Thanks for the advice Cyricist. I already accounted for most of what you said, though the social difference slipped my mind. I hope I can somehow manage to do this too.
As for chapter size, I'm not sure whether I can make it longer but I'll try to. It's just that sometimes I reach a point where ending the chapter seems like the logical thing to do. It's hard to explain.
From my understanding magicka comes from Aetherius and the stars as they flow into Mundus. So everyone in Halkengenia should also be able to cast magic as result of having a sun and stars. I also suspect that commoners there could also cast magic if given a wand and proper training but that's probably never going to happen and if it did it'll be written off as the commoner being the illegitimate child of a noble.
Louise was shocked, afraid and confused in that order. That Motabe had turned out to be an Elf was a shock. A Elf, mankind's greatest enemies. That shock had turned to fear, when she remembered that a single Elf was at least Triangle class mage.
This Motabe said he was Archmage. While she didn't know what that was it sounded like a position of authority so that must mean he was really powerful. Maybe he was even Square class or beyond.
Of course this fear turned to confusion when she realized that the two nobles they met were more surprised at her outburst than the fact there was an Elf in the building. This confusion only went further when she saw that even Motabe was surprised, didn't he know that humans and Elves were enemies?
Colbert on the other hand looked far calmer than he should be. This was true since on the inside he was panicking. So far the Elf seemed peaceful but who knows how long that would last. But if wanted him and Louise dead he would have attacked earlier. And why what was an Elf doing in a human city anyway?
"Yes that is I am, but I prefer to call my race by; Bosmer" Motabe slowly said careful to not provoke their two strange visitors.
Bosmer? What was a Bosmer? Some kind of Elven group? Louise thought.
"No, that is my race's name." Replied Motabe.
Realizing that she had spoken her thoughts aloud, she squeaked in a mixture of fear and embarrassment as the Elf looked at her with gentle eyes.
"You have no reason to fear me. I will not hurt you." He said in a soothing voice.
She must have looked like she didn't believe him as he asked. "Why do you think I'm going to hurt you?"
It was Colbert who answered this as he stepped protectively in front of Louise. "The Elves have been constant enemies of humans for thousands of years. Why should you be any different?" He said with barred teeth.
The Elf stepped toward them. Immediately she and Colbert tensed, expecting his imminent attack.
What he did next surprised them. Motabe dropped down to one knee and softly said. "I swear that your stay here shall be in peace and that I shall let no harm shall befoul you should I be able to stop it."
Their jaws dropped. Here was an all-powerful Elf kneeling before them. Motabe got back to his feet a small smile gifting his lips.
"Does that satisfy you?" he asked in that soft voice of his.
Louise and Colbert could only nod dumbly as Kraldar cleared his throat behind them, apparently tired of being ignored.
"As interesting as this drama is, I still have no idea what you have brought them here for Motabe."
"Ah, right" as Motabe remembered his purpose here. "I found these two just outside the city gate and I have never heard of this nation of Tristan that we apparently found ourselves in. I suppose my first theory is now void, not that I expected it to be true. I rather hoped it was though."
"If that's the case then what about your other two the-"
"Wait. Who are you people?" asked Colbert, finally regaining his wits.
Louise, behind him, was still out of it, her mind struggling to comprehend an Elf not trying to kill her and even kneeling and swearing an oath of protection to her. A little drool could be seen dripping down her mouth as her eyes remained unfocused.
The two Nords and the Bosmer turned to Colbert. It was Thonjolf who answered.
"You stand before the Jarl of Winterhold, Jarl Kraldar. I am his housecarl Thonjolf and I believe you are already in acquaintance with the Archmage of the College of Winterhold, Motabe."
"Jarl? Housecarl? Archmage?" Colbert spluttered obviously not understanding the terminology used.
Motabe seeing his confusion elaborated for him. "A Jarl is like a lord of a region. A housecarl acts as his advisor and guard while an Archmage is the leader of a mage's guild or in this case the College of Winterhold."
"You mentioned that you were a Bosmer. What is that?" inquired Colbert.
"It means Wood Elf, 'Bos' for Wood and 'Mer' for elf. Though we have no such war between your humans that lasted 10000 years.' Motabe explained.
Interesting. "Nothing that I have heard here of matches anything I know of Halkengenia. And how did you manage to bring an entire city to Tristan" Colbert asked despite having a sneaking suspicion of the answer.
Thonjolf snorted. "Tis the work of Mages, though not our mages it appears."
Motabe nodded. "The amount of magicka required to somehow teleport an entire city is beyond mortal means. Though it's possible one of the Daedric Princes had a hand in this. If so then I suggest it was Sheogorath."
The Bosmer looked annoyed as he brought up old memories. "Bringing an entire city from mundus to a completely different plane to see us squirm would seem like something the Mad God would do for entertainment. How he could have managed it, however, eludes me"
"If Daedra's involved then nothing good will ever come of it. I'm still wondering on how I'm going to announce this." Said Kraldar, as he joined into the conversation.
"My Jarl, I would suggest that you be bold and give it personally to a large crowd. That way people can draw inspiration from your calm during this crisis and reduce the panic that will inevitably follow." Suggested Thonjolf.
"And maybe tell them that this is not the work of the College. I would not like to face a fallout between my College and Winterhold." Added Motabe.
Colbert stayed quiet throughout this trying to think of excuses for his presence here. They will eventually ask why he was here and he couldn't tell them that Louise may have brought them here.
They probably won't accept that, as a teacher, he brought his student into danger by investigating a mysterious city that appeared. His introduction as a Professor at the Tristan Academy of Magic further limited his options.
Despite his inner turmoil he maintained a calm façade on the outside. His face interested, but not overtly so to avoid attention.
"But I digress; we were talking about our guests to our fair city. Now Colbert, was it, what are you doing here at the city gates."
Colbert cursed his luck as Kraldar asked him the very question he had been dreading. Already the other two had turned quiet as they awaited his answer.
What could he do? He didn't want to tell them about Louise, the dangers were too great. They would demand her to send them back, which was quite reasonable if they knew how, and failing that might keep her here to study whatever magic she performed.
But if he lied he risked them finding out. Eventually they will leave the city and since a whole class more or less witnessed Louise summoning a distant city that brought snow with it; it would be hard to keep that a secret. And what if they saw through his lies, he was never a very good liar, being too honest with himself, and lying to what appears to be two politicians was going to be hard.
Opting to go with the truth and hope for the best he truthfully answered. "We came here to investigate the city after Miss Valliere's strange familiar summoning."
Motabe raised an eyebrow at that. "A familiar summoning? Well that explains why her voice sounded familiar she was the summoner."
Thonjolf then looked at the girl in question, who seeing that she was now the centre of attention straightened out of her stupor. "So why can't the girl just send us back?"
Louise bristled at the way he dismissively addressed her. "I have a name. It's Louise Françoise Le Blanc De la Valliere"
Inwardly Colbert palmed himself at Louise's lack of tact. There were times where taking a more subtle approach was better and her domineering demeanour was not proving an asset here so far.
Thonjolf was less than pleased with this and looked ready to retort before Kraldar silenced him with a wave of his hand.
Getting off his throne he walked towards Louise. Colbert looked ready to jump in again before Motabe put a hand onto his shoulder, restraining him. "Don't worry, he won't hurt her." He whispered.
The words relaxed him a bit. But only slightly as Kraldar stood in front of Louise, looking like an imposing giant compared to the small human that Louise was.
Kraldar looked down onto Louise. His large form casting a shadow over her smaller frame. Louise's legs trembled in fear but her face was straight and determined as she stared right back at the giant in front of her. Her mother's words, the rule of steel, kept her firm despite how much she really wanted to run away from this confrontation.
"Well then Louise why can't you send us back then" Kraldar said his voice deep and threatening.
Casting off her fear, she answered the hulk before her. "I don't know how." she answered honestly.
There was silence in the hall as they waited for either to make a move.
Finally Kraldar subsided and withdrew back to his throne. "Well at least your honest about it girl."
Louise ignored the jibe as she finally let out the breath she didn't know she was holding in.
"Still, can't you at least try to send us back?" Kraldar asked as he lounged on the throne again.
"Magic that is not understood is best not to be tried." Answered Motabe in her stead.
"It would be better if we studied the spell that brought us here and try to reverse engineer it. Hopefully once we gain a thorough understanding of it, we can recast it to return to Winterhold."
Kraldar frowned. "Knowing you mages, that could take years."
"Better than us all teleporting to a different unknown plane. And next time we might not be in as hospitable lands."
"The Academy would be glad to give their aid to this venture. It is due to us that your city is here and we have a moral obligation to help you." Offered Colbert.
Motabe looked at Colbert and the old Professor flinched, still not used to seeing an Elf even if he was apparently of a different kind. "My thanks for your offer, we would gladly accept you aid."
"Now that we have that somewhat cleared, I must ask where exactly did we end up at?" asked Kraldar directing his question at the bespectacled man and his student.
"Well, the nation you're in is the Kingdom of Tristan. To the north is the…"
Louise and Colbert rode back to the academy. An entourage of grey cloaked soldiers and armoured battlemages rode with them. One of Kraldar's 'Thanes', Arlerus Jurulonus, rode beside them. Their horses barely could keep up, but the sheer size and endurance made up for its lack of speed.
Jarl Kraldar had apparently decided that it was for the best that he dispatch Arlerus with them to explain things on their side when the Tristan Crown came to investigate. Considering there was a large portion of land near the academy now becoming a snow field, said investigation could not be far behind them.
He could not come himself unfortunately, as Thonjolf pointed out, since it might cause a panic if people found out the Jarl had left the city. No, the Jarl had decided to stay behind and break the news of their predicament to his people. He joked that if it was him then they wouldn't throw things at him for bringing them the bad news.
It had become clear the further out they went how much the landscape had changed. It was as if the entire earth had shifted to make room for the new territory that 'dropped' right into it. Where the once was lush fields and farmland was now frozen tundra. The local wildlife was nowhere to be seen and white coated wolves could be seen prowling about.
It was not as if all disappeared. Instead the natural Tristan soil appeared to have been shifted apart to make room for what the newcomers called their Hold of Winterhold. A strange name, but suitable seeing that winter never appeared to end here.
They encountered a few villages that obviously was part of Winterhold, there was a talking cat!, on their return journey to the academy. It was really a miracle that the two Tristanians didn't notice them earlier, being too focused on reaching the much more obvious city.
They were stopped at Fort Kastav, the fort that now apparently marked the boundary between Tristan and Winterhold. The Winterhold soldiers within had spotted them and intercepted them in hopes of finding out what had happened and why they now had completely different scenery on their horizon.
It took a quick explanation of the situation for them to let them pass. They excluding Louise's part in it as Motabe, Kraldar, Colbert and even Thonjolf had agreed that it was dangerous for the knowledge of who brought them here to be common. There may be those within Winterhold who would try to exact some petty vengeance on her for stealing them away from Skyrim. Which was quite counterproductive seeing that she was their best hope of going back.
Seeing the familiar walls of the Academy again, Louise let herself relax. The last hours had been taxing on her and Colbert. Neither were used to the extreme cold that weather of Winterhold brought daily. Nor were they used to dealing with the people itself.
Nobles and politicians were not meant to be like the Nord leaders she encountered. The two had been loud, impolite and arrogant in their own way. They acted more like commoners than actual Nobles.
Yet she couldn't help but admit that they had a charm to them. They were easy to talk to, or at least Jarl Kraldar was, and seemed to genuinely care about their people and took their responsibilities seriously. Something that many Nobles seem to forget nowadays she noted with disappointment.
Once past the gates and into the courtyard, they immediately began to attract attention. It was midday by then and most Academy dwellers were having their lunch. There were also a large number of second years tending to their new familiars.
The 'Zero' and Professor Colbert returning with around just over 20 other riders bearing an unknown banner was more than enough to cause a stir in the academy.
They dismounted near the main gate as she and Colbert led Arlerus through the Academy and into the Headmaster's office, leaving their escort to deal with all the questions that was going to be asked about their arrival.
Thankfully the headmaster was for once not ogling his secretary when they entered his office. Instead he was sitting comfortably in his chair, back straight and looked as if he knew exactly when they would enter his room.
Miss Longueville stood by his side as the trio got into the room while Colbert closed the door behind them to keep out unwanted ears.
Osmond rested his chin on his hands as he studied his guests. "Well, Jean when I sent you away to investigate Miss Valliere's 'summon' I didn't expect you to bring back guests. Well then why don't you introduce us?"
"Of course Headmaster, this is Arlerus Jurulonus, Thane of Winterhold. That was the city we now see."
Gesturing to the headmaster. "And this is Headmaster Osmond of the Magic Academy of Tristan, and his secretary Miss Loungueville."
Arlerus Jurulonus bowed his head slightly. "It is good to meet you Headmaster. And you too my lady."
The Headmaster returned the gesture. "Likewise"
"Now I must inquire as to why you are here at the academy?" asked Osmond.
Arlerus quickly replied. "Me and my men are here to await this lands Queen. My entire hold has been teleported here by magical means thanks to one of your students."
Louise flinched slightly at the reminder.
"It's only logical we meet with the local government to avoid misunderstandings. And as the generous Professor Colbert here, invited us to wait for them here, it's only civil to meet with you as the one in charge of this fine facility."
It was pretty speech but that was it. Obviously this one was used to the game of Lords and Kings.
"Oh is that so. Well then you and your men are free to stay as long as you like. I'll have the servants make room for your party to stay for the night. Princess Henreitta is expected here tomorrow so I doubt you will have to wait for long."
Arlerus looked confused slightly at the mention of the Princess. "That is a relief; I did not expect a royal party to arrive so quickly. Though I doubt otherwise it would not be our arrival that brought such a quick reaction from the crown would it?"
"I'm afraid not. The Princess is traveling here for the festival that the Academy will be arranging tomorrow."
The Thane let out a wistful sigh "I thought as much, though it would have helped my ego to know that royalty would come so quickly to meet me." He joked.
While they talked, Louise was starting to sweat. She had forgotten about the show. She was hoping to show off her new familiar proudly to her best friend and princess. She looked down at her hands sorrowfully, now she would never be able to do that.
While summoning Winterhold had more or less confirmed that she could indeed cast magic, she didn't have a familiar for the same reason. She couldn't go around contracting the tens of thousands of person in the Hold. Not to mention the number of mages that Winterhold was supposedly famous for.
"-lliere. Miss Valliere are you alright."
Shaking her head slightly she saw that the Imperial, as he called himself, was looking at here with worried eyes. Realizing that she dozed off again she stood back at attention. She must really stop doing that, it was what? The third time today she fell into a doze.
"Pa.. Pardon me." She meekly said. Her self-esteem plummeting as her lack of a familiar sunk into her heart.
"I asked are you all right Miss Valliere?"
"Oh… ah… I'm fine, really just thinking my familiar." She snapped her hands to her mouth. Did she just really just say that?
"Famil- Oh that" Arlerus realized.
Colbert rubbed his chin in thought. He had completely forgotten about that during everything else that happened today.
"You don't have one right? So why don't I teach you how to get one?" asked Arlerus.
Louise stared at him. "But… but the rules say I can't summon again."
She looked to Colbert for confirmation and was not disappointed. "Well yes the rules do say that and it is tradition for a mage to only have one familiar. After all they are intended to be your life long companions and partners."
"Well, what I have in mind will be more like a temporary summoning. It won't last as long, depending on how much magicka, or willpower, you call it here but since she's worried I don't mind teaching it. It'll give me something to do for the rest of the day anyway." Pressed Arlerus.
Colbert looked to the Headmaster as Osmond had a thoughtful look on his face. "Well, I don't see why not. It would give us a chance to see your magic in action anyhow. Of course Miss Valliere has to agree first."
Now he looked at her as he waited for her answer.
Should she? If she didn't she wouldn't have a familiar. If she did then she still wouldn't have a proper familiar but even a temporary one would be better than none.
The choice was rather obvious.
"Again" she muttered as she held her palm in front of her.
Louise once again tried the Conjure Familiar spell. The purple energy swirled inside her hands as she harnessed the magic. But like the other times it slipped out of her hands leaving her more and more exhausted.
When they had first tried the spell after meeting the Headmaster, Louise was literally bouncing with glee once she saw her magic didn't blow up in her face. The dark purple energy had gathered into her palm and she felt glorious. Finally she could cast magic.
Unfortunately her enjoyment at being able to cast magic had ruined her concentration causing the energy to explode in her hands. While it didn't hurt her in any way, it did leave her exhausted.
Arlerus had expressed surprise at how fast she got this. While it was only a novice level spell it normally still took at least a few days to gather the magicka especially for beginner mages which Louise was.
Unwilling to let a setback as small as this stop her she kept practicing, each time the magic dissipated only made her more determined. The magic she longed for was finally within her grasp and even if it was exhausting she was set on being able to use it by tonight.
Now it was dusk and most of the earlier students who had watched in amusement had long gone back to their quarters. Zerbst had surprisingly offered encouragement, or at least it could be encouragement as it could also be interpreted as an insult but had otherwise left her in peace.
Even Arlerus had left to get dinner, promising to bring some back for her while she pressed on.
Once again she tried. The purple energy staying in her hand noticeably longer than when she began but otherwise the result stayed the same. Louise groaned in disappointment, she just couldn't grasp the part where you had to hold it and throw it out of her hand.
Generating the power was easy. Putting it into her hand was relatively simple. But she just couldn't keep it there much less throw it at the ground.
"So how's the progress going Miss Valliere."
Turning around she spotted the Thane returning, his face content from eating his full. Beside him was a maid, holding a plate of steaming bread.
Louise's stomach rumbled loudly as it proclaimed its emptiness. She blushed in embarrassment when Arlerus grinned. Even the maid looked like she was trying not to look smile.
"Here, you should eat. There's no need to train nonstop. You've already made more progress than most I've seen. I think that deserves a break."
Louise took the plate off the maid as she began to wolf down the bread. Her hunger from missing out both lunch and dinner evident.
Arlerus still looked amused before turning to the maid. "Well, then Miss Siesta thanks for your help."
Seista bowed. "You're welcome my lord."
Arlerus frowned at the title. "Don't call me that, I'm not of noble blood. I'm more like a knight than a noble really."
Louise at first ignored the words before realising the implications of them. He wasn't a noble. Then how was he able to cast magic?
Voicing her question Arlerus looked at her confused. "Why do I need to be a noble to use magic?"
The maid was shocked now, just realizing what she meant. "Only nobles can cast magic. That's why the Founder gave it to the nobles, so they can lead the commoners."
Realisation dawned on Arlerus's face. "Ah that's right your Brimir gave you magic"
Looking at Louise "But you forget that we're not from your world, so the same rules don't apply. In Cyrodiil magic is limited only by the will to learn, though money and talent help a lot."
"But then how do your nobles lead if they don't have magic?" asked Siesta, confusion on her face. Louise nodded at the question, obviously also wanting to know.
The Imperial chuckled. "Some nobles are mages; there was once a Count Hassildor who was a powerful sorcerer, back during the Oblivion Crisis. But otherwise nobles rule because they tend to have the biggest army and the most backing from the populace."
"An army of soldiers and mages make a convincing argument to your right to rule after all."
Louise and Siesta slowly nodded at this seeing the strange logic in it.
Satisfied, Arlerus looked at Siesta. "Now that you brought it up, why don't you join Louise in learning how to conjure a familiar." It was more of a statement than a question as Siesta looked very surprised by the offer.
"But I'm not a noble, I don't have magic." Siesta argued.
Arlerus sighed. "Did you not listen, magic is limited only by ones will to learn. There's nothing stopping you to learn magic."
Louise interjected at his. "It's heresy for a commoner to learn magic though, and Brimir only gave magic to the nobles, commoners shouldn't even have the willpower to cast magic"
"We don't have a Brimir, and the Nine Divines don't discriminate. As for whether she had magicka or not, well we'll have to try to find out."
Louise could only watch as the Thane drilled the still confused Siesta though the same steps he gave her. When she managed to do accomplish what she couldn't do after hours of practice on her first attempt and a ghostly wolf materialised she was scared.
After Arlerus had assured them that it was in fact not a ghost and this was not necromancy, the maid stared at her familiar in shock. She nervously petted it and the wolf reacted like a tamed dog. Arlerus was muttering something about the number of geniuses here while the maid, getting over her fear of the ghostly wolf, was now interacting with it not unlike how the second years were treating their own familiars in the afternoon.
Seeing this Louise got coldly angry. Not at the maid, who's new familiar seemed to mock her failures. Not a her temporary teacher who was now busy telling Siesta how he had to bring her back to that academy of theirs to study and how talent like hers could not be wasted as a servant.
No she was angry at herself for not doing better. Angry that she let herself get beaten by a commoner. Angry at herself for not trying harder. This anger fuelled her strength and will.
All thoughts of how this was heresy left her head. She made a promise. She would master this spell if it was the last thing she did. As a noble she couldn't allow a commoner to best her that easily. She was going to do this or die trying she swore to herself.
Siesta doing better than Louise is just a fluke, nothing else. I'm assuming that Louise will be trying to hard which will affect her ability to cast while Siesta will be much more relaxed when doing it as she isn't really expecting it to work and is just playing along with a 'noble'.