#eso oc: angelica wintersong

[pocket-vvardvark]

WIP wednesday

Ty for the tag @skyrim-forever @theoneandonlysemla @sulphuricgrin @thequeenofthewinter !!! <3

I'd like to tag: @scholarlyhermit @fangsandsoftgrass @aviel-the-trans-bucket @progmetol @sanza-17 @madamefluffnstuff @lathepoquerose @kiir-do-faal-rahhe @yansurnummu no pressure! <33

Okay, the Angelica and Verandis thing was not supposed to progress into...whatever this is, but ya hot ancient vampire man has me dead lol

Under the cut bc it's long asf so sorry lol 😭

It was a surprisingly slow day at Castle Ravenwatch. With everyone working on their respective reports, Verandis sat in his office contemplating Gwendis’ recent findings. Maybe it was time to take a break as his thoughts began to drift towards the recent hero of Rivenspire and the woman he met last night. Different as they might be, it was perplexing that the more he pondered, the more he found similarities between his newly trusted associate and Angelica. Perhaps it was their striking red hair, or the alabaster hue of their skin, both of which they seemed to possess. Frowning, Verandis searches his brain further for similarities beyond mere flesh, but he doesn't know enough about the blasted scamp to explore that possibility. 

Sighing, the count moves away from the piles of papers on his desk. He walks towards the halls, stepping down the corridor until he reaches the stairs. The scent of another catches his attention. From behind the great doors of castle Ravenwatch is the thundering pulse of someone’s heartbeat. A few people come to mind, but only one stands out to him—Angelica. Gods, it would be far too soon to put up with her antics. There she is, standing outside with the grin of a banekin. Clutching the door with barely concealed aggravation, he takes her appearance in. Wearing nothing but a low-cut dress and a wide-brimmed hat, she’s patting blush upon her cheeks. 

“Darling.” A row of straight, pearly whites are flashed as she slips the compact down her bra.

A sharp breath leaves his nostrils in an attempt to remain polite, fingers digging into the doorframe.

“Ah, Angelica. What can I do for you?” Hopefully, she would take the flatness in his voice as a hint to scurry off.

Preening, she parts her hair to the side before giving him her full attention. 

“Oh, don’t worry, it’s nothing…nefarious.” Her reference to their prior conversation greatly vexes him. Unfortunately, his annoyance increases the pleasure in her expression fivefold. 

“Of course, just as you implied the other day. I’ll believe you.” 

She proudly states the words left unsaid, “Until I give you a reason not to? How pragmatic, count.” Winking, she allows herself in at his behest. Promptly shutting the door, Verandis watches with tired eyes as Angelica prances forth.

His lips press into a firm line just as the rowdiest of his wards bounds down the stairs, haphazardly skipping steps. The red-headed bosmer’s steps change at the sight of Angelica. Stalking forward, her hands grip the belt which holds a pair of twin axes. 

Clearing his throat, Verandis prepares to introduce the eccentric woman by his side to end whatever dispute his ward would no-doubt initiate. 

“Verandis, who’s this? She smells like…decay.” 

Odd as it was, Gwendis was correct. Whether it was from dealings with the undead or alchemical ingredients, he couldn’t be sure why Angelica’s scent lingered with grave dust and stale dirt pitifully masked with expensive perfume.

Angelica taps his ward’s wrinkled nose much to the shorter vampire’s chagrin, “Caught that, did you? This little darling sure has a nose on her, hm?” Feigning thought, she stamps a heel against the marbled floor, “As much as I adore practicing the necromantic arts, I do so loathe the fragrance of death it brings along with it.”

Gwendis’ brows shoot up to her hairline, preparing to stagger forward and cut Angelica into ribbons. Verandis promptly waves a hand, stopping her would-be assault.

“Gwendis, please.” He exasperates, brows pinched painfully, “She is a…guest.” Uninvited guest, really.

Squinting, Gwendis gives Angelica one more once-over before finally lowering her hackles. 

“Fine, but I’ll be watching you…”

Sensing Gwendis’ grasp of her name, she provides it with a ridiculously theatrical bow. 

“Angelica Wintersong.” Dramatically flaunting her arms in fanfare, she raises her head, “Necromancer, translator, and the occasional alchemist, at your disposal.”

Verandis and Gwendis share a look—confusion mixed with disbelief. 

Tilting her head, Gwendis studies Angelica with a suspicious squint, a thumb and fore-finger pinching her ivory-colored chin. 

"Wintersong? No way, you’re—”

Letting out an undignified snort before Gwendis can speak further, Angelica wipes an imaginary tear from her already oozing smoky-eye. “Alethia’s sister? You didn’t truly think my appearance was a mere coincidence, did you?”

The air is much lighter now that her connection with their trusted ally is known. Alethia is a proud associate of House Ravenwatch, so he hoped they would get used to her sister’s presence as well. 

Pushing her long hair off her shoulder, Angelica rests her hands upon her hips. With a twinkle in her eye that spells trouble, she and the count exchange a glance. 

“I’ve decided I'll be staying here, Count.”

The divines must be testing him. “Pardon?” He fumbles slightly, already feeling a headache coming on. 

She shrugs, adjusting her hat, “House troubles.”

“If I recall correctly, that house is new. It appeared to be fine, but I suppose this is the part where you tell me about the, ah, house troubles you so delicately put?”

Curling a red strand around her pointer finger, Angelica sighs wistfully, lips pulled into a pout, “Is it such a crime that I wish to be near the father of my child?”

A chill fills the depths of his stomach; had he remembered incorrectly? Did something happen that night she pulled him in like a moth drawn to a flame? If he weren't so controlled, surely his cheeks would have been aflame with embarrassment. Ignoring Gwendis' strangled noise of shock, he heaves a sigh and massages the bridge of his nose.

“You—you slept with her?” Too late, Gwendis is already shaking the fabric of his robes in disbelief while pointing at the melodramatically posed woman before him. 

Firmly, but gently tugging her hands off his robes, Verandis gives his ward an exhausted smile. 

“Gwendis, child, leave us for a moment.” The bosmer’s sulk stabs at his heart, but it's for the best that she does not see any more than she has.

“But, why? You're always hiding things from us, Verandis. That's how...how we almost lost you.” 

She was right, of course. The only reason he'd been saved from the clutches of Coldharbour was his ward’s genius paired with Alethia’s assistance. 

Finally, Angelica allows her little ploy to be foiled. Groaning, she waves a playful hand, “Oh, I was only teasing. You didn't touch me, count. Although…” she appears thoughtful, before seizing him with a smile that rivaled the most unrestrained he's ever witnessed.

“I wished you had.” 

Twice now, the air has been cleared, relaxing both the count’s and Gwendis’ stiff posture.

“Must you be this difficult?” Verandis angles the ashen-colored woman with a disapproving frown, brows low in an attempt to stifle her mischievousness. 

Rolling her eyes, she sticks her tongue out childishly, flashing a simple gold piercing that catches the light. 

“Only for you, honey.” Winking, her heels are muffled beneath the carpet as she makes way for the decadent stairwell. 

“You need me by your side, Count. A translator, alchemist, and necromancer?” Checking her nails briefly, she glances upwards, commanding his attention with a strange look. “I'd say you're getting quite the bargain.” 

Mulling over his options, Verandis thinks carefully on Angelica’s offer. Beneath her peculiar persona, he could sense there was a demand in her words—a threat hidden behind a compromise. 

“I'm not entirely convinced of your motives, nor do I wish to involve Alethia in the events that you do become a problem.” It's a diplomatic move to bring her sister into this as an opposing threat to thwart any damage done by Angelica. He does so in hopes she will be tame, if only to save her sister’s good name. 

“But, I do admit we are severely lacking in translators and alchemists. If you wish to stay here, I need to know you'll behave accordingly.”

Her gaze from the stairway softens into something familiar. Alethia often made the same expression after healing an injured ally or double-checking on his or his ward’s faculties.

Leaning forward, she rests her cheek on her palm with a faraway look.

“Count.” Their eyes meet, and he is enraptured by her stare. No longer the calamitous silver that beckons a storm, they are softer with a touch of warmth from the midday sun.

Exploring his own carmine orbs, her smile lessens into something genuine.

“I am trouble, but not without purpose. You'll have to put your trust in me until I can return the favor, but…I can promise you one thing.” Her lashes flutter, tilting her head at the perfect angle to capture his heart. 

“I'll protect each and every one of you until my very last breath.” With that odd promise, she takes off bounding upstairs to claim whatever free bed she can. 

Sharing a look with his ward one last time, Verandis’ exasperation tinges with a subtle amount of fondness for this strange woman’s antics. As pesky as she can be, perhaps this alliance would prove beneficial. 

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Sujamma Sundas

YAYYY, ty for the tags: @skyrim-forever @sulphuricgrin @skyrim-crossing

I'd like to tag: @fangsandsoftgrass @scholarlyhermit @hircines-hunter @bougainvillea-and-saltwater @bostoniangirl21 :) no pressure, I love you guys ♥️

[Post a favorite scene, favorite sentence, favorite dialogue, favorite anything from any fic you've written! If you haven't written any fic, feel free to share your ideas. If you don't have any, recommend a friend's fic!]

Under the cut bc um, it's a bit long 😬 this is from my fic Sweet Decay <3

Truly, this was beginning to be such a strange night and relationship. They weren't in love with each other, this weird limbo they were in was most certainly not love, that much he was sure of. 

“Angelica.” He starts, and loses his nerve so easily he could cringe at his own foolishness, “Come along quietly, we wouldn't wish to rouse your family.” Pouting, she follows him until they are safely out of reach and the thicket’s grown so high it has begun to level her waist. Peering around, her broodiness is forgotten once the air changes; a metallic tang on the underside of her tongue and the air is so thick, it's nearly suffocating. Her tongue shifts in her mouth, toying with her gold-plated piercing as if it could release the sudden taste of blood. It does not. 

“Verandis.” Her voice hisses with warning, frantically whipping around to face the growing sense of danger which seemed to loom ever closer. She doesn't hear his reply, only the pounding of her heartbeat in her ears as a good few figures assault them. They charge for Angelica first, claws tearing through flesh so easily she screams at the blinding, hot pain. It sears her flesh, rendering her useless as she tumbles to the ground with a wounded side. Verandis struggles with his own aggressor, barely able to struggle out of their grasp as its face becomes visible against the dissipating fog. A vampire–they hiss, snarling and gnashing at nothing while Verandis keeps them away with a conjured stave. The second is nowhere to be found, but both are much too gone in their minds to be anything but feral, so she doubts they’d have gotten very far. Bleeding out in the grass while she watches the man she’s sweet on succumb to his fate is not what she planned for this evening. She hadn't even gotten an apology out of him. Clawing against the air, they snarl and bite with the promise of flesh. Picking herself up from the forest floor, Angelica readies her magic against unsteady, twitching fingers. With only one hand to work with, it would be impossible to use her conjured war-hammer, so she'd have to settle for a few undead companions. The earth rumbles beneath her feet as bones chatter and milky phalanges claw past their graves. Under her command, the spirits rush forward, tugging on vampiric flesh with several pops and creaks until a gruesome sight is left trembling beneath Verandis. Sending her a grateful nod, he moves quickly to mend her wound, his hands meeting her ribs with tenderness. It's not until Verandis is pinned before her that she has any recognition of what is happening. At break-neck speeds, the missing feral comes launching for an attack, but her raised skeleton manages to subdue them with a painful crack of its neck. It hangs limply, neck separating from its body unnaturally while its face is set in terror not unlike if it were still sane. With a chance at freeing Verandis from whatever magic surrounds his hands and waist, she squirms forward despite the dull ache lingering in her ribs. Scratches from harrow-fiends could prove fatal, provided they hit the right spot. That wasn't her worry at the moment, though, she could only panic as thundering footsteps rocked forth, rustling foliage as another entity crept into view. Magic bound Verandis so tightly, it was nearly impenetrable as Angelica struggled to tug the links away. Futile, only a spell like this could be broken with the right counter-spell, and she knew of none. Racking her brain of any useful thought, she desperately clawed at his magical binds, panicking as her breath becomes shallow. 

“Run! You need to get out of here, now! ” He was right to warn her as the overbearing presence grew behind her, but she stubbornly refused. Tears prick at her eyes, mocking her for feeling the way she did earlier. Her tantrum seems so childish, now, as she’s reduced to a sniveling mess above him. 

“ No !” She roars, pulling her lips in a snarl, “I refuse to leave you!”

His eyes are wide, and she realizes in spite of the danger, she's never seen him so frightened before.

A voice drawls from behind, “It seems you've met my pets, unfortunate they didn't make it. But, I suppose I'm pleased enough my prey is alive. Your screams will sound so pretty after I've sucked you dry, girl .” 

Reckless, Angelica is quick to collect her burning limbs, immediately directing her undead to the new threat. She's agitated–so tightly woven into the threads of adrenaline that it is the only way she’s remained upright for so long. The man smiles sardonically, appearing amused at her attempts to fight back. A few flicks of his wrist, and half her animated skulls and bones are scattered and razed to ash. It angers her, infuriates her into a blinding rage when the spirits she cares for are so easily scattered into the wind, unmade by a cruel hand that sets their souls into a state of unrest. The hand which clutched her side falls, no longer able to feel pain as another takes over. The pain of loss fuels her vengeance, twisting into the shadow of a war-hammer, inky-black and misty. She slices through the air, her swings a moment too slow to make contact with her foe. He smiles, and she can see his canines extend, ready to pierce her flesh and coat it in her own, sticky ichor. In her haste, she's rash, growing a bit quicker as the fight continues and she adapts to this deadly dance. Magic is brought into the mix, uttering a mantra of necromantic spells while she forces the vampire onto the defensive. Against her assault of fiery skulls, snapping and creaking their jaws to taste flesh, a slice finally makes contact. It crunches sickeningly as the blade strikes his shoulder, just as her quarry exchanges his corporeal form for red mist. Only her panting and the sound of creaking bones can be heard in the clearing, controlling her breaths she listens closer. Nothing–only the sound of the bog nearby, full of chirping crickets, buzzing dragonflies, and the gurgling of water. Her adrenaline begins to fade, and it is her undoing. Pinned to the ground, two fangs nearly sink into her jugular if not for her quick thinking. Unfortunately, with her blade raised against her neck in defense, it allows for it to be used against her. Her blade, although weaved of magic, is swiped from her in a haze, and she is unable to properly dispel it before she's screaming in terror. White, hot pain blurs her vision, heaving through bile and half-strangled whimpers when she realizes her dominant hand is missing. It lies beside her, sinew and flesh clinging to its mangled end as not even bone is left. Biting down on her lip, Angelica makes a last ditch effort, weaving her missing bone into a dagger which she brutally stabs into the belly of her attacker. Imbuing it with fire, she wins the advantage with the element of surprise, sending the vampire stumbling backwards as she continues to assault him. Screaming in rage, she redoubles her efforts, tears free-flowing as she decapitates the monster. Only when his head rolls free with a vacant expression, does she collapse in a heap of exhaustion. If not dealt with soon, she would expire as well. Thankfully, his magic bindings disappear, setting the Count free as he reaches for his crumpled companion. Loopy from adrenaline, and perhaps a bit delusional, she smiles crookedly. “I saved your ass, Count, that had better earn me an apology.” Her eyes roll back before she can catch his beautifully sad expression, though. Even as Verandis calls out to her, she fades against him, unable to hear a word as nothing is left unclaimed by the void of unconsciousness.

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WIP whenever

Ty for the tag @yansurnummu sorry Ik it's late!

I won't tag anyone bc it's late and new years eve (hehe not in like 4 hours tho >:) then it will be birthday month)

I've got some rough sketches of Alethia and Angelica :D been trying to experiment with my style and actually LEARN anatomy instead of guessing lol 🫣

Happy new year!! Love you guys 😽💕

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Ayyy, I guess I don't sleep anymore so take this thing that's been floating in my mind. Warning, sexual themes y'know so it's under the cut. Ok on a completely unrelated note, I've been listening to get jinxed for like three days, and I HAVE to draw Angelica in her get-up. At some point. Also why tf am I down bad for silco??? Out of everyone?? Not the big buff lady, but the sad little Mafia looking dude?? I'm cooked

Distracted once more by the sweet scent of perfume masked decay, his grip tightens on the quill. Memories cloud his judgement, and he is suddenly enraptured by the enigma that is their newest member. Beyond the drywall and oddly pristine wallpaper, he can hear the little scamp humming. Her little melody is enough for him to picture her pouring over old tomes layered in a fine coat of dust. Verandis is pulled from his musings as the walls vibrate. Groaning as he leans back against his chair, Angelica was obviously not keeping her word of behaving. Only subtle when it worked in her favor, he was beginning to doubt her brief show of domesticity. Another vibration–louder this time, and clearly volatile as dust sprinkles onto his desk from the ceiling. Hardly containing his annoyance, Verandis rises from his desk to stride towards Angelica's ‘room.’ 

No longer just shaking the room, the vibrations are now accompanied with resounding claps and plumes of smoke creeping from beneath the doorframe. Verandis twists the doorknob to the left, hastily creaking the door open only to see what he wished he hadn't. 

What was once a relatively clean room, is now decorated in strangely colored splatters of what he prays is from alchemy ingredients. Although, her disheveled appearance  was certainly not inspiring any hope. Raking a hand through long, dark locks, Verandis folds his arms with a disapproving frown while boring holes into the back of her head. Tapping her foot to the same melody, she’s hunched over the workbench wearing a pair of haphazardly worn goggles. They served hardly any purpose as the rest of her was clad in a short nightgown, if one could call the frivolous scraps of silk clinging to her curves that. Lost in her own world, Angelica doesn't hear the count’s steps until his nimble fingers catch her wrist before she can pour another toxic-looking vial into a beaker. 

Her sudden reaction boggles his mind, unable to react in time to being pounced on. With the movements of an acrobat, she twists herself backwards, effortlessly wriggling from his grasp to that of a handstand. Over the top as always, she theatrically captures his neck around the plushness of her thighs and brings both of them crashing down. Hands firmly planted just beneath his ribs, her surprised laughter bounces across the corners of the small room. 

Tugging her goggles up to rest across her forehead, Angelica swivels around peering at Verandis prone on the slick, marble floor. She grins, and somewhere in the back of his mind, Verandis wonders if she's ever been serious a day in her life. 

Tiredly gazing back at her, his eyes flicker to her cleavage which threatens to spill from her undergarment-lacking nightgown. 

“Aw, my bad, Count. Still in one piece?”

Huffing, he takes the ashen hand she holds out in aid. 

“Yes, I believe so.” Patting his robes of dust, Verandis sighs. “Is there a reason you're dressed like…that, while working on such delicate experiments? I imagine it can't do much for safety.”

She shrugs, hopping up onto her workbench. The wood groans beneath her weight, and a few mysteriously colored liquids slosh about in their vials. Gathering her vials, Verandis carefully fixes them into the nearby test-tube holder, if only to lower his rising blood-pressure. 

Watching his ministrations, she grins wildly.

“You’re worried.” 

Blinking, Verandis has to physically hold himself back from wiping that smirk off her lips. Stopping whatever biting reply he can give, Verandis eyes her with a firm expression. 

Searching his eyes, she's quiet for just a moment, even if it feels longer due to the absence of her usual remarks. 

Wiping a stray splatter of liquid from her cheek, he finally replies.

“I am, and incredibly irritated by your lack of obedience among other things.” The pinch in his brows only grows with each gentle rise and fall of her chest. 

Before he can pull his thumb away from her cheek, Angelica holds his wrist in place. Looking very amorous, he can only guess what ridiculous response she’ll spew.

“I suppose I was feeling a little…ignored, Count.”

Settling for a disbelieving expression, he snorts. 

"Ignored?"

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Ty for the tag: @skyrim-forever @lillxart @theoneandonlysemla @dirty-bosmer ♥️♥️♥️♥️

Its very late, but I'd like to tag: @fangsandsoftgrass @aviel-the-trans-bucket @aanthirin @hircines-hunter @sanza-17 no pressure, I love you all ♥️🐸

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 💕

Hmmm, I have a hard time thinking about this because I'm still not sure how I want Alethia to meet Fenn lol. On the other hand, everyone knows how Angelica met Verandis lol-by inserting herself into his life 🤪

I went crazy, so it's under the cut bc it's so damn long

Alethia has always gotten visions from Mara, but they were never about potential lovers. Sometime after the whole thing going on in Elsewyr, Alethia comes back to Western Skyrim to grieve. Her mourning is interrupted by the events of the Harrowstorm DLC, and she meets Fennorian for the first time. For a moment, she hesitates, completely struck by an electric feeling while visions pass. She's stunned-watching him with her mouth open as she watches Fennorian in awe. Neither him or Shelaria notice, so she pulls herself together and battles ensue while she tries to act normal lol. It takes a very long time for their relationship to even happen. Alethia bottles those feelings up, and paired with her low self-worth, it only gets worse until she's stopped taking her medicine. After the latest DLC, she's a wreck, coughing on her bathroom floor as she loses consciousness. Fennorian had sensed something was wrong earlier, and decides to check on her. He smells the blood, and hurries to her side. Words are said, and honestly he's a bit angry with her for acting like she is, but finally he tells her how he feels. I think it's sort of funny Fennorian tells her how he feels, since I don't think he's ever taken the initiative on something like this. Its raw, but very meaningful. Things are still hard after; Alethia is not used to being in a relationship, even if she loves Fenn. So basically it goes from friends -> close friends -> lovers (but we don't know what we're doing lol) I can imagine Alethia loves speaking with Fenn about alchemy ingredients, sciency sort of topics too. Not particularly devout, I would think maybe Fenn might be interested in Alethia's faith. She's a cuddler for sure, I would think that happens most after some big event where she just snuggles into his bed. 

Things are different with Angelica and Verandis. Honestly, idk how they're gonna end up, but as of right now they're getting closer. Angelica purposely inserted herself into his life, and Verandis is very wary of her. At first it's very cautious. Despite the intimate relations, both of them try to keep each other at a distance, until Angelica becomes irritated with it. In between their liaisons, she's been working on something of a 'cure' specifically for House Ravenwatch vampires. Some sort of elixir that improves their strength, without the need of blood--thats the elixir's job; to provide sustenance. Still not sure on the specifics, but it's her ticket into his life. It becomes a lot more meaningful after the first big event where she loses her arm. She's quite lost after that, and I imagine something blossoms between them. Probably goes something like not really friends(??) with benefits -> friends?? -> allies -> romance!! -> lovers <3 When things finally get romantic, I'd imagine Angelica would really enjoy walks along the beaches of Summerset. Like her sister, she'd probably appreciate time with Verandis in the laboratory; something where they're working together. Angelica has difficulty sleeping (due to the sheer number of souls/spirits she carries around with her) so, I could imagine Verandis lulling her to sleep.

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WOoO Angelica playlist just dropped ;]

Also have some sketches of her bc I'm insane for her she's too pretty and flirty 😩

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Angelica + Fenn 👀 Hehe man swap

She would EAT him up omg. I think this one could either be really sweet or super nasty (in the good way). Like, she would totally dominate him, both inside and outside of the bedroom, I doubt Fenn would know what to do in that situation 😂 But, she does have the capacity to be sweet lol, so now I'm torn between dominatrix Angelica and teasing/flirty but sweet Angelica, haha. I do think Angelica would be quite protective of her wet cat boyfriend, and would definitely be using him as a guinea pig for her alchemy concoctions. Which is also funny, because this is the only area Fenn probably wouldn't be intimidated in lmaoo.

[pocket-vvardvark]

Cooking smth up 😏

Also, take this silly scamp Alethia dressed up when she was like five

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For this newest OC ask thingy, could you maybe tell me about Alethia's parents? I'm curious :)

Thank you for the curiosity!! I'm just as curious what my brain will come up with haha 😂

Alethia’s biological parents are Ylva Wintersong and Meriano. Ylva was born and raised in Winterhold. During her years there, she was often quite gloomy and stubbornly resistant against her parents’ wishes of becoming a priestess like her maternal grandmother. She rebelled quite heavily against becoming a priestess of Mara, and instead wanted to pursue the mercenary’s life. It's not that Ylva was against the healing arts, but instead she hated the idea of leading a boring life as a healer. Also, Mara represented everything she wasn't, which felt too close for comfort. Love frightened her, and she was often too brash to form intimate relationships. Eventually, she finally conceded against her parents’ nudges, and traveled to Solitude to learn the art of healing at the temple of Mara. Ylva was surprised when she was met by so many kind faces. The priests and priestesses were so gentle with her—even when she stubbornly pushed back against some of their rules. A new spark of passion enveloped her, and Ylva found herself actually enjoying her time at the temple. It was something new, and it felt good to help others. She rose up the ranks rather quickly, surprising even herself at her ability to learn restoration magic. Still, the pig-headed part of her personality refused to be pushed down, even as a goofy, drunken sailor from Summerset wouldn't leave her alone. 

One night, while she was about to walk around the forest, she tripped on a body lying at the temple steps. Meriano was fast asleep, his body hugging an ale bottle. Surely, he would have succumbed to frostbite, or a hungry animal if she hadn't pulled him in. She regretted saving his life as soon as the flirting began. There was something more to his arrival, she could see it in his demeanor, but refused to press him. Somehow, his annoying nature wormed it's way into her heart, and Ylva began to care for him. Meriano would stop by once her hours were completed, and they would talk. Over the course of their talks, he spoke about his past, and admitted he was running away from home. Meriano came from a very high class family in Summerset and needed to marry soon. Unfortunately, these arranged marriages take time, effort and rarely ever involve love on either side. Meriano, being the hopeless romantic that he is, desired to be with someone who loved him, not his wealth or class. Something changed in the way Ylva viewed him—she started thinking about all the nice things he’d done for her, even if she wasn’t all that nice back. He would help around the temple by bringing back ingredients needed for salves, or for comfort whenever the sick would pass. Her grumpiness didn't bother him, and that struck something deep within her. Something that she stuffed down and tried to hide so many times in fear of being hurt. Ylva began to open up. It was small, at first, but soon they forged a bond that couldn't be broken. They bonded in secret, and Anitra is the first of their children. She is much like her mother—pig-headed and moody. Asta is the second, serious and level-headed. Their third and most rambunctious child is Angelica. Sickly but sweet is Alethia, their fourth child. The youngest of them all, but the most carefree, is Anabelle. Today, Meriano spends most of his time at sea and Ylva as high priestess at the temple of Mara.

Lol, I gotta let them cook in my brain for more lore😭

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#14 for Sulphuricgrin's TES OC ask thing, for whichever OC you'd like to answer about (I'm just generally curious about the symbolism people associate their OCs with)

Thank you so much for the ask!!! I'll answer for Alethia and Angelica >:)

TES OC ask game here :D

So, for animals, Alethia is definitely a wolf! Mostly for her faith in Mara, but also because she can be as fierce, protective, and loyal as one. I like associating her with pansies because they represent compassion, which I think, is a strong trait of hers.

For Angelica, I like to think she's more of a fox. She's mischievous and enjoys playing pranks on people, but can also be just as loyal/protective. I love, love associating her with the flower, bird of paradise, because she is keen on remaining free and is joyful even when times are bad.

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Ok ok so idk why, but I really want to head-canon that Meriano and Vanus knew each other bc he transported ancient relics to the guild. Anyways, idk if I ever said stuff about Angelica, but she takes an interest in translations in Lillandril after hearing about the college of sapiarchs nearby and what they do. She joins the mages guild way later, since she's too young to join the college during her family's stay in Lillandril. Anyways, this nonsense ensues during...idk Greymoor maybe??? Vanus is going to light her ass on fire guys tell her to stop 😭

The early morning sun rose steadily above the light-pink sky–a surefire sign of winter. No matter how cold it became in Skyrim, the sunrises and sunsets were at least pretty to look at. Vanus was never built for the cold, he imagines no mer is. Summerset never experienced winter, it remained cast in vibrant green and rosy pink and lavender foliage forever. Perhaps this was a welcome change, especially since the usual was beginning to become stale. That isn’t why he is here, though. An associate of his that transports relics to Solitude has happened upon a particularly interesting find. An Ayleid slate which is in dire need of translating. Fortunately, his associate’s daughter is quite the formidable translator. He has heard first hand that her skills are not to be underestimated in favor of her age. Whether that is familial pride or the truth, he supposes he’ll find out soon enough. 

Manicured fingernails scrape across his robes, and Vanus jumps at the sudden touch. The woman meets his gaze with a cat-like smile as she faces him–her overwhelming perfume surrounding him.

“Ah.” Vanus clears his throat, “You must be the translator.” 

She doesn’t respond immediately as she gives him a once-over. Her smile is becoming unnerving the longer they sit in silence. Her fingers pull away to pat his cheek, earning a grunt of disapproval from him. 

“I have a name, handsome.” She bats her long eyelashes from beneath her tear-stained smoky-eye.

“Angelica.” He answers.

She hums, “So, you do know it. You know…my father talked an awful lot about you.” Angelica takes a seat across from him, checking her nails. “So did my sister.” She adds.

“Sister?” he quirks a brow.

“Mhm.” She glances up, “Hm, let’s see…what do you call her?” She toys with a strand of dark-red hair between her fingers. “The hero of Nirn? The soulless one? Ooh, ooh, I know.” She grins, basking in his attention. “The vestige.” He perks up in realization. So, this was the vestige’s sister, Angelica. They don’t seem to have much in common. This woman is not at all like Alethia–kind and sweeter than pie. Angelica was more like a nixad, or a banekin, but perhaps twice as stubborn than both. Gregarious and a trickster, the perfect combination for a headache, he thinks. At least he could use her charming personality for social visits with clients, provided that she behaves. 

Angelica tilts her head with a thoughtful expression, and there’s a flicker of hope in his mind that she won’t be terribly rowdy. 

“So, want to have dinner with me?” Well, that squashed any hope he had. Entirely. 

Vanus sighs, massaging his temples, “No, Angelica. You’re grossly misunderstanding this visit if you think I came here for smalltalk.”

She pouts, “Aww, you didn’t? Papa said we would get along, since we’re opposites and all.”

Great, her father filled her head with stories about him. None that were accurate, it seems.

“I’m afraid it isn’t likely we will become closer than…acquaintances. At best.” He harrumphs. 

She crosses her milky thighs, smirking when they catch his attention. Her flirtations would certainly cause him to strain something with how vexing they are becoming. 

“That’s a shame.” She drawls, her eyes lidding dangerously. “I don’t mind the age gap. In fact, don’t you think it adds to the temptation? Or, maybe you prefer something mundane. I could be the perfect housewife.”

Without another word, Vanus shoves the tablet her way. “No chance, Angelica. I’m far too capable a mage to be drawn in by your poorly done act of seduction. It’ll take more than that to tempt the likes of the great mage.” His arrogance excited her, and that only irritated him further.

She rolls her eyes, smiling playfully as she grabs the slate. 

Her eyes take the small stone tablet in, observing it cautiously. Moss gathers on its corners and slightly obscures some words. Hopefully, those wouldn’t be terribly hard to ponder, but that is what her work usually details. Endless pondering upon various observations. 

“Well, well, well…” Her voice trails off, eyes stuck on some letter or worn down structure. “Interesting.”

Vanus looks on, a look of impatience passing his expression when she glances up to meet his eyes.

Gently, Angelica lies the tablet back in its case. “This little thing has spent some time in the ocean, hm?”

“Don’t tell me that’s all you've gathered.” He frowns when she giggles.

A pale hand waves him off, “Oh, please, I’ll need some more time before I dig deeper, my dear archmagister.”

“Don’t call me that.”

Cue another snort, “It’s made from marble, maybe something softer than that. The ocean won’t readily dissolve hard rock, you see? These cracks and formations came from somewhere coastal. But, you’ve gathered that already, I take it?”

Vanus huffs, “Quite so. I expect you to take this seriously. You work for the mages guild already, so I hope this attitude isn’t permanent, initiate.”

Angelica guffaws, “Ah-ah-ah.” She waves a long-nailed finger as though she were scolding a kitten. “Try Expert. I’m no child, Vanus. Even if the years between us say so, I do know my translations.”

“Fine, then at least be agreeable.”

She blows a kiss, “Anything for you, handsome.” He doesn’t have time to scold her, because she gathers the case and makes a bee-line for the mages guild.

His shoulders sag once her profile is done swaying out of the pub. This woman was going to be the bane of his existence for however long he needed to remain on this miserable rock.

[pocket-vvardvark]

🙌✏️💎 for Alethia ! :3

TY FOR THE ASKS!! SORRY THIS TOOK FOREVER LOL ʕ⁠っ⁠•⁠ᴥ⁠•⁠ʔ⁠っ

🙌 How many siblings does your OC have?

Alethia has 4 sisters! Going from oldest to youngest: Anitra(30), Asta(28), Angelica(27), and Anabelle(19)! Lots of A’s, haha. Anitra is travelling Galen as a dragonknight, Asta is helping their father in Lillandril, Angelica is wandering Rivenspire as an alchemist/translator for the mages guild and working with House Ravenwatch while Alethia is away, and Anabelle is still at home in Solitude helping her Mother at the temple of Mara. Anitra isn't very talkative, and is sort of like her mother except even more protective. She helps Alethia out in combat training a lot. Asta babies Alethia a lot because of her health, and often takes care of her funds lol, bc girly buys way too many things AND properties lmao. Angelica likes hanging out and teaching Alethia new languages. Anabelle enjoys sparring with Alethia, but dreads going over Mara’s scriptures lol.

✏️ How often do you draw/write about your OC?

Hehe, quite a bit! I love drawing and talking about Alethia! She's in my mind often 😁

💎Do you ever see yourself killing off the OC?

This is such an interesting question, because I head-canon that the vestige can't really die. I actually don't think she's going to hide her immortality. She's a helpful person, and will do anything in her power to aid others. So, maybe she'll stick around the temple of Mara and take over her Mother’s position as head priestess and continue to study restoration! 

[pocket-vvardvark]

2 & 20 for the OC interview :) any OC(s)! I just wanna hear about anyone/everyone!!

TY for the asks :D Angelica and Alexandra are getting some love <33

2) When they cast magic, what’s their style? Are they flamboyant or reserved? Do they wave their hands around? Do they like making a show of it? Are they verbal?

Despite her reserved nature, I think Alethia is very verbal when casting spells. She invokes Mara’s name quite a bit, and will be very precise and exact with her motions–often over-exaggerating them to make herself appear imposing (which she doesn't, lol). 

Unlike her little sister, Angelica is incredibly flamboyant. She isn’t at all serious or pious when summoning undead. Although sworn to raise only those who wish it, Angelica remains playful in the face of battle. She enjoys taunting her enemy and putting on grand performances for her own amusement, before striking the final blow. 

When in battle, Alexandra prefers to unleash her suppressed fury, and will usually cast her bound weapons with quite the display of bloodlust. It’s hard to keep the dragon inside calm, so fighting becomes a joy when she realizes she can cast her restless nature aside. During battle, she is mostly non-verbal and focused on whatever she can carve up. 

20) If you took their bag and upended it now, what would you find in it?

If you shook out everything in Alethia’s bag, you would probably find an assortment of strange items. Something of a packrat, Alethia holds onto trinkets and items that hold memories for her. Also, she does carry a little pouch of makeup in the case of parties, and a whole lot of food (mostly boiled creme treats lol). On the occasion she can sit down, she does bring reading material in the form of bawdy romance novels and several arcane texts (to hide her smut). 

Alexandra’s bag would probably have an assortment of magic scrolls for quick use, and spare daggers. Only the bare essentials with this lady, she can be very cut and dry. Her mother’s necklace also resides in her bag, so she can witness her journey beyond death. 

Angelica’s bag is full of knick-knacks, bones, and texts she was supposed to translate but didn't, from the archmagister. The bones serve no use, but they are pretty to look at. Her bag is sparse aside from this, because she relies on whatever willing soul would like to be raised from the dead. 

[pocket-vvardvark]

modern Angelica. That's it. That's the post. Need it to be more candy cotton ish 😩

[pocket-vvardvark]

Ok ok ok I'm like soooo excited to write the next scene for sweet decay 😩 like, I have this cute little image of Angelica and Verandis in the market while she's just zooming all over the place to look at shit and pulling him along. Y'all, I can't 😭 before shit gets serious and they take voyage to Lillandril. She's gonna see papa Meriano soon and I'm excited for that too. She'll probably rough him up considering he hasn't sent any letters lately >:( and then maaaaybe aunt Shana will make an appearance?? I really would like to write her character, but I'm worried there's too many OCs already 😭😭

[pocket-vvardvark]

Angelica teases Alethia about her crushes 😭

Tell her sister to stop bullying her pls.

It's a pretty day, the world is covered in white fluffy sheets of snow while the cardinals sing their song. Snowflakes cast down from the sky, gently succumbing to their fall on Alethia's boots. Her sister lies in the snow beside her, skipping a pebble on the only water left unclaimed by frost. 

Angelica was never good at skipping stones, and it's quite easy to tell as the pebble sinks pitifully to the bottom of the frozen lake. 

A smile makes its way to Alethia's lips regardless. The simplicity of the moment makes her relax. If only her life was always this simple, she thinks. Once the thought crosses her mind, she's already imagining how quaint it would have been. It annoys her. She would have preferred this life—a life of constantly being on the run, and fighting unimaginable dangers—simply to avoid her own thoughts. It's never good to be left alone with your mind for too long, her sister had always told her. She understands now, and feels a sudden wave of concern consume her. Glancing over to her sister, she didn't seem upset or depressed at all. Yet, it nags at the back of her mind. Angelica was a trickster and far, far too good at hiding what she really thought. 

Angelica lies there, eyes far out as she hums some silly song she heard at a tavern no doubt from days prior. Her forefingers skim the smooth surface of the pebble in her hand, and yet she hesitates to throw it. Another lurch in Alethia's belly. She, too, hesitates, even if it's for a completely different reason. 

Tucking her knees to her chest, Alethia swallows dry. 

"Angie." 

Angelica's head turns to face her sister, stormy eyes meeting blue. She smiles, but otherwise says nothing. It unnerves her, per usual. 

Alethia grunts, nudging her sister. "Say something when I call you. It freaks me out."

Knowingly, her sister's lips pull up further in a grin. 

"That's why I do it."

Alethia rolls her eyes, snorting. 

"Alright, alright. What's the matter, Al? Having trouble with your crushes? Who's it this time? Still the queen?" She relishes Alethia's flushed cheeks. 

"No!" Alethia huffs, trying to stop her blushing.

"Oh, come on! I bet one of those dashing men and women you work with caught your heart. Even momentarily?" She smiles, thinking with an impish grin. "Okay, how about...hm, I got a good long look at that count you worked with." She whistles, and it really doesn't help Alethia's flustered state.

Angelica scoffs, "Oh, please, he had a very nice ass." Her knee bounces idly as laughter fills the small space. 

Another groan, and Angelica rolls her eyes. "Alright, so what about Tharn?"

The world stops for a moment, and Alethia has to physically bite her cheeks to silence herself.

"Ooh, interesting reaction. Is it the power? Do you think he's any good in bed?"

"It was a moment of weakness." Alethia stutters out. 

"I bet that's what all sixteen of his wives said before having the most incredible se-"

"Angie, please." 

Angelica snorts, "Okay, I guess seasoned men are my thing, huh?"

That does pry a laugh from Alethia's lips, her shoulder gently bumping with her sister's.

"You like his son, don't you?"

Her laughter is momentarily silenced, overtaken by worry.

"Is that bad? Am I weird? Too pious, maybe? Or, maybe I'm just too sad and lonely for his tastes. Wait...maybe I smell weird to him, since he's a vampire a-"

The thoughts that tumble from her lips too eagerly end once she feels the warm embrace of her sister.

"Shh, it's okay. Alethia, you're the brightest star on Mundus. By Mara, no one could ever hate you. I know that." She pulls back, holding her sister's hands. "Please, Al, believe in yourself just this once." 

"I think that of you, too." 

Those words do not fall on deaf ears as Angelica's steel-colored eyes widen.

"I was thinking about you before. I was thinking about all the times you've comforted me, and yet I haven't done the same. I love you, Angie. You're the best big sister I could ever ask for."

A pin could be dropped in the snow, and Alethia swears she would be able to hear it with how silent her sister is. It seems that even the birds have quieted down.

A tender brush to her hair pulls Alethia from her doubts, paired with Angelica's smile. 

"I love you, too, Alethia. Just your presence is enough to brighten my day. You're the best little sister I could ever ask for." 

They smile and laugh, embracing once more.

She spies that impish grin again, "So, have you told him yet?"

"Mara, no!" Alethia laughs girlishly. 

"Well...coming from an experienced woman in matters of the heart." Alethia rolls her eyes as Angelica continues. 

"I think he likes you, too."

"Really?" 

A fond smile makes its way to Angelica's lips, splitting her self-doubt and fear of rejection into nothing but an after-thought.

"I do."