bopdog111: Well Frisk manages to find the College of Winterhold, and gain access.
Ulrich362: True, along with Sans... though it seems there's an unexpected and unpleasant guest at the college too.
bopdog111: Who Frisk had a displeasure of seeing.
Ulrich362: True, let's see how things go for her now that she's joined the College of Winterhold, and maybe see how the others are doing back in Whiterun. Enjoy the chapter.
Disclaimer: We don't own Undertale, or the Elder Scrolls series but we own the OCs!
Frisk, and Sans were in the College's lobby where Frisk had stopped upon noticing someone over by the gate.
That 'someone' happened to he a white haired Altmer Elf wearing Thalmor Mage Robes only without a hood talking to a brown haired Breton woman, and from the sound of her voice she isn't giving the Elf any respect.
"...I believe I made myself rather clear."
The Elf only rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Yes, of course. I'm simply trying to understand the reasoning behind the decision."
"You may be used to the Empire bowing to your every whim, but you will find the Thalmor find no such treatment here." the woman glared at him while crossing her arms. "You are here at the pleasure of the Arch-Mage. I hope you appreciate the opportunity."
"Yes, of course. The Arch-Mage has my thanks." the Elf said in mock respect not hiding the fact he's displeased from this.
"Very good." the woman nodded at least for now he'll behave. He turned to walk off before she then said, "And Ancano?" He stopped turning his head where she warned, "You may be the husband of Elenwen of all people but just remember the College won't give you any leeway."
"You be well to not underestimate the power of the Aldmeri Dominion." the Elf, Ancano, warned disgusted as he walked off leaving the woman there which she sighed in annoyance.
"Why are the Thalmor HERE of all places...?" she muttered to herself with closed eyes.
"only one way to find out kid." Sans suggested as Frisk frowned before nodding and walking over.
"Excuse me, are you Mirabelle Ervine?" she asked.
"Hm?" the woman turned over looking at Frisk, "Yes, that is me. Can I help you with something?"
"My name's Frisk Dreemurr, I was hoping to enroll here. I can use a little magic but wanted to learn to use it more effectively so I can help my friends and family." Frisk explained. "I was told to talk to you."
"Another new student...?" the woman, Mirabelle Ervine, cupped her chin looking over Frisk. She soon nodded to her, "I'm surprised at how many of you there are lately. Well, first you'll need these." She reached in her bag handing a set of robes to Frisk who takes them confused which Mirabelle Ervine explained to her. "While you're not required to wear them, you may find them more to your liking than your current clothes. I'll give you a brief tour, and then we'll get you to your first class." She then asked her. "Are you ready to begin?"
Frisk looked at the robes before nodding. "Yes, I am."
Mirabelle nodded starting to walk only to notice Sans, "Er... did you summon that skeleton?"
"no, I'm from Mt. Ebott... Frisk here manage to set us all free. the name's Sans, Sans the Skeleton." Sans grinned offering his hand.
Mirabelle stared a little suspicious before reaching grabbing his hand. When she did she heard a farting sound as Sans grinned.
"The old whoopee cushion in the hand trick, always funny." Sans chuckled as Frisk couldn't help but smile.
Mirabelle looked a bit annoyed before then a snicker escaped her mouth, "Okay, I will admit that's a bit funny." She then told Sans with a stern stare. "But keep the jokes to a minimum okay? We got students who like to focus on there studies."
"sure, I understand that." Sans nodded before turning to Frisk. "you think I should let the others know you're doing alright kid?"
Frisk nodded hugging Sans, "Yes Sans. But be sure to tell them... about one of THEM is here." She whispered that last part about Ancano to Sans.
He nodded before vanishing in a blue glow. Mirabelle blinked before shaking her head, "Ah well, I'd probably never understand that." She turned to Frisk, "Please follow me, and don't wander off." Frisk nodded as they walked where Mirabelle gestured to the door in front of her.
"The College of Winterhold has been as fixture in Skyrim for thousands of years. The prominent feature is the Hall of the Elements." Mirabelle raised an arm to the door for Frisk to see. "It's our primary location for lectures, practice sessions, and general meetings. The Arcanaeum is located above the Hall, and the Arch-Mage's quarters above that. While technically in charge of the College, the Arch-Mage's duties often keep him occupied. Thus, I run the day-to-day operations." She looked over to her. "Now, if you'll please follow me, I'll show you the living quarters."
While they walked together Mirabelle kept explaining to Frisk, "Unfortunately, we've had to implement more stringent entry procedures, due to some problems with the local Nords. We don't anticipate any real violence, but it never hurts to be prepared." They soon arrived at a door which Mirabelle gestured on the door, "Our newest members are housed here in the Hall of Attainment. I'll ask that you keep your voice down while inside, as others may be working on research or... delicate experiments."
"I understand, a loud noise could be dangerous." Frisk nodded as they walked into the Hall of Attainment as she looked around.
"Now I'll show you to your quarters. You're going to be sharing space with your fellow Apprentices, who you'll meet shortly." Mirabelle guided Frisk to a room on there right gesturing to the room with her arm. "This bed and desk are yours. Please try and be considerate of others."
Frisk walked in looking around nodding with a smile turning back when Mirabelle continued talking, "Now, let's go back to the Hall of the Elements, where most of the members gather for lectures and study sessions."
She nodded walking with Mirabelle together back outside where Mirabelle looked at her. "Initially, you'll be learning from Tolfdir, one of our most esteemed wizards." They walked down over to the door leading to the Hall of the Elements which she turned over to Frisk. "Tolfdir is likely already inside, go on in."
Frisk nodded before taking a nervous breath as she walked into the Hall of the Elements where she noticed an older looking man talking to three other people wearing similar robes to the ones she had been given. She notices Ancano watching intent behind the four which made her frown due to her displeasure at dealing with Thalmor wondering why they are here if the Thalmor are already incredibly skilled magic users.
"Welcome, welcome!" Surprised Frisk turned seeing the older man gesturing her over with a kind smile, "We were just beginning. Please, stay and listen."
"Oh, thank you." Frisk smiled taking her place with the other three apprentices.
The older man who she knows now is Tolfdir cleared his throat to continue the lesson, "So, as I was saying, the first thing to understand is that magic is, by its very nature, volatile and dangerous. Unless you can control it, it can and will destroy you."
"Sir, I think we all understand that fairly well. We wouldn't be here if we couldn't control magic!" a Dark Elf young woman argued over to him.
"Of course, my dear. Of course. You all certainly possess some inherent natural ability. That much is not being questioned." Tolfdir assured before he then stated wisely. "What I'm talking about is true control, mastery of magic. It takes years, if not decades, of practice and study."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get started!" a Kahjiit male said excitedly.
"Please, please! This is exactly what I'm talking about." Tolfdir said raising his hands up to calm his students down from there excitement. "Eagerness must be tempered with caution, or else disaster is inevitable."
"But we've only just arrived here - you've no idea what any of us are capable of." a young man who is a Nord voiced over to them while Frisk is surprised seeing a Nord is in the College. "Why not give us a chance to show you what we can do?"
Hearing that Tolfdir turned over to the newest student for her input. "You've been quiet so far." Frisk jumped from him addressing her. "What do you think we should do?"
"Me?" Frisk asked before looking thoughtful. "I agree with what you said, if we're too eager it could be dangerous. Except, we won't improve without taking risks right?"
"Is that so?" Tolfdir asked interested in what she said cupping his chin in thought.
"See? She agrees with us too! Why don't you actually show us something?" the Dark Elf woman asked him.
"All right, let's settle down. I suppose we can try something practical... In continuing with our theme of safety, we'll start with Wards." Tolfdir decided on with a smile. "Wards are protective spells that block magic. I'll teach you all a ward, and we'll see if you can successfully use it to block spells, all right?" He then turned back over to Frisk, "Would you mind helping me with the demonstration? Are you at all familiar with ward spells?"
Frisk gave some thought at this before remembering Undyne gave her a Spell Tome about a Lesser Ward while she, and everyone we're readying for there trip in Bleak Falls Barrow only she never used the spell so far.
"Well, I've learned a ward spell but I've never tried to use it." Frisk admitted. "A friend bought me the tome not long ago."
"That's what this lesson is for. Perfect time to try it out." Tolfdir smiled before pointing over to the space several feet away from him. "Now, if you'll just stand right over there, I'll cast a spell at you, and you block it with the ward."
Frisk nodded taking her position before taking a slow breath. "Ok, I think I'm ready."
"Here we go. Over there, please. Just opposite me. Wouldn't want anyone else in the way." the other apprentices walked behind Tolfdir to stay safe. "Now, cast the ward spell, and keep it up."
Closing her eyes Frisk held out her hands as a small blue barrier of magic formed in front of her.
"Hold still." Tolfdir charged fire in his right hand shooting it, "Firebolt!"
Frisk watched the firebolt heading towards her before instinctively dodging to the side before it hit only to pause and frown. "Sorry, can I try again?"
"Yes of course. Just make sure you stay in your spot this time." Tolfdir said to her waiting for her to cast Ward again, and when she did he charged a blast again. "Firebolt!" He fired a second fire projectile.
Frisk nodded as this time the fireball hit her ward. Tolfdir smiled at this before taking this opportunity to voice to the class. "Well, I think this is an excellent start. I'd like you all to continue practicing with wards, please." He then cupped his chin with a smile. "I think perhaps we're ready to begin exploring some of the various applications of magic throughout history. The College has undertaken a fascinating excavation in the ruins of Saarthal nearby. It's an excellent learning opportunity." He then said to them all, "I suggest we meet there in a few hours, and see what awaits us inside. That's all for now, thank you."
With that they all started to leave before Frisk paused. "Um, excuse me... Tolfdir?"
"Hm?" Tolfdir turned over to him, "Yes, is there something troubling you my dear?"
"Oh, it's not that... I was wondering if you knew how to perform Conjuration magic, I've heard of a few spells that I was hoping to learn." Frisk explained.
"Hm... well I'm sorry my dear but I'm more on the Alteration School of Magic." Tolfdir apologized before smiling to her, "But however you should speak to Phinis for that purpose. He's one of the best Conjurers in Skyrim, don't ya know? You can find him at the Hall of Countenance which is at the otherside of the Hall of Attainment."
"Ok, thank you. I think I should talk to him before going to... you said Saarthal?" Frisk asked.
"Yes. Do you know the location for that area?" Tolfdir asked her.
"Oh... I think I can find it." Frisk answered. "You said it's opposite the Hall of Atainment?"
Tolfdir nodded before offering, "Would you like me to show you the way?"
"Oh, thank you." Frisk smiled.
Tolfdir nodded as they walked together while Frisk noticed Ancano from the back of the room eyeing at her as they exit the Hall into the Courtyard while Tolfdir guided Frisk over arriving at a door on the otherside of the Hall of Attainment, "He should be in here."
"Thank you." Frisk smiled walking in to talk with him. "Excuse me, are you busy?"
There are several teachers but a balding Breton Male wearing a purple like mage robe while reading a Conjuration Tome looked over hearing her, "I'm... sorry, are you lost?"
"Excuse me, are you Phinis? Tolfdir said you could teach Conjuration magic." Frisk explained.
"Oh did he?" the man closed the tome placing it down raising up, "Well he'd be correct. I am Phinis Gestor, the Master of the Conjuration School of Magic here at the College of Winterhold. And you are...?"
"Frisk Dreemurr." Frisk answered politely before taking a breath. "Do you know the Bound spells?"
"Of course. If your not already aware, they are weapons summoned from the Plane of Oblivion formed from soul energy for you to use to your heart's content that way you have an easier time using a weapon to slow you down." Phinis explained to her at this before then lecturing. "The primary power source for the Conjuration School is the use of souls connected to the Daedra, and despite the brutal studies it suggests, the Conjuration School has helped out in the past, and we strive to guide the Conjuration School to a new direction."
He then shook his head, "Sorry, I tend to kind off topic. Now what's this about Bound Spells?"
Frisk took a nervous breath. "I... I'd like to learn how to perform them. Bound Dagger, Bound Sword, Bound Bow, and Bound Quiver specifically but ideally I'd like to be able to use all of the Bound Spells."
"Would you now?" Phinis asked looking her over. "And... how long have you been using the Conjuration School?"
Frisk paused before looking uncertain. "I... haven't ever used it. I mostly used basic Restoration and a bit of Illusion but I'm willing to work hard and learn."
Phinis shook his head with a frown. "And do you know how high your magick capacity is?"
Frisk frowned. "I think it's kind of high."
"Well let's see how high it is." Phinis pulled out a Conjuration Tome. "This is a tome for the Flame Atronach. For safety purposes we must do the summoning out on the courtyard of the College. Come with me."
Frisk nodded following him. Once in the Courtyard, Phinis turned over to her, "Since your new to the Conjuration School, I'll be telling you some of the basics before you start your summoning. Are you ready to listen?"
Frisk nodded. "I am."
"Well as I stated before the power of the Conjuration School focuses over the energy of souls from the Planes of Oblivion. These souls are brought over either by the Soul Cairn, or any other Plane, no-one truly knows. But otherside from that it also grants life to creatures in Oblivion, or summons allies from those planes to fight by your side. If not properly done, they would turn on you, or the magick hold on the weapon you summon will break." Phinis stated to her, "Right now we are here to see how effective your magick capacity, and hold over Conjuration Magic is." He handed her the Tome, "Start by learning how to summon a Flame Atronach, and we will go from there."
Frisk nodded looking at the tome before reading it carefully. Phinis watches as she reads the tome making sure she is reading it, and paying attention while wondering how she will do with her first summoning. After a while Frisk nodded before focusing as she cast the spell and a flamed woman with demonic stones as it's body appeared only she looked like it took everything she had.
Phinis widen his eyes seeing the creature from Oblivion. "Remarkable..." He walks around the Flame Atronach looking around it before he gave an impressed nod. "Well, I'd dare say this is extraordinary for your first ever attempt at Conjuration Magic. I never seen anyone managing to summon a Flame Atronach successfully on there first try before, and I'd have to say I'm impressed." He then looked over towards Frisk before saying, "Though it looks like your magick capacity is only enough for one summoning."
Frisk nodded breathing heavily.
"Well... by the way you look, your still far from even touching all the Bound Spells. You can handle some but your not ready for them all." Phinis said cupping his chin. "But the more you use Conjuration Magic you can increase your magick capacity so be sure you practice daily."
"Yes sir." Frisk nodded with a tired smile before running to try and catch up with the others heading to Saarthal.
Meanwhile...
Sans had appeared just outside Whiterun before walking in to try and find Jin and the others and let them know what was going on. Eventually he found them walking up to a wooden house like building.
"heya, what did this bonehead miss?" he asked with a grin.
They looked over seeing him which Jin answered, "Apparently you didn't inform me of a carriage powered by a machine..." He looked a little car sick due to his inexperience in a car.
Sans blinked before shrugging only to frown as he told them about what happened before he left Frisk at the college.
"A Thalmor is in the College of Winterhold?" Undyne asked hearing that with a narrowed eye, "And you said he is 'Elenwen's husband'?"
"that's right." Sans nodded only to frown. "it didn't sound like he had much… or really any influence though."
Jin only frowned gritting his teeth growling which they noticed.
"IS SOMETHING WRONG HUMAN JIN?" Papyrus asked him. "HAVE NO FEAR, FRISK IS NEARLY AS GREAT AS ME AND I AM CERTAIN SHE WILL BE JUST FINE!"
"I'm an Argonian." Jin corrected before saying, "Well, I know Elenwen..."
"What kind of person... er, I mean elf is she?" Asgore inquired.
"A complete bitch is what Elenwen is." Jin spat simply. "She is the leader of the Thalmor here in Skyrim, and one of the top members of the Aldmeri Dominion. She is also the one who lead the attack to destroy my family in Black Marsh."
"That, I'm so sorry." Toriel whispered.
Jin shook his head, "You haven't done anything in that event. Elenwen's the one to blame in all of this."
"She means we're sorry about your family." Asgore explained as they entered the wooden building together.
They hear something, and looked over seeing two female warriors fighting each other while a man asked shaking his head, "Are those two at it again?" They all recognized one combatant as Ria the same warrior they encountered when they first arrived at Whiterun.
"So, this must be Jorrvaskr." Undyne smiled recognizing some of the people who were fighting the giant before.
Aela noticing them blinked, "Ah." They looked over as Aela walked over to them, "I can see your all here."
"Most of us, my sister went to the College of Winterhold." Chara explained.
"The College?" Aela asked before then asking, "Well don't you all know of the reputation it's got?"
"Reputation?" Asriel asked hearing that.
"Oh she means the collapse." Jin took this moment to explain, "Years back then, Winterhold got hit with an earthquake, and only the College survived. Some suspected it was due to the College being protected due to causing the Earthquake but some argued the College was protected from magic."
They nodded hearing that.
"So people think they caused the earthquake." Alphys frowned.
"I have my suspicions but as long as they don't involve the Companions it isn't our business." Aela shrugged from this.
"You suggested we stop by when we first met." Undyne recalled.
"If your looking for Kodlak Whitemane to join the Companions he's down there." Aela gestured to some stairs.
"Well, we can talk to him at least." Undyne nodded. "Papyrus you coming?"
"RIGHT BEHIND YOU UNDYNE!" Papyrus grinned.
They walked down the end of the hall where they hear a conversation.
"But I still hear the call of the blood."
"We all do. It is our burden to bear. But we can overcome."
They entered where they see two nords one having grey hair with a large beard, and blue marks on his face, and a brown haired man with dark shaded eyes both wearing identical Wolf Armor were talking where the younger man said, "You have my brother and I, obviously. But I don't know if the rest will go along quite so easily."
"Leave that to me." the older man said assuringly before noticing the group, "A couple of strangers comes to our hall."
"PLEASE FORGIVE OUR INTRUSION, WE WERE TOLD TO TALK WITH SOMEONE NAMED KODLAK WHITEMANE." Papyrus explained.
"Well, we wanted to talk, I don't know if we're planning on joining your group." Undyne clarified.
"Your speaking to him." the older man raised up looking at them.
Undyne looked at him before grinning. "I can see why you're in charge, there's something about you I like."
"Did you now?" Kodlak asked looking at her.
Undyne smiled. "I do."
Kodlak stared at her before noticing Asriel, and pointed at him, "You boy."
"Huh, me?" he asked before taking a step forward. "Yes?"
"Yes you. Here, let me have a look at you. Hm." Kodlak looked over Asriel looking him over while thinking.
"Is... something wrong?" Asriel asked nervously.
Soon Kodlak nodded with a interested gaze, "Ah, you have a certain strength of spirit."
"Oh, well thank you." Asriel smiled hearing that.
The younger man knowing what he's thinking tries to voice his opinion, "Master, you're not truly considering accepting him?"
"I am nobody's master, Vilkas." Kodlak reminded him as while he is highly respected as a Harbinger, he is not someone to give orders to the Companions before he added to him, "And last I checked, we had some empty beds in Jorrvaskr for those with a fire burning in their hearts."
"Apologies. But perhaps this isn't the time. I've never even heard of these outsiders." Vilkas admitted to him considering that the group in front of him had just walked in on their conversation.
"Sometimes the famous come to us. Sometimes men and women come to us to seek their fame." Kodlak listed off several people who came to him to join the Companions; some rejected, and some aren't, before shaking his head pointing out, "It makes no difference. What matters is their heart."
"And their arm." Vilkas added with a nod.
Hearing that what to start knowing if he's any good at fighting Kodlak turned to Asriel. "Of course. How are you in a battle, boy?"
"That be me. I been training him, and he still has a bit to learn." Jin voiced his own opinion.
"Wonderful. This is Vilkas. He will test your arm." Kodlak introduced them to the man beside them before turning to him, "Vilkas, take him out to the yard and see what he can do."
"Aye." Vilkas nodded although a little bit annoyed about them walking in sighing standing up telling them, "You all with me."
Chara frowned seeing Vilkas was annoyed with Asriel as they followed him. They walked together with Vilkas walking out the backdoor before he turned to Asriel who walked on the field with him, "Okay first would be the young lad. The old man said to have a look at you, so let's do this. Just have a few swings at me so I can see your form." He raised his shield in a defensive stance. "Don't worry, I can take it."
Asriel's eyes widened before uncertainly drawing his two swords before taking a breath and starting to use what Jin taught him against Vilkas.
Vilkas readied taking the strikes blocking the attacks while a bit surprised on Asriel's sword arm, "Pretty good arm you have there. There you go!"
Asriel blushed slightly before trying to disarm Vilkas. They kept before Vilkas raised his arm to get Asriel to stop attacking. Asriel's eyes widened at that as he lowered his blades and put them away. Vilkas grinned to him his annoyance truly gone. "You might just make it. But for now you still are whelps to us, new blood. So you do what we tell you."
"Oh, well... I don't know if I'm going to join though." Asriel admitted.
"So what did you come here for?" Vilkas asked curiously.
"Your friend suggested we visit." Toriel explained only to pause. "Asriel, do you want to join them?"
Asriel blinked turning over surprised, "Huh?"
"It's your decision Asriel." Asgore agreed.
"Well I..." Asriel blushed embarrassed before looking at Chara.
She blinked before shaking her head. "It's not up to me Azzy, it's up to you."
Asriel at that gulped before admitting, "Uh... yeah, I do want too."
Vilkas nodded. "Well then, welcome to the Companions."
Asriel smiled before Vilkas handed him his sword.
"Huh?" Asriel asked taking it.
"Go ahead and take my sword up to Eorlund to have it sharpened. And be careful, it's probably worth more than you are." Vilkas told him causing Chara's eyes to darken.
"Oh, um... where can I find him?" Asriel asked.
"Up there at the Skyforge." Vilkas explained pointing over.
Asriel looked before nodding as he started heading up.
Ulrich362: Well, looks like things are getting interesting right?
bopdog111: Yup.
Ulrich362: So what's likely going to happen next? The group except Asriel and Frisk head to talk with Delphine, or maybe they'll look around Skyrim a bit? Maybe visit some other cities?
bopdog111: Perhaps hearing about the Dark Brotherhood?
Ulrich362: It's possible, see you in the next chapter.
bopdog111: Be sure to review!