Chapter 55

The Eye of Magnus

They sat around reading all sorts of books for what seemed like hours. Bishop just finished up with Withershins and she said, "That one was really good. I like that they actually made every first line the next letter of the alphabet. Very clever."

"Yeah, it's one of my favorites," he said.

She looked over at him from their place on the floor and said, "I had no idea you were so... well read."

He smirked at her, "I know, I don't look like the bookish type. I try to keep it that way, but yeah. Read plenty of books. Got pretty lonely over the years with just me and Karnwyr here," he scratched the sleepy wolf on the head, "So I'd stumble on the occasional book when visiting a town, selling the pelts and meat from my hunts... You know, there's still a lot you don't know about me."

"And there's plenty you don't know about me," she said.

"Like what?"

She laughed, "Like how I was just like that dunmer mage, always screwing up my experiments and blowing things up."

Bishop chuckled, crossing his legs, putting an elbow to his knee as he leaned over and rest his head in his hand, "Really now? Ever turned someone's best friend into a cow?"

She laughed, "No, but I did set the alchemy lab on fire once..."

Bishop raised a brow, "I'm sure Serlas was thrilled to hear about that one."

A pair of snow covered boots and long blue robes appeared in front of them. Serlas said, "No, I was most certainly not thrilled about it. And it was actually three different times she set it on fire, if I remember right, before she was banned from studying alchemy altogether. She was quite the menace back in those days. Certainly kept me on my toes."

Bishop snorted loudly and Rona smiled up at her father and asked, "How was your visit to the outpost Ata? Any luck?"

Serlas gently sat down in front of them and said, "Unfortunately no. Good news though! I did see that his supplies have been replenished and were looking fresh, so I know he's been coming and going. He's still alive at least."

Bishop cocked an eyebrow at him, "Maybe try leaving a letter for him?"

"I did actually. That was my first thought when I realized Septimus was alive. Whether he'll heed what it says and actually return to the college or stay put is a whole other. The man can be incredibly obsessed when he's set on his research, often ignoring anything and everything that would interfere with it."

Bishop frowned, "You knew him?"

"Not very well, we were merely acquaintances. I met Septimus about twenty-six years ago, around the time," he glanced at Rona, "Well around the time I first encountered Claudia." Rona blushed slightly. Serlas chuckled, "I have to say, even then Septimus was quite the odd character. Not easy to talk to and he was quick to get distracted. If you discussed his subject of interest, however, he could drone on for hours about it. Shame I didn't listen more then. If I'd have known I would have needed all the information I could get on the scrolls I would have asked my fill about them."

Rona lowered her eyes and tried not to think about it. Maybe she could find it on her own, somehow. Maybe the Thalmor would have some information on it. She held out some hope.

Serlas looked over at their pile of books and said, "Ah, the Lusty Argonian Maid. Enchanting tale, you've both read it then?"

Bishop said with a broad grin, "We just read it out loud for the entire library to hear!" Rona's face burned at his shameless declaration.

Serlas merely chuckled and said, "I still remember when they brought those books over from Morrowind. Some of the more prudish members in the Elder Council declared a ban on them, which was amusing to say the least because all it did was make them even more sought-after by the public. Then when it came out that nearly every single member of the Council had the books themselves they quickly decided to lift the ban."

"Don't know why people bother with it," Bishop shrugged, "There's no way anyone gets off on that drivel."

"Oh it was quite the alluring and erotic tale back in those days. Akin to seeing a woman's ankles you know," he said with a wink.

They all shared a laugh and Serlas smiled at Rona, "I'm glad to see you're in better spirits my dear."

"Much better," she said. Then her stomach growled loudly.

"And hungry too it seems," he said, "I'm quite famished myself. Shall we head off to the mess hall then and get some supper?" Serlas stood and helped them collect their books up and they brought them back over to Urag gro-Shub's desk.

He was turned from them, busy putting away some spell books a few students had left behind and he turned with a look of surprise. "Oh, Master Thoraminh, what brings you in today?" Then his eyes traveled between him, Rona and Bishop and he raised a brow, "Er... Huh?"

Serlas said, "Ah, this is my daughter who I've told you all about Urag. I suppose you must have met already though," he set a pile of books on the desk.

Urag stared at her harder and she gave him a mischievous smirk. He scratched at his head, "Wait... you!? You're the Dragonborn!?"

She shrugged, "The one and only."

She and Bishop put the rest of the books onto the desk and she said, "Thanks for loaning us the books, they were great! Oh and sorry if we were too loud earlier."

Urag gave her a friendly smile as he leaned against his desk chair, "Glad you enjoyed them. And I didn't mind the noise. In fact I quite enjoyed seeing some of these uptight snobs forced to listen to old erotica and the shenanigans of Withershins." He grunted a laugh.

Serlas grinned and said, "I thank you again, Urag, for keeping such a spectacular library available to us all. We're off to the mess hall now, would you care to join us?

"Nah, got a lot of books to sort tonight," he said.

"Would like me to bring you anything?"

"Whatever's on the menu. Wouldn't mind some spiced wine either if you can sneak some old friend."

Serlas chuckled and said, "I'll see what I can do."

They turned to leave and Rona smiled and waved at the old orc who returned her friendliness. The three of them plus Karnwyr wound their way down the stairs and outside. It was completely dark out with just a few magical lights floating around the wall sconces to illuminate their way. They hurried along keeping out of the snow under the covered halls, following after several students who were chatting loudly as they went down another staircase leading under the Hall of Elements.

They entered into a huge dining hall, a little larger than the Hall of Elements above. There were six, very long tables lined up along the stone floor and seated with long benches to match. Ahead of them was a seventh long table, though a bit shorter on the ends. Rona noticed Arch-Mage Aren seated in the middle with what she assumed were several other professors eating their dinners and chatting with one another.

Against the far wall were more long tables, fitted with white tablecloths and covered with plates and pots of hot food and plenty of beverages to choose from. Several college staff were bringing out more plates and taking emptied ones through a swinging door off to the side which led into the kitchens.

Bishop's stomach growled loudly and he said, "Wow, that smells good. Let's go stuff our faces already."

The three of them all went over to the side table, grabbing plates and filling them with a variety of their favorites. Bishop did not hold back, stacking his full of three different kinds of meats, along with a thick helping of mashed potatoes and two dinner rolls. There wasn't a single green thing on his plate and Rona said, "You're going to stop yourself up with all that meat you know. Maybe get some fiber?"

He was already stuffing a dinner roll into his mouth when he mumbled, "Fiber? What's that?"

"Vegetables!" She exclaimed.

He looked over at her plate, which was comprised of mostly greens. She'd filled her plate with a salad, some steamed vegetables, a single pheasant roast and had a small cup of clam chowder.

He stuffed the rest of the roll into his mouth and pointed at her plate, cocking a brow, "That?"

"Yes!" She said exasperated, "Fiber. Greens."

He swallowed and said, "That's rabbit food, Princess."

He chuckled at her expression and she just rolled her eyes. Serlas led them up to the head table with the other professors. Serlas sat down next to his colleague Savos Aren, while Rona took the next seat over to her father and Bishop sat next to her, then warily eyed an older nordic man on the other side of him, who was fussing with two green, glass vessels connected with tubes. It appeared to be an old alembic. He was putting all sorts of ingredients into it, making it bubble slightly.

Bishop leaned over to her and said, "Hey, switch places with me."

She looked over at the man and said, "It's fine. He's a professor, he knows what he's doing."

Bishop grumbled and tried to ignore it by digging into his spiced beef with a knife and fork. Rona was glad to see him eating meat that was actually cooked again and she asked him, jokingly, "Do you prefer it cooked or raw?"

He held a fork to his mouth and said, "Huh?"

She poured a vinaigrette onto her salad and said, "Last time I saw you eating beef you ate it raw."

"Uhh," he looked at her dumbfounded for a moment, then took a bite and chewed, thinking, "I dunno. It was pretty good raw. But damn if I don't owe the chef my compliments on this." He quickly cut off another piece. Rona looked at him bewildered.

Serlas who was enjoying his own cup of clam chowder said, "Yes, the chefs here are excellent. It's actually a husband and wife team, two argonians, Sakesi and Neer-Na. They've been with the college for years."

"Indeed," Arch-Mage Aren added, "I certainly owe them for all my sleepless nights of research. Every time I had to heed the call of hunger they'd whip me up some of the best roasts, sandwiches and soups. They've managed to keep everyone here quite satisfied."

Serlas, Rona and Arch-Mage Aren all chatted for a bit. Serlas told some of the funnier stories of Rona's futile attempts at learning magic in the Mage's Guild as a child and expressed how relieved he was when she found her place in the Fighter's Guild instead. Bishop didn't say much, just listened, laughed a few times and enjoyed his dinner. He took a few scraps of meat from his plate and tossed them to Karnwyr who'd been staring up at them the whole time, begging and whining for food.

As they finished their plates and the kitchen staff started bringing out the desserts Arch-Mage Aren said, "So, Lady Rona, I've heard you have quite the lovely voice. Any chance you would share a song with us this evening?"

She frowned at her father, "Ata! Stop bragging about me!"

She pushed him playfully on the arm and he chuckled, "I do agree with Savos, I think it would be delightful to hear you sing something."

She looked over the group of students all chattering, finishing their dinners and a few picking up some desserts. "In front of all these people?" She felt her cheeks burn red. She'd sang in front of large crowds before. The biggest was probably at Alec's Performance in Windhelm, though that was more a show of strength to Ulfric than to show off for anyone. Every other time she sang in front of crowds it was necessary - singing songs of power while she fought dragons and saved lives.

Bishop was drinking mead from a flagon and said, "Getting cold feet for once Ladyship? I think you should definitely do it. Show these mages a thing or two about real magic."

Serlas said, "Of course you don't have to if you don't want to my dear."

Rona sunk in her seat and looked over the crowd again. She noticed one mage in particular that annoyed her. It was the breton mage, Darren. He was sitting among a group of haughtier looking students, drinking heavily and talking loudly. He glanced up at the table and her eyes met his. He flashed her an attempt at a charming smile and called, "Oh lovely rose! Over here!"

She really wanted to wipe that stupid grin off his arrogant face. A similar feeling she'd had in Windhelm once. She sat up straighter and cleared her throat and asked her father, "Who's that mage? Daniel or something?" Purposely giving him the wrong name.

"Hm," Serlas glanced up from his apple dumpling, "Ah, that is Darren. A highly accomplished mage. Very powerful conjurer, he's quite exemplary with destruction as well."

Arch-Mage Aren sneered, "And yet with all that talent he still finds ways to wreak havoc in nearly every hold he visits. Got himself thrown from Solitude not too long ago. Seems to think we wouldn't consider expelling him due to his personal talent. He's on his last chance now though."

Bishop muttered, "Arrogant little prick isn't he? Someone should knock him down a peg or two."

Serlas looked over at Bishop curiously but before he could ask anything Rona got up and said, "I think I will sing."

All three of them looked up at her surprised and she said, "What? I like to sing. But I'll need," she thought for a moment as a song came to mind, "I need a piano."

"Hmm, a piano velvynen? Been a while since you played one. You're sure?" Serlas asked. She nodded firmly and with a gentle incantation and a wave of his hand he conjured an entire grand piano onto the floor right out of thin air.

The students chattering died down a bit as they looked over at the smooth and glossy redwood instrument. She wandered around to the front of the table and noticed Darren eyeing her as he threw her a salacious grin. She ignored it though and sat down at the small seat in front of the piano, she was facing more towards the head table than at the students, which was fine. It gave her a nice view of Bishop. She cracked her knuckles and ran her fingers over the keys trying to remember how to play.

Bishop leaned over to Serlas and said, "Is there an instrument she doesn't know how to play?"

Serlas stroked his beard and said, "Anything brass. She never did care for the trumpets and horns... thank the gods," he added with a laugh.

Bishop shook his head and smiled down at her as the keys tinkled and she started to sing a rather sad song that echoed throughout the stone room.

(The song is Lesson Learned by Sharon Den Adel)

"I couldn't care less if the world's gone mad, I couldn't care less, wouldn't turn my head
I couldn't care less, I couldn't care less, The heart of the soul is not untouchable
Hard to hold on to what's beautiful, There's no control, no control
When you talk about us, can you feel the fire in us
Do you ever miss?You would never miss
Through the darkness I swear, I can see your love in there
You never miss, you never miss"

The room rumbled slightly as her voice grew more powerful and a strange reverberation filled the room. Then Eira and Jillian joined her, Eira seated on the piano facing the students, white flames licking her body and Jillian leaning against it, arms crossed and staring straight at Bishop, sharp blue eyes piercing into his own. Her stare made him uncomfortable and he found this song to be strange and... unnerving. The two Dragonborn women sang with her.

Everyone else was enthralled though. No one could peel their eyes away from her or the two ghostly women if they tried.

"I couldn't care less by the reasons why, I couldn't care less if it's wrong or wise
I couldn't care less, I couldn't care less
I wouldn't be here if it all made sense, Thought if I only could understand
It would hurt less, It would hurt less
When you talk about us, Can you feel the fire in us
Do you ever miss?You never miss
Through the darkness I swear, I can see your love in there
You never miss, You never miss"

The room shook slightly and a strange light seemed to emanate from the ceiling, pouring into the room and making everything glitter.

"Don't wanna lead a heartless life, Don't wanna feel numb inside
Don't wanna lead, Don't wanna lead
Don't wanna lead a heartless life
It's a lesson learned, it's a lesson learned
Love is in a world of hurt, hurt
Our love is in a world of hurt, hurt
Our love is in a world of hurt"

She finished her song with a few keys on the piano and took a breath. Not understanding why she chose that song. It had just come to mind for some reason. Our love lives in a world of hurt? That was certainly true for her... for them.

Rona didn't have much opportunity to think more on it when a loud CRACK and BOOM came from the room above them in the Hall of Elements. Most of the students screamed and the professors all stood up abruptly, the Arch-Mage and the others swept past her and directed the students out of the dining hall. Serlas came right up to her and said, "We need to vacate the dining hall! Quickly now!"

He grasped her arm with Bishop and Karnwyr following close behind. She shouted over the commotion, "What's happening?"

"I'm not sure," he said, "I think it may be the Eye of Magnus."

"That orb?" She questioned. But Serlas said no more about it, his only focus was getting her away from the potential danger.

They joined the crowd of students outside in the dark and wintry storm and he said firmly, "Stay here." Then he left with the other professors to go into the Hall of Elements.

Bishop stood by her, arms crossed as they all waited. She was feeling very anxious about the whole thing and wanted to go help. But she'd promised Bishop she wouldn't go running headfirst into danger anymore. It was an agitating feeling standing around helplessly.

They stood there for a few minutes before Bishop said, "We should go check on them." She glanced over at him and he smiled. He knew she was worried and knew how much she hated waiting. Together they ran for the doors and burst inside. But all was surprisingly calm. Though the room was strangely bright and it almost looked like flecks of snow were floating all around them. All of the professors, including her father and even Ancano the Thalmor Justiciar, stood in front of a strange looking altmer who was dressed in yellow robes with a hood raised over his head. He was speaking quite quickly.

Rona glanced at Bishop and made to speak when she noticed something very unusual about him. He looked frozen in time. As though he were going to walk forward, but paused with one foot in the air, arms swinging. It wasn't her shout though. She didn't recall shouting at all. In fact, with Slow Time things usually kept moving, just very slowly. This however was time stopped.

She looked back at the professors too and noticed they were also unmoving from their positions around the altmer and the orb. The only three people still moving were herself, her father and the strange altmer.

She tentatively approached them and overheard the altmer saying, "-energy coming from it is growing. She cannot stay here. Her powers are affecting it. You are fortunate that I was able to stop it in time, but so long as she remains here with it and for as long as it stays here, the more dangerous this situation becomes. And so I have come here personally to tell you it must be dealt with."

Serlas said, "You are with the Psijics. Are you not able to take it away? To stop it yourselves?"

"I'm afraid it's not that simple," the elf replied seriously, "You must understand, the Psijic Order does not typically... intervene directly in events. My presence here will be seen as an affront to some within the Order and as soon as we have finished, I will be leaving your College. I'm all too aware that my arrival has aroused suspicion, especially in Ancano, your Thalmor associate. Nevertheless, my Order will not act directly. You must take it upon yourself to do so."

The elf noticed Rona slowly approaching and shouted, "NO! Stop yourself Dragonborn! Do not come any closer!"

Rona held and Serlas turned back to her and angrily shouted, "Velvyn! I told you to wait outside!" Then he looked around mystified, "She is able to move within the spell?"

"I told you, she is too powerful," the altmer spoke to her then, "Leave us immediately Dragonborn, lest you cause any more damage."

She knew he hadn't meant it the way he said it, but it still stung quite a bit. Here she was in a Mage's College, being told that she was the reason for causing some kind of damage. It was just like the Mage's Guild all over again. She relented however, nodded and quickly retreated back out the doors. She had no choice but to leave Bishop and Karnwyr frozen in time.

The minute she was outside, however, everything was normal again and the students were all still standing around and muttering to one another in mostly darkness with a few candlelight spells hovering around.

A bosmer mage brave enough to approach her asked in his deep and raspy voice, "Well? Is everything alright? The whole place isn't coming down is it?"

She said, "Uh... no. Everything's fine. But everyone should avoid the Hall of Elements for now. Please, everyone go back to your rooms."

The students looked relieved and turned away to head back to the common rooms. Darren however walked right up to her with his smug smile sprawled across his face. He took a quick bow and said, "Lady... Rona was it? A pleasure to formally make your acquaintance."

She held a hand upright in front of his face and said, "Look, Darren, was it? I'm not interested. I'm sure that was quite clear when I entered the bath with my companion." She was being more bold, holding back her embarrassment at even mentioning that she shared a bath with Bishop.

His lip curled slightly, "Yes, I thought it so odd that you would share a bath with that animal. Though I just assumed he needed help picking the ticks off himself." He took a step closer to her and she just stared at him with half-lidded eyes. "Why so acrimonious sweet rose? I only wish to tell you that I enjoyed your lovely song. And you're Master Thoraminh's ever famous daughter as well? You must be quite talented with your magics. I'd love to see your power... perhaps I might even be able to teach you a few things myself." He reached out and swiped one of her wavy locks from her shoulder.

She heard a loud scoff behind her and turned to see Bishop back outside, arms crossed and scowling angrily at the mage. He barked, "Do you really think she needs anything from you, little mage?"

Darren pulled out all his daring and strode right up to Bishop, though he was half a head shorter and was forced to look up at him as he said, "Don't tempt me ranger. I'll make you regret your words!"

Bishop laughed in his face and leaned over smirking, "You? You're just a boy, over filling his breeches, trying to act tough."

"Your audacious behavior needs correction, barbarian," he suddenly made his hands go alight with crackling destruction magic.

Bishop snarled at him, drawing his dagger, but Rona feeling her own ire rising said sweetly, "Oh Darren-"

Her turned to her and she punched him right in the nose and sent him toppling over. It was entirely too satisfying. Now she knew why Bishop did it all the time.

Bishop stared at her wide-eyed with the biggest grin on his face as he shouted, "Damn woman! I think you actually broke his nose!"

"Good," she said crossly as she tried to ignore the stinging ache in her knuckles and said, "Piss off Darren."

Darren looked up at her, nose bloody and utterly astounded that she'd even hit him. The two of them walked away, heading towards the large gates that led into the college. Bishop was smirking at her and trying to stifle a laugh when he said, "You actually punched him. Where am I right now? Is this even real?"

She laughed and said, "Well, I didn't want you to take away my satisfaction of knocking him down a peg."

"You are damn fucking sexy when you stand up for yourself Ladyship," he grasped her around the waist and looked into her eyes. Fiery desire burned behind his as he said, "We might just have to rent the bath again."

She grasped his shoulders pulling herself up for a passionate kiss. They were interrupted a minute later by the sound of a man clearing his throat loudly. They pulled apart and turned to see Serlas standing by, a small smile perking at the corners of his mouth. Rona's face turned crimson as she realized that was the first time her father had ever seen her kiss Bishop. Not to mention so ridiculously lip locked as they were. The ranger also turned away slightly and put a hand to his mouth, coughing slightly.

Serlas didn't mention it, thankfully, when he asked, "Well then, velvyn, I take it you overheard most of what the Psijic mage told us?"

"I did," she said, "Are you going to be alright with that thing here?"

"There are some things I must go take care of in order to rid our college of the orb's presence," Serlas looked troubled as he spoke, "It will probably take up most of the rest of my time here and I will not be able to keep checking on Septimus, unfortunately."

"Is there anything we can do to help?" She asked with unease.

"No, velvynen. I think it best if you both make your way to Solitude," he said, "When I've taken care of my tasks here I will meet you both there and we will continue our journey."

She sighed but nodded and gave him a big hug and said, "A tandile tye Ata. We'll see you in three weeks?"

"Three weeks," he confirmed, "A tandile tye velvynen."

Serlas smiled at Bishop and said, "Take care of her for me, but watch out for yourself as well, won't you?"

"Always Serlas. You take care as well," Bishop gave him that friendly bear hug men always went in for, patting each other on the back.

Serlas said, "I'm not entirely sure what's changed in you Bishop, but I quite like it."

Bishop smirked at him, "Met a really good man not unlike yourself."

They said their farewells once more and Serlas opened the gates for them with his magic. Bishop whistled for Karnwyr and asked Rona, "So what the hell happened back there? One minute we're walking into that building and you're there, then the next you're not."

She laughed, "Just more of that magic shit you hate so much."

He threw an arm around her shoulders and said, "Hmph... figured as much. Can't wait to leave this nuthouse!"