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Dunistair regarded the Arcanaeum around him, marvelling at the towering bookcases that surrounded him. The largest library in Skyrim, with its collection dating back to the 2nd Era and with books covering all subjects both lost and known to Man, Mer, and Beast. The collection that was available to the public alone eclipsed that of the Bard’s College in Solitude, the province’s capital. And to think, he had once thought the library back at the Mages College in Shornhelm of High Rock, where he had been once an instructor, had been large.Taking in a deep breath and letting it out, he let his eyes wander over the spines of the many books here. A few caught his eye and he made a mental note to come back and look them over when he had the time. In the distance, a small bell which was followed by a much louder gong rang out 21 times – it was 11 pm.While the Arcanaeum didn’t officially close its doors, operating at all hours of the day and night with its rotating door of staff members, it was always advised the students – regardless of age and/or rank of magic mastery – be in bed at a somewhat normal hour. It was more of common sense rather than a hard rule as past accidents that had occurred in the classrooms and on the grounds had been a result of poor sleep habits.Dunistair bit back a sigh, wanting nothing more than to pick up a good book and lose himself in it. But he had a paper for Alternations and a practicum for Illusion coming up soon. He was confident he would do well enough for both, but good enough only got so far. And considering his sleeping habits were still shite even after two years since he had left High Rock for Skyrim, he needed to make sure he got at least some sleep to function.Grabbing the three books he needed for his paper, he walked out of the aisle and made his way toward the main desk. Books could not be taken out of the Arcanaeum, as per the rules of the Overseer and Head Librarian Urag gro-Shub, but they could be placed on hold underneath a student’s name for up to three days. After that, the books were returned to the shelves so that the other students could read them.Heading up to the main desk, Dunistair let out a small sigh that was close to a groan; there was no one at the desk. Despite Urag’s best attempts, several staff members who worked the graveyard shift would do many things, just not their jobs. It grated on many nerves, his especially. But that could be leftovers of having to teach students of all calibres and having to grin through much that otherwise would have made him pull his hair out.He looked around and saw no one; no staff members, and no other students. He was all alone.A yawn slipped past his lips and he regarded the books in his arms; was it worth it to try and find someone so he could put these on hold? His paper was on a piece of Alternation theory that would be considered on a novice level. He was well familiar with the theory that he had only taken out some books previously to refresh his memory.But a voice, one that sounded like his previous self, echoed in his mind; ‘Just because you know something doesn’t mean you can't learn it in a new way’. And the books he had in his arms, ones he had been looking for a better part of a week, would no doubt add something new to his current knowledge which would in turn add to his paper. And it wasn’t about getting a better grade but truly understanding a concept, hence why he was here.Placing the books down on the counter, Dunistair looked around the area once again and, once again, saw that he was alone. It was as silent as a library should be, meaning that whoever was working tonight might not even be in the Arcanaeum. There was no guarantee that even if he started to look for them, he would find them in a reasonable amount of time. And as it was getting late, he had no desire to run after someone. He already did plenty of that back in High Rock, thank you very much.Bringing a spell to one hand, he cast Detect Life and spun around slowly, trying to see the blue-purple glow that would belong to a living creature. No glow appeared, not in between the aisles of books or anywhere else in the space. He frowned but brought up the Detect Death spell (because even someone like him has heard the rumours) and did the same. Once again, to tell-tale glow belonging to such a creature.Dunistair let a sharp sigh, the huff coming out of him loudly and wetly. Well, that had been a waste of time and mana but, to be fair, it did confirm what he had surmised earlier. Now that begged the question: what could he do?Despite having been an instructor at another magic university – which gave him some leeway in minor matters such as being able to read ahead of the scheduled classes – he did not have the same authority as before. He was of equal rank with the other students until (a) he passed all of the proper lessons, (b) got a final passing grade at the end of semester work, and (c) was given the official new rank by his instructors.So, trying to put the books under his own name would be against – ‘forbidden’ would be the more correct technical term – the policy set into place by both the Master Wizard Mirabelle Ervine and Urag gro-Shub. The right thing – the correct thing – to do would be to find a staff member and have them officially put the books under his name. Dunistair regarded the silent Arcanaeum around him, as empty now as it was several minutes ago. He could already feel a headache beginning to form.Another yawn, this one much larger that it made him tear up, came upon him suddenly and the wave of exhaustion that followed made him rub his eyes till he saw coloured spots. He looked blearily down at the books that were on the counter. He was tired but he wanted to make sure he didn’t lose these books to someone else.Several other students, the ones that he shared his classes with, had the mindset of ‘every man for themselves’ and so would not share the books should they take it out, even when he had done so with other books and reports in the past. Looking around once more, and cast Detect Life and Death once more which once again showed no life or unlife, he decided that he would take the chance. And if he was caught, then he would pay the penalty fee gladly.Moving around the desk, he looked until he found the holding cards and noted that it was Sabrina who was supposed to be on shift and so did his best to mimic her terrible penmanship while making sure his name and signature were crisp and clear. As he looked down at the filled-out card, he felt a small tinge of guilt for technically doing a crime. But it only lasted until another wave of exhaustion came over him.Doing his best to muffle the yawn, he placed the holding card onto the books and placed them onto the side so that the morning staff would easily see them. As an added measure, he allowed his fingers to light up with the softest glow of mana and placed a finger on each key point that was on the spine, just in case the books were placed back onto the shelves anyway.Feeling satisfied with what he had and that he also had done all he could, Dunistair made his way towards the stairwell. It was time to retire for the night, and if a problem did arise in the morning regarding the books, he was sure he could handle it.The writing on the Writ was unmistakable but the more Dunistair stared at it, the more it seemed unbelievable. As if he was in a bad dream that would slowly but surely get worse as it continued until he woke up in a cold sweat with a pounding heart and a scream locked in his throat. But this was no dream nor was it an illusion and he was certain he had not passed on during the night.
Novice Mage Dunistair Uthore Mordoryan Theodane
It has come to the attention of the College of Winterhold that you have been researching taboo, forbidden and/or sensitive topic(s) of: Necromancy, Soul scrying and Soul screening, and Ancient Nord burial rituals. As you know, while there is no official ban on such topics here at the College, we strive to ensure we do not cause the Nord population of Skyrim to fear our presence even more.
As this behaviour has been noted to have repeated several times this semester, with what occurred last night in the Arcanaeum being the latest incident. We of the College are placing you under house arrest as an investigation occurs. You are not to attend any lessons nor access any of the other areas of the College that are used for magical studies, studies, enchanting, research, alchemy, business, etc.
However, as this is your first offense, you are allowed to defend your stance on your research before the Arch Mage, the Master Wizard and an instructor of your choosing. As soon as you have received, read and understood the meaning of this Writ, please come as soon as you can to the Arch Mage’s quarters.
Fleeing is not recommended and doing so will cause a bounty to be placed on your person. This bounty will be a Hold bounty and should the investigation turn up more serious accusations/crimes/concerns/issues/etc, the bounty will then be changed so that it exceeds the Hold of Winterhold borders.
Regards,
Master Wizard of the College of Winterhold - Mirabelle Ervine