Crafting Motif 3 : Bosmer Content . Being notes by Doctor Alfidia Lupus for a series of pamphlets on the major cultural styles of Tamriel ( Dr . Lupus was Imperial Ethnographer for Potentate Savirien - Chorak from 2E 418 to 431 ) Next we complete our study of the Elves with the Bosmer of Valenwood . Though less influential in the world at large than their cousins the High Elves and the Dark Elves , the Wood Elves outnumber all other Mer in Tamriel , being relatively fecund ( for Elves ) and more , shall we say , amorously - inclined . It ' s a commonplace to point out that the Wood Elves favor natural motifs , but as I learned , there ' s more to it than that . Their reverence for Y ' ffre and the story of the Earth Bones is reflected in the stylized fashion in which these natural motifs are represented . The Bosmer believe that all nature was in chaos before Y ' ffre gave all plants , animals , and people their names , which defined the permanent form each species would take . Thus each species is depicted by a particular , idealized motif which represents the ur - form it was given by Y ' ffre . This is reflected in the designs that appear everywhere on Wood Elven arts , crafts , and clothing . These designs are drawn from a large repertoire , as there is a design for each species of plant and animal in the Bosmer ' s world , but the use and depiction of these designs is culturally prescribes , and there is very little room for variation . Unorthodox usage of these stylized pictograms is considered improper , just plain " wrong . " This may seem paradoxical in a race whose members otherwise seem so carefree and easygoing , but it is so , as I had an opportunity to see for myself . There are quite a few Wood Elves in the Imperial City , enough that there is a small Bosmeri neighborhood down on the waterfront , served by a tavern called the Tipsy Torchbug . Divayth Fyr , the fascinating Dark Elf wizard assisting Morian Zenas in his experiments , had offered to take me there , and I agreed . When I arrived at Morian ' s house on the date of our jaunt to the docks the old professor himself answered the door , and I was surprised when he asked me to step into my study for a moment . Also surprising was the way Morian was turned out : in a new silk robe sporting star - sign symbols , hair trimmed and combed , and smelling faintly of lavender . Quite a transformation from the disreputable , singed and stained robes I ' d seen him in previously . It turned out he wanted to caution me about going down to the waterfront with Divayth Fyr . I ' m afraid I laughed , at which he reddened , and I then told him I was a grown woman who could take care of herself . He was somewhat abashed and muttered some excuses , from which I gathered that he was more concerned about my spending time with Divayth than going to the docks . I didn ' t want his feelings hurt , so I complimented his new robe , at which he beamed , and then I went to the parlor to meet Divayth . I shouldn ' t ramble on , but we had a wonderful evening . The Tipsy Torchbug was a lively place , and Divayth introduced me to Lady Biniele , the proprietor , who insisted that we share our table . The entertainment was Biniele ' s Bosmeri Burlesque , which was hilarious , and though I couldn ' t drink any of the Wood Elves ' revolting beverages , I did consent to share a pipeful of bugsmoke with Divayth , which made me feel strangely exhilarated . It also led to my seeing a prime example of Bosmeri disdain for " improper design " when a Leyawiin sailor , who ' d seen me sharing Divayth ' s pipe , offered to sell me a carved - bone pipe of " genuine Valenwood make . " Lady Biniele told me it was a counterfeit and not to waste my money . The sailor protested , but the diminutive Wood Elf woman told him any fool could see the tail was wrong on the Imga carved on the bowl , and he should shove off . Which he did . Divayth and I shoved off shortly thereafter , and on our way back up to the city gates he pointed to the stars in the brilliant night sky and told me the ancient Chimeri names for the constellations . I must confess , I remember nothing but the warm tones of his resonant voice — and the warm touch of his hand on my arm .