#be nice to Ancano

[whitegoldtower]

Bethesda: *creates a very two dimensional villain who is apparently just evil for the sake of being evil, but also gives him weird tension with the LDB*

My delusional arse, as a writer: this man is an affection-starved, closeted gay man who has convinced himself that the only way he can be respected is by wearing the Thalmor uniform and the only way he can protect himself is by seeking power.

He probably only joined the Thalmor because he wanted to be seen as intimidating and not to be messed with (i.e, he wanted people to leave him the fuck alone), and because it would give him an excuse, a ‘beard’ if you like - because the Thalmor are very particular about reproduction, it makes sense he’d use it as a cover.

Even the Thalmor don’t like him (probably because they suspect him, or at the very least feel like something’s ‘off’) because they sent his colleague to Markarth with backup, and yet sent him to Winterhold alone. He’s also not at Elenwen’s party.

He gets nastier and nastier the more inhospitable people are towards him (take his bedroom at the college, for example), and his behaviour with the eye is textbook behaviour of someone at the end of their tether.

The sad part is that the poor bastard likely hates his job and wants to leave the Thalmor, but knows that the only way one leaves the Thalmor is in a box. So he resigns himself to his fate and decides that if he’s going to go out, he’s going to go out with a bang, and he’s going to be comically camp whilst doing it because this is his last act.

… Give me a week and I could fix him. I feel like the entire time he was just inwardly screaming to be loved and wanted, he needed someone who would fight to know him, and resist his attempts to evade vulnerability.

[bforblitz]

Look I know Ancano is a fascist but like. I can fix him. I’ll rewrite him and give him two boyfriends. Let me just *grabs him and runs away*

[goopysoup]

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..someone will ache for your soul..

In which you find your soulmate

featuring: farkas, vilkas, mercer frey, brynjolf, cicero, ancano, serana

[all are gender neutral, but there is a mention of being called ‘pretty’] [this took me almost three hours 💀 I don’t like most of them:(]

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farkas

He could smell them from a mile away.

That’s weird, let’s start again, shall we? Farkas swung his sword at the giant, fighting the urge to turn and run towards the sweet smell approaching. The beast inside him begged— pleaded— for him to go and engulf himself inside that smell, to cover himself in it, whatever it was.

That’s when he saw them. They aimed a bow, a steel arrow shooting through the air and into the giants eye, making it roar out before Aela ultimately got the last hit and killed the giant on the farm. Farkas couldn’t keep his eyes off them, the smell was coming from them. He watched as Aela spoke to them, not even registering what she was saying as he watched this person— the most perfect thing he’d ever seen.

Later, he’d seen them at Jorrvaskr, watching them enter and sneak downstairs. Were they joining?

“Farkas!” He’d heard Skjor’s voice shout from Aela’s room, “did you call me?” He asks as he smells that sweet smell again, his eyes locking on theirs. He barely heard what Aela was saying to him, “uh— new blood? Oh, hello. I’m Farkas. Come, follow me.”

He’d spoken to Kodlak later that night, asking him what in oblivion that sweet smell coming from them was and why was it just coming from them?

Kodlak laughs, forgetting that Farkas could be a bit dense at times, “she’s your mate,” he says as he pats him on the back a little harshly, “your soulmate, in other words.”

His soulmate..

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vilkas

He’d had their stupid name imprinted on his wrist since he was just a pup, a name he’d never heard of in all his years. Vilkas had begun to doubt that his soulmate even lived in Tamriel, in Skyrim, how unlucky was he? First, his lycanthropy, now his soulmate was nowhere to be seen? Nobody knew of someone with such a name?

It was a normal day as any, Vilkas sat at the small table with Kodlak, the two of them wondering if there truly would ever be a way for them to be rid of the beast. The beat haunted Kodlak, he knew that, the old man wanted to get into Sovngarde as any true nord would. But the beast prevented that, he would end up in Hircine’s land hunting for the rest of eternity.

It wasn’t long before an unfamiliar person walked into the halls of Jorrvaskr, heading down towards the two men. Their conversation was cut short, “I’d like to join the companions,” their voice was nice, I stark contrast to the armour and weapons they had on their body.

“Would you, now? Here, let me have a look at you? Hmm. Yes, perhaps. A certain strength of spirit.” Kodlak spoke, making Vilkas furrow his eyebrows.

“Master, you’re not truly considering accepting them?” He asks, making Kodlak give him a subtly pointed look, explaining they had empty beds for people with a fire in their hearts, “Apologies. But, perhaps this isn’t the time. I’ve never even heard of this outsider.”

The person sheepishly looks to Vilkas before they state their name. He freezes for a moment before he looks at them, Kodlak letting out a hearty laugh, making the person look at him with confusion.

“Vilkas, take them out to the yard and see what they can do.” Kodlak says before the person looks between Vilkas and Kodlak for a moment.

Oh gods..

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mercer frey

He’d known they were his soulmate from the moment he’d met them. Mercer saw the tattoo imprinted onto their forearm before they pulled their sleeve back down, he wasn’t stupid. But he’d never said anything, never gave them the hint he wanted them as much as they wanted him, not with the plans he had against the guild.

He’d let his guard down, it was so unlike him to bring any of his walls down but they made him. It was their fault, wasn’t it? He reaches over, his hand brushing against their cheek as they both stood outside in the backyard of his home, concealed under the stars, slone with no one watching them.

“I know,” they say suddenly, he furrows his eyebrows, “know what?” He asks in return, slipping his hand down to their neck, cradling it. He could choke them and end the misery of having him as their soulmate.

The grasp his wrist, carefully sliding down his sleeve to show the matching tattoo. His face hardens, pulling away as he covers the tattoo with his sleeve again, “it means nothing.”

He didn’t entirely mean those words, he yearned for them in secret, but he wouldn’t let his walls come down again. They didn’t need to get involved in his dirty work, he didn’t even want them in the guild anymore. It was to protect them.

“Leave, don’t come back, you understand?”

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brynjolf

The Dragonborn walks into Riften for the first time, almost laughing at how scared the guard outside had been when he realised they knew there was no tax. They make their was through the town, they liked the atmosphere even if they couldn’t see the colour of anything, it was better than dealing with the whole Alduin thing, anyways.

“Never done an honest day’s work in your life for all that coin you’re carrying, eh?” Brynjolf’s voice sounds out quietly as he approaches the famous Dragonborn. Who didn’t know of them, being clad in such armour and that weapon? They didn’t hide it.

“I’m sorry, what?” They ask, looking up at the man before a myriad of colours struck their vision within seconds, overwhelming them. Their head ached at the sight before they finally got used to it and looked around, not noticing the look that Brynjolf was giving them, admiring.

“I’m saying you’ve got the coin, love, but you didn’t earn a septim of it honestly, I can tell,” Brynjolf says once their eyes move back to him, crossing his arms with an expression that matches flirtation.

“How could you possibly know that?” The Dragonborn asks, almost bewildered as they finally get a good look of him, he was handsome, effortlessly charming. It was almost.. irritating? No, that’s not the word, “wait— my wealth is none of your business.”

“Oh, but that’s where you’re wrong, love. Wealth is my business. Maybe you’d like a taste?” They’d gone through with the plan, stealing what’s-his-face’s ring and planting it on the other who’s-his-name successfully.

“Looks like I chose the right person for the job. And here you go.. your payment, as promised,” Brynjolf hands them the payment he’d promised his soulmate. He couldn’t wait to get them into the guild, to live a life with them— even if the life was illegal.

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cicero

Poor Cicero hadn’t even gotten the chance to speak to the pretty assassin that had walked into the sanctuary the day he’d brought his dear mother. Sweet, sweet Night Mother. He was such a good Keeper, wasn’t he? Why wouldn’t she just speak to him! No, he must be calm, that’s what sweet mother would want, isn’t it?

He spoke to the Night Mother now, they were alone, sweet solitude with the sweet Night Mother, “Have you.. have you spoken to anyone? No.. no, of course not. I do the talking, the stalking, the seeing and the saying!” He continued for a while, rambling to the mother.

Suddenly, he opens her coffin, gasping with confusing and repulse. Here, the pretty assassin was in the coffin with the Night Mother!

“What? What treachery! Defiler! Debased and defiler! You have violated the sanctity of the Night Mother’s coffin! Explain yourself! Speak, worm!”

The pretty assassin’s eyes seemed to widen at his words, he couldn’t tell if it was because of his words or tone, but he didn’t care, “The Night Mother spoke to me! She said, ‘I am the one.’” Now, it was Cicero’s turn to widen his eyes. Those words! The words! His words! The ones on his arm, the ones his soulmate would say! His Listener!

Good luck with this one, dear Listener..

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ancano

Ancano had noticed them as soon as they’d walked through those gates. Another new apprentice, how bothersome. Still, he continued his conversation with Mirabelle, quickly growing more irritated by the treatment she was giving him.

The new apprentice was guided away by Mirabelle, leaving Ancano to his thoughts. It was odd, he felt drawn to them, though he didn’t know nor care why. He had business to attend to.

The apprentice was in the Hall of Elements with Tolfdir, the two of them watching the mysterious orb they’d found in Saarthal. Clearly, this mage was more troublesome than Ancano had thought. The Psijic Order was asking for them. So, Ancano had inturruped the two of them, gaining a temper tantrum from Tolfdir. It was only when they were alone that the elf had noticed a familiar scratch on the side of the apprentice’s neck- one that matched the one that had appeared on his not but a few hours before.

Gods be damned, this apprentice was his soulmate, “I need you to come with me immediately. Let’s go.”

For now, he wouldn’t say anything about it, this apprentice seemed to be too oblivious. Or, at least, that’s what they pretended to be with that stupid little smile on their lips.

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serana

Being trapped in a tomb for gods know how long wasn’t something Serana entirely enjoyed. I mean, who would? It was dark and cold, dreary and cramped, far too undeserving of even a vampire such as her. She just had to remember, she was doing this for her father and he would come back for her, right?

She hadn’t woken up until she was almost fallen on the floor, but her quick instincts helped her to keep balance. She was free, her father had come back..—

Glancing up, she noticed a person standing there watching with a small amused smile, obviously the one that had rescued her from the dreary space she was just in, obviously not a vampire. Obviously not her father. She was sure her father would’ve come to get his daughter, so who was this? Though, as their eyes met, a shockwave shot through her, the feeling of being alive again was strong, flooding her veins and undead heart. This was her soulmate, she’d waiting thousands of years for this, but why was she so reluctant now? Reluctant to go with them- to trust them, but a part deep inside her knew this was right, she could get used to it. She could get used to them.

“Who are you?” Serana asks, finally having gained her composure. She looks this person up and down, analysing anything and everything she can see. It was clear they were a vampire hunter. Great.

“Who were you expecting?” They ask, almost amused as they watch the pretty vampire, crossing their arms in a similar way Serana was.

“Not my soulmate, that’s for sure.”

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[babyblueetbaemonster]

TES crushes

Tagged by @redyn-nerevarine <3 Thank you. This is so fun. You're sending me back to all my brain rots XD

Tagging @the-sunlit-earth, @hannah-heartstrings, @wispstalk, @apollinariafh, @thescrolls-haveforetold, @devilrose, @falmerbrook, @everybodyknows-everybodydies, @skyrim-forever, @truth-01001001-liar, @cheeseandstrawberrytartlover, @roumanelli, @mjrdm, @da3drat, @groundrootvegetable, @elavoria, @dirty-bosmer, @sylvienerevarine, and anyone who want to share. (sorry for letting the tag getting out of hands, i just think this is really fun)

Farkas

He's just a lil guy and he's my

✨WEREWOLF BOYFRIEND✨

Ancano

Have I told you I love banana elves? Yeah, he's one of the first banana elf I met and he does magic and wears cool black coat and is evil for no good reason. I just really like him and love to annoy him.

Sheogorath

He's a funny man. Back when I first play Skyrim, people all said Daedra are dangerous. Then I saw Sheo just chilling with a tea party. And that's only Skyrim Sheo. Then I play Morrowind, he gives us the silliest quest with the most beautiful voice ever (turns out it's Oblivion Haskill's voice, too. Also Dagoth Ur's. Also every Dunmer in Morrowind's. I love you Jeff Baker). And then! Shivering Isles DLC's Sheo. The entire DLC is perfect, and Sheo himself is so expressive and full of character. He's a crazy genius and I love him. Also his Daggerfall design is so pretty, too. Who knew he has red hair. (also cat sheo cute :3)

Delphine

Unpopular opinion. I think Delphine is cool. Of course I hate it when she bully me to kill my dragon grandpa. But before that, she's a secret Blade spy disguised as a inn keeper. The moment I saw her changed into full armor in front of me had blown my mind. And then she immediately run all the way to kill a dragon! How cool is that?! And I also find it funny she has the same taste as Maven and let me wear the same clothes as her in the party XD.

Flame Atronach

Cool firing demon ladies. Amazing design.

Martin

He's so nice and genuine. Also he's so worry about us when we left him for our missions.

And he didn't admit it XD

He helped the people in Kvatch, helped us decrypting the evil book, and basically single handedly saved the world. He did all these and still not believe he's worthy to be an emperor. And when we're doing the Daedric Artifact quest, he is being so clam and none judging about our decision. Our HOK could be the most insane nonsense guy, but he still like us, and just want to be our friend.

Baurus

He's so cool. He fights along side us, and is always happy to see us. After we kill the Mythic Dawn agent in the basement he still find it necessary to greed us properly.

And when we're back to Cloud Ruler Temple, he's so happy to see us he teaches us some cool tricks aka free skill boosts.

Volanaro

Banana elf, check. Funny guy, check. Do magic, check. This guy has everything I ever wanted.

Dagoth Ur

(It's probably weird to say it at the end, but I don't think I have romantic feeling towards them. I just think they're neat and they're my blorbos <3 Anyway, thank you for coming to my tes talk)

[skyrim-forever]

Altmer Men I would Pass On

I was gonna make a full smash or pass list but that would take too long and I do have plans tonight (sit in silence and write my damn fic). Enjoy this list of Altmer men I am not into from Skyrim:

Arondil

Nah bro, the journals and the cell of dead women are obvs yikes

Nelacar

He's just not my type, seems interesting and nice so we could be friends

Orthorn

I think it's the robes at this point, Aicantar wears a different kind of robe and I think he's <3 Give the last two better fits and we could probably figure it out

Nurelion

He's got a lot of facial hair, I'm not a huge beard person

Nerien

He's a ghost I don't know how that'd work

Calcelmo

I am not going to get in between him and Faleen I think they're very cute <3 He does have nice facial hair tho :P Old mer <3

Agent Sanyon

He ded

Estormo

He's Ancano's one lacky and I'm barely into Ancano as it is, I love a loser but being that guy's lacky is too much even for me :P

Ulundil

He got a wife + lives in Windhelm + smells like horses

Agent Lorcalin

He ugly imo, proof the robes do not automatically make you hot

Kornalus

I've already got the only bald mer for me thanks!

[dirty-bosmer]

TES Crushes

Which NPCs in TES (all games included!) do you crush on, and why? They don't have to be marriage candidates (in vanilla), just people you find yourself blushing around. Hell, it could be a Deadric Prince if that's what you're into. Name them and say what about them you find appealing! Then feel free to tag a friend or two!

Tagged by @babyblueetbaemonster @theoneandonlysemla Thank you <3

Tagging: @ladytanithia @unironicallytes @gilgamish @kookaburra1701 @saltymaplesyrup @rustyram035 @darcxaosit @moriche @pocket-vvardvark @heavy-metal-dick @alma-amentet @pyre-of-pages @guardianlizard

Borrowing some of Julia's number scheme cause it's nice organization :)

#1: Characters I crushed on during my first ever playthrough as a wee lass:

Methredhel: 10 year old me spent countless hours watching her sleep in that huntsman vest/bralett outfit XD

M'raaj-Dar: Young me was so predictable. Some character is mean to me? Gotta make sure I fall in love with them and do everything in my power to get them to like me. Then he apologized to me right before the purification and I knew I was done for. After the purification, I hoisted his body onto a bed in the living quarters and surrounded him with flowers lol

Enilroth: That one stable boy in Anvil who places the last of Mathieu Bellamont's fake dead-drops out for you. I thought he was so normal looking in a game where everyone looked like they were melting.

Cutter: I just thought she was pretty.

Relmyna Verenim: Being a crazy mad scientist devoted to your passions is hawt.

#2: Characters I crush on now:

The Ordinators in Morrowind. It's the ten packs a day ash-choked voice.

Dagoth Ur. He invaded my dreams with a wedding ceremony. I'm pretty sure we've moved past the prosaic love confession. We are now bounded in our blood.

Nazir: He will always be Skyrim's Sexyman to me <3

Astrid: I'm a simple gal. I see a woman who does fucked up things being torn to shreds by the fandom, I 👀

Arquen: Same as above. She’s a baddie to me and I don’t care about the rumor where she ate Lucien’s entrails, that just makes her weirder and sexier 💕

Raminus Polus: He's smart and gives you a fancy necklace and tells you that you're doing a good job, like what else do I need really?

Mathieu Bellamont: the only man I will ever call baby girl. Love a revenge arc. Love a twisted obsession. I genuinely dgaf that he single-handedly wrecked the Dark Brotherhood, maybe the Black Hand should not have been so trigger happy and eager for self-destruction!

Lucien Lachance: Despite the hundreds of thousands of words I've written about him, my feelings for Lucien are kind of complicated 😅 I don’t dislike him, but at some point while writing my fic I realized I gaslit myself into believing he was hotter than he is lol Upon replay, I was like 'man this dude is such a scrub I have to write him to be as creepy and dripless as possible,' which like... I'm still into lol I just feel like a fake fan for it.

Ondolemar: Unique, kissable lips, him degrading me in public only to whip out that, 'there are so few pleasures in life as fine as your company' once he realized he wanted me, oooooh girl

Razum-Dar: I wanted him SO BADLY during the Aldmeri Dominion quests.

#3 Characters I actually married in game:

Nels Llendo: Had a mod to make it possible for my Morrowind playthrough. He killed all the cliff racer for me :)

Jenassa: She might be the only character I ever married on my main LDB's save, and it was actually so devastating because all she would do was stand in the foyer of Proudspire Manor with no clothes on, asking about kids we never had. Look how the glitches massacred my girl :(

Derkeethus: I married him on my Arch-mage save but only on PC because he too was glitched and every time I told him to go home he would run away!!!

#4: Characters I’m only crushing on because of Fics I read

@theoneandonlysemla's Ancano and Faralda I'm so weak for horribly, toxic elves. Yes, abuse your power! Make everyone around you miserable!

@sylvienerevarine's Roggi Knot-Beard. Had no idea who this man was until Sophrine rolled into his life, and from then on I was smitten. Wholesome, sexy, husband of the year <3

@skyrim-forever's Aicantar. Scholarly, bashful mage nerd <3 I actually always thought Aicantar was a cutie and had considered marrying him on one playthrough because even with cheat codes, a lot of the Altmer characters don't have voice lines for marriage. Aicantar's voice made him a suitable candidate.

#5 Characters that have made me 👀 but in an way that makes me embarrassed

The Spider Daedra from Oblivion. I was obsessed with her rack LMAO

Dremora: something about unintelligible, guttural screams and fiery eyes, I think...

Molag Bal. I also blame this one on @theoneandonlysemla

[theoneandonlysemla]

Sujamma Sundas!

Thank you for the tag @skyrim-forever 💞

Tagging: @dirty-bosmer @friend-of-giants @firefly-factory @illumiera @hircines-hunter @lillxart @ladytanithia @pocket-vvardvark @rakaiawriter @sheirukitriesfandom @sanza-17

Topic: This week, Sujamma wants to know about YOUR OC's special someone. What makes their relationship special? How did they meet? Were they enemies to lovers? Lovers to enemies? Lovers AND Enemies? Are they romantic or platonic? What's their favorite way to cuddle? Favorite date night? Anything and everything you can think of 💕

Ohhh, do I need to decide who I'll be talking about here? Can I talk about all my main couples? :P

Let's start with Nevri and Morotar. What makes them special is him being a detestable cunt and her being the one to hit him on the head for it. They actually got to know each other because he saved her and Canmal's life when they were attacked by Boethiah's cultist. Back then he was "a mercenary" and travelled with them back to Winterhold, where they decided to hire him for getting Goldbrand. And while travelling, Nevri did fall for his looks and cunty character and the rare times he can be nice :P (She's vulnerable, okay??) One thing comes to another and after they got closer, everything falls apart. With DwD 2 their story goes on, Morotar has a severe loss of memories but as their paths cross again, he does one thing: he knows her. A lot of pushing away from her follows until they do get closer again (she has good reason for that) while he will utterly fall for her 😩❤️ I don't know how their story will end and what will come of them, but I love to picture them together in a calm future. Anyway, I guess they go like: strangers -> reluctant friends -> lovers -> enemies -> strangers -> whatever the fuck that mess is they are in in part 2 Thinking about it, they'd love to cuddle in a bed and have their peace together and I often picture how Nevri washes his hair and he does enjoy that so much because someone cares for him. Their idea of a date night might be sparring or something :P

Going on with my favourite toxic couple: Ancano and Faralda! These two idiots started out as... let's call it colleagues and the entire thing became a secret work place romance at the College of Winterhold. Until Ancano's toxic ass fucked up big time after gaslighting the shit out of Faralda and cheated on her with Nirya. Nirya does thing she has won, but ... the price is foul🤢 Anyway, they do have a toxic rebound after Ancano got stabbed by a certain Dunmer woman mentioned in the text before. For Faralda is really is the last time this has happened, until she sees him being a yearning mess for her and decides to play with him. Currently, we're at the phase where her sadism really spirals out of control (good for her). As they do not have a traditional relationship, I'd say their idea of a date is a little strange. Ancano would like to have her only for him and longs for her attention. He'd cuddle with her after sex, to keep the appearance that it means more to him but he's not really a cuddler. After he cheated in her, Faralda does want to cuddle with anyone but him :P Her perfect idea of a date is her throwing rocks at him ❤️

And here we are with my most fucked up couple, that is poor Ria and Mannimarco. Hell, she chose the worst man. But my bf likes to argue that Ancano is worse because he's racist and Mannimarco is too egocentric to be really racist 😆 Well, let's see. She is absolute delulu and unhappy in the place she is now, serving a group of men (ew) in a dilapitating fort. And there comes her worm knight in shining armour... or red cloak... to her rescue. He infiltrates her brain until she falls for him and she is absolutely and utterly in love with him. Too bad that he sees her as his little experiment. But that does not hold him back from fucking the lab rat. He's nasty like that ❤️ You could say, it is a very romantic gothic horror lovestory that I'm crafting there and so their ideal date would be basically what I've written in chapter two, just having sex in a fairy ring under the moonlight. And for Manni it may include feeding her corpses and counting how many maggots he can pull out of her orifices. Well... yeah. That's that!

[undersaarthal]

Hmmmmmmm... ancano headcanons pls?

I assure you I have plenty! of course ancano would ask about ancano 🙄(jk, jk! glad you asked! 😁) He's driven by the pursuit of knowledge. He is deathly curious, and this is both a strength of his and a potential deadly downfall (as we see with the eye of Magnus, of course). He is motivated only by things that serve his interests, so in the (frankly very rare) cases that he grows close with people, it's because he's driven by a curiosity to learn more about them. He was sent out to work at the College of Winterhold by Elenwen because um, he's kind of lame and his coworkers are annoyed by him, but also because she knew his devoted interest in magical artifacts and relentless, passionate pursuit of knowledge and ancient, mysterious secrets would make him well suited to be stationed there. I write him as trans, honestly, just because it makes me happy (: When drunk he has a stutter that comes out. I put the Altmer lifespan at about 200-300 years, and I think he's middle aged. In my writing I say he's 152. He's on the shorter side, the shortest out of his fellow thalmor, but compared to other men and mer he's usually taller than them. If you manage to get on his good side, he is very talkative, and he can keep a deep conversation going for hours. He is the type to obsessively document everything. He would never admit this, but he is superstitious, and prone to paranoia. He keeps a thorough record of day-to-day events in a collection of journals, and he has very nice handwriting. It's easy for him to justify this as simply keeping a record for reporting back to Elenwen, but it may also be that he is afraid to forget any detail. He cannot let his thoughts go unsaid or unwritten, and he also cannot shut up. No stone remains unturned, no mystery remains unsolved. If he cannot get a read on someone, if he feels too stupid to figure something out, it will keep him up at night. He's good at getting a read on people quickly. A very judgemental and narrow-minded read, but a thorough one nonetheless. When people are complex and keep changing his perception of them, it really throws him off, and becomes another mystery he feels compelled to solve.

[nerevar-quote-and-star]

Savos Aren: You know, it wouldn't kill you to be nice to Ancano once in a while.

Mirabelle Ervine: We don't know that.

[thana-topsy]

35

Ancano X Savos Aren? 👀

EXCELLENT suggestion. Thank you for this one.

---

Ancano x Savos Aren "A kiss to gain something." (1077 words)

“I’m sorry, but the answer is still no.” 

Ancano lifted a brow as he took a sip of wine, gazing half-lidded over the brim of his cup. He dabbed his lips on the back of his glove and offered a delicate shrug in response. “I understand, Arch-Mage. My apologies for… haranguing you.”

They sat opposite each other in Savos Aren’s quarters, a bottle of Firebrand wine between them (Ancano’s gift), barely touched. Aren wore a look of pinched suspicion, which Ancano supposed was fair. He hadn’t really made an attempt at being pleasant thus far, but supposed after two months living at this wretched college that he might as well make an attempt to forge a connection. At least superficially. 

More than connection, however, he wanted access to Saarthal.

“You have to understand it from my perspective,” Aren continued, gazing curiously into his own wine cup. It’s not poisoned, Ancano wanted to say. “We already walk a delicate tightrope with the locals. Allowing a Thalmor agent to enter a revered Nordic crypt—especially considering the history of said crypt—it would shine unwanted attention on the College. We are neutral in this conflict, and many might see it as–”

“I might remind you that the Thalmor are also neutral in this conflict, Arch-Mage. Our presence in Skyrim, as with any other country under the Empire’s rule, is simply to enforce order and aid in upholding the agreements of the Concordat. I might also add that I am not a Justiciar. I am not here to root out Talos worship, though it is my duty to report it.” He paused, taking another sip of wine, letting his words linger. “But it is not my main concern. My role here is to act as an advisor and ambassador to you, Arch-Mage. And staying abreast of the College’s curriculum, including all relevant expeditions, is my concern.”

At long last, Aren took a sip of his own wine. He made a pleased noise, then picked up the bottle to inspect the label. “Quite nice.”

Ancano nodded, tilting his cup in Aren’s direction in silent cheers.

Aren sat back in his chair with a sigh, pushing the hood from his head. His long, black hair was streaked gray and pulled back into a low tail. His features were severe, even for a dark elf: high cheekbones and hollow cheeks, his deep red eyes slitted like a fox. The point of his beard only served to make his face appear far too long and narrow. Ancano always found the dark elves to have an unnatural, uncanny appearance to them—Daedra-cursed through and through—and rarely did he find himself in such close quarters with one. He couldn’t help but stare. 

“You were a student at this college once, correct?” Ancano asked. 

“Yes,” Aren answered, his nervousness returning. 

“What was your area of study?” 

He seemed to relax marginally. “Oh, well, I had a variety of projects in my time. This was close to a century ago, mind you, but–”

And he was off, jabbering away about various lines of research and artifact recovery. No wonder he’d initiated the Saarthal expedition. Savos Aren seemed particularly fascinated with what basically amounted to grave robbing. Ancano smiled into his wine. 

“What’s so funny?” Aren asked. 

“Funny? No no, you mistake me. I simply find your… enthusiasm to be charming.” 

An indigo flush crept up Aren’s neck and darkened his cheeks. He took a sip of his own wine and averted his fox-like eyes. 

Ancano made a mental note of the reaction. “Please continue,” he urged. “And let me–” He reached forward to lift the wine bottle, motioning for Aren to hold out his cup to be refilled. 

“Thank you.”

“Of course, Arch-Mage.” 

He listened patiently as the Dunmer continued to ramble, Aren's shoulders becoming looser, his gesticulations more enthusiastic. Ancano continued to fill Aren’s wine cup when it ran low.

“And I just feel it; a mage’s intuition, if you will. There’s a missing piece to the puzzle in Saarthal. Why would our ancient brethren risk it all otherwise? The Nords dug too deep, I say. They found something that they shouldn’t have. Something worth fighting for. I just know it.”

Ancano’s entire body blazed with victory, satisfaction curling in the pit of his stomach. He hid his excitement behind a placid smile. “You’ve dared to do what many have not. And for that, I commend you. I have no doubt your efforts will prove to be most fruitful.”

“I appreciate you saying so,” said Aren. “And thank you for the wine. It’s been most delicious.”

“Of course.” Ancano rose to his feet, rolling his shoulders and stretching his neck. “I believe I must retire for the evening. It’s grown late.” 

Aren got to his feet as well. “Ah, I’ve rambled on for so long. My apologies.”

“No need to apologize. I inquired, after all.”

Aren’s gaze was slightly unfocused—dulled from the wine and lulled by the companionable conversation—yet his gaze lingered on Ancano’s face for a moment too long. “If–” he began, then seemed to second guess himself. 

Ancano relaxed his posture, crossing his hands patiently in front of his waist, waiting. 

“I might accompany you to Saarthal, if you’d still like. Though the excavation has only just begun, I can show you our progress. If–” He gestured to Ancano’s robes. “–only if you promise to wear something a little less… flashy.” 

Ancano laughed, and to his own surprise it was a more genuine laugh than he intended. He cleared his throat and regained his composure. “I believe that’s a fair request.” 

Final play. Are you so sure of yourself? 

Yes, he answered his own query. 

Ancano was young by Altmeri standards, but he had grown up among politicians and kinsmen, breast-fed on the social dalliances of subterfuge and subtle manipulation. He knew the signs. He knew the game. 

Aren smiled a little too genuinely, and Ancano offered a slight bow in return, crossing his hands behind his back. 

“I would be honored, Arch-Mage.” Then, stepping forward, he leaned into Aren’s space, tilting his head to place a soft kiss against the dark elf’s cheek. 

Aren sucked in a breath, but otherwise remained stock still as Ancano’s lips lingered. 

Then, Acano stepped away with another bow, passing the gesture off as Altmeri formalities. “I eagerly await your invitation.”

“Very good,” Aren said distantly. 

Ancano’s smile felt razor-sharp on his lips. “And I’ll make sure to dress for the occasion.”

[glitchbitchwritingblog]

Precious: Yandere Ancano x NonDB!Fem!Apprentice Mage! Reader

Yandere Ancano x Non-DB! Fem!Apprentice Mage! Reader Part One

 From the moment he laid eyes on you,you were trapped. There was no way to escape or run away,your fate had been sealed. He watched you in your classes and during your break times,he rarely didn't know where you were. During his time observing you,Ancano noticed that you weren't very good at taking care of yourself. You often forgot to eat and sleep,there were even occasions where you fainted during class due to exhaustion.

Obviously you don't know how to take care of yourself so he has to take care of you himself. You'll thank him one day and until then he can easily handle you.

It was easy setting up a secret place not even his superiors knew about. He made sure everything was perfect for the both of you. You had your own room of course,he knew you'd need your own space and would be quite fussy in the beginning. He had made sure your bed was made of the best materials money could buy,your sheets were of good linen and your pillows and comforters stuffed with feathers. Your second blanket,as you often slept with two on the rare occasion you did sleep in your dorm room,was made of a soft blue velvet and would keep you nice and snug. On the floor of the room were two soft black rugs made from the pelt of two cave bears,the floor itself made of gray stone. The walls were made of cobblestone and beautiful tapestries depicting love stories decorated the walls. A fireplace kept the room warm,two chairs and a table facing it,and a bookshelf full of many different books sat against the wall to the left of it. All that needed to be done to it was to put some candles in it.

The night Ancano finally captured you,you had agreed to aid him in testing a tea he had made. He had told you he was trying to make the perfect tea for his father back in the Summerset Isles. He'd taste it himself but he had been trying for so long all the flavors tasted the same. You were so sweet as you drank the tea,complimenting him on its subtle notes of Jasmine,and you became even cuter when you fell asleep in his chair,completely left to his mercy.

[whitegoldtower]

Ancano doing work in the College of Winterhold not just as an advisor to the arch mage but as a school counsellor would be fucking hilarious. CAMHS but worse.

Student: i’m really worried about my final exams, I don’t think I’ll even pass this year!

Ancano: why don’t you have a nice hot bath.

Student: we don’t have baths in the college, just basins

Ancano: well then lie on the floor and pretend you’re in the fucking bath 🙄

[ego-osbourne]

The Dez Illusion / Salt in the Wound Voice Claims

THE VOICE CLAIMS ARE FINISHED FINALLY

This has been in the works for a loooong time. The hardest part was finding these DAMNED VOICES. By FAR the hardest voice to find was Rakell’s, but his game out very nicely!

Here’s some general notes I have for everyone, if you wanna read.

Erandur (Keith Szarabajka) - (TDI / SITW) No issues with his original VA. Gruff but very sweet and comforting.

Serana (Laura Bailey) - (TDI / SITW) Again, no issues with her original VA. Blunt and sassy, very capable of dry humor.

Miraak (Peter Jessop) - (TDI / SITW) I couldn’t not use his original voice, it’s just so dramatic and grumpy.

Sanguine (William Salyers) - (TDI / SITW) Originally went looking for a more smooth-talking, charming voice, but nothing I found could quite keep the same level of mischief that his og voice had. So, while I think the perfect voice is out there somewhere, og voice is still wonderful.

Ancano (Alexander Brandon) - (TDI / SITW) Love his og voice, it’s so pompous and entitled. In a perfect world I would be able to find something like this with a sailor/pirate accent, but this is pretty close.

Ego (Dan Avidan) - (TDI / SITW) When first starting this project, a bunch of buddies told me that Dan Avidan fit their voice, and it just kinda stuck lol. I think Dan’s voice works especially well in SITW, the only thing I could ask more from it is if it matched Erandur’s accent a little. But, it still adds a lovely charm and goofiness that Ego definitely needs!

Rakell (Grahame Fox) - (TDI / SITW) Like I said, my buddies and I went through a LOT of grief trying to find the right voice for him. He probably went through the most changes, from Stoic (HTTYD) to Sir Gideon Ofnir (Elden Ring). Eygon ended up being the perfect fit, with as low and growls as he was.

Iren (Richard Schiff) - (pre-TDI) What a wonderfully soothing voice, made specially to lull you into a false sense of security, but bleeding with wisdom.

Velehk Sain (Josh Keaton) - (TDI / SITW) A good commanding voice, though aired with a type of softness that he can’t seem to loose, like he’s trained his voice to be authoritative but it doesn’t always hit the mark. When it’s soft, it sounds the most natural. My only wishes are that his voice was a tad bit higher and had a pirate inflection.

Caspian (Johnny Depp) - (SITW) Wild, loud, and slurred, Captain Jack just worked so very well for Caspian.

Kyrahk (Scott Porter) - (SITW) The perfect level of arrogance, perfect vocabulary, perfect speed. His voice only throws me off because I wish it sounded a bit older or lower.

Molag Bal (Graham McTavish) - (TDI / SITW) Ironic that a vampire would voice the father of all vampires. Perfect all around, being dark, broody, and ever-intimidating, and sounds damn good when annoyed!

Mehrunes Dagon (Christopher Judge) - (TDI / SITW) Low, wise, blunt, and intimidating, very perfect for Dagon. I only wish he had a better yelling voice. While Kratos’ yells are short and change his tone, I always imagined Dagon’s yells as long and rumbly.

Hermaeus Mora (Dee Bradley Baker) - (TDI / SITW) This voice is the stuff of nightmares. Glorious.

Sheogorath (Wes Johnson) - (TDI / SITW) HE’S SHEOGORATH BABY!!

Vaermina (Ellen McLain) - (TDI) Proper and highly sassy, cruel and cold, but always sounding lovely. My only wish was to get rid of the robotic effect a little—not fully.

[skyrim-forever]

You know, in your literary universe, Ondolemar and Ancano must know each other somehow. What does Ondo think of him? How did they met? Give me the Ancano slander!

Ah ha! Yes, they do in fact know each other. Ancano has come up in two fics of mine: We shouldn't be doing this and Forget myself. He gets to speak in the first one:

“Ancano, enjoying the nice weather? I don’t suppose it gets this nice in Winterhold?” It wasn’t a secret that Ancano had been given the worst assignment. He had heard rumours that Ancano had done something to piss off the Ambassador, thus earning his banishment to that frozen Nord village; though he hadn’t yet learned what.

“No it most certainly does not.” The other mer grumbled, he couldn’t blame Elenwen, aside from doing anything specific he was rather unpleasant to be around. “At least you’re in a real city.” Ondolemar chuckled. 

But in Forget myself he is just referenced as insufferable. This pretty much sums up their vibe. While Ondolemar is lameting his assignment to Skyrim, Ancano is a good reminder that things could be worse. The weather in Markarth is relatively pleasant and he does have a position of authority; versus freezing his Altmer ass off in Winterhold with a fake, made up role just to banish you far from the Embassy. Elenwen really said "Enough, you go in the snow."

In my fics, I've settled on that Ancano made a comment about Elenwen's failed marriage and how, if he was married to her he'd also get her sent to Skyrim and away from the homeland. I have Elenwen ideas in my brain so hopefully will get these ideas out.

[wellthebardsdead]

Marigold: *standing quietly by his guards and father amongst a gathering of the thalmor across all classes from the lowest new recruits hailing from the farmlands and slums, to the royal family themselves. His hair bound back in a tight strict braid, his robes dark and equally restrictive, and his expression solemn but beautiful behind his fan as he tries to keep cool in Alinors summer heat* …hm? *glances over at a group of new recruits excitedly taking the dance floor with a striking, fast and powerful dance, something the older generation would scoff at and his father would gladly break his legs all over again for even daring to think about attempting*

Lord Varla: Hmph. Look at them. Leaping about like territorial mudskippers. I’ve seen peacocks behave with more restraint, aren’t you glad I chose Ancano to be your betrothed rather than handing you over to these, rabid hounds.

Marigold: yes father. *blinks catching the eye of a very unusual Mer. Dark hair making him stand out from all others in the room, with eyes like emeralds and a charming smile to contrast his sharp and calculating movements. The dance like a battle between all of them, and he was winning effortlessly* hm. *looks up at his father* may I go get some refreshments father? It’s so warm tonight.

Lord Varla: as you wish. And- do avoid engaging with the rabble if you can. The only mer your age you should be engaging with is Caryalind.

Marigold: yes father. *quietly walks off to the refreshments as the song ends and with it the dance, his eyes locked firmly onto the emerald eyed mer with the short dark hair as he goes by, before losing sight of him as the crowd disburses once more, some pairing up for a slower dance, others running off to grab a bite to eat or snuggle up to their betters* Ah- *tries to see past the crowd, younger and more arrogant Mer not knowing who he is or his status simply pushing him this way and that to get past him* ow- hey! That h-hurts! Ugh you insolent ba- *blinks as he feels someone’s hand take his in an unfamiliarly, gentle, grasp* wha- *gasps as the crowd parts and he’s pulled safely from the chaos into the arms of the Mer who’d captured his attention*

Taliesin: *swiftly lets him go remembering his place* A-Ah, a-are you alright my lord?

Marigold: *face flushing a rose gold, some of his curls broken free from his braid and framing his face as his eyes widen and almost sparkle in awe up at him* I-I, y-yes- Yes. *clears his throat and fixes himself before offering his hand to him* and to whom do I owe thanks for saving me?

Taliesin: *mind so focused on his gaze he didn’t even realise he’d spoken* hm? *looks at his hand before panicking* oh! Ah- *takes his hand to kiss it* I’m-

???: LAN-

Taliesin: *jumps hearing part of his name screamed by the familiar voice of his superior* s-sir I was-

Marigold: *steps forward as the justiciar approaches* it’s alright captain, he saved me from some of your more unruly subordinates. *smiles at taliesin* it was nice meeting you, Lan. *walks off quietly*

*several years later*

Taliesin: YOURE MARIGOLD VARLA?! THE MARIGOLD VARLA?! THE BETROTHED TO ANCANO MARIGOLD VARLA?! AND YOU DIDNT THINK ABOUT TELLING ME!?!

Marigold: it didn’t seem important I expected to be dead by now.

[theoneandonlysemla]

So… I found some nice references:

And my only thought was Ancano and Faralda.

Well, and while doing my sketching I had deep thoughts about Crawl, dear and somehow he ended up naked? And with a bloody nose? Oops. Anyway, see the line art under the cut (because dick is out).