Mara's Doing ~ Skyrim Oneshots/Scenarios

Ancano ~ Overheard [1]

"Sir? Do you have a moment?" You asked as you shyly walked in the Arch-mage's quarters. They were huge, that was for sure... and beautiful, too. Waking up and seeing this beautiful tree and herbs every morning would be like a dream to you.

"____, how many times do I have to tell you you do not need to call me 'sir'? Savos or Arch-mage is more than enough," he replied, his voice soft as he smiled and sighed. You had this habit of always calling him 'sir'. Not that he didn't like it, he appreciated the respect, but it wasn't exactly the right title for him.

"R-right... of course, I apologize si— ..Savos," you mumbled, looking down at the floor, like if you had just found the most amazing thing in it. It was made of stone!! Pure, simple stone! What's not to admire in that?!

He nodded at your reply, leaning off his desk and walking over to you. "If I'm not mistaken, you wanted to speak with me?" He asked, bringing back the first topic of the conversation, since it had gotten a little out of hand, as usual.

"Y-yes... I actually just had an idea that might be revolutionary. If my theories are right, that is..." you replied, now deep in thoughts as you remembered all of those wasted nights writing notes about the theories and the likes.

"Oh? Now, that sounds interesting. Please, continue," he said, looking down at you. "Well, I was just staring at my crystals when I had an idea... what if we could use them as communication? We could speak with a mage on the other side of Tamriel with this! Communicating from afar would be so much easier...!" You rambled, your smile filled with excitement that made Savos chuckle. "It could change everything, indeed. I suppose you have theories on how to make them?" He questioned, his head titled lightly. "Of course!! Hold on, I have my notes here..."

You took out the notes and started to explain the process to Savos, as he nodded, asking some questions that certainly caught you off guard. As the Arch-mage, he had to make sure the little crystals were completely safe.

You two had been working on it for a week now, you barely had slept and it clearly showed, unlike Savos, who never looked anywhere near tired.

Today was the first day of experiment. A lot of preparations and looking back at the notes a hundred times. Little did you know, someone was watching you intently. Ever since you had walked through the gates of the college, head high and already gaining the respect of the elders, he had been captivated. Of course, J'zargo was close to that, but he didn't get along with the teachers like you did.

Perhaps it had something to do with your race, that he barely knew anything about. Truthfully, he didn't know much about other races. Only where they come from, the stereotypes and whatnot.

He sighed silently as he watched you, leaning against the door frame. You were so busy with Savos, you didn't even realize he was here. Maybe Savos did, but you? No, and it was more than strange. It really showed how much you were into this project, because you would usually know he was there the second he set the very tip of his boot inside the room. You could feel the wind shift upon his entrance, and it was almost unsettling.

Perhaps it was that "magic signature" thing, as you called it. You said it may be linked to you being Dragonborn, but he didn't know if to believe in those fairytales. You still had to prove it to his sorry lonely ass. A part of him believed you, but he would never admit that. Ever.

So he watched silently for the next few hours. Not saying a thing, only watching you and listening to you speak and explain with such excitement. You truly were a gem in this world, and even though you weren't a thief, you sure as hell managed to steal his heart.

Just in the few months you had been here, silent as you could be, but oh so skilled and prideful, you captivated him. He wanted to get to know you more, but he didn't want to look like he had a soft spot for someone... Ancano? With a soft spot?? Hah! Never.

...

Right?

"How about you, Ancano? You are the advisor, yes? So, what would you.. advise us?" Savos called out, clearly not fully trusting the Altmer. He looked at your surprised face as you turned to look at him. Gah! Your face was priceless! He almost wanted to smile.

He scoffed and walked closer, instantly adding his input to the experiment. To your surprise, it actually helped. A lot. And that definitely boosted his pride!

That thought made you chuckle as you looked at his smile, so filled with ego, but somewhat charming. His head snapped in your direction as his smile faded. "What are you laughing at, apprentice?" He asked, frowning. "You look so proud of yourself over such a small thing, it's almost cute," you replied, giggling. "I beg your pardon?" "You heard me right, Thalmor advisor."

He rolled his eyes and sighed, annoyed, although you could see the slightest hint of amusement in his eyes. You smiled at him and turned back to Savos, who was finishing up the experiment, a smile on his face. Once he was done, he pulled out a notebook and started to write down things as he spoke up. "Thank you for the... advice, Ancano. And, since you may not know, _____ may become much more than a simple apprentice after this successful experiment." His words made your face light up. You? Getting appropriate recognition for something you did? That was new!

Ancano was shocked. He didn't let it show, but you could see it in his eyes. The way the irises became slightly bigger from surprise, and perhaps admiration. You could also sense it. It was something you could do, recognize other's magicka signature and read the signals it brings, usually emotions. Very useful, that little talent of yours.

And strangely, after that day, he got to see less and less of you. You were apparently too busy with the experiments, studying, and meeting other mages in awe at your research to get to see him. It troubled him, he wanted to see you. To see your smile, to hear your snarky comments, as annoying as they may be. He didn't want to see your sleep-deprived features, thin from rarely eating.

In this state, he wanted to hold you and comfort you, tell you you didn't have to overwork yourself. He wanted to, oh so much, but it wasn't right. No.

He was a Thalmor, and you were a student at the College of Winterhold. It wasn't right.

And so he held his head in his hand above his desk as he tried to fill in another report for Elenwen. Too bad for him, he couldn't do it. His mind was somewhere else.

A knock rang from the door.

"What is it..?" He said, only sounding half as confident as he usually did. Savos walked in the room, a concerned look on his face, although a smirk adorned it. "I noticed you haven't been around as much now that _____ isn't around either. I get a feeling you appreciate her a little more than you should. I'm not here to judge, Ancano, but seeing how you were with each other, I think you could do this little favour for me," Savos started as a blush crept on Ancano's cheeks. "She's been missing classes, even her favorites. I haven't seen her around Winterhold for a few days.. I know I'm not allowed to give you orders, but it'll be best for everyone if you go find her," he finished, sighing.

The Altmer looked at him for a moment, before nodding. "I'll go find her. Do you have any idea where she could be?" He asked as the Arch-mage gave him a quick nod. "In Whiterun, I believe. She went there to meet the Court mage, and hasn't returned. Not that I'm worried, but it's about time she goes back home." Ancano nodded, grabbing a few potions (he would never admit he needed them) and heading out the door, into the harsh coldness of Winterhold.

ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ

And that's it for the first chapter! I'm thinking of making a part two to properly end this story.

Next up is our beloved thief!
No, not Delvin. Vex can have his ass. I'm a Vex&Delvin shipper thank you very much.
Or Mercer, that ass can go drown again. Even if I can fix him, I hate him. But don't hate me for it, it's just casually my opinion... it won't affect the Oneshots at all.

Brynjolf is next, I meant. Twice, too. Two Brynjolf Oneshots incoming. ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ

Anyway, Foxy out :)