"You honestly expect us to believe your some legendary hero from another world that can perform the impossible with his voice!" A look of annoyance present on Glynda's face not believing a single word that came from his lips.
"I believe evidence may help your claim." Ozpin said he had listened to the young man before him intently
"I thought you might say something like that." Mikael said blankly raising his hand he flexed his fingers a ball of flames appearing in his palm. Ozpin and Qrow seemed convinced... Glynda, the general and Miss Schnee on the other hand
"That proves nothing, the same effect can be found with Dust infused clothing" Winter pointed out, the flames around Mikael's hand were extinguished removing the Nightingale gloves showing his bare skin to all a silver wring with a wolf head resting around his ring finger. The ball of fire formed once more the flames flowing around his fingers the heart of the fire burning brightly in his palm
"I believe that answers your question Miss Schnee." Mikael said turning his attention back to Ozpin "Now you know my story. So, tell me Professor Ozpin what happens now?"
Ozpin looked at those around him, those he most trusted before slowly standing from his seat." Do you believe in Legends?
"I am one" Mikael stated
"Very true by your story's. As you are aware the attempt on Amber's life has caused great alarm among our brotherhood, our duty has been and always will be to safe guard the Four Maidens this recent attack has caused us to rethink our strategy. "Ozpin said
Amber stiffened "Wait, what are you saying?"
The headmaster looked at her "Miss Autumn, under the circumstances we believe it would be best that you remain here in Vale. Without knowledge of how many may be involved in this plot it would be too dangerous for you to travel outside the kingdom."
"You want to keep me under house arrest, like some common criminal!" Amber raised her voice while her eyes glowed vibrantly her power flaring.
"No!" Glynda said in an attempt to calm her "Not a prisoner, by staying in Vale we can better protect you if another attempt on your life were to take place" Glynda said
"Clever, your hiding her in plain sight" Mikael said looking at Amber giving her a gentle smile "It would be the best way for them to ensure your safety" his words seemed to calm the furious Maiden.
"Precisely" Ironwood said resting his hands behind his back "We know Amber is capable of defending herself, but we cannot properly guarantee her safety, the last place our enemy would expect her to be is among us."
"We would never consider imprisoning you Amber" Ozpin began "But your safety is our prime concern."
"Understandable" Mikael said
"Now I believe that just leaves you Mr. Salmon, I would like to make you an offer. "Ozpin said
"What kind?" Mikael inquired
"From what I've seen and been told by Qrow you are a rather skilled warrior a veteran huntsman by our standards and your abilities only prove that your story may hold a grain of truth, which cannot be ignored. Not many could take on two Beowulf alphas and walk away without injury, especially one without Aura such skills would be wasted if you were to leave these walls and just become another Mercenary." Glynda, Winter and Ironwood couldn't believe what they were hearing
"Are you offering me a job?" Mikael asked
"I'm offering you a place where you can learn and grow accustomed to our world "Ozpin said "Along with a position as a combat instructor teaching the next generation, while Amber skill as the Fall Maiden would fit the role of teaching Aura manipulation perfectly."
Honestly Mikael never saw himself as a teacher sure he had trained a few of the new initiates into the guild, but those skills mostly focused on stealth and picking locks.
some pick-pocketing here and there although he left that kind of thing to Vipir the man was by far the best on the subject. Pluss he even had the stones to attempt to flirt with sapphire, the woman who would most likely castrate a man for stealing a glance at her.
But these were children granted they came here to become warriors that would fight the darkness that plagued this world, but the only experience he had training children was...'Adriana' the same girl from his dreams flashed in his mind those emerald green eyes' that looked up at him with that innocents, as if no matter how wrong the world seemed it could always get better... god's how he missed those eye's.
Shaking himself from those thoughts he adopted a stern expression "What's the catch?"
"There isn't one" Mikael raised an eyebrow "If you doubt my intentions Mr. Salmon, then you are free to walk out that door we will not pursue you." Ozpin said Mikael mewled over the idea for a few moments glancing over to Amber
"If Amber chooses to stay then so shall I" Mikael said
"Then the decision falls to you Amber" Ozpin said the fall Maiden was deep in thought
she didn't like the overall idea of being kept in one place even when she was young she had always been a free spirit, although the possibility of teaching did give her the chance to help remnant in other ways, preparing the next generation of hunters for the trials they would face in the future, nodding she looked at the people surrounding her "Ok, I'll do it"
Ozpin smiled "Very well, we keep some spare quarters in the event of there being extra staff, Glynda if you would." Ozpin indicated to his second in command who led them back to the elevator Winter saluting her superior before joining them the door closing leaving the headmaster and general alone
"Ozpin are you sure we can trust him" Iron wood asked concern present
"Despite his feelings towards us James, it's clear Mikael is looking out for Amber's best interest" Ozpin said "I have faith in our new alley, so should you"
The general sighed "Very well, Ozpin I trust your judgement but I'm keeping a close eye on the situation, we have no idea if our enemy's will strike again." Ironwood said
"Then we will be ready if that time comes" Ozpin replied
/
The three of them walked down the corridors passing a number of doors rounding a few corners entering the dormitory wing of the school Glynda's silent demeanor didn't budge the entire journey through the campus although she did glance at the nightingale once or twice as if determining if he would be a threat "They don't trust me" Mikael whispered to Amber
"Well I do, give them time after all what you said was allot to take in" Amber said which was true even she needed some time to grasp what he had told her back in that cave although that did bring up something
"Why didn't you tell them about-Mph" Mikael's hand quickly covered her mouth silencing her earning a small look of annoyance from the maiden
"The Nightingales are a well-kept secret like Ozpin's brotherhood we work in the shadows and there are penalty's for reviling such information to those who have neither earned the right to know or who don't deserve to" Mikael said Glynda stopped at two doors up ahead
"These will be your quarters for your time here at beacon." Glynda indicated to a set of rooms across the halls from one another" The semester it 'self doesn't begin for another two weeks so take this time to familiarize yourselves with the academy and its surrounding"
Glynda held out a scroll to Amber and Mikael "Here are your scrolls, they will act as a key to open the lock along with functioning as a personal communication device" Glynda said the last part mostly for the man's benefit
Taking out his newly acquired scroll he swiped it over the lock. greeted by the soft click of the lock, turning the handle he stepped in to find a clean room rather similar to the inn back in the village. "Thank you Miss Goodwitch."
"Very well then, goodbye" Glynda said turning around and making her way down the hall
"Gods that woman is intimidating" Mikael said once she was at a good distance releasing a breath he didn't realize he was holding Amber giggled at the action
"Glynda has always been rather overbearing but she means well." Amber said
"Nocturnal incarnate" Mikael muttered staring at goodwitch retreating form "So what now?"
"Ozpin said to familiarize ourselves with the academy and Vale why don't we start there" Amber suggested
"Lead on" Mikael said
/
The city streets of Vale we're rather quiet the sun shone down on the people walking below, the street was filled with many shops and some stands selling various things Mikael's eyes examined the street and its occupants taking in every detail It's large grey buildings, the horseless carriages... cars that's what Amber referred to them as, along with a multitude of people wearing a variety of colour which threw the nightingale off.
Amber giggled slightly catching his attention "Your staring" she said.
"You're surprised?" Mikael raised an eyebrow towards the Fall Maiden.
"Not entirely" Amber tittered
The two began walking down the street passing by a few of the stalls, the owners and a few passersby glanced at them before going about their day. Mikael actually smiled at least he could go one day without someone coming up to him at random and asking for assistance, it's not like he didn't want to help them but after a while it got rather repetitive.
"While we're here I need to restock on dust, I'm starting to run low" Amber said
He stopped for a moment noticing a small store at the end a sign outside baring a coat of arms with a Red crown in the center "The Red Baron" was written in bold letters underneath.
"I think I know just the place" Mikael said
The two walked into the store and began to browse the various weapons, armor and dust. Amber moved towards the shelves that held the different varieties of dust, while Mikael examined a selection of daggers infused with Fire, Wind and Ice dust.
setting the weapon's down he made his way further down the aisle this place certainly had a large selection than any merchant back in Skyrim, eventually stumbling upon some older gear something like what he would find back home. Tanned black leather armor with chain mail covering the leather black combat pants and boots along with a pair of leather bracers and fingerless gloves.
"Quiet the piece isn't it." a voice said Mikael turned to find a man around his age short wavy brown hair and a small beard.
"It is" Mikael said turning back towards the armor" Who made it?"
"All the equipment you see here was custom made on site although the guy who wanted that never showed up, Shame really." He said Turning to Mikael "Ron" he said holding his hand out to him
"Mikael" Mikael responded shaking his hand
His eyes widened for a moment "Your Mikael, my brother Carl said you were heading down my way. "Ron said " Listen thank you for what you did back there saving my brother and his family. Really, I owe you, their just about the only family I got around here."
"As I told your brother think nothing of it." Mikael said looking back at the armor "you know, it'd be a shame for gear like this to just go to waste I could take it off your hands." Mikael said while Ron smiled
A good five minutes went by as Mikael into the armor, it weighed around the same as his nightingale set although it lacked some of the extra slots for his daggers, that could easily be fixed one he returned to Beacon and had access to the academy forge. Stepping out of the changing room he found Amber waiting for him
"That does suit you rather well." Amber said looking over the armor
"How much?" Mikael asked looking to Ron
"Well under the circumstances, consider this and the dust your lady friend is after on the house" Ron said "But only this once, guy's still gotta make a living you know."
Mikael smirked "Deal"
After making their purchase the two left the weapons store letting Ron know they would return in the future, given the amount of supply's them man had in his store it would be beneficial to come back at a later date. It was around noon and seemed like a good time to grab some food.
/
The two of them sat in a small cafe in the heart of Vale in an out of the way spot in the back allowing them some privacy "I've been rather curious; would you mind telling me more about your home if there's no problem?" Amber asked
"Not at all " Mikael said reaching into his satchel he removed an old and weathered map, opening it Mikael set it down on the table " This is a map of one of the nine Provinces of Tamriel a large continent on Nirn, Skyrim my home." Amber's eye's scanned over the map analyzing the landscape "Skyrim it 'self is divided into nine holds, each governed by a Jarl the lord of said hold."
"Your home is that divided?" Amber asked some sadness in her tone
" Yes and no each of the Jarl's are rulers in their own right but they all must answer to Skyrim High king the last high king was Torygg Jarl of solitude." Mikael pointed to one of the coastal holds bearing a wolf on its banner
"Was?" Amber asked
"...He was murdered by the Jarl of Windhelm Ulfric Stormcloak who sought to usurp his throne" Mikael indicated to the hold bearing the banner of a bear "Which brings me to the next chapter in Tamriel's history. Over the past few year, Skyrim has been divided in two, a civil war between the Storm cloaks and the imperial legion. "Amber stayed silent but a look of sadness was present on her face.
"Ulfric fought for the freedom of his people who were oppressed by the Aldmeri dominion due to the White gold concordat a decree that was signed after the Empire lost the war with the Aldmeri Dominion resulting in the Thalmor banning the worship of Talos"
"Talos?" Amber asked
"One of the nine divines the gods of my world, generally nine are recognized Zenithar Divine of commerce and wealth; Stendarr Divine of Mercy and Justice; Mara Divine of love; Julianos Divine of logic and wisdom; Kynareth Divine of Nature and the Sky; Dibella Divine of beauty; Arkay Divine of Life and Death; Talos Divine of Governance and War; and finally, Akatosh Divine of Time and the Father of Dragons." Mikael said
"Seven years ago, I was travelling along the road from Cyrodiil to Skyrim, I was hoping to see more of the world and what it had to offer. I stumbled upon an ambush set up by the legion to capture Ulfric, the legionaries mistook me for one of the Stormcloak's and took me as one of the prisoners, from there we were carted off to Helgen for execution.
"What?!" Amber wide-eyed
"They believed I was a member of the rebellion, there wasnt really anything I could say to change there minds. But one of the soldiers Hadvar knew I wasn't one of them, he tried reasoning with the commander trying to convince her to have me set free, but the woman simply sent me to the block. I had just about lost all hope...then he arrived"
"Who" Amber asked
"The dragon Alduin the world eater" Mikael said amber's eye's widened" He attacked the village inadvertently allowing me to escape with Hadvar, who set me free." Mikael chuckled slightly" It's Ironic really, as Dragonborn I was destined to kill him and yet he inadvertently saved my life."
"Dragons you've mentioned them before but never really gone into detail? "Amber said
Mikael nodded "Dragons are the immortal spawn of Akatosh they are prideful, arrogant creatures who see themselves as superior to mankind centuries ago they arrived on Tamriel from the continent Akavir the name itself means 'Dragon land' in Dovahzul the language of dragons. When they first arrived, they were worshipped like god's and soon after enslaved Skyrim people, with Alduin as there god-king."
"Mankind rebelled against them, with the aid of a number of dragons who turned their backs on Alduin, one of said dragons, Paarthurnax a close friend taught mankind how to wield the dragons greatest weapon, the Thu'um against them. In the end, mankind won the war and claimed their freedom and Aludin was defeated for a time.
" What is a Thuum?" Amber asked
"For dragon's words hold power, quite literally, but to even be capable of using a Thu'um you must have knowledge of these words of power and understand their inner meaning in order to tap into that power. A shout as they are called is comprised of three words of power spoken in dragon tongue."
"They have their own language? "the fact that such creatures that could only be found in stories were not only real but had their own language had captured the Fall Maidens interest.
" Yes, although it is vastly different to man's and is rather complex it took me a few years to learn it" Mikael said
"Can I hear some of it?" Amber asked
Mikael smiled "Geh, nuz hi fen ni mindoraan zu'u." Amber blinked a few times in confusion "Yes, but you will not understand me." he clarified before chuckling Amber simply punched him in the shoulder before she to began to laugh, how long had it been since she had interacted with someone, not as the Fall maiden or a huntress but as just another human being.
She looked up at Mikael and smiled. The powers and abilities a maiden held were of great importance and with those powers and abilities came great responsibility. It felt good to actually be able to talk to someone who could relate to her and understood the burden she carried as the Fall Maiden.
"So, the new students will be arriving to beacon in a few days, think you're ready to start teaching?" Mikael Asked breaking amber out of her thoughts
Amber bit her lips for a moment "I'll admit I'm rather nervous I've never actually taught anyone before, let alone a class of Hunter's and huntresses in training"
"Honestly, I don't know why Ozpin would offer me the position true I have trained a few in the way of the sword in the past but these were adults my experience with large groups of children is rather...lacking. "Mikael said
"Hey, don't sell, yourself to short, from what I've seen and heard about you, I know you'll be fine." Amber said with a reassuring smile, resting her hand atop his.
"Perhaps, but only time will be able to tell."
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Hello, my fellow authors and readers, I'm back first off, I want to apologise for the absence mostly due to exam prep writer's block and overall procrastinating but never the less I'm back and bringing you chapter eight of this story I hope you have enjoyed till next time adventurers