The closer they got to the fire, the more terrified Agni became. By the time they passed by Whitewatch Tower her aged-vampire facade had fallen away and she was again just a child, clutching Athene's hand and hiding behind the elf's hip. She mewled, panicked, and Athene had to tell her again and again that they weren't going there, not going anywhere near the fighting, the fire, the shouting soldiers.
Any temptation Athene had to find Longs-for-Stars or her other comrades was gone. She had to get Agni away before she went berserk and bit someone.
She'd been hoping to catch the carriage in Whiterun, but this was clearly not going to happen. Instead she led the girl on toward Windhelm and finally got a ride with a a farmer who took pity. They were juggled around in the back with boxes of apples but it meant they could doze while they travelled.
Hours later Agni nudged Athene with her foot.
They'd arrived at Winterhold.
"It's not as big as I'd imagine," the girl whispered.
"It used to be bigger. Most of it fell into the sea."
"Yeah, but…"
"Look." Athene pointed at the college, hanging over the edge of the cliff, its narrow walkway one precarious link to the mainland.
Agni was struck speechless.
Athene thanked the farmers and insisted on paying. If nothing else it would keep her from being in their debt if she saw them again. Agni was getting restless again, five minutes off the road and ready to feed, sleep, or start complaining, so Athene took her hand and brought her straight up the steps to the college.
They were stopped by an Altmer with pursed lips.
"You will not gain entry," Faralda said. "The way is closed–"
"I need to see Shaude."
"Excuse me?"
Athene leaned closer and pinned the taller elf with a look. "I need to see the Arch-mage before this vampire kills us both."
The girl giggled.
They were led across the bridge, watching their feet on the slick stones that promised to dump them to their deaths in the water miles below. Agni was distracted by everything, from Faralda's spells that lit their route, to the high tower that dominated the grounds. Mirabelle Ervine, Master Wizard of the school, met them in the courtyard and had a quick discussion with their guide. Finally she bowed her head to Athene.
"It is good to see you well. If you'll let Faralda entertain your charge I'll lead you up to the Arch-mage's quarters."
"You okay with that?" Athene said.
"Sure! Can you show me that light spell? Or a lightning bolt? Can you summon a familiar? My master–my old master–he could do that. Can you freeze somebody solid?"
Faralda already looked weary, but she led the little girl away as Athene followed Mirabelle into the Hall of Elements.
"It has been a long time." Mirabelle paused at the door to the stairway. "I know your business is your own, I've been reminded often enough, but as a friend of the Arch-mage I have to ask. Are you certain this is important enough to bother?"
Athene didn't blame her for asking. She was relieved the Master Wizard cared enough to bother. But she also wouldn't apologize for what she knew to be true.
"I'm certain," she said.
Mirabelle gestured. "Go on up, then. She's already seen you coming."
Athene went on up. She braced herself as well as possible, disliking the soft spot she sensed in her chest, where she knew she'd feel pain if the Arch-mage lashed out.
It was no good to tense up. So she tried to make herself light, to bend softly and not break if the storm rolled in.
She reached the next landing and saw the glowing garden where the Arch-mage grew ingredients for her powerful potions, and the wall of books, legends from every part of Tamriel. She saw the Arch-mage herself standing waiting, face unreadable.
"Hello. Sorry," Athene said.
Shaude nodded and stepped forward.
Athene tensed despite herself as her sister drew her into a hug.