Disclaimer

I only own the plot and my original characters.

A/N

In this chapter I will be introducing a character that will probably be familiar to most of you.

Also, here is some information about the Altmeri class system that you probably do not know already, and will help with your understanding of this chapter:

3 primary estates

1st- Noble lines, Wise Sages, Priests, Teachers

2nd- Artisans, Princes, Merchants, Warriors, Landowners, Workers

3rd-Non-Altmer with no land or prospects, Slaves

Previously:

Estoril is 5 years old. She loves sweets and dreams of becoming a member of the Thalmor when she grows up. She lives on the Summerset Isles in Cloudrest with her father, Lord Orthntur, and her mother, Lady Taarmend. Both of her parents are members of the Thalmor and are heavily involved with politics. Her father has unpopular political views and is heavily prejudiced against anyone who is not an Altmer. This, and his headstrong personality, cause a lot of friction between him and the Thalmor Council. Estoril overhears him speaking badly to her mother about his political opponent's actions during the closing conflicts in the Great War. Estoril gets caught eavesdropping by her mother, but her father does not seem to mind. While Estoril is having breakfast with her parents, her father makes many efforts to undermine her mother's authority. After having a tense breakfast with her parents, Estoril goes off to play with her best friend, Hesselle. Hesselle is also a noble as well as a commander's daughter. The two practice magic together. They have a conversation about the Great War as well as how Estoril feels like she doesn't fit in with the other Altmer children because of her dark hair. When Estoril goes to bed, her mother comes in to check on her - thinking that she has fallen asleep. Estoril thinks that her mother is lying when she says that she loves her.

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Chapter 2- In which I burn.

Cloudrest- Alinor (Summerset Isles)

Middas, 12th day of First Seed, 4E 180

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"You will! If you do not, I will be behind everyone else my age!"

Master Sinyir pinches the bridge of his nose and shuts his eyes tightly. The light filtering in from the library windows is casting long eerie shadows across the wizened Altmer's sharp face.

"You are already ahead of everyone your age."

This is the argument which Master Sinyir insists on creating (as futile as it is). He should know by now that I will get what I want in the end. After all, he has been teaching me for the past six years.

"But I need to master the Adept Destruction spells at some point! Why not now?" I question, as I shift my weight all the way to the back of my chair, and fold my arms across my chest defiantly.

"The elemental cloaks that you wish to practice are highly volatile. Despite being exceptionally gifted in the Arcane Arts, you are far too young to be able to control such a spell. Failure to execute this properly could end ... catastrophically for you. You should not have even attempted it to begin with. I care too much for your safety to allow you to put yourself in such danger again."

I can tell from the tone of his voice that Master Sinyir won't concede easily. So I decide to put on a front and appear to do it his way.

"Fine, fine. Well, in that case, what reading material do you have for me? "

Master Sinyir visibly relaxes in his seat across from me. He then turns around and reaches into his leather rucksack and pulls out what I assume is my new, tedious reading assignment. He dumps the heavy, dusty tome on the table in front of me.

"I expect you to have read and written a paragraph or two summarizing the statements made here in Malviser's Response to Bero's Speech by tomorrow. We shall then discuss the alleged attacks that Bero makes on the school of Destruction."

Well, at least it sounds interesting. I muse to myself while flipping through the pages. Then I notice that Master Sinyir is packing up his things-readying himself to leave.

"Where are you going? You never leave this early, it is barely an hour past noon."

"I suppose I had assumed incorrectly when I thought your father had told you." Master Sinyir begins. "I take my leave of you now to meet a new student. He and his mother have recently moved here from the capital."

My eyes narrow and fists clench. How infuriating! This development will get in the way of my plan to coax Master Sinyir into teaching me the cloaking spells!

"I do not think that father would have overlooked or forgotten to tell me such an important piece of information. Anyway, you are supposed to be my private tutor." I seeth through gritted teeth, and Master Sinyir grins.

Suddenly, he bursts into laughter.

"Oh, my dear child! You are as naïve as you are arrogant! Believe me, I have other students. After all, I did not become the esteemed tutor that I am today by only teaching you. Besides, I know you better than you think, you do not want me around for my company. You have probably contrived a way to get me to teach you those Adept spells." Master Sinyir states, his eyes glinting mischievously.

Ah yes, he knows me well indeed. Far too well for my own liking.

By now, Master Sinyir has gotten up and made his way to the large, ornately carved double doors of my family's private library. He pauses abruptly and turns back to look at me. I do not like the way he seems to be sizing me up - but I do not shrink under his scrutiny.

"Before I take my leave of you, I would like to give you some advice. Not as a teacher, but as someone who has known you for the past six years and has observed your growth into the young lady that you are today."

I shift uncomfortably in my seat. I do not think I like where this is going.

"Your head is getting far too large for your shoulders. Soon they will not be able to support it much longer. Something will have to give. But I have faith in you, you are my most intelligent pupil. And I say this in complete seriousness."

"On another note, do not let your father's manipulations get to you. They will do you more harm than they benefit you." Then Master Sinyir' s expression turns wistful and he adds; "I remember him at your age, a mere ten years old. You are already so much like him."

I want to shout at him.

Tell him exactly how I feel about him talking about my father like that. Father has never manipulated me! And as far as I am concerned, my head to shoulder ratio is perfectly proportionate.

But he has already left-the door is slammed shut. And the door laughs and laughs and laughs. That same dry cackle of Master Sinyir's.

How I hate that door. I did not know they were capable of laughter. This one is.

In an effort to ignore the door's guffaws, I turn my attention to theResponse to Bero's Speech. It is indeed as interesting as it promised to be when I first glanced at it.

I found myself agreeing with all of Malviser's assertions. Bero's assumption that it could ever be conceivable to merge the school of Alteration and the school of Destruction was absolutely ludicrous!

Even though I find some interest in what I had been assigned to read, I long to practice elemental cloaking spells. Perhaps I could try one of the easier ones. Perhaps the flame cloak? It does indeed sap the least amount of magicka.

Now , the problem at hand is where to practice it. I know mother would pitch a fit if I practiced any fire spell on our estate's grounds. Last time I practiced firebolt in the courtyard I nearly destroyed mother's carefully tended to Briar Hearts.

So, where can I go...?

Ah! Of course! The stream by the big tree! It is the least likely area to pose as a fire hazard.

Pleased with my decision, I discard the book haphazardly from my hands onto the table. Later, I will do it later. I tell myself unconvincingly. Just as I step out of the library and into the hall I hear mother's voice call out to me.

"Estoril, dear, would you please come here for a moment."

Her voice is firm and I know it is not a question- but a demand. I groan, wondering what she could possibly want at this very inconvenient moment. She is always making up excuses to waste my time with unproductive chatter. I turn to my right and see mother is slowly and deliberately making her way over to me.

"Mother, I cannot talk now," I state-every syllable dripping venom. " I have magic to practice, I do not have time to listen to your silly observations on my etiquette or lack thereof."

Mother's deliberate pace waivers when she hears the hostility in my voice. And yes, I do so hate it when she goes on in that silly way of her's about how I am not the perfect Lady she's always wished for. Unfortunately, my anger is not enough to deter her from her current objective-she presses on.

"It will not take terribly long and it is important, I assure you."

I frown deeply and contemplate what I can do. Father is at work, so technically mother holds authority over me until he gets back.

" Alright mother make it quick."

" Come and join me in my sitting room."

I follow her less than enthusiastically into her favorite room. The sitting room is lavishly furnished and the scent of the many potted plants it contains permeates the air. It's floor to ceiling windows face the garden, and mother and I take a seat at the overstuffed burgundy armchairs by them.

There is a pregnant pause, and then I know that mother did not pull me aside to lecture me on etiquette. I wait for mother to begin speaking with dread apprehension.

"As you well know, I have recently been given the option to aid the current difficult predicament in Skyrim," Mother begins tentatively. " I have decided that I will go, I cannot stay here any longer. My relationship with your father is strained at best, a separation would be what both of us need. Furthermore, our family is no longer viewed favorably due to your father's ... unpopular politics. I must attempt to salvage what little good reputation we have."

Mother pauses and gazes at me with sad eyes and speaks again- her voice barely above a whisper.

" If you so choose, you could come with me and I could-"

"No." I assert simply, without a second thought.

I can tell that mother expected this answer. Yet, she hangs her head dejectedly. This is not the mother I am used to. Mother is usually so glacial, so proper- it is uncomfortable seeing her so undone by moroseness as she is currently.

"Well, in that case I leave within the hour. I have already packed, and your father and I have already exchanged our parting...pleasantries. I cannot say when I will be back, it could be years before I see you again."

Mother poorly conceals the bitterness present in her voice, I know it is not father that she will miss. Yet, she knows better than to ask me to come with her again. I am stubbornly loyal to father, she knows I could never leave him to go with her-one who has fed me lies throughout my childhood.

I get up to leave. I have grown tired of this conversation and want to go and practice magic. I give mother one last hard look and extend my right hand to her.

"Farewell mother, it was a pleasure."

Mother still sits in the armchair and seems unable to move, but she eventually reaches out with a quivering hand to grasp mine. I shake her hand firmly and leave. Not another word is spoken between us. I am relieved that mother does not bother with sentimentalities because I cannot stomach such things.

For the rest of the day I apply myself with near savage dedication to the mastery of the Flame Cloak spell. It is not easy like I expected it to be. I nearly caught my hair on fire numerous times- forcing myself to jump into the stream to douse the flames. I arrive home soaked to the bone and with my fine black robes ruined. The last thought that crosses through my conscious mind before I fall into a deep slumber is that I did not complete my reading assignment.

Master Sinyir is not pleased- and I do not care.

" You have not read Response to Bero's Speech." It is not a question but a statement saturated with disappointment.

"Of course I have! Just not all of it and I did not bother with the paragraph- I can explain it perfectly well to you without having to write it down."

It is clear that Master Sinyir wishes to further express his discontent with me, but the library doors swing open. Father strides in grinning widely- a strange expression for him to display.

"Ah! Estoril! My darling daughter! Are you working hard?"

"Of course father!" I respond, instantly mirroring my father's grin.

"Excellent! In that case Master Sinyir can spare you for a few hours. There are some people that I would very much like you to meet."

My interest is peaked, who could possibly have put father in such a pleasant mood and why is he so eager for me to meet them? Ignoring Master Sinyir's frustrated scowl I follow father into his greeting room adjacent to his office.

Sitting in carved wooden chairs in front of the fireplace are what can only be a mother and son. While the mother wears Thalmor robes, like my father, the son wears fine blue mage robes. They both wear similar expressions of disdain, have the same dark blonde hair, olive skin, and yellow eyes. The son looks to be about my age, but I cannot be sure. Father strides towards the mother and, still smiling, bows his head in acknowledgement. He occupies one of the remaining seats opposite them and motions for me to do the same.

"Atralda, this is my daughter, Estoril. She has been taught by Master Sinyir for six years now. I assure you that I was fully confident in his abilities as a teacher when I recommended him to you for your son. I would never let a lesser wizard teach my own child."

The mother, Altrada as she seems to be called, scrutinizes me for a moment before she turns her attention back to my father.

"Lord Orthntur, forgive me, but my son and I came here today to discuss things of a more...political nature. I did not expect that you would want to have your daughter involved in such a discussion."

"Nonsense!" Father interjects, and I can tell that his currently mild mannered humor is stretching itself thin. " My daughter intends to join the Thalmor when she comes of age, it would benefit her to sit in on such discussions."

"Very well, it is after all your home, Lord Orthntur, we must abide by your rules." Altrada turns to glare at her son who is glancing about the room appearing to be distracted by something." Where are your manners? Introduce yourself to the Lady."

The boy looks down his nose at me, but quickly morphs his demeanor into a more respectful one when his mother jabs him lightly in his side with her elbow.

"Lady Estoril, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Ondolemar and it is truly a great pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Ondolemar then proceeds to get out of his chair and take my hand and kiss it. His overly formal mode of introduction surprises me. Everyone whom I have met that is my age is of noble lineage like myself. They do not bother with such decorum because it would indicate that they are not my equal. Thus, I deduce that this Ondolemar must be of a lower Estate- descended from princes or landlords perhaps?

"The pleasure is all mine, Ondolemar." I respond evenly, as he re-situates himself in his seat.

"Now, formalities aside- would you like to begin? " Altrada suggests and father responds the affirmative.

"It is no secret as to why The Council has sent me here from my post in the capital," Altrada declares. "So it should come as no surprise to you, Lord Orthntur, when I say that I will be observing your actions very carefully."

"You are correct in assuming that I understand your purpose here, but what I do not understand is why. There is nothing for you to observe. I have been a member of The Thalmor Council since it was re-founded after the Oblivion Crisis. My loyalties are unquestionable." Father muses, his face an unreadable mask.

"It is not your loyalties that are in question, Lord Orthntur, but your morals and your unconventional ideals that are causing many to question whether you deserve your position as the most prominent and influential Lord in Cloudrest," Altrada deadpans. And I know that father must be bursting at the seams due to the audacity that this woman portrays by insulting him- but he does not show it. I admire him for it, because I cannot conceal my discontent.

"Father deserves every bit of the influence he has!" I exclaim angrily. " He is a true Altmer and he-"

" That is quite enough,child!" Father snaps and I become very quiet. " You are here to observe, not to participate. You will keep any comments to yourself. Please Altrada, do continue."

I shrink back in my chair. Ondolemar shoots me a triumphant look and smirks smugly. What is he feeling so triumphant about? Oh wait, I should be listening...

"...many Bosmer Council members. Your opinions of them are quite disconcerting. Valenwood is a part of the Aldmeri Dominion and it's people are our valuable allies. They are mer and cannot be treated as if they were inferior- especially in a political setting. Furthermore, they have aided us greatly this year with the signing of the Second Treaty of Stros M'kai and in implementing the peace that followed. Would you rather they had not aided us in ending the war in Hammerfell gracefully? I am sure you are well aware of how heavy our losses had gotten to be. Honestly, from a strategic standpoint the likelihood a favorable outcome for our side was abysmal. But then again, seeing as you have never directly participated in combat I should not assume-"

"Pray, tell me Altrada, of what Estate do you hail from?" Father interrupts, and for a split second ( no more, no less) he appears smug before his emotionless mask slips back into place.

Altrada hedges, frowns, and then responds.

" I do not see the relevance of this inquiry, but since it interests you so, I shall dignify it with an answer. My father and his father before him were Merchants. I worked my way through the Thalmor ranks to where I am today."

"Ah, I see. Well not all of us have the fortune of being born Nobles of the highest Estate." Father chuckles in a condescending manner. Before Altrada can respond, father turns his attention to a glowering Ondolemar. " Do you intend to follow your mother's example and work your way from the bottom up through the ranks of the Thalmor?"

"I do intend to join when I come of age when I am eighteen in four years time, and yes, I will earn my right to leadership just as she has," Ondolemar responds tersely.

" What a pity,"Father drawls. " That approach of going through the 'meat grinder' is terribly undignified. True, you cannot help your...unfortunate circumstances-but it could be worse. Now, may I advise you to look into alternate methods?"

I can tell that Ondolemar is trying to mask his curiosity when he speaks- but he fails miserably.

"Other methods, my Lord?"

"Yes indeed!" Father exclaims. " I believe that it is all about who you know, your connections and such. I would be more than happy to introduce you to some of the most prominent Nobles in Cloudrest. I am certian that my efforts would not be wasted, from what I hear you have much potential and great things ought to be expected of you."

"Lord Orthntur, while I am flattered by the unbridled praise which you bestow upon my son your guidance is not sought after nor needed," Altrada interjects. " Ondolemar 's interests are focused mainly on foreign affairs that Nobles of Cloudrest would find to be outside their jurisdiction."

"Is that so?" Father asks, and he sounds quite intrigued. "Then tell me, Ondolemar, what are your ambitions? They must be quite specialized for my help to be of so little use to you."

" I would like to work with the Justiciars in Skyrim, in Markarth particularly. I wish to quell what is left of the ill side effects that occurred as a consequence of the Forsworn uprising six years ago. As well as make sure that the terms of the White-Gold Concordat are being upheld. As far as I am concerned, Markarth has gone to the dogs and needs firm, proper leadership. "

"Lord Orthntur, seeing as we have strayed terribly from the original subject of discussion, I too would like to take the opportunity to inquire about your family as you have done of mine. It is only fair."

Altrada takes my father's silence as acquiescence and continues.

" I heard your wife, Lady Taarmend, will be stationed at the Thalmor Headquarters in Solitude to take the position of Second Emissary. You must be very proud of her. It is truly a great honor, is it not?"

Oh that's right. She left yesterday didn't she? So that is what she will be doing in Skyrim.

Forget me already my love? Well, I can't say I'm surprised, you never were fond of me.

Murmurs a voice that sounds suspiciously like mother's. Yet, it seems that nobody else in the room can hear it or they simply have not taken notice.

"While I am indeed proud of my wife's successes, I would ask you to desist from speaking of her." Father says, his voice leaving no room for argument, but Altrada does not seem to get the message.

"And why is that, Lord Orthntur? Could it be that the reason for her abrupt departure was to salvage your current reputation with the Thalmor leadership-a reputation which does indeed leave much to be desired. Does this fact wound your ego so that you do not wish to hear of it?"

"I grow weary of your incessant attacks on my character. Perhaps I would be able to endure such talk if we were in private, but I will not tolerate it in front of Estoril," father states angrily. I am surprised by the sudden hostility in his voice.

"Very well," Altrada concedes. "Then I suggest that we remove both of our children from the room."

Father agrees and suddenly I find myself awkwardly loitering outside of the greeting room with a pensive Ondolemar. To break the uncomfortable silence I suggest we go outside to the garden seeing as the weather is particularly pleasant today. So now I find myself with a mute companion ambling beside me as I make my way through the familiar winding gravel path in the garden. Oh, I wish he would speak up and break the silence! I am terribly frustrated by Ondolemar's clear reluctance to speak. It has been nearly 10 minutes and he has not uttered a word. How rude, but then again, he is descended from Merchants, I cannot expect the same sort of manners as I usually could from a companion. So yes, I am at a loss at how I should begin a conversation. I try anyway.

" So, Ondolemar, do you like it here in Cloudrest? Where are you and your parents living?"

Ondolemar looks at me with a disdainful expression that makes me want the ground to open up and swallow me whole. It is as if he thinks I am the one beneath him, when it is so obviously the reverse! I feel my civility wearing thin.

"I live in the city near the local government's buildings, it is convenient for mother's job that way."

Pleased to have elicited a response from him, I probe further. " And your father? Where does he work?"

"He does not work anywhere anymore, he died in the Battle of the Red Ring. When he was still among the living he was one of Lord Naarifin's colleagues," Ondolemar mutters spitefully.

"I am sorry for your loss. It must be terrible to have had a parent pass away at such a young age. You have my deepest sympathies." I respond automatically, knowing this is the proper thing to say despite it's insincerity. Honestly, I could care less about some inconsequential dead guy, but it is not like I can actually say that. I hope that this facade will make Ondolemar more comfortable around me.

He sees right through me.

"Really? Your deepest sympathies? That's rich coming from somebody born with a silver spoon in their mouth. What do you know about sympathy?" Ondolemar accuses, seething animosity.

I am taken aback. What have I done to deserve this? He does not even know me, and he is not even bothering to be civil. So I abruptly stop walking, grab Ondolemar's arm and yank him back to look at me. He raises his right eyebrow in confusion and I begin my tirade.

"What have I done?" I implore. " Better yet, what have my father and I done to make you and your mother continually disrespect us! Father should have you both kicked out of our home and onto the street for your insolence!"

Breathing heavily, I feel my face redden with anger and Ondolemar sneers at me.

" You are such a child, you cannot even see or understand what's happening right in front of you, can you? Well, ignorance is bliss I suppose..." Ondolemar scoffs as he effortlessly pulls his arm out of my grasp.

" I am not a child!" I holler. By the Eight! I hate being called that!

"You are too."

"Am not!"

"Are-"

"NOT!" I let out a long, frustrated sigh and then an idea dawns on me.

"Well, if I am such a child then you, Ondolemar, must be tenfold. For only a child would engage another in an 'am not, are too' argument."

Suddenly Ondolemar's hostile expression morphs into one of amusement.

"Well, I suppose you must be right...but I am still 4 years your senior."

After my revelation our conversation turns surprisingly pleasant. We avoid the topic of our parents and earlier conflicts entirely and instead discuss magic theory. I can tell that Ondolemar is begrudgingly impressed by my extensive knowledge. We take a seat underneath an apple tree in my garden's orchard.

Suddenly an apple breaks itself off a branch, hurls itself at Ondolemar, and hits him on the head. He yelps in surprise. It happens again- only this time to me. I rub my head, I am quite confused. I cannot remember this tree being enchanted. Ondolemar pushes me behind him and then faces the tree.

"I know you are there! Show yourself!" Ondolemar commands, and I hear an all too familiar chuckle and my suspicions are confirmed.

With a purple flash a previously invisible Heselle appears. She then proceeds to pluck another apple off a branch and takes a bite out of it cheekily.

I am overcome with jealousy.

" How did you do that!?" I demand from behind a perplexed Ondolemar. I can practically feel Heselle's smugness radiating off of her in waves.

" How do you think?" She questions, clearly amused by my obvious envy. " I skipped ahead. I admit, I did run into some issues with this Expert level spell, but I did it. Although I cannot make it last for very long, I am working on it."

Heselle saunters over and sizes up Ondolemar, who has not bothered to move and still obstructs her full view of me. She clears her throat loudly and places her hands on her hips. He promptly moves out of the way and is rewarded with a smile from Heselle.

"Who's that?" Heselle asks me. "Your boyfriend?"

I frown, but I am not surprised by her ridiculous assumption. Lately Heselle's head seems to be filled with boys. It is really getting old quite fast.

" Thankfully not," Ondolemar answers for me, and I am grateful despite the not so subtle insult behind the statement.

"Too bad," Heselle muses, and then asks: " Do you have a name Mr. 'Not Estoril's Boyfriend?'"

"As a matter of fact I do-it is Ondolemar, pleasure to meet you Miss...?"

"Heselle."

"Lady Heselle - Commander Nerinmir's daughter, yes? " he finishes, addressing Heselle with her appropriate title. If I am not mistaken I notice discomfort flicker across Heselle's face at the use of this honorific before nodding the affirmative to Ondolemar's question.

However, before I can muse about what this discomfort could mean, Heselle turns her attention to me and suddenly snaps her fingers.

"Ah! I almost forgot! I came to tell you about this cave I discovered just the other day. It's about ten minutes walking distance from here in that direction." She proclaims, pointing north.

I am instantly intrigued. Heselle and I for the past few years have been exploring the outskirts of Cloudrest and cataloging what we have come across. True, these places have been previously discovered, but for us every discovery is significant.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" I ask. " lets go! I want to see it! Take me there immediately."

Heselle grins and nods frantically.

"Now hold on just a minute!" Ondolemar's voice stops both of us in our tracks. " You two cannot just go gallivanting about now. In case neither of you have noticed, it is getting rather late. It will not be long before the sun sets."

"So what? I ask, annoyed. " We can take care of ourselves. We have done this before. We do not need you to concern yourself on our behalf."

"Couldn't have said it better myself, Estoril." Heselle agrees amiably. "So," she begins while giving Ondolemar a meaningful look, " are you coming with us or not?"

I open my mouth to protest. Despite whatever friendly rapport I had built with him, I do not want to bring him with us. This is mine and Heselle's 'thing', not his. It seems like Ondolemar too is not all that keen on the idea of joining us on one hand, but on the other hand does not wish for us to go alone.

"Oh come on! What are you, an old man? Are you determined to be boring or something? It'll be fun!"

I can tell that Heselle's comments have made Ondolemar come to a decision. And so, with a determined expression on his face, he strides right past us heading north. Heselle barely conceals a triumphant smirk.

"Works like a charm," she whispers and then follows Ondolemar. After a moment's pause, I too follow.

I try to catch up to Ondolemar, but Heselle motions for me to stay back a few paces with her. She then leans in and whispers in my ear.

"He's rather handsome, isn't he?"

"I have not noticed," I respond evenly.

"Oh come on! That whole sour 'holier than thou attitude' is very attractive on him, and his face isn't bad either."

I frown. Really? Does she really have to discuss this now? I silently pray to Auri-El and every one of the other Eight Divines that I will never sound so foolish over something as trivial as a boy.

Oh Estoril, you are still too young to care about boys, but one day you too may sound just as silly. I guarantee it. Chuckles the voice that sounds like mother, and I am really starting to fear for my sanity.

I consider ignoring Heselle's last comment altogether-but as usual I try.

"Well," I struggle, " I suppose his dedication to the Thalmor is...attractive?"

Heselle snorts and shakes her head. "That's not what I meant - isn't he hot?"

"Uh maybe... Do you think he should not be wearing such heavy material?"

Heselle giggles and shakes her head harder. "Oh Estoril, you really are a laugh."

"Well, it is unintentional I assure you" I say sharply. "You know I could care less about a boy being 'hot' as you so put it. I have no time for that, I care about a person's dedication to the Thalmor and Aldmeri traditions."

"Oh come on Estoril! Tradition isn't everything! We're young, we don't need to base everything off of the old ways! We can create new ones." She exclaims, gesticulating wildly.

Brilliant. She's going on about that again. That is something we will never see eye to eye on, it is something I will never understand about my best friend. How could she say something so...so...

"So, this is the magnificent cave you discovered, yes?" Ondolemar questions sarcastically-breaking through my internal monolog.

"Yes! That's the one!" Heselle exclaims happily and skips ahead of me to stand by Ondolemar at the mouth of the cave.

It is fairly unimpressive , but I have come to learn that appearances are often deceiving. And so, I and Ondolemar follow a happily chattering Heselle into the dark cave. It is damp, and its walls are slick with moisture. I nearly slip - but am caught by Ondolemar who props me back up. As we venture deeper still into the cave, I have the sneaking suspicion that we are not alone. My suspicions are confirmed when Heselle stiffens suddenly and begins to shake in what must be fear. I look to see what had disturbed her so much.

It is a bear.

None of us move. Afraid that if we do we will alert it of our presence. The bear is sleeping, but one cannot be too careful.

"I knew this was a bad idea." Ondolemar hisses, and I cannot help but agree. We never should have come here.

Suddenly Heselle -in an effort to turn back towards the general direction of the cave's entrance-slips and falls hard on her back. She yelps in pain.

The bear has heard us and it charges straight at us.

Heselle screams.

I know what I have to do.

I step in front of my companions who are frozen in fear and cast the flame cloak on all of us. I feel my magicka drain rapidly but the cloak holds. As the bear comes in contact with the fire raging all around the group of us, it's fur bursts into flames and it lets out a pain-filled roar. I smell burning fur and flesh and I focus harder. l cannot let up now -I cannot!

A few seconds later I know the bear must be dead, and I make a grave mistake.

I stop focusing - suddenly I feel the flames which I had conjured and bent to my will turn on me. It is my own burning flesh that I now smell.

The last thing I hear before I black out are Ondolemar and Heselle's shouts imploring me to hang on.

I am in my bed.

Even though I cannot seem to open my eyes I can feel the familiar sensation of silk sheets against my skin. I force my eyes open and see that father is sitting by my window in my favorite high backed green chair. Father senses my awakening and springs onto his feet.

"Estoril! You are awake! By the Eight Divines! I feared that I had lost you!" Father cries, his voice full of relief, and I smile.

"What happened?" I inquire, pleased that father is not upset with me for going into that cave, and for miss-casting the flame cloak spell . At least for now...

" After your flame cloak backfired, Ondolemar conjured some water and put out the fire before It could fatally injure you. I am sure you can imagine my... surprise when I saw Heselle and Ondolemar haul you across the threshold bleeding and covered in burns. You have been out for two days. Thankfully, the healers anticipated that once you

woke a full recovery could be expected - with only minor scarring. "

That is when I notice that my my whole body up to my neck is wrapped in bandages. I must be a hideous sight to behold. This sudden realization of the extent of my wounds makes me also notice that I am in pain. Gods, it is unbearable. Tears spring to my eyes.

"Rest assured that you will not be playing with fire unsupervised again any time soon. At least not until your Magicka increases significantly," Father berates.

My heart sinks.

Do not be sad my love, you shall overcome this. I believe in you. You are exceptionally talented, do not let this deter you from becoming the best you can be .

Do be quiet, mother.