The Gray Wolf Tales: Part 2 ~ Chapter 1

  • Myst Frost-Borne

         Frost shot from my hands. The icy-cold spell flowed in a continuous pattern, clashing with one of the many black bricks that made up the College; particularly the Arch Mage's quarters. Training myself was almost all I did during the day. Well, that along with teaching and helping the people of Winterhold. The residents don't trust magic, especially with that nasty business with Ancano and the Eye of Magnus, but I'm determined this can change. I know it will, whether sooner or later.

         Amidst the noise of my spell, the door from the Arcanium opened and closed. Cancelling the spell, I turned toward the ever growing footsteps. After a moment, Tolfdir rounded the corner and greeted me.

         "Hello, Arch Mage. Good to see you today."  The old Nord continues to surprise me with his speed and energy. His white, long hair, both on his head and chin, could tell one how old he was.

         "Thank you, Tolfdir. It's good to see you too, old friend," I replied to the Master Wizard. "If I may, why come up here? Is there something pressing at hand?" There was a little concern in my voice. The local Nords have never been shy at displaying their prejudice against the College. Tolfdir quickly put that thought down.

         "I came up to tell you about what happened at the inn several days ago."

         "Ah, yes," I said. "I remember that well. Nearly everyone in this little town was drawn to that single building. Just, what was it?"

         "Well," Tolfdir began, "according to Faralda, she heard several people talk about a woman who put on a show for them." I opened my mouth, wishing him to explain further. He stopped me before a syllable left my lips. "The woman apparently transformed for them!" Some excitement etched into his wrinkly face.

         "Really? The woman transformed, into what exactly?" I asked this very quizzically. I knew plenty of things one could transform into. A friend of mine told me of all the different creatures someone may become. Some could change into a Dragon! I believed this to be simply amazing. My friend said their kind is extinct, a bit of a disappointment, but perhaps for the better. Some could change into something as harmless as a Goat. He had a run in with one, but stated it was something not to underestimate.

         Tolfdir continued. "From what Faralda could pick up, the lady transformed into a Werewolf."

         My eyes went wide in disbelief. "Really? A Werewolf." The only person I know who is one can transform without prosecution. He is also the Dragonborn, so I guess that could be the exception, but I had no idea. "I only know one other who can do so," which was said under my breath.

         "There is more, Myst. She wished to join the College!" The old man couldn't keep the smile submerged within, and neither could I.

         "That's terrific, Tolfdir!" My naturally raspy voice exclaimed. My excitement likes to get ahead of me. The people who wish to join must at least have a grasp at magic. Those who have joined in the past were already aspiring mages, or just learnt of their powers. Keeping this quiet, I began to wonder who this woman was.

         Tolfdir and I began to walk from the quarters to the Hall of the Elements, discussing on what needed to be done.

         "What sort of test should we give her?" Tolfdir asked.

         "Well, first and foremost, we should see if she has any magical prowess." I have seen a few mages come here only to find they cannot hold a simple spell for very long, or just not at all. "If her mind is set on it, she'll succeed." I figured. Tolfdir nodded in agreement, the white hair swaying to the motion.

         Opening the door of the Hall to the outside world, we were greeted by a shining sun and cool breeze. It was these kinds of afternoons that made Winterhold, and the College, look beautiful. The rays of the sun caught off the icicles and chunks of ice, sending tiny rainbows to the snow below. The breeze ruffled the light blue feathers upon my head as Tolfdir and I walked toward the town.  

         Crossing the decaying bridge connecting Winterhold and the College seemed to take a little longer than expected. With side-rails missing in the middle and other chunks here and there gone, walking side-by-side can get difficult. But, nonetheless, we made it safely to the other side.

         Winterhold has been like a shell since I first set foot here some time ago. The guards did their patrols, stopping just before the black bridge. As I said before, the Nords don't trust the College. The men and women only patrol there when they have no choice in the matter. They have a choice, the people just tend to believe what they want to.

         "Arch Mage Frost-Borne!" The excited call came ahead of Tolfdir and I. Looking toward the voice's source, I saw it was Kraldar. He was one of the select few who are not prejudice of the College, or the people within. He was waving in our direction; waving back, the Master Wizard and I went to him and a conversation ensued.

         "Hello to you too, Kraldar. How've you been?" I unfortunately did not have time to talk to this man very often. Such a polite man, the guards and the Jarl could learn a thing or five.

         "Very good to say the least. How's your project in helping Winterhold and easing the negativity towards the College?"

         "Well," I began, "it's really hit and miss. Some of the residents have taken to it and other are as stubborn as the stone." The three of us shared a lite chortle as a guard walked by. I gave the woman a nod, but she acted like I was invisible. So much for having a high status in a place that doesn't accept it. Shrugging off being ignored, I turned back to Kraldar. "Just curious, were you around when the spectacle at the inn happened?"

         "Was I around? I was in the inn that night, Arch Mage! And what she said, well it beggars belief!"

         Tolfdir and I stood in wonder at Kraldar, trying to figure out what he meant. "What do you mean by that?" Tolfdir finally inquired. Kraldar couldn't contain his excitement.

         "She's the Dragonborn's wife!"
         I took it all in, mouth and eyes wide open. It felt like someone punched me in the stomach. That's impossible, I thought. He told me she was killed two years ago! Unless...

         "Kraldar, I said, "is she still at the inn?!" I couldn't help but raise my voice, but it was raised more than necessary. The surprise on Tolfdir's and Kraldar's face was evident at that; their looks were nearly identical.

         "Arch Mage, why the sudden frantic state?" Tolfdir asked. It was a justified question. I know I shouldn't have acted like that, but it couldn't be helped.

         "It's just..." I began, taking a second to calm down. "It's just a very long story. I need to see her." Turning to Kraldar I asked, "Is she still at the inn?"

         "Yes," he said. "Dagur has been letting her stay rent free until she's ready to leave."

         "Leave and go where?" Tolfdir asked.

         Giving the old man a look of puzzlement, I stated, "Didn't you say she wished to join the College, old friend?"

         Shaking his head and having a moment of thought, Tolfdir replied, "Yes, of course. Forgive me, Arch Mage, for my slight blunder."

         "No harm done," I reassured him, placing a gauntleted hand on his shoulder. "So the woman is still at the inn, Kraldar?" I asked the Nord one final time.

         "Yes, Arch Mage. I promise you she is." Kraldar stated. With a thank you, Tolfdir and I began to walk to the inn, which was on the other side of Winterhold.

         "Oh," Kraldar began suddenly. "Arch Mage Frost-Borne! I was just wondering if you'd like to join me for a meal sometime?"

         I chuckled, giving his invitation a thought. After thinking on it, I replied, "That sound perfect. But how about you dine with me at the College in say, two days?"

         The Nord's face lit right up with joy. "That... I accept, Arch Mage! I'll be there." And with that Kraldar ran off toward his home. Continuing our way, Tolfdir and I walked ever onward. Finally reaching the inn, I went for the door. As I did, it opened when I neared the handle. The wooden frames, dry, splintered and frozen from age and constant snow, hit my muzzle with an audible crack.

         "Xhuth!" I cried out in surprise and pain, cupping my nose. "Xieth aanquiel othap..." I muttered into my hands. Bringing them away from my face, I could see a maroon shade on the black of the cloth in the gauntlet. My nose was weeping blood. Looking up, I saw who was at the door: Jarl Korir and his son, Assur. Knowing my manners, I stepped out of his way so he could pass. The man didn't even look my way or give me any sign of an apology. The boy looked at us in curiosity, but quickly went to his father's side. Tolfdir already had a simple healing spell in his right hand and waved it over my muzzle. Immediately, I felt the wounds close and knit themselves back together.

         "Thank you, Tolfdir. I needed that." I said.

         "Don't mention it, Arch Mage. Anytime," He replied with a smile. Turning toward the open door, we walked inside.

         The inn was, as it always was, dead. But something seemed different, there seemed to be less sorrow in the air. Less... emptiness, despite it being slow in the building. The people that were in the building were Dagur, Haran, Eirid, Nelecar, and Ranmir. Some things don't, even when something amazing happened not so long ago. But perhaps there will be more life and merry making later in the evening.

         I walked up to Nelecar, who seemed to be gawking at my face. "My word, what happened to you, Arch Mage? Looks like someone hit you with platter." The concern was in his voice, but not a lot. Just enough to keep one interested.

         "As a matter of fact, sort of." I replied. "I was hit in the face with the door. By Korir." The name of the Jarl made the Elf perk up a little more; it even made Dagur look up from his counter. "And no, don't worry about it either. Tolfdir's magic put a stop to the bleeding."

         "Well, that's a good thing to hear." Dagur commented after walking over. "Did he even stop or say sorry?"

         "No," I said matter-of-factly. "Neither he nor his boy said a thing. Whatever, I'm not going to loose any sleep over it." The two of them shrugged and nodded in agreement. Seems great minds think alike when talking about the same person.

         "Anyway, what brings you down here from the College?" Dagur asked Tolfdir and I.

         "Well, we're here to talk to the woman who transformed. Faralda stated she wishes to join we mages." Tolfdir replied.

         "Yes," I said in agreement. "Wouldn't want a potential student go to waste, now would we?"

         "Of course." Dagur said back to us. "She's in Nelecar's room reading a book of his. Let me go get her." And with that, the innkeeper was off. The three of us could hear them talking about something. Several moments later, Dagur walked out and was followed by the woman.

         I stood wide eyed and mouth agape. She was a beautiful woman, snow white hair that stopped midway down her back, ivory colored skin, and deep brown eyes. Her smiling face seemed to shin, sending her radiance over the whole interior. Just like Wergar described.

         "Hello there," she began. "I'm-"

         "Amelie." I interrupted. Dagur, Nelecar, Tolfdir and her looked at me in confusion, wondering how I knew her name. 

         "How did you know that?" She asked in shock.

         I answered, "I know your husband."  

    Author's Note

    The little bit of Jel I have Myst saying is made up. The only real word is "Xhuth".
    What I basically have him saying is, "Son of a... that smarts..."