The Return of Sithis, Volume 1: Awakening

It was almost a week before Varren finally arrived in Winterhold, and as luck would have it, he arrived in the middle of a raging snowstorm. This is what I get for being Lady Luck's champion... I hate you Nocturnal. I really, really do.

He couldn't even see his own hand in front of his face. Finally, he decided to head into the Inn and wait the storm out. He received quite a few odd looks from the couple patrons present, and he didn't blame them. An almost seven foot elf clad in midnight armor coming out of a blizzard wasn't something you saw everyday. He waited by the door for a while, almost half an hour, before deciding the storm wasn't going to cease anytime soon. Damn it all... I don't have time for this.

Varren throws open the door and stalks back out into the storm, heading for the imposing structure just barely visible across a lone bridge. No guards guarded the entrance to the College, likely due to them taking shelter from the storm. Varren's frustration only grew. He couldn't just walk in... Could he? No, that would complicate matters greatly. Everything depended on getting the Archmage to believe his story. He couldn't risk getting thrown out or arrested.

Having no other option, and refusing to sit idly by in the Inn, he leans against the bridge railing, and closes his eyes momentarily. Nocturnal, if ever I've needed your help, I need it now. If not for me, then do it for your precious Nightingales. Quell this damn storm.

As crazy as it may sound, Varren could have sworn he felt the storm's ferocity lessen. And sure enough, as he opens his eyes, he notices the sun peeking through the dark clouds.

The snowstorm stopped?

Lorelei was puzzled by how suddenly the blizzard stopped, when she was sure it would continue for the next few days. She put on a pair of gloves and walked outside of the Hall of Elements, and saw that the skies had cleared.

What is going on?

She stood there for a few moments, then walked toward the city, trying to see how much snow had fallen.

When Fransis, woke up he noticed he was in his bed. He was wondering how he ended up there and where everybody else was. Fransis saw Potema still asleep by Hircine's chair. Hircine wasn't there "Dad probably, went out for his morning hunt," Fransis said. Just then Lydia started to wake.

"Where am I?" Lydia asked a little worried. "You are at me and my dad's house," Fransis stated. "How did I get here?" Lydia asked with concern. "My sister brought you here," Fransis said pointing to Potema. "You fainted when I started talking, Potema said to the surprised Lydia. "Eeeek!" Lydia let out when she heard Potema talk. "Yeah I get that a lot it's okay little one as long as you aren't a threat to me or my Master," Potema said. "I will be right back Fransis I have to let Hircine know you two are awake," Potema said leaving the cottage.

"Your dad is Hircine," Lydia said in aww. "Kinda of," Fransis said sheepishly. "Well what do you think he will do with me?" Lydia asked. "Probably just bring you back to your village and tell you if you tell anyone about this place blah blah blah," Fransis said. "Oh I see," Lydia said really quietly. "What's the matter don't you want to go home and see your family and friends," Fransis asked innocently.

Lydia just look at Fransis with a somber look and said "Their dead,". "The reason I was running through here was because they were chasing me," Lydia said. "They said there couldn't be any witnesses left," Lydia said upset. "As you can see I have no home left, Hircine would just be leading me to rubble," Lydia said.

"Not if I have anything to do with it," Fransis said. "What do you mean?!" Lydia asked with a surprise tone. "I will talk to dad and tell him what you told me," Fransis said. "Hircine's known throughout the land for wanting nothing to do with mortals," "Hircine only deals with mortals when he, does it usually, for the thrill of hunting or only if they have something to offer him," Lydia said defeated. "That may be what people say, but I lived with him all my life, they don't him like I do," Fransis said with conviction. "Trust me," Fransis said towards Lydia.

"Fransis and Lydia it's time Hircine would like to see you," Potema said. "Are you ready?" Fransis said holding out his hand. "I am," Lydia said blushing slightly as she took Fransis's hand. The two made their way to the door and their meeting with Hircine.

"Yes, I am," Lorelei said as she looked at the man, who was wearing a set of ebony armor, which wasn't exactly something you see everyday. "If you're specifically looking for the Archmage, I imagine you must be here to talk about something very important."

"I am indeed," Varren replies, intentionally ignoring the Imperial's comment about his homeland. "Tell me, Archmage. Do you know a woman called Elena?"

"Yes, she was a student here several years ago, back when I was just an apprentice," Lorelei said as she ignored Avenicci.

"Aren't they all?" Avenicci commented as he sat on the stone tailing before almost falling off.

"Hey, don't forget about me!" Avenicci cried as he scramble after them. "It's my job to protect you, remember?"

"Forever alone." Siegemund lamented, turning around. He had business to handle, but wasn't sure if he was welcome to follow the three.
He threw his legs over the railing, and pulled out the Nordic mask. He peered down at the jagged rocks below.
There was some movement down there. "Interesting, not a construction sight." He commented.