#FiligreeBee

[rekindledlove]

Vintage Canvas Messenger Bag with a Parisian Bee design - available in 5 colours for just £45.00 Vintage Style Messenger Bag embroidered with an ornate 'Parisian Bee' filigree design available in 5 colours * Antique brass effect fittings. * Adjustable shoulder strap. * Padded base. * Zippered main compartment. * Dual rear pouch pockets and Rip-Strip™ closure. * Multiple zippered pockets. * Bag Capacity is 14 Litres * Bag Dimensions 40 x 30 x 12cm * Embroidery size approx 6.26" w x 4.84" h (193 mm x 148 mm )

[thana-topsy]

Alternate version of Ancano who is, to his core, just a massive nerd.

Based on his appearance in the fic “A Fistful of Stars” by filigreebee on AO3

[dollar-store-apocrypha]

Hollow Men by Thanatopsiturvy / @thana-topsy

fandom || Skyrim rating || M categories || gen, m/m pairings || Gwilin/m!OC, m!OC&f!OC genre || hurt/comfort, trauma recovery characters of note || Gwilin, Elenwen status || 14/14, 53k

Time passed in the windowless Windhelm prison by only three distinct markers: the daily administration of magicka-suppressing poison, the forced feeding every two days, and the erratic but frequent visits from the Nord. Eventually, when Corimir had been forced to accept that the Thalmor would not authorize a rescue mission for a single captured soldier, death didn’t seem like such a terrible fate. ---- In which a prisoner of war is rescued, though hardly saved, learning that the path of recovery is not well-trodden, but a mess of brambles.

"One of the best things about reading is how all this characters, Cor, Gwilin, Elanwe… you could say they become kinda like new mentors to you, life buddies… so as long as you remember them you can always resort to them for guidance: Yeah, I may be having a hard time… but what was that thing Gwilin´s dad used to say? But didn't Corimir got the joy of great things happening even after hitting rock bottom? They become an extension of oneself :)" -- Khajere

"This was a masterpiece of a fic [...]. It was heartwrenchingly raw, with no punches pulled about trauma and recovery, and the way healing is rarely a straight line or a simple, one-and-done process. You let Corimir hurt, you let him do hurt, and you let us feel every twist of the trauma knife, which aside from making the darkness and pain land in a way it rarely does, also let the light shine all that much more strongly. Recovery may not be easy, but it is possible." -- filigreebee

""You have already left kudos here" YES but I read it AGAIN and loved it this time TOO" -- MysticSybil

[dirty-bosmer]

Come Get Your (TES) Fics

Been suffering from some terrible writer’s block lately, so I decided, why not share someone else’s story instead :D Inspired by the many lovely recs and reviews from @dumpsterhipster and her new rec blog @dollar-store-apocrypha, I present to you

Next of Kin - by ClassicHer (@princess-prawn)

Fandom: TES Oblivion Rating: E (Graphic Depictions of Violence) Categories: F/M Genre: Mystery, Crime Thriller, Romance Characters: F!OC, Lucien Lachance, The Dark Brotherhood Status: WIP, 125k words

“The dice were loaded, of course. No other way to play.”

This story is far more than a Dark Brotherhood fic, and while I may have initially clicked for the Lucien Lachance tag, I stayed for the brilliantly crafted, delightfully brash protagonist, the impeccable eye for detail, and the fast, gripping plot, all of which are beautifully woven into one of the most enthralling and original mysteries I’ve read on the archive to date. The intrigue is supplied instantly— I mean, just check out that hook! :o

Set prior to any of the events of Oblivion, Next of Kin follows Talrose Gatthen, a Dunmer living with her younger brother on the Anvil Docks whose fondness for drink complements an equally agreeable penchant for bar-fights and gambling. When Tal returns home from yet another late night out, she discovers that her brother has been taken, and the only surviving trace of the struggle is his pearl necklace, found submerged in a pool of blood. 

Rich in suspense and drama and gritty twists, Tal’s journey to track down her brother leads her deep into the underbelly of Cyrodiil’s infamous guild of assassins. Next of Kin features an entirely original plot with a cast of primarily original characters, and yet ClassicHer manages to write the Dark Brotherhood and the broader setting of Cyrodiil with a vibrancy and richness that is both familiarly authentic and impressively novel. 

Furthermore, the characterization in this story is some of the best I’ve ever read in fanfiction, with a protagonist that is such a delicious shade of morally-grey, it makes me weak in the knees. Abrasive, angry, and arguably an asshole, Talrose is realistically flawed while remaining sympathetic through very deftly handled moments of earnestness and vulnerability. We are consistently shown through her actions and the reactions of those around her that she is clever, she is violent, brutal by nature, but so too is her determination and resolve given the emotional weight necessary to keep us rooting for her to succeed (Also she is funny as hell). There are so many things I love about her— her dialogue, her narrative voice are just a few of many. The writing is smart, and there’s a sharp cunning to her character, a roguish charm that fits so perfectly with the darker tones of the story overall.

Not only is Tal a compelling deviation from Dark Brotherhood protagonists I’ve read in the past, but the cast as a whole, both major and minor characters, are fully rendered and written to occupy a believable and vividly painted space within the world at large. To quote my comment because I can: “[ClassicHer has] carved out so much extra depth within the world that everything, even the characters and places that I recognize, have this sleek shine to them that strikes me as *new.*” Of course, I could go on, but I think one of many commenters said it best with:

Every character who's appeared onscreen so far has felt like a rich, complex character with their own inner world and motivations, and it does SO much to keep the reader immersed and invested in the story. - Filigreebee

And lastly, I would be remiss not to mention ya boy Lucien Lachance since I know that for many, his name supplies the most immediate spark of interest and source of appeal when selecting a new fic to read. Due to the nature and timing of the setting, Next of Kin features a pre-Speaker Lucien who has not yet come into a position of authority, subverting the common themes of power imbalance and age gaps that we see in many Dark Brotherhood romances. He is believably a career assassin— ambitious, ruthless, frightening, but not without a masterfully balanced streak of humanity which makes the potential for romance (and a gentle romance at that) all the more convincing. Lucien fans, you will not be disappointed.

All in all, a standout story. I mentioned this the first time I recced this fic, but ClassicHer has demonstrated a level of fluidity in her writing that I aspire to one day achieve. I recommend this story to anyone with a remote interest in the Dark Brotherhood, Oblivion, or writing as a craft. Forever a fave— I will be eagerly awaiting any and all updates.

[thana-topsy]

Myfanwy Caldevwin - aspiring mage

From the story “A Fistful of Stars” by filigreebee on AO3 - an absolutely enthralling coming of age story that has me GRIPPED.

[dollar-store-apocrypha]

North of Oblivion by ciderConnoisseur

fandom || Skyrim rating || T categories || gen pairings || - genre || coming of age, adventure characters of note || Sissel, Jouane Manette, the College of Winterhold status || 12/?, 23k

A girl from a small Nord village rejects the raw deal given to her and carves out her own destiny. This fic was initially fueled by two things: the fan theory that Rorikstead is secretly a town of Daedra worshipers, and wanting Sissel to live a happy life. And what better way to live well, than to pursue your dream?

***

the summoner, or is it the other way around? Does the summoner have to maintain a constant alertness and strength, lest the Dremora decides that he is unworthy and turns on him? 

Man is mortal, and doomed to death and failure and loss. This lies beyond our comprehension - why do you not despair?

That night, safely tucked into bed, she dreams of the Dremora whose grinning face she saw illuminated by a thunderstorm. Only this time, he is under her command. Together, they leave Rorikstead behind one last time, never turning back.

Sissel thinks of the bond between a summoner and a Dremora, a bond still inexplicable to her. Is there a mutual respect? Does the Dremora fear the summoner, or is it the other way around? Does the summoner have to maintain a constant alertness and strength, lest the Dremora decides that he is unworthy and turns on him? 

Man is mortal, and doomed to death and failure and loss. This lies beyond our comprehension - why do you not despair?

That night, safely tucked into bed, she dreams of the Dremora whose grinning face she saw illuminated by a thunderstorm. Only this time, he is under her command. Together, they leave Rorikstead behind one last time, never turning back.

***

This fic deserves more attention! I'm really interested to see where it goes. -- ButterflyDreaming

So happy we got another chapter so soon. Really enjoyed this one and I'm loving the world building. The contrast between country farm hamlet Rorikstead and Whiterun was fantastic. The way you write really makes Whiterun feel like a proper city and Sissel feels so small by comparison. -- AchillesEuropa

Sissel is a wonderful protagonist, and I'm really enjoying following her adventures and seeing Skyrim and its people through her eyes. She's likeable, well-rounded, and I'm very invested in her. The rest of your cast is great, too; I'm really enjoying the characterisation you're giving both your major and minor characters. There's so much warmth and life to everyone you describe -- filigreebee

[dollar-store-apocrypha]

Ingenious Gentlemen and the Persistence of Memory by muldezgron

fandom || ESO rating || M categories || m/m, gen pairings || m!Vestige/Cadwell, Cadwell&Meridia, Khunzar-ri/Cadwell the Betrayar genre || character study, romance characters of note || Cadwell, Khunzar-ri, Meridia, Sheogorath, Molag Bal status || 11/11, 96k

In the year 2E 582, Molag Bal attempted to merge his plane of Oblivion with Nirn in an event known as the Planemeld, but was thwarted by a hero known as the Vestige and his companions, as guided by the Daedric Prince of Light, Meridia. Two eras later, in 4E 201, the Vestige is killed in his home, respawns in Coldharbour, and hatches a bizarre plan for vengeance on Molag Bal which is definitely not an ego-sparing cover for recovering his soul. This is not his story (probably). This is the Tale of the Gallant Knight of Coldharbour (maybe) who sets out to help his dear friend the Vestige on his Noble Quest (possibly) and is 100% Totally Fine No Problems Thanks For Asking.

***

“Fascinating little story, isn’t it?”

“All stories are fascinating,” he replied. “What Raksha finds most fascinating is when there is one story with several versions. Often more truth can be learned from the comparison of stories than from one version alone.”

Cadwell shook his empty teacup and reached for the teapot. “Such as Molag Bal being into spears?”

“Such as that, yes,” said Raksha with a patient sigh. “But more than that, also. The differences are often the same events focused through the lens of culture. As this one said before, it comes as no surprise that the Xivilai tell a tale of a great battle while Vivec’s version is very… Vivec.” His brows furrowed in thought. “But there is also this detail, this ‘gift’ of weakness, that is not present in any form in Vivec’s telling, and it is curious that such a specific detail would appear in one version but not the other.”

Cadwell hummed contentedly as he poured himself another cup of tea.

“In many cases,” the Khajiit continued, “changing the perspective of the story changes the story completely, because no one person sees the same event in exactly the same way as any other. Some details will be important to one and invisible to another. So if that is the case here, then that would mean there is something that the Daedra of Coldharbour would know that—”

Raksha stopped. His ears perked upright; his eyes grew wide and shining; his tail thumped loudly against the leg of his chair.

“—that Vivec would never notice,” he said, almost awe-struck. His pupils had grown large and round, like he had just spied the most delicious sweetroll.

***

"This was a great read, I tore through it way faster than I probably should have given it required more concentration than the average fic. Your command of ES lore always staggers me and I love to see your characters play in this world." -- Capraahircus

"Seriously muld, this story is something really special. It's thoughtful, thought-provoking, introspective, gripping, complex, meaty, challenging, readable, intellectual, emotional, unique--fully grounded in the setting and world while also elevating it in ways which you'd never thought of but feel like they were always how it was meant to be. Your Daedric Princes are my benchmark (your Sheogorath especially), your worldbuilding something I could luxuriate in all day, your prose and dialogue so witty and intelligent while also being a genuine pleasure to read. I feel privileged to have read this fic" -- filigreebee

"God DAMN IT." -- Nebulad

[dollar-store-apocrypha]

A Reachman Tells of the Whaling-Sacrament by chrononymicspinner

fandom || Skyrim rating || G categories || gen pairings || - genre || lore, in-universe text characters of note || - status || 1/1, 700

Short fic/apocrypha about whaling in the northern Reach.

"This was wonderful; I really loved the narrative voice and was entranced by your worldbuilding and atmosphere." -- filigreebee

[dollar-store-apocrypha]

Watchman's Ease by alcyonejonquil

fandom || Skyrim rating || M categories || gen pairings || - genre || character study characters of note || The Watchman status || 1/1, 1.6k

There is an old man at the gates of Castle Volkihar, neither seeking entry nor moving away. He's standing there so still, with a brazier behind him, one might think him a statue. One might think him a trick of the light, of the swirls of snow mingling with the swirls of the aurora above. Thus, one might think he's not truly there at all.

"Fantastic character study of what is a very minor (but intriguing) character! Like yeah, what is an unturned, un-enthralled human guarding the gate for? You did a brilliant job at capturing his manner of speaking, or thinking in this sense." -- Jewels_Is_Typing

"You captured the dreary, eerie monotone of an eternity standing watch for monsters so perfectly, with so many great little worldbuilding touches, and in so few words. As always your prose is so beautifully poetic, and that closing!! Just sublime." -- filigreebee

[dollar-store-apocrypha]

Death of a Giant by AngryIrene

fandom || Skyrim rating || M categories || f/f pairings || Aela the Huntress/f!LDB genre || meet-cute (sorta) characters of note || Aela the Huntress status || 1/1, 1.6k

A short work, of when the Dovahkiin met Aela.

"This was a wonderful little piece, super well written with a strong narrative voice, and so much packed into its short length." -- filigreebee