Snowed In [Aeringar]

[Annalynn]

Snow crunched beneath the High Elf's feet as she went to her training area. Though she could have trained on the Arch-Mage's tower, sometimes, she just wanted to be out and alone. However, though she was usually very perceptive, she was so focused on getting there that she didn't realize the danger approaching her from behind.

[Aeringar]

A Frost Troll raised its hands high above its head, making the various growls and grunts that they are known for, before making a yelping whine as a curved blade exited its chest. A Bosmer, wearing only his leggings, had run it through from the back.

[Annalynn]

The fur-clad Altmer turned around at the sounds behind her. She was a little surprised to see the rather large Wood Elf standing behind the dead troll. The elegant woman gave a small chuckle before speaking. "Well, I didn't expect to be snuck up on by a Frost Troll, let alone for a rather attractive Bosmer to run it through. Thank you, sir. I truly appreciate it."

[Aeringar]

He drew his blade from the flesh it was sheathed in, the deceased troll falling to the ground. He flicked the sword to his side, the blood along the blade came off and stained the snow. He then rested his weapon on his bare shoulder. "You are welcome, ma'am. For as loud and foul smelling a troll is, they are deceptively stealthy. I am Aeringar, ma'am, and I had not expected meeting an even more attractive Altmer out in the frigid cold of Winterhold Hold. From the College, I presume?"

[Annalynn]

She gave a small courteous bow before introducing herself. "Please to meet you, Aeringar. As to your question about the College, yes. My name Arch-Mage Annalynn. Or, as some of my fellow mages call me, Ann. Or Anna. Or Lynn." She let out a chuckle as she listed off the names that her students called her.

[Aeringar]

"Hmm, what a coincidence, we both have three syllable names. Well, Anna, my associates call me Aer, Aerin, or just plain Gar from time to time. If you wish to call me by any of them, then feel free to do so." He looked up at the darkening sky. "It feels like a blizzard is on its way. Would you like to accompany me to my shelter? There's plenty of room, food, and drink if you do."

[Annalynn]

"It would be a pleasure, Aerin." She said with a clam, happy tone. It was a little odd that they both had three syllable names, as well as similar nicknames. However the High Elf didn't put much thought into it. "Though blizzards are usually no problem for me, I have been a little out of it recently. That's why I came out here. Training usually helps."

[Aeringar]

"Very well," he smiled before turning to walk toward his shelter, "follow me." He headed off to the south, eventually coming to a cave-like indention in the ice. The ice wall covered them from the wind and Aeringar's fire was still going strong. "Feel free to sit by the fire and warm your blood. I've got a few spare clothes here, they're male garments, but they are warm and dry. He sheathed his sword, having left it drawn in case of Ice Wraith or another troll, and set it aside. He put the rest of his armor back on. "It's time for me to be honest. I'm one of the few remaining Blades members, and judging by your current personality, I'd say its safe to say your not going to rat me out to the Thalmor."

[Annalynn]

She gave a chuckle and shook her head. "The Thalmor. I try to stay away from them. I cannot stand their Mer Supremacy views and how they've changed this land into a warzone. Your secret is safe with me, seeing as I try to talk to them as little as the Nine Divines will let me." She said, smiling at him. "However, I must say that I had hopped the Blades were still around. I've read about them and have always wanted to meet one. They sound like an honorable bunch to me."

[Aeringar]

"For the most part, we were. I was born into it, both of my parents were Blades members." he said as he moved closer to the flames.

[Annalynn]

"That's neat. I was born a noble in the Summerset Isles, but I don't remember that land. We moved to Skyrim when I was three. They brought me here so that when I was ready, I could join the College or,as my parents feared, join the Blades. However, they went to Cyrodiil during the Oblivion Crisis and never returned. I lived alone for twenty years before I joined the College." She said. "My apologies, I am rambling. Tell me, what is it like being a Blade?"

[Aeringar]

"You have no need to apologize. I like the way your voice sounds and how your sentences flow. I apologize for the loss of your parents, if it's any consolation, my parents were killed when the Aldmeri Dominion wiped out the rest of the Blades." he sighed as he spoke the latter part. "Being a Blade is very 'cloak and dagger.' My status as a member is enough for the Thalmor to dub me a traitor and execute me on the spot. The stress of being a Blade has made me grey prematurely."

[Annalynn]

"I think the white hair suits you, Aerin." She said, hoping to make him feel better. "Also, should I be around, I would gladly slay any Thalmor that dare come after you. The Thalmor about as much right to killing the Blades as I do the throne of Skyrim." She spoke with a very serious tone, one that said 'I'm not kidding' plainly.

[Aeringar]

"Well thank you, Anna." he smiled at her warmly. He looked at the entrance of his shelter just in time for the blizzard to set in. "Looks like I was right. You'll have to stay here until the blizzard passes. Arch-Mage or not, the frigid winds of Winterhold are no laughing matter. Luckily, I've brought an extra bedroll, one specialized for this harsh clime and plenty of food. Like my parents always said, 'rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.'" He quoted his deceased life-givers as he pulled out the bedrolls, laying them both next to the lapping flames of his fire.

[Annalynn]

"Handsome and well prepared? You are turning out to be quite the man." She chuckled, giving him a sweet smile. "I appreciate it, as I said, I could make it normally. However. Today is not normally. I guess I just attribute it to the time of the year it so painfully draws close to."