Skyrim: The Unlikely Companions | By : NoLoreMaster Category: +A through F > Elder Scrolls - Skyrim Views: 3241 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: Bethesda Softworks is the creator of the The Elder Scrolls Universe, so logically, this isn't mine. This fanfiction is non-profit and fan-made. Hope that covers it. Don't eat me D= |
Hello again. Glad to see you're back again or here for the first time o.o/ hai.
Not much to say. On another medium I had the review to 'begin the romance soon', and really it'll come. Just let it build up. I'm a hooker for a decent plot o.O
The Unlikely Companions – Chapter 5
The next morning, Ganir and Cirilonde headed down to the Hall of Elements after breakfast, where they attended the first lesson, which was hosted by Faralda. Cirilonde couldn’t help but find it odd to see Ganir clad in the blue and grey robes with a white sash that all other students wore as she was so used to seeing him clad in armor and being armed to the teeth. It wouldn’t surprise her, however, if he had his weapons hidden somewhere on him.
The students and some seniors gathered around the font where Faralda sat, who furrowed her brow at Ancano, who had slipped in as well but kept to the background. She turned an hourglass around, which stood on the font’s edge and turned to the class.
“Good morning everyone. Welcome. As you no doubt know, I am your instructor for today’s basic technique for Destruction,” as she spoke, she walked back and forth, using her hands in graceful gestures to maintain everyone’s attention. “As you are aware, the school of Destruction is practically vital to any mage, even if for the basic, theoretic comprehension of its workings and they will be examined on the yearly basis to maintain your attendance at the College.”
Ganir’s eyes widened. There were exams here? Great.
“Who, here, has a basic comprehension of some experience with destruction spells?”
It came as no surprise that Brelyna raised her hand, but it was quite unexpected to see J’Zhargo raise his. Cirilonde had no knowledge or experience whatsoever as she’d been mostly focused on Restoration and Alteration for the past ten years.
“What experience do you have, Brelyna. What spells can you cast?”
“I can channel all elements, if needed, but I don’t feel comfortable with projectile spells just yet.” Brelyna then laughed as she remembered something. “Nearly set my brother’s robes on fire.”
“And what of you, J’Zhargo?” Faralda quipped to keep distractions to a minimum.
“J’Zhargo can cast fireballs.” He grinned, quite proud of himself. Granted, it was impressive for an apprentice to be capable of such.
“Cirilonde.” Faralda motioned for her to come to her and she did, noticing Ancano only now from the corner of her eye. She looked at Ganir, unnerved. He just gave her a subtle, reassuring nod, but squinted his eyes at the Thalmor.
What’s that fetcher doing here?
“So you have absolutely no experience with Destruction spells at all?” Faralda was quite surprised. It was quite common for most, apt young Altmer to be taught the basics.
Cirilonde shook her head. “I assisted by mother in the bays as a healer, so I’m more capable of that.”
Faralda nodded and turned her attention to the class again. “Now, I don’t know how many of you are familiar with the schools of Restoration or Alteration, but I’m sure Cirilonde can show you that when it comes to the schools, there are different ‘stances’, so to speak. You logically do not need to stand as firm and prepared to heal as you do when you are obliterating a wolf, bear or troll with a bolt of lightning.”
Cirilonde followed Faralda’s guidance as she positioned her correctly. “As you undoubtedly know, magicka needs to be channeled through your entire being when you cast, however, with Destruction-based spells, you require restraint and learn your boundaries, lest you burn yourself to a crisp.”
And so, the lesson went on, and Cirilonde was taught to channel her magicka into the desired elements of frost, flame and shock. It was a vast difference from alteration and restoration spells, which required a peace of mind, but Destruction-based spells really gave her an adrenaline rush. She was definitely going to like learning more about this and regretted not having done so sooner. She soon wasn’t even all too bothered by Ancano, who watched her like a hawk.
Faralda rung the tiny bell next to the hourglass, which had emptied, indicating the end of the session. “All right everyone. That’s it for now. For the next session come Fredas, I will want you to have read The Art of War Magic by Zurin Arctus and Response to Bero’s Speech by the battlemage Malviser.
“Master Sergius Turrianus will be hosting an enchanting seminar in an hour in the laboratory. Master Tolfdir will be here shortly to host a lesson on magickal theory and its applications which is compulsory for all new students to attend.”
With that, Faralda left the Hall of Elements, followed by all the seniors if they didn’t head up to any other class or the Arcaneum. Ancano lingered as well, looking excruciatingly bored as he scribbled something down in a little booklet.
“Have you noticed that this Ancano figure has been staring us down the whole time?” Brelyna whispered to Cirilonde. “I swear by Azura he expects one of us to blow ourselves up.”
“Don’t. Trust that one,” said the High Elf woman behind them. She was shorter than most Altmer females. She was lanky, with a thin, long face and pronounced cheekbones. Her eyes were large and green and her hair was long and dark-blonde, reaching past her waist. “That one is up to something, and really, most of us are around here, but for his sort, that’s never a good thing.”
“I’ve got no intention to get anywhere near that one.” Brelyna said. “Like I said, I don’t like how he looks at us. I still haven’t decided if he wants us to blow ourselves up, or he wants to blow us up.”
“Well, by the rate you were going earlier, I think you’ll sooner blow yourself up. Good thing I was there.”
“Very funny, Nirya.” Bralyna rolled her eyes at the High Elf. She had indeed almost blown herself up by not letting go of the fiery energy in time.
“He is rather handsome though, isn’t he?” Nirya whispered to Cirilonde, who looked at Nirya as if she was insane. Regardless of his appearances, he was a Thalmor! In the past Cirilonde had admired and respected them to a certain degree, but since her little encounter with them on the border to Skyrim, she had drastically changed her views on them.
“I’ll follow Brelyna’s example when it comes to Ancano, thank you,” she said. In all honesty, I don’t think I’ve ever seen an ugly Altmer. Cirilonde thought and looked at Ancano. Had it not been for his unpleasant demeanor, he would’ve been more appealing to her.
Nirya seemed to care little for their opinion, though and kept glancing in Ancano’s direction before leaving as Master Tolfdir arrived and began his lecture. Tolfdir was an old Nord with a wild, unkempt mane of grey, long hair bound back in a ponytail and his chin sported a long, braided beard. Despite his age, his grey eyes held a spark of energy and mischief. His voice was calm, often pitching when he was enthusiastic. He was clad in green and yellow robes with a yellow sash that had clearly seen better days.
“Good morning everyone. Welcome, welcome. I am Master Tolfdir, and I am sure I will get to know all of you in due time if we haven’t met already. I will be your guide for the school of Alteration and Magickal Theoretics.
For today, I wanted to delve into the practical applications of enchantments to function as wards or other mechanisms.”
Tolfdir went on to tell about the enchantments and wards often found in Nordic burial barrows found across Skyrim’s landscape. Ganir and Cirilonde exchanged brief smiles as they quite vividly remembered Bleak Falls Barrow.
“Which brings me to an exciting but of news for those interested.” Tolfdir obviously could barely contain his excitement, whereas Ancano shamelessly yawned and Ganir rested his head on his fist. “Master Arniel and his team of seniors have successfully unearthed Saarthal after years of research and he’s been so kind to permit any interested students to come and have a look for a hands-on experience.”
Tolfdir handed a scroll to J’Zhargo. “If you are interested, please write down your name so I can expect you in the Courtyard as we will be leaving tomorrow to make the trip there, which takes an hour at most. I do recommend it, but be aware it’s not compulsory.”
The scroll was passed around and Cirilonde signed her name on it as well, passing it to Brelyna, who returned it to Tolfdir as Ganir raised his hand in decline. Cirilonde had a suspicion as to why.
“Very good. That will be all for my lecture for today, everyone. For those who will be coming tomorrow, I can recommend reading up on the ancient Nords. We will be leaving tomorrow early at nine in the morning. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me or your peers.”
Everyone got up and left the Hall of elements, save for Cirilonde and Ganir. “That was quite interesting, wasn’t it?”
Ganir looked at her as if she was crazy, barely having been able to stay awake. “Are you sure it’s wise for you to go on that trip?”
“Now who’s worrying too much again?” Cirilonde teased. “I should be fine. We’re going with a group under Master Tolfdir’s wing. Besides, it’s interesting!”
“You’d think you’d have seen enough tombs to last you a lifetime.” Ganir snorted. “I know I have. Just…be careful, all right?”
Cirilonde smiled at the Dark Elf. She had grown quite fond of him. To not have him at her side tomorrow would be strange. He was closest to what she ever had to a friend. “Maybe we should give the Arcaneum a look and dig further into you-know-what before the next lessons.”
“I was about to suggest that.”
Cirilonde got so drawn in by the vast collection in the Arcaneum, however, Ganir and she spent almost all day there where they read up by the suggested material by Faralda, Tolfdir and Skyrim in general. They found that the whole matter of this ‘Dragonborn’ wasn’t as obscure of a matter as initially thought.
Cirilonde took notes as she and Ganir discussed their findings and thoughts in hushed tones.
Finally, it was dinnertime and Ganir said he’d be with her shortly and she made her way up to the forum.
The Dark Elf stretched and got up, gathering some of the books to put them back where they belonged, respecting Urag’s wishes, who kept a close eye on everyone in the Arcaneum while he read his own books. Ganir’s senses suddenly peaked to alarm and he spun around, pulling his dagger from below his sash and just barely slicing at Ancano’s throat, who merely cocked a brow, not impressed.
“It’s quite interesting to see someone so eager to swing their iron about would seek to attend a place like this, unless they’re hiding something or hiding from something.” The High Elf pushed the dagger away from his throat, giving the Dark Elf before him a daring look.
“That’s amusing, coming from the likes of you, fetcher.” Ganir stepped away from the cabinet and put his dagger away, crossing his arms. “What do you want?”
“I have more important things on my mind than your petty opinion on matters, Dark Elf.” Ancano spat. “Though, again, I am most interested what the likes of you would seek here at the College.”
“It’s none of your business, Thalmor.” Ganir knew he was playing a dangerous game, but since Urag was around as a potential witness, he also knew Ancano wouldn’t risk anything rash. He went to stand a bit further away from the bookcase and closer to the Thalmor. “So try me. Can’t get your s’wit friends to drag me off to a dark dungeon now.”
Ancano narrowed his eyes. “You would do well to know that I do report my findings to my superiors and-,”
“Thalmor.” Urag’s voice boomed through the Arcaneum though he hadn’t specifically raised it. Ancano’s head snapped to the Orc’s direction.
“What?”
“Be a noisy pest elsewhere. The Arcaneum is a place of study and not to be disturbed by a nuisance such as you. Now get out before I have my Atronachs escort you out!”
Ancano grit his teeth and clenched his hands into fists. It was most tempting to set some of this Orc’s books ablaze to teach him a lesson in respect. Ancano was an example of Altmer superiority and a respected, intelligent Thalmor. He wouldn’t have to take lip from some half-bred abomination that couldn’t be considered Man or Mer!
Still, he took his chances…for now at least, and turned to make some venomous remark at the Dark Elf, who too, antagonized him, but found that he had disappeared.
Now I will definitely make sure to watch you and your little friend, Cirilonde, you filthy Ashlander cur.
Cirilonde had been at her desk in her room, finishing up the notes for the Fredas lesson and the excursion tomorrow, when Ganir entered, who looked rather annoyed.
“What happened?” she asked. “Didn’t put the books back gently enough for Urag’s liking?”
“No. He’s quite a reasonable one if you treat his books right.” Ganir snorted. “It’s that damn Thalmor weeding his large nose into my business.”
Cirilonde, who had been rather engrossed with her notes to the point her hands were now ink-stained from all the writing, looked up. “What?”
“Ancano. Little fetcher approached me in the Arcaneum, asking all sorts of questions.” Ganir then told her what had happened, quite smug about the fact he’d snuck away.
“You really have to teach me how to sneak like you do. I’m sure he’ll be digging around for information from all of us and I’m not looking forward to have a ‘little chat’ with him.”
“Well, for tomorrow, you’ll be able to avoid him since you’ll be away.” Ganir said. “But I recommend you don’t wander alone so he can’t corner you. It seems his favored tactic.”
Cirilonde put her quill away once she noticed her ink-stained hands and stood up, washing them in the nearby basin. “Have you even eaten anything? I didn’t see you in the forum at all.”
“Oh, I snuck some on the way back. I’m good. Don’t worry about me, I’m a grown man.”
“Oh, I know. Just looking out for you as well, though indeed, you’re fine on your own.” Cirilonde looked at the clockwork in the main hall; an intriguing piece of Dwemer engineering of which she was told had been retrieved some years ago.
“You should rest. If I don’t see you tomorrow, promise me you take good care of yourself.” It was then that the tips of Ganir’s ear actually even perked as he remembered something and he pulled one of his daggers out.
“Knew you were hiding them somewhere,” Cirilonde said, quite amused. “What of it?”
“I want you to take one of these with you. Just to be sure, and I won’t take no for an answer.”
“Now look who’s overbearing. I’m a grown woman.”
“Who’s terrible at dodging a dragon of all things.” Ganir said dryly.
“Very funny.” Cirilonde was intrigued by the way the glass blade was fashioned, as it was crafted the Dunmer way, which differed from the High Elven way, making it appear more jagged. She also detected the subtle hint of a powerful enchantment, like the one on his armor. “I’ll take good care of it. Thank you, I appreciate the gesture.”
“Good girl.” Ganir kissed her forehead; a gesture that was quite surprising to the both of them, but Ganir felt a most strong need to look out for Cirilonde. She wasn’t as naive anymore and definitely not helpless but she was alone in a dangerous land with a Thalmor on the prowl. “Sleep well.”
With that, Ganir left her room and went to his own, locking the door behind him and Cirilonde locked the doors to her own room as well. Though she felt safe with the dagger, she felt like Ancano was indeed creeping around like a child would fear the monster under the bed.
She burst out in giggles as she could envision the whole scenario and found more hilarious than terrifying and soon fell asleep. She was safe here. She had Ganir, she had friends and she felt at home.
“It’s not too bad if you dress warm.” Cirilonde said while wrapping some bread, cheese and apples in paper and put it in her bag before grabbing her breakfast. “I have to say though, I found a most interesting book yesterday by Bernadette Bantien.”
“You read it too?!” Brelyna exclaimed, excited. “I would be terrified if I ever came across a Draugr. I mean, I know it’s strange coming from me. In Morrowind we have all sorts of creatures that are terrifying and dangerous in their own right, but I’ve never seen an undead or daedra in their own habitat, so to speak.”
“They aren’t that bad.” Cirilonde wasn’t sure why she wanted to keep it hidden she had been in a barrow, but quickly corrected herself despite that. “I mean, judging by the book.”
“Not bad?” Onmund’s horrified expression said it all. “I had nightmares thanks to my older brother for years who said they would sometimes creep into villages at night and steal children.”
After reassuring Onmund, they finished their breakfast and went down to the Hall of Elements where Tolfdir awaited them. To her surprise, she found that Nirya had also signed up to join the expedition to Saarthal. J’Zhargo was already waiting in the hallway as he had already been up quite early.
“J’Zhargo wonders what valuable things we might find in the tomb.” He said to her. “J’Zhargo has keen eye for such things.”
“Well, you can see a lot better in the dark than most of us,” Cirilonde’s tongue barely slipped as she had almost said ‘Well, most likely because you’re a thieving furball’.
If only Cirilonde knew, however, what awaited her in Saarthal, though, and how it would change everyone’s lives for good.
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