Elenwen Cetaniel

First Emissary Elenwen Cetaniel
Art by ©HouseMarcellus
Aliases	Ambassador Thalmor bitch
Title	First Emissary
Allegiances	House Cetaniel Thalmor
Race	Altmer
Born	In the Summerset Archipelago

Elenwen Cetaniel is a member of House Cetaniel of the Fourth Era, and the Thalmor's current First Emissary to Skyrim. She is a ruthless and ambitious woman, and utterly devoted to the Thalmor and their cause. Elenwen was the orchestrator of the Thalmor's covert support of the Stormcloaks in their rebellion against the Empire, as well as the overseer of the ongoing Thalmor investigation into the return of dragons to Skyrim. She also monitors the ongoing hunt for the remaining Blades dissidents, all the while following through with her day-to-day duties as ambassador.

Elenwen is generally viewed with disdain, fear, and begrudging respect by any who have had dealings with her, or work under her. On the other hand, surviving Blades agents actively fear her, and in the case of Esbern even live in seclusion so as to never be found. She effectively and ruthlessly fulfils her duties as First Emissary, including the eradication of Talos worship in Skyrim, a region known for its stubbornly persistent worship of the false god.

Quotes by Elenwen

One of my main duties is to foster a better understanding between the Aldmeri Dominion and the people of Skyrim. I also oversee the activities of the Thalmor Justiciars throughout Skyrim, although this has been unfortunately disrupted by the war.

—Elenwen about her main duties as First Emissary

Talos was a heroic man, but not a god. It pains the Altmer that we must remind our younger cousins of the difference.

—Elenwen about Tiber Septim's supposed divinity

The Empire, in its wisdom, has come to recognise Talos worship as a barbaric remnant of a bygone age.

—Elenwen about the Talos heresy

As long as the Empire continues to uphold its treaty obligations, my government does not concern itself with the internal politics of Skyrim.

—Elenwen about the Dominion's stance on the Stormcloak Rebellion

One does not gather the most important men and women of Skyrim and then serve them cheap ale and stale bread. This is only a taste of the benefits that accrue to those that align themselves with Thalmor interests.

—Elenwen about the benefits of working with the Thalmor

The only thing I enjoy more than luxury is sharing that luxury with those who can appreciate it. But I also enjoy learning the latest gossip and hearing the most intriguing rumours.

—Elenwen about her interest in luxury and rumours

Elenwen: General Tullius, stop! By the authority of the Thalmor, I'm taking custody of these prisoners.

Tullius: Ambassador Elenwen. I guessed that you wouldn't want to miss an execution. Do you know my guest, Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm, once a candidate to Skyrim's throne, traitor of the Empire? If you want Ulfric alive, you'll have to take him by force.
Elenwen: You're making a terrible mistake...
Tullius: I will put an end to this rebellion here and now, rightfully in my position as Legion General.

Elenwen: Your Emperor will hear of this. By the terms of the White-Gold Concordat, I operate with full Imperial authority!

—Elenwen attempting to save Ulfric Stormcloak from execution following his capture

Quotes about Elenwen

Look at him. General Tullius the Military Governor. And it looks like the Thalmor are with him. Damn elves. I bet they had something to do with this.

—Ralof about Tullius talking to Elenwen

Elenwen is a formidable woman. She lacks for neither cunning nor ambition. Now that I think of it, she would have made a fine Imperial general.

—Tullius about Elenwen's character

I swear Elenwen holds these parties just to make the Empire look bad. Almost makes me want to join the Stormcloaks.

—Tullius about Elenwen's parties

By Ysmir's beard, the nerve of those Imperial bastards, eh? To think that we would sit down with that... Thalmor bitch. Either she walks or I do.

—Ulfric Stormcloak protesting the presence of Elenwen at the Great Council of 4E 201