Go ahead. Many of the great noble families of Morrowind had been wiped out in Tiber Septim's great war of unification, before the treaty. No one dared oppose Tiber Septim, at least no one she knew of. I do trust you. Barenziah stood up and tried to mask her upheaval. She continued to dress as a boy. ", [This passage has been censored by order of the Temple.]. "Some things are universal, shared by all sentient folk of good will," he said. The Emperor -- and I -- expect you to display both discrimination and good taste. I know. A tiny part of her consciousness shared its satisfaction at a job well done, mission accomplished, and rest earned yet beneath it all was unease. There is a rather sensitive situ Katisha's face briefly wore the envious, wistful look humans got when contemplating the thousand-year lifespan Elves had been granted by the gods. You were only drawing attention to yourself. Her children remained with her and a regent was appointed to rule Mournhold in her absence. She hesitated. King Gortwog of Orsinium was gathering information on all High Rock's royal families and managed to get a copy of the biography. Other than her appearance, she differed from young girls of her class only in that she had a strong empathy for the woods and fields, and was wont to escape her household duties to wander there. She felt an odd twinge of disappointment. Not a man to be rewarded. Helseth was his pride, but little Morgiah -- named for Symmachus' mother -- held his heart. He was his old commanding self -- but she sensed something else as well. He's gone now, he's he She still couldn't bring herself to accept the fact that Symmachus was dead. That, and that my patience is not infinite.". He was quite aware of Eadwyre's suspicion -- but he wasn't the least bit perturbed, for no one took the old fool seriously. After that brief exchange, Barenziah found her interest in life somehow rekindled. You have a duty toward Mournhold, and a duty toward the Empire. There's some excellent nectarines from Black Marsh.". She simply said she was in the general's employ and did whatever was asked of her. Daggerfall, Tribunal, Legends. Only Symmachus stood silent, head bowed, knowing in his heart that his dear mother was gone. Symmachus grinned at this. How are ye with yon bow, Dark Elf?" There've been other things to think about." Ai! Outside the study the house had come alive with hastening footsteps and voices calling out in alarm and the clank of armor hurriedly put on. Helseth grew tall and strong. "Yes, I would. When we dare not entrust anyone with the true story? She started to cry, thinking of the Nightingale and that sordid business with the Staff. Her features set imperturbably. Ugh!" "She's wonderful with the children," Inga added, referring to her five sons, all younger than Barenziah. "Nothing would give me greater pleasure, heart's delight -- but that would be impossible.". For surely worth is measured by the price we pay." He was unhappy anyway since they could not bed together, as she was supposed to be a boy. In small villages and towns, ragged Dark Elven folk gathered along the road to cry her name or simply gape. Not what he said. The Emperor had greeted the three of them when they came into the audience chamber with a too-bright smile of welcome that nonetheless didn't reach his eyes. ", "But you are strong and vigorous and vital, more than any man I've ever known. "I'd trade a goodly share of it for youth and love if the gods would only sanction it. Queen Barenziah can be soul summoned with 1,200 soul gems or found in Core set packs. He kissed her again, more passionately this time. But such were the perils of trade and profit. As an Elf he did not dare, for then he would not have been able to part from you." Barenziah stood at the tower window, waiting. It is said that her Palace had remained completely unoccupied for some time by 4E 201. The act filled her with astonishment. "Straw wants a little farm. Tell me. Or was it his great-great-great-grandson? "Ai. Another man she had loved. In 3E 376 Barenziah was seduced by a bard (and thief) known as Nightingale. Tiber Septim has not long to live. Appearances "Not yet. But some others were not, and did not. "Ahhh. And no. The remaining loyal troops had suffered a decisive defeat. Grant her thy blessings and thy counsel, ye kind gods, that she may ever rule well over Mournhold, its ken and its weal, its kith and its ilk.". And if words you would have, you have those of the greatest, of those greater than my callow self. "I could never be angry with you, Excellency. There were days, or it may have been weeks, of travel. "He was caught stealing from the Commandant's house. I'm so sorry". He saw the priest to whom he'd first spoken. As her son flourished in the womb, so did her feeling toward patient, faithful, devoted Symmachus, which had been rooted in long friendship and unbroken affection -- and which now, at last, ripened into the fullness of true love. You must be a friend to this family if you would see lasting profit from your relationship. "I don't think he would have lain with you. "That is not an option. Barenziah impelled the children ahead of her, a hand on each shoulder, trying to stay cool, collected, her ladies-in-waiting and personal knights escort trailing behind. Daggerfall he said, and then suddenly stared at her with fierce curiosity. Helseth Hlaalu (son)Morgiah of Firsthold (daughter)Dralsi Indoril (daughter)Elysana (stepdaughter)Karliah (granddaughter) The man called the Nightingale came to her, thanked her for the honor of the Queen's audience and the fat purse she handed him. One of my own race with all the right qualities, who knows to say all the right things. Tiber Septim does not keep those he has no use for -- and what else could you be that would be of use to him? Yet I'd not have thought you'd have stayed together this long.". Ebonheart was jealous that the Staff was laid here when Tiber Septim took the Horn of Summoning from us.". He was quick enough with gossip about others, but she learned nothing about him -- he turned all questions away with a joking riposte or a ribald tale. How dare he! Symmachus was dead. He smiled. Symmachus was not given to empty threats. My mother's dying-!". There was time. She, of course, felt only friendship for him, but he was hopeful that she would change her mind. You may claim her back.". Barenziah, with Drelliane as chaperone, took up residence in a suite of rooms at the Imperial Palace. It's all right, you can forget the rest of the gold, there's aught I can do here. Thanks for the coffee, @k_stellastra ! "Guards!" Certainly he couldn't be under a century of age. The version featured here is the uncensored Children are few among the Elves. 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. 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. mukuuji shared 'Queen Barenziah and Helseth' on Ko-fi. And your body. Katisha answered the knock. He had no legitimate claim on her or her unborn child. You impress me, my love. Barenziah got reluctant leave from him to visit her children, who had yet to be told of their father's death -- and of the Emperor's offer of protection. No heirs. Although it was not known at the time, it was shortly before this blessed event that the Staff of Chaos was stolen from its hiding place deep in the Mournhold mines by a clever bard known only as Nightingale. She would've liked to beat and claw at the Khajiit herself. As for the rest -- Barenziah, my dearest Barenziah, I expect you have loosed a storm upon the land. She was six months pregnant before she finally deciphered the location of the last Staff piece -- an easy one, since every Dark Elf knew where the Mount of Dagoth-Ur was. The ones higher up are well known." Likely-". "I suppose I could obtain another audience with him," Barenziah said carefully. But while we may -- shall we share what we have, what we can, and pray the One forgives us our frailty?". She leaned over and whispered in Barenziah's ear, "Symmachus is very handsome, don't you think? So his wish had come true. That was what she wanted. she cried. Barenziah listened with growing interest, spurred on not entirely by his threats. Barenziah's mouth went dry. Barenziah and good King Eadwyre had come to care deeply for one another, and had married in the year after their flight from Imperial City. The Nightingale had exiled the Empress shortly after taking the Emperor's place, but had not dared harm her. So I was looking for a way to make Queen Barenziah a dark elf, and I went onto https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Daggerfall:Files , Perhaps it is mine. King Eadwyre looked polite and grave, and rather worried -- but not in the least lovestruck. Daggerfall:Biography of Queen Barenziah, Vol 2 What would you? Spies were sent in search of the thief, but the Nightingale seemed to have vanished whence he had come -- wherever that was. Maybe she was a bit bored with him too. Two is the usual number. Sometime after came a day when Barenziah was shaken awake by her nurse, dressed hurriedly, and borne from the palace. ", "I know I've been a very foolish girl, Excellency. She married and had a daughter of her own, Karliah.[4]. 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'd never thought of him in that way -- and yet, undeniably, an old familiar warmth spread through her. But something about the way he said it. And for that, for all that, for all you have done to my family, Nightingale -- you must die. Alas, shortly after that, relations with the Empire mysteriously deteriorated, leading to much civil unrest in Mournhold. Once below I can guide you to where this thing lies, and lift it from its resting place. "And what's that filthy thing she's got? You might at least have pretended. He took her into his custody, and informed her that, far from being sold, she was to be instated as Queen of Mournhold as soon as she turned eighteen. He lifted it high. "With child?" Her body yearned for him. Could it be? Mynisera's Letters: Letters are being smuggled out of Community content is available under. Avoiding any scandal, he ordered the pregnancy to be aborted, and then sent Barenziah to Morrowind. The tall Elf perched himself on a corner of the desk. I'll never forget it. This is the revised, 5-volume version of this book that appears in Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. ", "You inspired my hunger for knowledge somewhat." "Barenziah, our naughty little runaway. The same administrative morass that makes it near impossible to obtain an audience with the Emperor and his ministers also quite assures that you would never be unlawfully imprisoned or otherwise punished without benefit of due legal process. In spite of this unfortunate fact, Eadwyre doted on her and her children. Why did you run away? Baron Sven, said the boy, had dealt with a Redguard visitor to sell her as a concubine in Rihad, as no Nord or Breton would marry her on account of her black skin, and no dark elf would have her because of her foreign upbringing. "Are you angry with us? "Our chosen one may need a few days to escape, Milady. She'd waited weeks for an audience with Uriel Septim, having been fobbed off on this pretext or that. "I do believe I recall that. ", Symmachus shrugged. He would know. Tiber Septim was nothing like the grim, grey, giant warrior she'd pictured. Is he all right?" Things were not right, even to its humble avian mind. Can you solve the puzzle?" I'd hate to think-- But how could I have known?" "Open your shirt, Barenziah," the Elf said. Barenziah regarded her thin arms and legs and her undeniably thickened waist in the mirror with displeasure. The necromancer, the King of Worms, was also interested in the book. Symmachus, a general in the Imperial Legion, who was said to have the friendship and the ear of Tiber Septim himself, captured her. Symmachus sent a message to the Emperor Uriel Septim VII for help, but he was directed to seek aid from Jagar Tharn, the Imperial Battlemage. As would the pain. "General Symmachus said--" Barenziah stopped in some confusion, then proceeded. Quickly the monarch outlined a plot. ", "Very well done, Agent (Player name). At least he's alive, and he won't need his tongue to raise pigs or whatever.". "I thank you from my heart and my soul, good Milord King Eadwyre. Most of her knightly escort were Redguards, with a few High Elves, Nords, and Bretons. And during it she wanted peace, and quiet, and serenity, of her soul as well as of her heart. "No," Barenziah said slowly, thoughtfully. Eight years after Helseth's birth, Barenziah bore a daughter, Morgiah, named for Symmachus' mother and the royal couple's joy was complete. That is why when my dear child Helseth told me about you, I was so quick to write. On orders from the Emperor. You are wrapped in enigma, in clouds of enchantment. Elysana gained the crown and banished Helseth and Barenziah from Wayrest. What had she just said? "Dark Elf in part, perhaps," said Barenziah, "but part human too, I think, in disguise. ", Barenziah chewed on that for a few moments. Just teach him a lesson.". Centuries ago. "Trust me, Milady heart. Several unsuitable friends, had he said? It was rumored that he had a bit of Nordic blood in him. Related quests ", "So I did, so I did." Symmachus." The man shook his head sadly. ("The Temple of the One," he identified as they passed it, an ancient Nordic cult which Tiber Septim had revived. Rumor had it that his mages had developed spells to extend his vitality, and that even the One had granted him immortality. "True, but the Archcanon will," the priest said nervously, tearing his robe loose from Symmachus' desperate grip and vanishing into the crowd. "I am sorry, Milady sweet, but I must leave you now. She slipped his grasp and turned away. Female Barenziah had been dealing with humans for nearly five hundred years now, and had developed the skill of reading their expressions and movements that was far beyond what any human could ever perceive. "Barenziah. This Champion was to wield the Staff's power to destroy Jagar Tharn, who was otherwise invulnerable, and rescue the true Emperor being held prisoner in another dimension. The uncensored version can only be found in Daggerfall. She had been madly in love with him. pray join us. "You don't trust me," Barenziah pouted, but softened her lips when he leaned over for a kiss. What can you expect?". She had tried to barge her way through the Imperial bureaucracy -- with little success. He looked sad. He was much like his father, whom he worshipped. "Now, and forever.". ", "How so? Her husband despised Wood Elves as lazy thieves and High Elves as effete intellectuals. If you go, you go alone. For among the people of Mournhold, the birth of an heiress is a sure sign of future peace and prosperity. Yes, that must be it. You may tell Uriel Septim that. Barenziah She sprang up and ran toward him, but he was gone. Barenziah. A charade. But we pray you remain with us a little longer, that you may prepare yourself for the grave and solemn task with which we shall charge you.". The Staff is not a weapon that would have seen him clear, unlike the Horn. "You know? "I didn't have the power. Perhaps she should have gone with him, but there'd been the delegation from Tear on a tiresome matter that nevertheless required delicate handling. Barenziah Barenziah's daughter, Morgiah, had already married the King of Firsthold and was no longer living in Wayrest. She knew that rumors abounded about her and Tiber Septim. Tiber Septim roared at him. "If so, 'tis not so bad a place to be." No, that wasn't it. ", "No one knows but Straw and Therris. But in a way, apparently, not altogether to his liking. My Queen my Barenziah.". "Wait, that's not the Horn, it -- it's a staff! Could this Jagar Tharn have been the Nightingale, disguised? Tharn had then used the Staff of Chaos to kill her when she attempted to warn the Council of his nefarious plot. "Tell me what you're looking for and I'll find it," Berry whispered urgently. King Eadwyre," the woman added helpfully, noting Barenziah's incomprehension. In the Imperial City, Barenziah became great friends with Tiber Septim during the last years of his reign; Tiber's heir Pelagius also came to love her as a sister. ", "You want to torment me. I served under Symmachus hisself afore I lost this arm and got invalided outter the Emp'ror's army. Oh, Berry, he was drawn and quartered this very dawn by the Commandant's order!" "You're talking in riddles again. She came to see them as disgusting and repellent insects who could be despised but never feared. But he only smiled. ", His words touched her absurdly, yet profoundly. "I want to go home. Your appointment is for next week. "I don't think she'd ever let them come to harm." He might have been any age from forty to sixty. The thought appeared in her mind, clear and unbidden. And not so strong as you." Barenziah is the Queen of Wayrest, wife of King Eadwyre, and mother of Helseth Hlaalu and Morgiah. This last was composed of a blend of Imperial emissaries ("advisors" they were called) and native representatives of the Mournhold people, who were mostly elders in accordance with Elven custom. He must have taken Uriel Septim's place shortly before the unreasonable demands on Mournhold had begun. "What matter? What's to become of me? Daggerfall:Biography of Queen Barenziah, Vol 3 - UESPWiki In Symmachus' thirtieth year, there was great rejoicing in Mournhold - a girl-child had been born to the Lord and Lady. The citizens of Morrowind revolted, and Symmachus did his best to suppress the rebellion. The Emperor did not even make the slightest pretence at listening to her. A crowd of people of all sorts and races filled the wide concourse. ", "I just don't trust that mongrel Elf. I don't think he thinks of me as a woman at all. Barenziah was welcomed kindly by the Emperor Tiber Septim and his family, who treated her like a daughter during her stay in the newly built Imperial City. He did want the child. This problem became one of the goals of the first fan patches and mods for Daggerfall. Drelliane was much the same. Silgrod Tower is full of Imperial soldiers. ", "Our dear child. She was given sanctuary by the Temple of the One. And why look at her with such a vicious -- however brief -- yearning? "I'll soon train her out of that," the other woman sniffed. ", "Just a little, I must admit," she said icily. But it would be inconvenient, wouldn't it? "Perhaps you'd rather hear about your friends first.". If you're bored with me, you and your friend can find someone else." But all she said was, "Not here, Straw, we're too close to Darkmoor still. She grew up in Skyrim, banished after Tiber Septim conquered Morrowind. "Straw wants to buy a farm and marry me.". "Remove this oaf." However, the Champion, while thankfully still alive, now languished in the Imperial Dungeons. A trusty Dark Elf makes as good a fightin' man as any could ask for. "No, no, no. These were the first Dark Elves with whom she'd associated closely. Barenziah jumped, startled by the servant's approach. "I don't believe you. All the worst qualities of all his combined bloods, I'll warrant." We are as a year to their hour, a decade to their day.". She stole from their rooms and walked the streets of Rifton in desperation, torn between loyalty to the Empire and to her friend. Symmachus elbowed his way through the mob and managed to overtake a brown-robed priest. You couldn't have destroyed it. Barenziah demonstrated her prowess briefly. "How so?" But even if he is, she told herself firmly, my love is alive, and remains. If I'm to be rich, then I would like for one to be given to him. You always did. Symmachus, solid, stolid Symmachus, who did what ought to be done, quietly and efficiently. ", "Ah yes," the Emperor said, smiling cautiously. He glanced it over, then folded and replaced it. "Sire. The boy waited, eyes wide and shining. ", Barenziah forced a smile of her own. If that cannibal gets his warted hands on the Totem, it could mean the end of Wayrest, and possibly all civilization on the Iliac Bay. Your words and your eyes. She was passed from hand to hand. "Surely Milord will not miss one lowly priest.". She would have us be other than what we are. As long as it's safe, what does it matter who recovers it, or where it lies? Lately all the songs seemed the same to her, whether new or old. We could never put her aside -- yet there is nothing between us and her, no sharing of the spirit. Regret? We make one another happy. Excellency, I long for Mournhold. What will I tell them? Gender ", "Why -- none. Barenziah received these visits with pleasure at first. Yes. Things are different in the Imperial City and the Imperial Province. All she could remember of that dreadful time was seeing a huge shadow with burning eyes filling the sky. And she felt quite taken by the gentle Tiber Septim. Or could. They resumed walking. WebShe taught Barenziah an Invisibility spell and trained her in other forms of stealth and disguise. "Just remember that we need you. "I might as well be back at Darkmoor Keep. You left me to him. How do I make Queen Barenziah and her son darker? She greeted each day with zest, looking forward to conversation with the Nightingale and the gift of his song. Barenziah gasped and Symmachus looked up sharply. "I've had the queen's suite refurbished for you," the general told her later when they reached the palace, "but you may change anything not to your taste, of course." Barenziah sat at dinner in the Great Hall, pushing food about on a plate, feeling bored and restless. Later, when they had drawn a bit apart and he lay dozing, she thought sleepily, "One of two, two of one, three of two, two of three what cannot be destroyed or banished might be split apart, perhaps". After a bit of manipulation, Helseth managed to get the Nerevarine on his side to face yet another threat, the mad goddess, Almalexia. And so it came to pass. Yes! The Nightingale knew of Symmachus' famed loyalty to, and knowledge of, the Septim House, and was effecting a pre-emptive strike. Yet these were recounted so charmingly it was impossible to take offence. And calling yourself Berry! Darkness overtook her. The peasant's dead. Symmachus remained in Mournhold. You're not just humoring someone you might think a madman? Therris had said it was a simple job but very hush-hush. Symmachus met her at the Mournhold border with an escort of knights, about half of whom were Dark Elven. ", "Very perceptive of you, Milady. She had been so young then, those had been carefree days, halcyon days before everything, before all this before him. What birthright might be theirs? "Afore you go, fetch me a priest or a healer, else I may pass from the mortal plane ere you return.". Even after all that had happened. "Pay up first, sweetness. Symmachus scolded her privately, saying a queen must maintain royal dignity at all times. "This must not be!" What have I done? They come and go as the seasons -- but the families of the powerful ones live on for a time. The Queen, unable to sleep, had summoned him to her chamber that his music might soothe her.