Corpus Tamrielicum - The Imperial Library

126 2. THE ELDER SCROLLS CHAPTER 2: DAGGERFALL
Edward was appalled. He burst into tears, protesting that he'd never harm Moraelyn willingly.
"I meant it for jest; I thought it'd make you laugh...I was angry, at first, but at myself, my
clumsiness, not you...it was a sudden thought....I love you dear!"
The elf reached out with his good arm and pulled Edward down to him. "That's worth a hand,
then, any day."
Edward sobbed against his shoulder while Moraelyn soothed him with pats. "You are my real
father."
"Edward, I am not..."
"Nay, thou art. Thee puts my well-being ahead of thine and loves me when I least deserve it.
Thee's been kind and generous and never asked anything of me save to my own profit. Thee'd
give thy very life for mine. That's what real fathers do. And I've given thee naught but pain.
He who sired me despises me and my mother because we are unlike him. We are not like you
either, and yet you love us well. I will do better by you, dear Father."
"I gave thee cause enough for offense. I took thy mother from thee."
"You risked losing her because you would not part me from my father. You did not know me
and my father was your bitter enemy. And yet you took thought for us. You could not know
how unnatural he is. It isn't in you."
"Granted. And yet the offense and your anger at it remain."
"I love you!" Edward protested. But he heard an angry edge in his voice.
"And hate me." Moraelyn's voice was so calm and quiet that they might have been discussing
the weather.
"I can't do both....can I?"
"Can you?"
"I didn't mean to hurt you."
"I believe you."
"Am I...am I, evil? I was sorry; I'd give anything if it hadn't happened, but...I..".
"Took some measure of satisfaction in it."
Edward's throat was choked with sobs; he couldn't speak, but nodded into Moraelyn's
shoulder. The elf's hand stroked him gently.
"Did I'ric tell you of the Daedra?"
"The demons? No. Is it a demon makes me do such things? I am evil, then."