The Saga of Laprima Donnaugh Options

[Acadian]

So ‘Prima and the Banshee discover how Mysterious Manor reads one’s thoughts and conjures appropriately. Where dreams come true it seems. Sort of. This was wonderfully written as you revealed things. I wonder if we’ve seen the last of that house?

Uh-oh. Adventuresses with light coin purses? We know the cure for that – accept a local delve-diving quest!

I hope Elisef’s reinforcements arrive before Laprima’s current guards drink the tavern dry!

Nice screenshots at the end there.

[SubRosa]

I am delighted that you chose to use my Crow Home mod as the physical prop for this part of the story, as well as the sanctum in January's Witch House as inspiration for its reality-bending properties. Reading this is like finding an unexpected preset.

So Siouxie is the chaotic one, giving in to her impulses, while Laprima is clearly lawful, as she counsels caution in entering a clearly strange and ensorcelled abode. If this was a horror story, I would not expect to see either of them emerge alive. But your stories are usually more hopeful than that.

I am almost disappointed that there was not a tall, blond zombie who opened the door and said "You rang?".

I like that there is nothing overtly frightening or even disturbing about the house, at least on the surface. But Laprima's astute observation that it is all too neat and perfect is creepy in its own right. It is like the house is a showpiece that was prepared for them, rather than a place someone actually lives in.

her thoughts twisted like a skeever trapped in a barrel for several seconds or so
That is a wonderful turn of phrase.

So after that Lovecraftian Dreamlands expedition into the Crow Home, reality sets in once more. The reality of paying for the bill that is. But one thing you can always count on in Tamriel, is that an empty coin purse can always be filled by a visit to a nearby bandit lair. Time to go digging for bad guys!

[Lopov]

This story is getting better and better with each sequel.

So the house makes one see / relive experiences that one wants to experience. It's almost like granting a wish in a way. A medium of sort. Very interesting.

Is that a frost atronach outside the manor?

Nice screenies - the blur effect adds to the mood.

[Kane]

What a delightfully spooky experience! I can't wait to see what happens next with that manor!

[macole]

Such a lovely house when it decides to show itself as such. A living house, I wouldn’t call it haunted just yet, this is intriguing.

[Renee]

[quote name='Acadian' post='360689']

Thanks much. It's loosely based on the room in the Crow House in Michigan, the magical room where all those bends of reality take place.

Those last three chapters took a lot of extra effort. Not Creation Kit stuff necessarily, just four or five drafts each, trying to get all the details. I feel they're a bit rushed, but otherwise am pleased.

I also feel like the delve into Embershard broke some sort of personal creed LPD has held for many years, in the sense that she wasn't raised a fighter, and it's not really explained well what changed her mind to become one. "Siouxie convinces her", that's all. The reader can fill some blanks if there are any, I guess.

Alright (deep breath...)


[quote name='SubRosa' post='360703' date='Mar 24 2025, 03:39 PM']


Awesome! What a relief. *pours a drink of cola*


So Siouxie is the chaotic one, giving in to her impulses, while Laprima is clearly lawful, as she counsels caution in entering a clearly strange and ensorcelled abode. If this was a horror story, I would not expect to see either of them emerge alive. But your stories are usually more hopeful than that.

I'm not thinking of those last three chapters as horror stories, unless the person entering the property is thinking horrifying things. As you're seeing, the house in this situation is in some sort of warp of reality.

It's like Vegas: whatever's on the other side, stays on the other side!


I like that there is nothing overtly frightening or even disturbing about the house, at least on the surface. But Laprima's astute observation that it is all too neat and perfect is creepy in its own right. It is like the house is a showpiece that was prepared for them, rather than a place someone actually lives in.

Yes exactly. Those were my impressions from my gal as she walked in, that everything seems "arranged". As I said to Acadian, I tried to base some of the above on Jan's home in Michigan, specifically that one room.. Can't remember its name, but you know the one.

Now... Where's that Stormcrow? And Branwyn? And Gadget and Silverlight and Calypso and Lighthammer! And even Hannah, that backstabbing .... brioche.


[quote name='Lopov' post='360708' date='Mar 25 2025, 02:57 AM']

So the house makes one see / relive experiences that one wants to experience. It's almost like granting a wish in a way. A medium of sort. Very interesting.[/quote]

Yes, there's some sort of mirroring effect. We all have our own personal realities in life, we create everything which happens to us, some say, even bad the stuff, as lessons and challenges. Problem is, we can't really see what's on the other side. Everything we do in life, we're just guessing. Nobody really freaking knows what's really going on.

Yes, there was a rabid elk on the property (which I didn't write up) which Siouxie pwned. She went overkill as you can see, summoning that huge Frost Atronach.

Graci.


[quote name='Kane' post='360756' date='Mar 27 2025, 12:37 PM']

@Kane: Ooh, you'll probably see more of it in the future, thanks Kane. This story's gonna get sort of even more crazy. And as usual, I hope to be able to portray all that I can through Creation Kit madness.


[quote name='macole' post='360772' date='Mar 28 2025, 03:53 PM']
Such a lovely house when it decides to show itself as such. A living house, I wouldn’t call it haunted just yet, this is intriguing.
[/quote]

Aw, thanks macole. Indeed, I wouldn't call it haunted either. Are you familiar with Seth? As in Seth Speaks? That's where I'm at..

I've got a couple new readers who aren't here at Chorrol and so this RECAP is mostly for them.


RECAP: The Civil War is happening. Whiterun has been captured by Stormlcloaks. Jarl Elisif (and reluctantly, General Tullius) are trying to reclaim Whiterun Hold, which is where Laprima Donnaugh (LPD) came into the picture. She became Elisif's traveling ambassador. Because LPD has witnessed courtside action many times while growing up down in Cyrodiil, so she knows how things are done.

Last season: Laprima and her party traveled from Solitude to Rorikstead, where they were able to convince Rorik himself to accept a contingent of Imperial troops to stay in Rorikstead, possibly deflecting the rebels from just taking the place in the future. In the game this means I've added a few soldiers in Rorikstead (in the CK), and given them tents to stay in, etc. Thing is, even though this story is somewhat fictional; I'm not actually doing the CW with Laprima, there's still the possibility that Stormies could show up near Rorikstead (and in large numbers) due to Immersive Patrols.

Current season: Her next task shall be to convince Falkreath's Jarl Siddgeir to allow extra troops as well, rather than fold under Ulfric's umbrella. Laprima's party was on their way to Falkreath, but became sidetracked. Due to forces unseen, LPD and the soldiers she's traveling with unknowingly found themselves taking the longer route to Riverwood first. Because of this, they're now behind schedule!

In real-time terms however, when I did Civil War with my Dovahkiin Sir Vyvoor on the Stormies side, and Claire Voyance on the Imperial's side, both of these characters were in no hurry to get the battles done. I'm a slow gamer. I like taking my time, exploring the world, etc. Vyvoor and Voyance were doing plenty other quests along the way, including the Main Quest for Vyvoor. Wars in real life can last years. So, LPD doesn't know it, but she's got plenty of time to get to Falkreath and attempt to perform her persuasions on Siddgeir.

At this point in the Civil War, the battle of Fort Dunstad (Dawnstar's hold) is going on now, and after this comes Fort Sungard (Markath). Nowhere near Falkreath.

This post has been edited by Renee: Mar 30 2025, 03:21 AM

[Renee]

.
________________

.Helgen, Razed

________________


Tirdas, 30th of Sun's Dusk, late morning

By the time they exited Embershard Mine, Laprima and Siouxie were surprised to learn an entire new day had started, and in fact it was nearly noon! Overnight, the recruitments had shown up; four extra guards, which caused the Sleeping Giant to feel actually crowded. But nobody wanted to go anywhere just yet. Instead they spent the rest of Tirdas preparing for the journey ahead.

The Sleeping Giant just happened to have an alchemy table. Laprima and her virtual sister spent several hours brewing foul- and pretty-smelling potions and poisons. Funny how spell-casting was frowned upon by Delphine and Orgnar, but anyone trained at the table could publicly concoct whatever deadly or draining infusions they wanted, alongside healing or fortifying buffs. Some of their brews were sold to the Riverwood Trader, adding several hundred gold to the party. What a relief!

Middas, it was time to go.

The party now consisted of the three initial warriors: Pierre Draper, Rokkr "Red" Van Hagar, and Tårn. One conjurer, who also specialized in Illusion and Destruction magic (Siouxie Balion), an apprentice archer (Laprima herself), and the four additional troopers: three men and one woman. Like the party's original soldiers, all four reinforcements were garbed in Empire's armor. Boiled leather mostly, exactly the uniform Tårn was wearing. All four carried some combination of hand weapons and sometimes shields.

The party broke the night's fast in the Sleeping Giant for a few minutes: bread, cheese, meat, milk... Laprima barely had time to introduce herself to the newcomers before everyone shoved off, walking at a brisk pace. They left the inn, made a sharp left, and strode to the east, past a couple small farms.

"You're new around here," an ornery lad taunted the soldiers, "so I'll go easy on ya, but don't get on my bad side."

"Don't listen to him!" the kid's sister spoke. "Little punk needs a good whoopin!"

Now that she was literally surrounded by a larger entourage, Laprima realized it'd be prudent to not be getting involved when combat occurs. Elisif's idea, no doubt. Which seemed straight from a noble's textbook on the rules of sojourning: IF you've got to travel, stay within the pack! The roads are not always safe. Ye shalt witness sightings, you see: the Daedra. And the bandits. And the draugr. And wisps and wolves. Stay within the pack, traveller. Your protection is what they're being paid for, Lady Donnaugh imagined this book would suggest.

But there were more reasons to avoid combat than those dictated by classism. Solitude's message must be broadcast! - The Empire's message needs to be heard, and the first step is for her to arrive alive in the first place but...

-- But there's no way she's giving up her bow. Or her magical Staff of Fireballs. She'll use these weapons in more of a defensive manner perhaps, but only if she has to. No more 'honing of archery skills' along the way, firing into the fray, especially. Only if some enemy singles her out as they head to Falkreath, and all seven guards are already engaged should she finally resort to weaponry.

But let's also consider: the worst thing would be if her neophyte self aims at some marauder perhaps, looses an arrow, only to later learn she'd shot one of the soldiers.


Mid-morning

The sky was clear, the sun cooperating for once. A little chilly, but as they marched any coolness was displaced by their own vigor.

They climbed the path through foothills of the Throat of the World mountain, which twisted several times this way and that, but wasn't too steep. Pierre gave Laprima and Siouxie some taffy, which, he suggested, could help ward off lightheadedness caused by the higher altitudes they'd eventually attain. But the climb wasn't so bad. Both women had ascended the Cyrodiil road from Sercen to Bruma at points in the past, which had a much steeper grade.

The ambassador tried to 'ambassadorize' her way into her new guards' graces as they walked, gabbing a bit about this and that, 'from where do you hail?' and so on, but they didn't have much to say. All four had seen hardship and war already; all four had survived a few skirmishes against the Stormcloaks, or had beaten down some bandits, or they'd become more battle-hardened than usual in some ways. They'd been looking forward to settling into Rorikstead perhaps, where they might've been able to recuperate in peaceful territory, but instead they'd been called to assist this "relative of Jarl Elisif". Back on the road, back on their feet. Whether they were individually accepting or begrudged about this, Laprima couldn't tell.

So she chatted instead with Siouxie and the original guards a bit, attempting to keep everyone's spirits high with banal topics until finally...

"Laprima! Dear. Why do we not discuss our foray into Embershard?" Siouxie broke the story.

"Embershard?!" The soldiers had no idea! "As in Embershard Mine?"

Indeed, there was plenty to say on this subject! All seven guards (Tårn included, picking up words here and there) wanted to hear about Lady Donnaugh's first lair-delving experience.

"Oh, the way she stalked those menacing ruffians!" Siouxie enthused, her voice a sort of snarl. "Grasping her bow, selecting a missile from her quiver, all the while..."

"Uch. Do not be so dramatic, Balion!" Laprima rolled her eyes, but was unable to hide a grin. "This woman embellishes, she does. 'Twasn't as dramatic as she's making..."

Siouxie ignored her, of course. And everyone was ready for a good tale. "Down she hunched upon her haunches, step-toed from one rafter to the next! Our Lady Donnaugh, so familiar with beauteous things and raised by servants..."

"Was NOT 'raised' by servants! Oh goodness, how this woman lies!"

"...which involved NO miscreant-hunting forged forward within subterranean dwellings! Our lady, unknowingly a natural at the hunt, keeping to the sidelines and edges! Picking her targets with deft maneuvers until TWIP! went her bowstring!"

Laprima sighed.

"And the first knave went down! -- WOOMPH!-- As did several others, the impact of each arrow causing them to fall to the wayside like ragdolls!"

"Stop this tall storytelling," Lady Donnaugh murmured, embarrassed, while all seven attendants looked toward their protectee with a bit of pride. "She embellishes, she does. I was frightened as a mouse."

"Frightened, huh?" Red laughed. "Yet you're fixing to collect that bounty once we arrive in Falkreath!" Then everyone laughed.

"Aye, the zealousness of this dame!" Siouxie continued. "I tell ya, if it weren't for my urging to leave some adversaries for me, she would've taken them all down herself!"

"Goodness! We've got a regular markswoman in our midst!" Draper raved, causing everyone to cheer and applaud as they walked. So therefore, Laprima's original goal of boosted morale amongst the troops became true. Due to Siouxie's spilling a somewhat-fabricated tale of novice bravery, the entire party became more focused.

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

Eight hours later and many miles traveled, they arrived in Helgen, which is where they would stay for the night. The day's westernward shadows were getting long.

Helgen indeed had been razed by a dragon it seemed, or at least, something very massive had attacked the place, but from above, not upon land. Even though the whole talk of "dragon attacks!" was still entirely rumors amongst the party (none of them had witnessed one yet) the evidence that something huge had burned the town's wooden walls and roofs was evident. Buildings made partially of timber so sturdy they could've lasted a hundred more years, blasted apart like matchsticks; yet in most cases their stone walls and foundations survived.

But now there was a new threat here: Helgen had been taken over by bandits! Rogues and ruffians, similar to the sorts Laprima and Siouxie had encountered in Embershard: undernourished weaklings trying to establish a location to thrive, and a place they could use to ambush. Because of this, they did not stand a chance against the properly-trained, better-armored squadron which rushed against them.

After Laprima picked the cheaply-fastened lock holding Helgen's north gate, and a couple hooligans in ratty armor came running to see what's the fuss, they didn't last long when faced by the company of Laprima's guard detail. Truthfully it was their own fault. Sargent Pierre Draper had given them fair warning...

"Halt!" Draper called. "We come in peace, and are not here to attack. We only wish to--" spend the night within these walls, we can even provide some coin... he meant to say, but didn't get the chance. Which was unfortunate for Helgen's aggressive residents.

"Thought I heard something...."
"Well ain't this a surprise!" one of them grinned maliciously.
"I AM CHIEF HUNTER!"

They said these things before realizing how outnumbered they were.

"I'll lay flowers on your mothers' graves!" Banshee shrieked.

These initial bandits were cut down in mere seconds by multiple swords and axes, as well one of Siouxie's ice spells. Laprima, despite her previous reluctance to engage, couldn't help but nock an arrow into her longbow's shelf just in case.

Several minutes later, after a couple waves of additional bandits and highwaymen residing deeper in the town's half-destroyed buildings heard the ruckus and made their own attempts to subdue the newcomers, Helgen's ownership swapped hands. Victory, once again! The soldiers mostly entered Helgen Keep itself, a stone fortification which had survived the supposed dragon attack entirely. In here were multiple unused beds for the night; ah, the spoils of the battle.

Everyone feasted and picked their places of rest. Conversations caught and died amongst the soldiers.

Siouxie and Laprima went deeper into the keep, where they finally had some time to discuss the events from two days ago. One facet of interest occurred when Laprima described the house they'd traipsed into as being "filled with tarts, fruit, and pastries, as well as books and potions." Siouxie had seen no such items.

And what of this flute? Unlike all the other things one had witnessed but not the other, the golden flute was still within Laprima's rucksack. Err, in her hands, actually.

"Could it really be this instrument belonged to Elija?"

Neither of them seemed entirely sure. Now that the excitement of the flute's discovery had passed, the fact it'd really once been his seemed, well... hmm.

Laprima also wanted to know what happened to Siouxie at the Synod. "You mentioned enlistment, or some such until I rudely interrupted."

"I was not entirely honest," Siouxie reiterated, her face a bit stony.

"And what were you saying to the old matron in the house?"

Siouxie sighed. Then she told her friend everything. Most of it, anyhow. "I became involved within a sort of deal," she began...



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

Gothic Sisters

Shoving off in Riverwood

Lopov'd between Draper (left) and Van Hagar (right) -- These guys wear random outfits; sometimes they've got helmets on, sometimes they're bare-headed.

Party of Nine

Dragons?

Laprima's one shot


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

Notes: I didn't write it up, but during gameplay the Madwoman showed up and began following Laprima. She began rambling a bunch of nonsense: "Don't go to the Blue Palace. The master is on vacation! Don't listen to Dervenin. Don't do it," and so on. I have never ever seen the Madwoman before and had to confirm she's vanilla by visiting UESP. Apparently, she's part of some quest LPD is not involved with. *shrug*

This post has been edited by Renee: Mar 30 2025, 05:57 PM

[Lopov]

I have a feeling that Laprima quite enjoyed the compliments she got from Siouxie about their adventure in the Embershard mine.

Helgen might have been take over by self-proclaimed chief hunters but they were no match for the ambassador and her party.

Siouxie the florist!

The party of Nine as the Nine Divines? A mere coincidence...or not?

Well, there's one chief hunter in the air above Helgen.

The horse in the last pic has a nice color.

EDIT: I've encountered the Madwoman frequently in my travels. She hints at a quest in Solitude indeed.

This post has been edited by Lopov: Mar 30 2025, 03:54 PM

[Acadian]

Filling up those coin purses via alchemy was a wise move.

With four more guards and a Banshee, Ambassador Laprima’s party has grown!

I chuckled at Laprima’s sound reasoning about more prudence in combat with her larger group. Yup, her survival is Job #1 and a larger party makes it harder to avoid friendly fire. The reason I chuckled is I knew her more prudent course would not survive the first battle.

Siouxie the bard-mage broke the ice with the new guards when Ambassador posh lady could not.

Aww, the Helgen aftermath. A sad story. Happily, the bloodthirsty bandits within were no match for the crew with Laprima. Fortunate for the next travelers to approach Helgen I should think. And they are rewarded by real beds!

Uh-oh, Siouxie reveals she has made some sort of a deal. . . . Let us hope it is not with a Daedric Prince. Or if so, at least with one of the more benign ones such as Azura. Hopefully it is a less ominous revelation such as being booted from the Synod for being. . . well, a banshee.

[Kane]

Oh, boy. So miss Siouxie has been holding back! Something tells me Laprima will not be happy about that!

[SubRosa]

It is a good observation that while Nords have an aversion to sorcery, they have no qualms about alchemy. In the real world some societies had similar aversions. For example, the real world Norse felt magic was cowardly, because you could use it to slay from a distance, where one's enemy could not strike back. Similar beliefs often extended to archery, and often European knights disparaged archers because any simple low-born peasant could likewise strike down an aristocratic knight (i.e. a special boy - his rich mommy and daddy told him so) from a distance. It is like guns are today. You don't need to have been born big and muscular, or spent years training in a forbidden Shaolin temple, to kill someone. All you have to do is squeeze a trigger. It is democratized violence, by the people and for the people, something the upper classes always loathe.

So Laprima now has a small army with her as she tromps through Skyrim's countryside. I don't think wolves are going to be a problem now! Not that they were much of one before.

If only the NPC companions possessed the same trigger discipline that Laprima does, and hesitated before firing into a melee. My characters would find a lot fewer arrows in their backsides.

Siouxie embellishes the story like a bard. You would think that she was the lead singer in a goth band! In any case, it looks like her Bardic Song had the desired effect, and imparted a +1d6 bonus to all the party member's die rolls in the near future.

So Laprima of Angmar led her Nine Ring Wraiths into Helgen and laid its defenders in the dust. Oh wait, Laprima of Rivendell led her Fellowship of the Flute into Helgen and liberated it from the clutches of its evil overlords.

[macole]

Uh oh, what kind of deal? I'll just have to wait until next time.

Yes, it's been over fifty years but while trying to get a glimpse of infinity in those days I became familiar with Jane Roberts' books.

This post has been edited by macole: Apr 1 2025, 04:52 AM

[Renee]

Hola amigas y amigos, today's story's gonna be a shortie. I estimate there are four chapters left.

Yes?

I have a feeling that Laprima quite enjoyed the compliments she got from Siouxie about their adventure in the Embershard mine.

Me too. There's that 'aw shucks' feeling going on. Even self-proclaimed CHIEF HUNTERS are on her list, suddenly.

Party of Nine not a coincidence. Although LPD isn't religious, she was raised in Cyrodiil. She'd be hearing about "The Eight" during portions of her life. On the subject of Talos she hasn't got an opinion one way of the other. Still, that's something I didn't notice.

Well, there's one chief hunter in the air above Helgen

Oh yes! I should've maybe worked the opening dragon into the story, but am too busy. So the dragon flew over LPD's party without a word. FOR A MOMENT there, I was mentally like "oh s***", you know... I thought that dragon was random, and all the sudden was preparing for this huge, epic battle, casualties occurring perhaps...

But that's merely the opening-game dragon, which still exists due to Live Another Life. If we use this alternate start it won't cancel some of the opening events. So the dragon flew out of Helgen, flew north over BFB, etc.


Hello sir, got a question?

Filling up those coin purses via alchemy was a wise move.

Oh yeah, Alchemy to the monetary rescue. 🍾 They made more money (way more) from brewing up useless crap than raiding Embershard Mine! Fortify Pickpocket?? Well, useless to my gal anyway.

Funny thing. Now that she's got more of an entourage, there were hardly any encounters at all.

The reason I chuckled is I knew her more prudent course would not survive the first battle.



"Rewarded by real beds...." I've tried and tried. Toggled the "Can't Rest" flag for Helgen Keep OFF in the Creation Kit. Still it says "You cannot rest at this time" in the game whenever they try to sleep. So their rest is roleplay-pretend material. Instead, I put several bedrolls into the exterior portions of Helgen.

Uh-oh, Siouxie reveals she has made some sort of a deal. . . . Let us hope it is not with a Daedric Prince.




Yes, you sir, with the Homestar Runner icon on your shirt (Well not Homestar himself, maybe someone from that series?).

So miss Siouxie has been holding back! Something tells me Laprima will not be happy about that!

Indeed, seems her answer to my character's question ain't going anywhere wonderful. Then again, it's hard to say. Laprima's still very curious about why she's here in Skyrim in the first place. This entire story started due to a dream she had, for instance. So in a way, it's like she'll take any answer she'll get from those who are in contact with unseen forces, or the "spirit world", and so on.

Sorry if I've asked this before but IS that a character from Homestar Runner?


Yes, you, in the Nehru jacket? Think I've seen you before.

Yes, it's been over fifty years but while trying to get a glimpse of infinity in those days I became familiar with Jane Roberts' books.

Yes, yes yes! Whether we believe in that sort of thing or not (and for most people, the answer is "not"), the material from her trances are the closest thing to what I believe actually occurs. Basically, not just one reality, but as many as can be fathomed. And the very first reality beyond ours is quite pliable. Hence, why some folks see Jesus or St. Stephens or Buddha, others see a devil on the other side. It explains why our dreams are so messed up.

I need a drink. Too early. A smoke? Nah, not yet. Oooh, coffee!


Yes? You in the now-authenticized Stormcrow shirt?

It is a good observation that while Nords have an aversion to sorcery, they have no qualms about alchemy. In the real world some societies had similar aversions.

Probably because alchemy (or attempts at alchemy) is derived from sources which grew from the ground. Whereas sorcery comes from who knows what or whom?

Indeed, the Norse method is how I view guns. Sort of cowardly. Someone can just stand across a room and aim a gun (not even a real gun, or a loaded gun) and all the sudden they're in control. Didn't know that about archery, but it makes sense. Especially if there's an entire group of archers (peasants or otherwise) firing at an upward angle, not even aiming.

"It is like guns today!" Yes!

o Laprima now has a small army with her as she tromps through Skyrim's countryside. I don't think wolves are going to be a problem now

They aren't. 🐺 In fact they did encounter a group of wolves as well as a couple of spriggan. Wasn't even worth writing up, as I'm trying to remain focused on main events of the story. C'mon, where are you Stormies?

Indeed, seems you've noticed the two arrows nearly fired into Laprima's hips! Yeah, that's another reason for her to hold back....

In any case, it looks like her Bardic Song had the desired effect, and imparted a +1d6 bonus to all the party member's die rolls in the near future.



This post has been edited by Renee: Apr 5 2025, 07:44 PM

[Renee]

.
____________

.The Pact

____________


Last week: "You mentioned enlistment, or some such until I rudely interrupted."

"I was not entirely honest," Siouxie replied, her face a bit stony.

"And what were you saying to the old matron in the house?"

Siouxie sighed. Then she told her friend everything. Most of it, anyhow. "I became involved within a sort of deal," she began...



Tirdas, 30th of Sun’s Dusk, late evening


"What sort of deal?"

Laprima asked the questions, but it would be close to an hour before she got some answers. And the answers themselves only raised more questions. Because one thing about Siouxie "Banshee" Balion? The woman loved her talkative tangents.

"I do suspect we both have knowledge regarding the terms upon which this deal has come to fruition, hmm?" she countered Laprima's question with a question of her own.

When Laprima seemed puzzled, Siouxie clarified: "You have had the dreams too, Donnaugh. Directives laid before you. And have found thyself heeding these directives, thusly. Let us not romp into capers regarding this topic, this is so. Is why we both forged to Skyrim," she said softly. "And why the both of us arrived so closely in days, within Riverwood."

Laprima and Siouxie were sitting in a scullery of sorts, an underground room deep in Helgen Keep where food was prepared and consumed. Garlic braids and elves ear leaves hanging from walls, the hearth already burning with embers. Really a nice, warm place to spend the night, but they'd had to ambush a second group of bandits to claim it! Which they'd done without the help of the soldiers. Finally settled, the conversation, the things they'd been independently mulling these past two days within their heads, were addressed. Sort of.

"Regard this, dear," Siouxie said, tapping the table she was sitting upon three times. "Regard the dreams you have been having at night. Regard the fact that you've also been culled to Skyrim by facts beyond your intendance."

Laprima's first thought was to protest: No! I came to Skyrim at the request of Chamany! As he had just accepted the very first merchant's employment of his career, an enormous shipment of [tea!] from Bravil to Skyrim, and who was I to dissuade him? We'd planned to soon commence our courtship toward marriage, anyhow! -- But had that been the absolute truth, in light of everything which had occurred these past weeks and months? Couldn't their wedding have been postponed to occur under Cyrodiil's sunnier weather, especially after Chamany was done dealing in the northern province and returned to the city?

Laprima knew her friend very well. Laprima knew the reasons that she, herself, had moved to Solitude, never questioned in her mind so far (other than; had these reasons caused the right decision?), would probably be labeled excuses in front of Siouxie Balion's steady gaze. So she said nothing at first.

Laprima's second thought had to do with her crimes. -- Reily, her stodgy father, had laid his foot down regarding the Attempts at Burglary charge she'd incurred from breaking into the Red Diamond after hours. Any more arrests, and she'd be legally disowned. Blight of the family. Her eventual response had been to flee the city, more or less, chasing after her beau. But had all that been a bit too convenient, considering her situation now?

Let's also include Sybille Stentor's efforts at scrying. And the list of things the Blue Palace's court wizard had known about Laprima from the very first day they'd met. She'd known Laprima had been in charge of overwatching the smuggling operation, getting it safely to Solitude's dock for instance, and the enormous amount of money she and Chamany had earned! The wizard also, somehow, knew details about her brother, details Laprima had kept secret for over a decade. Most of all, Stentor claimed Elija is alive, somewhere right here in Skyrim. How could the vampiric wizard even know Elija's name?

My how all these notions and evidences keep piling up.

They began sharing a bottle of wine which'd been found unopened upon a table. Popped the cork and passed it back and forth, just like the old days. The wine was smooth, probably aged by some top vintner, but also incredibly spiked. Before long, Laprima realized she was halfway drunk! Siouxie seemed so as well. Siouxie laid on her back, right on the floor, gazing up at the ceiling, sconces of fire shifting shadows every which way. Laprima sat cross-legged on a rug near her friend, feeling woozier with every gulp.

She glanced at the stark-faced woman lying next to her and struggled to admit Siouxie was right. Laprima and her fiancé were due to be wed when Chamany got sidetracked by employment which led him to another province. She was ashamed about the crimes she'd committed, and needed a fresh start. Both of these were good reasons for relocation, but her ultimate decision to come to Skyrim had been inspired by a dream!

...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.

How long could she keep this a secret?

Gain thyself a grasp! she found herself thinking. This conversation is supposed to be about Lady Balion!

"Let us return to my original questions," she said, voice not slurring quite yet. "In regards to your exit from the Synod that is. And what was spoken to the matron within the manor."

"And my questions to you about the dreams shall lead to that," Siouxie countered. "Shall I need to be more specific when revealing these matters to her?" she queried, referring to Laprima in Third Person. "That I shall lead her hand toward what she already knows as truth?"

Laprima was on the verge of finally admitting her dreams (as always, the Gothic lying on the floor always won these diatribes), but Siouxie spoke first.

"Oh fuddles. 'What sort of deal?'" she mimicked Laprima's opening question. "Well here it is.

"I was offered knowledge of a great many magical talents at once, months if not years of apprenticeship, if I were to heed the simple request to join you here in Skyrim, however," she paused. "To make this happen, I needed to abandon my studies at The Synod, the way you abandoned the architectural studies of which you were so fond."

"Rghhh..." Laprima responded nervously, her windpipe a bit garbled. Cleared her throat and tried again. "Right. Carry on."

But once again, Lady Balion sidestepped. "The matter at hand requires our immediate attention, lest dire consequences befall us," she replied, yet another tangent. When Laprima could think of nothing to say to this bizarre statement Siouxie elaborated: "The woman, the matron, she disclosed what shall occur."

"And what did she say?" Laprima asked carefully, hoping her voice wouldn't betray, reluctant to admit she'd already witnessed Siouxie speaking in a tongue, perhaps an actual language, into the air where the supposed matron had been standing.

"That is, the things in life of which Laprima yearns for shall be attained. The things of which Siouxie once grasped for, have already been attained. Most of them, anyhow. Fundamental truths, sprouted from yore. To gain them however, one must engage a pact. A sort of deal."

"She said these things?" Laprima shivered.

"And this includes Laprima Anne Donnaugh..."

Siouxie stood. Arranged herself on the floor, feet planted in an obvious stance. Produced something from an unseen pocket in her robe, apparently a tiny daggar or a shiv, and cut into her wrist.

"Beidh gach rud le feiceáil i Falkreath!" Siouxie's voice rose, ('All shall be revealed!'). She did not wince as the trickle of blood began to drip from her fingers, spattering on the floor. "The notions in life she hast yearned shalt become attained. Might it be that she prepares to attain these notions?"

Siouxie's eyes became icy and distant, lost in another world. Staring right through the woman before her, the woman who she'd attended classes with and who'd been her premier mate for many years, as if she wasn't entirely there. Were the words she'd spoken (her supposed 'answer' to Laprima's questions) a matter of deviance, of aberrance, of the grotesque? Laprima found herself wanting to protest what Siouxie Balion was saying and the actions she was performing. For these things were not true answers! Had nothing to do with dreams or the Synod or matrons in old houses. A pact?

She wanted to object, wanted to laugh it off, allowing the alcohol they'd both consumed to be the reason for this mad behavior. Little did she realize she was already too far involved.

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

"All shall be revealed in Falkreath..."

[Lopov]

What a creepy pic at the end.

Another cliff-hanger, this story is, and I don't believe anymore that everything will be revealed in Falkreath.

It seems like Laprima and Siouxie are merely figurines on a chess board...

[Acadian]

Very spooky and foreboding stuff as the two ladies word dance. It seems their paths are linked but we don’t know yet what that means.

A pact, but with whom (or what)? Siouxie spilling her own blood on the floor hardly conjures benevolent images.

[SubRosa]

Siouxie reminds me of Grandpa Simpson, in the way he wanders off topic "First I tied an onion around my belt, as was the style at the time... Then..."

Ah yes, that enormous shipment of {tea} that Chamany brought in with Laprima.

A man with at dog? That sounds ominous, given what I know about a certain Daedric Lord who is known to have a canine sidekick/alter ego.

This is all ominous. A hidden hand has been playing Laprima and Siouxie like puppets, and to what end?

[Renee]

Lopov: Yes, creepy picture in the link. The animation mod I use has a "slit wrist" option, which works but only provides the animation, not the final result. Anyway, that's where the idea came from.

Ha! That's a good way to put it, figurines on a chess board, especially my character. Siouxie has more free will in all this I guess.


Acadian: I also don't know what the pact is, not quite yet. As before in other stories, I get insights about this stuff as the story goes along. For instance, I didn't know why Chamany wanted her to steal from Angeline's alchemy shop until maybe a chapter before. Maybe Siouxie will reveal her side, or maybe her motivations shall be shrouded in mystery.

Thanks, paladin.


SubRosa: The Simpsons, such a fun show. All due to a side show on Tracey Ullman. Grandma Simpson sounds like my mom these days.

The Daedric Lord commonly associated with dogs, very astute. Frequently you've got a finger on the pulse of stories, as far as foreshadowing goes.

It is ominous. That's a good adjective. Creepy, ominous. I'm glad I'm not in my character's shoes.


All: There's been a problem in my game all the sudden (wouldn't ya know it? Hey, this is Skyrim). Worldspace won't load on cell exit. The menu shows up, and I can twirl whatever object appears on screen. No idea how to solve this, but I suspect it has something to do with Live Another Life, which messes around with starting game events and such. Anyway, what this means is no pictures this week. They're still stuck in Helgen Keep, dangit.

[Lopov]

I had this bug too and it wasn't related to any mod. Try loading up a save of another character (that works) and THEN load the latest Laprima's save directly from the game (not from the main /opening menu). I think that's how it was resolved in my game.

I mean, maybe it was mod-related but that's what solved it for me. I had it happen randomly in some game (don't recall anymore, from which character it was). The issue kicked in at random times.

[Renee]

.
____________

.Falkreath

____________


The eccentric escapade between Laprima and Banshee could've continued many minutes more, but was interrupted by Tårn and a couple of the reinforcement soldiers, who'd apparently decided to explore the keep as well.

"Oh, hullo!"
"Cheers to find ya here..."
Tårn said nothing, but performed a completely unnecessary bow.

The three came bustling into the room, surprised at the sight of the two Heartlanders. Upon viewing the soldiers, Banshee was quickly gone! :: Siouxie returned, looking a bit bashful and morose, as though unsure and ashamed. As though caught. -- She gave Laprima a rather apologetic look, then twisted away from the newcomers, hiding her bloodied wrist. Grabbed a linen from a nearby table and wrapped it tightly around her lower arm. Cast a healing spell (perhaps) to restore torn flesh. Though there was a prodigious amount of blood on the floor next to her, this didn't draw much attention. Plenty of red in other spots around the room as well, due to recently fallen bandits here and there.

Laprima excused herself.

"Laprima, please! Might I beg forgiveness?!" Siouxie pleaded. She seemed surprised, as whatever thoughts within her mind slipped away. Surprised her wrist was bleeding, although obviously it seemed she knew what she'd just done, Banshee or not.

"On the morrow, perhaps," Laprima replied coolly, relieved the conversation with the raven-haired maniac would further no more. "I must attend now to respite."

Tårn and the soldiers exchanged puzzled glances as Lady Donnaugh swiftly strode toward the scullery's entryway, walking past without addressing them. Lady Balion appeared distraught. Something distressing had occurred between the two aristocrats, and the soldiers apparently just missed it.

Laprima herself was glad for the intrusion. Draper and Red determined the party would make it to Falkreath the very next day. As the official ambassador, this meant she would need plenty of rest, not any more nonsense. But how was she to fall asleep, with disturbing images and thoughts now roiling within her mind? Maybe the wine she'd consumed might aid in her sleep. If not, a night of insomnia was surely ahead.

"Thanks to you, Banshee," she muttered as she climbed the stairs and entered the initial room where everyone would stay for the night. She flopped upon an unused bed, hoping nobody would try to cajole her with drink or whatever. But everyone else was either asleep, or headed that way. "Imagine, stumbling and bumbling by my own hand it'll seem, before the court of Falkreath, all due to thy words of wickedness. Banshee!"

Fortunately, the maniac knew her friend would need the rest of her night distraction-free so she could plan and focus for the upcoming meeting with the jarl, and so did the three soldiers still milling about. Everyone allowed Laprima space. The things Banshee had said were also so ludicrous, they became surprisingly easy for Laprima to compartmentalize and temporarily forget. Laprima fell asleep rather quickly, and her sleep was divine.


. Middas, 1st of Evening Star, Fourth Era Year 201


The next morning as the party marched to town, all seven soldiers were in good spirits. The maniac mage was unusually quiet, staying at the rear of the pack. Which was grand. This meant Lady Donnaugh had more time for herself. She began ruminating on what was to come.

Upon approaching Falkreath's outer boundary, Laprima spotted a dog standing a couple dozen yards by the side of the road. Which caught her eye. She stopped, gazing at the animal. A couple of the soldiers called to it, but the dog remained where it was. "Ach, just a mangy mutt," Draper decided, before moving on. Everyone in the party moved along with him. Laprima stayed where she was a moment thinking that dog... until Tårn literally pushed her from behind.

"Move, lady!" the Nordic said, a bit of joke in her voice. Indeed, maybe it would be best to just keep moving. And ruminating upon what was to come.

The world of the Tamrielic leaders was a small one, in terms of overall population. Whether we are discussing the jarls of Skyrim, the counts and countesses of Cyrodiil, or the kings, queens, and emperors of both provinces, we're talking of less than fifty people involved in top leadership at any one time during the Fourth Era. An exclusive bunch, yet quite a diverse set of personalities.

Let's discuss authoritative styles.

Not everyone ruled their courts and citizens in a "fair" way (Jarl Elisif) allowing the opinions of every courtside member, or in a laconic manner (Rorik), leaving over half the decision-making to a trusted someone else. Some rulers considered the opinions of their entire tribune or justiciary or congress if such extra institutions had been added over time (Skyrim's rulers did not use additional bodies of government, for instance, as far as Laprima knew). Other rulers wanted a virtual monocracy, in which only one person (himself or herself) determined every call without input. These others were running a dictatorship, of course.

-- When 'dictator' types surrounded themselves with housecarls, stewards, wizards, mediaries, sages, scribes, and so on, this was mostly for show. Mostly for the added support these 'extras' performed while courtside. The leader makes a joke, all his subordinates laugh in response. Such support could have a rather intimidating effect if the querent before the court, a disgruntled merchant trying to influence a countess or jarl for instance, is at the opposing end of a request the leader doesn't wish to grant.

So Laprima's ears were alert from the moment she and her entourage arrived in Dead Man's Drink, Falkreath's tavern. She's the emissary. What could she learn about Jarl Siddgeir and his court, from the peoples of Falkreath Hold, themselves?

Well firstly, she decided to continue wearing her "bear" armor (as Siouxie called it), rather than changing into the finer threads she would don while engaging court. Most of the folks in the tavern were commoners, just like one would find in Solitude's Winking Skeever. There's always that chance a farmer, a peasant, a metalworker might not be as open to a lady wearing some pretty outfit from Radiant Raiment.

"Excuse me, sir. Am new in town!" she would say brightly, making sure to only speak to those who weren't too inebriated. "Am needing to address the court on a couple concerns soonly," she'd begin, keeping her reasons vague. "Might you take a moment lend your thoughts upon the leadership of Falkreath Hold?"

Hmm, maybe I should also speak more commonly, she thought after starting this first interview, fearing she might be sounding a bit too noble. But nobody seemed to mind.

The first man she spoke to was from another hold, and could not offer anything of value. But she soon picked up information from an old duffer sipping gruel, who informed that the jarl was "diverting more taxes toward his own personal gain than he should be, fer Dagon's sake!" -- Laprima dismissed the man's topic, at first. Because this was the sort of sentiment which could be heard anywhere, in any province, in any city, hamlet, village, town, county or hold. But then she heard it again (in so many words) a few minutes later from a robe-wearing priestess. And from an unkempt couple of warrior-looking fellows in heavy armor. Most of Dead Man's tavernites who knew anything about the jarl echoed the duffer's rant. Usually this was the very first topic of mention.

But there were other viewpoints offered.

"Siddgeir leaves all actual work to his steward Nenya and his housecarl Helvard," growled a hard-looking fellow who smelled like sawdust. "Yet does not give them credit." Another local quietly revealed that Siddgeir was rumored to "have a working relationship with some nearby bandits, tho you didn't hear it from me...."

Hmm. Overall, what she was more interested in was the jarl's actual courtside manners and habits. But after an hour or so of discreet questionings, she was getting the picture of Jarl Siddgeir and those who surrounded him.

-- Some leaders she had witnessed down south ruled their courts the way she was hearing Siddgeir ruled his. First of all, let's consider that Siddgeir actually had a court, an actual longhouse in which he also lived, unlike the leaders of Rorikstead and Dragon Bridge. And this meant he did not need to interact much with outsiders if he chose not to. A staff of servants would keep the man fed, his longhouse clean, and his housecarl would be the man's face to the outside world. Perhaps. More to the point, though. From what she gathered, Siddgeir himself was mostly quite lazy. Quite the loafer, who seemed to enjoy the benefits of his position a little too obviously. A man who'd attained his position through family. Dengeir, his uncle (who also lived in town) was Falkreath's previous jarl.

When asked about Siddgeir's governing style, whether he was overly regulatory or cruel or wishy-washy, nobody in the tavern had much to say. Matters arose, matters which, let's say, occasionally became serious, and were then brought to the Jarl's Longhouse for resolution. Maybe a dispute down at the mill, or the watch captain at the barracks wanted better pay, or the Hunter's Guild had a complaint about tariffs between other holds. These matters sometimes got addressed, sometimes were resolved, and sometimes not. Siddgeir himself did not seem much interested it seemed, unless there was some benefit for him. -- What's in it for me? a young customer of Grave Concoctions, the town's alchemy shop, claimed the jarl literally spouted, after the customer claimed he'd gotten a raw deal on a peck of mushrooms.

On the subject of legislation, Siddgeir was not in the habit of drafting new laws, an elderly man in regal clothing apprised. The jarl's uncle had already paved the way during the many years of his term, so nephew didn't see much need for change.

-- The only topic of consternation she heard (from the same regally-clothed man) was that Dengeir was on the side of the Stormcloaks. Yet oddly, his nephew supported the Empire. A-ha! Whether Siddgeir was on the Empire's side because there was something 'in it for him', this was a bit of information she could possibly use.

Settling down for supper, Laprima was greeted by a Blue Palace courier who'd gotten to town a day before Laprima's entourage with his own set of bodyguards. He had already spoken to the jarl's housecarl. Once again, the hand of Elisif, arranging events from afar.

"Jarl Siddgeir expects a delegate from Jarl Elisif is to arrive soon," the courier stated with a flat Colovian accent. Which was also good. She wouldn't just be cold-pitching the jarl and his court tomorrow, or whenever they'd be ready for her address. Hopefully, her presentation would not therefore begin with a question like "who be this woman?" even though the scrolls she carried from Elisif bore the magical crests of Solitude itself.

The rest of her day was spent exploring the town of Falkreath. Visting the general goods store, brewing a small batch of potions at Grave Concoctions, and bathing in the town's river with lavender soap from the city. Wouldn't want to appear before the jarl smelling even remotely like an oaf.

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

Notes: I have no idea if Cyrodiil still uses counts and countesses in the Fourth Era, couldn't find any answers to this while researching.

Lopov, so you're saying: have both saves from two different characters ready to go in the same roster of saves? Hey, it's worth a shot.