The Saga of Laprima Donnaugh Options

[Renee]

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Clavicus Vile

When the dream began, she found herself lying in a cart, lying in hay, lying still, half-hiding from the others. Part of her wanted to be out there with them, while another part felt quietly content to stay right there. Right in that haypile. Staying still, and keeping quiet. It's this latter, secondary part which attained.

The scene was heavily pastoral. Lots of trees, green with foliage. Sunlight and blue skies. A few puffy clouds, a perfect sort of day. The sounds of others around her. The cart she was in had been drawn off to the side, placed in shadow. The horse which had brought it here must have been tethered somewhere else. As she lay in the cart, she began to feel rather lonely. Sad, and lonely, despite the others cavorting nearby.

They were there for her. All of them, gaily awaiting her presence. Dressed in finery. The women wearing whites, pinks, and light blues. Maids and maidens. The men, dressed more somberly, but the sounds from their revelries were no less delighted and cheerful.

Where is she? Where is Laprima?

Someone was calling. A man, sounding a bit tipsy with wine, perhaps. Yet his voice contained an edge of concern. And then, the voice of one of the ladies...

We should go find her! She's probably near! She's going to miss out!

She sank lower, hiding within hay. She could hear them coming, getting nearer, occasionally calling out to her. She cowered. Not with fear, but with some sort of distress. Lonely she was, and part of her did want to join the others.

She scrunched within the hay as footsteps approached and circled the cart. She held her breath. Eventually, the footsteps moved on. Small relief; she exhaled. They hadn't discovered her. So she took a chance. Got situated upon her arms, and raised her head about a foot, attempting to peer over the cart's side. As she did so, she noticed there was a knot in its wooden planking. For no reason at all (other than, this is a dream, and in dreams we sometimes do strange things) she pushed upon this knot, and the knot fell out, leaving a hole. She squinted her left eye, viewing outside of the cart, only to see vague shapes of the departing couple, heading off into a cabin. Still calling out, still calling her name.

...And that's when she noticed the man with the dog.
...He stood off to the side of the meadow, nearer to the woods.
...He stood in shadow. He wore a jerkin of white and black. He beckoned to her.

You there! I can see you, he said quietly. Despite using a soft tone, she could hear his voice clearly, in the surreal way which dreams can magnify. I can see you, and I mean no harm. Why do not you approach me?

She felt a stab of fear. How can he view me, hiding within this cart? But then, she relaxed. For the man was merely a boy. A boy she recognized from her youth. And this boy was her brother.

Laprima! he called. Come hither, posthaste!

And so she did.

She rose from the cart, took a moment to brush stray strands of hay from her clothings, and then ran swiftly toward her brother, skirts ruffling below. She noticed that the dog which had been there a moment ago had vacated, or vanished. She looked to her brother as she drew nearer. And her brother smiled up at her in his typically mischievous way. A smile she hadn't seen since they were, in fact, both children. Her previous feelings of loneliness were gone.

You should depart! her brother said to her, dancing around her with gaited elan. Head on! Depart hence toward Solitude! And do as they say! ... These folks you see in their fabled costumes, all of them here, are of nothing to you! ... To us! .. They mean nothing! ... A wretched lot! ... So onwards must you go! ... Your man, he awaits your presence! And you shall be in high company! Just dandy! Just peachy!

She felt elation at his words. Her brother, right there before her. 'Whatever is to come, would be fine,' he was telling her, seemingly tapping within her thoughts, her hopes, her fears.

Elija, she said to him.

Yes, sister!

She was weeping by now.

Her hands raised to embrace him. But just then, a flash of emotion overcame her. A mixture of revolting sickness, and sweet delight. She recoiled, stumbled backwards in disgust...

Laprima Donnaugh awoke, bolt upright, her eyes teary. Her bed quarters around her, her 8 year-old feline dozing by her side. She'd just had a dream. Her thoughts were racing, so she consciously made an effort to remember all she could. ... Her brother .... A cart ... Some people walking by in gay costume ... A dog by the side of the forest ... Slowly, she pieced it all together. After a minute or so, she sat up in bed, inked her quill and began to scribble words quickly in her journal.

After she had recalled all she could, she realized she was in agreement with her brother. She would head to Solitude.

This post has been edited by Renee: Jan 24 2022, 02:42 PM

[Renee]

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Commitments and Commerce





Laprima and Elisif moved slowly through town, leaving the palace behind. While they did so, the queen's upbeat demeanor ticked down a notch, as she sensed her niece was not quite as enthusiastic.

"Laprima, I know this is difficult. But we must discuss a few more topics as we walk. Might this be a fair request?”

“It is,” Laprima answered. “Anything you would like to discuss, please do so.”

“I understand your schooling was going well before… Well."

“Before I went astray? Before I erred in my ways? It is alright to say.”

Her aunt nodded. “You were doing well with your studies. So I have heard.”

"I was," Laprima agreed. "And I do regret not being able to continue. Believe me, it's one of the things I've roiled within my mind again and again over these past months."

"Well please do not flog yourself, niece. Lucky for you, I possess a forgiving nature. We all need guidance at times. But you see, this is one of the reasons I agreed to allow you to come to Solitude. Because I have a belief that's all you require. Some guidance in these matters."

"Thank you."

"it's not easy being a woman in Skyrim, let me be the first to tell you this."

"Nor is it easy down in Cyrodiil," Laprima replied.

"You are especially interested in architecture?"

“I was. Well, I suppose I still am. The construction and designs of buildings are something I've just always took notice of, I guess. Even while walking into the palace earlier this afternoon, I felt some apprehension, I'll admit. But I also took all notice of all the stonework. The balustrades, and arches, the designs on the walls. ... What? What is it?”

Her aunt's face went taut. "I regret to say we haven't any sort of school or guild devoted to such pursuits, here in Solitude, nor have we the need for new buildings. But perchance, should you desire to further your education, we have several options right here within town. Why, the Bard's College is there to the right," she said, pointing to a tall, gray structure of stone.

"The Bard's College. But it sounds as if that’s a school for--"

"It is a school for musicians, singers, actors, and the like. I still remember that recital you performed for us," Elisif said with a wink. "You sang a song, accompanied by spinet and lyre, your young voice like a bell,” Elisif chuckled. "Absolutely charming. Ah, I cannot remember the song's name?"

"'Foster the Ranges,' Laprima answered. "I remember. I was so afraid I'd get booed. Hmm. But aunt Elisif, I am no singer now. I was just eight at the time!"

"Well sure, that is fine," said aunt. "That is just one idea. We also have several places to which you might find some decent employ. With what feels like a war beginning to stir, General Tullius is always looking for new recruits. Not that you'd become a soldier, by the Gods, no! But there are other ways we'll need assistance. You are educated, and Castle Dour is located just up the hill there. Perhaps you'd be interested in becoming an administrator. Or a bookkeeper. Or a--"

"Elisif, aye." Laprima looked down to her feet, trying not to brood. "I know there are possibilities, and I am eager to seek them. Why I am here."

"I apologize, Laprima. Throwing ideas round at you, when you literally just got here. It's just that I am so excited for your future. And. Well. I shall stop. Let us just enjoy the rest of this day."

Laprima agreed. She gazed to the sky, a look of puzzlement on her face. Literally minutes ago, sky had been sunny, but now it was white. The sky was white, because snow had begun to fall. And there it was, her first shiver in Skyrim. Because the air was starting to feel cold.

As the two of them strolled, they made a left turn at the end of one avenue, and began heading toward the town's market area. Some of Solitude's townies greeted Elisif, mostly by calling aloud to her, and Laprima noticed none of them seemed surprised to see their leader walking aside them.

Apparently, she'd done this before. The queen's twenty year-old niece surmised this by the way they greeted her. They did so in casual ways, such as "Nice to see you today, my lady," and "Dreadful weather we're having. Hope it soon abstains," as if their superior was any other individual. Nobody bowed, nobody curtsied, nobody tossed flowers before her feet, nobody cheered "All Hail!". This was admirable, Laprima thought; something not commonly seen amongst the small world of Tamriel's leaders.

Even the town beggar spoke to her directly. "You, you help me, right? You help people! That's what you do!"

"I'm always glad to help a friend if I can," she replied. And Laprima believed her.

Long ago in Third Era Cyrodiil, Leyawiin's Countess Alessia Caro was known to take monthly trips far and away, outside the safety and comfort of her town. Countess Caro, her bodyguard, and one of Leyawiin's soldiers would move slowly from Leyawiin to Chorrol, where Caro would visit her mother, Countess Arriana Valga. This was a dangerous journey of course, but also well-documented to be true. Though it seemed Elisif had never chanced such a trek, just the fact the queen felt comfortable ambling her own populace was something of positive note.

"Got any sausages?" the queen asked one of the food vendors. "Addvar here has the best seared slaughterfish in town," Elisif nudged her niece. "Would you like to try some?"

The two ladies ate their dinner, not at some grand table full of silverware, but right there, standing on the street. As they did so, Elisif explained to her niece that she had not officially become Skyrim's High Queen, not yet, she was technically still a jarl. For her to become queen meant a popular vote would need to be cast from all nine of Skyrim's holds, including Haafingar. At the moment, this could not happen; not with the jarl of Windhelm openly declaring himself to be the rightful ruler of all Skyrim.

But this did not matter to her people, who occasionally would greet her as "Queen". In their eyes, that's exactly who she was.

They walked almost the entire length of town, so that Laprima was back near the town's gates all over again. Here is where they arrived to the clothing shop Elisif had gushed about earlier: Radiant Raiment. "Don't mess anything up while you're in here," she cautioned her niece.

"Mess anything up? Why would I?"

"Err, you'll see."

Inside was the smell of clothes, but good clothes. Fresh leather, untarnished fastenings, stroked and cleaned furs. Radiant Raimant was run by two high elves. Both of them immediately rushed to Laprima and their queen, appearing from around a blind corner, startling their newcomers. "Ohh, what delight," one of the elves said. "Another charming customer."

"Endarie, this is my niece, Laprima Donnaugh. She'll be staying here in Solitude for a while. And we need to --ahem! -- expand her wardrobe," Elisif winked, standing up on her toes a moment. "So, what have we got in store today?"

"Let's see if we can't find an outfit that suits you," Endarie said, her brow creased, her nose slightly upturned.

The two elves stepped back a few paces to let the women shop, but they never let Laprima, or even their queen, entirely out of their sight.

"My, my," Laprima said in a low voice to her aunt. "An outfit which suits me. Is she always so smug?"

Her aunt did not answer just then. "A word of advice," she offered.

"Sure, what is it?"

"Don't buy discounted clothing."

Laprima shrugged, trying not to giggle. "Not to worry. I have my own funds, aunt Elisif."

And she did. Many people when they traveled, did so with very little coin on their persons, for a variety of reasons. Usually, they did not wish for their riches to get robbed. But Laprima had come into town with just over five-hundred gold, not knowing if she'd 'need' it or not.

"Well, hello-oo!" said the second elf just then. "Here to buy? Well if you have to ask the price, you might be in the wrong shoppe."

"Laprima, this is Taarie," Elisif introduced.

"I do hope you remain in Solitude," said Taarie. "This city could use some new blood."

Laprima spotted a dress which caught her eye, hanging right there on the rack. The dress was a mixture of dark blues and blacks, with pretty little red flowers stitched into its blouse area. Its upper sleeves were a muted tan color. But it also looked warm. By now, Laprima was well aware of the fact that yes, it does get cold and snow here in Solitude. The dark-colored dress was priced at 142. She grabbed it, removed the wretched golden suit she'd worn into town, then took a few minutes to lace herself within the new dress.

"What do you think?" she asked her aunt.

"Oh, but that is so dark!" Elisif contorted her face in mock-horror. "Are you sure this is what you wish to buy?"

Yes it was. Laprima could not help herself. She'd pick out a second outfit to please her aunt. But she was also buying this dress. She bustled back to the counter, peering at the clothing rack by the wall, again.

"Oh, let me just drop everything to help you," the first elf said. "I don't mind, really."

"Mm hmm. Well, you should not. Since we are the only patrons you've got at the moment." Laprima thought to continue her taunt into a full-blown insult. But now was not the time. It was getting late, and she was feeling sleepy. Let us get this excursion over and done with.

This time she selected an aqua-colored blouse and skirt set made of silk, which came with an overlying blue cotton midriff. 114 gold. Not her first choice, but it wouldn't hurt to try on. Laprima bought it on the spot, her total expenditures tonight up to two-hundred and fifty-six. Though this was roughly half of what she'd brought into Skyrim, and it might seem as though she should be more careful with her money, Laprima also knew money would not be a problem for her.

Chamany had made his promise after all, and his was a word she could trust. Laprima took the time to unlace and unfasten the first dress she bought, to try on the second.

"Would you look at that! Oh ... that one will do!" her aunt approved.

Good. Their shopping excursion was now over. Laprima and Elisif left Radiant Raiment, and headed back home. Home, to the Blue Palace, which the younger woman suddenly realized was indeed her new home. All that time upon that sailing ship, she hadn't even considered thinking she'd be living in an actual palace, considering it the place where she'd lay her head, not until now. But that's exactly what it was.

As they moved past the market, a group of children ran up to Elisif and Laprima. "Hey, wanna play tag?" one of the boys asked. Elisif the Fair chuckled, while Laprima could not help but notice the sky was getting dark.
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