It was strange how quickly the grounds could fall silent in an instant with not a voice carrying through the halls. Students returned to classrooms or prepared to study in quiet areas of the campus. As the day turned late, the sun nearing the end of it's cycle with a purple hue over the sky, the last of the day's lessons began. However, that was not the only reason for such silence.
Bezir was quick to take notice of how there was not anyone in sight. No staff, students or servants. Others may not have understood why, but he did. It was the twentieth year since this place had opened, and every five years the campus became a place to hold some very special meetings. The Redguard had donned noble garments of his people. Due to the rules of the campus, where metal armor would usually cover parts of his cloths was instead leather padding, a head-wrap covering most of his face. All of the cloths were red as the sands of his homeland. At his hip an empty scabbard that swayed with every step.
Today was a special day, one had had been waiting for for months. High nobles of Tamriel came from across the continent to attend a grand meeting of great importance. Discussing border disputes, major happenings in their territories, keeping an eye out for major threats or making necessary changes to standing treaties.
The young Redguard stopped at the gate of the campus, one hand to his hip and the other to his chest. Two guards spied him and were about to move before they took notice of his outfit, bowing their heads a moment.
There was a loud groan as the gate began to open, shadows of those opposite peering through the gap.
First came the Imperial delegation. A few nobles, high military. One being an elderly man, greyed hair cut short. His face was worn with age and exhaustion.
Following came a group of Altmer, dressed in gold-black robes. Resembling the Thalmor, governing council of the Third Aldmeri Dominion. Their faces held no expression despite a sour glare at any non-elf.
Several other groups followed consisting of Argonian, Nord and Redguard. Bezir stepped forth to approach the Alik'r guard, offering a salute which was returned in kind.
"Ah! Here he stands, in all his glory!" A well dressed noble approached from behind the guard, arms outstretched wide as his sleeves hung low. Bezir returned the gesture, laughing joyously.
"Vad" Bezir greeted to the man, in his native tongue of Yoku.
"Uetonga." The man threw his arms around Bezir, patting his back. "How has my favorite son been? Causing trouble, or finding trouble?" he asked, his accent heavy. The pair began to walk with the rest of them, one arm over each other's shoulders. "Not dragging J'Nir into antics, now are you?"
Bezir scoffed at the thought, but a smirk split his lips. "No, no! I would never put him in danger, father!" There was a pause. J'Nir was like a brother to him, after all. "Myself, perhaps, but that's what adventure brings!" He had not felt this much joy in so long, not since the last time his father had come to visit him. They would always share stories of their own ventures across Tamriel. They would sit, drink ales, laugh together. Sometimes J'Nir joined them. After all the Khajiit was a part of the family...in a sense. Rakaz, the mighty adventurer of the Alik'r desert. Discoverer of several tombs of Na-Totambu, collector of artifacts across the continent. Bezir already tried to follow his footsteps, amassing a collection of his own.
One would think it odd, a collector and adventurer selected to represent a race of warriors. But, this was a place of diplomatic meetings, a place of peace. And Rakaz was a peacemaker among war mongers. There was no better choice.
One of the Thalmor glowered back at their loud chattering, Rakaz simply returned the gesture with a smile. He waited till the high elf turned front again, then leaned to his son with a low whisper.
"Do me a favor, son. Keep away from them. They've been keeping a close eye on me. Pay attention to the meeting...oh, and have fun. I'm sure you'll enjoy plenty of it" he teased a grin. His father had told him of how these meetings went. Diplomacy may be boring for most, but Rakaz always made it sound fun. What couldn't be fun about a few old folk bickering over borders? Plus, he got to see his father work.
Escorts of college guard led them through the campus towards the central tower. It's design may have been rather controversial in eyes of many. It had been created to mimic the White-Gold tower of the city, the Imperial Palace. Only a fraction smaller, with rims of battlements decorated with flags.
The groups ascended the five flights of stairs, each floor having a circle of doors. These doors led to quarters of the dignitaries, for those who wished to stay on the grounds. Paintings spanned the walls, banners placed above doors that signaled to whom the occupant was.
At the top of the stairs was a large chamber with a circular wooden table right in the center. At least forty chairs circled the rim, a stand in an opening at the center of the large table. Three tables were taken already. A high elf woman with long locks of gold in a silver noble dress, golden eyes scanning the arrivals. A Khajiit mage, grey and black fur with dark whiskers grown past his chin, a mischievous look in his gaze. A robed Breton was the third already seated.
Bezir quirked a brow upon seeing Professor Labain seated there. The professor waved a hand to the student. The dignitaries took up their seats, save for a few and their guards. Bezir took up a seat by his father, occasionally looking over at the potions teacher.
"Ladies, gentleman," the Altmer woman stood, hands raised to address all before her. "Welcome to the College of Harmony. It has come to the month of Hearthfire, twentieth year since the construction of this place." Her voice seemed harmonious and level. Bezir had only heard her during campus announcements in the great hall or during large seminars. "For those of you whom do not know me, I am one of the three Heads of this college. I am known as Eristaire Salingire, head of History and Diplomatic Relations." She gestured to the others for them to rise.
"I am Reynor Labain, head of Potions and Chemistry" he announced with a bow, then sat back to his seat.
"J'Zargo, head of Magics" the Khajiit took a bow and sat back down.
Eristaire remained standing, extending to all others sat at the large table to introduce themselves. Among them came Rakaz, General Galmar Stone-Fist, Governor Servius Tullius and Tar-Kajin Nisareeth. Bezir observed each of those present, his gaze wandering over all of their features in silence. He had heard some legends of those present.
Galmar Stone-Fist, a general of the Stormcloaks during the Stormcloak Rebellion. A firm believer of Skyrim's roots being restored. A legend of the civil war, said to have personally fought off a hundred soldiers with his fists. But that seemed much more myth than truth. Age however had not been kind to him. His face was worn from battle. Scars lined all up his arms, from his gloved hands to the fur vest. A cloth shirt seemed torn under the vest. His gaze was hardened like steel, a stoic expression. Yet every time he looked at Tullius, his eyes sharpened as if trying to draw blades with his very gaze.
Tullius had also aged, yet his years had passed much more fairer than the Nord. And yet the amount of legends far outnumbered, a general of the Imperial army. Many victories lie under his belt...and yet with the treaty of Skyrim's civil war, Tullius had been made a governor of an Imperial province. A leather cuirass was worn over his red tunic, appeared freshly crafted. His white hair was cut short to the head, with a stubble of hair along his chin. The way he was seated seemed to emanate pride, importance, dutiful.
Deetum-Makar was one that Bezir knew less of. A shaman among his tribe, favored highly by them and other tribes. The Argonian wore a dark cloak that shrouded much of his body, save for his head. Murky green scales, save for the front of his neck down to his chest which were a yellowish green. Spikes lined the rims of his eyes, curled horns on either side of his head decorated with charms and jewelry. His red eyes bore deep into Bezir, catching the boy staring. And then the Argonian lightly nodded.
"Guests, dignitaries. It is now time to begin." There was a hush over those present, besides low murmurs and whispers. "Governor Tullius? May you start us off, please?" The old Imperial nodded and stood, moving around to the center podium.
"First let us address the peace between the Nords and Imperials" he glanced at Galmar saying this, "The peace lasts. The few provinces that still have an Imperial garrison report cooperation with Nord garrisons. The Forsworn continue to cause trouble throughout the Reach.
As for Cyrodiil, we have entered a time of prosperity. We have grown richer, our people grow more and more by the months. There is security throughout. The introduction of the College has done great things for us all."
"There is peace, but not everywhere" Galmar responded gruffly. "Some do not accept the presence of Imperials in Skyrim. Even I still resent your minor occupation-"
"Occupation?" Tullius turned to the Nord. "It is simply security against the Forsworn and other sense of unrest. Helping your people."
Bezir watched the back and forth with interest. Even after twenty years, it was still a cool barrier between Nord and Imperial. There was great hate and resentment. If they were left in a room alone? They would no doubt fight within the hour. Everyone could sense the tension in the room, thick enough to cut through with a blade.
"Helping us, after forcing us to your ways? It took five years before we were even permitted worship to Talos without someone being put into the stocks." Bezir raised his brows at the cold touch in Galmar's voice. Tullius said nothing, catching the eyes of Eristaire. Tullius bowed his head, returning to his seat.
"Now then...as Galmar has said his peace," a narrowed gaze was sent his way, receiving a huff. "Rakaz. May you take to the center?"
"If it pleases the court!" Bezir stifled a chuckle. No one else seemed to catch onto the humor. "Right, so then..." The Redguard approached the podium, clearing his throat. Bezir leaned forth, watching carefully.
"Between the Altmer and Redguard things seem...well, seem pretty pleasant round there in the desert. Altmer keeps to themselves, don't start any trouble. Redguard's doing the same. Finding more and more artifacts under the desert sands, hidden temples, ancient history. Quite the ventur-" A cough drew his attention. Bezir realized his father was droning on, for he did the same. "Right, of course. All in all, things are great in the desert. Thanks for listening." His father returned to the seat next to him, smirking.
Lastly, there was the Argonian. Deetum-Makar moved with slow movements to the podium, standing up against it. There was a few sighs from the reptile.
"It is quiet in the Black Marsh. Other tribes are skeptical to join College," as the Argonian spoke, the air seemed to pass from his mouth in a hiss of air. "Empire has not been kind, others have not been kind to us. My tribe continues to try to...convince. That is all." The Argonian bowed his head, and returned to his seat.
Bezir quirked a brow to those gathered...was that it? Just an update on how the provinces were going after the Civil War? Cause if so, that was not quite what he-
"I heard there was a break in on these grounds." All eyes sought Tullius, his eyes analyzing everyone present carefully. "Is a new guard needed here? Extra security?" The Altmer leaned forth, clasping her hands together.
"We are secure here. Captain Cole can affirm this, he has trained all the guard here personally. In fact he is present here, right now. Isn't that right, Cap-"
"Not from what I heard, ma'am. With all due respect, but I have no interest in discussing it in private with the Captain. Rumor is that it was a young boy who broke in. Took down two of your guard...and yet, on my visit to the local prison, there is no young boy. It makes me curious, did he escape? Is your guard incapable of capturing a young thief?"
Bezir leaned forth as well, eyes full of interest. He had heard about it as well. It was on the same night that he and J'Nir had been planning to leave for the sewers, but had to postpone because of that break-in. Bezir also heard that the thief had been caught. Reynor stood, leaning into his staff.
"That would be my doing."
"Your doing?" Tullius sounded accusatory, narrowed eyes at the Breton man. "Explain."
"He was caught. And he is simply a young boy...I offered a choice. Go to prison, most likely die young. Or make up for it, be my personal assistant, help ou-"
"You kept a criminal on these grounds?!" That was a surprise. Galmar and Tullius, agreeing on something for once. "Young or not, you have kept a criminal around, without putting them in a cell? Or under constant guard? What is an old man to do, when he takes your walking stick and trips you over?! You surely are joking!"
"He is my assistant, I was not going to condemn a boy to prison. I make sure there is always a pair of eyes keeping a close eye on him, at all times" Reynor assured. Even Bezir was quite surprised to hear that. The thief, he was still here? He glanced to his father, who seemed surprise. Tullius looked to the other College staff.
"Did you know of this?" They nodded. The dignitaries all grew heated, knowing now there was a criminal inside these very walls.
"Reynor brought it up with us first. There was much debate, good points made" J'Zargo spoke up. "Trust Reynor, this one does." The Khajiit had been silent up until this point, save for the introduction. It was a surprise to hear his voice
Tullius was unsure of this by the glare on his face. This discussion had Bezir's full interest at this point. Surely this could not be as bad as they were making it out to be. A kid broke in, tried to steal. He didn't try to kill anyone, sure he knocked a couple guards flat. Was Bezir missing something?
"Will you keep a murderer in here next? This place is to be secure! And what need have you for a ward?" Galmar slammed a fist on the table, causing Bezir to jump. "The guard should be increased! There should b-"
"This place is secure enough!" Everyone paused. The high elf woman stood from her chair, staring all that were present down. "Do not question our security, or our methods. Reynor has his reasons, I try my heads. This meeting is not to discuss the College, it is to discuss diplomacy. Now then!" She took her seat once more, glowering at them all. "Shall we continue? Galmar, any news of dragons?"
Thadimus paced his quarters, slowly and slowly growing more bored. The quiet was keeping him to his own thoughts, a place he did not want to be right now. He took a look at his room.
With nothing to do, he had practiced making beds over and over. It was not perfect, but the Nord servant had told him about things he needed to work on. Folding clothes was another, with a few folded shirts and pants on the bed.
An open book lay on his desk with a paper of notes beside it. It had been an interesting read, more so than he originally expected. Where he was from, Thadimus didn't have near to this level of education.
"Reduced to a lowly servant." Thadimus whirled on the spot, ready for a tussle, thinking a guard had decided to come back to repay a beating.
Instead it was a small wren, glowing blue sitting on the window sill. He relaxed for a moment, before turning a steel cold glare.
"Where did you go?" he asked, moving back to the desk.
"I had a calling. And I see you got yourself deep in this mess. For shame, for shame..." The wren shook its head, the disjointed voice flowing through the room.
If Thad had ever told anyone about the glowing shifting animal that followed him everywhere and could talk, people would take him to be either a master mage or a crazed boy, with how much it disappeared. Did familiars even talk? He didn't know enough about magic but one thing for sure? He knew that he had not summoned it. He had no magic ability to speak of.
This...thing always shrouded every answer with more questions. Even now Thadimus still did not know who had sent it to him. All he did know was it's name. Did familiar's have names?
"I would have taken the prison-"
"No, you would have disappeared and gone wherever you go!" Thadimus snapped at the familiar. He had had enough of the glowing being pulling a disappearing act when he needs it most. Not that it could fight, it never transformed into anything larger than a bird.
Zebath merely stared back. "You think so little of me, is that so?" Thadimus nodded.
"I don't just think little of you. I don't believe you were ever sent to me for my sake. Whatever, whoever sent you needs me. Yet you avoid helping me at every turn."
"If another saw me, it would not end well" Zebath replied, with a tone that cut through the air. Thad glared back. It had used that tone before. That tone didn't threaten Thad like it did when he was a child. It always played on his morals.
"Well, go on. Do it then! You always say that if someone saw you, you would...you would kill them! So do it! Show me that you can!" The familiar said nothing. "Exactly. All you do is keep an eye on me. You cannot fight a damned thing. Go, leave again. Tell your master how much I've messed up."
Still the familiar said nothing. It only stared. He hated when it did that. Appearing as an animal that could show no emotion. Even it's voice, it was difficult to convey emotion. He hated it. He looked away, refusing to acknowledge it further.
"Just what I thought. You ca-" He heard a quiet gust. Where the familiar once perched was an empty space. He wanted to yell out of frustration. If it wasn't for the sound of the professors door, he would have.
Thadimus glanced out of his quarters to Reynor. The elder Breton looked none too pleased, muttering to himself. Tossing some parchment onto his desk, the professor approached the servant room.
"Of nobles and generals, fools! Thadimus, here!" He had never heard Reynor so frustrated. Then again, he barely knew him anyway. The young boy approached slowly, presenting himself as best he could.
Reynor began eyeing him over, a skeptical gaze. Before tapping at his legs with his walking stick.
"Straighten your posture. Feet together."
"Wha-"
"Hush, boy! Wait till I am done." Thadimus gave no response. "Better."
He circled him a few times, adding more comments on his posture and appearance. To Thad it sounded like he was being judged, as a servant...
"What is her name?"
"Excuse me?"
"The servant woman who has been helping you. The one from the washroom. I have a request of her." Thad paused, thinking.
"Jal-"
"Jal! Yes, yes I remember now. Jal, a kindly woman. She will do well."
Thadimus frowned at the man, unsure what she had to do with anything. All she did was help teach him how to be a servant; how to clean, how to fold, how to answer to others. He had a lot more to learn. Reynor appeared to take notice of her frown.
"Someone brought up something of importance...regarding you. You need proper training if this punishment of yours is to continue." Punishment. How could he say it so lightly? "Need someone to teach you to cook, to clean, to serve the needs of others! And who better?!"
"...Jal?"
"Yes! I will ask for her at once, your training shall begin immediately!" Immediately? Thadimus felt nervous at that statement. This, this was going too far for punishment right? He didn't even steal anything, or kill anyone! Just thumped a couple of people on the head was all. His stay just got extended.
He had to sit and think. This threw out a bunch of his previous plans...he sighed.
"So...how long do you expect me to be here?" Reynor simply scoffed at the question, that was not something for him to answer. Thadimus narrowed his eyes at the Professor. Not too helpful, was he? "Then can I have a book?" That caused a confused blink from Reynor. He seemed to move his lips to say something, but was caught off guard.
"You...want books...despite this being a punishment?"
Thadimus nodded.
"...From the library?" Reynor raised a hand to his chin, pondering this. If he was going to stay for so long, Thadimus wanted something to pass the time...plus, he never got a real chance to learn. It was a thought in the back of his mind.
Reynor looked him up and down curiously. Before his curious gaze turned sour and harsh. A deep sigh followed. "...Boy, you do realize what a punishment is, yes? There is no exact time for how long you will be here, you have no privileges, this isn't some school where you go sit in the corner and think about your mistakes. No, this place is of great importance! You came in here, and you should have been sent away on twenty years in a cell!" Thadimus recoiled from the verbal berating. He...he had not really considered his predicament here. Just how bad it was. Reynor sighed again, raising a hand to the bridge of his nose.
Reynor gestured to a pile of at least ten books, then to the door.
"Return these to the library. And tell Jal that I wish to speak with her." Thadimus made no move to the pile, or the door, simply staring at the professor as it all came down on him. "Now, boy!" That got Thadimus rushing out as quickly as he could. As he left, he didn't take note of Reynor leaning into the desk, observing a parchment on the desk.
The boy had it all come down on his head fast. The weight of his punishment was pulling him down suddenly. He had come here, to steal a single...well he did not even know what it was. He had only ever been given a brief description. But this place he had come to help more danger than he had at first suspected. He had expected guards, yes. But the way Reynor had phrased it...Reynor had really saved him from something much, much worse. But Thadimus didn't want this. This was to settle a debt! To protect his-
His thoughts paused while walking down the hall. He was going to be here for a long while...how long would it be before seeing his mother again? He shook his head. She did not know of his whereabouts, or what he did in the night. She would be worried sick. He had hoped to leave and get to visit her, but with a now full understanding, there was no leaving. He stopped down the hall, the books scattering at his feet. He choked back a cry of frustration. This was not the plan! And now things had gotten worse! His life was ruined at this point. Thadimus hit at the wall, only to muffle a sudden cry of pain holding his hand.
Could this get any worse? Could this go any further down hill, dragging him into the grave? Did the city guard even know he was here? And if they didn't, would they arrest him upon finding him? His thoughts went to how Reynor was frustrated...so someone knew of Thadimus being here, or something of a similar sense. And they wanted Thadimus to be...properly trained? Made into a proper servant?
The Imperial boy had been so deep in his own mind, he didn't take notice of a hand reaching down, collecting the books. Not till they finally stood back up and he found himself face to face with a student. The half-elf had a worried look about her, frowning at Thadimus. He stood there, unsure how to respond as they put the books forth to him. He took the pile in hand, and she gave a quiet nod before going back to wherever she was going. His eyes followed her.
"Is that the young boy I spy?" Jal's voice brought him out of his silence, turning quickly to face her. Her gaze stuck to his hand, hurrying over. He hadn't taken any notice of how his knuckles were scraped and bleeding. "Oh, what happened?" Thadimus made no protest as she helped support the pile with one hand, taking his injured hand in the other to take a look.
"I-I fell. Pile of books, it's pretty heavy." She gently shook her head, then gestured for him to place the pile down. She produced a cloth from a pouch in the front of her maid dress, slowly wrapping the scraped wound. "Reynor wanted to...wanted to see you." Jal looked to meet his gaze while wrapping his hand.
"Hand first. Do you need help getting these to..."
"I'll be fine" Thadimus was quick to say. Her eyes filled with concern. Last time he got such a look was from his own mother. "I'll be fine, thank you" he added, in a much softer tone. "Reynor said it was important." Jal nodded in understanding. She finished the wrapping then brushed her hands at her sides.
"I'll come by the library to check up on you, okay?" She took one look at the pile and shook her head. "Perhaps a word about such a heavy workload." It was quite a heavy workload, with how many books it was. But Thadimus needed time to himself, and this seemed like a good way to get it. Bending down he got the pile of books and offered a nod of thanks to the woman. There was a lot on his mind right now...he needed quiet as he slowly walked down the hall.