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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Gainful Employment

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"Be quick," Sybille Stentor said coolly, as Laprima emerged from her own room. "I have little patience for mundane concerns."

Morning was about half-past, yet Solitude's wizard was in the midst going to bed, arranging her sheets and blankets before she lay down. Laprima quietly took note of this. Other than night-workers and graveyard guards, who else gets ready to sleep while everyone else is just starting their day?

But Laprima said nothing. She walked softly through Sybille's room, and closed its main door. - Her secret is safe with me. - She had promised her vampiric neighbor this two nights ago, after revealing she knew what Sybille is.

That was the easy part of today's early morning excursion, now came the hard part.

She rounded the corner while the Blue Palace's music droned peacefully. Strode forward a couple paces, until she could glimpse the very edge of the palace's court. Her aunt was here, for sure. Laprima saw Elisif’s felt-fabric shoes placed firmly in front of the throne she sat upon. Laprima had hoped that perhaps somebody would already be here; somebody in need of the court's services, that is. If so, her aunt might already be engaged in conversation. But such was not the case!

The younger woman looked longingly to the top of the staircase, located roughly ten feet away. If only I could make myself invisible, thought she.

"Good morning, Laprima!" Elisif trilled, before Laprima fully walked into the room.

"Good morning, to you," Laprima answered sheepishly. Everyone was here, all of Elisif's courtroom staff, that is.

"And how did we sleep last night?" asked the queen. "How was your third night in Solitude?"

"Oh, I rested finely."

"Well," Elisif began in her sopranic voice, "looks like we're having a slow day here so far here in court, although later we've got a couple messengers coming in from out of town, who we're planning to meet with. Did you find my note?"

"I did," answered the niece. "And thank you for the reminder," she said, aiming to keep any hint of sarcasm out of her voice.

"As I said earlier while you were ... ehm, well, earlier," the high queen smiled awkwardly. "I have arranged some possibilities for employment for you, bestly of all at Castle Dour. One of the legates from the castle just happened to stop into court just a little while ago. Had some words with her. And it sounds as though they could use some help. How is that?" Elisif stood from her throne. "Does this sound fair, dear? In her words, you're as good as hired, pertaining to whichever sort of jobs they’ve got available."

"It does sound quite splendid," Laprima lied, trying her best to sound as though she were interested. "Very splendid. You have my many thanks."

"Oh, well don't sound so enthused, my young niece," the queen said casually, making the younger woman wince. "I've pulled quite a few strings to get you in, believe me. Not like any fool or lass can just walk into the castle and find themselves with offerings. Trust me, there are many others who've been pushed aside for such an opportunity."

Pleasant melodies of harps and strings played from unseen magical devices, reverberating softly throughout the court, while Laprima Anne Donnaugh stifled her anger. "I apologize," she said, looking at her boots. "Guess I have been a bit reluctant about all this. Forgive me, aunt. It is all so new to me, being in this strange new town.”

"Oh! No! Listen! ... I fully understand, dear!" The queen smiled, tilting her head upwards like some sort of bird. After a moment, she laughed. Brought her gaze back down so her eyes could pierce. "I can remember when I was your young age, living under even lesser conditions than you, because, well, I hadn't met Torygg yet. Hadn't become a member of the Grand Council yet, and so on. Have you ever mucked a stable, Laprima? ...That's where began, at your age. Anyway, back in those days..."

Laprima braced herself for what seemed to be the start of a woolgathering moment. As the high queen began sidetracking to reminisce, speaking of things which occurred two decades past, niece carefully broke eye contact with her aunt. Risked a quick glance toward Falk Firebeard, Elisif's personal steward. The steward made two nearly imperceptible movements with his head: first left, and then right. Laprima then gazed over toward Elisif's housecarl. She didn't know the man's name, but he quickly rolled his eyes. It was as though both of them were silently telling her they'd all been here before.

"...do make haste," Elisif continued, her voice tinkling like a bell. "Because there's little time for idle minds."

Laprima nodded. "I shall try my best," she promised grimly. "I promise."

Though all of this was somewhat embarrassing for her, the next set of words her aunt spoke did pique Laprima's enthusiasm.

"Oh, and later on if you'd like, you can come sit in during the court. I know you'd enjoy that, eh?"

Niece had been trying hard to maintain composure during the entire conversation so far, but on this subject aunt Elisif was right. "Yes, I would...I do look forward to witnessing a couple court hours," Laprima said, really meaning it.

There had always been something about the power and command of royal rulership which intrigued her. Every count and countess down in Cyrodiil handled their courts in different manners. Some were better than others. The current count of Bravil, for instance, was as much of a pushover as a child being swayed by candy, while the countess of Chorrol ruled her domain literally with an iron fist, which she frequently wore while on her throne. Those who needed to convene with her (those who weren't within her favor) sometimes walked away in tears, they'd been so dressed down.

So, as much as Laprima tried not to cringe while in the presence of her aunt, she had to admit Elisif the Fair commanded her court with grace and dignity, but also competency. Capability. And fairness. Hence her name: Elisif was quite fair as a ruler, from what niece had seen so far.

Could there be any chance that perhaps I could simply become an affiliate of the palace’s court?

The thought crossed Laprima's mind, but she immediately dismissed it. Not only would it be a nuisance, sitting beside her aunt all day, but wouldn't it be better for her to suss out her own choice of employment?

Elisif handed Laprima yet another note. "Here, you can try any of the locations on this list, my dear. Any of them are fine," the queen said, distractedly. “But like I said, wouldn’t it be exciting, becoming a member of Castle Dour’s staff? Wouldn’t it be–”

The queen looked a slight bit away from her niece, suddenly distracted. A man wearing regal-looking armor was clomping up the stairs by then, here to speak to his queen.

Splendid. Now I shall escape.

Laprima unfolded the note. She turned, and slowly descended one of the palace's entry staircases, reading while she walked. The note contained a list, hand-written in the queen’s delicate scrawl.

1. Castle Dour: Speak to any of the Legates about Administrative work.

2. Bards College: Headmaster Varmo shall welcome your gift for song!

3. Temple of the Divines: Freir the Priestess has been contacted, concerning your arrival.

Please utilize these connective facilities, Laprima

~Elisif

"Connective facilities." Lady Donnaugh ground her teeth softly as she exited the Blue Palace.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Light snow was falling from a sky the color of silver. The first destination on Elisif’s list was just up the street and to the right: the Bards College. Not that Lady Donnaugh had any hope of becoming a singer, a storyteller, a player of instruments or anything such, but it wouldn't hurt to at least go into the place. See what was in there. Maybe meet the headmaster, see what he had to offer. Perhaps he could point her to something worthwhile, which would not concern song or dance.

Laprima's thoughts turned once again to architecture as she neared the place.

The college, like many other buildings here in Solitude, was made of a variety of random rocks and stones, mostly large, heavy ones, which could yet be carried and manipulated by a strong person with both hands. These had been sealed together in a typical slapdash manner with mortar. Mostly the stones which composed the college's walls were igneous, probably dredged up from local rivers, or pulled out of mines. Some had been broken into specific, mostly rectangular shapes, while others were fitted and affixed just as they'd been formed by nature. Not a pretty design, by any means. But solid workmanship, able to withstand wind, magic, or any sort of inferno.

"Dean Inge says a bard can never have enough practice," said a lady with dull reddish hair, standing just outside the college's door. "Would you like to hear a song?"

Laprima smiled, surprised. "Well, yes. Sure. That'd be precious," she said, really meaning it.

"Thank you. I'm just beginning my lessons. But Inge, Dean Six Fingers himself, says I'm quite good with a flute."

The lady said these words, but for whatever reason did not play her flute. Laprima waited an awkward moment before starting to speak. But the lady spoke first. "Thanks for taking the time, she said. "People never want to talk to me." And with that, she began walking slowly away.

Laprima stood astonished, unsure what to say. The prospective flutist (whoever she was) walked into the college. Not quite sure what else to do, the noblewoman followed.

"Welcome to the Bards College," said a high elf with hair the color of wood as Laprima walked in. "I'm the headmaster here, how can I help you?"

Headmaster Viarmo had been standing just inside the college's doors. He'd walked upon her so fast, it was as though she'd just been ambushed.

Should I reveal myself to be the niece of High Queen Elisif?

Laprima had this thought, before coming to a split-second decision that she should not do this. Because it just seemed...wrong? Relying on connections in high places? Well, this did not seem the right thing to do. Because now was the time when she should be discovering how to do all of this on her own, she suddenly realized. She should be making her own choices.

"Yes, well, I am new here in Solitude, sir,” she started. “I just dropped within the college, as I’ve heard so many great things about it. This is a place of learning, after all. Back home in Cyrodiil, I had been taking some classes in the Imperial City's Aristocratic District before moving here."

"Always a pleasure to meet a prospective bard," Viarmo answered in his rich alto voice, not making the connection between 'back home in Cyrodiil' and 'Elisif's niece'. "You should be aware that many apply, but we accept very few people..."

From here, Viarmo informed her that to truly join the college she’d have to perform certain tasks, which Laprima immediately decided she was not wishing to pursue. She had no desire to really become a bard after all, and it seemed as though there weren't any other sorts of schooling offered here. Yes she had once been a singer, but that was way back, when she was still a child. Still in the Imperial City, her brother still roaming around in their little young lives.

Laprima was just about to make some sort of excuse so she could be on her way, when the headmaster continued.

"Elisif has forbidden the Burning of the King Olaf festival, a longtime Bards College tradition. We need somebody to change her mind."

"Do you now?" Laprima asked. Was this man already aware of who she is? Didn't seem so.

Viarmo explained how they needed somebody to convince the high queen to allow the festival to continue, somebody who was apparently new in town, and not yet known to be a Bards College member. At first, Laprima was interested. Because: what a coincidence! - How ironic would it be if she'd be the one who'd do this? - And such a task did seem quite doable. Elisif was not a pushover, but deep down, neither was Laprima. As the headmaster continued with details about his plan, the young noblewoman could already see herself getting into a debate with her aunt about this long-ago King Olaf. Found herself looking forward to it, in fact.

“This does fill my mind with intrigue.”

But when it was explained to her that first, she'd have to locate some sort of verse which'd been hidden in a cave called Dead Man's Respite, Laprima decided this sounded like it'd be too much for her to accomplish. Dead Man’s Respite, the place was called? – This sounded like something which should be assigned to an actual adventuring type: a mage, a warrior, a rogue. Not an emotionally-precarious member of nobility, whose main moments of adventure in her young life involved riding one of the horses of Chestnut Handy Stables from the Imperial City to the village of Weye, and back again.

She realized she'd come in here mostly because it's a college, a place where folks could potentially learn. Over the past few days Laprima realized, in fact, that she missed being in classrooms. If she had stayed back home instead of moving to Skyrim, she’d be deeply embroiled in the thick of learning right about now, instead of being pushed around by her immediate elder into things she wasn’t interested in.

"Be careful. You might just find more in Dead Man's Respite than King Olaf's verse!" Viarmo warned with a smirk.

No, definitely not, thought Laprima. No way this was going to occur.

On the other hand, her visit to the college wasn't entirely fruitless. After speaking to a few more bards, she met an Imperial named Girraud, who told her he did offer walk-in type classes at most any time. For two-hundred fifty gold, he could train her in the ways of speech and persuasion. Laprima had just over three-hundred on her person at that very moment, with plenty more to spend in one of her bedroom’s wardrobes.

“Surely, I would love to gather about a thing or two.”

Girraud pocketed her coin. For the next six hours he taught Laprima what seemed to be an entry-level discourse on the basics of language structure. Some of the things he spoke of, she already knew. But she didn’t care. Because it was nice to be doing something of her own decision. And maybe aunt Elisif would approve.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

By the time she left the college it was getting to be late afternoon. Soon it'd be dark. Laprima had toured Solitude before: two days ago with her aunt, and yesterday on her own, so she already knew where to find Castle Dour. The castle was located at the top of a small hill, an avenue of stone leading through a tall stone arch, which wound up in a large plaza where soldiers often sparred and practiced.

But after walking the avenue toward the castle while snowflakes continued to fall, the sky above completely sunless, she found herself feeling more and more depressed. Despondent, even.

She arrived at the castle's main door, yet found herself unable to go inside. Tried to picture herself walking into the place. Greetings, I am Laprima Donnaugh, relative of High Queen Elisif, and I have arrived to discuss the possibility of gainful employment… For some reason, she felt as though going inside the place and then explaining who she was would be like experiencing some sort of small death.

Instead, she began to wander. Sadly. How alone she was, so far away from friends, from family. Her brother was supposedly somewhere here in Skyrim, if she were to believe the old blood-sucking crone she’d be living next to day to day. Her husband-to-be had proved himself to be lovingly doteful, but he’d also tricked her into smuggling a large shipment of illegals, which was not something she’d taken lightly.

So she wandered. She made a left, and walked across a short path which led to the town's smithy area, now closed for the day. Straight ahead was a ramp which led downwards, Laprima followed this ramp. Now she was in the town's merchant district: a trader on her left, an apothecary on her right. She continued forward. The clothing shop where she'd found those fabulous dresses two days ago was located to her left, but Laprima's feet weren't taking her there.

By now, it was really getting dark, and the air was getting cold. She could feel this coldness too, even while wearing the bulky, quilted suit she'd put on that morning to avoid it.

She walked toward Solitude's tavern, the Winking Skeever. Inside, the promise of warmth and good times. Plenty of food and drink. An old man with a balding head was standing to the left of the tavern's door, tilting a mug to his lips and swaying on his feet, obviously drunk. He took a large gulp of whatever was inside his mug as Laprima passed by.

The Winking Skeever. It was the first place she'd visited, on the very first day she'd arrived. She’d been confused at how to get into town after wandering away from Solitude’s docks. Once inside, that strange man with the skulls and bones on his belt had given her a note from Chamany, directing her further into town so she could safely get to the Blue Palace. While leaving the Skeever she’d then witnessed an execution. For better or worse, her very first memories of Skyrim were here.

She walked inside. Walked straight to the bartender, whose name she already knew to be Corpulus. "If you need a good rumor or two," Corpulus said, "I think I can oblige."

"My name's Laprima, and I am new here in Skyrim. Might you, perchance, be desiring any help here in the Skeever?"

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Auntie tries her best

Laprima gets a job

Quest Completed

Notes: When it says she gets cold, this is actually real. Frostfall! New characters being moved around while they’re new to Skyrim actually do suffer the cold.
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