I am Elenwen

First Emissary, Ambassador and Leader of the Thalmor in Skyrim. Feel free to send me your questions and I shall answer to the best of my abilities. Be warned, if you send hate or show signs of being a Talos worshipper, you shall be sent to Master Rulindil for a quiet word. [ Roleplay and ask blog for the canon character Elenwen from Bethesda's Skyrim. Formerly known as ask-the-thalmor-ambassador. ]

[malevolentnightshade]

Are you scared of the high justiciar?

"No... I'm not scared of him." Elenwen responded slowly with a tilt of her head, choosing her words very carefully.

"High Justiciar Lylindilaran is a truly formidable mer and one worthy of the greatest respect. It is my honour to serve him in the name of the Thalmor and of our homeland, Alinor."

[malevolentnightshade]

8. How loose is their use of the phrase ‘I love you’?

((Elenwen is not someone who is often very openly affectionate. “I love you” isn’t something she goes around casually saying. 

When it comes to her family, her feelings towards them are often times complex, especially when it comes to her father, but deep down she does love them. However, she hasn’t verbally expressed that love to any of them since she was a child and that’s unlikely to change any time soon. 

Similarly with close friends, such as Aicendor, she does love them, but she’s far more likely to express her love in other ways, such as always being willing to listen to and help with their problems.

The exception would be a romantic partner. Elenwen prefers to take courting quite slowly, but once she becomes truly comfortable and at ease with a partner, she is very forthcoming with verbal expressions of affection, so long as they are in private. 

Before their relationship ended, Elenwen often told Manarion how much she loved him. She made a point of telling him every night before they both drifted off to sleep and in the morning before they parted ways to oversee their respective duties. Manarion was the one person Elenwen felt comfortable to freely express her affection for.))

[judasrpc]

WEIRDLY SPECIFIC BUT HELPFUL CHARACTER BUILDING QUESTIONS

What’s the lie your character says most often?

How loosely or strictly do they use the word ‘friend’?

How often do they show their genuine emotions to others versus just the audience knowing?

What’s a hobby they used to have that they miss?

Can they cry on command? If so, what do they think about to make it happen?

What’s their favorite [insert anything] that they’ve never recommended to anyone before?

What would you (mun) yell in the middle of a crowd to find them? What would their best friend and/or romantic partner yell?

How loose is their use of the phrase ‘I love you’?

Do they give tough love or gentle love most often? Which do they prefer to receive?

What fact do they excitedly tell everyone about at every opportunity?

If someone was impersonating them, what would friends / family ask or do to tell the difference?

What’s something that makes them laugh every single time? Be specific!

When do they fake a smile? How often?

How do they put out a candle?

What’s the most obvious difference between their behavior at home, at work, at school, with friends, and when they’re alone?

What kinds of people do they have arguments with in their head?

What do they notice first in the mirror versus what most people first notice looking at them?

Who do they love truly, 100% unconditionally (if anyone)?

What would they do if stuck in a room with the person they’ve been avoiding?

Who do they like as a person but hate their work? Vice versa, whose work do they like but don’t like the person?

What common etiquette do they disagree with? Do they still follow it?

What simple activity that most people do / can do scares your character?

What do they feel guilty for that the other person(s) doesn’t / don’t even remember?

Did they take a cookie from the cookie jar? What kind of cookie was it?

What subject / topic do they know a lot about that’s completely useless to the direct plot?

How would they respond to being fired by a good boss?

What’s the worst gift they ever received? How did they respond?

What do they tell people they want? What do they actually want?

How do they respond when someone doesn’t believe them?

When they make a mistake and feel bad, does the guilt differ when it’s personal versus when it’s professional?

When do they feel the most guilt? How do they respond to it?

If they committed one petty crime / misdemeanor, what would it be? Why?

How do they greet someone they dislike / hate?

How do they greet someone they like / love?

What is the smallest, morally questionable choice they’ve made?

Who do they keep in their life for professional gain? Is it for malicious intent?

What’s a secret they haven’t told serious romantic partners and don’t plan to tell?

What hobby are they good at in private, but bad at in front of others? Why?

Would they rather be invited to an event to feel included or be excluded from an event if they were not genuinely wanted there?

How do they respond to a loose handshake? What goes through their head?

What phrases, pronunciations, or mannerisms did they pick up from someone / somewhere else?

If invited to a TED Talk, what topic would they present on? What would the title of their presentation be?

What do they commonly misinterpret because of their own upbringing / environment / biases? How do they respond when realizing the misunderstanding?

What language would be easiest for them to learn? Why?

What’s something unimportant / frivolous that they hate passionately?

Are they a listener or a talker? If they’re a listener, what makes them talk? If they’re a talker, what makes them listen?

Who have they forgotten about that remembers them very well?

Who would they say ‘yes’ to if invited to do something they abhorred / strongly didn’t want to do?

Would they eat something they find gross to be polite?

What belief / moral / personality trait do they stand by that you (mun) personally don’t agree with?

What’s a phrase they say a lot?

Do they act on their immediate emotions, or do they wait for the facts before acting?

Who would / do they believe without question?

What’s their instinct in a fight / flight / freeze / fawn situation?

What’s something they’re expected to enjoy based on their hobbies / profession that they actually dislike / hate?

If they’re scared, who do they want comfort from? Does this answer change depending on the type of fear?

What’s a simple daily activity / motion that they mess up often?

How many hobbies have they attempted to have over their lifetime? Is there a common theme?

[malevolentnightshade]

How is your cat lately?

“Rael? He is fine. He mostly spends his time sleeping.”

Elenwen tilted her head slightly, thinking a little more. “I suppose he has been more affectionate than usual recently. Maybe he has been picking up on my less than happy mood of late?”

“Otherwise I suppose he’s also been enjoying the additional space on my bed now. More than once I have woken up to find myself near falling off because he has decided to sprawl across the vast majority of it.”

[malevolentnightshade]

highjusticiar​:

“If you change your mind, feel free to speak up.” The High Justiciar brushed off his robes, similar to Elenwen’s but with slightly more intricate gold inlay and more grandiose robes that added to his already intimidating stature. He looked up at her question, raising a pale brow slightly as he contemplated his answer. “Until I have selected suitable replacement for General Elahriel and he is either eliminated or recaptured and sent back to Summerset.”

“O-of course...” Elenwen had expected such an answer, but her blood still ran cold at the mention of “elimination”. She tried not to let the mixture of fear and unease show on her face, but it was easier said than done.

“If you need anything during your stay,” she finally managed after clearing her throat, “I am at your service.” Looking up at him carefully, she gave a respectful nod of her head.

[malevolentnightshade]

Is there really no way back for you and Manarion? You clearly still care about him

"...It is not that simple." Elenwen frowned deeply. "I may wish that it were, but..."

She sighed softly before shaking her head. "I do not want to discuss this any further."

[malevolentnightshade]

highjusticiar​:

The High Justiciar frowned slightly, tilting his head as he watched the Ambassador’s clear discomfort for a second or two before carefully amending his previous statement.

“Perhaps I was mistaken. My apologies, my dear. I am just concerned, especially with how this has evidently affected you.” He offered a small, sympathetic smile, which softened some more at Elenwen’s own apology. He waved it away with one hand. “The sentiment is appreciated, Ambassador, but wholly unnecessary. I quite understand and I thank you for your renewed dedication.”

He stood up carefully, sweeping his robes back gracefully. “I do believe that all my questions have been answered. Is there anything you require of me, my dear, before I retire for the night? I apologize, but it has been a long journey.”

Elenwen was unsure how genuine Lylindilaran’s sympathy was, but she appreciated him swiftly backing down from the issue. 

“I... Thank you, ser. I will be fine, though.” Her words were far from convincing. She felt the furthest away from “fine” than ever before. Every day in recent weeks had felt like a never-ending nightmare that she had no hope of escaping. And now the headache of the High Justiciar turning up out of blue was only adding to her grief.

As Lylindilaran stood, Elenwen likewise followed suit, albeit a little less gracefully. At his question, she shook her head slowly. “No, I do not think so.” There was a short pause before Elenwen queried with polite curiosity, “How long do you anticipate being in Skyrim, if you don’t mind me asking?”

[malevolentnightshade]

highjusticiar​:

Lylindilaran finished his tea, setting the cup and saucer off to the side once more and leaning back in his chair to observe the Ambassador for a moment. He was pleased she was willing to help, but why and if it was a means to her own ends was yet to be determined. He never took anything at face value, these days.

“From what I heard, things between the two of you got rather heated, my dear. I hope he was not too much of a brute. Elahriel has a short temper. Excellent tactician, but he lacks some foresight in some manners.”

Elenwen visibly squirmed in her seat, a red heat rushing to her cheeks. Gods, she did not want to be having this conversation right now with her superior. It was true gossip spread at lightning speeds within the Embassy, but Elenwen was still mortified that even Lylindilaran had managed to catch wind of it despite only recently arriving.

“I... H-he...” She struggled awkwardly to find some way of replying that would not yield any further details of her personal affairs. It seemed everybody already knew far too much.

Taking a breath to calm herself, she finally offered, “I, again, apologise profusely for allowing private matters to spill out into my professional work. It was very unseemly of me and you have my word that I will not allow it to happen again.”

[malevolentnightshade]

highjusticiar​:

“I would ask you to at least make an attempt to convince him to return. It would be the best for everyone involved.” Lylindilaran replied, reaching over to pick up his cup of tea once more. He took a sip, contemplating his next words before idly tilting his head. “My intelligence says he goes from inn to inn, with no discernible pattern. He has always been rather irrational. Why do you ask?”

“...Of course”, Elenwen nodded obediently, but she could not bring herself to look the High Justiciar in the eyes. 

A small wave of relief washed over Elenwen as Lylindilaran explained what little they knew of Manarion’s exact whereabouts. She prayed it would stay that way for the foreseeable. 

“I suppose I was just curious.” She replied coolly, feeling, at least momentarily, a little more confident. “I have not been aware of his movements since his departure.”

That wasn’t entirely true. Captain Estira had on one occasion informed her that she had been in touch with her father when he had been somewhere near Morthal. And before he had left, Manarion himself had told her that if she needed to reach him, she could send word to the inn in Ivarstead. There was no way she was going to reveal any of this to the High Justiciar, however.

[malevolentnightshade]

highjusticiar​:

The High Justiciar offered a polite, albeit somewhat chilling smile at the offer, seemingly pleased with Elenwen’s willingness to work with him. “I am certain that if anyone can convince the General to cooperate and return to the Dominion for re-education and re-training, he can continue his service, or retire with all the honors he has received throughout his long, illustrious career.” Lylindilaran lifted his shoulders in a brief shrug. “I confess myself rather confused as to why our dear General appears to think that living amongst Nords of all things is preferable.”

“...I don’t know if he would listen to me.” Elenwen mumbled very softly, more to herself than the mer before her, her gaze falling to her lap. 

After all she had said to Manarion the night before he left, he had every right to hate her. To never want to see hide nor hair of her again. And Elenwen truly believed she deserved every ounce of his contempt. Surely there was no way she could convince him of anything ever again.

Eventually, the Ambassador pulled herself from her internal wallowing to ask Lylindilaran a question that had been plaguing her since she been told of his arrival. 

“Do you... Do you have any idea where Elahriel is currently?” 

[malevolentnightshade]

highjusticiar:

Lylindilaran raised his brows in question, smiling pleasantly, as one of his underlings did not just directly question his motives and plans in front of him. Fortunately, he was in a good mood, and the Ambassador had not questioned him in front of others, soldiers, justiciars, or other emissaries.

“Unfortunately, my dear, we must at least make the attempt. If a General can flaunt the Dominion and escape unscathed, it would put us in quite a conundrum. Would you not agree?” He held up his hands in a way that almost said; what else can I possibly do? before he continued speaking. “Yes, yes, I have considered that as well. Recovering Elahriel is the higher of the two priorities. Rest assured, my dear Ambassador, I am overseeing a suitable replacement while Elahriel undergoes appropriate re-education. I suppose it depends on him how this goes.”

The Ambassador shifted uncomfortably, her slender ears drooping slightly despite her best attempts to hide any emotion. She could not push any further. She’d already been beyond lucky that her words had not angered Lylindilaran. 

After a long silence, Elenwen gave a small nod to acknowledge her superior’s explanation. She did not agree with it, however. “Re-education” was simply a nice turn of phrase so as not to demean polite conversation. She had heard the countless horror stories that were whispered amongst the lower-ranks. Though most had been embellished for great effect, there was always more truth to them than she was comfortable with. And whilst her feelings for Manarion were complicated, to say the least, she would never in a million years wish re-education upon him.

“Is there... Is there anything I can do to help, ser?” she finally asked, her voice sounding more strained than she would have liked.

Help was the last thing Elenwen wanted to do, but as an Ambassador she had to maintain appearances. 

[malevolentnightshade]

highjusticiar:

Lylindilaran sipped at his tea again, patiently awaiting Elenwen’s somewhat strained response before he picked it over, turning it over metaphorically like a Dwemer puzzle box. “I am sorry that you are in distress, my dear Ambassador.” He replied, setting the cup down with a deep, sympathetic sigh. “Ah, I do not judge you. I am well aware of how charismatic our General can be.” He leaned over carefully and set the cup and saucer down.

“I am unconcerned with the work, currently. Operations in Skyrim are proceeding in very much the same as I have desired.” He said, crossing one leg over the other and watching the First Emissary’s expression’s with an analytical gaze . “May I ask what exactly has been distracting you so much, as of late. Surely, you are aware that all efforts will be made to recover our dear General, and I am sure after some careful re-education, he will be quite happy to serve with you again.” He offered a smile that did not meet his icy amber eyes.

A pink flush came to Elenwen’s cheeks. Sympathy often made her feel uncomfortable at the best of times, but to have it come from her superior? She was starting to feel queasy again. In an attempt to combat the feeling, she closed her eyes for a moment and tried to focus her mind on something, anything, else.

The words “recover” and “re-education” swiftly brought her attention back to the High Justiciar.

“I-is that really necessary?” 

Elenwen startled herself somewhat with her own words. She knew better than to question those above her and yet she had done just that. Holding her hands together neatly in front of her and giving a very nervous laugh, she tried to cushion her insubordination. “I mean... He is not going to come willingly. Far from it. Is he really worth that kind of hassle?” Elenwen paused to lick her lips. Her throat was feeling very dry. Silently she chastised herself for not being more prepared and getting herself a drink before meeting with the High Justiciar.

“Elahriel is old. Older than the both us combined.” She continued, finally bringing herself to look directly at Lylindilaran. “And he’s mentioned retirement more than once in the past year. Why not let him resign a little earlier than planned and then you can install someone younger, more reliable, in his place, no?” 

[malevolentnightshade]

((Hi! So it’s been a while but I’m trying to get back into writing/rping again. If anyone wants to plot or throw their muse in my ask box, do it! 

I also have my other characters Nallron and Aicendor too. Because I’m very dumb, I’ve lost access to Aicendor’s old blog so I’m in the process of moving him over to @nallron and turning it into a multimuse blog. But feel free to interact with them too!))

[malevolentnightshade]

Elenwen stared blankly at the open book in her lap. She must have read this same page at least four times already, but each time she retained next to nothing of it. Her mind was elsewhere and the dull ache of anxiety in the pit of her stomach growing with every passing minute.

She was thankful, at least, that the Thalmor training campus was empty, for the most part. Not a soul walked past her as she sat near the bottom of the main building’s stone staircase. For most, the summer break was a much needed excuse to escape the strict learning regiments and suffocating rules of trainee life. Barely anyone stayed on campus for those few short weeks of freedom. Elenwen was very much the exception.

It’s not like she had anywhere else to go…

As she stared down at her book in a weak attempt to distract herself a large shadow fell across the page. Elenwen looked up at the shadow’s source and was flustered to see the campus’ director in front of her, peering through the window of the nearby classroom door. Somehow she had not heard him approach. Studying him nervously, the austere mer appeared to grimace at what he saw inside before sharply turning to look directly at Elenwen.

“Laemihre. You are still here.”

It was a statement, not a question, but Elenwen found herself nodding regardless.

He sighed, sounding genuinely disappointed about something.

“Laemihre, you are a bright girl - perhaps amongst the brightest we’ve ever had the good fortune of teaching.” He paused, turning to look through the window once more. His brows furrowed and tutted disapprovingly under his breath. “You could forge much more worthwhile relationships with your peers than this.”

Elenwen flushed, heat pooling to her cheeks. It took a moment for her to find her voice. “I appreciate your concern, ser…” She took a deep breath. “But Aicendor is a good friend. No matter his shortcomings.”

The director simply looked at her for a long moment, his amber eyes boring holes into her very soul.

“Just be careful he doesn’t drag you down to his level.” His words were so nonchalant it gave Elenwen a chill down her spine.

Aicendor meant a lot to her. When she first joined the Thalmor, Elenwen had felt so lost and lonely. She had just left everything she’d ever known behind her to come to a training campus that was in the middle of nowhere, at the opposite end of Alinor. Aicendor had been the one to make her feel at home, to make her feel loved again - Things she had often felt had sorely lacked back home with the ever-palpable tension between her and her father. For that, Elenwen was eternally grateful. Even the thought of throwing that all away just because her friend was not a model recruit hurt immeasurably.

Elenwen did not respond to the elder mer. She blinked at him slowly, acting as if she had simply not heard him. The director stared back at her with a piercing gaze, a grimace tugging at his features.

“I hope you will think on these matters, Laemihre. For your sake.” He gave a curt nod of his head. “Good day.” And with that he swept up the stairs and straight past her without another word.

~~~

After what felt like an age, the nearby classroom door creaked open and a somewhat scrawny-looking mer emerged from inside.

“Cendy!” Elenwen almost jumped to attention at the sound of the door. She had been waiting so impatiently for this very moment and yet it had still caught her off guard.

Descending the few stairs between them, the younger of the two mer looked her friend over with a near motherly concern.

“…Well?”

“Well… It wasn’t a complete disaster, I guess.”

A frown crossed Elenwen’s features.

“It definitely went better than the first time around!” Aicendor hastened to add upon seeing her expression darken, before joking softly. “I can confirm that I did not set the instructor’s robes on fire this time around.”

Elenwen let a small smile appear across her lips. “Well, that’s a relief.”

A momentary silence fell between them.

“…When do you find out?”

Aicendor grimaced slightly. For the first time he allowed a fleeting unease to cross his features. “They said they’d let me know before the end of the week.”

Elenwen nodded slowly.

“It will be fine!” A near beaming smile had replaced the older mer’s more troubled expression in what seemed like an instant. Elenwen almost questioned if she’d even seen the brief worry deep within his amber eyes. “I know it will. Because I had the most patient yet comprehensive tutor helping me.”

A heat rose to Elenwen’s cheeks. “I-I was only doing what any friend would do. I wasn’t about to sit back and watch you struggle.”

A teasing smirk pulled at the corners of Aicendor’s lips, delighted that he had so easily elicited such a reaction. “Well, I owe you a great deal regardless.” His smirk turned to something more affectionate. “Now will you at least allow me to repay you? In somewhat overpriced but very delicious pastries perhaps?”

“You don’t have-“

“I do! Please?” He pouted playfully at her whilst doing his very best puppy dog eyes.

Elenwen sighed, admitting defeat. “Okay, okay.” She knew resistance to his pleading was futile. And besides, she had not yet eaten from the stress of today.

A look of glee appeared on Aicendor’s face at his successful persuasion. “Excellent! I’ll race you over to the bakery then?”

Before she could even reply, he started sprinting for the main doors, only turning his head back for a moment to grin at her like an over-grown child.

“Cendy!? I am not running!”

“Can’t hear you, El!”

“Ugh!” Elenwen shook her head as she resigned herself to walking behind her very stupid, but very dear friend.

[malevolentnightshade]

How is the Embassy coping without a general? Shouldn’t you have found a replacement before you sacked the last one?

“Everything is fine.” The Ambassador answered curtly as a scowl creased her brow.

The grey mage’s questions may have been nothing more than innocent curiosity, but it was quickly clear Elenwen took them as some kind of personal slight.

“There may be some extra work on all of our plates, but we are managing fine. Thank you.”

“And finding a replacement first would not have been possible. This is not a job one can simply wander into Solitude and start pasting job advertisements all over the city for.”

[malevolentnightshade]

.

[malevolentnightshade]

Do you regret ever falling for the big lummox of a former general? Surely you could have done far better than him

“I… No…” Elenwen appeared deeply uncomfortable at the grey mage’s probing.

“If anything,” She continued slowly and deliberately after a thoughtful pause. “I regret how things turned out.”