It's been a couple days since the Blood Moon had ended, forcing Tiffania and the others to be far more active now that Michael was absent. They'd have to take control of all the projects he had working until he came back... Which he would, eventually... Hopefully?
The biggest issue they'd encountered thus far was Tolfdir and the College's newfound interest in the Saarthal ruins. Apparently, a scavenging apothecary had found the expedition force that'd been hired by Michael, the news hadn't immediately been revealed but a couple days later, Tolfdir and the Arch-Mage had started looking into it.
Tiffania, Illococoo, and Saya had basically blocked them from getting anywhere near it for now, primarily due to their 'civil' relationship with both men, but eventually, they'd decide to ignore them and attend it.
The ruins had been completely uncovered at this point, the conjured creatures having expedited it massively. Michael probably hadn't expected to be unable to attend to it once it was done, leaving the girls to handle it.
"Ah, miss Tiffania, I've been meaning to talk with you about a subject dear to both of us." Tolfdir asks as he spots the half-elf making her way to the Arcaenaem.
She lets out a quiet sigh and turns around after fixing her expression, "This is about Saarthal again, isn't it, Professor?"
He smiles semi-obliviously, aware that they didn't want him going through the historic ruins but not why that is. "Indeed it is, I was quite disappointed when Michael warned us of a threat lying in wait in the ruins, but to think he'd make efforts to uncover it anyway... One might think he was hiding something, no?"
"I wouldn't know what he was thinking at the time, but I believe he wished to expel the threat before it could harm anyone. As an adventurer famous for solving problems, it would fit his character." she says neutrally.
Tolfdir nods, "As I and Savos had assumed, but with his unfortunate absence and the ruin now being uncovered, I believe it would serve us well to take proactive measures to assure that nothing untoward happens. Wouldn't you agree?"
Tiffania pauses, trying to find a way to reject his words but coming up short. He was right, if the circumstance was as they said it is, then his assertions would be the most sensible.
Fortunately, she was saved by someone who'd just exited the library. "Ah, Tiffania-san, I believe we were going to iron out our plans to take care of Saarthal? The Eredar are ready and just waiting on us."
Tolfdir crooks a furry brow, "Oh? So you have already made plans then? Could I and some of my colleagues accompany you then? I believe our knowledge may come in handy, I myself have gathered a rather extensive range of knowledge concerning old nordic crypts, along with some detailing Saarthal in particular."
Saya quickly shakes her head, "Sorry, Professor, but no. We've already acquired the aid of some other mages, I'm sure we could give you a tour of the crypt once we are done however?"
"Well, there's a saying in Skyrim, 'The more the merrier', I'm sure some extra hands wouldn't be harmful?"
"Actually, they would if they belonged to anyone in this College. Our friends are ex-members who... Departed this place on bad terms, your involvement may just lose us their support, along with the gold we've already paid them." Saya explains. To Tiffania it was obvious she was making this all up, they hadn't said a word of exploring the place considering how important Michael had made it seem in his plans... She didn't want to mess with anything until he came back, but it seemed that such things couldn't wait.
"Hmm, well, there's always next time!... If you require any aid from the College, don't be afraid to let me know. While our relationship with Michael might have soured at young Megumin's actions, I, and no doubt Savos, still think of him well."
Tiffania nods, "I'm sure... Thank you for your trouble, we promise to let the College explore the ruins once we're done with it." she adds to hopefully stop anyone from getting too antsy about the terms.
"We'll eagerly await word. Now, I have a lecture to prepare for, perhaps I'll see you two there? This will be the first time in a while I discuss the applications of Alteration magic in concert with Enchanting." he smiles, "Perhaps you could take note for Michael? I remember him being interested in Enchanting before his departure."
Tiffania gives a slight bow as the thought actually hadn't struck her, "Thank you, I'll remember to do so."
With that, the Master left, leaving Tiffania and Saya standing in the hallway with tired expressions.
"Well... Look like we're taking the Eredar into Saarthal then... Did Michael ever tell you why that place was so important anyway?"
Tiffania gives a tentative nod, "I know... Bits, he's never given his full plans but I think I know what's down there at least." she says, not revealing it for fear of someone listening in.
"Good, then we'll do Michael's job for him. Let's see his face when he gets back and we've already gotten all the loot."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ulfric Stormcloak and his entourage make their way up the path leading to Solitude, their eyes skimming along the decimated area where the battle between Mudcrab and Man had taken place. He'd already spread out many hidden forces to prepare for what was to come, if it actually came to that... Ulfric honestly hoped it wouldn't, but he had no faith of Torygg left, nor of the Empire who'd continually failed Skyrim and her people.
He and the others received glares from the Solitude guards as they passed, the Civil War had been put on hold to discuss the latest Daedric movement, in which Torygg had granted him and his men temporary amnesty until they could get everything resolved.
Should any harm come to any Stormcloak or Ulfric himself without just cause, it would be placed solely on Torygg's honour. A failure such as that would basically prevent him from holding his position of King if the rest of Skyrim was made aware of it.
Ulfric didn't fear for himself or his men. He knew Torygg had honour enough to give them safety, even in enemy territory... The only thing left to do now was to actually talk to Torygg, try and solve this war before any external threats could rear their ugly heads.
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"Hmph, look who it is, the legendary traitor himself! Ulfric Stormcloak." Igrod Ravencrone, Jarl of Morthal all but spits as she sees Ulfric walk in with his housecarl Galmar Stone-Fist.
"I see you are well Igrod, surprising, most think to hand over their position well before moss starts to grow on them and the stench of rot sets in." he calmly retorts as he sits himself at the large circular table that the others Jarls were. He then glances over to Elenwen who was standing at the side of the room with her everpresent arrogant expression, "I see you're still here too, don't you have some puppies to kick? Or should I say kittens? The loss of Elsweyr must have hit the Thalmor hard, especially with how you're all now fleeing from Hammerfell."
Elenwen sneers, "Worry not, Ulfric, the phases of the moons matter little in the grand scheme of things. The same could be said for your Province-wide tantrum."
"Indeed, this is but a tantrum compared to the wrath I'll cast upon you and the Summerset Isles. You and your kin have made many enemies, all of which would gladly light the kindling that'd see you burn." Ulfric threatens with clear promise in his word. The Thalmor Ambassador takes no notice of it however, simply continuing to sneer in his general direction.
*Clak*
High King Torygg next walks in, pausing momentarily as he surveys the room and all of the Jarls present. "You're all here then, good, we have much to discuss." he states as he takes his seat. "First, I'd like to thank you, Ulfric, for putting our disagreement on hold while we attempt to deal with the issues that'd been disturbing Skyrim as of late."
Ulfric gives a short nod, "Your people are my people, regardless of where we stand, never forget that." he says, though, everyone present easily notices his specific wording.
Torygg ignores the potential implication and gives brief smile in return, "I'm sure you've all received word, not to mention noticed the ruin that used to be Solitude's walls. This was caused by an agent of Sheogorath, a giant mud crab that led an army to storm my gates. It's only through the will to fight of Solitude and the assistance from one Michael Tahlin that we go away with little to no losses."
Elenwen squints her eyes at this, "The same man who'd slaughtered a Thalmor Advisor for the College of Winterhold in cold blood?" she asks from the side, getting a glare from many of those present.
Torygg holds in a sigh and turns his gaze to Savos Aren, the Arch-Mage of the College of Winerhold who'd been requested to be present here for obvious reasons. "I'd had rumours but thought they were all hearsay. The Michael Tahlin I met didn't seem to be frothing at the mouth like a bloodthirsty berserker...?"
Savos wets his lips, "A former Apprentice, one with high potential who'd unfortunately gotten into a scuffle with the Thalmor known as Ancano-"
"In which he savagely took him by surprise with a spell to the back!" Elenwen asserts, believing Savos to have been party to it in order to remove any Thalmor influence in the College... Indeed, ever since hearing about what'd happened to Ancano, no people in a high enough position dared to try and replace him.
Ulfric slams his palm down on the table with a scowl, "Let the mage finish, mouthy elf bitch!"
"Damn you, Ulfric!" Igrod randomly exclaims in response, regardless if such words were called for or not.
"Quiet Igrod, you aren't finding any allies here by acting like some sort of Banshee, Balgruuf the Jarl of Whiterun states before turning to Elenwen, "I too would like to hear the Arch-Mage's account. As someone who was actually there and not liable to misstate the truth."
Torygg nods, "Arch-mage, continue." he says with a small wave.
"The situation that led to Thalmor Ancano's death was first instigated by said person. He'd apparently decided to goad a drunk sixteen-year-old girl into a duel for scuffing his clothes or some such... The duel began, and Ancano seemed to take great satisfaction in decimating the girl, she'd only recently started her education so the result was a given...
The moment she started taking wounds however is when Michael Tahlin decided to step in. He interrupted the duel by punching Ancano in the face hard enough to send him tumbling backwards..."
"Against the rules of your College." Elenwen adds despite herself.
Savos nods, "Which is why he is currently expelled... I intervened when it looked like Ancano was going to be killed, allowing the Thalmor mage to use a magical device to escape, enraging Michael... Then we all spotted Ancano fleeing via the bridge that connected the College to Winterhold..." he pauses, wondering if he should reveal who was truly responsible for the magic.
"Hmph, sounds about right for a Thalmor." Ulfric remarks, giving Savos some time to ruminate on his choices.
"Tactical retreat or not, Ancano was still a member of the Thalmor, and should not have been ambushed from behind. If anything, Michael Tahlin is the true coward!"
Torygg shakes his head, "I find that hard to believe since I personally watched the man dive headfirst into an army of mud crabs alone..."
"Aye, I'd take offence to anyone calling the twice-saviour of my city a coward. That boy is one of the few people I could see matching the legends of old." he remarks, high praise considering not even the Companions could get such words from him.
Eventually, he decides to just place Michael as the one responsible. Even with all the witnesses, it would be more believable for a well known and powerful mercenary to be capable of such damage. Plus, he had a soft spot for Megumin... Having her hunted down like an animal was the last thing he wanted. "Michael then decided to ignore my words and cast a spell upon the fleeing elf, obliterating him and the bridge..."
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