Beyond the Facade Ch.1 A Special Place

So, this fanfiction is in progress and I've posed it on fanfiction.net, and at least a few people seem to enjoy it. I placed it on this account because I don't want too much fan related stuff to choke my main account. So hopefully people will like this fanfic here too.

This follows Mages College and Dawnguard. There will be a pairing sometime down the line with my dragonborn and either Ancano or Gelebor. But I haven't figured out who yet. There will be spoilers if the reader hasn't played through both story lines, so be warned.

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Tenebris dropped to her knees, panting heavily. They long run had taken it's toll on her stamina, but all she could afford was a quick breath before she entered the college. Her deep breaths frosted in front of her face as she looked up at the gate. It was imperative that she speak with the arch mage as quick as she could. The dark elf reached around into her pack and rummaged for a stamina potion to down quickly. The she pulled herself to her feet, tossing the empty bottle to the side before entering the gates.

XxX

Savos Aren sat alone at his desk, looking over his research notes and a few books he'd gathered from the Arcanaeum when he heard the door to his quarters bang open. He looked up to see an out of breath dark elf come in. One of the new students, if he remembered properly. He waited a moment to see if she'd speak first, and inform him as to why she'd run in as she had. Then spoke himself, "You are new here, correct? We have not spoken before." He stated simply.

"No, sir" The female elf stated before continuing. "I'm Tenebris." She said in quick introduction. "Tolfdir sent me to inform you of something that was discovered in Saarthal, A...magic orb if you will." She said, bypassing empty chat to deliver her message before Savos could properly introduce himself or give her any clear, but typical instruction or warning.

"I...see..." Savos thought for a moment, as he'd been just about cut off and had to digest the information...or lack of information the dark elf, Tenebris provided. "I trust that Tolfdir will provide a more...specific explanation." he said with an almost sneer to his voice to show his dislike for being cut off. He watched the small elf for a few more moments before looking back down at his research. "Thank you. Seeing as Tolfdir is busy and I must see this for myself. I believe you should start some research towards this subject." He said, not looking up. "Speak with Urag in the Arcanaeum. See if he is aware of anything that matches your discovery."

As Tenebris started walking away, Savos stood, "And...good work." He added, as if it was last thought. He went to a chest and pulled out a staff of magelight. He didn't need it anymore, but if this discovery was as important as it seemed, then a reward was in order. Even if it was something that a mage would come by quite easily. "Here, should you find yourself in any more nordic ruins."

Tenebris reached out and took the staff, and nodded in silence, then took off towards the Arcanaeum. Savos watched her retreat for just a few moments before grabbing a travel bag to see this...orb that Tolfdir had sent for him to see.

XxX

Tenebris turned away from Urag after expressing her thanks for his lack of help. One more thing she had to do. She groaned internally and turned away, intent to find the stolen books and get back quickly. She did hate petty fetch jobs, though that was beside the point. She paused on her way towards the exit. She scowled at the high elf in Thalmor clothing. She didn't get along with them, but that was a given. As she'd broken into the embassy. No doubt Elenwin had Tenebris on the Justiciars' radars. And then there was the high elf 'holier than thou and better than all of you in every way' attitude that just got under Tenebris' skin.

She turned her head away, intent on just walking past him; though he was watching her every move, as though it was her he was looking for. And sure enough, just as she was about to walk past him, she heard the unmistakable high elf voice say, "You there. I have questions for you." His tone suggested that she was the one intruding on his time, instead of the other way around. Tenebris turned her head to send him a small glare. His next question was more of a comment introducing that any questions he had were about what was found in Saarthal. The dark elf folded her arms and tapped her foot in irritation. "Maybe" She said shortly, intent on being difficult.

XxX

Ancano narrowed his eyes at the audacity of the dark elf before him. The way she held herself while being spoke to was quite irritating for the high elf, and her lack of immediate cooperation was equally irritating. "I know full well that you did. Please to not insult my intelligence." He said, holding his head higher and placing a fist on his hip, in defiance to her defiance. "Tolfdir is still there correct? I expect a full report when he returns." He continued, his elven eyes narrowing at the dark elf.

"And this matters to you, why?" She asked, in a snarky tone, raising a brow towards the irritating elf who was currently keeping her from her job.

"It's my job to know these things." He said, his natural frown grimming. The audacity of this woman. If she didn't seem to be a partial key element to this mystery, he'll kill her for her disrespect. "My role as adviser to the Arch-Mage is aided by knowing everything that transpires here. Thank you for your...help. You may go." he flicked a hand as if to wave her off.

"Oh goodie, I was wondering when I could leave. To, you know. Do important things." Came the sarcastic reply as Tenebris walked around him, grumbling about getting set back from finding those books.

Ancano sent her a glare. She was one he'd have to watch. Though it seemed she was heading out to find something of relevance to the discovery. So he turned and strut behind her. Causing her to pause and glare over her shoulder at him. "Can I help you?" She asked, her voice laced with all her previous irritation.

"I shall accompany you on your...quest for these books." He said, tilting his chin up. His look and body language giving little room for argument. Though from what he'd gathered thus far, the dark elf would argue, and she would lose.

"There is a special place in Hell for people like you." She hissed, acid lacing her voice.