414 New World Refuge

Michael turns as he lands in Skyrim, looking over at the Dimension Gate where three injured Draenei still hadn't gotten through yet. A few people wanted to go back and help, but Michael refused and quickly closes the gate as the demon god's fist came into view, the pressure from it alone instantly killing the unfortunate stragglers.

The survivors a forced to get out of the way as a stream of sickly green fire explodes from the Dimension Gate, spraying over the cliff separating the College of Winterhold from the mainland. But not doing any meaningful damage in the end...

*Zzzzoook!*

The Gate dissipates as it closes, leaving the mournful yet safe Draenei looking upon the empty part where the door had once been. A Draenei child bursts into tears, hugging their mother tightly as they and a few other people wail in both sadness at their massive losses, but also happiness at escaping that hellscape.

Michael slowly gets to his feet while pulling the mask from his sweaty face, allowing the usual freezing Skyrim weather to soothe him... He hadn't been as afraid as this before since he'd been captured and tortured... He'd just come face to face with a God who could squish him between its fingers and devour his soul, and yet, still come out of it alive.

He rubs his face with a clammy hand and lets out a quiet grim laugh, "Ha.Ha.Ha..."

Someone grips his arm and he turns towards them, becoming surprised when he sees Umnii attempting to comfort him, despite it being her and the other survivors who'd actually lost something.

He shakes his head, "I'm alright... Just, give me a moment to process things..." he quietly says, allowing Umnii to go and hug the tired-looking Ennura.

"Master..." Darth whispers from a crook in Michael's robes, his deep voice sounding apologetic for the death of Derflinger.

Michael shakes his head at this, "Derflinger isn't dead." he taps the Gandalfr rune on his hand, "He's stored in here. I just need to make a weapon fitting for him and he'll be back, and as annoying as ever."

"Michael?" an incredulous and somewhat threatening voice asks.

"Jarl Korir..."

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The stupefied Jarl rubs his forehead, not really knowing how to react to all of this. "So let me get this right... You ventured into some far off realm of Oblivion and saved these people who were on the brink of destruction...?" he asks, gesturing at the thirty to forty Draenei survivors who were still recovering from their ordeals. Though, they were looking wary as the armed Nord-folk citizens and Mages from the College that'd gathered to see what the commotion was...

To most normal people in Tamriel, the Draenei would immediately be regarded as demons like Dremora or other creatures from Oblivion. The only reason they hadn't instantly been attacked was because they had Michael's backing.

Michael had an impressive reputation among both Nords and Mages, his strength and magical might were known, along with the various stories he'd accumulated during his time in Skyrim. He was a heavy-handed mercenary who usually had good intentions, and almost always got the job done.

The fact that the Jarl had wanted him as a Thane was also a factor in why the Draenei hadn't been attacked yet, despite their alien looks... Even Orcs and High Elves looked vaguely human, unlike the blue-skinned outworlders...

Michael nods to Korir's words, "Yeah, trust me, the place where they're from is an absolute hellscape. We barely made it out alive... They're all that is left of their race." he states, trying to garner sympathy for them, which he didn't really need to search for considering their circumstances.

"Michael! I like you, but are you seriously trying to justify bringing Daedra to our town!?" Dagur, the owner of the Frozen Hearth Inn asks.

Michael shakes his head and gestures over to the Draenei, "They have no relation to any Daedra. They aren't original denizens of Oblivion! They're people like you and me who had the bad luck of getting stuck in a shit realm, put yourself in their shoes! Being almost the last of their entire race!"

Ennura and Umnii walk over to Michael side and both lower their heads, they didn't understand the local language, but it was obvious that Michael was speaking for their sakes. "I know we might not look the same as you all, but we hold honour, knowledge, and compassion for our families in our hearts. I beseech you to give us a chance... If not us then, perhaps our children?" she pleads while Michael translates for her.

...

Korir lets out a sigh, "Are you sure they won't cause any trouble? They might be the last of their kin, but these people outnumber the whole of Winterhold if you exclude the College. Will their traditions harm us? Will their presence bring trouble?... Can they be trusted?"

Michael rests a hand on Ennura's shoulder to show that he wouldn't die or something upon contact. Along with his trust in Ennura herself. "I've fought alongside them through tens of thousands of Daedra, I watched as their people were slaughtered, I've seen what they can build and create... Korir, if you let them seek refuge in Winterhold, I promise you it will be the best decision you'll ever make.

All of them except their children are powerful in their own right, powerful warriors matching the Companions or Mages with unique magic that'd cause a pause in some of the College Masters..." he says, drawing slightly on the Jarl's dislike of the College. "This might just be the start of Winterhold's rebirth as a place rivalling or maybe even surpassing Solitude."

...

Korir lets out a sigh, glancing between the townfolks to see their reactions to the situation. Most were conflicted, the Nords wanting to assist the people but didn't know yet if they could be trusted. The few non-Nords living in Winterhold look far more accepting however, but the thing that clinches it for the Jarl was the look of incredulity and mild contempt from the College Mages.

"Fine. But if one of them steps one toe-... Hoof, out of line, it'll be on you. Do you understand?"

Michael nods and gives a thankful smile, "I do. Thanks, really. You're really helping these people out.