Hey everyone.

So, yeah, it's been a while, and I sincerely apologize to the few people who read this story still. The last few weeks have been hell, what with work being crazy, and me being sick for almost a week, I just haven't had the time or energy to write much lately. But I finally decided to sit down and crank this one out, so here you go. Hope you all are having a good year so far (Me, not so much), so without further ado, I present chapter 9.

As always, feel free to leave any and all feedback.

Also, be sure to keep reading at the end, as I will be announcing a small "contest". Read below for more information.

Winterhold's Finest

Chapter 9: Things That Go Boom in the Night

Snow had been falling steadily for the last hour. For some reason, the falling snow gave her comfort as she stood in front of the window. Night was coming soon, giving the sky an orange glow. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling. She stayed that way for some time, and didn't move when she heard her door open and someone walk in.

A pair of hands gently landed her shoulders and began to slowly massage them, causing her to let out a soft moan. The hands moved lower, kneading the muscles in her upper back. This continued for several seconds, but eventually, she couldn't take it anymore. Turning around, she saw the man she loved, Revan. Without a moment's hesitation, she stepped forward and embraced him, her lips meeting his.

They remained this way for some time, each savoring the feeling of the other's embrace. Finally, she broke the kiss, leaning back to stare at Revan's face. A smile grew on her face, and with only a nod, she began to step back, pulling Revan with her. He smiled now as well as he guided her back towards the bed. With a laugh, she pulled him down onto the bed, where their lips met again, this time with increased passion. 'I hope this isn't just a dream' she thought as their passion escalated….

Brelyna woke up suddenly, shattering the dream she had been having. I just had to ruin it, just when it was getting good she thought sadly, remembering what had happened. She sat up, noticing her breathing was heavier than normal. It may have been a dream, but it felt so real she thought as she rubbed her eyes. Stifling a yawn, she got up and walked over to her mirror. Maybe it felt so real because I wish it were real she thought as she splashed water on her face. I need to tell him, today. Her mind made up, Brelyna moved over to her wardrobe to get dressed.

….

Fully awake and clothed, Brelyna walked out of her room. She looked down the hall and noticed that Revan's door was still closed. I hope he's alright after yesterday she thought as she approached his door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door. From the other side, she heard, "It's open."

Brelyna opened the door and stepped inside. Revan was sitting in his chair, the assassin daggers in his lap. "Good morning Revan. Did you sleep alright?" she asked, sitting on his bed.

Revan shook his head. "No, not really. Still trying to come to terms with everything." He said, still looking at the daggers.

Brelyna nodded. "I'm sure it's a lot to take in." They were silent for several seconds, Brelyna still trying to summon enough courage to say what she wanted to say. "You know, if you ever want to talk, about anything, you can talk to me."

Revan looked up and smiled weakly. "Thanks Brelyna, that means a lot, honestly." He hesitated a moment before continuing. "I've been on my own for so long, it's nice to have someone to talk to. Besides Tom, I didn't really have anyone else in my life that I could trust, until I came here. So, thank you."

Brelyna reached out and took Revan's hand. "I can relate to that. My family has always been pushing me to be as good as they are, but I don't want that. I just want to be who I am, and to do the best that I can. You're the first person I met who didn't judge me for my ancestry; I'm glad I met you." Now's my chance.

Revan squeezed Brelyna's hand, his smile growing wider. "I'm glad I met you too." They sat there, staring at each other for several moments, before Revan spoke again. "Well, I should probably get over to the Arcaneum. The Arch-Mage wanted me to see if there was any information about the orb we found. Would you care to join me?"

Brelyna blushed slightly, but nodded. "Yes, I'd like that." She said, releasing Revan's hand. Maybe then I can stop being such a coward and just tell him she thought as she stood up.

Revan stood up as well, putting the daggers on his bedside table. "I need to finish getting dressed first before we go."

Brelyna nodded. "Ok, I'll meet you outside then." She said, turning to leave. But before she reached the door, she turned back and walked up to Revan. Before he could say anything, she leaned in and kissed his cheek. "Thanks again Revan, for everything." Turning back so he couldn't see her blush, she walked out quickly, closing the door behind her.

Revan stood there motionless for several moments, his mind racing. Well that was….unexpected he thought. Reaching up to touch the spot her lips had touched, he smiled. I could get used to that though.

….

"Saarthal, huh? Trying to find out more about that orb thing you found?" Urag said from behind his desk. "You're in luck. That idiot Orthorn almost ran off with the exact book you need. Let me go get it."

Revan nodded. "Happy to help. And don't worry, I won't run off with it." He said.

Urag just grunted as he rummaged through one of the bookshelves. "Ah, here it is, 'Night of Tears'." He walked back to his desk and handed the book to Revan. "Try to keep this in good condition please."

Revan accepted the book. "Thank you, I'll take good care of it." He said, getting another grunt in response before Urag returned to his own book. Turning back, Revan noticed Brelyna had wandered off to look at one of the bookshelves. Looking at her face from the side, she appeared to be deep in thought. Wonder what she's thinking about he thought as he walked up to her. "Hey, you ok?" he asked gently.

Brelyna jumped slightly, not realizing he was standing next to her. "What? Oh, yes, I'm ok." She said, not sounding entirely convinced. "Actually, no, there's something I wanted to ask you Revan."

"Brelyna, you can ask me anything. What's going on?" Revan said, trying not to sound worried. She gestured him over to a table situated between two bookshelves. Revan nodded and made his way to it, Brelyna right behind him. Pulling out one of the chairs, Revan sat down. "Does this have anything to do with what you wanted to talk about yesterday?" he asked kindly.

Brelyna nodded. "Yes, it does. I've been meaning to ask you this for some time now. I was just wondering, if..." she began.

She was interrupted by a voice coming from behind them however. "Mr. Midley, I've been looking for you."

Moments earlier

"Are you sure we should be doing this? I mean, it seems like we're violating their privacy." Onmund whispered.

"Don't you want to know if anything happens?" Tom whispered back, his eyes fixed on Revan and Brelyna. "Everything's been building up to this point, I'm sure of it. Now shut up before they hear you."

Onmund shook his head, but his gaze was also fixed on the nearby table. They weren't able to hear what was being said, but Onmund could guess based on their body language. "I just wish we could know what they were saying."

"What who is saying?" said a voice from behind them. Onmund jumped back and almost fell over. "It's not polite to spy on others you know." Said Ancano, who had come up behind them.

"I…uh….uh….I think I hear J'Zargo calling us, Tom. We should go." Onmund stammered before running off, Tom right behind him.

Ancano smirked as the two apprentices raced off. Seems this school could use some discipline. Perhaps I should bring this up Emissary Elenwen when I return to the Embassy he thought as he approached Revan.

"Mr. Midley, I've been looking for you." Ancano said as he reached the table.

Revan looked up at the Thalmor agent. "Well sir, you've found me. What can I do for you?"

Ancano smiled. "Right to the point, good. I was hoping you could tell me why a mage from the Psijic Order is in the Arch-Mage's quarters, and why he is asking to speak to you."

Revan's eyes widened. "The Psijic Order? Here? What do they want with me?" he asked.

Ancano's smile faded. "He did not say. He was adamant that he speak to you, so here I am. Follow me please." Ancano turned and began walking away.

Revan sighed. "Guess I should follow him." Looking at Brelyna, he smiled. "We'll talk more after I find out what's going on, ok?"

Brelyna nodded. "Ok, see you soon." She said, as Revan stood up and followed Ancano out of the Arcaneum. Once he was out of earshot, she sighed. Once again, so close. Why is this so hard? She thought, putting her head down on the table. Well, while I'm waiting, I might as well get some work done. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a small notebook and opened it. Now, where was I?

….

A knock on the door interrupted the Arch-Mage's thoughts. "Ah, that must be Ancano. Hopefully he was able to find Revan." He said as he moved to the door. He opened it to reveal Ancano and Revan.

"Arch-Mage Aren, I've found him." Ancano said as he walked into the room, Revan behind him.

"Revan, good to see you again." Savos said, noticing Revan's cautious stance as he entered the room. Letting out a chuckle, he continued, "I assure you, you are not in any trouble. Our guest here wanted to speak to you."

Revan nodded, but did not relax his guard. Looking over at the stranger, Revan noticed he had the same robes as the mage who had confronted him inside of Saarthal. Well, certainly looks the part he thought as he walked towards the man. "You are from the Psijic Order?" he said to the stranger.

The man nodded. "I am. My name is Quaranir." He said, as the air around them turned blue. Revan immediately recognized that time had stopped in the same way it had in Saarthal. "Please do not be alarmed. I mean you no harm." Quaranir continued.

Revan's hand had subconsciously rested on the hilt of his dagger. "The whole time-freezing thing is not exactly the best first impression, impressive though it may be."

Quaranir smiled. "I'd simply like to talk to you, and I have given us the chance to do so privately. I'm afraid I can't do this for long, so we must be brief."

Revan relaxed slightly, but his hand remained on his dagger. "Alright, I suppose I will listen to what you have to say."

Quaranir bowed at this. "I'm glad you at least have an open mind. That will be helpful before long." He straightened up, his smile fading. "The situation here at your College is of dire importance, and attempts to contact you as we have previously have failed. I believe it is due to the very source of our concern- this object, "The Eye of Magnus", as your people have taken to calling it."

Quaranir began pacing in front of Revan. "The energy coming from it has prevented us from reaching you with the visions you have already seen. The longer it remains here, the more dangerous the situation becomes. And so, I have come here personally to tell you it must be dealt with."

"If this orb is so dangerous, why didn't you do something about it?" Revan asked.

Quaranir stopped pacing and looked at Revan. "I'm afraid it's not that simple. 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, so as soon as we have finished I will be leaving your College. I am also aware that my arrival has attracted suspicion, especially in your Arch-Mage's advisor. Nevertheless, my Order will not act directly; you must take it upon yourself to do so."

Revan considered what Quaranir had said for a moment. "So it sounds like I don't have much of a choice. What must I do?"

Quaranir smiled again. "I'm glad you wish to help, as you may be the only one who can. Many in the Order believe that if the Eye remains here, it will be misused. We believe something will happen soon that cannot be avoided. Therefore, your efforts would be best directed towards dealing with the aftermath, whatever that may be." Quaranir looked around as the air around them began to slowly return to normal. "I fear I may have already overstepped the bounds of my Order, but I can offer this: seek out the Augur of Dunlain, here in your College. His perception may be clearer than ours."

"Who is the Augur of Dunlain? I've never heard of him." Revan said.

"He was a student here, but now he is something….different." Quaranir replied.

"And where might I find him?" Revan asked.

Quaranir shook his head. "I am unsure. He is within the College, that much I know. One of your colleagues must know where to find him." Quaranir closed his eyes. "I am sorry I cannot be of further help. This conversation requires a great deal of effot on my part." Opening his eyes, Quaranir continued, "Now, I'm afraid I must leave. We will continue to watch over you Revan, and guide you as best we can. It is within you to succeed, never forget that."

As Quaranir finished speaking, the air around them returned to normal fully. Revan looked around at Savos and Ancano, who had begun moving again. "I'm sorry, were you about to say something?" Savos said to Quaranir.

Quaranir looked at Savos. "I'm afraid there has been misunderstanding. I clearly should not be here. I shall take my leave." He said innocently.

"What?!" Ancano burst out. "You ask for a specific member of the College, I bring him to you, and now you simply want to leave without telling us why you came? What are you up to?"

"I am not 'up' to anything, mister Ancano. I apologize if I have offended you in any way. Now, excuse me." Quaranir said, walking out of the room.

Ancano looked at the door as it closed behind the monk. "We will see about this…." He growled, walking out the room as well, leaving Savos and Revan. Savos appeared to be deep in thought, stroking his beard.

Revan turned to look at Savos, who was studying the place the Psijic mage had just been. "Sir, are you alright?" he asked.

Savos looked up and gave a small smile. "Yes Revan, I am. I'm just trying to figure out what happened is all."

Revan nodded. "As am I sir." He paused to consider his next words. "Sir, do you know who the Augur of Dunlain is?"

Savos's smile faded as he stared at Revan. "Where did you hear that name? Has Tolfdir been telling stories again?" Savos shook his head. "I thought I made it clear to him that this is an inappropriate subject for conversation. Please do not allow him to discuss this further, am I clear?"

Revan was slightly taken aback by Savos' attitude change, but he nodded. "Perfectly clear sir. I'm sorry I brought it up."

Savos sighed. "I suppose it's not your fault. It's just, well, a rather touchy subject, and one I'd prefer not to get into right now. "

Revan nodded again. "Understandable sir. I think I'll take my leave now, if there's nothing else." When Savos didn't respond, Revan quickly backed out of the room and went back down the stairs. Well, at least I have a lead now he thought as he walked into the main hall.

He immediately noticed the giant orb floating in the middle of the room. Wow, that is impressive. I didn't really get a good look at it down in Saarthal; that's certainly something Revan thought as he approached the orb. He reached out his hand towards the orb, but keeping his distance to be cautious. As his hand got close, he could feel the pure magicka radiating off the surface. What was this thing made to do?

Looking around, Revan saw Tolfdir standing off to the side studying the orb. Revan walked up to him and cleared his throat. "Excuse me, sir?" he said, but Tolfdir appeared not to hear him. "Sir!" Revan said louder, causing Tolfdir to jump slightly.

"Oh, I'm sorry my boy. I didn't notice you were there. This orb is simply fascinating. Anyway, what can I do for you?" Tolfdir said.

"I'm looking for the Augur of Dunlain, do you know where I might find him?" Revan asked.

Tolfdir's eyes widened. "Well, that's a name I haven't heard in some time. It's been years since I've spoken to him. I suppose he would still be down in the Midden. If you go see him, please tell him 'hello' for me, would you?"

Revan nodded. "I will sir. Where is the Midden?" he asked.

"Underneath the College. There is a trap door on the right-hand side as you leave the Hall of Elements. It's not the friendliest of places, so if you go down there, please be careful."

Revan nodded again. "I will sir. Thank you for your help." He said, glad to finally know where to go.

Tolfdir smiled. "It's no trouble at all. Happy to help." He said as he turned back to the orb, leaving Revan to contemplate his next step.

Knowing where he had to go, Revan walked out of the Hall and entered the dorms. He was about to open his door when an idea came to him. Leaving his room, Revan walked down the hall and knocked on another door. "Who's there?" a voice said.

"Your one and only friend in this world." Revan said with a smirk.

The door opened to reveal Tom. "Wait, you're not Onmund." He said with a laugh. "What can I do for you?"

"I'm going on a bit of an adventure, thought you might want to tag along." Revan said.

Tom started bouncing on the balls of his feet. "Oh really? You want me to come with you? Oh boy, I never thought this day would come!" he said excitedly, but dripping with sarcasm.

Revan shrugged. "Or I could ask J'Zargo or Onmund. They might be better company." He said, grinning.

"Ha ha, real funny Rev." Tom said, causing Revan to laugh. "Alright, I'm in. So where are we going?"

"Grab anything you think you'll need and meet me outside the Hall of Elements. I'll explain there." Revan said before walking back to his room. Once inside, he opened his wardrobe and pulled out his sword belt. He looped it around his waist and pulled the strap tight. Grabbing a couple of potions, Revan walked briskly out of his room and out of the dorms.

He didn't have to wait long as Tom soon appeared next to him. "Alright, all set. So, what's the plan?" Tom said, adjusting one of his boot straps.

Revan gestured for Tom to follow him. "Long story short, a mage from the Psijic Order came here looking for me. Apparently, they think something bad is about to happen, and that it involves that Eye of Magnus thing. We need to find out how to stop it. You in?"

"Revan, I'm hurt that you even had to ask. Let's do it. Where we going?" Tom said.

Revan pointed down to the trapdoor at his feet. "Down there." Revan grabbed the handle and pulled upward. The trapdoor creaked open, revealing a ladder leading down into a natural cave. "Coming?" Revan said as he descended the ladder.

Tom gulped. "Uh, yeah, right behind you." Shaking slightly, Tom bent down and grabbed the first rung of the ladder. The metal was freezing to the touch and felt very old. Taking a deep breath, Tom quickly descended the ladder, landing heavily at the bottom. "Piece of cake." He said, thrusting his hands into his pockets.

"Uh huh, right." Revan said, noticing his friends shaking hands. "You alright?"

"You know how I am in small spaces. They're not the most comfortable for me, so let's just get this over with." Tom said, summoning a small ball of light in his hand.

Revan nodded. "You got it. Come on, and stick close." He said, drawing his sword. The corridor they were in was very narrow, forcing them to walk single file through it. They emerged into a much wider chamber, several unlit torches lining the walls. A crumbling staircase led down to two iron gates, one of which was open. They moved cautiously down the stairs and over to the gate. Through the gate was a stone bridge, leading to another gate.

Standing in their way, however, was a draugr. Revan knelt down on one side of the gate, Tom right behind him. "Alright, I'll get its attention, and you hit with everything you've got. Ready?" Revan said.

Tom shook his head. "No, I've got another idea." Reaching into his bag, he pulled out a small scroll. "This is a good opportunity to try this out. A little something J'Zargo has been working on. Let's see if it works."

Standing up, Tom walked through the gate and whistled. "Hey, ugly! You look a little lost. Maybe I can help?" he yelled, clenching the scroll in his hand. The draugr turned, let out a growl, and lumbered towards Tom. As it got closer, Tom unrolled the scroll and began reading. The draugr had almost reached him, sword raised, when there was a loud bang. Both Tom and the draugr flew backwards, the draugr hitting the gate across the bridge, and Tom landing in a heap behind Revan.

"Tom!" Revan yelled as he rushed over to his friend. "Come on buddy, stay with me." He said as he pulled out a potion.

Tom opened his eyes slightly. "Tell J'Zargo that he gets to be blown up next time." He said weakly before accepting the potion. While he drank, Revan used what little knowledge he had in Restoration to help speed up the process.

"You'll be alright buddy, don't worry." Revan said as he focused the healing energies into Tom. "But I think you will feel this tomorrow."

Tom tried to laugh, but ended up wincing instead. "Oooh, don't make me laugh. But I think you're right."

After several minutes, Tom tried to stand up, unsuccessfully. "You're not going anywhere like that." Revan said, pulling out his dagger. "I'm going to continue on ahead. You stay here and rest. Take this." He said, handing the dagger to Tom. "I'll be back soon."

With a last pat on the shoulder, Revan straightened up and walked across the bridge and through the gate. Gathering part of his remaining energy, Tom summoned his familiar, who immediately began pacing in front of Tom. "I think I feel better now that you're here Leekos." Tom said, patting Leekos' side.

….

Revan stood before a large wooden door. Somehow, he knew that beyond it was the Augur of Dunlain. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed the handle and turned. The door, however, did not budge. Maybe it's stuck he thought as he pushed harder. Still nothing. Putting his shoulder against the door, he pushed with all his strength.

"Your perseverance will only lead you to disappointment." Said a voice from behind the door.

Revan jumped back in surprise, holding his sword in front of him. "Who are you? Will you open this door?" he said, but there was no answer. Grabbing the handle once more, Revan slammed his shoulder against the door, but it still refused to budge.

"Still you persist? Very well, you may enter." The voice said again, this time accompanied by a click as the door slowly opened. Revan cautiously entered the room, gripping his sword in both hands. The room was circular, with what appeared to be a well in the center. As Revan stepped inside, the door swung closed.

The only thing inside the small room was what appeared to be a stone well. Revan suspected that this must be the famed Augur of Dunlain. As he stood before the well, a bright blue light suddenly appeared. "Approach." Said the same voice he had heard before.

Revan approached the glowing ball of light. "Who are you?" he asked tentatively, his hand on his sword hilt.

Nothing happened for several seconds, but then the voice spoke again. "I am that which you have been seeking."

The voice was deep, and Revan could feel it vibrating throughout his body. "You are the Augur of Dunlain." He said.

The voice spoke again. "Yes, I am the Augur of Dunlain. You took a risk coming here, but I'm afraid your efforts are in vain. It has already begun."

"What has begun? What is going to happen?" Revan said, fear growing inside him.

"Those who have sent you have not told you what they seek; what you seek. And so you come looking, but you do not know why. Like others before you, you blindly follow a path to your own destruction. The Thalmor came seeking answers as well, unaware that they will be his undoing."

Thalmor? Is he talking about Ancano? What was he doing down here? Revan thought.

The voice continued speaking. "Your path now follows his, though you will arrive too late. Your path differs from most however; you are being guided, pushed towards something. It is a good path. One untraveled by many. It is a path that can save your College. I will tell you what you need to know to follow it further. You, and those aiding you, wish to know more about the Eye of Magnus. You wish to avoid the disaster of which you are not yet aware. To see through Magnus' Eye without being blinded, you require his staff."

The light began to dim, slowly descending back into the well. "Events now spiral quickly towards the inevitable center, so you must act with haste. Take this knowledge to your Arch-Mage; he will instruct you further." As the voice finished speaking, the blue light vanished completely, leaving Revan in the dark again.

The weight of this new information weighed heavily on Revan. "Ancano was here, seeking answers to something. And the Eye will lead to disaster? Maybe it should have stayed in Saarthal." Revans said aloud. Pondering these new developments, Revan turned to leave the small room. He crossed the bridge quickly, remembering that Tom was still injured in the entry chamber. When he got to the other side, however, all he saw was a piece of parchment lying on the floor where Tom had been.

Revan,

J'Zargo heard an explosion down here; asked me to help him investigate. Found Tom recovering from injuries. Took him back to dorms. See you there. Onmund

"Well, looks like I owe you a drink Onmund." Revan said as he put the note in his pocket and walked back to the ladder leading back to the College.

….

"Door's open." Said Onmund from the other side of the door. Revan opened it and stepped inside. Tom was sitting up on his bed, his leg lying on a pillow. J'Zargo was sitting in the chair while Onmund leaned against the wall. Brelyna was standing over Tom's leg, her hands glowing with Restoration magic.

"Hey buddy, glad you made it back in one piece." Tom said, smiling at Revan and gesturing him to come in the room.

"Don't worry about me; how's your leg?" Revan asked, concern in his voice as he moved next to the bed.

"Ah, it's nothing. Just landed on my ankle a bit too hard; I'll be fine in no time." Tom said with a wave of his hand.

"There, now just stay off it until tomorrow and you should be just fine." Brelyna said, straightening up. She looked at Revan. "Tom was telling us briefly about what you two were doing down in the Midden. What did you find down there?"

Revan recounted what the Augur of Dunlain had said, about an unknown disaster that would happen to the College, and how Ancano seemed to be wrapped up in it. He also told them about the staff the Augur had mentioned.

"The Staff of Magnus? I think I read about that once. It's supposed to be very powerful. The Augur didn't mention where it is?" Brelyna asked.

Revan shook his head. "No, he didn't tell me. He told me I should talk to the Arch-Mage; that he might know more."

"Well then, you'd better go see him before it gets too late." Tom said before cutting Revan off, "Don't worry about me. I'm going to be fine, but you need to let the Arch-Mage know about this right now. Go." Revan nodded, patted Tom on the shoulder, and left the room.

The sun was starting to set as Revan crossed the courtyard again towards the Hall of Elements. Entering the Hall, he was about to walk up the stairs to the Arch-Mage's room when he noticed Ancano pacing in front of the Eye of Magnus. As Revan watched, he saw that Ancano seemed to be muttering to himself. Looks like the Augur might be right; Ancano is certainly acting suspicious he thought as he quietly backed away and made his way up the stairs. He reached the Arch-Mage's door and knocked. Almost immediately, Revan heard, "Come in."

Revan entered and looked around for Savos, who was behind his desk once again. "Revan, good to see you again. What can I do for you?" he asked, putting down the quill he had be writing with.

"Sir, I've just been down in the Midden, speaking with the Augur of Dunlain. He told me something important; something he said I should pass on to you." Revan said.

Savos looked slightly surprised at what Revan said. "Is that so? I suppose you went and asked Tolfdir where to find the Augur after we talked?" Savos said, to which Revan nodded. "I thought as much. Well, what did the Augur say?"

Revan recounted what the Augur had said a second time, about the Staff and the imminent disaster. But this time, he carefully neglected mentioning that Ancano might be involved, as he had no idea of the relationship between the Arch-Mage and his Thalmor advisor. When Revan finished speaking, Savos was stroking his beard in thought.

"That is quite a bit of information to take in. You're sure he specifically mentioned the Staff of Magnus?" When Revan nodded, Savos continued, "Well, I'm very impressed with your initiative, even though I was initially against the idea of seeking out the Augur. Well done Revan. Someone will need to follow up on this, and soon I think."

Revan smiled. "You mean me, don't you sir?"

Savos smiled as well. "I do indeed. Since you've already gone this far, I feel you are the best one for the task." The smile faded from Savos' face. "Something as ancient and as powerful as the Staff of Magnus, I never would have thought we'd end up having to search for it."

Savos sat in thought for several seconds, still stroking his beard, before he stopped and sat up straight. "Wait, now that I think about it, I recall Mirabelle mentioning the Staff recently. She might know more about where you can look." Savos stood up and looked out of the window at the sun, which had almost set. "I sent her out on an important errand earlier today, so she won't be back until tomorrow afternoon. When she returns, ask her about the Staff; see if she can tell you more. For now, you look tired, and I'm sure you're worried about your friend. Go get some rest."

Revan was about to turn to leave when Savos spoke again, "Actually, there was something else I wanted to say." Savos walked over to one of his display cases and pulled out a small amulet. "I'm very pleased with your progress here at the College. You've proven yourself to be more than just a mere apprentice." Savos turned back and held out the amulet for Revan to take. "This was given to me when I was an apprentice, many years ago. It's helped me on more than one occasion. I'd like you to have it; perhaps it will help one day."

Revan took the amulet carefully and put it around his neck. Immediately, he could feel his magicka grow stronger. "Thank you sir, I'll take good care of it."

Savos nodded. "I'm sure you will. Now, get some rest. I think you'll need it soon."

Revan turned and left the room, leaving Savos to his thoughts. "Seems Quaranir was right; he is destined for great things. I just hope he survives long enough to do those things." He said to himself. Sighing, Savos sat down behind his desk and picked up his quill.

Thank you all once again for reading, and for those who have added this story to their favorites list and for those who are following it, thank you all for your continued support. Now, onto the "contest" I mentioned:

I have plans to make this story into at least a trilogy; I already have plenty ideas to make it work. However, I need some input from you, my readers. The first thing I need is this: Tom is getting a little lonely in life, and needs a companion/lover. I was just going to make one for him, but I decided to open it up to you guys. So, if you are interested, please submit the following information to me, preferably though PM's:

Name (obviously, an Elder Scrolls-esque name makes more sense, but is not required)

Race (preferably no Dunmer, but will use one if its good enough)

Gender (does not need to be female)

Description (physical, mental, emotional, etc. The more you put, the easier things will be)

Fighting style (again, the more you put, the easier things are)

Anything else you think would enhance the character for writing purposes

The "winner" will be posted at the beginning of Book 2, and the character will be featured (obviously, or I wouldn't be asking for one). I will post when the contest is finished, so until you see that it's officially closed, feel free to send me any characters.

That's all for now everyone. I hope to have chapter 10 finished MUCH sooner than this one, but fair warning, it will probably be mostly filler. See you then!

-airofdarkness