I rode toward the Imperial City at a steady pace as I passed beneath the tall stone walls. A line of travelers and merchants stretched before the main gate. Most wore weary expressions from the long road. I tried letting my horse match their pace. I learned that they were talking about a Moth Priest's prophecy that came out last year. I used my crown to change my hair to deep brown instead of white. This much would do enough.
When I reached the stable master, I slid down from the saddle. The air smelled like hay and horses. I paid my fee and gave my horse a small pat on the neck. Once my horse was led inside, I continued on foot toward the city gate, anxious but determined to keep calm.
The guards at the gate barely glanced at me. One asked my business, and I told him I had some errands in the Market District. He just grunted and waved me along. Walking into the main plaza felt strange after being away so long.
A familiar pair of figures stood near a vendor's stall. It was Gergs and Frerelie. The first thing I noticed was how Frerelie's belly had grown, she was very pregnant now. She had one hand resting on her stomach, her other arm looped around Gergs. I saw his tan skin and that beard he always seemed proud of, the big claw scars on his shoulders half visible under his sleeveless tunic.
For a second, I wondered if I should just walk over, but my feet stayed rooted. I hadn't seen them since Awalion's death, and I knew they thought I was gone too. That realization sent a jolt of guilt through my stomach. I didn't know how to handle any of that yet.
Frerelie looked around, maybe sensing something. I saw her gaze flick over the crowd, her eyes narrowing like she was noticing something off. But she didn't seem certain. Maybe she just brushed it off as a trick of the light or some random magic user passing by. Whatever the case, she turned back to Gergs a moment later. Gergs was talking to her, probably saying something about shopping for supplies or complaining.
So I dipped my head and skirted around them, weaving through the busier part of the plaza. Townsfolk bustled past with baskets of goods. A pair of street kids darted by, nearly bumping my shoulder.
As I moved nearer to the gate that would lead me to the guild, I stepped past a small fountain that sparkled under the bright midday sun. I thought again about Gergs and Frerelie. It felt so strange to be that close and not say a word, especially considering everything we'd gone through. But It was better this way. I wasn't sure I could handle their questions. That prophecy about a snow elf returning was still floating around out there now. Some folks might want to catch me, or worse. I kept walking and made my way to the guild.
The Arcane University, guild or often just called the Mages Guild in the capital, I paused to take in the grand courtyard. Students wandered by with spellbooks tucked under their arms, and a few senior members strolled in deep conversation. The tall towers soared above us, flags fluttering in a gentle breeze. It felt almost peaceful.
A robed attendant by the entrance gave me a polite smile. "May I see your emblem?" she asked, as if it was the most normal thing in the world. Her voice was pleasant, but there was a no-nonsense edge behind her eyes. Security had probably gotten tighter since the Oblivion crisis ended.
I nodded, sliding my hand into my pouch and pulling out a small, intricately carved medallion. It bore the official crest of the Mages Guild, proof of my past membership. She examined it closely, then handed it back with a respectful dip of her head. "Welcome. You may proceed."
Inside, the stone corridors were lit by steady orbs of magelight hovering near the ceiling. I knew a few powerful mages might sense something off if they looked too hard. Still, I felt sure of myself. A year's worth of survival in middle earth made me more confident in myself.
I passed a few familiar faces, though none seemed to recognize me. A couple of apprentices nodded politely, but they looked more focused on their own errands. Turning a corner, I found myself at a solid wooden door with metal reinforcements. A sign next to it read "Guild Leader's Study." I raised my hand to knock, but the door opened on its own with a soft creak.
Inside, the office was both cozy and impressive. Shelves crammed with tomes rose high to the ceiling, while a small fireplace crackled off to the side. Papers and scrolls lay on a large oak desk, half-arranged in neat piles. The High Elf guild leader stood behind it. He offered me a courteous nod and gestured for me to enter.
"Close the door, please," he said in a calm, even voice. Once it clicked shut, he flicked his fingers, casting a dispel effect so swift I barely felt it. The faint shimmer around me vanished at once. My illusions dropped, revealing my white hair.
He studied me for a few seconds, then let out a quiet sigh, though his eyes held something like relief. "I had a feeling you'd come," he said, tapping his desk. "Word reached me that you went missing after confronting necromancers. Awalion's fate was also reported…very sad." His gaze flicked over my features, but he didn't look shocked. "So. Alive, after all."
I met his stare with steady confidence. "Yes, I survived. I was…taken by surprise and ended up stuck in a corner of Oblivion for a year. Only recently managed to escape." The words slid off my tongue smoothly. I'd practiced my story.
"Lucky," he remarked, voice low. "Mannimarco himself was rumored to be at that gathering of Necromancers. Very few walk away from an encounter like that. If you truly faced him, your fortune is remarkable."
I shrugged a bit. "Fortune, or maybe dumb luck." I decided not to go into the details of how I'd actually gotten out. Let him assume what he wanted. "I need information," I continued, stepping a bit closer to his desk. "It's about reaching the Shivering Isles. I have personal reasons to go there. I'm sure you remember my involvement with Arnovia."
He folded his arms, giving a thoughtful nod. "Ah, yes. The rumors of your romance with that young archer woman… how could I forget?" He paused, then gestured toward an armchair near the fireplace. "Sit, if you like. This might take some time to discuss."
I took the seat. The fire's warmth was a pleasant contrast to the chilly stone underfoot. He moved around the desk and leaned against it, one hand resting on some scrolls. "I've consulted a few old tomes on Daedric realms before," he explained. "But the Shivering Isles are Sheogorath's domain, and that can be quite…tricky to access. Still, if it can be done, I'll find a clue in our archives."
I nodded, relieved to see he wasn't brushing me off. "Thank you. I realize it might not be easy, but I've come too far to give up now."
He offered a small smile, faint but genuine. "You always were determined. However, I have responsibilities to the guild and the Aldmeri Dominion. The crisis ended, but we still face plenty of problems. If I'm going to devote time and resources to your search, I need help in return. We have missions that require a mage that everyone thinks is dead."
Hearing him mention the Aldmeri Dominion made me blink. I hadn't guessed he was a member; maybe that was part of how he had so become guild leader. "Understood," I replied. "I'm ready to do whatever is needed."
"Good. I'll gather some references and see what might help. In the meantime, you can stay here in the guild. It's the least I can do, given your past service and the danger you survived." He motioned toward the door. "We have a guest room prepared. It's simple but private. Rest there tonight and come back in the morning. I'll have your first assignment by then, and I'll begin digging into ways to open a path to the Isles."
I got to my feet, just changing my hair color and adding a bit of color to my skin. "Thank you," I said, extending my hand. He shook it with a firm grip.
"One more thing," he added, letting go. "If you need supplies, speak to one of our quartermasters. Some gear and potions might make your next jobs smoother. If you've brought any valuables, you can store them in your room. Just keep in mind, security's tight around here since the Oblivion gates. Don't bring in anything that might get you on the wrong side of our wards."
"I'll remember," I answered with a faint smile. I wasn't here to cause trouble, anyway.
He opened the door, and we stepped back into the corridor. A handful of mages passed by, their robes swishing. Perhaps they assumed I was just another traveler with a weird complexion.
"Your room's down the hall," he said, pointing to a side hallway. "Second door on the right. You'll find a small bed, a desk, and a trunk for belongings. If you need anything, ask one of the apprentices or knock on my door."
I nodded again, grateful that he was offering me a place to stay. "I appreciate it. It's good to have somewhere safe to rest. Thank you, again."
He stared at me for a moment, then he dipped his head. "You've always been straightforward with me in the past, even in my classes, even if you keep some secrets. I expect you'll keep the peace while you're here."
"I will."
Without further ceremony, he turned away, gliding down the corridor toward his study. I headed in the opposite direction, finding the simple wooden door he'd described. Inside, the room was small but comfortable: a single bed pressed against one wall, a narrow desk, and a sturdy trunk. A single mage-light hovered near the ceiling. I set my pack down and took a moment to breathe. The day had been long, but I still felt energetic. I had so many questions swirling in my mind about Arnovia, the Shivering Isles, and this new knowledge of the guild leader's connections with the Aldmeri Dominion.
I ran a hand through my white hair, letting it fall around my shoulders. "One step at a time," I told myself. I was confident I could handle any missions he gave me.
I lay back on the bed, gazing at the glowing orb near the ceiling. I'd return to the guild leader's office tomorrow and take on whatever job he assigned. Everything would be on my own terms now. Yes, I still had illusions, for the outside.