The Saga of Laprima Donnaugh Options

[Renee]

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

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]

.
__________________

'Tis only a Barmaid

__________________

Turdas, mid-morning, 28th of Frostfall, 4E, Year 201


"No, the merchant stalls haven't got those, trust me," Elisif the Fair chirped to someone in the next room. "If you want the best threads in town, Radiant Raiments is the way to go. So take my advice, don't buy discounted clothing."

Splendid. Elisif was engaged. Someone is already here, speaking with her. Perhaps I might make myself as a rodent, and squeak right by.

But such was not the case. "Good morning to you, dear!"

Laprima stopped. Took a breath. This would only require a minute or two. First thing was to follow the same policy she'd taken with Corpulus the day before. Be honest. Be completely honest. She'd done this the night before in the Winking Skeever, which landed her her first job.

Laprima turned to address the court.

"Yes, I did manage to suss some local employment."

"Ooh, well why don't you grace me with a story, dear." Elisif sat back, as though she had all day.

Grace HER a story? ... But there are others present! - It'd be more like telling the entire court. And the Skeever's newest barmaid did not have time for that.

"Firstly, I did stop within the college. They've got classes, and I decided to pursue an introductory bard's course after speaking with Girrarud…"

"Classes!" Elisif, immediately ecstatic. "You enrolled yesterday? Why, that's wonderful, dear!" - Elisif was beaming for all the court to see: Falk Firebeard, Elisif’s steward, a couple of guards, and one of the palace’s servants, all of them were here to witness their leader’s elation. How proud was she of her niece. It was as though Skyrim's unelected high queen was ready to parade her young relative all over town.

“Aye, I did enroll, many thanks. Girraud is quite the tutor, I must also add.”

"Most magnificent, my dear. And how did we do at Castle Dour?"

Totally honest. "Well about Castle Dour. I spent so much time at the college, why, never did I trek inside the castle."

...And with that, now I must go...
...But such was not the case.

"Laprima, that is fine. I am just brimming with gaited elan, that we have discerned at least part of your calling here. The College of Bards! … Does this mean you are going to return to your singing?”

“Well, I’m afraid not. Haven’t got the pipes for that sort, as I did during my childhood days,” she said with a gesture.

“Oh, well that’s magnificent, dear. So many fortuitous chances to exceed here within the mighty high city of Solitude."

"I do concur, my dearest aunt. And with that, I must--"

"You can still head over to the castle today..."

"--turn about and..."

"Now, have you any need for ... financial assistance?” the queen asked, wringing her hands a bit. “Ehm, concerning you'll be taking classes?"

Well, it shan't hurt to explain... "I am fine money," Laprima answered. "But if I do have a need for any assistance, I shall present my cause to the court."

"Really? Your financials are fine, you say?"

Uh oh. Seems that last bit caught Jarl Elisif's attention. Now she had that look of puzzle upon her face.

Here it was.

"About the castle. I haven't anymore a need to appear there, my gracious. For I have procured myself employment somewheres other." The younger woman paused. Took a breath. "At the Winking Skeever. This is to say, I shall be starting there as a barmaid, beginning later this morn."

"Laprima!"

Voice raised. Reverbs and echoes bouncing throughout the palace’s many variegated surfaces. Elisif shuffled upon her throne, then quickly righted her body. Her eyes jumped about. Left, right, down. She rifled her hands through her hair a bit, opened her mouth. Began to say something in reply, but then stifled her words. Everyone could see this, plainly so. Jarl Elisif the Fair, at a loss for words. How rare a moment was this?

But then, she composed herself. Lowered her voice. "You drew employment at the tavern? But ... why? ... I do not understand.” Her upper body straightened, while her face lost its previous contorted demeanor; confusion now gone. “The Winking Skeever, it's a commendable establishment, surely. The comestibles and libations are superb..."

"Aye," spoke Elisif's housecarl. "Best boar’s head and cheddar this side of Haafingar…"

"...But I was thinking we had agreed you'd show much more proficiency at the castle," Elisif finished.

"Excellent service," Falk Firebeard commented. “The Skeever’s home-brewed mead, spectacular…”

"Aunt Elisif, there was never any mention of me going into Castle Dour,” Laprima spoke, her voice warbling a bit. “The castle was a notion upon your list. But I shall not be going there for any endeavors pertaining toward occupations."

Something shattered, somewhere deep in the palace. Other than this, the lull which followed Laprima's firmly-spoken words was palpable. Because suddenly, no one was speaking. Niece and aunt, smashing heads. Was this about to turn into a full-fledged argument?

"Well alright." Elisif mumbled, her posture sagging a bit. "I suppose there's nothing more I can do, dear." She was looking at the floor.

And that was all. Solitude’s jarl and possibly Skyrim’s next high queen, losing composure. It was as though a betty netch had just deflated right upon the palace's throne.

"Many thank-yous for all your concerns," Laprima pensively replied. "I must be going now. The time... I must be there by--"

"I understand," the queen said, putting her palm in the air, conceding. Honoring defeat. "You are dismissed."

And it was done, for better or worse. Would there be some sort of trouble about this new development between the two family members in the future? Not the time to wonder about that sort of thing. Now was the time for the younger lady to bustle on over to the Winking Skeever, before she’d be branded as tardy.

"You know... I've been thinking of trying the Skeever's newest dish: lemon-dipped scampi with red capers," mused Falk Firebeard. "I think that by--"

"Silence!" the queen said quietly, trying not to scream.

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

Outside, the weather was grim. It was snowing softly again, but Laprima barely noticed. She tried to make haste, half-walking/half-dashing her way to her destination.

"No lollygaggin'," a guard commented as she rushed by.

Not a problem. She was in too much of a hurry. - Despite this, she did not wish to get into a full-on sprint as she made her way past the citizens of Solitude; didn't want it to seem like she was being perhaps chased by some madman! - She forced herself to slow down a couple times, picking a flower here and there. For good luck? Possibly so.

"If you're heading to the Blue Palace, you might want to ... rethink that outfit."

It was one of the snobs who worked at the clothing shop. Laprima paid her no mind. Instead, she scooted aside. Dodged any Solitudians in her way.

"Hey! Wanna play tag?"

Not a time for the games of children. The Skeever's newest employee half-rushed into the merchant's area, passed the trading shop and the apothecary. Finally, here she was at the Skeever. Just before going inside she had a look up above, trying to discern the time of day.

The sun was nowhere to be seen. It was as though Nirn's fathering orb had vacated the sky. But if she had to make a guess, she was thinking the day was about half past.

Laprima strode into the Skeever, in which both bartenders were present, chatting before their serving area.

"Seems there's always more to be done," Corpulus said to his second bartender, the man who looked like Chamany.

"Greetings Laprima," said the look-alike. "Corpulus has already told me of your coming. My name's Barre Bakkh. Glad to see you are here." He had a Nord's native accent.

"Aye. I have arrived."

"I will be your immediate overseer," Barre told her, "as Corpulus no-doubt explained last night."

"Splendid!"

Enthusiasm surged within her, to what seemed to be almost an absurd degree. 'Tis only a barmaid's position, she reminded herself. Did it hurt to be absurdly enthused about this sort of thing?

Barre Bakkh handed her a sheet of parchment she could scrawl upon, as well as a quill. "Here you go, let's see if you can make some sales today."

Laprima was ready. She turned a half-pivot and gazed across the floor. A man was sitting roughly ten feet away, at one of the Skeever's tables. Laprima did a quick observation, making determinations. There was already a goblet in front of him. Perhaps his drink was already full. So perhaps she should try someone else. Weren't too many folks here yet, though.

So she strutted across the room, past the Skeever's bard. There was an older gentleman sitting at a remote table, half in darkness, wearing armor of iron. This same man had been seated at the very same table the night before, as though he hadn’t moved.

"Miss. Over here!" he called.

"Can I get you anything?" Laprima asked.

"By blade and by death," the man answered. "If you want it dead, I'll make it dead. All you need to do is pay my fee."

Hmm. "I see,” she replied. “Ehm, but can I get you anything? I shall be your serving maid for the afternoon."

"Nah, I'm good," he growled.

'Tis fine. She moved away from him, back toward the bard. A small group of potential customers had just walked in. Two of them sat at the table nearest the tavern's bar. "Good afternoon," said a lady wearing posh garb as Laprima neared.

"Can I get anything to fill thy belly this morn?"

"It's been my honor to perform at the Blue Palace on many occasions," said the poshly-dressed lady, as though she hadn't heard Laprima's question. "His late lordship was...quite the admirer."

Hmm. As soon as she'd gotten away from the palace, here she was being reminded of it. Did the poshly-dressed bard know who Laprima is? "Can I get you anything?" Laprima repeated.

The lady handed Laprima some coin. "Here you are. I shall have myself a coffee."

"Aye," said the barmaid in blue. "One coffee."

"Now you can say you've met the most talented bard in all of Skyrim," Miss Posh said, beaming with pride.

The barmaid ignored her. She rushed right over to Barre Bakkh. "The poshly-dressed lady over there would like a coffee," she said, trying to keep from sounding sarcastic.

Laprima's boss smirked. "Here you go," he said, taking Posh Lady's coin. "Heh, you've already got the knack."

Laprima moved semi-quickly back to the table, not too slow and not too fast. Though this was her first day on the job she’d seen plenty of serving-folk in the past, both men and women. They always had a sort of delicacy to their movements, as though they were partially dancing as they avoided chairs, tables, customers, and other obstacles. "Here you are," the barmaid handed Lady Posh her drink.

"Don't forget my name! Pretty soon everyone will be saying it, all over Tamriel!"

Laprima nodded. Sure. Right. Her gaze moved onto the man sitting next to Miss Posh...

.... who happened to be an elf with wood-colored hair: Viarmo, headmaster of the Bards College!

"I have faith, that you'll return after you've retrieved King Olaf's Verse," he intoned sternly.

Hmm. "Well I am, for now, under employ here at the Winking Skeever. Perhaps some other who is perhaps more capable at risking such an endeavor, might partake of retrieving the verse," she answered. "Can I get anything to sate thy palate?"

"Sure, I shall pay for a drink," Viarmo said, handing five coins over. "Oh, and here's a little something for yourself." He handed her a sixth, which Laprima knew she was free to pocket.

"Why thank ye!"

"I wish you luck in finding the verse," the headmaster said, as though she hadn’t just mentioned any reluctance to do so.

Laprima fetched the elf some mead, listened to his third attempt at persuading her into risking her life while heading off to some cave, and moved on.

For the rest of the afternoon her journeys across the floor became a pattern. A habit. Her new way of life. The hours passed by. One thing the Skeever's newest barmaid learned? Everyone has a story.

"I'll be sure to tack 'talk to random stranger' off my list," a rude woman named Gisli scolded, even after Laprima'd served her a drink.

"I have no business with you. Leave me," said the Argonian sitting in an alcove.

"Being old's not so bad," said a second older man. "Daughter keeps me fed, and my working days are done...."

"Ah, another new face. I'm from Hammerfell," said a young man with an Imperial accent. "I can hardly keep up with all the newcomers in town..."

The hours, they marched by. Before she knew it, Laprima Donnaugh was done with her shift.

"Underbart!" said her superior. "You are done with your day." Barre Bakkh counted out her pay: forty gold. "We knew you could do it, Laprima."

"I thank ye," she said shyly, thinking again, the resemblance to Chamany is uncanny.

Her first-ever day of work, with forty pieces of coin being the very first coin she’d earned completely on her own. The pay earned for the chores she’d done during childhood in her family home did not count, this was her first real job. Laprima celebrated by buying herself a drink imbued with fruit juices, which she savored while Lisette the bard played another song.

Later on that night as she walked happily from the tavern and back to the palace, a pair of eyes watched while a pair of feet followed.

---------------------

"You procured employment at the Skeever?!"

Rushing to the Skeever -- (I'm almost positive that's Chamany behind her. He's got AI Packages which make him walk around town!)

Miss Posh will soon be famous all over Skyrim

Barre Bakkh (he was standing on a barstool, clapping to the music!)


Notes:
1). The part when she was finally free from Elisif and began jogging to work really did have that feel like any of us have experienced in real-life. That part of the quest is real. She’s got a couple hours of leeway, the shift begins at 11:00 in Creation Kit time, but if she shows up to work after 13:00, she’ll be considered late. If she shows up late twice, she gets fired!

2). I forgot to mention this last week, but I made a script which got added when she got hired, which causes her to be part of the SolitudeWinkingSkeever faction, meaning she can pick up any items in the bar, and not be considered stealing. Conversely, if she quits the job or gets fired, she’ll get removed from this faction.
.

This post has been edited by Renee: Feb 11 2023, 05:31 AM