Metalborn in Skyrim

Kael's new quarters within the College of Winterhold were small but comfortable. The stone walls were cold to the touch, and the faint howling of the wind outside never truly left his ears. A simple wooden bed stood against one wall, a desk cluttered with parchment and ink beside it, and a sturdy wardrobe against the far end. Shelves lined the walls, mostly empty for now, but they held the promise of knowledge waiting to be collected.

He ran his hand over the rough stonework, feeling the age of the place settle into his bones. The College was older than most of the cities in Skyrim, a repository of magical history, power, and, as he was beginning to suspect, hidden dangers. A single window overlooked the frozen sea, offering a breathtaking but bleak view of the world beyond. He exhaled, his breath misting in the cold air.

For all the grandeur of the College, his room was just another stone chamber—bare, practical, and filled with the potential for something more. He unpacked what little he had, besides his metal vials and beads, before heading for the halls. It was time to meet the people he would be learning alongside.

The main dining area—dubbed the Arcane Hearth by the students—was a vast, warm chamber, its many tables occupied by robed figures deep in conversation, study, or quiet meals. A grand fireplace dominated one side, its flames flickering with an unnatural, bluish tint. The air was thick with the scent of fresh bread, spiced meats, and the faint hint of alchemical ingredients. Kael's boots echoed softly on the stone floor as he made his way toward the nearest table, drawing a few curious glances but nothing more.

At one of the central tables, three students sat in discussion. They were an odd group, their robes slightly different in make, their postures reflecting their personalities. As Kael approached, their conversation quieted slightly, and their eyes flickered toward him.

A young Nord woman was the first to acknowledge him. She had short, platinum-blonde hair and piercing gray eyes. Unlike most Nords, she carried herself with an air of refined confidence rather than brute force. Her robes were pristine, her posture perfect.

"You must be new," she said, her voice smooth but edged with mild disinterest. "Let me guess—another prodigy hoping to unlock the secrets of the arcane overnight?"

Kael offered a wry smile. "Not exactly. Just looking to learn."

The Redguard sitting beside her scoffed, arms crossed over his chest. He had dark, braided hair and an athletic build. His expression was one of skepticism, as though he had seen plenty of students come and go, each more disappointing than the last. "Learning's fine and all, but you'll need to survive first. Some of the trials here will push you harder than any battle."

The third student, a lanky Breton with glasses, adjusted his robes and leaned forward with obvious curiosity. He had ink stains on his fingers and an almost frantic energy in his posture. "You don't look like the usual sort we get here. You're not… noble-born, are you?"

Kael shook his head. "Not even close."

The Nord woman smirked. "Then you might actually be worth talking to."

Kael took a seat, studying them in turn. "I suppose introductions are in order."

The Nord woman leaned back. "Solveig. Originally from Solitude. Here because I was tired of being told what I can and can't do."

The Redguard nodded. "Jashir. From Sentinel. I was supposed to follow family tradition—join the Alik'r, be a warrior. But magic called to me instead."

The Breton adjusted his glasses. "Edric. Born in Daggerfall. Unlike these two, I'm here for research. Magic is knowledge, and I intend to learn as much as I can."

Kael nodded. "Kael. Traveled a long way to get here. And I suppose I don't fit into any of those categories."

Solveig raised an eyebrow. "So, what's your specialty?"

Kael hesitated. "Still figuring that out."

Jashir laughed. "Then you'll fit right in."

Edric, however, narrowed his eyes. "Something tells me you're holding back."

Kael simply smiled. "Maybe."

As the conversation drifted into tales of lessons, teachers, and the strange happenings around the College, Kael found himself more at ease. He asked about their experiences so far, eager to learn from those who had already spent time here.

"What's the hardest thing about studying here?" Kael asked.

Solveig tapped her fingers on the table. "Besides the cold? The politics. Some of the instructors have their favorites, and if you don't impress the right people, you'll be stuck with the most basic lessons for longer than necessary."

Jashir nodded. "Also, don't make enemies too soon. People here hold grudges. But if you want advice on magic itself? Always test your spells in a controlled space. You'd be surprised how many accidents happen just because someone got too confident."

Edric adjusted his glasses again. "If you want to excel, spend time in the Arcanaeum. There are rare books in there that most students never even touch. And don't ignore alchemy—it's more useful than most people think."

"So," kael said, "what can you tell me about the teachers here? Who should I be looking out for?"

Solveig smirked. "That depends on what you mean by 'looking out for.' If you mean who's worth learning from, then there are a few names to know. If you mean who to avoid pissing off, that's an entirely different list."

Jashir chuckled. "I'll start with the good ones. Master Tolfdir teaches Alteration. He's one of the kinder instructors, patient even with those who struggle. Some say he's too soft, but I'd rather have a patient teacher than one who berates you for every mistake."

"I've heard the name," Kael admitted. "Something about him being one of the oldest members of the faculty?"

Edric nodded. "He's been here longer than most, and he actually enjoys teaching. He believes Alteration is the foundation of all magic, which some students disagree with, but he makes a good case for it."

"Who else?" Kael asked.

"If you're interested in Destruction magic," Solveig said, "then you'll meet Faralda. She's strict, but if you show promise, she'll push you hard. She expects precision and control. If you can't handle that, you'll be stuck with the beginners for a long time."

Jashir smirked. "She also doesn't tolerate arrogance. I saw a student brag about his fire spells once. She had him demonstrate, then casually extinguished his flames and told him to start over. From scratch."

Kael laughed. "Sounds like she doesn't have time for nonsense."

"Not at all," Edric said. "Then there's Phinis Gestor. He teaches Conjuration. If you have an interest in summoning or binding creatures, he's the one to see. He has a bit of an obsession with raising the dead, though, so if necromancy makes you uncomfortable, keep your distance."

Kael frowned. "Necromancy is actually taught here?"

Solveig shrugged. "Not openly, but Phinis has ways of skirting around the rules. As long as you don't summon anything that goes out of control, they tend to let it slide."

"Good to know," Kael muttered. "What about the other schools?"

Edric adjusted his glasses. "Drevis Neloren teaches Illusion. He's brilliant but frustrating to talk to. Half the time, he expects you to understand the nuances of his lessons without fully explaining them. If you like puzzles and mind games, you'll enjoy his class. If not, good luck."

Jashir snorted. "I've seen students walk out of his lessons more confused than when they entered."

"Colette Marence teaches Restoration," Solveig added. "She's convinced that Restoration magic is undervalued and complains about it constantly. But she's good at what she does. If you can handle her rants, you'll learn a lot."

"And then there's Enthir," Jashir said, lowering his voice slightly. "Not exactly a teacher, but he knows things. If you ever need rare books or unusual materials, he's the one to talk to. Just be prepared to pay."

Kael took all of this in, mentally noting the names and their reputations. "Seems like there are plenty of personalities here."

Solveig smirked. "That's putting it mildly."

"How do I get my schedule?" Kael asked. "Am I expected to attend every class?"

Edric shook his head. "It's not as rigid as you might think. You'll be given a basic schedule with required lessons, but you have a lot of freedom. If you want to focus on a particular school of magic, you can prioritize those classes. Just don't ignore everything else, or you'll have gaps in your education."

"Some students barely attend lectures at all," Jashir added. "They learn through experimentation or private study. The professors don't force you to show up, but if you fail your assessments, they won't hesitate to kick you out."

Kael frowned. "So, if I miss too many classes, I'm out?"

Solveig nodded. "Pretty much. But as long as you prove you're learning, they don't care how you do it. Some students spend all their time in the Arcanaeum, reading. Others practice spells until they perfect them. The key is balance."

Kael sat back, considering all of this. It was far less structured than he had expected, but in some ways, that suited him. He had never done well with strict schedules.

"What about exams?" he asked.

Edric sighed. "They vary. Some are practical—demonstrate a spell, complete an assignment, show progress in a discipline. Others are theoretical, like writing about magical principles. Some professors are easy, others… not so much."

"Tolfdir is fair with his grading," Jashir said. "But Faralda? She expects perfection."

"Drevis is unpredictable," Solveig added. "He once passed a student for successfully deceiving him in an illusion-based exam."

Kael chuckled. "Sounds like I'll have to stay on my toes."

"You'll be fine," Jashir said. "Just don't get caught up in rivalries. Some students take competition too seriously."

"And be careful with experiments," Solveig warned. "I've seen people blow up their own rooms. And they don't always recover."

Kael exhaled slowly. "Alright. Any final advice?"

Edric smiled. "Stay curious. Learn from everyone. And don't be afraid to push boundaries—just don't break them too hard."

Kael nodded. He was beginning to see just how much there was to learn, not just from the classes, but from the people around him. This wasn't just about magic. It was about surviving, adapting, and thriving in a world that valued knowledge and power above all else.