Adult-FanFiction.org : Games

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=

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
Poor Ancano, I give him so much shit.

Ancano: Charming.

Shut up

Chapter 7

Very few students, not even seniors, ventured anywhere near Ancano's chambers in the Hall of Countenance, which he was perfectly fine with as he had no time or interest in them. Their knowledge and performance were far below the standards he had been held too when he was but a recruit for the Thalmor.

Least to say, he wasn't impressed and save for Savos Aren; a competent but aloof Mer, he found it hard to understand why there was any concern or need to spy on the College, let stand attempt to form diplomatic ties as Savos had explicitly emphasized the College was an entirely neutral, unaffiliated organization in its own righ, until this ... Orb had surfaced.

He hadn't liked the subtle change in this short, yet to begin chain of events, and he noticed right away they were deliberately trying to keep him out of affairs relating to this discovery. The Arch-Mage had been courteous but had clearly been avoiding him or his questions.

He was torn from his musings when someone knocked on the door to his chambers. "This had better be important. Enter."

"Good evening, Ancano." Nirya smiled up at him. She had taken extra care to look at her best, wearing her finest robes and had brushed her long, thick hair until it shone in the magical light.

"Nirya, was it not?" He very well knew who she was. He'd often caught her glancing his way when she thought he wasn't looking.

"Yes, I am," she batted her long lashes. Her bright, blue eyes shone with endearment. "I came to see you because I understood you've been looking for information."

Interesting, but what do you aim to achieve or obtain from this? "Very well," he crossed his arms over his chest. "Make it quick. I'm busy."

Ancano scowled when she entered his chambers without his specific invitation but he'd let it slide for now. She looked around as if expecting some form of Thalmor grandeur to grace his chambers, but they were fairly somber, simplistic and neatly kept. Good thing I just finished my report.

He leaned against his desk, arms still crossed over his chest and she turned to him. "I was there at Saarthal. I was improving the catalogue of findings when Cirilonde discovered the passage. Quite the interestine one, that girl. A tad odd. Kind to everyone but tells little about herself, or that Dark Elf she associates herself with."

Ancano raised a brow. For so far, she wasn't telling him anything interesting.

She noticed and straightened her posture. "They found an...orb underneath Saarthal. I've seen it. It's immensely ancient and powerful and dates back to the Merethic Era at the very least."

"An Orb?" He stepped back when she got closer to him. What in Oblivion are you trying to pull here?

"Yes, an orb. Or rather, as they call it, the Eye of Magnus." Nirya paused as if she was keeping him in suspense.

"The Eye of Magnus?" He refrained from snorting and made sure he sounded unimpressed but he was definately interested now. Even if it wasn't something of a divine deity, it had been of enough power and importance that it had the whole College in its grip and he could tell something was going on he wasn't supposed to know about. "Very well. That is all?"

"Well, they are bringing it here from what I understood. Cirilonde and Ganir have not been around...On an assignment for the Arch-Mage from what Mirabelle told me."

"And why are you telling me this? These are but minor details and facts I could have found out for myself. Don't mistake the lack of cooperation from your peers for my incompetence." Granted, he hadn't seen the two elves, but had assumed they were either at Saarthal or avoiding him. The fact that they were not at the College at all on an assignment for the Arch-Mage he wasn't informed about, was closing in on confirming his suspicions. The Arch-Mage...or someone at the Collge, was plotting something nad he wasn't meant to know until it was too late. Was it a conspiracy against him or something even far greater?

"Oh but Ancano, I am being cooperative," Nirya said sweetly. "A Mer as capable as yourself could surely use an ally within these cold walls?"

Now that she stood so close to him, he realized what she had been up too. "I believe I will be perfectly fine, apprentice. So unless you have something of actual use, you can go."

Nirya moved her mouth as if to say something, but now that her game was caught on and over, and Ancano wouldn't have any of it, she left quietly, humiliated.

"-The Nords found something when they built their city, buried deep in the ground. They attempted to keep it buried, but the Elves learned of it and coveted it for themselves...The only note the possible involvement of Ysgramor but nothing is stated about what the were protecting or fighting over, except that indeed, it was buried deep below Saarthal and that it was immensely powerful." Cirilonde sighed, rubbing the tip of her ear in contemplation. "I'll have to ask Urag or the Arch-Mage about this when we get back."

"We're almost back." Ganir then gave her a sharp look. "Though we could've made it back faster if you just left that s'wit in the cage."

"Orthorn was a fool but that would've been cruel. I'm surprised you didn't suck any of those rogue summoners or their leader dry." When Ganir cocked a brow, Cirilonde rolled her eyes and used her fingers to summarize the facts, "You're incredibly fast, strong and stealthy and I've never seen you eat..."

Rather than startled or attempting to deny, he chuckled. "Most observant of you."

"And really. Wine stains?" She chuckled.

"I hadn't a drop since Helgen, so don't blame me." When the College came in view, he looked at her. "I promise, I've never drank from you or anyone else at the College."

"I know. I trust you." They dismounted their horses and left them at the stables before crossing the bridge to the College. Halfway, however, they froze in their steps.

Ganir shuddered as he felt an intense energy ripple from the College that reached out to them. "What is that?"

"Auri-El. Oh no..." Cirilonde gasped. "They brought it here."

Ganir ran into the Hall of Elements with Cirilonde, where they found that the majority of the student body had gathered to behold the much discussed discovery from Saarthal.
It floated about the central font, its light now dimmed to make place for the Orb. Now that it wasn't surrounded by the chaotic, whirling energy, it was more clear to distinguish its appearance. Its facets were pitch-black, the surface showing a night-sky with glowing, circular lines running across it along with intricate markings that held an ominous, teal glow.

Chills, colder than the iciest of Skyrim's winds, ran down Cirilonde's spine. "This isn't good." The turned to Ganir. "Keep a lookout for Ancano. I need to find Master Urag and return the books to him."

Ganir nodded and stayed behind in the entry hall so he could better oversee the Hall of Elements, hidden away in a shadowy corner. When he saw Ancano enter the Hall of Elements, he decided to catch the Thalmor at his own game because he was headed towards the Arcaneum. He pinned Ancano against the wall in the stairwell, and held him in a tight grip, twisting his arm behind his back.

"Been a while, Ancano. Let's have a little chat. Where do you think you're going?" Ancano's eyes briefly widened when he smelled the blood in Ganir's breath.

"I knew it," he hissed and ceased his struggle against the grip, which only tightened. "The Thalmor will-,"

"Don't worry. I'd rather not risk turning sour from that blood of yours, as tempting as it is after what you did to Cirilonde." He dug the tip of his dagger against the HIgh Elf's back. "But you didn't answer my question."

"I'm looking for your friend as a matter of fact." Ancano's jaw clenched and he couldn't suppress the wince when Ganir twisted his arm and the tips of the Thalmor crackled with flame as a warning. The Dark Elf could tell the High Elf was holding back as he wasn't at advantage or in specific danger...yet. Ganir's lips curled in his trademark, rogue-ish smirk. He knows I'm toying with him. "I have no intention of hurting her unless she's being difficult-," he grit his teeth and swore as the Dark Elf put more pressure on his arm. One wrong move and Ganir would dislocate Ancano's shoulder. "I have no intention. Of. Hurting. Her. You cur! I came to retrieve her for the Arch-Mage who wishes to see her!"

Ganir cocked a brow, but he could tell Ancano wasn't lying and though he loosened his grip, the Dark Elf kept his dagger pressed against Ancano's back as a warning. "We're beginning to get along. Go on. Be on your way. I'll be watching you...scum."

Cirilonde peered around the Arcaneum. No one, save for her and Urag, were present here and approached him. He stood on a ladder, sorting the tomes and books in alphabetical order after dusting them and the shelves they stood on. "Good morning, Master Urag."

"I see you returned. Did you get the books?" When he saw it was her, a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth and climbed down the steps.

"I did, but...I've read the books, except the Night of Tears is...vague to say the least," she replied. "It doesn't really specify anything, but it is something."

She handed the books to Urag, who took them with utter care in his gloved hands. "Thank you for returning them. I appreciate it. You've made a good start to find out what you're dealing with. Perhaps Master Tolfdir can enlighten you further. He's in the Hall of Elements with the rest of everyone."

"I'm not sure if it's so wise they've brought it here. Especially with Ancano..."

"Don't worry about that big-nosed bat, girl. The Arch-Mage has him under control." Urag reassured her, but Cirilonde wasn't really convinced. This Orb could very well change all that.

"I hope so," she said. "Thank you for your help. I'll be on my way." Cirilonde went down the other staircase to the Hall of Elements, missing Ancano by just who came in through the eastern entrance. She walked up to Ganir, who quirked a brow.

"No sign of Ancano?" He stepped away from the wall he'd been leaning against so he could peer into the Hall of Elements. This...orb intrigued him, yet he wasn't too keen on getting too close.

"No. But have you seen Master Tolfdir?" Cirilonde tip-toed and looked into the room as well.

Hrm...she must have missed him by just. Good...I think. Ganir thought. "I think he's in the back. I'll stay on the lookout."

The closer Cirilonde got to the orb, the more effort it took for her to block its invasive energy. Was it intelligent? She wondered briefly, while looking for the old Nord, who stood in the back. When he saw Cirilonde, he smiled wide. "Master Tolfdir, do you have a moment perhaps?"

"Of course, child. What is it?" He stood up and walked with her, away from the students who were most curious. Cirilonde had gained quite some attention as she was a completely new student and unfamiliar to Skyrim, yet, she had played the main part in uncovering this artefact, whether it was by accident or not. Some called it luck. Others called it brilliance.

"Does this book perhaps ring you a bell? Night of Tears?" she handed the Night of Tears to Tolfdir, which Urag let her keep to take to Tolfdir. She looked, no, glared, at the Orb. "With all due respet, Master...but...this Orb...Are you sure it was wise for it to be brought here?"

Tolfdir looked at the copy and then at her. "Don't worry. We have ensured the complete safety of both the students and the College. If you like, though, would you mind if I indulged myself and make a few observations?"

"But of course..." Cirilonde looked at Ganir, who stood by the entrance to the Hall, shaking his head. No Ancano? Good. She then followed Tolfdir, who walked around the Orb with her.

"Now, as is obvious, this Orb, or the Eye of Magnus as we've taken to calling it, is unlike anything I've ever seen inmy lifetime, nor has anything like it ever been unearthed. Then, there is the writings. Elven, Ayleid, Dwemer, Daedric...not even Falmer. Which is most puzzling and intriguing at the same time. Arch-Mage Savos-,"

Cirilonde took a sharp breath, startled when Ancano gripped her shoulder from behind. "I'm afraid I must intrude. It is urgent I speak with your...associate immediately."

Cirilonde's eyes shot to where Ganir would be, but saw him no more. Ancano gave her a knowing, self-satisfied smirk.

"Now I...This is most inappropiate!" Tolfdir sputtered in protest. "We are involved in serious research here!"

Ancano rolled his eyes. "Yes, I've no doubt of its gravity. This, however, is a matter that cannot wait."

Tolfdir wasn't baffled, but certainly displeased by the absolute disrespect the Thalmor showed for no reason. "Well, I am quite sure I've never been interrupted like this before. The audacity!" He gave Cirilonde an apologetic look and sighed, shaking his head. "I suppose we'll continue this at some later time, when we can avoid interruptions and other nuisances." He glared at Ancano.

Ancano ignored the old Nord. "Let's go." And he guided Cirilonde up the stairs to the Arch-Mage's quarters, but mid-way she turned to face him.

"What have you done with Ganir? Where is he and what is going on?"

"Your...friend is fine." He crossed his arms over his chest with a raised brow. Did she know of his true, repulsive nature? "As for you, let me clarify that the Arch-Mage and I would like to know why there's someone claiming to be from the Psijic Order here in the College. More importantly, I'd like to know why he's asking for you specifically. So we're going to have a little chat with him, and find out exactly what he wants."

"And how is this of any concern to you as an Advisor to the Arch-Mage that someone of the Psijic Order is here? The College is a neutral organization." Cirilonde queried. He had been less condescending than usual as it was clear the appearance of this monk troubled him.

"The Psijic Order is nothing more then a rogue organization that believes themselves above the law and clashed with the Aldmeri Dominion before. I have no intention of letting that happen here. So, technically, it is true I am 'but' an Advisor to the Arch-Mage, but I also report to my superiors."

"Well, it's good to know you hold the interests of the College in such high regard." Cirilonde couldn't help her sarcasm. But his motives were interesting, as was his observation. What if she wasn't being warned, protected or guided in some way by the Psijic Order, but rather being used as a pawn for their ends against the Dominion? It was a paranoid thought, but no one really knew that much about the mysterious and ancient order.
"I see you understand my reasons for concern. You can return to your 'research' afterwards. I want you to speak to this monk and find out why he is here and what he wants so I can get rid of him."

"How hospitable of you. But very well." Cirilonde followed Ancano up to the Arch-Mage's quarters, where Savos Aren and another man stood waiting. The other man, an Altmer, was clad in the same style of robes like she'd seen in Saarthal, except now she could distinguish the colours properly; golden-yellow with white and red details.

"Now, here she is. I want you to-,"

This time, she felt the pulse as the time was frozen once again. "Please, do not be alarmed. I mean you no harm. It's good to see you in person, Lady Valanocke."

"What's going on? What happened to everyone? She looked at Savos Aren and Ancano, who both stood frozen in time.

"I'd simply like to talk to you." He lowered his sign and showed her his hands that he was unarmed and meant no harm. Most of his head was shaven, save for the hair in the center, which was braided together. His face was long and his jawline angular and he had a neatly trimmed beard and moustache. "I've given us a chance to speak privately, but I'm afraid I can't do this for long. We must be brief. The situation here at your College is of dire importance, and attempts to contact you as we have previously, have failed. I believe it is due the very source of our concerns. This object...The Eye of Magnus as your people have taken to calling it. The energy coming from it has prevented us from reaching you with the visions you have already seen. The longer it remains here, the more dangerous the situation becomes. And so I have come here personally to tell you it must be dealt with."

"Dangerous is an understatement, Sir...?" she raised a brow. Really, come here all the way just to tell me this? Why not handle it yourself?

"Quaranir," said the monk. "Forgive me. It was my associate, Nerien, who warned you in Saarthal."

"Exactly. All you've done is warn me without specifications." Cirilonde crossed her arms over her chest. "Why don't you do something about it?"

"I'm afraid it's not that simple," said Quaranir as he paced back and forth, his brow furrowed in concentration to no doubt maintain this rift in time. "You must understand, the Psijic Order does not typically...intervene directly in events. My presence here will be seen as an affront to some within the Order, and as soon as we have finished, I will be leaving your College. I'm all too aware that my arrival has aroused suspicion, especially in Ancano, your thalmor associate here." He put a hand on Ancano's shoulder, chuckling at the state he was left in, helpess and unaware of all that was currently happening and being discussed. "Nevertheless, my Order will not act directly. You must take it upon yourself to do so."

Cirilonde's eyes narrowed in distrust. "So...What exactly is the problem you keep mentioning?"

"As you may have learned, this object...The Eye...is immensely powerful. The world is not ready for it. If it remains here, it will be misused. Indeed, many in the Order believe it has already...Rather, something will happen soon, something that cannot be avoided."

Cirilonde understood Ancano's distaste for the Psijic more and more as he wasn't speaking in truths or lies. "What do you expect from me then?"

"Unfortunately, the future is as obscured to us as it is to you. The overwhelming power of the Eye makes it difficult for us to see. I fear I have already overstepped the bounds of my Order, but I will offer this: seek out the Augur of Dunlain here in your College. His perception may be more coherent than ours."

"The Augur of Dunlain?" Cirilonde queried with a raised brow. She had never heard of anything or anyone like this.

"He was once a student here at the College. Now he is...something different."

"Where can I find this...Augur?" Her head was starting to hurt, no doubt from the rift and receiving all this obscure, vague information.

"I am...unsure. He is somewhere within the College. Surely one of your colleagues msut know his location. I am sorry I cannot provide you with further help, but this conversation requires a great deal of effort on my part." He wasn't lying this time. Sweat had begun to coat his brow quite a while ago and it began to twitch. She too could feel the effects of the frozen time wearing down on him and herself. "Now I am afraid I must leave you. We will continue to watch over you, and guide you as best as we can. It is within you to succeed. Never forget that."

Cirilonde readied herself for the intense impact of the time's flow when it returned, except, it seemed that Quaranir was more mastered and versed in the arts and though she was nauseous and dizzy, she hadn't stumbled or lost her balance.

"-to tell me this instant what business you have here." Ancano blinked, as did Savos, confused as they returned to the flow of time again, and were briefly overwhelmed with a most odd sensation. Something had happened, but what? "Well...What is the meaning of this?"

"I'm sorry...I'm afraid I don't understand." Quaranir lied.

Ancano looked at Cirilonde as if to tell her ''I told you so' and then glared at the Psijic Monk. "Don't play coy. you asked to see a specific member of the College. Here she is. Now what is it that you want?"

"There has been a misunderstanding. Clearly, I should not be here." Quaranir apologized. "I shall simply take my leave."

"What?" Ancano's eyes narrowed. "What trickery is this? You're not going anywhere until I find out what you're up too. you specifically asked for a member of the College. Here she is, and now you're telling me there's 'some sort' of misunderstanding?" Ancano took a step forward to the monk, who raised his hands to halt the Thalmor.

"Please, I am not 'up to' anything. I apologize if I have offended in anyway. I shall leave at once, as you wanted me too in the first place."

"Ancano. Just let it be. I'm not feeling well." Cirilonde hurried over to support a dazed and most pale Savos Aren, who sat down, shaking. "Be on your way. Please. Leave me."

Ancano maintained glaring at Quaranir and reluctantly respected the Arch-Mage's wishes. "I assure you I will get to the bottom of this, monk."

"Stay." Savos said to Cirilonde, who made to leave as well. Ancano cocked a brow at this, but continued to escort the Psijic out.

"Are you all right, Arch-Mage?" Cirilonde knelt down and put a hand on his knee to be of comfort. "Can I get you something?"

"Water...Please." Savos rubbed his temples, taking slow and deep breaths to regain his composure while Cirilonde fetched him some water. He took the tankard with trembling hands, appreciative of the young Altmer's gentle care. "I'm...I'm not sure what happened. He came here and asked for you and the next thing I know...Just what happened?"

Cirilonde and told him, a bit reluctant, of the warning she was issued when she first entered the tunnel to the Orb by Nerien. Then then bit her lip, hesitant, but needing to ask. "Have you ever heard of the Augur of Dunlain, Arch-Mage?"

Savos let out an annoyed, fatigued sigh, but dismissed the apology she made to make. "Not you. Tolfdir should know better than bring subjects to attention I have repeatedly made clear were inappropiate for conversation." Cirilonde poured him another tankard with water. "Remind him to please not continue discussing the subject."

"I will, Arch-Mage." Cirilonde promised. "Will you be all right?"

"Savos...please, but yes, I'll be fine." He got up, still unsteady, but doing better. "I have some matters to attend too, if you could excuse me."

"Of course," she nodded. "I'll be on my way."
- 7
- 8
- 9
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Skyrim: The Unlikely Companions