[b]Sylruna Velaryn[/b]

As Arnvidr raised his spectral battleaxe over Brigit, Sylruna stepped forward, the runes on her robes still glowing faintly from her recent spellcasting. Her crimson eyes held a scholarly interest as she watched the paralyzed mage.

"Before you send her to Aetherius," she said, reaching into her component pouch and withdrawing a black soul gem, its faceted surface gleaming in the summer sunlight, "perhaps we could ensure her... contribution to magical research doesn't go entirely to waste?"

She held up the soul gem, examining it thoughtfully. "Her transformation of the Frost Atronachs was crude but innovative. Such magical knowledge shouldn't be lost entirely." Her silver-white braids caught the light as she turned to address Arnvidr directly. "With your permission, of course. The soul could be put to good use - perhaps enchanting protective items for our future endeavors, or even studying the principles behind her conjuration techniques."

She glanced at the other members of their group, particularly those who had been touched by the frost magic. "At the very least, we could use the energy to enhance our defensive equipment. Something tells me this won't be our last encounter with hostile mages."

Her tone remained professional and academic, though there was an underlying edge to her words as she looked at Brigit. "Consider it a final peer review of your research methods," she said to the paralyzed mage. "Though I doubt the College of Winterhold would approve of your... experimental methodology."