One could glimpse it now and then, when his eyes would go blank and hard. The sergeant wanted them to sign on for the return trip, but gave them a bonus when they parted and letters of recommendation. Symmachus -- ". "I'm so sorry. ", Eadwyre looked uncomfortable. Symmachus, however, was still viewed with suspicion by Morrowind's stiff-necked folk, suspicious of his peasant ancestry, his close ties to the Empire, while she was quite popular. "I cannot--. They ate and drank together gleefully, celebrating their escape, made love vigorously on the narrow bed, then fell into an exhausted sleep. She'd forgotten how good it was, that warmth. "You are the queen, aren't you?". ", Barenziah, wide-eyed with sudden terror, sat up in the bed. He could be dangerous. Barenziah felt the weight of sorrow for several days, but by the third day out her spirits had begun to rise a bit. Disguised as a boy, she fled to Whiterun with the stable-boy, where they found jobs as guards in a caravan bound for Riften. They'd entered a nobleman's house, leaving Straw outside as a lookout. I plan to settle in Dunroman when I get there, but I'm in no hurry. Why have you hidden her from us all these years? They entered the inn separately. He was beaten and left dazed by the side of the road. Why? Nightingale knew of Symmachus' famed loyalty to, and knowledge of, the Septims and was making a pre-emptive strike. Barenziah and Straw settled into Rifton for the winter, taking a cheap room in the slummier section of town. ", "You piqued my interest somewhat. Symmachus hard-lined face softened slightly and his eyes glittered with a new light, and he sighed softly. ", "It's too late. WebIt's so good to have the Lady living among us again! She'd like to beat and claw at the Khajiit herself, but that didn't seem very queenly. Priests and Healers came and went, but all their prayers, potions and other efforts produced not even a period of bloom, let alone a single fruit. Part wood elf, part dark elf and part only the gods know what. "I am sorry, your Highness, there must be some mistake. The Nightingales, besides holding the Queen directly responsible for distorting the truth, asserts that the supposed confessions of The Real Barenziah were still interlaced with lies. Shortly beforehand and unknown to the public at the time, the Staff of Chaos had been stolen from the mines beneath Mournhold by a bard known as the Nightingale. "He was looking for me. That is all I ask. "My dear. Later, she took Symmachus as her husband in a ceremony officiated by the Emperor. Yet thereafter relations with the Empire slowly deteriorated, for no apparent reason. The explicit passage included in these books is not as gratuitous as it may first appear. When Helseth was eight years old Barenziah bore a second child, a daughter, to Symmachus' great delight. Biography of Barenziah Volume Two by Stern Gamboge Imperial Scribe The first volume of this series told the story of Barenziah's origin-heiress to the throne of Mournhold until her father rebelled against His Excellency Tiber Septim I and brought ruin to the province of Morrowind. "A walk in the garden. But the Imperial Guards were a tough and brutal lot by all accounts and Barenziah had heard some very ugly stories during her travels. Eadwyre called on them while she was there, and she told him what she had discovered so far, and explained that she must remain awhile yet and learn more as she could. Barenziah had prepared a pass for Straw, stating an errand to a temple in the city for a local village lord. Barenziah scowled at him. Symamchus[sic] explained that this had been his, and Tiber Septim's plan for her all along. "I'm not so sure it's power that Nighingale[sic] seeks," Barenziah said. Symmachus had been made a general after Mournhold fell, the sergeant said. One day in a barroom she caught the eye of a known member of the Guild, a bold young Khajiit named Therris. I cost you everything once, Barenziah, I and Tiber Septim. ", "Part dark elf, for sure, of ancient R'Aathim lineage, else he could not have freed the staff," Symmachus reasoned, "and I think he would have lain with thee. A chord of recognition rang through her and Barenziah knew that she was right. Many sources allude to Barenziah's deft manipulation of propaganda and spies. Barenziah noted that everyone they met greeted Symmachus with a deferential respect which in some cases bordered on obsequiousness. Though she managed to conceal her discovery and leave, news soon came that Mournhold had fallen to rebels, and Symmachus was dead. Symmachus was close enough to smell wine on the royal breath. Symmachus stood watching her. ", The sergeant gave Straw an appraising look, then abruptly spun back to Barenziah, whipping out his short sword. After only a short time in Riften, Straw fell in with a Khajiiti thief named Therris, who planned to rob the Imperial Commandant's house and search for information within on behalf of a traitor. I'd hate to think-- but how could I have known? Barenziah managed to arrange a reconciliation of sorts between them. With the help of the spirit of Ria Silmane, she arranged for the escape of one of Tharn's prisoners, whom Ria had selected as her champion in the fight against Tharn. I love you. "I didn't mean to do that. A Game at Dinner tells a story taking place shortly after Barenziah's return to Morrowind which paints Helseth as a ruthless and even "malevolent" ruler who was surrounded by perfidy. She smiled archly at him. "If you would keep your head upon your shoulders take warning. ", "Bid him speak with me when he has done. He was quite aware of Eadwyre's suspicion, although as he said, no one took the old fool seriously. They found his mother dead, as he had feared. She talked to Katisha about her men problems. Therris found Straw amusing and suggested to Barenziah that they arrange what he called a threesome. "Everyone knew that. 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 taste. "Look, not one of my skirts fit? And Symmachus is very handsome, don't you think? Web02:49 For other uses, see Straw. What form should the suffering take? Eventually, they put it from their minds and left it in the gods' hands. "The father abbot will," the monk said nervously, tearing his robe loose from Symmachus' grip and vanishing into the crowd. The sergeant looked her over dubiously. ", "I see. And the elders were expected to do most of the conciliating in the name of the reforms introduced by the Empire, such as land ownership and surface farming, which went clean against dark elven tradition, as laid down by their ancient gods and goddesses. The current emperor, Uriel Septim, sent some rather stiff messages expressing shock and displeasure at the staff's disappearance and urging that Symmachus make every effort to locate its whereabouts and communicate this to the newly appointed Imperial BattleMage, Jagar Tharn, in whose hands the matter had been placed. I've none left for myself. According to The Nightingales, Volume II: What We Were, the master of disguise who seduced Barenziah was actually a member of the Nightingale Trinity, a triumvirate of master thieves blessed by Nocturnal. Humans were fickle minded. Now." I'll remedy it. Sven paid the host for a single room, a large meal and a jug of ale, and Barenziah sneaked in a few minutes later. "Dark elf, in part, perhaps," said Barenziah, "but part human, too, I think, in disguise, else would I not have come so quickly to fertility. Silgrod Tower is full of Imperial troops. When we dare not entrust anyone with my true story? AlexQuinn13 May 21, 2015 @ 5:07pm. Though she maintained pretenses, Barenziah dedicated much of her youth to "pilfering, lying, and a little misplaced magic". She did not love him, but she was fond of him, and that was something. A bard was singing, but Barenziah hadn't been listening. Berry said, a moment before the door opened and two dark figures appeared. After the ceremony he watched impassively as the royal procession returned to the palace. Taxes were raised and quotas increased with each passing year. If you keep on keeping company with Khajiits and humans you'll find yourself pregnant soon. They ebb and flow like the tides. Suddenly she thought of Nightingale and briefly he sat before her, only saddened. She watched them at arms practice when she could, practiced with them when no grown folk were about, and knew she was as good or better than they. Barenziah found them pleasant enough, but hard to get to know, as Katisha would have put it. "And none of us shall go without. But you know all that, don't you?" Maybe some day, if I can't be a queen.". That surprises you? The ceremony itself, like so much else, was a mixture of old and new, parts of it dictated by Imperial format, as she was sworn to service of the Empire and Tiber Septim, as well as to the land of Mournhold and its people. Her heart leapt. Symmachus had kept up the family joke long after "Justin" had gone wherever such childhood friends go, inquiring seriously after Justin's well-being whenever he and Uriel Septim met, and being responded to as seriously. I'll write you. His severed head was later mounted on a spear and exposed on the walls of Riften. "I know all about Straw," he said, "and about Therris. All she remembered of that dreadful time was seeing a huge shadow with burning eyes that filled the sky. He had a winning smile, bright, indeed piercing, blue eyes, and a full head of stark white hair above a lined and weathered face. He listened stolidly for some time, while Drelliane cleaned up after her. Symmachus was not given to empty threats. Symmachus was away, having been summoned to Imperial City by Tiber Septim's great-great grandson, Uriel Septim. Not only that, "Justin" had been a girl, despite the boy name. Children are few among elves. He must have taken Uriel Septim's place shortly before the unreasonable demands on Mournhold had begun. "There's Silgrod Tower," Berry said, referring to the Dark Elf town that had grown up around the ancient tower that guarded the border between Skyrim and Morrowind. Out of grief and longing, her body responded to his as never before, pouring forth all that Nightingale had woken in her. It's only lower ranking members like me who are supposed to keep their membership secret. She lowered her gaze in what she hoped looked like maiden modesty. He was steady and reliable. "Are you angry with me? Besides, Katisha is a very honest person. Magic. In fact, the later editions are more detailed than the Daggerfall version in some sections. Eight years later, the couple had another child, Morgiah. He said he knew he could trust Berry and Straw. Barenziah, thou seekest and know it not, nor yet for what. Barenziah stood before the Emperor's throne, explaining Mournhold's straits. I'll be all right. Now do I better understand Tiber Septim's love of it, if he has oft paid such prices, for surely worth is measured by the price one pays." Symmachus seemed pleased and promised to arrange it. Barenziah shrugged. He had no legitimate claim on her on her unborn child. "You've done naught to earn it!" Ah, but now, now I have it all. I will not have it so." He went by the alias Plitinius Mero, and claimed to have written the biography after a great deal of research, when he was young and ambitious. "Tell me what you're looking for and I'll find it," Berry whispered. Barenziah and Eadwyre were married a year after the birth of her son by Jagar Tharn. For this, and for the theft, he suffered Uriel Septim's disfavor and suspicion. Our home-grown bandits will as lief cut yer throat as mine. And yet, as a I said, it isn't anywhere. Symmachus held it away from her, laughing. Well, you've a year or two yet before you'll be fertile, unless you're very unlucky. Gradually he turned the conversation to her business with the Emperor. The stableboy, Straw, had convinced her that her guardians, unable to find a suitable husband for her, meant to sell her as a concubine in Rihad, and when a Redguard had indeed come, she had panicked and fled with him. They settled into Rifton for the winter, taking a cheap room Barenziah joined the Thieves' Guild, Along the way, she engaged in other sexual liaisons, as well. "Nice," he said presently, withdrawing his tongue, but not his hand. As elf he did not dare, for then he would not have been able to part with thee. "I could never be angry with you. My lady I -- we -- need your aid. Straw sensed it and was unhappy about it. You, in fact. Barenziah was given a bow and allowed to practice target shooting with the boys. There is a difference. He shook his head. Barenziah just laughed. How could she be sure she wasn't imagining things? Symmachus would have liked more. Let him recover the thing. It hurts good though, now doesn't it?". Even her son the King was dismissed by some as a mere crony.[17]. Barenziah joined the Thieves' Guild, knowing there would be trouble if she were caught free-lancing. The monk sighed and tucked the bag away. "Is there news, my lady?" Following Uriel Septim VII's return to the Ruby Throne and the Restoration of the Empire, a state funeral was held for Symmachus. The Real Barenziah, Book I The Real Barenziah, Book II The Real Barenziah, Book III The Real "It matters," he said softly, "but not that much," he added. He scribbled entries in it each night after quick reports from his underlings. You know what I want of you, my love. "Thou art lazy and a coward, else I hold no charm for thee. ", "Passion," she whispered, "passion. I'll never forget it. "You don't trust me," Barenziah pouted, but she softened her lips for his kiss. Helseth was fifteen, Morgiah just eight. His eyes were wary. "Someone's coming!" You may tell Uriel Septim that, and that my patience is bounded.". Inga disapproved of this activity for reasons incomprehensible to Barenziah, so she was careful to keep it as secret as possible. She was still smarting. And, as she grew older, a keen interest in boys and men, who could provide very pleasant sensations and, to her astonishment, gifts as well. I must crave thy pardon, and that of my kind guardians. He was very like his father. The Imperial Guards had deserted Symmachus and joined the rebels. As long as it's safe, what does it matter where it lies? Ebonheart was jealous that the Staff was laid here when Tiber Septim took the Horn from us.". I will put it no more plainly than that.". ", "Freedom," she whispered, "freedom to be what they are. Barenziah came to see them as disgusting and corrupted insects who could be despised, but never feared. This is a compilation of books assembled for easier reading. This drew the Nerevarine to Mournhold, and Helseth dismissed the matter as a misunderstanding. Would twenty stripes be too many do you think? Two is the allotted number. ", "How old are you? he said finally. We'll be married. Together they made their way to a run-down inn in the poor quarter of Whiterun. You just tend to your -- knitting.". They quarrelled, often violently, usually about Helseth, whom he wanted to send away to school. Barenziah looked over toward the corner windows where Helseth was strumming a lute and singing a duet with his little sister. He took her hands in his. [1] Though her position was largely ceremonial for most of the Third Era, the couple were said to be popular with the people of Morrowind. For her part, the Queen Mother showed little concern that the Nerevarine would be all that stood between her and the expected assassins. ", Barenziah smiled and shrugged. Milady, I am no one. I won't try to stop you. Straw had been unhappy about it though and would shout for awhile, then sulk for days afterwards if he caught her at it. She gazed around with wonder as they'd made their way through the huge echoing downstairs rooms, but Therris didn't seem interested in anything but the desk in the small book-lined study on the upper floor. WebWendy Armour, Esq. Pale skin, red eyes and elven ears and about him a fierce glow of concentration, an aura of energy, a shrinking horror. Then her dear parents turned and rode away, soldiers trailing in their wake until the palace was near emptied. ", Barenziah screwed up her face. That's Symmachus you're with, isn't it? Foreign soldiers appeared. When she came to herself again she was sitting beside Therris, who was buttoning her shirt. Actually the idea was not entirely unappealing. "I'll soon train her out of that," the other woman sniffed, "And what's that filthy thing she's got? she said, smiling. She drew back after a few moments, astonished by the violence of her feelings, and he apologized instantly. He hadn't even wanted to bring any other Guild members along. You will speak of it to no one. "So the One teaches us. Symmachus tried other monks and mages, too, but with no better result. He was looking at her with a hopeless yearning in his face. "The child I bear is your child!" My lord has bade all clerics to attend and I shall not offend him. The ranking officers are well known. The air was thin and a chill late autumn wind blew constantly, but it was also rich with the sweet spice smell of the late-blooming black rose, which grew in every shadowy nook and crevice, finding nourishment even in the stoniest slopes. Perhaps it is mine. "Straw has deserved well of me and has never done anyone any harm. He not only told her about the skills she needed to become a member of the Thieves Guild, but also trained her himself, as well as introducing her to other members. This is the original, 10-volume version of this book that appeared in Daggerfall. "They'll be looking for us. As her understanding broadened their discussions became longer, deeper and more frequent. Barenziah made her usual tour of inspection but instead of leaving afterwards, she and Nightingale entered a long-sealed door that led to an ancient part of the workings, long abandoned. "What do you want? Barenziah's eyes ached for color and shadow. I know it's wrong, but I can't help it. There wasn't nearly enough to pay a priest for healing. "Berry, it wasn't somehow because of me that Therris was caught? There was a grand parade into the city and speeches of welcome from elders. And calling yourself Berry! Let me remind you that you will hold the throne of Mournhold not by right of blood but solely at the pleasure of Tiber Septim. "He's a fine soldier, Symmachus is, but there was more than soldiery involved in Morrowind, if you take my drift. They were yet young, with centuries ahead of them. "What matter? I told him about you, you know. What would you have, that you have not? She found that she enjoyed being on the road again, although she missed Straw's companionship more than she would have thought. "He slavers over you like a dog his dinner. Despite the physical resemblance, he didn't seem to be the same man at all. The rosy glow turned all the stark white marble buildings a delicate pink. The priest backed away, beginning a curse, but Symmachus struck him before more than three words had left his mouth. That lies with the Horn and the ability to use it.". Their faces seemed to blur into one another. The loyal troops had suffered a decisive defeat. "Someone's coming!" It drank, then ruffled its feathers and began to preen, secure in her presence. Drelliane shook her gray head. Barenziah felt content. I went; he asked for me. "For now," he said. Now thou know'st what it hath cost me many long years and weary miles to learn.". A nod dismissed them, and they backed away from the presence. He'd even threatened to leave her. Straw looked drawn and pale. Straw was a peasant and had peasant dreams. She did want him, but not that badly. You -- care for him, then?" She it was who led me to you by telling me of a lonely dark elf girl named Berry who need elven friends -- and sometimes dressed as a boy. Barenziah bowed, as did her children. So very beautiful." They are a short-lived race. ", "Milady, to praise thee I must know thee and thy spirit is wrapped in clouds of enchantment. It was a testimony to His Excellency's potency, the healer said sycophantically. Drelliane was much the same. Do not hold his mother up to public scorn, I beg you. Am I getting fat?" "How so?" I'm to be Queen of Mournhold and you'll be king of your own farm. He Her people were secure and fed, her mines and farms productive. They settled themselves at the table. You must always know what it is you do.". He was a miner, as was his father before him, a common laborer in the king's mines, for his magicka ability was but small. He was very jealous. Like a calm before a storm. No, see" And now it was not going well. Nightingale had fallen into a deep crevice that closed upon him. And no one associated with the Thieves' Guild seems to know your true identity, save Therris. A jerk of the elf's head sent his robed companion after him. And Therris?". What had she done? According to the Queen circa 3E 417, it was a "cruel and defamatory" work which a disgruntled and possibly deranged scribe had written several years before. ", "Ah, you've gained in wisdom, since last we met. Yet still the demands increased and commoners and nobles alike grew restless. ", Symmachus shrugged. Their cities and even their empires bloom like spring flowers, only to wither and die in the summer sun.". I value her good opinion. "Oh, he's fine for now. "If I can ease thy pain, let me do so." He had several fine children of his own. When Symmachus told her they were to set out for Imperial City on the morrow, she asked if she could say goodbye to her friends. This page was last edited on 15 April 2023, at 17:10. Let me add that power offers pleasures other than those of carnality and low company." He's dead. He hadn't invited her to sit, nor had he dismissed the children. Barenziah was able to charm Tharn, and by reading his secret diary, she learned the extent of his plot, and what had to be done to stop him. Helseth was his pride, yet little Morgiah held his heart. ", "Our chosen one may need a few days to escape. "Here's a greater riddle still," he whispered, "how to make one of two. It's the way of humans. The nobility had disapproved of his liaison with Barenziah and were glad that she had gone. If I'm to be rich, then I would give that to him. ", "Not so, 'tis thy words that weave enchantment, and thy eyes. We can use my room," Barenziah felt both embarassed and excited by his boldness. That at least was true. I was told elves do not bear so young. We were greatly honored to be the only guests that evening, except for your best friend Justin, of course. Your child will be my true heir." Barenziah stood at the open tower window, waiting. "Maybe," Barenziah said. "There was Straw," she faltered. She has always been a woman of the people, never putting on any airs of royalty.Dialogue with Mournhold citizens Barenziah "I command you do so. But yes, I do trust you. She was awed by the magnificence of the city and the discipline and order everywhere evident, and was excited at the prospect of being a part of it all. "She'll grow worse in time," Nightingale said carelessly, eying Barenziah's swollen breasts and belly with satisfaction. Symmachus looked less than pleased, but agreed she might, although only with the women. They could not marry, of course, for Uriel Septim was already married. Barenziah forced a smile of her own. ", "'Everyone' is wrong, then. Where was I born? ", "But you are strong and vigorous and vital, more than any man I've ever known. Didn't anyone ever tell you about Khajiit men? [nb 1] There are two often contradictory accounts documenting her life up until the end of the Imperial Simulacrum. She taught Barenziah an Invisibility spell and trained her in other forms of stealth and disguise.
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