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Chapter Text

The cold air bit into my skin, numbing it quickly. Rubbing my hands together I breathed into them, whispering a weak flame spell, flicking my gaze up when I spotted a rider heading toward the college.

I watched, curious as to what had them in a rush when they dismounted and darted toward the college. Ancano. Silka. Climbing on the edge of the wall I peered down as they greeted Faralda. Something about him was tickling at the back of my mind and I frowned. You look familiar but your gear is obscuring you.

A small bell like sound drew me back from the edge. I'm sure I'll see whoever this visitor is soon but sounds like Urag has found something. Casting the recall spell still linked to Urag's office I grinned when he jerked slightly. "What did you find?" I asked.

"Not as much as I'd like." He said, gesturing to a small stack of books by his elbow. "Most of it suggests they'd be best served to speak with Septimus Signus."

"Is he still alive?" I wondered, perching on a chair. "Oh, rider came in a few minutes ago, spoke to Faralda."

"I'll release you to go find out who they are in a while." He chided gently. "Focus."

"Sorry Urag."

"Curiosity is a necessity in mages." He countered, flipping one of the books open. "This was the last thing Septimus wrote before he vanished. To answer your earlier question. I do not know if he yet lives. But I do know that he is a very dangerous man." He frowned, tracing the pages. "He was my friend. But the promises of a Daedric Prince overwhelmed his good sense."

"I'm sorry Urag." I murmured. "Which Prince?"

"Hermaeus Mora."

"The Prince of Knowledge. Is he still sane?"

He shook his head. "I doubt it. But if he had any research that Mora might find interesting, he would still be alive and allowed to work on said research. I have no idea what he could be researching out in the wastes, but I suspect your sister will soon find out."

"Do you think they'll be successful?" I wondered.

"They'd better be." He said, tapping the book. "Pay attention."

"What more is there to know? We need them to look for... ah." Rising, I moved toward one of his bookshelves, pulling down a stack of maps and bringing them back over to the table. "We need to see where he might have holed up."

Studying the map, half hearing Urag grumbling under his breath I finally tapped three potential locations. "The problem is we haven't properly explored those areas." I pointed out.

"What was the need?" He countered. "Let's take a break." Pushing back from his desk, he scowled at me until I stood up and cleared the maps away. "I swear you're either freezing yourself out on the roof or working yourself to the bone in here." He complained.

"I learned from the best." I said, laughing when his scowl darkened.

Stepping into the Arcanaeum I glanced up and frowned. A dark haired Nord man stood, leaning casually against a bookcase, a smirk on his face.

"Who are you?" Urag snapped.

Daggvar. You've barely changed. Why are you here?

"I'm a friend of Matitrice's older brother."

"Ex-friend." I snapped, clenching my fists.

"It's Sarlfi. He's too smart to hold a grudge when he knows what I can provide him."

"What are you doing here?" I demanded, Urag moving slightly in front of me.

"I have some... acquaintances who needed a way in here." He said easily. "Is Silka here? I thought I recognized her mutts downstairs."

"No."

"Pity."

"Who are these acquaintances of yours?" Urag demanded.

He smiled. "You'll see soon. I would be surprised if the first group isn't downstairs already."

I swallowed hard. "What did you do?"

He shrugged. "It's a fascinating thing your college found. Could do a lot of damage in the wrong hands. My acquaintances have a vested interest in assuming control of it to ensure neither the College of Whispers nor the Synod can lay claim to it first."

"You're still working with the Thalmor then?"

"Well, I wouldn't put it exactly that way, but what can I say? They open a lot of doors."

"I assume they want the research we've done so far." Urag said flatly.

"You're smarter than you look."

"Matitrice. To your quarters." Urag ordered softly. "I will deal with this."

"We get the head librarian's direct touch? I'm sure they'll be honored."

Moving away I forced my back to stay straight, debating running up toward the Arch-Mages office when I met him on the landing. "Where are you heading?" He asked, glancing toward the Arcanaeum.

"Urag told me to go to my quarters." I responded softly.

"Good." He jerked his head down. "It will be the safest place for you and the rest of the Junior Mages. I want you to go there immediately and not return until given the all clear." He said.

"Of co..." I trailed off, fear constricting my words as I spotted the other Junior mages clustered together, Master Sergius giving four Thalmor a frosty glare.

"I understand the words coming out of your mouth." He snapped. "But that does not mean you have any jurisdiction here. My apprentices operate on my schedule."

A quick glance toward the Eye showed me a handful more black robes interspersed with Elven armor. "Arch-Mage?" I whispered.

He shook his head, moving further down the stairs.

The tallest of the four Thalmor snorted. "You operate at Elenwen's and my whim. Do not presume to believe that you are anything resembling strong enough to deal with the Dominion."

"Ondolemar." Savos said, striding forward. "I am surprised to see you in my college."

He turned, sneering down at the Arch-Mage. "Are you? You shouldn't be..." He trailed off when a familiar looking Justiciar approached. "Yes Anaiss?"

He jerked his head toward me. "That's the Dragonborn's sister. Last time I was here, Ancano led me to believe that she'd been eaten by the dragon that devoured my men."

Ondolemar frowned, crossing his arms. "Now isn't that fascinating?" He looked at me. "And disquieting. Where is Ancano now?"

"He got word of the location of the Staff of Magnus." Savos said. "He left to retrieve it before the Dragonborn and her companions could manage it."

"Fascinating. You're not telling me the full truth, are you Savos?" He frowned. "Anaiss. How was Ancano acting while you were here?"

"Distant. Withdrawn. I didn't see anything out of the ordinary."

"I see. Savos. Did you turn my agent against me?"

"Perhaps this is a discussion to take to my office." He responded.

"Perhaps it is." He agreed. "None of you are allowed to leave this area until I've returned. Consider yourselves all under arrest under suspicion of breaking the White-Gold Concordant. Anaiss, you and your men will keep these mages in the area by the Eye. Nelaril and Valmir, search the dormitories, ensure that every mage you find is brought here. One of you send one of your men down to collect the Gate Guardian."

"You cannot detain my entire College." Savos protested.

"You're wrong." He snapped. "Now I suggest you comply unless you wish the arrests to become permanent." 

"What do you think they want?" Brelyna whispered, rubbing her arms, giving the Thalmor the occasional worried glance where they lounged around the room.

"Who knows." Onmund responded, rubbing Meeko's ears, Blue leaning against him, her tail low.

"You're all so quiet." Anaiss said. "So boring." He smirked, calling a red spell to hover over his hand.

I straightened, frowning. A frenzy spell? What is he thinking?

With a small laugh he tossed it at J’zargo, the Khajiit's ears flattening immediately.

"What are you doing?" Colette demanded, casting a green tinged spell before J'zargo had done much more than hiss.

"Making it more lively in here." He said, catching Orthorn with his next spell, scowling when Colette countered that one as well. "Boring." He snapped, moving toward us, another frenzy spell swirling over his hand, Meeko moving away from Onmund with a low growl, teeth bared, tail low. Smirking, he cast the spell at the dog.

With a ferocious snarl, he lunged at the nearest person, the Thalmor soldier screaming, crushing his gauntleted fist into the dog's shoulder before Colette's spell hit him.

The hound pulled back slightly, still snarling.

"What is wrong with you?" One of the other Justiciar's asked.

The bitten Thalmor drew his sword, slashing toward Meeko, the dog dodging most the blow, snarling again and leaping upward, bringing the High Elf to the ground, jaws around his throat as the apprentices scrambled to their feet. 

"Subdue them." Anaiss ordered.

"What!?" Faralda demanded. "It was you who started it!"

"Your word means nothing Blood Traitor." One of the other Justiciars snapped. "If you all kneel. Maybe we'll go easy on you."

"I will not bow to a Thalmor." Colette said, moving to stand in front of us. "Not again."

"Then you leave us no choice." He responded, lifting his hands.

This was their plan the whole time, wasn't it?

Immediately the Senior mages were moving to stand in front of the apprentices, Tolfdir hanging back.

"The Tower!" He cried, giving me an apologetic look before casting a shifting ward around the other apprentices and Blue. 

Right, I can't leave the College. Not without the Eye. Rising, I pulled a frost cloak around me, stepping next to Meeko, calling a ward up. I can't run with the others, but I can damn well help shield them.

"You cannot hope to win this." Anaiss crowed, screeching and backpedaling when Meeko lunged at him, the apprentices taking the opening to bolt, Tolfdir guarding them.

Chaos erupted, spells and swords surrounding me. As I dodged a sword strike and retaliated with an ice spike, I noted Nirya and Faralda on either side of Sergius, the Imperial wielding a shimmering steel sword in one hand, his other hand free to cast, the High Elves wielding destruction spells.

The crackle of a Storm Atronach nearby drew my attention and I moved backward, trying to see whose side it was on.

"Try to stay low dear." Colette ordered, throwing healing spells with unnerving accuracy as she moved back with me.

A spell splashed against my ward and the Eye flashed, blinding the room, startled shouts echoing, and I used the opportunity to move further toward the wall.

As my vision cleared, I saw that I hadn't been the only one. Colette was still nearby, and she gave me a reassuring smile. "We'll make it out of this." She said gently. "I've been through worse."

When? I strengthened my ward and cloak when the Thalmor lifted hands again, trying to get a count of their number when they surged forward again. Have we made a difference at all?

"Enough!" An echoing voice cracked across the room, the combatants disengaging, eyeing each other warily. "What is the meaning of this?" Savos continued. "Ondolemar! What have you brought to my College?"

Ondolemar responded too low for me to hear, and the Arch-Mage whirled toward him. "You." He started, throwing up a shield when the Justiciar almost lazily threw a shock spell his direction.

"Detain them!" He ordered, then a shock spell hit the Eye and I staggered, pressing fingertips to my forehead in a futile attempt to block the pain, my vision darkening as I slumped to the floor.

The Eye's soft humming woke me, and I opened my eyes slowly, rolling onto my side, blinking. The room was almost empty, blood, scorch marks and ice painted the floor, two Thalmor lying at the edge of the room. Lifting my head carefully I spotted three Thalmor standing near the door speaking in low tones, a body laying nearby, and tears blurred my vision as I recognized Sergius, his face turned toward me, eyes blankly open. Looking away, I swallowed a sob when I spotted Colette nearby, Meeko next to her. She blinked at me and with a quick glance at the Thalmor I carefully crawled over to her.

"Colette." I whispered. "Colette. Are you alright?" Dragging myself slightly upward, I forced myself to balance on my elbow, wishing I could touch my magic, frowning at the strange look on her face.

"Soph?" She asked, her voice low but I still glanced at the Thalmor, relieved to see they hadn't noticed us yet, their attention on something in front of them. "Oh Soph, you've grown up so pretty. You've your father's eyes honey." She said, reaching up to pat my cheek. "Tell your father. Tell him I did it." She whispered. "I avenged you both. And I showed them." Her hand clenched on mine when I reached mine up to grasp hers. "He was right sweetheart. Restoration." She coughed, blood splattering my cheek and I swallowed hard against another sob. "Restoration is a valid school of magic." She struggled to sit, resting both palms on my cheeks. "Here sweetie. It won't do me any good where I'm going."

Magic flooded me, the Eye flaring brilliantly, opening wide, light spilling across the Hall as she poured the last of her magic into a healing spell, a smile on her face. "There baby. You're all fixed up now. No more getting into scrapes now, alright?"

Choking back sobs as my magic returned in a flood, I lowered her gently to the floor and rose, rage simmering in my blood as I stared at the Thalmor, wrapping a ward around myself with one hand, summoning a sword with the other, giving them a grim smile as they turned toward me. I don’t know who Soph is, but I will not waste your gift.

The Thalmor advanced slowly, seeming confused to see me upright, and I strode to meet them, buoyed by the last of Colette's magic. A small, cynical part of my mind warned me that I might kill these three but would not be able to take them all on. Pity I'm not a werewolf like Sarlfi. Like to see what they'd think of that.

I laughed beyond the pain when the first of their blades hit my shoulder to see the man thrown across the room, magic from the Eye breaking him against a pillar. The others hesitated and I lunged, piercing the throat of the nearest, catching the other's shock spell on my ward, the Eye pulsing and crushing him to the floor.

Stepping forward I made sure of him and twisted my neck, feeling cold, preparing to meet the next group when I heard footsteps rushing down the stairs.

Four Thalmor charged me and I threw an Ice Spike at the first, reaching out to touch the Eye with my magic, drawing power from it, losing the conjured sword and drawing my hands together, collecting the runes and words for the strongest banishing spell I knew, molding it, twisting it to cover the Thalmor, seeing the concern on the three remaining, one turning and bolting back toward the stairs.

The spell bucked under my control, fighting my twisting and I concentrated, narrowing my eyes, trying to force it to change, feeling the magic from the Eye bolstering me.

"Drop the spell Matitrice!" A cold voice commanded, and I turned, fear clenching my gut, the spell wavering, as I registered a very bloody Urag being dragged toward the Eye by Daggvar and two Thalmor, Ondolemar leading them.

"What would that accomplish?" I demanded, drawing a bit more power into it. I should figure out a way to include Daggvar.

"If you do not want him dead, you will surrender." He said firmly.

Daggvar smiled, drawing a knife and I pulled the magic into me, cutting the spell off, struggling with the scattering of the runes, shaking my head hard to clear it, taking a half step forward when Daggvar sighed and gave Ondolemar a questioning look.

Urag struggled against their hold, drawing my attention. "Crunzarga." He snarled. "Norgimin. Voshu." He met my eyes. "Matitrice."

The Eye flared again, blinding me, and by the roar of rage followed by the sound of Atronachs being summoned, I knew he'd broken free. The magic that flowed into me this time staggered me. Something I couldn't identify settling into the back of my mind. What is this? What did he do? Urag!?

Before my vision could clear, before I could make sense of the spell, I swayed, suddenly wearier than I'd ever been and I scrambled for a cleansing spell, certain I'd been hit with a sleep spell, slumping to the floor, trying to focus. Urag? Why?

Chapter Text

 The Fight for Winterhold: Part Two

"Nelacar!"

Jerking away from my experiment I scowled when it dissolved into a rancid puddle, off-gassing a yellow-ish cloud of sulfuric smoke. Whirling toward the door, I glared at the Nord standing in the doorway. "What is it?"

"Thalmor. A lot of them leaving the College." Haran responded, her face grim.

"I..."

"Are you going to cower here?" She demanded. "Or are you going to walk with Dagur and I to make sure the folk up there are alive?"

Looking back at the table, I stared at the experiment for a moment. No saving that and it's no longer volatile. What could the Thalmor want at the College? Turning away from it, I grabbed my cloak.

"Good." Haran said, turning back into the inn proper. "I told you that you're not coming Eirid!"

I stepped into the taproom in time to see the girl stomp her foot. "I want to see the mages!"

"I said no and that's final."

"Let's get a move on." Dagur walked toward the door, one of his smaller mead kegs over his shoulder, pausing as the door was pushed open.

"I'll stay here to make sure your daughter doesn't chase after you." Malur said firmly as he entered, "I'm certain it's the right thing to do."

"Thank you." Haran told him, pulling the door open and holding it for her husband, meeting my eyes until I nodded sharply and stepped outside, pulling the cloak further over my face.

Surprised to see Malur actually offering to do something useful. But then, Korir is likely being extra unpleasant about mages after hearing about the Thalmor.  

"Where are you going?" One of the Guardsmen asked, his face pale.

"To make sure our mages are alive." Dagur responded.

"You think they were fighting the Thalmor? You think that's what all that noise was last night?" He asked.

"Undoubtedly." I said quietly, inexplicably thinking of Malyn and all he’d wrecked in his time there. Hasn't the College been through enough?

Moving toward the College we picked up a few more people, Birna locking her oddments store, joining us silently, her brother watching mutely from the porch, two more guards falling in step, one of them moving toward the front, muttering about having clearance.

With the muttering guard in front I didn't have to attempt to see if my presence was still welcome on the College grounds, and we filed across the bridge carefully, Dagur cursing under his breath after glancing over the edge.

The courtyard was eerily empty, Shalidor's statue seeming to scowl down at us. "Which way should we go?" Dagur asked.

"Straight ahead." I suggested. "The Hall of Countenance is where the classes are held so, there may have been people there."

Unease ate at the group as we approached the silent doors and pushed them open.

Stepping into the College, I stopped, closing my eyes, unexpected grief nearly overwhelming me. To return, but under these circumstances. I never wanted this.

"By the Gods! Dagur! Get that water over here now, then find a heat source!"

Forcing my eyes open, I darted toward the Hall and Haran's shout, forcing myself to pause in the doorway, trying to take it in as I searched for the Innkeeper. After a second I found her kneeling in front of Faralda and Nirya, trying to coax Faralda to move her hands away from her face.

"What happened?" I asked, rushing across the floor to join Haran, casting a weak flame spell on the water cask. 

"Nelacar." Nirya said, her voice dripping venom. "So good of you to join your former colleagues."

"Nelacar?" Faralda asked. "Where?"

"You'd be able to see him if you moved your hands." Haran said quietly.

"No." Nirya said quietly. "She wouldn't."

"Why?" I asked. "Why would they do this?" I bit back the sudden urge to vomit when Haran finally got Faralda to lower her hands and I saw the damage, gaping at the burned out remnants of her eyes. 

"Power." Nirya snapped, wrapping her arm tightly around Faralda. "Why else?"

"Do you have any healing spells?" Haran asked, wetting a rag in the water and gently dabbing around Faralda's eyes. "I suspect that even a powerful mage wouldn't be able to restore her vision but there's some that could be done. See if you can make it so she can cry. I can scarcely imagine the pain that's building up right now behind the burns."

"I can heal a little. Not nearly so much as Colette."

Faralda made a small gasping sound, groaning and lifting her hands again, whimpering when Haran stopped her from covering her eyes. "Do what you can." She ordered.

Moving closer I carefully put my hands on either side of Faralda’s head, pushing magic into her face, sweat beading on my forehead as I struggled with the damage dealt, forcing the magic to repair the small ducts in the corner of her eyes, grimacing at the sight of the tears that started sliding down, pushing magic into her temples, relieving the headache before withdrawing. "All I can do." I panted. "I'm not..."

"She can cry again." Haran said, satisfaction clear in her voice. "That will help in the long run."

"How do you know so much?" Nirya asked, watching her wrap a bandage around Faralda's eyes.

“Many of my neighbors and kinsfolk don't trust you College mages, so a few years back I started trading night stays for some lessons in how healing works from Restoration mages passing through for the College. Figured it could prove useful, if only as a way to push someone to get the healing they sorely needed. And some of it I learned growing up with sheep herds." She sighed. "Change the bandages every few hours." She ordered. "If you don’t, the burns could fester. Now, what other injuries?"

"Mirabelle was trying to keep Savos from bleeding out the last I saw. Phinis Gestor and Urag Gro-Shub were also injured." She choked. "Sergius. Sergius and Colette are gone. They're dead."

I swallowed hard. "What of the Junior mages?" I asked. "The apprentices?"

"Tolfdir shielded them. Ran with them toward the old Tower. They should be safe there."

"Is it quiet, this tower?" Faran asked.

"Yes."

"Then go there. Faralda needs as much rest as she can manage, and you seem keen to stay at her side."

She nodded, wiping away tears. "I am."

"Then go." Rising, she lifted the barrel and looked around, moving purposefully toward the old Orc leaning against a wall, muttering under his breath to the Breton sitting next to him. They looked up at us as we approached, the Orc sighing heavily and shifting his weight slightly.

"I was hoping you'd be the Psijic so I could lay into you." Urag growled.

"What's this about Psijics?" I asked, obediently heating the water at Haran's direction, glancing to see the guards and Dagur dragging the bodies out of the Hall.

"The Psijics were supposed to come and deal with the Artifact we found." He explained. "They haven't made it back yet and you saw the result of that."

"Stop talking until I can look at these wounds." Haran scolded, tugging at the collar of his robe. "You look like you got bitten by something."

"Werewolf." He said, shrugging when my jaw dropped. "Thalmor employ at least one. He failed to keep me contained in any other manner." He snorted. "Bites are not a standard method of transmission in Skyrim, but a Cure Disease Potion just in case of other ailments transmitted wouldn't go amiss."

She nodded, rocking back on her heels. "Birna! Cure Disease!"

Birna nodded, rising and moving away from a limp dog. "Got it!" She called.

"Why are you messing with a dog?" Haran asked when she reached us.

"Dogs I know how to heal." She said, passing over the potion. "I figured he looks familiar so probably a mage's dog and the blood makes me think he took a chunk out of a Thalmor or two."

"Killed one." Urag said, looking up at her. "He's a tough dog."

"Then I'll make sure he'll pull through." She promised, moving back toward him.

"Do you have enough magic to heal him?" Haran asked, jerking her head toward Phinis.

Phinis grimaced. "Don't worry over much about me." He protested. "I've lived a long life."

"I'm not that bad at Restoration." I grumbled, sending some magic through him, concentrating on stopping any internal bleeding I could find. "But I can't heal bone."

"Fine." He said, sighing heavily. "They forced Magicka poisons down all our throats before they left. Said we were lucky that they weren't dragging us all with them to be thrown in one of their prisons for 'breaking the White-gold Concordant.'"

"They wanted to kill as many of you as possible." I whispered. "Why?"

"They wanted what we kept from them." Urag growled. "So, they took it but not before inciting a fight."

"What's the point of making you fight them?" Haran wondered, wringing out her rag, pressing a wad of cloth against the orc's shoulder.

"Easiest way to justify ensuring some of us died." Phinis said. "They were spoiling for a fight from the moment they stepped foot here. And it only got worse when they realized that their liaison lied to them the last time one of them was here. Technically they arrested the lot of us. So, what they did here will get swept away and the Justiciar will see no repercussions."

"So, was it their liaison who rode out of Winterhold with the Dragonborn?" She asked. "Bandage his wounds or they'll get infected." She ordered, nodding toward the gashes on the Breton's arms.

"Who do you report to?" Urag asked. "You ask too many pointed questions."

She smiled, tying off another bandage. "Not the Thalmor. I promise you that."

I frowned at her, trying to wrap my mind around the idea of the soft mannered Nord being a spy for anyone.

"And probably not Ulfric." He grumbled. 

"Ulfric doesn't need an informant in Winterhold." She said sweetly. "He's got Korir and Kai Wet-Pommel keeping the Hold on his side."

"I see." He sighed heavily. "Thank you."

"You're our neighbors." She said briskly. "And helping each other is what neighbors do."

Phinis yawned, closing his eyes. "A good lesson." He murmured.

"Mirabelle was bringing Savos to his office." Urag said. "She hopefully got the bleeding to stop but... she might need help."

"Alright." Haran agreed, hauling the barrel onto her hip. "Get some sleep so you can heal." She jerked her head toward the door. "Nelacar. Show me the way."

Frowning, I followed her, stepping carefully around Birna and the waking dog, catching a glimpse of the guards talking in low tones to Arniel Gane, the Breton sporting a fresh bandage on his right arm.

"Nelacar." He greeted. "It's good to see you're alright." He gave Haran a slight nod. “We’ll catch up later.”

I nodded, moving to keep pace with Haran, directing her up the stairs.

The Arch-Mages quarters were unlocked, and Haran stepped in with a light knock. "Mirabelle?" She called. "How's the Arch-Mage?"

The Master Wizard moved around the corner, her steps slow. "He's sleeping." She said. "Haran. What brings you to the College?" She looked up at me. "Nelacar. I wasn't expecting to see you."

"I told him to come." Haran said. "I thought you could use some help. Were you able to stop the bleeding?"

"After copious amounts of potions yes."

"Good. You won't mind if I check the bandages?"

"Be my guest." She said, leading us back around the corner slowly. "I'm relieved to see you here. Have you seen to the other mages?"

"Yes. I sent Faralda and Nirya to the Tower. Nirya claims it's quiet but since that's where the Apprentices are I have my doubts about that."

"But it will keep the apprentices from browbeating Tolfdir into coming back to the College to see what happened."

"Good. They don't need to see the aftermath here. Not until my husband has finished directing the cleanup. I'm certain they'll burn the Thalmor and then approach a mage to find out how to lay yours to rest."

Mirabelle sniffed. "Thank you."

"Get some rest." Haran ordered, setting the barrel next to the Arch-Mage's bed and sitting on it, reaching a hand up to rest on his forehead. "You've got a fever Arch-Mage. From the blood loss I suspect."

"Yes." He agreed, his eyes flickering open. "Haran. It is good to see you again."

"I'm just relieved you're alive." She said. "Let's keep you that way. Nelacar."

Moving forward I sat on the bed, staring down at Savos for a moment, wondering when he'd gotten so damn old. "I can't do much." I cautioned.

"So you've said." Haran snapped.

Grimacing, I pushed my magic through the Dunmer, sealing as many of the vessels leading to his right arm as I could manage, pulling back after several long moments. "I didn't get all the blood vessels, but I started with the biggest." I reported. "And with the work Mirabelle already did, I think he'll live."

"Good. Now you go sit somewhere and rest. You look like you're having trouble processing all this."

Scowling, I rose and moved away, nearly running into Mirabelle when I rounded the corner. Reaching a hand out I steadied her, frowning at the weariness on her face. "You need to rest." I chided.

"Mothering me Nelacar?" She asked, smiling up at me. "Come. Let's get some food. Catch up. It's been far too long since I've been able to get down to the Inn."

"Alright." I agreed, falling in step with her, offering her a hand every so often when she wavered.

"Have you missed this place?" She asked, turning her head away from the Hall when we passed it, eyes shining.

"Yes." I responded, walking with her across the courtyard, hearing her soft intake of breath when we spotted the guard pouring jugs of oil over the Thalmor, Arniel and Drevis standing with flame spells ready, their faces set in hard lines. "I didn't plan to ever return and especially not under these circumstances."

"I know what you mean." She said, giving Arniel and Drevis a firm nod, pausing to watch the oil catch. "But I am glad you came."

"How does the Arch-Mage know Haran?" I asked, following her into the Hall of Attainment, quelling the sudden sense of wistful longing as we passed what had been my room decades before.

"He's gone down to the Inn a time or two." She responded, climbing the stairs slowly. "I suspect he may have purposefully gone when you weren't there." She scowled as we reached the provisions room, carefully skirting the puddles of potions. "At least they mostly left the foods stuff alone." She said bitterly.

Moving silently, I helped her put together a lunch of bread and cheese, using flames to gently heat a kettle, pouring the steaming water over a mountain flower tea. "You think Savos was avoiding me?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"He views what happened with Malyn a black mark on the College's reputation."

"He's so different from the last Arch-Mage." I mused. "So angry whenever someone dies. No matter the cause."

"And the College has been better for it." She said. "He feels he reacted a bit too strongly toward you though. Always regretted not seeing how much of your actions were a result of your trying to rein Malyn in."

"Honestly I deserved his outburst. He could have done much worse." I said quietly, staring at the tea. "So, what are you going to do now?"

"Now? Lick our wounds and hope to Magnus that the Psijics get off their collective asses and deal with the Eye of Magnus before the Thalmor can use it to further any of their goals."

"Is that what the Artifact was?" I asked. "Urag was nonspecific."

"It is. It was buried under Saarthal." She said quietly. "Many feel we should have left it there but who's to say it would have stayed buried? Artifacts like this have a bad habit of cropping up during times of unrest."

"I can't say I'm upset it's out of Winterhold."

"Agreed. Though I cannot like that they took one of our mages with it." Slumping forward, she rested her head on her arms.

"They took someone? Who?"

She straightened. "Urag's apprentice. She was after your time. It's complicated but they had reason for it." She sighed. "I don't know how we're going to bury Colette. Or Sergius." Tears slid down her cheeks and I blinked hard, startled to realized that I had tears on my face too.

"Hard to believe they're gone." I managed. "Colette especially. Why would they take umbrage at a Restoration mage?"

"Beside the fact they wanted as many of us to die as possible?" She asked dryly. "The man who blinded Faralda ordered her to heal a gash on his arm. She smiled at him and bled him dry with Restoration magic."

I blinked, slowly closing my mouth when I realized it was hanging open. "She..."

"Bloodletting is a facet of healing." She said quietly. "I never thought I'd see it weaponized, but I'll never forget it."

"I can imagine. And Sergius?"

"During the first part of the battle. I didn't see him get cut down." She sniffled. "There's no more reason for Faralda and Nirya to be at odds."

Quietly I refilled her teacup. "The Nords are going to miss him although they won't realize it at first." I mused.

"They will. Oh, we'll be able to make do, but it will be some time before we have anyone on his level again."

"But the College will recover."

She gave me a small smile. "Yes. Will you be part of it?"

I considered her, leaning back in my chair, contemplating my obsession with Azura's Star. I could study just as well in here as out there. "I think Eirid would miss me."

"Eirid will be joining the College soon enough."

"Oh?"

She nodded. "You're terrible at noting other mages, aren't you? Eirid will be a powerful mage one day. And with her parents being who they are, she'll get the training she needs long before it escapes her control."

"No wonder she's always attracted to my workings." I mused.

"Yes."

"I wonder if her parents will believe this a safe place after this?"

"Her parents understand." She studied me. "What do you say?"

"If you'll have me." I murmured. "What will you do for a Restoration master?"

"We'll find someone." She promised, sipping at her tea. "The college will endure Nelacar. No matter the trials. But we'll do our best to ensure that we endure along with it."

Chapter Text

The Fight for Winterhold: Part 3

 A warm light eased my slumber, and I opened my eyes slowly, blinking up into Nevian's worried face. "Nev?" I whispered frowning at him.

"Mati." He said quietly. "It's good to see you awake."

Twisting slightly, I turned my head in time to see Silka cut off the rest of a ritual spell. Oh, it was her spell that woke me. "You've gotten a lot stronger." I told her, flicking my gaze further along the group of people when I heard a familiar voice.

"Mati!"

Reaching out, I wrapped my arms hard around Ancano when he pulled me out of Nev's arms. "Ancano." I whispered, tears trickling down my face. You're alive. I'm alive. But who did we lose? Why didn't the Psijics come? And how long was I asleep?

"Now what do we do with the Eye?"

I pulled away a bit to see what was happening, frowning when the Psijic showed up, a burning anger simmering in my chest. You could have saved Colette. She would not have died if the Psijics had joined the fight against the Thalmor.

Ancano made as if to put me down and I tightened my arms, shaking my head. I need you. I know we're angry with him but please don't put me down.

"Trust me." Quaranir said, pushing his hood back. "Preparations for the containment of the Eye took longer than anticipated. We came as soon as we could."

I scowled. Longer than anticipated? What does that mean?

"And how many people died because of your preparations?" Ancano demanded.

"Too many." He responded, moving toward us. "But, if all goes well, Matitrice will be safely severed from the Eye by the end of the year. Maybe next."

I stared at him, feeling tears prick my eyes. This is it then? I'm really going to have to go with the Psijics?

"What does that mean?" Nev asked.

"It means that Matitrice will need to come with us until we can sever her safely from the Eye." He said, nodding at Nev's partner when he brought him the staff. "Excellent job taking care of Morokei."

Looking up at Ancano I sighed, reaching a hand up slowly to rest on his cheek. "We knew it was a possibility." I just wish it weren't the case.

"Can't I go with her?" He asked and I swallowed hard against new tears.

"You are not ready." He told him and I frowned. Not ready? What is that supposed to mean?

A High Elf I didn't know moved closer, reaching a hand out to rest on Ancano's shoulder, squeezing gently.

"But I will come home?" I asked. "When I'm free of the Eye?" Who else did we lose at the College that I don't know about because of the sleep spell?

"Yes. I will escort you back to the College personally. I had a lengthy discussion with the Librarian. Full of threats and unpleasantness. And I swore..."

"Urag's alive?? They didn't kill him??" I asked, hope swelling in my chest for the other mages I was leaving behind.

"Yes. He's alive."

"Thank the Gods." I looked at Silka. "Silka. Ask Urag where Septimus Signus was last seen. We think he's your best bet to find the information you need." I sighed, looking at Nev. "I'm sorry Nev, I don't think I'll be able to write you as often for a while."

"When you do, you're going to explain all this to me." He said firmly.

"Could. Could I have a moment to say goodbye to Ancano?" I asked, looking at the Psijic.

"Of course." He said, moving toward the other Psijics and a tilted wagon.

Ancano stepped to the side, sitting down in the snow. "I know this is how it has to be." He murmured. "Your safety is paramount, but I can't pretend to like it."

"Me neither." I said, leaning my head against his shoulder. "I'm going to miss you Ancano." So strange. I never thought I could get this attached to someone this quickly. Especially not someone who once held Thalmor prejudices and views. Strange what strings a rescue attaches.  

"And I, you. I'll wait for you. If you'll let me."

"What do you mean?" I wondered, pulling back slightly and meeting his gaze.

"I'll wait for you to be free of Artaeum. And once you are..." He smiled, reaching a hand up to tuck a lock of hair behind my ear. "We can be together again. If you want."

"It's a long time to wait."

"The upside of being an Altmer. I'll find something useful to do while you're gone. Something to get your family to approve of me."

"If my siblings are any proof then a separation is one of the best things possible for our relationship." I murmured, gasping when pain washed through me.

"Mati?" He asked, rising carefully and we looked over where the Eye had been.

"Put me down." I whispered.

He sighed and did just that, bracing me as I swayed.

Quaranir moved toward us. "It is time." He said.

 I gripped Ancano's hand tightly. "Good luck with the dragons Silka." I looked at the Nord Companion standing nearby. "Farkas, make sure the Companions are looking after my brother."

He nodded gravely and I looked back at Ancano when Quaranir reached out his hand. I don't want to leave you, but the pain will only get worse.

Ancano leaned in quickly and kissed me, resting a hand on the side of my face, smiling gently, eyes shining when I squeezed his hand before he nodded and released me, stepping back.

Feeling bereft, I reached out and accepted Quaranir's hand, the world falling away.

A warm sea breeze ruffled my hair, and I breathed easier when the connection of the Eye eased into place.

"Welcome to Artaeum, Matitrice. Your stay here should prove to be beneficial to us all." Quaranir said. "Come. I'll show you around, introduce you to the monks you'll be learning from and the Loremaster who agreed on your being here."

"Learning from?"

He smiled down at me. "You didn't honestly think we'd be bringing you here merely as a subject of study, did you? Of course, we need to sever you from the Eye, but we see no reason not to train you while you're here."

"I know so little about the Psijic order I didn't dare guess at any of it." I said, managing a small smile.

"You're strong enough certainly to handle the training we'll throw at you. And it's been too long since we had fresh blood on the Island."

"What did you mean by what you said to Ancano?" I asked, falling in step with him as he started down the pathway.

"Ancano has only just shaken off the yoke that's bound him since birth. If he were to gain such secrets as we hold here in his current state, it could go one of three ways and two would be perilous indeed."

When he didn't choose to explain I frowned. "How do you figure?" 

He sighed, pausing and staring off into the distance. "We've seen it before. It's a part of why we are so selective about new members."

Frowning, I studied him. I can understand suspicion but I’m curious what exactly you fear. "So, is there anything I need to know about living here?"

He smiled and continued walking. "We do not hoard secrets from each other, but we will not accept outright stealing of another monk's research. Collaboration is something we hold in high regard."

"If you're going to train me..." I sighed. "You said I'd be able to go home."

"You are a Breton, are you not?"

"Yes." Half anyway.

"The longer you stay here, the longer your lifespan will extend. I cannot see what the future holds but I am not adverse to the idea of your returning to Artaeum after spending a few decades in Skyrim."

"I'm going to outlive my siblings?" I asked. How will Mal take that? How will Mal handle any of this?

"When you connected yourself to the Eye you lengthened your lifespan then. By being here we'll be able to sever your current bond but not the changes that have already occurred."

"So, I could go home and then come back later?"

"Provided you do not turn what training we give you now into a bid for power, yes."

"And would Ancano be able to come with me?"

"If he keeps on his current path? Then I believe so."

I digested that information, walking quietly next to the monk. I can't predict who I'll be in a year. Can anyone? But if we both keep getting better, I can't say I'm upset at the idea of continuing as we have. "Can Psijics have romantic relationships?"

He laughed. "Of course. We even have monks who've married. Mostly other monks though there are occasional exceptions."

He paused, looking across the Island and I mimicked him. "It's beautiful."

"I rather thought you might believe so." He said. "But I am glad to hear it nonetheless." With a sigh he turned toward me. "Your family values personal freedom above almost anything else. We cannot stop that the island will feel to some degree like a prison. But we will do our best to mitigate it until you can once again have freedom of movement."

Staring at the ocean, I considered his words. He sounds sincere. Not that there's anything I could do if he wasn't but... I appreciate it. "Thank you."

"Of course. Come, let's get you settled in."