บท 324: Elfephant in the Room

No one disagreed with the decision to stay out of the Rift's selection, the Jarl's siding with the Imperials wished for the population to make the choice, while those siding against the Imperials appreciated Torygg's show of neutrality. Though, it was not nearly enough to alleviate their anger with the current state of the realm.

The High King coughs into his fist, "Then, let us begin the Council of Jarls... First, as has become customary of these meets, I raise the motion to eradicate and forbid any worship of Talos in the Reach. What say you, Jarl Igmund?" he asks, causing a few, especially those on Ulfric's side of the table to groan.

Ulfric stays silent though, having already learned how this song and dance goes in the past meets.

Igmund just shrugs, "I am neither for nor against it, shall we hold a vote to decide on it?" he asks, sounding as if he'd said this same exact thing before.

The Thalmor Ambassador, Elenwen just scowls as she observes all of this. knowing that there wasn't a thing she could do about it... Speaking up now would be a huge breach of etiquette, and would set the Jarls even more against her and the Thalmor.

"All in favour of abolishing Talos worship as per the White-Gold Concordat?" he asks, and no one raises their hand.

"All those against abolishing Talos worship in the Reach?"

Ulfric, Dengeir, Igrod, Balgruuf, and Korir raise their hands, each stifling a smile at the almost audible growl let out by Elenwen at the side of the room.

High King Torygg gives a light nod, "A shame, as much as I'd like to force the issue, I cannot go against a decision from my own people." he says halfheartedly, "Perhaps next year we will solve it though." he offers Elenwen with a gentle smile, hiding the smug smirk under his facade.

Indeed, no one liked the Thalmor. And in matters such as this where they had a chance to go against them, most of the Jarls would, even if it gained the ire of the Empire and the Thalmor.

With that matter closed, the Jarls go on to discuss various matters of the realm, from tax collection, to territorial disputes, to refugees, and to the recent assassination of Maven Black-Briar. The High King himself had to raise this as he'd been receiving a constant stream of letters from the Black-Briars in the Empire.

Needless to say, nothing came of it as no one present had any idea who was responsible, nor did anyone want to take responsibility or say anything on the matter.

Next, came Korir.

He stands from his chair and looks down at everyone present with a frown, "I raise a motion to remove the College of Winterhold, abolish the institution and force them to compensate Winterhold for the damage they've caused."

Balgruuf lets out a snort, "Indeed, you say the same thing every year Korir, perhaps you should focus on rebuilding your Hold instead of hounding those keeping it afloat? Do you have any evidence that they were involved this time? Or is it just the same old babble?" he asks with no one objecting to his words, causing an angry flush to climb up Korir's neck.

"Evidence!? How about the disaster they caused recently!? That explosion that shook the foundations beneath Winterhold!"

"Yes, even I heard that. But I ask, was anything important actually struck? Did the explosion cause more of the city to collapse? Did it even cause a hag to have heart troubles?" Skald sarcastically asks.

Korir scowls, "No, nothing important was struck, this time. But the fact none of you see a problem with these... Arrogant mages, throwing around spells capable of flattening fortresses is the real issue! Are you all so afraid that you refuse to take action!?" he exclaims, causing a few to angrily retort at him, only for the High King to raise his hand, silencing them.

"Jarl Korir, your worries are reasonable, but we cannot attempt to remove the institution responsible for teaching many of our land's mages on baseless accusations. Unless you believe we should expel all practising Mages from Skyrim in its entirety?" he asks, and Korir reluctantly shakes his head. Even he knew how defenceless they'd be against magical threats if they did that. Torygg continues, "I think we should hear what the Arch-Mage of Winterhold has to say on the matter." he says, looking over at Savos Aren.

The Arch-Mage nods and steps forward to address them all, "As you are all aware, the explosion Jarl Korir speaks of was indeed produced by the College-" "I knew it!" Korir growls, causing Savos to pause and look at him, waiting for another interruption...

Upon not seeing the man say anything, he continues, "*Ahem*, it was I who cast it. I was merely practising an experimental spell that turned out far more unstable than I expected. As you all may know, I am a fervent advocate in the research and development of magic as a whole, in fact, you should all breathe easy knowing that such magic cannot be cast on a whim. As for any damage that may have occurred?" Savos looks to Korir, "I'm sure you are aware that I have made great efforts to prevent another collapse from occurring, even spending my time to reinforce the cliff which your... Town, sits.

As you have been so insistent to have the College take responsibility, I ask you, has there been any incidents since you have been Jarl?"

...

The Arch-Mage nods, believing that to be enough for his own case. There was no need to explain further and add more questions than answers.

Ulfric looks over to the Arch-Mage, "Mage, is there any other than you who could cast such a spell? I believe we should know if someone like that wanders into our territory." he asks, and a few others nod.

The Arch-Mage thinks for a moment, pondering over his answer... "No, and yes... One of my students are aware of how to cast it, but they lack the skill and sheer power required for it. Rest assured that they are trustworthy and will keep such knowledge secret... As for revealing their identity?" he makes a show of glancing at Elenwen, "I don't think that is necessary." he states.

Ulfric firms his jaw at that but nods regardless. The last thing they needed was the elves to learn such magic. His plans for the future wouldn't survive in such a scenario.