Online:Elfbetta the Shy

Elfbetta the Shy
Location	Outside the Dreloth Ancestral Tomb
Race	Nord	Gender	Female
Health	39,959 15,000 (After exiting Veloth Ancestral Tomb)
Reaction	Friendly

Elfbetta the Shy

Elfbetta the Shy is a Nord found at a camp outside the Dreloth Ancestral Tomb. She is an assistant to (and admirer of) the "famous treasure-hunter", Narsis Dren. When you first speak to her, she's trying to make notes based on a description by Narsis. She'll tell you she's worried about Narsis' absence and will be elated if you offer to find him for her.

Related Quests

• Ancestral Adversity: Accompany Narsis Dren on a Vvardenfell grave robbing expedition.
• Ayleid Altercations: Please add a description for this quest

Quest-Related Events

Morrowind

Ancestral Adversity

When first meeting Elfbetta, she will be going over Narsis' notes:

"One moment ... let me finish this thought .... Hmm, what's this word? I wish my dear Narsis Dren would return so I could ask. His handwriting is atrocious!
Ah, well, I'll just write "inky-black darkness." That sounds like the tomb he described to me!"

What tomb are you talking about?

"The nearby Dreloth tomb, of course. My employer, the famous adventurer Narsis Dren, explores its depths, searching for hidden treasure even as we speak.
I hope to get to investigate a tomb one day. For now, I'm content to be Narsis's assistant."

What does an assistant know about hidden treasure?

"I am the personal assistant to Narsis Dren and I know a great deal about a good many things! I found the old scroll that mentioned the treasure, after all.
Narsis has been gone a long time, though. Even missed lunch today, and he never skips a meal."

I can go into the Dreloth tomb and look for Narsis Dren

After agreeing to help, she promises a mention in his next book. Before you enter the tomb you can ask some questions:

"You'll check on Narsis? How sweet! I will make certain you get a mention in his next book.
I suppose he just lost track of time studying an intriguing relic or some such, but I'll feel so much better if you go into Dreloth and see if he's all right."

Can I ask you a few questions before I enter the tomb?

"Certainly! I'd be more than happy to tell you all about the great Narsis Dren and his exciting adventures!
What do you want to know?"

Tell me more about the hidden treasure.

"I suppose I can take credit for that. I found an old scroll in a Telvanni bookshop and took it right to Narsis for analysis.
His translation indicated there were secret passages inside. he said secret passages mean hidden treasure, so here we are!"

Narsis Dren and I met in Wrothgar. / I met Narsis Dren in Wrothgar. / I know Narsis Dren from Wrothgar. (Option if previously met Narsis in Wrothgar)

"You did? Wrothgar, you say? Funny, I don't remember seeing you mentioned in "Narsis Dren and the Draugr Dilemma."
Are you sure you met my Narsis? A person of his stature is often impersonated by unscrupulous cads."

I'm sure. He kept winding up locked in a sarcaphogus [sic].

• If you tricked Narsis during Draugr Dilemma:^{[verification needed — see talk page]}

"Well, that doesn't sound like the Narsis Dren I know.
Just remember, Narsis Dren doesn't have time for pretty admirers. His work in the Dreloth tomb is very important. So make sure he's all right—but keep your hands to yourself."

• If you convinced Narsis to tell the truth: ^{[verification needed — see talk page]}

"Oh, that sounds just like my Narsis! Sometimes he has so many thoughts going through his head, he can get distracted.
His work in the Dreloth tomb is very important. So if you can make sure he's all right, I would really appreciate it."

Who's Narsis Dren again? / Tell me more about Narsis Dren.

"You don't know the great Narsis Dren? He explores the world's most dangerous locations and writes books so that his beloved admirers can experience his adventures vicariously. Just reading his words will send little thrills up and down your spine."

You really admire Narsis Dren, don't you?

"It's much more than mere admiration! Narsis Dren fills my heart the way mead fills an earthen jar. Some day, we will undergo the ritual of Mara and live happily as husband and wife!
Elfbetta Dren ... it has a certain flair, don't you think?"

Talking to Elfbetta upon leaving the Dreloth Ancestral Tomb.

"Narsis shot out of that tomb so fast! Just like that time my sister laughed so hard and mead spurted out her nose! Narsis was so excited, he went to find a mage to open a portal. Told us to meet him there.
Borfree, pack up! We need to move!"

Did Narsis say where he was going?

"He did. And he told me to tell you. But why he needs your help when he has me, well, that's just beyond my comprehension.
Narsis said that he found new information. He said that the scroll was not about Dreloth tomb---it pointed toward Veloth tomb!"

Any idea where Veloth tomb is located?

"You better get moving if you're going to help my Narsis. Veloth tomb is on the west coast, just south of Gnisis.
Borfree can make his own way, just like you. He's reliable like that. Me? I might hire a mage. Portals are so much nicer than walking."

Speak to her before leaving:

"I better get Borfree to start packing so we can head for the Veloth tomb. He's sweet but kind of simple. I think it's wonderful that Narsis keeps the poor fellow employed, even though he requires a lot of supervision."

Meeting Elfbetta outside of Veloth tomb:

"I see you found your way. It's nice that you want to help my Narsis, but he doesn't really require another assistant. I'm quite capable of taking care of his many ... wants and desires."

Did Narsis Dren already enter the tomb?

"Oh yes. We had a lovely meal by candlelight, talked about the new book he's working on, drank some wine. Then off he went, like a flash, into the tomb!
Unfortunately, I have not heard so much as a peep out of him in a guar's age."

Is there a reason to be worried?

"No, of course not. This is Narsis Dren we're talking about! Famed hero and adventurer.
If you aren't too busy, though, I'd appreciate it if you could head inside and check on him. Just in case. Sometimes Narsis gets a little distracted, you know."

If you choose to trick Narsis, upon exiting the tomb, you will find her talking to Borfree:

Elfbetta the Shy: "Borfree, now is not the time to take a break. Narsis will be out soon, I'm sure."

You can then talk to her to get paid for your services:

"It's good to see you again. Finished exploring the tomb? But where's Narsis? I do miss that Dark Elf terribly, you know."

Narsis is doing quite well. He wanted to check out one more hole in the ground.

"That sounds like my Narsis! Always wanting to explore just one more nook and cranny! I assume he'll be along shortly for one of my shoulder rubs.
Allow me to pay you for your service. It is the standard rate for Narsis's apprentices."

When talking to her after finishing the quest:

"Narsis still hasn't returned from the tomb. I don't suppose you'd ... no, probably not.
I'll wait for a few more moments and then send Borfree in to look for him. I'm sure all is well, but I can't help this feeling that something went wrong ...."

However, if you choose not to trick Narsis, when you exit the tomb you'll hear:

Narsis Dren: "I can't wait to write this all down. To my camp, apprentice!"

Narsis Dren: "This expedition might make for my most exciting tale yet! That was probably Saint Veloth's mother!"

Elfbetta the Shy: "Oh Narsis, that's wonderful news! I can't wait to read it!"

Narsis Dren: "That will have to wait. I must get to Vivec City. I'll leave it to you to compensate my trusty assistant."

"Ah, Narsis! Always rushing here and there. Oh, how I love him!
I am glad to see he did not leave you in that dusty old tomb. You wouldn't believe how many apprentices he tends to lose along the way."

I suppose this will make another exciting tale for the famous Narsis Dren.

"Oh yes! Before you arrived, he was telling us all about it. I am certain it's going to make for a great story—his best yet! And he was so feisty!
Allow me to pay you for your service. It is the standard rate for Narsis's apprentices."

After the quest, she'll say:

"It may seem like Narsis's books write themselves, but he uses dedicated assistants such as myself to get all the words down on paper.
It is a very important task! And I love that Narsis trusts me to know his own mind."

Gold Road

Ayleid Altercations

Elfbetta can be encountered near the roads going past Wendir in West Weald. You may hear her lament, "Oh, my dear Narsis Dren! What has happened to you?" as you approach.

Talk with her to see what is going on, she will recognize you if you previously met:

Met Previously:

First Time Meeting:

"It's you! Good fortune for all of us. Narsis Dren will be most pleased if you're the one to help him." Why are you so concerned about his safety? "The noted explorer Narsis Dren has gone to investigate the ruins of Wendir, and I fear he may be in trouble. He left some time ago to procure an Ayleid relic, the Emblem of the Last King. Could you go and help him? He will reward your efforts." What do you need me to do? "Find Narsis and help him recover the Emblem from Wendir. Here, let me mark it on your map. He had some Wood Elf allies, but I do not trust them. My dear Narsis is brilliant but impulsive, and needs someone to protect him from his own enthusiasm." I'll go find Narsis Dren.

"Hello, my friend. Would you be interested in helping the great adventurer, Narsis Dren? He's busy exploring a nearby Ayleid ruin, and I fear for his safety." Why are you so concerned about his safety? "Narsis left some time ago to explore the ruins of Wendir. I fear he may be in trouble. He is trying to recover an Ayleid treasure, the Emblem of the Last King. Could you help him? He'll reward your efforts." What do you need me to do? "Find Narsis and help him recover the Emblem from Wendir. Here, let me mark it on your map. The area is swarming with Wood Elves of the Recollection. My dear Narsis is brilliant but impulsive, and needs someone to protect him from his own enthusiasm."

After you agree to help, you can ask Elfbetta some questions:

"I can tell you a little about the area, but I'm afraid full information on the task ahead should come from Narsis Dren himself. Please, go seek him out."

Met Previously:

First Time Meeting:

Good to see you again, Elfbetta. "Yes! Vvardenfell, wasn't it? I feel more at ease knowing I can entrust Narsis's well being to a friendly, sympathetic soul." How have you fared since we last met? "Nary a day passes when he is not off on some new adventure. I admire that in him, always eager to move on to the next challenge, to the next wondrous historical site. I sometimes wish he would settle down, but life with him is always exciting." He certainly keeps busy.

Who is this Narsis Dren? "You're unfamiliar with the great Narsis Dren? Surely you've encountered his works at some point. "Narsis Dren and the Draugr Dilemma"? "Narsis Dren and the Well of Gold"?" I can't say that I have. Are these published books? "Of course. But don't mistake him for a mere scrivener. He is a man with a penchant for ruins, a fondness for levers, and an appetite for adventure that would rival a senche's hunger." Where do you fit in with this? "I'm one of Narsis Dren's devoted personal assistants. Perhaps the most devoted. I compile his research, organize his travel plans, and transcribe his notes. I'm proud to serve such a gifted explorer." You're quite involved.

Tell me more about these ruins of Wendir.

"The ancient Elves that ruled before the Empire built keeps, crypts, and fortifications throughout the land. This was one of the last of them before their kingdoms fell. Now all are in ruins, overrun by monsters and rogues."

Sounds dangerous.

"Yes, but dear Narsis lives for that type of adventure! That is why he needs someone to help him in his adversity. To help rein in his enthusiasm."

Good thing he has you.

You can find Narsis near Wendir watching the Recollection at the excavation. Once you have spoken with him, you will assist with getting him through Wendir and reaching the resting place of the Emblem of the Last King. You can speak to Elfbetta in the area you found her in West Weald:

"Pardon, but I'm a bit busy transcribing notes for my employer, Narsis Dren. He has much to say about the old Ayleid ruins of Wendir."

However, once Narsis goes to claim the Emblem, he inadvertently steps on a stone-petrifying trap. You have the option of letting him proceed or warning him and trying to disarm the trap. Either way, he will be turned to stone, and with his last words he tells you to take the Emblem to Elfbetta at her camp in the south.

When you return to her:

Elfbetta the Shy: "Ah! There you are! I was beginning to get worried."

Speak with Elfbetta to hand over the Emblem and complete the quest:

"My dear Narsis is always overflowing with tales of his discoveries, I find myself impatient waiting to hear about them."

Here. The Emblem of the Last King as requested.

"Ah, the Emblem! Excellent. And Narsis? He'll be along soon, I expect. My dear Narsis is always getting stuck somewhere. Here you go. I think this should cover your time and effort. Thank you."

Once you have complete the quest, you can keep talking with Elfbetta:

"I need to take my leave shortly. Narsis should turn up any time now. Perhaps I should go looking for him. In any event, thank you for your help."

Narsis is...otherwise [sic] indisposed. He sent me ahead to deliver the Emblem.

"Oh, dear. Should I wait here? Should we go after him? I don't want him to think I believe he needs constant oversight, but he does get so wrapped up in his work."

He's studying statues right now. Couldn't budge him. You should go on without him.

"Ever the thoughtful scholar, my Narsis. Very well, I shall do as you say. Is there anything else I may do for you before I take my leave?"

It was a pleasure to work with you, Elfbetta.

Narsis Dren is an ... interesting ... person to work with.

"Is he not masterful? Wise, kind, and thoughtful. And so daring! This Emblem that you've returned with is simply fascinating. I'll begin cataloging it while I wait for him to return."

He may be a while.

"I understand. Sometimes he gets so involved, I have to drag him away. Knowledge and research always come first for Narsis. He's a rock-solid scholar."

Rock solid. That's one way of putting it.

In Memory Of

If you completed the Wendir objective prior to this quest, Elfbetta will be a self-professed gatecrasher at the gathering in Beragon's Townhouse. She will be accompanied by Narsis, who is still petrified and has been put in a wheelbarrow so Elfbetta can cart him around.

"I hope you don't mind, but we crashed your party. A friendly legionary mentioned it to me and offered to help get Narsis here. Said his name was Caepio, I think. Nice fellow. He really liked my hair.
As you can see, poor Narsis is still petrified."

Any chance he's going to come out of that any time soon?

"Maybe? I wonder if anyone here can restore poor Narsis. He always dreamed of a statue, but I don't think this is what he had in mind.
If not, I'm sure there's something in his notes. It's not the first time he's gotten into trouble, you know."

Tried warning Narsis:	Let him get petrified:
I did try to warn him about rushing into things. "Oh, I know. But you know Narsis! If there's a button to push or a lever to pull, he can't help himself. That's what makes him such a good treasure hunter. He's inspiring, though, isn't he? Aside from all the trouble he usually finds himself in."	It seems to me like he deserved what happened to him. "I know Narsis can rub people the wrong way, but I think that's just a part of his adventurous spirit. Don't judge him too harshly—it's what allows him to make all those great discoveries! And also occasionally gets him turned into a statue."