Corpus Tamrielicum - The Imperial Library

100 2. THE ELDER SCROLLS CHAPTER 2: DAGGERFALL
"Would you hear why I left your father or why I did not take you with me, having chosen to
go."
Edward paused, thinking, "Madam, I would hear the truth, therefore I must give the truth. I
would hear why you left me behind. The other, I think I know, as much as I can or would
know, unless you wish to tell me more or other."
"The truth? Truth is not a single thing existing apart from those who apprehend it. But I will
tell you my truth and perhaps then you may arrive at your truth.
Aliera walked back to a softly pillowed chair and composed herself. Nearby a small ruby
colored bird settled on a branch and trilled an accompaniment to her soft voice.
"My parents arranged my marriage as is the custom of our homeland. I did not love Corcyr,
but in the beginning I respected him and tried to be a good wife. He did not care for me, nor
did he take care. And so he lost my respect and I died a little each day, withering like an
untended plant. I was happy only with you, but Corcyr thought I was making you too soft.
"Womanish," he said, and so, after your third birthday I was allowed to spend only an hour
each day with you. I listened to your cries and sat weeping, without heart for anything.
Finally, you ceased crying and asking for me, and my heart was left empty. I formed the habit
of walking and riding much of the time, alone save for a guard or two. Then Moraelyn came.
He wanted to mine for ebony in the Wrothgarian Mountains. The land he wanted to use was
part of my dowry. He was willing to train our people in the arts of its use and even to give
them weapons of Dark Elf making. In return our people were to aid him in keeping the
goblins away, and allow him to form a colony of his people in High Rock. Corcyr had no use
for the land and he wanted the weapons very much indeed -- there are none better -- so he
favored the proposal. There were many details to be discussed and arranged and it fell to me
to conduct these negotiations. Corcyr despises Dark Elves and he was jealous of Moraelyn,
who was already famed as the finest fighter in all Tamriel.
"But Moraelyn is more than a skilled fighter; he's well-read and interested in everything under
the sun. He sang and played as if taught by Jeh Free and Jhim Sei both. He was a companion
such as I'd only dreamed of...that and no more, I swear. We both love to be outside, so our
discussions took place while riding and walking, but always accompanied by his men and
Corcyr's. When all was arranged, Corcyr gave a great feast to celebrate the treaty. All of High
Rock nobility came and many from other provinces. At the end Corcyr was deep in his cups
and let fall an insult that could only be washed out in blood. I had long since retired with the
other ladies so I know not what it was, but I'd heard enough in private to know that Corcyr
had a store of such to choose from. Moraelyn gave the challenge and gave Corcyr until noon,
that he might recover such wits as he had.
"Then Moraelyn came to me, alone in my chamber, and told me what had befallen. 'Milady, I
think he will choose your brother as his champion; in any case there will be a river of blood
between us that may not be crossed in this life or any other. I can live without your love, but I
would not have your enmity. Come with me now, as wife or honored guest, as you choose.
And you shall serve as blood price in stead of your kith or kin.'
"And there, in the moonlight, in my terror, with my ladies sleeping about me, I knew I loved
him. Doubted that I could live without him. And yet, I loved you more! 'My son,' I whispered.
'I can't'. 'Milady, you must choose. I am sorry.' You see, don't you, Edward? If I stayed, it