บท 296: Stranger Help
Another couple of days pass, and aside from Illococoo getting the Arch-Mages full support in her efforts to uncover the mysteries of the Thu'um, things had been pretty boring, I.e, peaceful.
Illococoo was now as busy as ever, having to dedicate a lot more of her time to research, which left Charlotte to take care of Maria. This led to the group sometimes having Maria accompany them in lectures and their study sessions on the roof. A little annoying, but not something they couldn't bear. Especially with just how much gold the Arch-Mage had already contributed to Illococoo's research.
The man had hired many mercenaries, including the Companions, to copy any word walls they came across. They likely wouldn't get any results for a couple months, but it'd undoubtedly speed up Illococoo's progress in the Thu'um and her overall understanding of the Dragon Language.
"Yeah, things are looking pre-eetty good." Michael smiles to himself as he makes his way to the kitchens that were built into the wall next to the Hall of Countenance. Unfortunately, just as he was about to step inside, a voice calls out to him.
"Michael? Michael? Excuse me, I could really use your assistance right now." a feminine voice that he'd been attempting to ignore presses, eventually grabbing his shoulder.
He lets out a sigh, "What do you want, Nirya?" he asks in a cold tone as their relationship has been on the rocks ever since she'd started her rivalry with Tiffania.
"I have... Angered some Senior apprentices, and they coerced me into a duel with them..." she admits, an embarrassed blush slightly colouring her cheeks.
He crooks a brow at her, "Alright, I'll bite... How did you anger them, and how did they coerce you into a duel... As far as I'm aware, duelling is completely optional."
Nirya's eyes dart down at her feet, "I may have insulted their ancestry..."
"Uh huh, and did these people happen to be Nords?" he asks and she goes silent.
...
"Okay," he says now knowing the answer to that question, "And how did they 'coerce' you?"
She huffs, "They insulted my honour."
"Meaning?"
"They called me a 'Small-breasted horse with a face to match'." she angrily replies.
...
"So, how is this my problem? We aren't exactly friends, actually, we might be enemies at this point."
She looks wide-eyed at him, "Wait, why?"
"You've been insulting my friend at every instance you were around. She'd been playing around with you at first, but now it's just... Hateful." he states.
She frowns, looking as if she'd thought he was okay with her insults of Tiffania. He hadn't said anything before because to him it was just a catfight, and Tiff could fight her own battles. The continued bullying, however, was not something he'd accept. It reminded him far too much of those thugs who tormented him back in school. "Then, I'll cease my actions against your friend if you help me with this... Do this and she'll never hear from me again."
Michael snorts, "Had you continued trying to bully her, I'd have actually made that come true... But, I guess suits me fine. Where is the duel happening?"
"On the roof, right now..." she says, and Michael gives her a weird look. "I asked my acquaintances if they wished to help me, but all of them refused... I, do not have many friends." she admits.
"Of course you don't, that mouth of yours had made an enemy out of almost everyone in the college. Even the masters barely tolerate you. If I were you, I'd start handing out apologies like pieces of gum..." he lets out a sigh, "You can do that later if you want though, we've got a duel to attend to now."
Nirya nods and begins to lead him towards the roof where the duel was being held. And both are surprised to find many Apprentices and even a couple of masters already waiting there... It seems that many people were hoping to see Nirya get the shit kicked out of her.
"Faralda." Nirya scowls, spotting the person she hates the most in this place.
The High Elf who teaches Destruction magic glances over and smiles, "Nirya, you've arrived. We were starting to think you'd renegade on this duel."
Nirya shakes her head, "I was merely taking my time to arrive." she turns to the two Nords standing inside the circle of people, "Sorka, Jernil, are you sure you want to do this?" she asks in a neutral tone while folding her arms.
Sorkas, the taller of the two laughs in her face, "Are we sure? I've never been more sure of anything in my life, bitch. We've even invited our master and fellow students to watch." he says gesturing at the side.
Nirya crooks a brow at the Dark Elf who was watching this all unfold, "Master Malyn, is this how you taught those under you to behave? Throwing out crude, dimwitted insults?"
The master just shrugs, "I am merely here to observe their progress, the way their act in their free time is none of my concern. It is the same for all of my students, isn't that right, Nelacar?" he asks the High Elf next to him.
"It's as you say, Master Malyn." he politely answers.
"Enough of this, you've stalled enough! Bring your partner so we can fight!" Jernil growls, eager to get started.
The ring of people gets wider as people spread out to distance themselves, a couple already beginning to cast some personal ward spells to protect themselves from whatever is cast.
Michael steps forwards, pulling his sleeves up as he does so, "I'm her partner for this fight."
Sorkas sniffs, "Hmph, didn't think anyone would come to her aid... Tell me, how much did she pay you?"
Michael shrugs, deciding not to answer, "Try not to feel too bad when I crush you."
Jernil laughs, "A fresh Apprentice thinks he can beat us? We're already adept Conjuration mages!"
"Oh... Does that mean anything? Aside from the fact that you let others do your fighting for you?" Michael taunts, which works marvellously in making them angry...
Jernil looks to want to start fighting immediately, but Sorkas holds him back, focussing on Nirya, "What do you want should you win?" he asks, his tone sounding as if he was sure of their victory already.
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