Studying Abroad, Epilogue
By: The Orange Mask
Gods, it was nice to see the College in person after my venture into Skyrim’s unknown. It had only been two weeks since I’d started, but it felt like two years, considering all of the friends I’d made and all of the travelling I’d done. Despite the dullness of travelling, the trip home was eased by the company of Vodahmin, Bjorn, and Claudia.
Bjorn and Kharjo had been paralyzed by Claudia just before our fight with Tullius, but she hadn’t killed them (something that I was relieved to find out). Both were shaken and shied away from Claudia during our trip out of the ruins. Kharjo said his goodbyes and parted ways with our little group, saying that his caravan needed him more than Bjorn. Bjorn, however, decided that he was going to join the College of Winterhold to learn more about the Restoration school (little did he know that Collette was still the authority on that subject).
As for Claudia, she too decided she was going to join the college, although her studies would be more widespread. She figured that she might as well stop hiding her vampiric nature and instead live life like a somewhat normal human. I was proud of her decision, although I was certain that there were less altruistic reasons for her joining the college. When I asked her how she was going to feed, she said that she would most likely travel to Dawnstar at night to entice travelers at the inn. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealously.
Before I had taken two steps into the college, Tolfdir came rushing out of the Hall of Attainment with all sorts of scrolls and books falling off his person.
“Ah, there you are! I’m certainly glad to see you’re safe. And you’ve brought friends!” Tolfdir said hello to Bjorn and Claudia, then turned back to me. “So, did your excursion to Labyrinthian uncover anything useful?”
I started to say something, only to realize that I had nothing to say. Tolfdir looked somewhat disappointed. Then I remembered that Wuunferth had given me his enchantment; I reached into my satchel, looking for my notebook, only to find a hole had ripped through it. I gasped; all those hours of writing, Wuunferth’s enchantment, all gone! I frowned a bit myself.
“I’m afraid not, friend. However, I do remember Farengar Secret-Fire telling me something about an ancient ritual he had uncovered. It involved the souls of trapped dragons…”
I walked with Tolfdir around the courtyard, telling him of my travels. I did manage to find a ripped out page from my notebook in my pack, though: the copy of Farengar’s notes, which were mostly useless ramblings. I handed it to Tolfdir, nonetheless. When I finished retelling my tale, Tolfdir smiled and laughed a bit.
“I can’t believe you didn’t retain a single scrap of useful information!” He said, laughing the way only old men can.
“Well, I suppose getting there’s half the fun. I’d recommend contacting Wuunferth about his enchantment, though. And don’t let anyone else know I told you; Wuunferth said he’ll send atronachs after me if I tell anyone.” I smiled, patted Tolfdir on the back, and went back to my newfound friends, who were freezing in the chill of a midday snowstorm.
“All right, where do I go now?” Bjorn asked me. I pointed him in the direction of Tolfdir’s assistant, J’zargo; he’s the master wizard, nowadays. Bjorn immediately shot off in his armor towards the Hall of the Elements. Claudia, however, didn’t say anything. She just smiled.
“Why are you smiling? I’d bet you’re freezing.” I chuckled a bit, leading her toward the Hall of the Elements, hand around her shoulder.
“Not really. Vampires aren’t affected by the cold that much. But if you’d like to warm me up some, you’re always welcome.” Claudia smiled and strutted in front of me a bit. I watched her, a grin on my face the whole time.
“Later, for sure. So, what did you mean to say when we were interrupted back in Labyrinthian?” I was a bit more serious now. Claudia’s face became clouded with thought, trying to remember what I was talking about.
“Hmm… oh! I meant to say that if we couldn’t be together in a house, maybe we could be together on the road.” This surprised me; I hadn’t expected Claudia to want to follow me every which way. Still, it was a pleasant surprise, indeed.
“Well, if you think you’re all right with following me around to talk to some boring court wizards…” I started teasing her, remembering how much she hated Dragonsreach.
Claudia pouted a bit, and faked frustration, crossing her arms and turning away from me. “In case you’ve forgotten, I’m seventy-two years old. I lived in Whiterun for a long time, and I got to know quite a few people and places, some of them quite interesting.”
“I’m sure you do…” I began playing with her, acting sarcastically. She laughed and pushed me into the snow, and I dragged her down with me. We just laid there and smiled, looking up at the sky for a few minutes. Then we both got up.
“I suppose you’d better go see J’zargo. Oh, and the college’s policies towards vampirism are fairly lenient; just don’t go feed on anyone in the college or the town. We have a bad enough reputation as it is. We’ll see if you can keep a thrall or two in the Midden if you really need to.” Claudia smiled and nodded, and began to walk toward the Hall of the Elements. I watched her incredible figure walk away. After the doors slam shut, I walked back to my room in the Hall of Attainment and set down my things. I collapsed on my bed and closed my eyes. Suddenly, Vodahmin appeared in the blackness.
“Well done, mage. You’ve earned your rest.”
“Thanks, Vodahmin.”
“Do you not want to show me to your… colleagues?”
“Not yet, Vodahmin. I get the feeling I may need your help again. Feel free to take magicka from me as you please to replenish yourself, although leave me some to use, just in case.”
“Understood, mage. Rest well.”
Vodahmin disappeared from sight as fatigue overwhelmed me. I drifted into a long, peaceful sleep; the first in a long time…
To be continued…
Comments
Anyway, everyo... more