So, there are Ayleid ruins in ESO, located all over Auridon, an island belonging to the Summerset Archipelago.

I found lore stating that the Ayleids actually returned to Summerset after they were driven from Ald Cyrod.

Is there more to this? In ESO, they are called "Ancients" by the modern Altmer. They are actually revered in many cases, and Ayleid ruins are used for Altmeri rituals (like the initiation of Queen Ayrenn).

How does this fit older Altmer lore? I just wonder since when the Altmer became that welcoming towards a group of dissenters like the Ayleids. Even if only the Aedra worshippers returned to Summerset, it's certainly... unusual, isn't it? The skin color of the Ayleids alone shows that they are not as "pure" as the Altmer like their bloodlines to be.

I've no idea really, but Altmer ideals fluctuate over time, as well you know. In that part of the First Era, it may be that the Ayleids were held in high esteem by the Altmer - after all, they were called "heartland high elves", and if the construction of artifacts like the white-gold tower was not "proving themselves" to their western cousins, then I don't know what would.

Also, Auridon is different from other parts of Summerset (could be it was seen as a safe distance from real Altmeridoon, namely Alinor), and Ayrenn is different from other Altmer - she has something of an unsettling Ayleid fascination from what I hear.

A possible explanation is that this is the interregnum, of not just Cyrodiil but all the provinces - Summerset is falling apart, and Altmer now cherish history wherever they can find it.

Doesnt make much sense to me given the general dislike by the Altmer for Daedra, whom the Ayleids liked.

And how the heck are the Ayleids ancient by Altmer standards?!