The next morning, Onmund awaited more news from Danielle after she had spoken to Savos Aren. It finally came when she visited him after breakfast.
"He told me to go ahead and locate the Staff of Magnus," she explained. "But he doesn't know where to find it. He said to talk to Mirabelle. Want to come with me?"
"Sure!" he responded, and he got up with her.
They found Mirabelle in the courtyard and approached her.
"Well, hello Danielle, Onmund. Need something?" she asked them.
"Yes…do you know anything about the Staff of Magnus?" Danielle asked her.
Mirabelle crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows. "Well now that's an odd question. Why in the world would you be asking?"
"Arch-Mage Aren said you'd mentioned it recently," Danielle responded.
"I see," Mirabelle replied uncertainly. "Well yes, I suppose I did mention it, though I'm not sure what he expects me to tell you. I only brought it to his attention a few months back when the Synod showed up here looking for it. They were apparently under the impression we were keeping it in a closet somewhere."
"Who are the Synod?" Danielle questioned.
"Mages based out of Cyrodiil. They fancy themselves the Imperial Authority on magic these last few hundred years. My understanding is that all they really do is make noise in an attempt curry favor from the Emperor. Lots of politics, little magic."
Another bunch of crazies, Onmund thought wryly. Just like the Thalmor.
"I was quite surprised to find them on our doorstep," Mirabelle went on. "They seemed amiable enough, but their line of questioning made me…uneasy. It became clear they're trying to hoard powerful artifacts, looking to consolidate power."
"So no one knows the Staff's location?" Danielle asked.
"No one here does," Mirabelle replied. "The Synod seemed convinced it was somewhere in Skyrim. They inquired about the ruins of Mzulft, but that's all I remember. It sounded like they were heading there, though they were rather secretive about why. I suppose if you're intent on looking for the staff, there's a chance they might be in Mzulft yet. Just don't expect them to be cooperative."
We've ran into those types before, Onmund mused, thinking of the necromancers they had encountered at Fellglow Keep. "So, what else can you tell us about the Staff of Magnus?" Onmund piped up.
Mirabelle shrugged. "I'm not really sure. Made and used by Magnus himself, if you believe those sorts of things. I believe I've heard it said that it's the only thing that could adequately contain his power. The sort of embellishment wizards of ancient times loved to make."
And this is probably why we'll be needing it, Onmund thought. To contain the power of the Eye and prevent the disaster that the Augur and Psijic monk were alluding to. "Thank you very much, Mirabelle," he said to the headmaster.
"No problem," she replied. "Be sure to inform Tolfdir if you plan on venturing out."
Next, Onmund and Danielle went into the Hall of Elements where they found Tolfdir sitting on one of the benches along the wall.
"Tolfdir, we need to talk to you," Danielle said as they approached him.
"Ah, yes, what is it, students?" Tolfdir answered.
"I have been told to retrieve the Staff of Magnus," she declared.
"You have?" he questioned. "Is this what the Augur told you?"
"Yes," she replied. "It is of great importance. Mirabelle says to look in the ruins of…Mul..Muffle?…I can't pronounce it."
Onmund chuckled a little and jumped in, "Mzulft. She said it might be there."
"Mzulft, eh?" Tolfdir said. "I wonder how it ended up there, in a Dwemer ruin?"
"Apparently the Synod mages are looking for it there, as well," Danielle explained. "But we need to find it first."
"The Synod?" Tolfdir questioned. "How strange. But then again, the Synod are always engaged in strange affairs. Nonetheless…do be careful out there. Take one of the apprentices with you. Don't go venturing out alone again." He eyed her, most likely in the same manner he did the first time he had scolded her about this. "Who will you choose to go with you?"
"I choose Onmund," she said and looked up at him with a smile.
Onmund looked back at her and smiled, as well.
"All right," Tolfdir said. "Safe travels."
Onmund and Danielle then went to their rooms and packed their things together- food, scrolls, and enough money to stay at inns along the way. Onmund slung his satchel over his shoulder and secured the buckle and thought, It's time to put my spells to the test again. Into danger we go… He suddenly found himself being filled with adrenaline, and he relished the feeling. This must be what the men in my family felt like just before a big battle! He looked down at his hands. They were rough, but not as rough as a warrior's, with their beat-up knuckles and scars, but he knew that they could do just as much damage, if not worse. He wielded the very power of nature in his fingers and palms; that was something to be proud of.
"Ready to go?" Danielle said, breaking into his thoughts. He saw that she had a slightly amused look on her face as she had caught him examining his own hands.
"Uh, yes," Onmund responded. "I'm ready."
The two young apprentices then headed out on their journey. The Mzulft ruins were in the far eastern region of Skyrim, almost to the eastern border, in fact. Danielle knew very little about Dwemer history, so Onmund happily indulged her with his knowledge. He wasn't necessarily an expert on Dwemer history, but he had read plenty of books and heard plenty of stories from his family to know a good deal about it.
It was late afternoon, and the two mages were now making their way south from Windhelm. They didn't stop when they passed the oldest city in Skyrim but rather continued on to Kynesgrove. The sun began setting to the west and they had to stay somewhere for the night. They had moved on from talking about Dwemer history to talking about their pasts again. Onmund told her about Frodrig, his old mentor, and how he had taught him everything he knew about magic before joining the College. He also told her what Frodrig was like- what he looked like, what his personality was like, and so forth. He then asked Danielle about her mentors and she told him about the ones she had when she was younger living in High Rock and also her more recent ones at the Temple of Mara. As they walked along the beaten path that had been trodden on by so many other travelers before them towards Kynesgrove, Onmund noticed that she had yet to mention Marcurio again, whom he had remembered having mentored her. He decided to ask her about him. "So, tell me about this fellow who you said had mentored you in Destruction magic. His name was Marcurio, right?"
Danielle seemed to bristle a little bit at the name, but she responded levelly, "Yes."
"Was he a Breton?" Onmund asked.
"No," she replied. "He was an Imperial. But he did know a lot about Breton history."
"I see," he said. "So I remember you saying that you were at odds about stuff. Was he a nice person like Tolfdir? Or was he mean like Ancano?"
"He was…neither," she responded. "He wasn't rude like Ancano is, but…I wouldn't say he was exactly nice either."
Onmund could sense that she was getting uncomfortable, so he wondered if he had perhaps hit a nerve by bringing up Marcurio. After all, he also remembered her telling him that Marcurio had asked her hand in marriage and that she refused. But for some reason, this made Onmund all the more curious to find out more about this man. He found himself blurting out the next question, "Was he…handsome?"
Danielle looked at him in surprise at first, and looked like she was going to respond with something, but then she immediately looked down at the ground and said, "I'm not telling you that." She then turned her face away and sped up her pace, nearly leaving him behind.
"What? Why not?" he sputtered, wild with curiosity now.
She looked back at him, and to his surprise, he saw a grin spread across her face. Her eyes were gleaming. She giggled and shook her head, continuing to walk so briskly that Onmund had to run to catch up to her. Oh, that girl. When he did again, he asked, "Was it bad of me to ask that question?"
She stopped and shook her head. "It's just…none of your business," she said in a teasing manner.
"All right. I'm sorry." He shrugged.
She kept giving him that playful look, though, as they went up the steps into Braidwood Inn, and it was driving him crazy. Once inside, they reserved two separate rooms for the night and then sat down at one of the tables to have dinner. All of a sudden, Danielle became very talkative, talking about her family, Breton history, and coming to Skyrim- it was actually entertaining to see her animated so.
After they had finished eating, Danielle suddenly surprised him with the question, "So tell me…about this warrior girl, Roxanne. Was she beautiful?"
Now it was Onmund's turn to look at her in surprise. He wasn't sure what to say at first because she hadn't answered his question, but he figured that it would be best to just be plain with her. He couldn't muster up a playful façade. "Yes," he replied simply.
Her expression seemed to change, which puzzled him. He nearly wanted to say, But not as beautiful as I thought you were on that day I first saw you without your hood, but he checked himself. Instead, he quickly added, "But I didn't love her."
"Oh. I see," she replied flatly. A little too flatly. And for the rest of the time they sat together talking about Nords and Companions, he noticed that she became very different towards him all of a sudden. She was now much less talkative. He didn't know why.
Finally, they decided to turn in for the night. Danielle quickly stood up from her chair and said to him in a snide tone, "To answer your question earlier, yes. Marcurio was very handsome."
He looked up at her in surprise again, and saw that her lips were pursed. She actually seemed…annoyed for some reason. Was it something I had said? Maybe…it wasn't such a good idea to talk about this type of subject. He then watched dumbfounded as she walked away, saying "good night" in a dismissive tone, but not turning towards him. He had no choice to but to go to his own room and go to sleep, but he hoped that he hadn't offended her.
As he lay there in bed, waiting for sleep to come, he still felt confused over the recent conversation that took place between him and Danielle. It all seemed to have started when he had asked her about Marcurio. I never should've brought him up, he thought. That subject is obviously still very sensitive to her. As he thought about it some more, though, something didn't seem to add up. She actually seemed fine and quite herself until the subject of Roxanne came up. After he had answered her question in the affirmative when she asked if Roxanne was beautiful, that was when she started acting really different. He then felt as if he wanted to kick himself. Of course she would be upset, you idiot! Why did you tell her that Roxanne was beautiful? However, he still struggled to make sense of it. Why does it even matter, anyway? Why should she even care? He then remembered her last words to him that evening, the way she stood up and said to him that Marcurio was very handsome. He remembered the words actually stinging a bit, especially in the vindictive tone that she had delivered it. But did it bother me? He wondered for a bit. Marcurio wanted to marry her at one point. They must've been pretty close. Close like she and I are, and maybe even closer. And…I don't blame him for being attracted to her. She is very…oh, there I go again, with the crazy thoughts! He shook his head to clear it out. Danielle is just my friend, Danielle is just my friend…He then thought of what Brelyna had said the night before. Does Danielle really have a crush on me? The prospect seemed wildly out of the realm of possibility to him. He was used to being ridiculed and taken advantage of by others. No one aside from his parents ever really showed true fondness for him. It wasn't until he was at the College where he met other people who were genuinely nice to him. Aside from Enthir and Ancano, that is, he remembered ruefully. And Danielle was the only other person aside from his parents who was extra nice to him, yes, but he doubted that she saw him…in that way. Even she would ridicule the very suggestion of a crush if she had heard it herself. Who am I kidding? Danielle wouldn't find someone like me attractive. My own people don't even want anything to do with me! These were some of the last thoughts Onmund remembered having before sleep finally overtook him.
The next morning, all seemed to have been forgotten when they headed out of Kynesgrove to finally embark on their mission to find the Ruins of Mzulft. As they crossed the clearing into the forest of pine trees and thick shrubs, suddenly, a large shadow passed over them. It went by so quickly, and Onmund was about to ask Danielle if she'd seen it when she came to a sudden halt. She then quickly whipped around and put her hand firmly on Onmund's chest. "Take cover!" she urged in a whisper, pushing him toward a big tree. He obeyed and they crouched low under the cover of some thick, low-hanging pine branches.
"Was that a…dragon?" Onmund gulped.
She nodded gravely, with her hand still pressed upon his chest. She was so close to him that he could smell the faint scent of lavender on her. He had never been this close to her before. This is a new feeling, he thought. It feels…Just then, they heard some distant screams.
"The dragon's in Kynesgrove!" Danielle cried. "Come on!"
They both took off in a run back towards the inn. And it was a scary sight to behold. A great, blue dragon was flying around the inn, breathing frost onto the building and everything around it. They heard screams as people emerged from inside of the inn and the mine nearby.
"Everyone take cover!" Danielle yelled. Then, to Onmund's disbelief, she ran right out into the open towards the dragon.
Is she out of her mind?! She's no match for that dragon! "Danielle!" Onmund cried and ran after her.
She immediately hurled a ball of fire up at the dragon, striking it and burning it. The dragon nearly fell off the building, flapping its wings wildly. It then took flight and Danielle shouted, "Oh, no, you don't! Hah!" She hurled another Firebolt at it but it missed.
Mustering up courage, Onmund shouted, "Allow me!" He then channeled lightning into his hands and sent it forth up into the sky where it zapped the dragon in midair. It let out a roar and turned around. Onmund already felt triumphant. "Ha!" he shouted. "I can take you!" He zapped it again with another Lightning Bolt and the dragon faltered mid-flight.
"Look out!" Danielle screamed and ran towards him. She shoved him out of the way and they both fell to the ground in the bushes in front of the inn right as the dragon crash-landed in the very spot that Onmund was standing in before. A cloud of dirt and rocks was sent up into the air by the dragon's hard landing and the two mages covered their heads and faces. When the dust cleared, Onmund opened his eyes to see Danielle lying beside him facedown. She slowly lifted her head up and rolled over. Her eyes suddenly opened wide and she threw up a ward just in time to block the dragon's Frost breath on both her and Onmund. Being an Expert Restoration mage, her ward was much more powerful than Onmund's and was able to protect both of them simultaneously. Onmund covered his ears against the loud screeching of the dragon and shut his eyes as the bright white spray of Frost blinded him, but fortunately due to Danielle's ward, did not touch him.
Danielle then let her ward down and the dragon started limping towards them. The two mages took the opportunity to spring to their feet and attack the dragon with their spells. Onmund struck it repeatedly with his Lightning Bolts while Danielle moved off to the left and burned it continuously with her Flames. The dragon turned towards her and snapped its jaws right at her, but fortunately, she was able to scramble out of the way.
"Over here, you monster!" Onmund yelled, charging up his spell in both of his hands.
As soon as the dragon turned its head towards him, he unleashed all the energy that he had in his hands. From each hand, a powerful blast of electricity flew forth and struck the dragon, frying its thick skin. The dragon thrashed about wildly, electrified by the bolts, and then it finally fell limp.
"It's dead!" someone from nearby declared. "It's really dead!"
As people began emerging from their hiding places behind rocks and trees, Onmund could see that absolute horror and shock were written upon their faces. Danielle stood up and Onmund followed her to the body of the dragon, its head lying sideways and its eyes looking glazed over. No movement or life was to be seen in it.
"By the gods, you killed the dragon!" a middle-aged lady exclaimed, staring at Onmund and Danielle in disbelief.
"You saved us!" Kjeld, the innkeeper, exclaimed. Just then, a younger man appeared by his side and muttered something to him. Onmund couldn't hear what he was saying, but he had called him "father," so he presumed that it was Kjeld's son.
"Roggi?" Kjeld questioned. "Oh, no!" He then got up immediately and followed his son to the other side of the inn.
Onmund gave Danielle a questioning look and they went ahead and followed the two men around the side of the inn to where the mine entrance was. There was a Nord man sitting on the ground with his back against the building, and he was bleeding. Kjeld and his son knelt beside him.
"You say the dragon cut you on your side there?" Kjeld asked.
The man, whom Onmund presumed was named Roggi, just groaned and nodded.
Kjeld put a hand over his head in worry. "By Shor, I don't know if we have enough potions…"
"I can try to heal him," Danielle piped up.
The two men looked up at her. "You…you know some healing spells?" Kjeld questioned.
Danielle nodded. "Yes. If you would…allow me…"
Kjeld and his son exchanged hesitant looks with each other before slowly getting up and backing away.
Onmund watched as Danielle walked over to Roggi and knelt in front of him. She took off both of her brown gloves and set them to the side. She then put one hand on the man's forehead and the other just above the man's wound. She then closed her eyes and whispered some brief incantation. When she opened them, she took a deep breath and seemed to focus. Onmund watched in amazement as her right hand lit up with a shining white light and saw the light travel to the man's side. Roggi's eyes opened wide in fear at first, and then his breathing became hard and shallow. Onmund had never seen an Expert Restoration spell in action before, and to see Danielle using one on someone who desperately needed it moved something deep within him. He watched as the light from her hands grew brighter and brighter, and then slowly, it faded away. She took her hands off of the man and stood up slowly, keeping her eyes on him. Roggi turned his head back and forth, at first appearing confused, but then he opened his eyes wide again and blinked several times, looking as if he had awoken from a deep sleep. Everyone watched in silence (the other villagers had by now gathered around to witness this amazing sight) as Roggi put an unsure hand on the ground and propped himself up. He then stood on his two feet and shook his head. "I…I feel so much…better!"
The collective breath that everyone had held in was all let out in one long whoosh, and Kjeld's son exclaimed, "You…you've stopped bleeding, too!"
"That Breton mage…" someone uttered. "She saved Roggi's life!"
Everyone happily gathered around Danielle and Onmund, expressing their amazement and gratitude at the work they had done here in their tiny village. "Kynesgrove was saved by the two traveling mages!" was the word that echoed around the forest that morning, and Onmund felt like a celebrity.
They couldn't celebrate for long, though, as Onmund and Danielle had important business to tend to, so Kjeld and the rest of the villagers sent them off with their utmost thanks and a couple of gifts as well- bread and wine. As the two mages left the village behind them and trekked through the forest, Onmund looked at Danielle and asked, "So you left the life of a priestess because it was too boring, huh?"
Danielle smiled at him. "I would've been cooped up in a stuffy, old temple," she said. "Not out traveling like this. No…that life wasn't for me."
Onmund smiled back. Am I really glad to hear that, he thought. As they walked silently on, he couldn't think of anything to say to express how much the scene in Kynesgrove had affected him. It was beyond words. He had brought down a dragon with his hands, but her hands…he stole a glance at them as she walked beside him- they were now gloved again- her hands saved a man from dying. They were so small and delicate. Both of her hands could fit entirely into his one hand. He had, by now, been seriously thinking about reaching over and taking one of them into his own when all of a sudden, she stopped. "What is it?" he asked her.
At first, he thought he had heard the sound of his heart beating in his chest, and then he thought that maybe he was actually hearing hers. But as he held his breath and listened, the beating sound grew louder and louder. It wasn't coming from either of them; it was coming from somewhere off to their right, behind a large boulder that Onmund couldn't see behind. Suddenly, a dark shadow fell over them and they looked up. And it was as Onmund had feared. A Giant stood over them, club raised, glaring down at them.