use a variation of the tenth eye vision spell that she had created. This spell, unlike the original, does allow you to see things that cannot be seen in a normal way, such as auras or blessings. By using the spell, he could see that around Asia there was a golden aura, which completely surrounded her, he could also clearly see the rings that were her sacred gear.
«The color of the aura is not normal, neither is the feeling it gives, but I feel like I have seen that kind of aura somewhere »thought Edzard even more worried than before, this kind of aura could only mean one thing. However, the moment he looked again, he realized that a symbol appeared around Asia. This symbol was a finely crafted rope, which had a riser knot at the end, thus joining both ends. Due to the shock of seeing that symbol, Edzard lost his concentration and the spell ended. Edzard ended up falling to his knees and began to gasp, scaring both Asia and Tolfdir , who rushed to carry him to his chair to rest and recover.
—Ed, are you okay? —Asia asked very concerned, as it was the first time she had seen Edzard in that state.
Edzard nodded, magically he was fine, but he was mentally and physically exhausted speaking. Even though the spell he used required large amounts of magic, he possessed more than enough. The problem is that the spell puts great stress on the mind and body of the user. This is because he sees things that are not meant to be seen by the eyes of a mortal.
Seeing Edzard nod, both Asia and Tolfdir sighed in relief.
—So, Ed, Asia has magic reserves to learn magic? —You could hear the interest in Tolfdir's voice.
Edzard only nodded again, thus eliciting a gasp of astonishment from Asia and Tolfdir .
While Tolfdir had proposed to see if young Asia could learn magic, he had only done it to see her former student's progress on magic detection spells; However, he now he was very intrigued by the results of his little test.
Asia was also surprised to learn that she could learn magic, as she was sure that she could not, that is, Edzard had explained to her where magic was obtained in Nirm. So, learning that she could learn to do magic made her very excited.
—So, Ed, tell us how much magic does Asia have? —Asked Tolfdir .
—Asia… has reserves…. Normal magic —Edzard answered between gasps, for he was still tired and had a little trouble breathing—. However, does a rope-shaped symbol with a straight knot connecting both ends ring a bell?
Hearing that question Tolfdir raised an eyebrow. However, he began to think about what that symbol might mean.
«A rope that is attached to itself by a tight knot?» Tolfdir thought as he rubbed his beard
—Ed, did that bond form any shape in general? —Asked Tolfdir .
—Umm… yeah, it made a perfect circle —Edzard answered thoughtfully—. Why? Does it mean something important?
Hearing his former apprentice say that, Tolfdir patted his forehead. Then he took the cane from him and hit Edzard on the head. This action caused Edzard's face to end up smashing against the table. Asia who was listening to the conversation got scared by this action.
—Auch! What the hell is wrong with you, master! —Edzard yelled as he rubbed his head—. Why did he hit me ?!
—For idiot! —Tolfdir yelled back—. Edzard that symbol belongs to a particular goddess!
Upon hearing that, both Asia and Edzard opened their eyes. The first because he did not understand what was happening, while Edzard did because he began to connect the dots of what was happening.
«I am an idiot, of course I had felt that kind of aura before, and that was when I helped the temple of Riften to spread the benevolence of Mara» Edzard thought. Mara's benevolence is itself the temples that worship Mara, the goddess of fertility, agriculture, and love. These temples seek to achieve the unity of all creatures through the diffusion and investigation of love.
Seeing that Edzard already knew to which deity this symbol belonged, Tolfdir decided to ask why he was asking.
And so Edzard began to tell that he had created variations of many spells, thanks to the fact that he obtained a lot of knowledge from the black books of Hermaeus Mora, because these books transport you to the plane of Hermaeus Mora.
—So that spell you created allowed you to see that Asia possesses a blessing from Mara herself —Tolfdir said in awe of his former student's spell.
Edzard nodded in response.
—Well, changing the subject now that you know Asia can learn magic, what will you do?
—It's not obvious, I'll enroll her in college.
This answer surprised Asia, who got up and started jumping for joy. This action caused Edzard and Tolfdir to smile. When Asia calmed down enough, she sat down and they could continue the conversation.
—I suppose Asia will take the entrance exam in three days —Tolfdir commented.
At the moment of hearing that Edzard's eyes widened, he had forgotten about it.
«Asia has no training in magic» Edzard thought, panicking; however, there he remembered something very important about that exam.
—Master, the exam will be done by magic schools, right? —Edzard asked with a grin from ear to ear.
Tolfdir nodded at Edzard's question. Which turned to look at Asia.
—Asia, what school of magic do you wish to learn? —Edzard asked.
Upon hearing the question, Asia began to think about which school to choose. She started to frown as she thought. She did not know what to choose, all schools had something good to teach. But she finally decided on one.
—I want to get into restoration school and learn a little about alteration —Asia finally answered.
Edzard raised an intrigued eyebrow when he heard Asia's response. He understood why she had chosen restoration; however, he did not know why she chose alteration.
—Are you sure about this? While it is possible to change schools, it is not very easy —Tolfdir commented.
—Yes, I'm very sure —Asia answered with determination as she glanced at Edzard, who was thoughtful.
Tolfdir could only nod when he saw the determination in the girl's eyes; however, he noticed that she began to glance at Edzard and finally understood what was happening.
«Looks like she really wants to prove herself to Edzard» Tolfdir thought as a smile formed on his face. «It seems that a very interesting story is being woven here, it will be fun to watch them»
—Well, Ed, it's really been interesting talking to you about this, but I have homework to do for this year's induction ceremony. So, I'm retiring —Tolfdir said as he rose from his chair and began to leave; however, the moment they reached the door he turned around. —Remember that you should talk to the other teachers, they also need information about why Asia is here.
After saying that, Tolfdir finally left the room leaving Edzard and Asia alone. Edzard sighed as he got up, as he had to prepare the lessons of Asia, besides that he had to give a report to the other teachers, but he would not tell them about the origin of Asia.
«I know Tolfdir won't tell you anything, so I must think of a more elaborate cover on why he's here» Edzard thought as he rose from his chair.
When Edzard got up, Asia did too; However, before she could speak, Edzard stepped forward.
—Asia, can you stay here to sort things out?
—It's okay Ed —Asia replied—. However, where are you going?
—I'm going to the library, after all I have to prepare you for the entrance exam, plus I have to give a report on why you are here.
—Okay, Ed, take care of yourself.
Edzard nodded and headed for the library while Asia stayed to sort her and Edzard's belongings.
Three hours later, Edzard returned with several books and scrolls to cost. When Asia saw it, she was amazed at the amount of these. When Edzard put them on the table, he called her so he could start studying her. When several hours had passed, Edzard had gone to the kitchen to get dinner.
After dinner, they continued studying, putting aside the biggest problem they would have that night. Where each would sleep, as there was only one bed and there were two of them.
College of Wizards of Winterhold - Middas 9 of Hearthfire of the 202 of the Fourth era
Asia was surrounded by many people. All of them were magicians who had come to take the exam to enter the school as apprentices and they were all of different races and genders, there were Argonians, Dunmers, Bretons, Imperial, Nordic, Red Guards. All of whom were older than her by a few years. And they were all talking among themselves; however, she was alone in a corner.
She had spent the last three days studying in Edzard's room. He had made sure that she learned everything she needed to get into college. Those three days had been very uncomfortable, because she could not leave the room and there was only one bed, she and Edzard had shared that bed. Just remembering that made her face redden with embarrassment; However, she could not think much about it, as the doors leading to the main hall of the school opened, leaving all the teachers. An orc who was with them made his way over to a small table that had been set near where the masters stood. The orc sat in the chair, taking a blank sheet and a quill with an inkwell, nodded to Tolfdir , who stood in front of the aspirants and, clearing his throat, began the examination.
—Welcome to the Winterhold Wizarding College Entrance Exam, all of you —Tolfdir announced, drawing everyone's attention.
At the moment of hearing it, all the aspirants paid their full attention to the old master.
—As you all know, on this exam you will need to demonstrate that you have the basic knowledge required to enter college —Tolfdir announced, looking around the crowd—. They will be called by their names in alphabetical order. They will be asked for their complete information and they will have to say which school they wish to enter and for what reason. Subsequently, they will be given a test which will be directed by the teacher of the school they have decided to enter.
Everyone present moved away from the center of the courtyard, thus leaving enough space for the tests to be carried out.
—Very well, I'll start with the first aspirant —Tolfdir announced—. Asia Argento, one step forward.
Hearing her name, Asia was scared, she did not expect to be the first summoned. All the applicants immediately turned to see her, which scared her even more. So, she with small steps she began to approach the center of the courtyard. As she arrived in front of Tolfdir , he gave her a supportive smile.
—Okay, state your full name, date of birth, place of origin and sign under which you were born.
–My n…. name is A…. Asia A… Argento, I was born on the 11th of S… Second Seed, I come from E…. Evermore, I was born under the sign of the Shadow," Asia replied stammering.
As he spoke, the orc wrote the data for Asia on the paper, then nodded to Tolfdir , who responded in kind.
—Very well, what school do you want to enter and why?
–To the restoration school —Asia replied sheepishly—. And I want to study it to help people who need it.
Hearing that, several of her aspirants began to laugh at her for choosing that school.
—Do you really want to get into that school? —An Imperial whispered.
—That school is only for priests.
—Wizards like them are not worth hanging out with.
—Hah, they can't even be considered wizards —whispered a Breton.
Those were the whispers that were heard from the other aspirants. Asia lowered her head at the teasing she was receiving, but all the laughter ceased as a suffocating aura was felt throughout the courtyard. The aura was saturated with magic and many of her students were scared, but for Asia and those who had not laughed at her, her aura did not suffocate them, they simply felt it and nothing else. Finally, the aura ceased to be felt and the courtyard was stony silence, silence that was broken by Tolfdir's voice.
—Well, it seems the Archmagi has calmed things down —Tolfdir said with a bead of sweat from how overprotective Edzard was becoming—. I must tell you that the Archmagi does not appreciate being mocked by any of the schools of magic, he considers all schools of magic important for the advancement of magical studies in Tamriel.
All the aspirants gasped in surprise upon learning that said magical aura had been produced by a single person.
—Now if there are no more interruptions —Tolfdir announced—. His reason for studying the school is completely valid and fits the character of the restoration school. Next, I will leave her with Master said school, Master Colette Marence.
At the moment of being called, the teacher stepped forward. She is a Breton woman who is between forty and fifty years old. She has dark brown hair, in which you could see some gray. She had a serious face and dark colored eyes. She wears the typical master mage robe, but she possesses a dark brown cloak. When she was in front of Asia, she took out a dagger and made a small wound on her palm, astonishing all the aspirants present.
—Very well miss, my name is Colette Marence and I am the teacher at the restoration school —Colette spoke, looking Asia in the eye—. You will have three tests. The first is that you must use a spell to heal the cut on my hand.
Upon hearing that she had to heal the wound, Asia unconsciously almost used her sacred gear; however, she realized in time and began to channel magic into her hands thus preparing the spell. Asia brought her hands to the wound and a golden light began to come out causing the wound on Colette's hand to be quickly healed, thus astonishing everyone present.
Colette looked at her hand in real amazement. She had received along with the others the formal explanation of the Archmagi, and like everyone had wondered why Edzard was so interested in her. When they saw her standing in the center of the courtyard to find out which school she would belong to, she and all the other teachers decided to see the level of her magic reserves and they did not find anything special in her; However, she now saw that she really had a talent for restoration magic.
—Very well done. You passed the first part of the test —Colette spoke with a small smile on her face—. For your second test. You must use a ward to protect yourself from a spell that I will cast on you.
Asia nodded and walked away from Colette. When she was far enough away, she conjured custody, which was a magical barrier. Colette seeing the raised barrier conjured a fireball and threw it at him. When the fireball hit the custody it was completely blocked, and Asia was undamaged.
—Hey, you saw that.
—Yeah, how she was able to keep custody so long.
—No idea.
Those were the whispers of several of the aspirants, as they were astonished by the resistance of the custody. Although it was relatively easy to do custody, the problem was that they need constant concentration to stay. Besides that, it must be constantly fed magic, which is why beginning magicians cannot maintain it for long.
—Okay, you pass the second test too —Colette replied even happier than before. The girl was turning out to be a true prodigy when it came to using restoration magic—. The last part of the test is optional. You must use a spell from the school of restoration that is of the offensive type.
They all raised an eyebrow, not understanding the question. The restoration school was known to have some offensive spells, but these called for a great deal of magic. So many were laughing inwardly.
—Okay, I'll take the last test —Asia said firmly, thus astonishing those present—. Could you raise a custody, please?
Colette nodded and created simple custody. As this happened, everyone presents, from teachers to applicants, looked very surprised and wondered why the girl had accepted that last test.
When Asia saw that the teacher had conjured custody, she began gathering magic in her right hand. The golden light began to gather in her hand and then she released a small golden flame. Which, upon impacting Colette's custody, managed to weaken her to the point where she had almost vanished.
—What spell was that?
—No idea, do you know what spell it was?
—No, I never saw a spell like this, but it looks like a fireball.
Those were the whispers of the aspirants. And it is that everyone, from the teachers including Colette to the applicants were with their mouths open. The girl had used an offensive-type spell from the school that was said only to heal.
—Excellent young lady, you have passed all the tests and it is my pleasure to welcome you to the school of the restoration of the college —Colette replied once she got over her astonishment.
The moment Colette finished speaking there was applause, looking towards the line of teachers she saw a smiling Tolfdir clapping, an action that was imitated by the rest of the teachers.
—Congratulations on passing the exam, I was really amazed at his display of magical ability —Tolfdir commented once he finished clapping—. He really must have had a great tutor.
Everyone presents raised an eyebrow, not understanding what Tolfdir said. Asia started to blush at the amount of attention they were giving her.
—The truth is that she couldn't have asked for someone better —Asia commented with a big smile on her face.
—I see —Tolfdir replied, stroking his beard, still keeping a smile on his face—. So, miss, I ask you to go to the assigned area where those who passed the exam will be.
Upon mentioning that, Tolfdir pointed to the right of him. Nodding, Asia headed there so she could rest. And as she advanced, she gave small leaps of happiness.
The tests lasted four more hours, ending around lunchtime. Of the more than one hundred applicants to enter, only forty managed to pass the tests to be able to enter the school. Of these forty only seven, including her, entered the restoration school, the largest number of entrants belonged to the destruction school and the conspiracy school, and to a lesser extent illusion and alteration, while almost no one went to restoration.
—Very well, I congratulate those who have managed to pass the entrance exam — Tolfdir announced to the aspirants who had managed to enter—. Please follow Onmund, he will take you to what will be his bedroom.
When she finished speaking, Tolfdir pointed to a young Norse man. Who possessed the robes of a student mage of destruction, his eyes were blue; however, his hair and other features were not very visible as he was wearing a wizard hood.
—Once they have been assigned to their rooms, they will be taken to the dining room for lunch. Then they must prepare for the induction ceremony in the hall of the elements, this will be in three hours —Tolfdir announced–. That's all, thanks.
Finishing speaking, Tolfdir along with the other teachers and the orc withdrew into the main school building.
Onmund led them all to the hall of conquest, which was the dormitory of the apprentice magicians. This room was in the tower located on the left-hand side from the entrance gate of the school. When they arrived, they were taken to their respective rooms. Asia got a room on the third floor. Her room was small with a bed for one person, as well as a desk and several shelves.
After you have sorted out her belongings. The ones that consisted of her new clothes. Which were a magician's tunic, black pants and boots of the same color. In addition, she wore a brown cloak, which was attached to her tunic by a brooch in the shape of a bird with outstretched wings. After finishing ordering everything and getting dressed, she went to the dining room to have lunch. After that she went along with the other new students to the room of the elements for the admission ceremony.
The living room of the elements is a large room, which had a large number of benches and also had many windows, which kept the place very well lit. In addition to that in the center of the room there was a kind of fountain, which released small amounts of magic. From the entrance to the left there is a door that leads to the Archmagi's quarters and to the right there is the library, also known as the Arcanaeum.
When all the students were inside the room, the teachers began to enter and there were several people next to them. There was a Khajiita, a Dunmer, a Bosmer, and there was also Onmund. When all the newcomers were lined up in front of the new students, Tolfdir stepped forward to begin the ceremony.
—Welcome to the hall of the elements, all of you —Tolfdir announced—. Now to begin the welcoming ceremony, the Archmagi will say a few words.
At the moment of saying that, everyone in the room was silent, because now they would know the Archmagi, who was the director of the school. Besides being the one who silenced all the applicants when he released a powerful magic aura during the entrance exam; however, no one appeared and this caused Tolfdir to put his hand to his head and begin to curse in whispers.
—Please, Archmagi, may I stop being among the new students —Tolfdir spoke angrily as a mark appeared on his forehead—. And he might as well stop eating that apple.
When Tolfdir finished saying that, Asia heard a sigh from her side. Looking that way, she could see Edzard standing there eating an apple. His face was unconcerned. Edzard now wore a blue long-sleeved shirt, black fingerless gloves, pants and boots of the same color and had a large gray cape, which stretched across his chest. On the back of this cape is printed the symbol of the College of Magicians, an eye surrounded by a circle which has five spear points. When everyone was watching, Edzard finished the apple in one bite. He gave Asia a wink and then continued to head forward to begin the ceremony.
Many of the new students, minus Asia and some Norsemen, were amazed, not expecting the Archmagi to be so young.
—Oe, is that the Archmagi?
—He seems very young.
—Looks like he's the age of my little sister.
Those were just a few of the many whispers that began to be heard on this subject; however, they were silenced by a throat clearing from Edzard. Which had already positioned itself in front of the students.
–As Archmagi of the Wizarding College of Winterhold, I welcome you to the institution that will be your home during your time of learning here.
—Although the school is very permissive when it comes to magic research, there are certain rules to be followed to avoid sanctions, these sanctions will depend on the magnitude of the infraction —Edzard announced—. These rules are: one, do not do any harm to your teammates, and two, do not steal from your teammates.
All the students present nodded as a sign of acceptance to the imposed rules.
—As for your study hours —Edzard said as Tolfdir handed him a sheet on which were written notes—. All of you will study from Morndas (Monday) to Loredas (Saturday). The classes are divided into two schedules, the one in the morning which is from eight in the morning until noon and the one in the afternoon which is from two in the afternoon until six in the afternoon.
When he finished saying that, Edzard used magic to send some sheets containing the schedules to the students. When Asia saw her schedule, she was amazed that she would only have classes on Tirdas (Tuesday) in the mornings and Turdas (Thursday) in the afternoon, the other days there were classes from the other schools.
—As you can see, everyone will have classes with their own school twice a week. Enchantment classes are compulsory for everyone, and after that class there will be lectures from any school whose admission is free —Edzard announced—. Now if anyone has questions, please raise your hand.
When Edzard said that, everyone started trying to ask questions, thus making a ruckus, a ruckus that ended when Edzard cast a lightning spell at the ceiling, and the sound silenced the room.
—What part of raising your hand didn't you understand? —Edzard commented with a smile on his face. The smile was kind, but he had a black aura around him, an aura that promised a lot of pain if they ignored it.
All the students fell silent, and began to tremble upon seeing the Archmagi with that aura; however, a Breton raised his hand. Noticing it, Edzard nodded to confirm that he could ask the question.
—What should we do on the days we don't have classes? —Asked the young Breton, who had a garnet-colored cloak over his wizard's tunic, indicating that he belongs to the school of destruction.
—They can do whatever they want, practice spells, go to the Arcanaeum or if you want you can go to work —Edzard replied with a smile. That was a very good question.
—To work? What is he referring to? —Asked the Breton, totally confused.
—I mean they can go to the city to find a job, after all you must get materials for your classes and research –Edzard replied happily—. As you know, Winterhold is in the process of rebuilding and to try to create good relations with the locals it is very possible that you will work helping in the reconstruction. And so, we all win. The people of Winterhold win, as they get more manpower to speed up the reconstruction of the city. You win, because you will obtain funds for the supplies you need and the school wins by showing that its members help the community.
Upon hearing his answer, all the students nodded, understanding the situation. Students who could not receive supplies from their families because they were poor or left without their blessing saw an opportunity here to earn income for their needs.
—Okay, does anyone else have questions? —Edzard asked again.
When it seemed like there would be no more questions, a young imperial girl raised her hand. Edzard nodded so that she could ask.
—What are our obligations to the school? —Asked the young imperial woman, who was wearing a dark blue cloak, meaning that she belonged to the school of Illusion.
—That's a very good question miss —Edzard replied with a smile, making the imperial girl blush and in turn making Asia pout—. The truth is that this place is to study and practice magic freely. The only obligations are to respect the rules. And if you make discoveries in your research, we hope you will share those discoveries so we can add them to the school library.
Upon hearing that, Asia was shocked. Edzard was giving them carte blanche to study, practice and research magic without any restrictions. When she looked up she saw another student, this time a Dunmer, who possessed a dark purple cloak, showing that he belongs to the conspiracy school.
—Archmagi, if we need "rare" materials for our research, how will we get them? —Asked the Dunmer.
Everyone presents shuddered slightly. It was well known that the College of Winterhold did not prohibit necromancy, but it did not encourage it either, that is, they only saw it as another field of research. The "rare" materials are parts of a human body.
—Yes, on the rarest materials. These must be obtained by yourselves —Edzard said with a well-concealed grin. Then he glanced at Enthir, a tanned Bosmer with red eyes and light brown hair with a Mohawk hairstyle, which he nodded.
—Very good, now to finish, if anyone has questions or doubts about the research topics, do not hesitate to ask your teachers. If the questions are about administrative matters, take your questions to the master sorcerer Tolfdir —Edzard announced, looking at both the new students and the teachers—. And with this I conclude the admission ceremony, I wish you good luck in your studies, until next time.
When Edzard finished speaking, he and all the teachers said goodbye. Then they left the room, being followed by the students who left in small groups. Some went to the local tavern to drink and spend the night with some women or men, and others like Asia went to their respective rooms to rest for the next day.
Asia rolled over lying on her bed. The reason was that she could not sleep because of her anxiety, because tomorrow was her first day of classes and she would be surrounded by people she did not know and also would not have Edzard with her; however, while she was thinking about it, she saw a small note fly through her window. Opening it, she Asia realized that it was from Edzard. In this letter she told him that she should not worry about her and that she should sleep, because, even if she is not there, he would be watching her during class so that nothing happens to her. Asia felt happy when she finished reading the note, so she closed her eyes again falling into a peaceful sleep.