Morthal. Skyrim.
I handed the journal over and watched as the Jarl's eyes began to express horror as she read the text. After a minute, she gave the book to her steward and looked up at me.
"It was Alva who killed the family" I explained to the other members of the court "She didn't set the fire herself, but given that vampires can control their thralls and the vampires they turn, she might as well have started the fire, and now she intends to take the entire town, with the aid of her allies".
The Jarl stood up before addressing her small court. Aside from her steward and an Imperial Guard officer, there weren't that many people around. Understandable since this place barely qualified as a town and it had hardly been an important place even before the civil war.
"Thanks to Macross, we now know the name of our true enemy, the vampire known as Movarth," said the Seer "He was, or rather is, a master vampire whom I believed to have been destroyed a century ago. Now we must ensure he is truly defeated or Morthal is lost".
The Imperial Guard officer stepped forward. I had no doubt that he was going to try to take charge of this situation.
"I'll gather some able-bodied warriors to go and clear out Movarth's lair," he said "It must be close by".
This was actually a clever move as the local people were fracturing, and starting to turn on each other, or at least would if given time. Assuming that the vampires waited that long.
By sending their own people to fight the enemy the local leadership would show them the real enemy and give them a foe to unite against. A clear outside threat had a way of bringing people together.
On the other hand, it was a bit stupid since while the journal mentioned where the vampires were hiding out, it didn't give us more than a rough idea of their numbers, nor did we know much about their defences.
As the fighting men gathered my vampire companions left with the mage the locals didn't care for, leaving me to try to deal with this mess.
"Wouldn't it make more sense to let them attack the town?" I asked, "We don't know what kind of defences they've set up in their hideout or how many there are. But if we let them come to us then we can set traps and try to ambush them when they arrive. They won't be expecting the town to be prepared for their assault".
One of the locals called me a coward. I wasn't offended because I knew that the Nords believe that death in battle will get them into the local version of Valhalla and they are right about that.
"My concern is that if you all die in battle then they'll be no one left to defend the town," I said "Who will protect your children then?".
The whole argument soon became moot when an alarm bell rang. The town was already under attack.
"Alva must have reported back to Movarth" I stated.
There was no more need for any words, the vampires had clearly stepped up their timetable.
We all raced outside to see the few guards this town could support were battling with what I guessed to be enthralled Nords and creatures the vampire's somehow controlled.
When I saw the group of Frostbite spiders moving into the town I knew that I had no choice other than to act. Well, I could have fled, however, I wasn't a coward and my vampire companions still had business in this town.
I took my staff in hand and then waved it while casting a spell.
"Arania Exumai!"
Only the spiders went flying into the air as if they had been tossed about by an invisible giant. Not a well know or normally very useful spell, but I'd learned it a while ago since I knew it wasn't complex magic, and because I'd known about the huge arachnids they had in this world.
The power of the spell was magnified by the Staff of Magnus and I imagined that even the tiny spiders in people's houses were thrown about. I felt glad that it was unlikely that anyone around here kept a pet tarantula.
"You're a mage!" someone yelled.
I'd already come up with something to say about knowing spells as I'd figured that might see me use magic while in this town.
"Adventures pick up a few tricks," I said.
There was no time to discuss it anyway. As I had to stun some of the enthralled warriors, an act that I hoped would snap them out of their condition.
Then came the vampires and I knew Movarth when I saw him because he looked the least human of all the vampires. He sent a bolt of lightning at me and I was barely able to shield myself from the attack. I kept the magic flowing through my staff as the bolts struck it.
My shield collapsed and I felt pain, but it did little more than prevent me from focusing enough to attack the vampire.
Movarth stopped zapping me when he was attacked by a Nord warrior who had been Alva's husband. He was not happy about losing his wife, but his rage didn't help him, as Movarth simply batted him aside.
At least this gave me time to send an incendio spell, one that was greatly magnified by the power of the staff. It set the Master vampire on fire and soon turned into ashes due to vampires' weakness for flames.
With the loss of their master, the remaining vampire turned and ran. They were smart enough to realise that this town wasn't going to fall to them.
"That was over quickly" I commented "Not much of a battle".
Real life can be very anti-climactic.
"This was just a skirmish," said one of the warriors "I've seen real battle".
The Imperial Officer came over to me.
"We should report this to the Jarl" I saw you turn Movarth into a pile of dust. I'll have his ashes dumped in the marsh".
A needless precaution perhaps, but Movarth had been thought dead before, so deposing of his ashes might be a good idea.
While I had no proof that I'd slain the master vampire, the leader of this settlement didn't need much convincing when I told her that I had slain the big bad. I did have the backing of a member of her court even if he was one of her subjects due to his loyalty to the Imperial Legion as well as a few other witnesses.
"I believe you, Macross," the Jarl said to me "We are in your debt".
The Imperial Officer made his report.
"All of the vampires were destroyed or they fled," he said, "From what I knew of vampires they will scatter and go looking for easier prey. We lost a few people, but it would have been much worse with the aid of this mage".
"They will be remembered," she said to me "And we should all be glad that their deaths weren't in vain".
There was a concern that I felt needed addressing.
"The fact that I am a mage has been exposed" I mentioned "Your people aren't exactly friendly towards my kind".
My concern was that they would seek someone to blame for all of this and my little group couldn't leave just yet.
"I will call everyone in town and then address them" promised the Jarl "I will tell them that the vampires have been planning this attack for some time and that you came to aid us. I will impress upon them that you acted on our behalf".
That should keep things civil enough for us to finish doing what we came here to do.
There was some talk of a reward, but since this was a poor town and I was already very wealthy I refused it. That should make me seem even more heroic in the eyes of the natives.
Instant Fortress. Somewhere Under Helgen.
I'd relocated the fortress so that we could hopefully get some peace and quiet before moving on to the College of Winterhold. No one lived in what remained of Helgen aside from some bandits who were picking through the ruins, and the way down here had collapsed during the dragon attack.
Perhaps Helgan would be rebuilt one day, but that wasn't going to happen while the civil war was still going on. Even without that conflict, this was a dangerous time for the people of Skyrim. It felt good to know that I had helped to make this country safer and not just by spoiling Harkon's plans.
We'd found a cavern that was more than large enough to contain my fortress and the two bears living here had been enthralled by Serana and Valerica using some magic they'd been able to call upon long before they became vampires. The bears were an extra layer of defence.
Serana and Valerica were now human again, and they needed time to come to terms with what that meant for them before we went to Winterhold. They had both lost abilities when they freed themselves of the curse of vampirism, but for everything they'd lost the two of them had gained much more.
They could walk in the sun without it hurting them. They could sustain themselves on normal food, although I didn't think we could actually starve to death, and Serana at least seemed very pleased with the ability to enjoy food. I figured that her mother was more controlled about it and she was hiding her supply of Honeydukes chocolate that I'd gifted to the both of them as the younger woman had gotten a taste for chocolate.
Serana had commented that while her senses had dulled for the most part in other ways they were better than before. While she couldn't see very well in the dark anymore, and there were spells to get around that, she could taste better as she was no longer focused on blood. She could also better appreciate the smell of flowers and such.
Overall the trade-off was worth it because unless we were attacked by beings with the powers of a god or by someone with a weapon meant to slay immortals we were all far harder to kill than any vampire. Recently I'd fought in a skirmish with a master vampire and he hadn't been able to do much than distract me with a little pain.
Currently, Valerica was lecturing me about the importance of proper wards, as creating magical barriers for self-defence was some of the most basic magic a mage was expected to master after we do stuff like create light and begin channelling the elements in battle.
This was important because even with the Staff of Magnus I hadn't done a very good job of shielding myself during that last fight and even if I couldn't be killed by our enemies, I could be disabled and that could cause problems. Sure I can always teleport myself away if I was captured but I could lose people I intended to protect or be prevented from acquiring a powerful item.
The lesson came to an end when Serana climbed up the ladder and joined us. We were up on the second floor of the Instant Fortress as it was a comfortable place to be when you wanted to study
Serana had been in the wizarding tent making use of the shower. The Instant Fortress lacked running water, but it was far more secure than the tent so everyone slept within its strong walls. Leaving the fortress was risky, yet the lure of a hot shower was too great to resist.
"I've forgotten how cold it is in Skyrim when you're human" she commented as she let her towel drop to the ground.
Becoming an immortal human had improved her already impressive body because she looked more healthy now, more full of life. Her breasts were just perfect for her body in my opinion and very distracting as she well knew.
"I don't think we can get sick, but do be careful, my dear" Valerica advised her child.
Right now Serana's nipples were standing at attention due to the cold. Her body was toned and she'd shaved off her public hair I noted.
"I haven't had to shave for a good long time," she said when she realised what part of her I was so focused on "I decided to do a proper job of it".
She made some comment about my magical shaving kit, or I assumed she did, I wasn't really wasn't paying attention to her words.
"I'm glad it's so warm in here," said the former vampire as she moved over to the bed.
That was because everything had warming charms placed upon them. I didn't mention this as Serana had her bare snatch on display and she wasn't being very subtle about her wanting to me pay her attention.
"Why don't you take a closer look" she offered.
It wasn't hard to figure out what she wanted from me.
"Do you want me to lick your pussy, Serana?" I asked her.
I wished for her to beg if just a little.
"Please, my lord," she said.
Valerica had told me that as concubines they were above any servants in my household, but not as important as any wives or children I might have, they weren't quite family, nor friends, since friends consider each other to be equals and these two women were in my service in exchange to certain privileges.
I didn't want either of them to be formal with me at least when we were alone but having Serana call me lord was pleasing to my ears. Of course, she knew that, and she was giving me a sexy look with her now blue eyes.
Serana relaxed on the bed as I went over to her. I lowered my head and I could feel how hot she'd become between her legs. Her pussy seemed like a furnace now when compared to how it had been when she was a member of the undead.
The former Daughter of Coldharbor was definitely turned on by everything I was doing to her. She moaned loudly as I ran my tongue along her slit, and lapped at her clit before focusing simply on pleasuring her. She was becoming soaked between her thighs.
After a while, I got a finger involved and began doing my best to make her cum. Serana greatly enjoyed receiving oral sex and I wanted her to beg me for it more often. I felt sure she'd fall into a submissive role as we got used to being intimate with each other.
"Are you going to join us, mother?" Serana asked, "I know things are different now that we are human again, but I hope we can still enjoy each other".
Serana and I moved so Valerica could sit comfortably on the bed. Only she decided that she would sit on her daughter's face once she had undressed. Valerica also looked better naked than before. I didn't have a MILF fetish, but I was happy to fuck her as well.
Once she was settled, I positioned myself and slid slowly into Serana even as she began to pleasure her mother with her skilled tongue. As a human the younger of the two now former members of clan Volkihar was warmer, wetter and even tighter than before.
I focused on my own pleasure, barely noticing the sounds the two women were making, Serana's were muffled, but loud enough that some of them registered with me despite how distracted I was right now.
My pace increased as I got closer to the climax that I desired. Given how wet Serana seemed right now I felt sure she was looking forward to me cumming inside her and I felt glad that I took a birth control potion as I didn't want her to have to go through a pregnancy while adapting to all the changes in her life.
Not that I thought about that for long as I was too busy making use of Serana's cunt as a cumdump. I filled her up and then moved away from the two women once I could get my legs to move. They didn't even stop what they were doing so I got to listen to the fun noises they were making as I relaxed for a while.
The College of Winterhold could wait a few days. I still needed time to adapt to this world's magic and I had someone here who was more than capable of teaching me the basics. It would be good for us to stay here and rest. Once I got the college I would be spending a lot of time studying so I would take this chance to give both of my companions some attention.
The College of Winterhold. Skyrim
After stopping off at the local store to purchase the dragon's claw that would open up some tomb, if only because I wanted something fancy to put on display in one of my homes, my small group attempted to gain entry into the magical centre of learning.
"Cross the bridge at your own peril. The way is dangerous and the gate will not open. You shall not gain entry" a voice said.
Those were the first words I heard upon my attempt to enter the College of Winterhold. Not entirely unexpected given that I'd played Elder Scrolls: Skyrim and it was also very amusing to hear them spoken by a real person, assuming that had been an actual living being speaking.
There was no one outside of the college waiting for us. The voice came from something I could only think of as a magical intercom that took the form of a lit-up crystal sitting on a pedestal. It had started glowing once we made it to the bridge and I figured that there must be some enchantment in use to alert someone inside the college.
That made way more sense than having someone standing around in the cold just in case a person or persons happened by who was seeking entry.
"What do you hope to find within?" the voice asked.
Valerica and Serana, who were going by Val and Sera, admitted to their desire to acquire knowledge of magic discovered in recent centuries. Valerica sought information on advances mostly in the field of alchemy as that was her passion.
As for me, there were a number of acceptable answers, but only one that I could give truthfully without giving too much away.
"I want to know how to use my power," I said honestly.
The voice told us to wait and before long someone did come out to meet us. We were asked to prove that we had some skill in magic. When it was my turn I moved over the broken part of the bridge and channelled my vast powers in a repair spell. Without the staff, I could not have done this, with it I repaired the bridge and the stone lost reformed even from the dust. Broken pieces seemed to fuse together without any heat, it was as if time had reversed and the bridge had never been broken at all.
Since it was possible that the Arch-Mage of this College might recognise the staff I would be careful not to show off like that again. I'd only done it this time to make it clear that I had a lot of power, and more importantly because the bridge was dangerous. I can teleport and can't die a mortal death so falling off the bridge wouldn't be a big deal for me. I'd rather not have to go after one of my companions if they fell.
"That takes it out of you" I admitted.
Even my companions, who had seen me do things with magic some would think to be impossible, took some time to get over their shock at that display.
"I've never seen such power," said the Altmer Mage once she found her voice "I think you'll make superb additions to the College".
In response, I gave this female my most charming smile. I didn't find her very attractive but I knew that most women wanted to think that men found them physically appealing even if the man was a member of a different race. The Altmer don't do anything for me, they always come off as arrogant.
"Once you're inside, you'll want to speak with Mirabelle Ervine, our Master Wizard," our guide told us "Please, follow me".
As I'd been instructed to I reported to the Master Wizard with my companions in tow.
Once she'd spoken with our guide, Faralda was her name, Madam Ervine gave us a quick tour of the College, showing us to the shared quarters, where we would be sharing space with my fellow apprentices, or at least that was Ervine's plan.
"Would it be possible to have private quarters?" I asked.
Before Madam Ervine could refuse I showed her an oz bar of gold. Many of which I'd picked up from a version of Earth that no longer served as a home for humanity.
"We don't have many students or any guests these days due to the dragon crisis and the ongoing civil war," said the high-ranking mage "And I'd be lying if I told you we didn't need the extra funding".
I handed over two bars as I could afford to be generous.
"My companions are above the apprentice level" I explained "They might attend the odd class, but mostly they will be doing our own thing. I would like to attend as an apprentice. I hope the payment makes up for any disruption we cause".
This information surprised the mage.
"Faralda told me that you repaired the bridge" the mage mentioned "Hardly the act of a novice".
I'd been expecting her to bring this up.
"Raw power isn't an issue for me" I informed the woman "What I need is to learn how to use my talent as my education has only just begun".
Another reason for me to show off was that I wanted the teachers to know that there was a new student here with plenty of potential power who needed guidance. That should make me very tempting as someone to tutor. Throwing around a little gold should also help to smooth things over.
I was provided with a fresh set of robes, complete with a hood, meant for apprentices. Given that clothes were expensive in this world giving out robes was expensive and these were enchanted as well.
Sera and Val, best not to even think of them by their old names and risk using them out loud, had a lot of experience with magic so the classes taught to students had little interest to them. However, I wished to learn about the classes so I went with Ervine once my companions decided to settle in.
The Master Wizard then took me down to the Hall of Elements, which I remembered was the location for lectures and group study sessions. I could recall that one of these sessions was led by an experienced Mage called Tolfdir.
As for the Hall of Elements, it was a large enough space for practical lessons, and it also had the seals of the College decorating the floor and a well in the centre which was projecting a beam of Magicka upwards.
I could sense the history and power of this place. The college had been around for a long time and many students would have come here to learn from those wiser in the application of magic.
Standing in the middle was a group of four people. Three were dressed in apprentice robes and the other was an old man, with grey hair and an impressive beard. This was, no doubt, Tolfdir as he looked much as he did in the game.
"Welcome!" the old Mage said in a friendly voice "We were just beginning today's lesson. Please, join us".
I nodded and stood next to one of the other students, whom I recognized as a Nord. As a rule, the natives of Skyrim didn't much trust magic, unless it was something enchanted as they loved enchanted weapons and armour, but there are always a few exceptions.
"So, as I was saying, the first thing you must understand is that magic is, by its very nature, volatile and dangerous" the wizard was now saying "Unless you can control it, it can and will destroy you".
In this world, anyone could learn a few spells if they were willing to either pay for spell books or come to learn at a place like this, but the ease with which magic could be used made it more dangerous for novices, who could easily destroy themselves by throwing too much power around. Then there was the lure of Oblivion, the promise of power for those who made pacts with the Daedra.
"Sir, I think we all understand that fairly well," interjected one of the students. "We wouldn't be here if we couldn't control magic".
Despite what I had just been thinking I knew the student had a point. These apprentices were not mere novices, these were adults and they wouldn't have even been able to enter the college if they didn't already know how to cast some spells.
"Of course my dear, of course," Tolfdir replied "You all possess some inherent magical abilities, that much is not in question. What I'm talking about is true control. It takes years, if not decades, of practice and study to become a Master of Magic".
This was also true. I had plenty of raw power as my fixing of the bridge had shown. Yet I'd hardly call myself a Master of Magic.
"Then, what are we waiting for? Let's get started!" said another student.
Those words had come from a Khajiit.
"Please, please, this is exactly what I'm talking about. Eagerness must be met with caution or else disaster is inevitable" our teacher warned.
Some people would only ever learn that lesson the hard way.
"But, you have no idea what any of us are capable of" argued the Nord student "Why don't you give us a chance to show you what we can do"
That was when Tolfdir turned to me.
"You've been quiet so far. What do you think we should do?" I was asked.
I could feel the eyes of everyone else on me. What words I spoke next would create a strong impression among my new peers. Our teacher was right to be cautious about magic, for it could be dangerous if used recklessly, only if I said that I'd just sound like a teacher's pet
Also, the Nord student did have a point. It at least made sense to do something practical to start off with, so we could get a taste of what we were in for and a good teacher could use the lesson to help get his point across.
"I'd like to see what everyone can do" I finally said, "If only to better measure our level of control".
It never hurt to check out the competition. I'd like to know what my fellow students could do.
"See, he agrees with us too!" said the Dark Elf in the group "Why don't you actually show us something?"
She seemed a little too eager to me, but this was early days so it was best not to judge anyone just yet.
"All right, settle down. I suppose we could try something practical" the teacher said, giving in. "In continuing with our theme of safety, we'll start with wards. As you know wards are protective spells that block magic. You should all already know how to cast a ward, so we'll see if you can successfully use it to block spells".
That was exactly what I would have done in his place. Tolfdir was a smart gentleman and I was sure I could learn a lot from him. It also matched up with my memories of the game a little too well. I was concerned about interference from higher powers.
"Would you mind helping me with a demonstration?" the teacher then asked of me "Are you at all familiar with warding spells?".
Val had been lecturing me on them recently.
"A little," I said.
The wizard wasn't concerned.
"That's alright, we can expand on what you know. If you'll just stand right over there" Tolfdir instructed.
I did as I was bidden and resisted the urge to reach for my wand or my staff. A simple shield spell would have sufficed here, but I had come to this place to learn the magic of this world and besides if I used the wand it would raise all sorts of questions I simply wasn't prepared to answer. Using my staff just once had been risky enough.
"I'll cast a spell at you and you block it with the ward," said the wizard "Here we go"
Our teacher told the others to go and stand away from him, so they wouldn't get in the way. Then Tolfdir took his position facing me.
"Now, cast the ward spell and keep it up" the teacher commanded.
I lifted my hand and channelled my power so that a shimmering wall appeared before me, it was an effort to sustain a shield like this but I had the power to keep it up for a long time it just became a matter of concentration. Which could be an issue if you knew an attack was coming. It was hard not to try to duck or end up like a deer in headlights.
"Hold still" I was told.
Tolfdir prepared a fire attack and sent it at me. The bolt hit the ward and I was in no way harmed. The apprentices were very impressed by our little show despite the fact that this was pretty basic spellcasting.
"Excellent work!" Tolfdir praised.
I smiled due to his words.
"Well, I think this is an excellent start," said the wizard "I'd like you all to continue practising ward spells, please, and to give some thought about how you'd get around a ward. As our new student demonstrated a direct attack was not very successful".
The students were already in discussion.
"We'll reconvene here tomorrow. That's for today, thank you" said the teacher as he left.
No mention of them digging up a city. At least not yet. Good, that meant I had more time to prepare.
Hall of Elements. The College of Winterhold.
Once the lesson had ended I intended to go see what resources the college had given me to work with, but my way was blocked by the Khajiit student. Now I could see his face close up I had to admit that his moustache kinda worked despite him being a cat person.
The other two apprentices had moved closer, but I didn't get any sense of hostility from them, they were merely curious about me.
"What do they call you, Imperial?" the catman asked.
I wasn't actually an Imperial since I was from Earth not Nirn, but I was of Western European stock so in Skyrim I passed for an Imperial. It made sense what with me being British, I even sounded like an Imperial.
"People call me Macross," I informed my new peer.
That wasn't an Imperial name, and it was good for me that no one questioned it.
"And you?" I asked.
Rather than answer my question the cat guy inquired about something else.
"You are new, yes? Have you mastered the Expert level Destruction spells yet?" he questioned.
This wasn't mere curiosity anymore. The cat guy was sizing up the new competition and he wasn't being subtle about it.
"Not yet, but I will," I answered.
Actually, I wasn't too worried about Destruction magic as my staff allowed me to blast things and I owned a few guns. I just didn't want this guy to think he was above me.
"Ah, this is good, J'zargo will know them first," he said "But it is good to be around skilled Mages who may be able to keep up with J'zargo".
Either this guy had a huge ego or all his people referred to themselves in the third person. It could be both in this cat's case. I wouldn't rule it out as I'd not interacted with members of his race even in the game.
"Not everything has to be a competition," I said.
Students would compete against each other even if the college was the kind of place meant to let someone learn at their own pace, but as long as things didn't get out of hand I didn't see any harm in a little friendly rivalry I just want to get dragged too much into it.
"Oh, but you are wrong" stated J'zargo
I decided to humour the cat guy.
"Well then, may the best man win," I said with a smile.
I hoped using the word man wasn't racist in this context.
"Yes, J'zargo will win" the cat guy replied.
With that, he swaggered off and I once more tried to leave only to find the Dark Elf blocking the door.
"Excuse me..." I started to say.
She wasn't listening.
"Before you even ask, yes I have an ancestry steeped in magic and no, I don't want to talk about it," she said, "Yes, I know Winterhold used to be full of my kind and no, I don't care that they're all gone now. Does that cover everything?".
No, not really.
"Actually I just wanted to get past you," I told the Dark Elf.
The elf looked a little ashamed of herself.
"Nice to meet you," she said, staring the conversation over.
We shook hands like civilized people.
"Macross" I supplied.
Hopefully, she'd think it was nothing more than an odd Imperial name.
"Brelyna Maryon," she told me before apologizing "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound rude, I just..."
I waved my hand in dismissal. I'd played Morrowind enough to have some idea of how her culture worked.
"Think nothing of it. I can imagine you must get asked a lot about being from one of the Six Houses" I said, "But politics isn't an interest of mine so I won't be bothering you about it".
I'd been dragged into it enough when staying in the Wizarding World. There was something about that society which dragged people into the gaping maw that was the Ministry of Mage.
"Thank you for understanding," she said, with a small smile.
She didn't seem to want to move so I decided to keep talking.
"So what are you studying here?" I inquired.
It seemed like a harmless enough question.
"Conjuration, but I know a little bit of Destruction too and I wouldn't mind learning more about it" she answer before asking a question of her own "What are you here to study"
Everything other than Conjuration as I wanted nothing to do with Daedra.
"I'm not focused on any one type of magic" I carefully explained to the elf "I just want to learn as much as I can. I've explored enough of Skyrim to know what I'm not prepared for what is out there".
If not for my ability to teleport and the fact that I can't die a mortal death I would have gotten myself into a lot of trouble. I was self-aware enough to notice that my raw power and immortality were making me reckless. I would need to do something about the Thalmor before word of me fixing the bridge with magic made it to the embassy.
"Oh, so you're an adventurer," the Dark Elf said.
Well, I'd had what could be called adventures and could have more given the land I was currently in.
"I've enjoyed, some success," I told the woman.
News of my wealth and power would spread through the college soon enough. There was no need to brag.
"I'm sure you must have some wonderful stories," said the Mage "Perhaps you could regale me with a few tales over dinner sometime".
Was she considering me as some sort of romantic partner? If so I would need to talk to my companions about this as while I wasn't romantically involved with either of them, if I got myself involved with a woman in that way it would impact them. I would at some point have to explain my situation to Brelyna as well. That could be awkward.
"I'd be delighted" I replied.
Again I attempted to leave, only for the last of my classmates to strike up a conversation.
"New here too, eh?" he inquired, as we shook hands "The name's Onmund. I already know yours".
He was a Nord and big for one even of his race, taller and bulkier than most Nords I'd met. More importantly, he was noticeably taller than me. It made me feel small.
"It's good to meet you," I said.
Unlike many Nords, who had a valid reason to hate Imperials due to still ongoing war, Onmund didn't look down on me for being a slightly different kind of human being.
"I'd hoped I wouldn't be the only Nord" Onmund commented, sounding sad about it rather than angry "Should've known better".
The lack of Nords here didn't surprise me, but it was a topic of conversation so I went with it.
"You're right it is no surprise," Onmund said once I had prompted him to talk further on the subject "Nords generally don't trust magic, never have. Throw in the Oblivion Crisis, which was caused by magic users and the more recent troubles with the Aldmeri Dominion, who are elves and magic users. And finally, take the fact that the College is the only thing left standing after most of Winterhold was destroyed. It's all fairly damning".
Sometimes there were good reasons to be prejudiced against a group, it was unfair but it could also be sensible.
"Well when you put it like that, I suppose they do have some justification" I admitted "I just hope they don't make life difficult for me".
It would be simple for me to teleport away and never come back but I wanted to make use of this place's resources. I could still adjust if I went to the Imperial City to find out what happened to the Mages Guilt, but I knew this place fairly well, and that made it safer for me.
"Is it easier to be a magic user where you're from?" the Nord asked.
I didn't even know if my native world had magic users.
"You can learn to get by," I told the native of Skyrim.
Since I didn't want to answer any more questions about where I came from I decided to change the subject and ask Onmund to show me around as I hadn't yet seen all of the college.
The College of Winterhold. SkyrimFrom what I understood the College wasn't in the habit of keeping track of its student's whereabouts, they didn't even keep a close eye on what projects we got up to. You could get away with Necromancy and Deadra Summoning as long you did it down in the Midden. So the fact that I'd teleported back my Instant Fortress last night should be unknown to anyone.
"I enchanted your clothing as you requested," said Val as she entered my private room without bothering to knock "None of the enchantments are as strong as they could be since you insist on not using the souls of people to bargain for power".
Sacrificing what passed for souls in animals is one thing, people are another matter. Not that I personally did any sacrificing as I didn't want the Ideal Master to take notice of me.
"So I paired the enchantments when possible to increase their strength" I was informed.
All of my socks would help me to move more stealthy, my jeans were meant to boost stamina, and even my boxers were now magical as they'd been muggle-made and didn't have spells on them already. Having boxers that helped you carry more weight around could be quite useful. My t-shirts boosted the protection offered by the light armour I wore. My coat, my boots and my belt had already been enchanted in the Wizarding World. As for my accessories, they came from Sigil and had powerful effects.
"The leather bracers I was able to get done just this morning," Val said to me "They are enchanted to increase your ability to wield weapons. They can be hidden by your robes or your coat".
Each was a minor enchantment, but combined with the artefacts I already carried and my growing power of magic, they should be useful. This was something I was grateful for, but the former vampire ignored my thanks. To be fair enchanting clothes would be simple work for her.
"Any progress in that other matter?" I asked as I gave Val some money so that she could replenish her supplies.
I'd discussed with her the possibility of creating a potion that would explode or start a big enough fire to burn down a building or at least heavily damage one even if there were people trying to put it out. My stunt with repairing the bridge would cause me trouble unless I dealt with the Thalmor.
Simply killing them wouldn't work as that would get the organisation riled up, I needed to make the destruction of their embassy look like a magical accident so that their own mages were likely to be blamed, or at the very least there would be a long investigation.
"That will be done before midnight, my lord" she promised.
She had no more love for the Thalmor than I did and no one would question her working on potions all day as she'd already set herself as the college's unofficial master of alchemy. The college didn't have a potions mistress, and since I'd been very generous with my donation I didn't think the staff would complain. They wouldn't make it official either and that was fine since Val wasn't going to be hosting any lectures, unless someone asked her to, nor would she refer to herself as a teacher.
"Thank you," I said as the woman let herself out.
As I changed into my robes my stomach rumbled and I reached into my pouch so that I could make use of my Everlasting Rations. I ate as I made my way to my next lesson down in the Hall of the Elements. Once there I found Colette Marence, a Breton Mage, who was starting today's lesson.
"I would just like to remind everyone, once again, that Restoration is indeed a valid school of magic" Marence was saying "It is absolutely worthy of research, despite many of the notes I've had left in my bed, on my desk and on occasion, my meals. Anyone suggesting that Restoration is better left to the priests of the Temples, I think, is forgetting a few things"
While I didn't need to worry about healing myself I did use magic sometimes to help others. Frank and Alice Longbottom for example. Although I preferred to use potions of healing as learning Restoration magic could take many years and my golden apples allowed me to cure anything short of death. One day I might get around to learning healing magic. I had the time.
"Firstly, the ability to repel the undead cannot be ignored" the mage was now saying "Skyrim is well known to be full of Draugr, ancient Nord warriors who cannot find peace. I submit that everyone teaching at this College has, at one time or another, relied on one of the Restoration spells that can keep them at bay".
I never had needed to use that branch of magic to deal with the undead but I had lots of wand spells to help me and they were no were near as draining as Destruction Magic could be. Plus shotguns were really effective against the undead.
"Secondly, how can anyone forget wards? They have become essential to any mage working in dangerous situations. They are counted upon every bit as much as Candlelight, or Invisibility" the mage went on to say "But more importantly, wards have saved lives. This is a simple fact. Every Mage in this College regularly uses wards for practice, so as to avoid physical harm. I truly hope that these points actually sink in and that more care and thought will be given to this subject in the future. Thank you".
That was when J'zargo started practising his lightning bolt spell on one of the mage lights. The cat man was very devoted to his mission of becoming a powerful user of Destruction magic.
"Well cast," complimented Onmund, as we came over to where the cat guy was working.
"Of course it was. J'zargo cast it, so it was bound to be good" the Khajit stated.
And I thought I was too overconfident.
"You seem very sure of yourself," Onmund noted.
"There is much for J'zargo to be sure of," said the cat man with a big grin. "There is skill in magic, there is charm. J'zargo will be successful, of this, there is no doubt".
He so needed to be taken down a notch, before he got hurt, but that wasn't my problem.
"I remember you mentioning that you're something of an adventurer. I heard that the Librarian is looking for someone to collect some rare books" my new Nord classmate said to me "That could be a good test of our skills".
And it could be rewarding. I was always on the lookout for new books as I wanted to build a proper library in my two homes. However, if I took some of the other students with me I risked showing off more of my power than I wanted people to see if things went poorly, or if I didn't then someone could get killed. It seemed better to go with my former vampire companions if I bothered at all.
Before anyone could commit further I heard the door open and close. Then I felt colder for a few moments due to the wind. I turned, expecting to see Tolfdir but it was in fact Brelyna Maryon, the somewhat attractive Dark Elf. She saw me, smiled and then came so that she could stand beside me. She hadn't exactly been subtle in her interest in the new guy yesterday and she was less subtle now.
"You're not joining in?" she asked me as the cat guy started showing off once again "I'm sure you could teach him a thing or two".
Skyrim spells weren't like the ones you could cast just by waving a wand, they took more out of a person and I wanted to save my energy for the lesson that would soon take place.
"I'm happy to watch for now" I answered "I'm still new here I don't want to push myself too hard too soon".
The Dark Elf was wearing a hood so I couldn't see her expression, but I got the feeling that she was disappointed. By now she must have heard about me fixing the bridge and she no doubt thought that I was a very powerful mage. If she expected me to throw around that kind of magic often then she going to be disappointed.
Judging by her body language she seemed a little preoccupied with something. She was fidgeting, fiddling with her fingers and looking this way and that. Perhaps she had been looking for a distraction?
"You okay?" I asked, adding concern to my voice.
Something was really bothering her.
"I hope I practised enough with the ward spell. I hope I do alright. I think I will. Maybe I won't. Maybe I'll fail. Maybe I'll have to leave if I fail. I don't want to leave. Do you think I'll do fine? Do you?" she asked.
The last time I'd heard someone speak like that was a friend of mine who was about to have their driving test. I was a little surprised that the Dark Elf was so nervous, she had seemed fine yesterday.
"Don't worry too much Brelyna," I advised.
I never got the chance to offer any further advice.
"Ah, good, you're all here," said a voice
We all turned to see that Tolfdir had at last arrived.
"I'm glad to see you've all been doing something productive while you were waiting for me," said our next teacher.
Colette Marence was not much of a lecturer she'd given up and gone already. Tolfdir however looked ready and able to impart knowledge.
"It seems that you all have particular talents in magic. It shall be gratifying to see you harness them and, I hope, become exceptional mages" Tolfider told us.
That was the plan.
"Some, more so than others," J'zargo muttered to himself.
His words were ignored.
"Now then, let's see how well you've been practising with ward spells. Macross, as you were my practical assistant yesterday, perhaps you would like to try first" he suggested.
As the newest student, it made sense that Tolfdir wanted to see what I could do as it would help to figure out how much help I needed.
"As you wish," I told the wizard.
I moved to go stand in the same place I had on the previous day. Tolfdir summoned a ball of fire and sent it at me only a second or two after I had set the shimmering wall that was the ward. It was a good thing I didn't end the spell as he then sent another. I blocked a few magical attacks, but it was much harder without my staff or my wand.
"Excellent work, Macross," he said, as I walked back to the group "You managed to sustain your ward for longer than I expected. Next time you'll be able to hold it for longer. But I don't want to tax you too much so we will let someone have a turn".
I knew that every time I performed the spell it would become a little easier to sustain so his method of teaching was an effective one. No doubt tomorrow he would send more magical attacks my way and I would block them all.
"Yes, sir" I simply replied.
I then stood back then to watch the others in action. Onmund was next up to go. He held his ward for a good few seconds, but it failed when Tolfdir sent his second firebolt at the tall student. The poor Nord had to dive out of the way. He was quick for such a large fellow.
Tolfdir put it down to the big man not having practised enough but phrased it in such a way that the blow was softened and Onmund was encouraged to try harder next time.
"It gets easier to hold the ward the more you practice," I said to Onmund "You know since Nords are hard to hurt with frost spells if I learned a frost spell you could practice your ward while I train in Destruction".
Onmund politely accepted my offer.
J'zargo proved to be a pro at wards, he blocked a total of seven attacks until he was overwhelmed, and when he did the cat man nearly collapsed but someone managed to stay standing. He'd over-extended himself in an attempt to prove his skills and this was pointed out.
Finally, Brelyna went to have her go. Tolfdir sent a firebolt at her and her early nerves vanished.
"Very good" praised our teacher "Tomorrow will do this again and discuss countering wards".
With that, the lesson was over as they tended to be far short. Most of our learning was done via research or one on one tutoring. I had some research to be getting on with, including learning a weak frost spell.