Whitney Writes…

Birth Sign: The Lover

Where was she born? Riften, Skyrim

Where does she currently live? Solitude, Skyrim.

Does she hold a special place in society? She is of noble birth, born into one of the prominent families in Riften, Skyrim. She is also the crowned Queen of Skyrim, and later the High Queen of Skyrim, ruling in her own right following the assassination of her husband.

Does she suffer from any illnesses? Migraines.

Does she have any side effects of past illness?  No.

Does she have any scars or old injuries that plague her?  No.

Who are her close friends? Her advisor, Sybille Stentor; and her late-husband’s half-sisters: Erdie and Una.

What does she do for a living? She is High Queen of Skyrim.

What kind of education did she receive, and from whom? She received a high-class education to reflect the wealthy, high-standing class of her family, the Snow-Shods, as well as her position as future queen.

Family

Who are her family? Elisif comes from the Riften-based clan Snow-Shod, and married into the Solitude-based clan Fair-Crown.

What is the social standing of her family? The Snow-Shods are one of the noble houses in Riften, only following the Black-Briars in rank, and she then marries into the reigning Royal Family, Fair-Crown.

Does she have any famous ancestors? None within her own bloodline.

Does she have any famous close family members? She marries the Crown Prince of Skyrim, Torygg Fair-Crown.

Parents: Her father is Vulwulf Snow-Shod, and her mother is Nura Drake-Bane.

What is her relationship like with her parents? Elisif loves her parents and they love her.  However, her eldest brother, Asgeir, is her mother’s favorite child, being her first born; and Lilija is her father’s favorite child, being his first daughter.  But Elisif does hold a soft spot in both her parents’ hearts, being the youngest of all their children.

What kind of parents does she have?  Are/were there any specific traditions or rules that are held dear in her heart? Elisif’s parents are very traditional Nords. Her father loves the land, and works hard every day of his life, despite being of noble birth. Her mother is a Priestess of Talos, and following the signing of the White-Gold Concordant after the Great War, she travels across Skyrim helping people set up hidden shrines and tips on how to hide their worship of Talos. Elisif learned her deep-rooted love of Skyrim from her father, and the will to stick to her principles from her mother.

Siblings: She has three elder siblings: Asgeir, Unmid, and Lilija. Her brothers are nine and eight years older than she, respectively, and her sister only eleven months older.

What is her relationship like with her siblings? Asgeir, being the eldest Snow-Shod sibling, took pride in looking after and protecting all of his younger siblings; Elisif and Asgeir have a special relationship. Unmid, the second eldest Snow-Shod son, jokingly called “the spare” by some, was the one that Elisif always giggled with and got into mischief, the two were incredibly close growing up. Lilija, the eldest daughter, and Elisif had a complicated relationship. They always butted heads, liking different things. They would always try to play together, but they would always wind up fighting and Elisif would always be left in tears. As Elisif got older, she began to recognize that her sister held rash, impatient, judgmental, and quick-tempered qualities. She has not met her brother, Unmid’s, partner, Anuriel, yet, but she has heard lovely things from her mother about her. She positively despises Lilija’s husband, Odfel, always recognizing him for the abusive brut he was.

Nieces/Nephews: Elisif has one nephew, Liam Free-Winter, son of her sister, Lilija, and her husband, Odfel.

Favorite Niece/Nephew: She has an incredible soft spot for Liam, knowing the home in which he is raised. When Elisif learns of Lilija joining the Stormcloak army, after her fury, she attempts to collect her nephew to have him come and live with her, but she does not succeed.

Aunts/Uncles: Thoin and Ayda Silver-Blood, from her father’s side; and Jorgen and Lami Valerius, from her mother’s side.

Favorite Aunt or Uncle? Elisif did not get to see her aunts and uncles very often.  Thoin and Ayda Silver-Blood lived off in Markarth and Jorgen and Lami were off in Morthal, both quite a distance from the family farm in Riften.  She did slightly prefer her aunt Ayda, though.  When they did get to visit family, the Silver-Bloods were a wealthy family, so Ayda was always able to dote time on little Elisif to play dress up with her and her own two daughters, Sigrid and Lisbet.  On the other hand, when they visited the Valerius family in Morthal, Lami usually had to work a significant amount of time in her apothecary shop, and Elisif would sometimes tag along. She had always marveled at her Aunt Lami’s knowledge, thinking her a proper witch.

Cousins: Lucan and Camilla Valerius of Riverwood, are her cousins on her mother’s side, the children of her aunt, Lami, and her husband. Thonar, Thongvor, Sigrid, and Lisbet Silver-Blood of Markarth, are her cousins on her father’s side, the children of her aunt, Ayda, and her husband.

Favorite Cousin? Sigrid Silver-Blood and Camilla Valerius are Elisif’s two favorite cousins.

Spouse/Partner: She marries Crown Prince Torygg Fair-Crown on 1st Morning Star, 4E 197. He dies four years later on 6th Sun’s Height, 4E 201, when he is assassinated by Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak.

In-Laws: Her father-in-law was High King Istlod Fair-Crown.

What is her relationship like with her spouse/partner? Elisif and Torygg have an extremely loving relationship. They would each describe the other as the love of their lives. He was five years older, causing him to take an extra protective stance of his new wife, following their arranged marriage. Their wedding day was the first time they saw one another in person, let alone met. Elisif was instantly entranced by the dazzling prince, and he was immediately besotted by her. When he is killed, she is torn apart.

What is her spouse/partner’s personality like? Torygg was sweet, gentle, loving, kind, and fair. He loved to help anyone he could, often taking funds from his own personal coffers to aid his people.

Children: Elisif is pregnant with her first child.

What is her relationship with her children like? Even though she has not met her child yet, she is quite attached to the idea that she now has a small piece of her late husband to soon hold in her arms.

What are her children’s personalities like? Remains to be seen.

Does she have a favorite child, why? Currently, the one she is carrying.

Did the Oblivion Crisis have any impact on her family? Not directly.

Did the Great War have any impact on her family? Yes, because her mother is a Priestess of Talos. And following the Great War and the signing of the White-Gold Concordant, the worship of Talos is illegal. Though she and Torygg had been working to find a way to allow their people to worship their hero-god in secret. But Ulfric ruins that.

Personality

Five words to describe her: Strong, Fair, Caring, Loyal, Just

What does she hate most: Conniving and manipulative courtiers, treaties that take advantage of smaller nations, and Ulfric Stormcloak. As well as his son, Alistair Stormcloak.

What does she fear most: Failing the country her late husband trusted in her charge and leading it to chaos, ruin, despair, and war.

What does she love most: Her late husband, her unborn child, and Skyrim itself.

What is the one thing she wants most of all? And what is she willing to do, or sacrifice, to obtain it? To lead Skyrim to peace and prosperity and to avoid the war that Ulfric Stormcloak is insistent on starting. She is willing to sacrifice her own happiness to achieve it.

What is something that can quickly cure that rage?  A bath and Sybille Stentor’s advice.

Any notable quirks, ticks, or habits?  She rubs her temples when she is getting a migraine or when under stress.

What is the most difficult thing she has ever had to do ? Bury her husband.

What is the best moment of her life thus far? The day she married Torygg and realized she could, perhaps, fall in love with him one day.

What is the worst moment of her life thus far? When Ulfric Stormcloak thu’umed her husband to death in front of her.

Is she an honest woman? Yes.

Is she an honorable woman? Yes.

Is she a brave woman? She tries to be.

Religion

What pantheon does she worship? The Eight, though she is a closeted follower of the Nine.

Who are her patron deities? She prays to each as required.

What role, if any, have they played in her life or upbringing? Talos was a large part of her childhood, being her mother was a Priestess. But he had no more of a part than being a name.

What are her views on other Aedra or Daedra? To each their own, why should it matter whom someone prays to in private?

Do they view any places as sacred? Not particularly. Not even shrines, chapels, temples, and the likes. She believes if the gods are really there, why does she need to be in a special place for them to hear or see her? She does not look down on those who think otherwise, however.

How do they view other pantheons’ deities and sacred places? She is a firm believer of how ever it works for the person, is how they should proceed. As long as they do proceed, because a land free of gods, is a land of chaos.

Social

How does she feel about the government? She realizes now, as High Queen, that there are limited things she can do. There is a consequence of everything she wishes to do. She cannot simply wave a magic wand and eliminate poverty or hunger, there must be a solid plan in place.

How does she feel about people in charge? Such as the Emperor, the High Queen, Jarls, the Thalmor? As she has ventured into the roll of High Queen, she is beginning to realize that they must all answer to someone. Seemingly, except the Thalmor.

Does she respect rules and laws and the order of things? Being High Queen, obviously she does.

How does she feel about those of another race? She recognizes they all have their place in the Empire and deserve to be treated as such. She desperately wishes to lift the ban on Khajiit being allowed within city walls, but her hands are tied by various noble houses.

What does she think of each of the other races? She does not think of them specifically as thus. But she recognizes that those dubbed as the “beastial races” are treated with cruelty and injustice.

Is she independent or more group oriented? She is independent.

Does she take orders well? Why or why not. Being High Queen, no. But she is willing to always listen to other points of view and ideas.

Can she put aside her own ideals and desires for the better interest of others? Yes, and she does so with little outward indication.

How does she feel about others in general? Does she view them as out to get her, or honestly trying to help, or are they merely attempting to further their own gains? She is becoming more and more wary of others as she grows older. Especially since becoming High Queen, Elisif realizes that everyone has an ulterior motive and nearly everyone wants something of her.

Is she a helpful person, or is she selfish, only caring about herself and her own gain? Being High Queen leaves Elisif no space to care only for herself. Especially considering she desires to be a good queen to her people. She will sacrifice her own desires and happiness before she will ask her people to suffer a hardship. Which is the main reason she leaves the ban on worshipping Talos, knowing the Imperial Legion and the Thalmor would descend on Skyrim and starve her people until she fell back into submission. If they did not act worse.

Do they view animals as better companions than people?  Or are they merely servants/food/things? Animals are far better companions to people, Elisif is a firm believer. And she believes they are all things: companions, food, workers and should always be respected.

If she is a hunter, does she honor the animal she slays? Elisif does not hunt, but she makes sure to add the slain beast into her silent prayers over each meal, thanking them.

What does she think of each of the other race?  Could she ever cooperate with them? Yes, Elisif strives to cooperate with everyone for a better Skyrim. Except Ulfric Stormcloak.

What person or group does she pledge her allegiance to? Her allegiance is to Skyrim, and the Fair-Crown line, that is all.

Talents/Education

Did she receive any special schooling anywhere? She was highly and nobly educated, with her sister, alongside the Law-Giver boys, Harrald and Saerlund, the sons of the Jarl of Riften, Laila Law-Giver, as well as Ingun Black-Briar, Maven’s granddaughter.

Did or does she have any mentors or favorite teachers? Once her marriage to the Crown Prince was arranged, Elisif shadowed Jarl Laila, as well as Maven Black-Briar, daily to learn how women of power handled themselves in a world of men without caving. Despite seemingly being Maven’s puppet, Elisif admired the way Laila still managed to look out for the small folk of Riften. If it had not been for her, the poor living in the Ratway, beneath the streets of Riften, would have been cleansed by Maven long ago. And despite Maven’s conniving and manipulative ways, Elisif admired the woman’s tenacity and daring to take up space in a man’s world. She never backed down and never failed to act as though she belonged in a room of powerful men.

Does she have any magical talents? If yes: when did she first show signs, how did she discover it, and what did others think of it? No.

What school of magic, if any, does she hold the strongest inclination towards? None, as she cannot do magic.

Does she hold a desire for knowledge? Yes, Elisif is always striving to educate herself on anything and everything. Even before she was queen, or even High Queen. It was one of the qualities that High King Istlod looked for most in a candidate to wed his son.

How does she feel about books? Does she have a favorite? Elisif loves books. The library in the Blue Palace is her favorite place. And her favorites are always changing.

What subject, skill, or topic does her expertise lie in? She has proven very capable in diplomacy.

Is she a good rider? Who taught her? She is a very good rider. Both of her older brothers taught her.

Violence/Fighting/Combat

Is combat an art, a necessity, or a skill? As much as she hates it, she knows there are times it is necessary.

Can it be taught or is one simply born with it? She does not really know, but she assumes it can be taught.

What are her views on killing: is it every acceptable or always avoidable? In times of war, it is a must.

Has she ever had to kill before? If so, did she know who it was? How/why did it happen? No.

Is she easily angered? If so, is she easily calmed? When she was younger, Elisif often fell victim to her sister, Lilija’s anger-baiting. It took her some time to learn to overcome this and to ignore Lilija, and those like her’s behavior. As she grows into adulthood, she is often described as calm, cool, and level-headed. Though courtiers irritate her beyond belief.

Is she vindictive? Not usually.

Can she control her passions or is she self-indulgent? Following the death of her husband, realizing it is required of her, Elisif learns to ignore her own personal desires and wishes, recognizing that what is best for Skyrim must come first.

What weapons is she familiar with? Who taught her how to use them? None.

Does she honor those she has killed, if she has killed? N/A

Will she use force to take what she wants? She will do anything for peace.

If she wants something someone else has, what will she do to get it and how will she do it? It depends on the item…

Is torture acceptable? No. But in times of war, she understands it can be useful, but never wishes to know.

Is mind-control and possession acceptable? No.

Is pillaging acceptable? No.

Is stealing acceptable? No.

Is poisoning acceptable? No.

If an opponent were to yield, would she accept it? If yes, even one from a dishonorable opponent? N/A

Would she kill an innocent? If not, would she do so if a higher power were to command her to do so? Never.

Story Based

What other Point-Of-View Characters does she interact with, both directly and indirectly? Directly: Visenya Briar-Heart, Nilsine Stormcloak, Reniya Free-Winter, Lilija Free-Winter. Indirectly: Adelais True-Heart.

Are they related to any other Point-Of-View Characters? She is the younger sister of Lilija Free-Winter.

What chapters are from their point-of-view? Chapter Three.

What other chapters do they appear in? ?