With Maria's news, Michael gets up and drags himself over to the courtyard. Already, he could see most of the College gathered to receive their guest, though, this was less than you'd expect since the exodus from the place had continued on unimpeded.
Regardless, Michael spied a face he remembered from the game in the Thalmor party, which was comprised of mostly mages, but some warriors too, each most likely equipped with magically resistant gear.
"Arcano...? No, it's like, Alcano... Ancano...?" he mutters to himself, somewhat forgetting the elf's name due to how long it'd been since he'd begun his multiversal adventure.
Ancano had long white hair and the typical gold-tinted skin that was pervasive among the Altmer, along with a height that towered over most others, despite his lanky physique. The elf wore the typical Thalmor robes, and had a permanent sneer plastered across his face, which didn't falter even as he and his posse were walking towards the Arch-Mage.
Both Ancano and the Arch-Mage stop halfway however, expecting the other to come to them while also displaying their authority over the other.
...
To be honest, it gets kind of awkward after a minute of this silent showdown... The Arch-Mage is aware of this, as he waves his hand which causes the floor underneath the Thalmor group to shift towards him as if on an escalator.
Ancano and a couple Thalmor mages attempt to intercept this, but are only able to slow it somewhat, making the awkward moment last even longer as the Thalmor mages strain to slow the still moving escalator...
A couple apprentices and even masters chuckle at this, which only angers the Thalmor as a visible vein appears on Ancano's forehead. Regardless, the man gives an insincere smile and holds his hand out towards the Arch-Mage, "Greetings, Arch-Mage. We thank you for receiving us, even if the welcome has been less than satisfactory."
Savos just looks down at the hand which was held just slightly out of his reach and lets out a sigh, using the same spell las earlier to pull Ancano towards him. He shakes the disoriented elf's hand with a casualness than almost seems to offend the opposition, "Were you expecting a parade? Because you'll find no such niceties in this Hold, or most others for that matter."
"I am Ancano, I have been sent by Ambassador Elenwen to act as your advisor for the foreseeable future." the elf states, completely ignoring the Arch-Mage's snarky response.
Savos crosses his arms with a dismissive expression, "I was not aware that the Ambassador had any power over my College. Did you receive permission from the High King for this? Or even Jarl Korir? Because I gave nothing of the sort myself."
Ancano allows his sneer to slip through his polite facade again, "The Thalmor requires no such permission. The agreement with your Emperor has given us leave to do as we wish within the Empire and all Provinces under it. It would serve you best to think about your position, Arch-Mage."
Savos shakes his head, "Titus Mede is not my emperor, nor have I made any personal agreements with the Dominion. You may stay, as is your right, but should you start causing problems..." he pauses, allowing his full magical might to bear down on Ancano, causing the Altmer to shiver at the sheer potency and feeling of power of it. "This is my domain. Not the Empire's, not Skyrim's, not Winterhold's, and certainly not the Dominions. Am I clear?"
"Positively, Arch-Mage." Ancano answers through gritted teeth.
Savos nods and gestures towards Mirabelle who'd been standing at the side observing all of this, "I will leave you with my Master Wizard, she will assist you in finding quarters... Only you, 'Advisor'." he says before walking away, leaving the Thalmor group silently cursing his back.
Ancano looks to Mirabelle, "Well then, girl? Show me to my destination." he angrily says while waving off his companions, sending the other Thalmor members away from the College.
Michael looks at Maria with an odd expression, "You know, the Arch-Mage is pretty badass..."
"Badass? That's a strange word, Michael..." she shakes her head, "The others should know about this, warn them not to step on the Thalmor's toes."
Michael nods, "Yeah, and make sure Tiff stays away from him as well."
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Ancano's entry into the College hadn't brought about many, or even any changes, but despite that things still felt different. The College was usually a safe place away from politics and the issues of the outside world, but with the Thalmor here, people were worried more things would begin to change.
An influx of people left that week, much to Ancano's not-so-hidden glee. So in response, the Arch-Mage had the elf's quarters moved to a storage room... While it was VERY funny, it'd only aggravated the Thalmor, making him start to cause more problems around the place.
It wasn't anything too obvious due to the Arch-Mage's previous threats, but having a Thalmor linger over your shoulder as she went from point A to point B, or while studying in the Arcanaeum would put most people off. That, plus the Thalmor occasional 'innocent' remarks had even more people departing the College, fearing retribution from the Thalmor should they anger Ancano.
The elf had also made attempts to have some books in the Arcanaeum removed... Most of which detailed the history of Tamriel, along with the crimes of the First and Second Aldmeri Dominion. Yes, he was very eager to have them censored. Urag refused of course, the Orc threatening to have him thrown from the room of the College if he pursued it any further, causing the Elf to back off.
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