As I ventured up the lonely mountain side, the wind and snow in my face, I stumbled across a stone circular area. I noticed something glowing on the ground. Three glowing circular patterns surrounding a body. It looked like rune writing of some kind. As I approached there was a bright light and an exploding sound. Next thing I knew I was on the ground. I wasn't badly hurt thankfully, just stunned. I guess I was far enough away that I didn't take a lot of damage. They were some kind of magical wards. I think the person placed them before he died. He probably thought he was protecting himself. Something got him anyway.
I saw on his alter some candles and flowers and a few other ingredients. Needing as many supplies as I could get my hands on, I took everything the man had. I even took his clothes and any item he had on his person. My clothes were still wet from my frigid swim. I changed into the warm dry clothes and added my wet items to the still wet bundle I had strapped to my back. I was hoping I'd be able to sell some of this stuff if I ever found an inn or merchant.
I stopped briefly to snack on some horker meat from one of my previous kills for strength, then continued on. Cold, damp and sleep deprived I ran into some more wolves along the way that I fought off. With a mace I found in the ship and the little knowledge I have of lightning spells, I was able to survive.
Finally! A road that led straight into a town. Winterhold. I finally made it! I stopped at the inn for a short rest and to get warm. I asked the barkeep for some local information and directions and was on my way again. I could see the college just over a stone bridge. It was magnificent! Huge and mysterious!
I approached a woman standing just atop the main stairs. An elf. Her name is Faralda. She asked why I had come and I replied that I seek the wisdom and knowledge only the college could give me. She had said in order for me to gain entry I had to demonstrate my abilities. Though what she asked of me I did not know yet, she gladly taught me the basics then left me to figure out the rest.
It was a basic conjuring spell. A Flame Atronach. I'm more fond of destruction magic but I have enough insight to quickly master the basics of any other school of magic. I readied my spell and let go. There she was. My Flame Atronach. She stood graceful, waiting my command. Then she started floating with ease around us. Impressed with how quickly I could learn new spells, Faralda allowed me access. My flame atronach and I then followed her ascent to the main gate of the college.
Once I was in the main courtyard of the college I was greeted by Mirabelle Ervine. She is Arch-Mage Savos Aren's personal assistant. She gave me my college robes, a tour of the facilities and got me settled into the sleeping quarters. Afterward, she instructed me to talk to Tolfdir. A master of Alteration magic, Tolfdir is the instructor for new students.
After a brief but much needed nap from my long journey, I located Tolfdir and the rest of the students in the Hall of Elements for the beginning of class. We began with a lecture on the safety of magic and how dangerous it can be. He then showed us some basic warding spells and I got to be his little helper for that demonstration. I felt quite proud of myself. I didn't screw anything up!
After class he invited us to help with an excavation over the hill from the college. A place called Saarthal. Not much is known about it at the moment. This should be exciting! I can't wait to go exploring. But first I had more exploring of the college and of Winterhold to do yet. I wanted to familiarize myself with those surroundings first before I did any real adventuring.
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