"The Breton is here, Milady. He said he knew he could trust Berry and Straw, but no one else. Barenziah clapped her hands over her ears and crouched down, shaking terribly and moaning out loud. https://en.uesp.net/w/index.php?title=Lore:The_Real_Barenziah&oldid=1782626. Barenziah screamed. Does what surprise me? But I was told Elves do not bear at so young an age", Barenziah forced a smile. I would have you think on what I have just said. And so very clever. He seemed unaffected by this. "You suppose correctly. She stopped crying and grinned. Barenziah and Straw settled into Rifton for the winter, taking a cheap room in the slummier section of town. "He's a fine soldier, boy, Symmachus is. It is her child. Rumor had it that his mages had developed spells to extend his vitality, and that even the One had granted him immortality. "Not bad, kids, not bad. One could glimpse it now and then, when his eyes would go blank and hard. He scribbled entries onto it every night after quick reports from underlings. She was married to a smith, had two teenage children, and was perfectly ordinary and respectable--except that she was very fond of cats (and by logical inference, their humanoid counterparts the Khajiit), had a talent for certain kinds of magic, and cultivated rather odd friends. Lately all the songs seemed the same to her, whether new or old. The Real Barenziah, Book I The Real Barenziah, Book II The Real Barenziah, Book III The Real Barenziah, Book IV The Real Barenziah, Book V See also The Real Barenziah - Uncensored version in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall Appearances The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall It was evidently the answer he wanted, thought Barenziah, but it was also the truth. ", "Sire," the healer gaped at him. And the man she had once loved had caused to be killed the man she truly did love. ", "He's dead. he said. the "biography" which pants a respectable picture of her. And yet, though he had a different concept of it, he yearned for happiness too, and contentment. They entered the inn separately. ", "Yes, Milady, as a matter of fact I have. It seemed to be a map of some sort. In your case, Milady, and your children's, the situation is further exacerbated by your royal rank. I know folk who'd pay well," Straw said later as they bedded down for their last night at the ramshackle lodge. It was! It is the way of human history. Not Symmachus' bold hand! Straw had asked on one occasion. Let me add that power offers pleasures other than those of carnality and cavorting with base company.". And for that, for all that, for all you have done to my family, Nightingale -- you must die. "I'm the Queen of Mournhold by rights," she said, unsure whether it was true -- or was it just a daydream she had made up as a lost, bewildered child? In Symmachus' thirtieth year, there was great rejoicing in Mournhold - a girl-child had been born to the Lord and Lady. Ai. "Just a little while longer." A strong wave of inchoate emotion swept over her. The sergeant wanted them to sign on for the return trip, but gave them a bonus nonetheless when they turned the offer down, and parchments of recommendation. I don't want to do him any permanent injury, you understand. My soul pines for my own country. But the tolls were steep, and this particular caravan kept to the side roads as much as possible to avoid them. He must have taken Uriel Septim's place shortly before the unreasonable demands on Mournhold had begun. Or, no maybe I do. "You will pardon us for this discourtesy toward yourselves, our dear guests. Barenziah and the children had been declared traitors to the Empire and a price set on their heads. He smiled a curious little smile. Speak to us. Ai! Afterward they fell into an exhausted, dreamless sleep. And no. The Real Barenziah, v2. I feel the sting of my mortality, and it is painful.". Mournhold responded that King Moraelyn himself had placed the Staff in the keeping of the god Ephen -- and Mournhold was unarguably the god's birthplace. Freedom, you say? Milady, I am no one. A single tear escaped the fortress of her eyes. Outwardly, that is, she thrived -- but always there was a cold and empty place within. And kissed him. But it isn't here." She had been ailing, and besides there would be a great crush of people as all Mournhold turned out to be part of the blessed event; and being blind she would be unable to see anything anyway. On the last day of their trip, spring seemed to have arrived at last for there were hints of a thaw. She talked to Katisha about her problems with men. Then suddenly he was there, a swift moving dot beneath the wispy night clouds. That I can, and will, show you." When she asked him about this, he said, "What greater praise of your beauty could you ask, Milady, than that which your own mirror gives you? Symmachus was away, having been summoned to Imperial City by Tiber Septim's great-great grandson, Uriel Septim. She would've liked to beat and claw at the Khajiit herself. He did want the child. What had she just said? He also drew the eyes and sighs of more than one pretty Elven lass, although none held his interest for long. "He's a very discerning fellow, is our loyal friend Symmachus. He'd fought for Mournhold, fought for her, while she and the kingdom grew and thrived. Very odd," he replied, and his tone matched his words exactly. she cried. Once a month a courier came from the Emperor, bringing a small bag of gold for Sven and Inga and a large bag of dried mushrooms from Morrowind for Barenziah, her favorite treat. Symmachus was out a great deal. "By my blood, Ephen," the Nightingale cried, "I bid thee waken! Likely-". Barenziah jumped, startled by the servant's approach. The Emperor Tiber Septim I had done much in the way of building relatively safe and regularly patrolled highways. Perhaps it is mine. Something about it made her think that she, Barenziah, was one of his wishes that had come true. Besides, Katisha is a very honest woman. It is Tiber who holds the power. "Nay, my love. Symmachus crossed to her pallet at once and noted anxiously that her forehead was very hot and her breathing shallow. They stopped at Katisha's house on their way out of the city. Until then Ah, until then, Symmachus," he said to the mail-clad figure who had appeared behind them, "she is all yours. Barenziah experienced many important events throughout her life, and had a number of notable descendants. Symmachus! In spite of this unfortunate fact, Eadwyre doted on her and her children. Katisha shook her head and told her she was looking for love, not sex, that she'd know the right man when she found him, that neither Straw nor Therris was the right one for her. "Here," he said at last, pausing before a blank barrier. The Nightingale knew of Symmachus' famed loyalty to, and knowledge of, the Septim House, and was effecting a pre-emptive strike. They settled themselves at the table. "Nothing would give me greater pleasure, heart's delight -- but that would be impossible.". This was the only way." ", "Ah yes," the Emperor said, smiling cautiously. "He said -- well, that I no longer look much like a boy. ", He shook his head vehemently. "Oh, what have I done? Barenziah thanked the gods silently that at least she was all right. He smiled. Sadly, the birth of Morgiah was not the harbinger of better times ahead. "The Imperial bureaucracy, Milady, is a double-edged claymore. the woman remarked to Hana. And besides, we need their protection for traveling quite as much as they need ours. Barenziah was sure of that. She also thought I'd be happier if I settled down with just one man. But some others were not, and did not. "Give me back my money!" ", "How old are you, Berry? Ai. One morning she awoke to step out of the coach into a cold place with a large gray stone castle amid empty, endless gray-green hills covered patchily with gray-white snow. Taxes were raised and quotas increased with each passing year. They argued continually now, often violently, usually about Helseth, whom he wanted to send away to school in Summurset Isle, the province farthest from the Imperial City. "Who is he?" "I've raised her as my own daughter," Lady Inga was wont to sigh when she sat gossiping with neighboring ladies come to visit, "But she's a dark elf. What would you have, that you have not? This exposed them to the hazards of wayside robbers, both human and Orcish, and roving brigand bands of various races. What can you expect?". In fact, I wonder--" Symmachus examined the desk carefully, pulling out drawers. ", He smiled. "Katisha, I love you. You shall go home, we promise you. she said, smiling. Volumes in the series include: Biography of Barenziah, v1 Biography of Barenziah, v2 Biography of Barenziah, v3 The Real Barenziah, an unofficial account ", "But you are strong and vigorous and vital, more than any man I've ever known. Then her dear parents turned and rode away, knights trailing in their wake, until the courtyard was nearly emptied. "He was looking for me, that's all. She gathered her composure, and willed herself to stillness. But she couldn't turn back know. Besides, he'd pushed her right into their enemies' arms in an attempt to save himself. She had no need to seek another audience with the Emperor. It would be best, I think, for you to go directly to Mournhold if he would agree to it, and bear the child there. ", "Ah. She came to see them as disgusting and repellent insects who could be despised but never feared. Symmachus had kept up the joke long after she had gone the way of imaginary childhood friends -- inquiring after Justin's health whenever he and Uriel Septim met, and being responded to in as mock-serious a fashion. There was nothing to take the place of the void. He would know. Ever, my love, I promise you. You must find a scribe so you can write me too.". She watched them at arms practice when she could, sparred with them when no grownup folk were about, and knew she was good as or better than they. "We've been gone too long," Barenziah said at length. "Ai. Yet I am less than I was yesterday, last year, ten years ago. She said this determinedly, almost stubbornly, as if to drown out any doubt. That at least was true. Her features set imperturbably. I prefer that your former Guild membership not be made public knowledge. The words came out in a tone that sounded dull and hopeless to her own ears. "I do believe I should be the one saying those words. "Well, he should be made to suffer for it shouldn't he? "The Horn of Summoning," she whispered in awe. Of course I do. I have it all. And calling yourself Berry! "Yet I have gained a measure of wealth and power, and the promise of more to come. "You advised me a moment ago to seek after knowledge. The Real Barenziah is a biography of Queen Barenziah of Wayrest. "You should have told me," Barenziah whispered. She took his hand, smiled at him warmly, genuinely. ", "You do, you know. There were few Dark Elves in Whiterun. And ye'll be keen of eye by night, boy, and of hearin' 'tall times. There was time. "No. I placed the Staff there myself, with the aid of the rag-tail end of the Ra'athim Clan who now sits king in Castle Ebonheart as a reward. Most of her knightly escort were Redguards, with a few High Elves, Nords, and Bretons. ", Therris smiled his charming, triangular feline smile and sprawled lazily on his chair, stretching his limbs and curling his tail. Who else had she loved? he said, and then suddenly stared at her with fierce curiosity. "Surely Milord will not miss one lowly priest.". Had I told her, it would have lessened me in her eyes. Perhaps he had tired of his consort. "So? He's dead." No Elven woman conceives more than four times, and that is very rare. Barenziah gasped and Symmachus looked up sharply. It was a testimony to His Excellency's potency, the healer said in sycophantic tones. "Jagar Tharn, indeed. Then he turned serious once more. Under pretence of her customary tour of inspection, Barenziah, unattended but for the Nightingale, ventured into cavern after subterranean cavern. He nodded a greeting and waved his hand toward the window. She'd had a few adventures of that sort as they crossed Skyrim, when she'd dressed as a woman and slipped away from Straw. They were poseurs, impostors, not rulers at all. Once through, Symmachus tapped her shoulder and pointed back at the portals. Swear you won't. A nod from the Emperor dismissed them, and they backed away from the imperial presence. Lights winked out in the shops and on in the inns as dusk fell and stars came out singly then by twos and threes. Is he all right?" I've never--". Barenziah had prepared a pass of sorts for Straw, a makeshift document stating an errand to a temple in the city for a local village lord. She started to cry, thinking of the Nightingale and that sordid business with the Staff. He was afterward invited to dine with them at least once a week. And not so strong as you." The sometime Imperial General and now her trusted Prime Minister took it stoically, as he took most everything. Ugh!" She had, after all, been a member of the Thieves Guild in a past life in another life another Barenziah One morning Barenziah managed to sneak a quick look at it while he was occupied at his toilet. But there was more'n soldiery involved'n that Morrowind business, if y'take my meanin'. No, stunned. A summons arrived at first light. She knew. "I forbid her to do so on this glorious night!" He asked her nothing about her stay in the Imperial City, or of her affair with Tiber Septim -- although Barenziah was certain Drelliane had told him, or earlier written him, everything in detail. All Tamriel, she thought, in his hands and mine, and more perhaps -- and yet For all his exterior charm there was a cold emptiness where his heart should have been, a vacuum of which he was quite unaware, she thought. She stood up, eyes blazing. Barenziah moved toward him, hands outstretched. ", Barenziah forced a smile of her own. Symmachus was dead. Biography of Barenziah, v 1 They're both dead, though. That which Edward and Moraelyn between them used to free High Rock and their spirits from the hateful domination of the Nords. Other, less desirable Dark Elven traits evidently included pilfering, lying, and a little misplaced magic, just a small fire spell here and a little levitation spell there. He added, "Certainly not enough for you to concern yourself further with it. She told him what she had discovered so far, explaining that she must remain awhile yet and learn more as she could. "You knew. All was well -- save that the royal marriage had produced no children. And to add to her growing panic, all news from Mournhold had come to a sudden stop. However, he was always happy to instruct her on the finer points of magic, and he could make even history and politics seem interesting. He was a miner, as was his father before . "I'd trade a goodly share of it for youth and love if the gods would only sanction it. He was a typical young Dark Elf of peasant descent, remarkable only for his size. "Can be adopted by me. She started to sob. She was sure she could earn a modest living by sleeping with the soldiers. She was given sanctuary by the Temple of the One. How may parents give name to that which they know not? A few more minutes and the great nighthawk finished its descent, wings folding, talons reaching for her thick leather armband. The general seemed to take it for granted. "As you wish, Milady Queen Barenziah. But by the second week out her spirits began to rise a little. Hadn't she used those very same words to describe Straw, so very long ago? I promise. And so they spent their days in courtship -- walking, talking, singing and laughing together, while the Empire's business was left to subordinates. Dearly have I bought it. "Barenziah" He turned her face up and kissed her. Outwardly she thrived but there was a cold and empty place within. . "But she's a Dark Elf. he said with sublime contempt. He had several fine children of his own. Symmachus had apartments in a magnificent house two blocks from the palace, past the temple. He suffered so before he died. Tottering between rage at the Emperor's numerous major-domos and fear of the fate awaiting her and her family, the weeks had passed by tensely, agonizingly, remorselessly. First is Biography of Queen Barenziah, the official biography written by Imperial clerks. Barenziah scrambled naked from the bed and ran for the door, not knowing where she was going, only that she could not stay. the Lord shouted, laughing and scattering coin into the throng. She remembered the big blond stable-boy with sudden and intense affection. But, well, y'know all 'bout that, I 'spect. Like a calm afore a storm. Perhaps her mind was playing tricks on her. Barenziah joined the Thieves' Guild, knowing there would be trouble if she were caught free-lancing. The peasant's dead. Five hundred years ago in Mournhold, city of gems, there lived a blind widow woman and her only child, a strapping young man. And they won't tell anyone. Presently they formed into ordered ranks and cheered as her parents, the Lord and Lady, emerged from the palace, clad from head to toe in ebony armor, long purple-dyed fur cloaks flowing behind. "Under the circumstances, Milady, we can hardly ask--", "Nay, good Milord. "The Staff of Chaos! She'd forgotten how good it felt, that warmth. No matter. Only she had never let him know. Did. Illusion! "Wait, that's not the Horn, it -- it's a staff! Finding her noncommittal, he suddenly blurted out, "Milady Queen, you must believe me. It dawned on her that this was the very chamber where she'd first met Tiber Septim all those years ago. And I must say it's a merry chase you've led me throughout Tamriel. Some people were sorry to see her leave, and expressed their sadness in tears and expostulations. I suppose I owe her something. He was very like his father. And no one associated with the Thieves Guild seems to know your true identity, save Therris. He turned once again to their plans. He kissed her again, more passionately this time. Barenziah had the false Emperor's ears -- and seemingly his eyes. "You know what I want of you. Why have you hidden her from us all these years? Their faces seemed to blur one into the next. He was quite aware of Eadwyre's suspicion -- but he wasn't the least bit perturbed, for no one took the old fool seriously. She'd been startled, but extremely pleased, when the men she picked up offered her money afterward. She had never been parted from her parents before and had no idea what it meant, save that there was war in the west and the name Tiber Septim was on everyone's lips, spoken in hate and dread. However, the Champion, while thankfully still alive, now languished in the Imperial Dungeons. How do you do, child? In his free hours he enjoyed hoisting a mug of ale in the tavern with his friends, and gambling with them at cards. Such was Symmachus' presence and power of command that the slack-jawed knights, none of whom had caught more than a glimpse of what happened, were convinced that it was all exactly as he said. One day in the barroom she caught the eye of a known member of the guild, a bold young Khajiit named Therris. "Why not?" It is not destroyed, and it is not removed from Tamriel. "I didn't have the power. ", The Nightingale laughed. Numb as the stone walls around her, numb as the quiescence of the night air numb as a lifeless corpse. "I don't think he'll hear me, although I'm quite sure he'll be pleased to know I'm fine," she said, seeming to sound light. She was given a grand retinue, an extensive trousseau befitting a queen, and an elaborate and impressive ceremonial departure from the gates of the Imperial City. "I might as well be back at Darkmoor Keep. You left me to him. Not that he ever did. Barenziah assured her that it wasn't, that an informant had told the Imperial Guard of Therris' plans. I suggest the Daggerfall version. Barenziah was born in 2E 893, the daughter of the Lord and Lady of Mournhold, and was a member of House Ra'athim. What a charming boy you must have made.". Barenziah was a long-lived Dunmer woman who was a part of the royal family of Mournhold. Had her guardians been unkind to her? As they talked the bustle and flurry in the house died away. But the Queen was quite unshakably popular. "W-what's going to happen to them? She had tried to barge her way through the Imperial bureaucracy -- with little success. His hands closed on her arms. During this time she became deeply interested in the magical arts, but she found the study of history and politics not at all to her preference. What preparations must be made? His lips were sweetest wine, his touch both fire and ice. He pressed food and drink upon them, then repeated the question the general had asked her days ago: Why had she left home? then theirs the "real barenziah" series. Loneliness," she said, then she too shrugged. Although I guessed, and guessed correctly, that you'd head for Morrowind eventually. But now she suddenly dropped her needlework and looked at him. "Ai. Sometime after came a day when Barenziah was shaken awake by her nurse, dressed hurriedly, and borne from the palace. At least he's alive, and he won't need his tongue to raise pigs or whatever.". Moraelyn's heir of Ebonheart am I, last of the royal line, sharer of thy blood. Barenziah screamed at him, then abruptly doubled over and vomited on the floor. What matters it? I can never know you. So the audience with the Emperor earlier that morning had been nothing but a blind, a ruse. The Imperial Guard had deserted Symmachus and joined the rebels. Barenziah snapped resentfully, offended at the thought of emulating the frigid, prudish Drelliane in any way. Barenziah flung the sampler at him. . This time the fighting was fierce. Which talks about her life in a much more personal way. She looked in the direction indicated and saw a handsome elderly man on horseback, surrounded by a half dozen courtiers and cavaliers. Thinking back, Barenziah guessed that their troubles were due to this false Emperor, this Nightingale-spawned glamour -- or whatever he really was. The epistle was brief and complimentary, and simply inquired if King Eadwyre of Wayrest, of the Province of High Rock, might be granted an audience with the famed Queen Barenziah of Mournhold, as he had heard much of her and would be pleased to make her acquaintance. "You mean promiscuous. She had chosen a Champion who would undertake to find the Staff of Chaos, which had been hidden by the traitorous sorcerer in an unknown site. One day in a barroom she caught the eye of a known member of the Guild, a bold young Khajiit named Therris. The story of how he destroyed at-the-time Barenziah's kingdom and murdered her husband Symmachus was heartbreaking, and the fact he managed to manipulate her into becoming his lover for a bit was even more so. And she felt quite taken by the gentle Tiber Septim. "No one knows much about him. She liked Barenziah, had grown to be quite fond of her. Straw was sweet but dull. Symmachus stood watching over her. ", Symmachus stared at her without comprehension. She was passed from hand to hand. ", "But it is his son who holds the future. You've gained in wisdom since last we met. I've none left for myself. "I've raised her as my own daughter," Lady Inga was wont to sigh as she sat gossiping when neighboring ladies came to visit. What's become of my waistline? Tsk, tsk. The Biography or the Real Barenziah? Elves live for a very long time." "She is a good and virtuous woman, the mother of our children and future heirs.
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