When Tala had entered the Arcane University on that Mid Year day back in Fourth-Era-One, she had been so excited to be a part of the elite mages. While she had been looking forward to learning all kinds of spells and skills, her most desired field of study had been learning how to enchant. She devoted almost all of her time there in practicing every skill there was just so she could apply them to every-day items and weapons. She studied every book she could get her hands on, and had kept her fighting skills from getting rusty by venturing out into the woods to capture the souls of beasts in order to take filled Soul Gems back to the University and use them for her latest enchantment project. Every so often, she'd have to step away from her studies in order to perform a task to advance further in rank- and run in to uninvited necromancers in the process. But it had all been worth it in the end because with every promotion, Tala got access to more of the University's library and teachers who could help her in the places she had been stuck in.

She had felt very lucky to be there. Therefore, she had wasted no time in her studies. It took three years of advancements before she had made it up to the rank of Magician, which was a long time, but had still been faster than most mages in the Guild. Another six months after that promotion, Raminus had informed her that she had a request from Arch-Mage Hannibal Traven himself. When she had entered the Council chambers to meet him for the first time, she had been extremely nervous. She wasn't sure what the Arch-Mage would be like, and she had wanted to make a good impression. He had worn a very kind smile when he noticed her manifest from the portal bringing her to the upper level, and he approached her slowly, but with an air of confidence in his stride.

"Greetings." He had warmly started. "It is high time that we meet face-to-face, don't you think? Raminus has told me good things about you. You have advanced quickly, and show great promise."

"Thank you, Arch-Mage. I'm honored that you think so." Tala had replied with a courteous bow.

He had slightly returned the gesture in kind before he noticed that she had been wearing her amulet underneath her Conjurer's Robes. "I see you are wearing a talisman of sorts. Raminus also told me you are studying the art of enchantments. Tell me, what sort of spell have you chosen as your safeguard?"

Initially, Tala had a moment of confusion at what he had been implying until she looked down and saw that the outline of her diamond-shaped gem was slightly noticeable under her robes. She then proceeded to pull the amulet out in order to let it sit out in the open as she replied, "I am studying enchanting, but this one has no enchantment placed on it yet. I have a locket in the back that holds something very dear to me inside. I'd like to learn how to enchant the lock so that it could never be opened unless I do so, but I don't know how to use such a spell just yet."

When Traven noticed the shining blue jewel that made up the amulet's core, his eyes had lit up with surprise. "It's been a very long time since I've seen that kind of gem. Where did you find it?"

"Um... I got this amulet from someone who has been long deceased. I honestly have no idea what the gem is really. I never had the chance to ask her, but I knew she wore it as a decoy to protect her family heirloom, which was a large ruby in the same shape. I knew this one wasn't a sapphire because of its color, but yet I've never seen a gem so bright blue and practically glowing before. So I guessed that it was probably thick glass shaped like a gem. You... um... do you know what it is, Arch-Mage?"

"I do indeed. That right there is not glass. It is an aetherium crystal."

Tala had blinked several times as she looked down and lifted the amulet to inspect the luminescent sky-blue gem. "Aetherium? I've never heard of that before."

"Aetherium is a rare crystal to come by in this day and age. It was said to be originally used and harnessed by the Dwemer. Most aetherium crystals were found by archeologists and mages down in the old Dwemer ruins of Skyrim, though some have been harvested by dungeon dwellers who do not know what they truly are. Some crystals have eventually migrated down to Cyrodiil by traders who pass them off as fancy gems of unknown origin. I imagine if your friend used a crystal of this size as a decoy, then they clearly didn't recognize that the 'fake' amulet was actually more valuable than any regular gem. You have yourself quite a lucky find."

A part of her had felt astonished that she had been toting around a rare crystal this entire time, but the other part had felt relieved that the mystery of the gem's origins had finally been resolved after so many years. "I... I also had no idea how fortunate I am to have it. Thank you for telling me, Arch-Mage."

Traven had humbly nodded. "It's my pleasure. When you earn the rank of Warlock, you will get access to the books that teach you how to create a permanent shield around certain items. But before you are granted this rank, I intend to put your talents to a more direct test. I have a difficult task that you can perhaps assist with."

Tala quickly nodded and eagerly replied, "Of course! I'm ready to be of assistance!"

"Very good. Let me explain what is at stake." He had then gestured to a chair for her to sit in while he took the empty chair beside it. Once they were both seated, he had gone on to explain. "The Council of Mages has been aware of the increased Necromancer activity in Cyrodiil for some time. It had been our position to sit back and watch what unfolded, but that time has clearly passed. We cannot tolerate these attacks on the Guild. Most of our information on Necromancers has come from an informant inside the cult itself- a Guild member who offered to infiltrate their ranks."

Tala had titled her head in curiosity. "We have a spy within the ranks, huh?"

"Yes, and we have for quite some time. Though the information he has provided is limited, it has given us a sense of their scope and power. The Council was initially reluctant to believe the information was reliable, but with recent events, they have little choice but to trust it. I fear that our informant is in danger, and that is why I have called you here."

She had ardently nodded again. "Of course. Who's the informant?"

"Mucianus Allias. He is not a Council member, but has long served the Guild here at the Arcane University. Aware of the growing interest in the Guild after the band of Necromancy was put into place, he offered to help the Council track the cult's actions. With my blessing, he infiltrated the group, and has fed us information for quite some time... until recently. I have not heard from him, and I fear for his safety. The lack of reports from Mucianus has disturbed the Council, and they are now concerned about the legitimacy of his information. A group of Battlemages were dispatched to Mucianus's last known location, with the intent on bringing him in for questioning. I argued against it, but eventually agreed to maintain order in the Council. I regret that decision, and that is why I wish to send you there. I fear the Battlemages may mistreat Mucianus, if they do not mistake him for one of the many Necromancers no-doubt present in the ruins. I wish for you to find Mucianus, and ensure his safe return to the Arcane University. I do not want anything to go wrong. The Battlemages will arrive there soon- if they have not already- and time is of the essence. If for any reason they are unsuccessful, Mucianus's life will be forfeit. You must make sure he is safe."

Tala had acknowledged his plea with another nod as she rose from her seat. "Where was his last location?"

"Mucianus last reported being sent to the ruins of Nenyond Twyll, south of the Imperial City. That is where the Battlemages went. South of the White Rose River, nearly halfway to the border of Elsweyr. I'm afraid I know nothing more about the location, or what you may expect to find once you arrive."

"That's okay. I'll grab my armor and quickly change into it... just in case what I encounter is more than I can handle in just robes."

That time, it had been Traven's turn to nod in acknowledgement. "Thank you. Know that I would not ask such a thing of you if I did not feel it was urgent, or that it was beyond your capabilities. Go now, and bring word to me as soon as he has been escorted to safety. I shall await your return."

She had felt ever more privileged that she earned Traven's trust to the point where he felt she was who he needed to bring this informant back alive. He didn't use her title as the Champion of Cyrodiil as his reason why, but rather her role in the Guild. It was something she did not overlook, and it was why she took the task to heart. Unfortunately, when Tala had reached her location she arrived too late. Mucianus Allias had already been discovered by the necromancers as a double agent, and had been turned into a Worm Thrall long before she had gotten there. It had been painful for her to not make it in time to save him, but at least she mercifully ended his suffering before she returned to the University. When she had returned to him, it had been hard to look him in the face. Her first assignment by the Arch-Mage himself, and already she felt like she had failed. Though despite trying to hide her shame when she came into the Council room, Traven had noticed her expression right away and made a point to say it aloud.

"What news of your task? Your face looks grim." He had calmly said to her.

She had felt horrible delivering this grave news to the Arch-Mage, and she had been terrified that he would demote her for this failure. But she had been slightly relieved that Traven seemed more sad than angry. "What a horrible fate. I cannot imagine how they could do that to him. So many lives lost... I thank you for trying to save him."

With her eyes facing downcast to the ground, she dejectedly replied, "I'm terribly sorry that I failed, Arch-Mage. You trusted me to bring him back alive and I wasn't quick enough. I understand if you are upset with me."

It was then that she had felt a hand on her shoulder. When she had looked up, she saw that Traven had a soft- yet sad- smile on his face. "While I am upset over what became of Mucianus, I am not upset with you. You did everything you could. You have a kind soul, Tala. I thank you for trying your hardest. And for that, I would like to promote you to the rank of Warlock."

Instantly, Tala had flinched and leaned back in surprise. "What? W-why? I failed the assignment..."

"I've spoken to Raminus while you were away. He and I both agreed that your role within the Guild becomes ever more essential. Regardless of the outcome of the task, I feel you are worthy of the advancement. With this new rank, you are freely able to access the Council Chamber, and you can study more advanced enchantment techniques. Perhaps you will then find the spell you need to protect your amulet from harm." He had then patted her shoulder before he withdrew his hand. "There is also another urgent matter which requires your personal attention. This task falls to you, and only you."

Her eyes had blinked again in mild surprise as she realized that despite failing the last task, he was still entrusting her with another one. "I'm... I'm honored that you'd pick me so soon for another assignment. What do you need?"

"I wouldn't say that I picked you for this so much as you were requisitioned. While you were away, Count Hassildor of Skingrad has contacted the Council. He claims to have information that is vital to us. He has requested that you personally travel to Skingrad to obtain this information. I cannot stress how important it is that our relationship with Hassildor be preserved. I expect you to visit him immediately. I am unsure as to why he has requested that you- of all people- should be the one to visit him. I have no wish to put you in harm's way."

Tala had simply smiled. She knew why he requested her. Despite everyone else walking on eggshells around him, Tala was really one of the few people that Janus Hassildor trusted... especially after she helped get him a cure for his wife's vampirism. It was because of this that the Count put more faith in Tala than he did most outsiders. He had been generous in offering troops during the Oblivion Crisis because of it, and even when they met for a third time about a year ago he berated her briefly for being foolish enough to be deceived by necromancers, but quickly returned to speaking to her on an equal level rather than treat her like an imbecile. It was because he trusted her that she honored and valued anything he had to offer her, and that mutual understanding of one another meant that the Count now had someone he could truly depend on within the Mages Guild. And Tala was happy to be the communicator between the two factions.

She had then felt herself relax and nodded in gratitude. "I will leave immediately. Thank you for putting your confidence in me."

"Of course. Before you leave, speak to Raminus on your way out and let him know that I have given you an advancement. Then please pay a visit to Count Hassildor in Skingrad. If his information is as vital as he claims, we need it as soon as possible."

She had then bowed to him in gratitude, and proceeded back to the portal down to the main lobby to carry out her tasks.

It had been after this assignment that she and Raminus began talking more in the weeks that succeeded it, mostly about her duties and how she could be of help with her new role. But even though he was still her superior, Raminus saw her potential and started acting as more of a mentor from thereon in. It was also after helping the Count and retrieving the information he had obtained that she was given some time to resume her enchantment studies for a few more weeks. During that time, she realized that her favorite Russet Felt outfit was old and worn, and she needed a replacement. So she had strolled into Divine Elegance to browse the selections, and found the beautiful red and black tiered dress with it's beautiful gold trims. Palonirya simply said it was a custom-made dress she designed herself, and Tala was happy to pay for it and wear it proudly. And with her new rank, she decided to call it the Warlock outfit, since she had been very delighted with her new title since Traven had bestowed the rank himself. She wore it around the University every once in a while, but otherwise she kept her Mage's robes on while studying and wore the dress whenever she returned home for a few days to spend time with her family.

With the rank of Warlock, her tasks and future promotions were now given by Traven directly. While the assignments he had sent her on proved to be more difficult than intended, she handled the adversities better than many had expected her to. Though for her it had been no major challenge, given her skills as a Nightblade and her previous battle experience. Her dedication and hard work had been recognized by Traven, and in completing the tasks, she advanced through the rest of the Guild's ranks faster than before. It was in only seven months that Tala had jumped from Warlock to Wizard because of her efforts to slay the necromancers that burned down the Bruma Guild and escorting J'skar safely back to the University. In another few weeks, he had appointed her to Master-Wizard when she had retrieved the missing artifacts from the Council members while eliminating Caranya and her necromancers for betraying the Guild. A month after that, she had aided Battlemages in retrieving a Colossal Black Soul Gem from Falcar and the Worm Cult, and Traven had rewarded her by appointing her as his new Council alongside Raminus.

In working right underneath Hannibal Traven for nearly nine months, Tala not only found herself at the top of the Mages Guild and acting as the Arch-Mage's right hand, but she also got to learn a bit more about Traven and grew comfortable around him. Aside from Raminus, the old Breton had been the only one in the University who took a genuine interest in getting to know Tala as a person, and she was happy to talk about her family and share her life's story, as well as listen to his stories in return. Traven's gentle demeanor and kindness had reminded Tala of her father, and a sense of feeling at home within the Arcane University only grew with each passing day because of it.

All in all, she had loved being a part of the Guild. It had given her that sense of purpose she once felt back when she was the Hero of Kvatch, and she had been elated to be helpful to her new friends. And the best part was: no one there really cared about the color of her hair. Being mages, most of them had assumed that she used a spell or potion to turn it that color, and no one really judged. It had been a grand feeling to be a part of a community that accepted her for who and what she was. Aside from the Blades and her family, she had never really seen that out of other people. And she loved it. So she never questioned any assignments given, and barely hesitated on any choices given to her.

It had been difficult for her to watch the death of Guild members as they struggled to handle the return of Mannimarco, the King of Worms. But the most difficult thing she had to witness had been when Traven told her that he would willingly seal his soul into the Colossal Black Soul gem to use it against their adversary. On a cold Frostfall evening in Fourth-Era-Four, he had called Tala and Raminus to the Council Chambers to prepare them for the final decision he had made, since as his council they needed to know.

"Mannimarco will have what he seeks," the Arch-Mage had explained, "but it will be his undoing at your hands. With this gem in your possession, you will be impervious to his attempt to enthrall you. When he fails, that is when you shall strike."

In realizing that he was planning to sacrifice himself, Tala froze in fear while Raminus fervently tried to persuade with him to reconsider. The memories of Martin giving his life to save Tamriel was all she had seen in her mind when Traven had spoken those words, and after developing a close comradery after so many months of working with him, Tala couldn't bear the idea of reliving that with another friend.

"Please don't ask th-this of us." She had brittlely told him. "I watched someone very close to me make the same sacrifice. I... I can't watch that happen again."

Traven then gently placed both of his hands on her shoulders that time before he had gently replied, "It is the only way we will be able to stop him. I believe I know whom you speak of, and for that I am truly sorry for your loss. But this must be done, and I am ready to make the sacrifice. When we are done speaking, you will take this gem. You will then seek out Mannimarco and destroy him. Get to him anyway you can. It is your only hope for defeating him. I have full confidence in you, and so I leave the Guild in your care. When I am gone, you will be recognized as Arch-Mage and leader of the Guild. Lead your fellow mages, and lead them well. The future rests on your shoulders, Tala."

Both Master-Wizards had stared in awe at his final words while he took the Colossal Black Soul gem and prepared the spell. "Farewell, my friends." He said before casting the spell to trap his soul, and then pierced his body with a rush of flames, instantly killing him and sealing his soul before either one of them could stop him.

As his body crumpled to the ground, all Tala had been able to do was stare at him with wide and wet eyes as she pulled one hand to her chest and the other across her mouth to suppress her loud and sharp gasp. Both of them stood there for a long moment before Raminus had decided to speak.

"He was right." He sullenly told her. "This is the only way."

A part of her had felt like there were other ways, but yet it had no longer mattered. The damage had been done. All that had been left was to make sure Traven's sacrifice wasn't in vain.

She had then removed her hand from her face. "I need to gather my armor." Tala had told him. "I need to stop this before it grows any further."

"I'll join you." Raminus had quickly said. "You'll need all the help you can get."

"I couldn't accept that." She retorted. "What if Mannimarco traps you with his enthrall? You'd be his puppet and wouldn't be able to control yourself. Then it'd be me against you both."

"I refuse to let you do this alone." He had insisted. "You will need another hand, and we can set up a strategy on the way there."

"I have fought worse on my own before." Tala had replied. "Besides Tar-Meena, we are the only Master-Wizards left. If something happens to me, you will need to take over as Arch-Mage in my place. And... if something does happen to me... someone needs to tell my family..."

"Then come back alive, so I don't have to be that bearer of bad news."

Tala had then slowly knelt down beside Traven's body to pick up the Colossal Black Soul gem. As she stood back up, she told Raminus, "I'll enchant my Glass Armor to give me more protection. Then I'm off to Echo Cave to confront Mannimarco. If I succeed, then I'll be back in roughly five days' time. If I'm not back by the sixth day, expect that I failed."

It was apparent that she didn't fail, otherwise Tala wouldn't be alive right now, walking into the Anvil Fighter's Guild two years later. But the experience never left her mind in the days that succeeded it... as well as the challenges that arose because of it.

After Mannimarco's defeat, Tala kept her title of Arch-Mage for a few weeks before she decided to give the position to Raminus anyway. Her dream was to finish her enchanting training so she could return to Chorrol and ask Teekeeus to take her in as the Chorrol Guild's Enchantress, especially since Contumeliorus had left the Chorrol chapter to live in Kvatch after their guild rebuilt. Initially Raminus had been hesitant to accept, since Traven had entrusted her with the Guild, not him. But after a long discussion regarding what was best for her and for the Guild, he unenthusiastically accepted the job and offered to help her finish her studies. He had also told her that she was welcome back to the University anytime she wanted, as she was still a Council member and was free to do whatever she pleased.

With her rank as a Master-Wizard and her exceptional enchanting skills, Teekeeus had no qualms in taking her on. But she had only been the Guild's enchantress for all of three weeks when they received word that the Elder Council had made a decree. They had dissolved the Mage's Guild, citing their reason for doing so being due to all the trouble from the Oblivion Crisis and the almost-return of the King of Worms. Even though Ocato- a Master-Wizard himself- had been strongly against it, he had been met with great resistance and had no choice but to submit to the majority vote. Which meant the Chorrol chapter of Guild was defunct and her skills in magic were now considered taboo. And with no dream of making a living by being a Guild Enchanter, it meant the last four years of blood, sweat, and tears Tala had put into her studies at the Arcane University were now worthless. Which had left her with the question: Now what does she do?

Once she returned and stayed home, Tala did end up working with Guilbert and Reynald around Weatherleah for the entirety of Fourth-Era-Five. She spent lots of time with her family and helped tend to the herbs they had growing in the greenhouse beside the home, and volunteered to make the delivery runs to whichever alchemy shops placed orders for their exotic herbs. Sometimes she'd travel alone, and other times she took Marten with her to get him out of the house. While they were living comfortably for now, Guilbert could see that even though his wife loved being with her family, she was feeling restless at home now that she felt she had no purpose in life after all her work at the University became null. So he had suggested to her that once the winter breaks, she could take the odd contract at the Fighters Guild. It had been a thought in the back of her mind since the end of the Oblivion Crisis, but she never brought it to fruition. Taking contracts would keep her blade skills sharp, she would be getting coin to put away for food and supplies, and it would get her out from time to time and fulfill her need to help people. So on a spring day in Fourth-Era-Six, she had gone in to Chorrol to speak to Modryn Oreyn about contracts... and the rest was history.

.

.

.

A/N 10-2-2021: Hey everyone! Thank you so much for waiting a whole month for the next chapter! My life has definitely been busy and it's been making it difficult to sit and write (which has been one of my biggest complaints since I first started this series, *sigh*) but the long stretch between chapter releases will be really helpful just in case I hit a real big stale period. I do have a healthy bulk of chapters though! If I get even more chapters done, I might narrow the time between release dates, but for now the "one a month" schedule will work out perfectly for me. Hopefully this gave new readers time to catch up with the previous story! ;)

Obviously this chapter fills in the details of Tala's time studying at the University! Yes, I could have gone through the whole Arcane University questline in "Past" chapters (like I did in the previous story), but I really wanted to just touch on the important parts and continue forth to the present. Perhaps I shall revisit her Studying Days later in future chapters, but for now you all understand what she did during her time there and understand what is transpiring in the present day.

As always, thank you so much for your support! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

...

A/N 10/6/21: So after having something pointed out to me by a reader, I went and re-read this chapter and realized that, yes, I could have outlined the timeline a little more clearly and explained a little more about Tala's time working under Traven before the moment she became Arch-Mage. And as I was reading it, I realized that I screwed up my own timeline (eight years has passed since the end of the Oblivion Crisis, which in this story happened in 3E 434. That means in the present its currently 4E 7.) So I went back and redid some paragraphs within the second line break and readjusted the timeline according to what I was thinking in my head. And found some pointed out typos. Hope some things make a little more sense now. Thank you all again!