Dear Laprima, be sure to travel with a competent Sky Pilot or a trustworthy Straight-man. Chamany sounds like neither.

This certainly took an unexpected turn.

I started reading this and was getting an expectation that the story would mostly be about court intrigue and second chances--only for it to suddenly veer into Breaking Bad! But I like that. It's clear that Laprima's in way over her head here. The kinds of petty crimes she committed in Cyrodiil won't prepare her for stuff on this level. Her aristocratic background gives her some protection, but I have no idea how much.

Her interest in architecture is also a good detail. In a good game, you can tell something about a place just by the nature of its architecture, and Solitude says quite a lot. The grand buildings and lofty perch sell the idea that this is an important place with a lot of authority--exactly how the Empire's showcase Hold should look. Likewise, it's great that Laprima noticed the Blue Palace's interior being rather bare compared to the exterior. Solitude is focused on image to project Imperial power--but some of this is superficial, perhaps reflecting the Empire's precarious state.

Also I like how you managed to tie goth subculture into Tamrielic history. For any goth in any reality, making friends with Siouxsie is quite a coup.

Spring has sprung in Maryland. The weather is really nice lately. This means two things: 1). I'm going to be outside more often and 2). this might be the last Laprima of Spring 2022. I stop playing Skyrim when it starts getting warm. So maybe this'll be the last one, or maybe there will be one more, we'll see.

@ Acadian-- YES!!! Yes, exactly. Drug dealers never seem to use their product. The ones that do screw things up. I'm not saying this will happen to him, but yes... astute observation, there. Chamany also misled his girlfriend, and got her involved in something she'd normally not consider. Tsk, tsk.

@SubRosa -- Beverly Hills Cop. Axel Foley discovered the cocaine was packed in coffee! Which he'd seen before in his home turf of Detroit. (Pretty sure he was in Detroit.)

The skooma scene is a combination of speed and acid. We had pink hearts in high school in the '80s, really bad stuff for a teenager to be dealing with. They'd pick you up, and you'd be UP, but then they'd also let you down just as fast. That crash was horrible! .. Laprima just dealt with a crash. And yes, the visuals were LSD or shroom-inspired.

@Lopov -- From her perspective, Laprima is torn about her money. She's delighted, because she's going to realize she doesn't need to mooch off her relatives anymore. But the money is also "dirty". So she doesn't know what to do about it, yet. But I think she'll keep it.

Because from my perspective, it'll be fun to have a rich character!



Whoa.


@macole-- Sky Pilot! Just you wait and see, sir.


@WellTemperedClavier -- Ah thanks. And glad you have joined us in Fan Fiction, and can't wait to read your story as well. Daria's a doll.

I rolled Laprima in 2017, and over the years came up with a bunch of ideas for her story. But the problem was, I couldn't get to her because I hadn't finished Skyrim's main quest yet! I really wanted to get the MQ done first. But I'm a slow gamer. So this didn't happen until last year, January 2021, by then I had dozens of Laprima ideas written on a Notepad page.

So yeah, some of the ideas come from all that time, but others (like her interest in architecture) show as I'm writing.



I know, right? Have some cake, Clavier.

Next story should be up in a few...

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Visions Unveil





"You are a vampire."

Laprima stated this quietly, hoping if anyone was awake at this hour and within earshot, they'd likely not hear. For her words would surely cause Sybille Stentor some distress, should anybody discover the court wizard's secret. At best, Sybille would lose her status. She'd lose her comfortable existence within the palace's walls. She'd be shunned and banned and forced to leave. At worst, she would be killed. Just like that man who'd been executed in Solitude's public square the day before.

"I am not so deeply trained in magics," Laprima explained, "but I have always had a talent for viewing the auras of others, especially if these auras are magical." She nodded slightly. "I can see your aura now, and it is indeed tinged with mana. But its coloration is discrepant. I could not perceive initially, what exactly is the nature of your being. But now I know. And as noted, I shall keep your secret."

The Cyrodiilian waited for some sort of reply from Sybille, but the wizard did not speak.

"Long ago and in my province, one of our counts of Skingrad was also discovered to be just like you, although it took quite some time for his, uh, secret to be disclosed. Until then, he was able to maintain his court through the processes of underlings. Those who sought him were told he was an extreme recluse, or currently ill, or some other such untruths. He did then appear here and there, although only upon nightfall. But you... you are present and able even during daylight," Laprima said with wonder. "How can this be?"

The wizard did not reply.

"How long have you been able to uphold this veiling, Sybille? Are you somehow clouding the minds of others so that they cannot discern?"

Half of Sybille's head was covered by her hood, so that Laprima could not read the woman's facial expressions so well. But the magician's jaw did seem to adjust in some small way. Going somewhere with this, we are.

"Not that this is any of my concern, but if we are going to be rooming next to one another, I thought it'd be prudent I reveal my thoughts."

"Did you now?" the wizard finally spoke.

"I did. You ... are a vampire. A fathomer of night. Although somehow, you are able to exist amongst the rays of sunlight."

"And you ... are a smuggler," the wizard replied rigidly, also keeping her voice low. "You are a smuggler of illicit substances."

"No ... I, no!" Laprima denied. She tried to keep her face neutral, while steeling herself against a flash of anger. Chamany!

"I know this because I am a seer," Sybille replied, ignoring her collocutor. "It is my livelihood to know all that concerns. It is the very reason I am allowed my place within the Blue Palace."




Now it was Laprima's turn to stay silent. She'd stay silent, in an effort to determine all she could for the moment. How did Sybille Stentor know? How did she find out? Had she been listening at Laprima's door somehow, earlier in the day, to the conversation between Laprima and her man? ... Or maybe she had been in the room with them, when Chamany had spoken about his trade, and his dealings. Vampires could make themselves invisible, after all. Had Sybille had been in Laprima's room the whole time?

"I can see my words disturb you, Lady Donnaugh. Even now, you are searching for some explanation of my knowledge. Well, here it is. I can only say that I have gleaned these things even before Chamany did arrive. He arrived, and he has managed to evade discovery as he's plied his wares, and dealt with his cohorts."

Sybille the wizard/vampire raised a mug to her lips, and took a sip. Whatever it was she was imbibing, Laprima did not want to know.

"And then you came. You, a noble woman who rode aboard a common freight ship instead of a vessel befitting of your stature," Sybille chuckled. "I may play dumb on occasion, such as, that whole Wolfskull Cave debacle which occurred yesterday. I attempted to keep them away from that wretched place, as mortals have no business dealing with the forces of Daedra. But do they listen to their own seer? Hah! ... Such nonsense, Laprima. Your own aunt is to blame, after anyone gets harmed while they deal with what's inside the cave. And some sorry fellows and matrons will get harmed. This I see, this I know. Hah!"

Laprima decided to bluff. She decided to not respond to the wizard's accusation. What sort of proof was there of wrongdoing? The deal was done, the money collected. If Chamany was right, the skooma itself was long gone. "Do they know of your vampirism?" the Cyrodiilian asked, attempting to lead the conversation's focus astray.

Sybille smiled, then laughed quietly for a moment. "They know not of my being. Of the many years I have lived an un-life, right under their noses," she sipped her mug. "It is not easy, of course. I must occasionally make myself gone from the palace, if I am to ... maintain my well-being."

With the pressure of impending trouble turned away from her, Laprima felt triumphant. "And as I said, this will stay our little secret," she winked. "For I shall never tell."

But her success at steering their words was short-lived.

"You have nothing to worry from me," Sybille said firmly. "Listen, I know what you have done. You and Chamany have brought a large shipment of illicits into Skyrim. I know these things. My appointment within the court is to assist the lives mortals daily. This is my livelihood. But here's something which you might not already know, Laprima; I care little for the lives of mortals. What you and your lover do to further your ambitions here in Skyrim is not of much interest to me."

Laprima made no reply. Defiant she was, but no longer angry. Still, the questions remained: How could she know? How did she find out?

"Besides, were you to reveal to your aunt what I am, I could make the rest of your days here in Skyrim, or anywhere else, very unpleasant. I can do many things to those who choose to slight me. Or my court. So know this. And behave and beware. And I shall perform the same gratitude."

"As I said," Laprima replied, refusing to acknowledge the wizard's threat. "I do promise to not reveal your secret, Sybille. But I am no smuggler. And neither is Chamany. He is a man of business, who founded a mighty deal on a shipment of foreign teas. And I am his soon-to-be wifely assistant. I was tasked with riding upon The Mongrel as an additional precaution, so that those aboard the ship might think twice, if they were to try to pirate some of our brand for themselves."

Just then, she paused her words, to suddenly ponder a thought. Sybille did know, Laprima realized. She knew about this from the very moment I walked into court yesterday. She knew, yet she'd told the court I'd arrived on a freight ship to avoid the flourish and attention I would have received had I been on a noble's ship. She had spoken for Laprima, perhaps in an effort to help the royal newcomer avoid scrutinization.

But still, the lady from Cyrodiil remained defiant. "I am no smuggler," she repeated. "What sort of proof have you of this, anyway?"

The vampire looked down to her mug, at whatever liquid it might still contain. "As stated already, I know because I am a seer. And I can see many things. I do not need to prove the things I already know."

Laprima said nothing. Her tummy rumbled for the fourth time.

"You'd better attend to your nascent hunger there, woman," Sybille suggested. "But before you go, I have one more thing to say to you. Well, two more."

"Oh? And what have you in mind?"

"I highly suggest you follow your aunt Elisif's advice. About your appearance. Especially if you are to continue a life of smuggling, and other such wanton behavior. It might be worthy of you to obey her wishes, for then you shall be able to ... ehm ... blend in with the masses a bit. As of now, you look rather tawdry. So obey your aunt. Not doing so is near-impossible, anyway," Sybille said knowingly. "Lady Elisif always gets what she wants."

Laprima felt another flash of anger, but gave the vampire nothing. "You mentioned two things? Well, what of the other?"

"There was someone from your past. Somebody close to you. A loved one who I'm seeing has vanished, or deserted your life."

The noblewoman blinked.

"You have lived many years unknowing of what happened to him," Sybille continued slowly, drawling her words a little. "Whether he met his demise..."

"Elijah!" Laprima nearly screamed, eyes immediately watering. "Yes! Elijah! My brother!" By now she was openly crying, unable to hide her emotions from her vampiric neighbor. "He disappeared when we were children! What is it you see about Elijah?"

"In my scrying, I have determined that Elijah, he is not deceased. That you and he shall someday again cross paths. That he may even be searching for you, here in Skyrim, and at this very moment."

Laprima sat dumbfounded. "Well, where ... where do you see him?" she wondered in amazement. "Is he well? Is he within a loving circle? Is his mind also filled with darkness, as is mine since the age of ten?"

Sybille Stentor smirked, before finishing her mug, and standing from her bench.

"As you stated yourself, 'What sort of proof have I got of this, anyway?'"
.

A wonderfully done game of cat and mouse between the two ladies. Laprima, the novice to court intrigue versus Sybille who likely has centuries of courtly experience augmented by supernatural abilities. That Sybille emerges with the upper hand here is no surprise. Damn that Chamany! Nevertheless, an uneasy truce may prevail. It will be interesting to learn more of the mysterious fate of Elijah.

Huh, so I somehow never found out that Sybille was a vampire!

Sounds like she's a potential ally for Laprima. Both of them have their secrets, and neither would really benefit from revealing the other. And as vampires go, Sybille seems reasonable... at least so far. Though one wonders if she has an ulterior motive.

(I say this not because Sybille's a vampire, but because she's a fixture in court, and people in those positions always have ulterior motives)

Certainly hope there will be more to this!

What a thrilling and wonderful conversation at the same time, I think that I read it in one shot without even blinking. Phew, awesome, really! I had a hunch that Elijah might be mentioned or even appear again, because he deserved a prominent place in Laprima's backstory.

So now that the secrets of girls' are known to one another, they better remain at friendly terms. Oh women!

Well now, we are all getting to know one another, the vampire and the smuggler.

Now Sybille is sounding like my mother. "You look rather tawdry." ugh.

Laprimma certainly has a lot of men of mystery in her life. First Chammy, and now her brother Elijah.

I got surprised by that scene, I must say. Going by the effects assigned to skooma in vanilla Oblivion, it is more like Speed or Cocaine or a similar stimulant, not a hallucination-inducing substance. But of course you are free to imagine whatever you like there! So then skooma from Black Marsh makes you see things...

I'm enjoying your story, even if I don't comment every time. Others beat me to it, and I don't feel like repeating things...

Now that's the Sybille I know and love; dedicated to her court and always 10 steps ahead of everyone. I think their little face-to-face went well. Maybe, Sybille went rather easy on Laprima but I'm not betting a red nickel on Chamany.

Hey. So this is going to be the final chapter of Spring 2022, and I appreciate everyone's attentions. Have some cake. I realized something about Laprima Donnaugh the other day. As a character in a story, she is my most highly-developed. But as a character in the game of Skyrim, she is completely undeveloped. Still Level 1, with absolutely zero progress of skills!



Yes, Laprima sees Sybille sitting outside her room, and decides she needs to reveal her thoughts, but is surprised to learn the court wizard is able to keep up with the revelations, and is miles ahead, in fact.

With some of these NPCs so far: Sybille and Elisif especially, I tried to do some research at UESP and The Imperial Library. How old are they? Where did they grow up? and so on. There isn't much to go on with these two ladies, so it's hard to say if there are years of courtly experience, or centuries. In the game, Sybille is portrayed as bumbling (at least in the opening Wolfskull Cave scene) but I prefer the idea that she's got some better experience. How else would she wind up as a member of Solitude's court?




That is something which could go both ways. I don't want to reveal too much, but Sybille's relationship to Laprima could certainly become Ally, and I think in some ways it will. They will never be Friends though, because both of them now possess cards in the deck which they can use to play against each other. Sort of like if two scorpions meet. They are both wary of each others' stings now.

There will be more, but not for about 6 months or so. I have a weird thing about these games: I only play Elder Scrolls games if the weather outside is cloudy and/or rainy, while Fallout is for sunnier days. I only play Skyrim if it's less than 60-65 degrees F, and that means no Skyrim until October or November. I just feel silly playing a game in which it is cold, when outside it is actually warm and spring or summer-like. But I'll play other games--really keen to get back into Morrowind for instance.




I had a hunch, too. Honestly I did not know Sybille knew about Laprima's brother until just before I began writing two weeks ago. The story originally (in my head) ended with the wizard saying the bit about Laprima changing her looks, as per her aunt's wishes. Then when I began writing it, the final part about her bro *POPPED* up.

That was great that you intuited Sybille already knew about the smuggling, and that she might have learned this after eavesdropping. How did you do this? Hmm, maybe it was just the fact the wizard was sitting right outside her door so quietly.



Sorry to hear that.



Yes, this is true! In Morrowind the primary effect of Moon Sugar is Fortify Speed, and in Oblivion it is Damage Intelligence, which is why Chamany gives Laprima Alkanet (this restores Intelligence). I tried to do some research reading actual in-game books, to try to learn what skooma actually feels like. There isn't much to go on, that I've found anyway, so I did embellish a bit.

I read your story too, but also don't always comment, just because I sometimes feel bad for falling so far behind. I also do leave bookmarks here and there, I'd be lost without them!




Nice, glad you have come to these conclusions. In fact with Chamany, he was supposed to already be found killed. That's how I saw the story going years ago before I started actually writing. He was supposed to be found dead the very next morning.

Working with scripts in Skyrim is a b1tch though. I wanted him to get killed via script, and finally wrote something which compiled okay in the Creation Kit. Did not work in the game though. But maybe this is a good thing. The story's more intriguing than I originally conceived.

I will post the story soon, and later this week I'll also post some picture links. Ciao.

Ah dang... "You have posted a message with more emoticons that this board allows. Please reduce the number of emoticons you've added to the message" ... Always something.

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Her Future in Skyrim

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Tirdas, 26 Frostfall, 4E 201

Laprima awoke the next morning in a large comfortable bed, unsure where she was. For about ten or twelve seconds, she struggled to remember. She'd been having a dream, and it had been a gripping one. Finally, she recalled. She was in Solitude, inside its Blue Palace. Today would be her third day in Skyrim.

Her usual routine back in Cyrodiil had been to wake early, paint and rouge her face, have a bite to eat, and get on about her day, preferably with haste. Unlike her dearest friend Siouxsie Ballion, Laprima did her best not to lollygag. Often, her days were pre-planned and organized. Being a student had helped of course, but even on days when there were no classes, lying around in bed while waiting for sleep to reclaim was never on Laprima’s agenda. Doing so was a near-guaranteed way to attract the darkness.

But now, here in Skyrim, she noted new circumstances. Two important facets of difference.

First, her lover was here, and by her side. Chamany LaCroix. She had left her home behind to join him, all while dealing with a fair amount of guilt, and an enormous number of questions. Had deserting friends and family and school been the right thing to do? Laprima was still unsure. So many things had changed within the last three months; she had uprooted her entire life, and all she had known since childhood. But at least Chamany was here, now, and by her side.

The second notion to consider caused her a few moments of consternation, as she laid a few moments in bed: the court wizard’s parting words from the night before. About her brother. Whom Sybille Stentor had claimed was alive and well, somewhere here in Skyrim. How can this be? … Was Sybille’s information to be trusted?

Laprima had tried quizzing the wizard for more, asking questions, probing for answers. But Sybille remained vague. Did you learn about Elijah from aunt Elisif? she had asked. … Sybille would not answer directly; she would only ramble a bit about her abilities to “see” and “scry”. Finally, the wizard claimed she was growing tired. She’d laid to rest, and refused to discuss the matter further.

And now that Laprima pondered this more, it seemed impossible Lady Elisif could have informed Sybille about Laprima’s long-lost sibling. For the queen seemed unaware of Elijah’s disappearance, had not even asked how Elijah was doing. It was as if she’d completely forgotten Laprima had a younger brother. And this was fine with the Cyrodiilian. Laprima had not been eager to discuss the darknesses of past with her fussy, over-exuberant aunt.

So. How had Sybille Stentor gleaned this sort of knowledge? Was her ability to see and scry something to be relied upon? … Laprima Anne Donnaugh, rather perplexed.

For the moment, she decided to believe the wizard’s foretellings. She decided to release her worries from captivity. And this, she quickly discovered, felt enormous and beneficial. A closet of fears and gloom, now open and ready for sunlight. She smiled and wondered and felt the darkness which had pervaded her life for so long diminish to a corner. So. How had Sybille Stentor gleaned that sort of knowledge? Was her ability to see and scry something to be relied upon? Laprima Anne Donnaugh could not answer firmly yet, but for the moment, she did not care.

Chamany awoke. The couple then did the sort of things which new couples do during their first morning together in bed. Afterwards, she glanced at the way light was slanting into her bedroom, and determined it was still early morning. Wonderful.

Her first day in Skyrim had been confusing, her second was full of surprises. For her third day, she would get out and do something, something which would be considered her own. There was no way she'd spend her entire third day dawdling within her room, or even the palace. She would explore all of Solitude, thought she with impetuous ardor. Even her nit-picking aunt would (perhaps) be less of a bother!

Two days before she’d been wondering if she’d made the right decisions, leaving her home for Skyrim, following a man whom she really did not know. More and more it seemed the answer to these questions was the word “yes".




.

Skooma is a potion and not an ingredient, so it's not just the first effect that you need to look at, but all effects. You always get to experience them all, regardless of your alchemy skill. It is similar to wine, in this respect. In Oblivion these effects are: Damage Intelligence, Drain Agility, Fortify Speed, Fortify Strength. In Skyrim it is also a potion and is definitely considerably watered down (Chamaney got that right!) - all it does is Restore Stamina by 25 points, which is miserable, really. Even the Hag's Stallion Potion in Markarth was more effective. In Morrowind Skooma has the same effects as in Oblivion, except that Intelligence is drained rather than damaged. But of course Chamaney's skooma was from Black Marsh, so it could totally have a rainbow around it as well.

Have you tried Felldew? I mean obviously if any of your characters ever tried Felldew? I think you mentioned to have never gone to the Shivering Isles yet... Well... Now there is a hallucinogenic for you!

Sorry to hear that Chamaney was supposed to get murdered. I'm getting quite attached to the guy... Hehe.



Feel bad? Don't. There is no obligation to follow a story as it is being written. I've been reading some stories written years and years back, I find it is actually quite nice to be able to read a story at your own pace. Yeah, bookmarks are your friends, that's for sure!

Sad to see that Laprima's adventures seem to be coming to a (temporary) close. Still, it's probably good for her to enjoy the optimism and take a break!

I like that Laprima has decided to deal with her situation optimistically. I hope she enjoys her summer and look forward to more of her story when the weather allows.

So first level Laprimma is off to explore on her own! Perhaps hijinks will ensue. Even if not, I will be looking forward to seeing her taking up the quest to find her mysteriously missing brother when you return for the next season.

It's been three days in the life of Laprima only and it feels like quite an adventure already. I'm looking forward to the continuation of her story, whenever you feel ready to do it.

Great pic as Laprima thinks of her future in Skyrim.

Thanks you all. Today is Laprima's real-life birthday. I rolled her 5 years ago on October 29, 2017. Thought I should return to her for a surprise visit.

To recap, not much has really happened yet physically, this story's more cerebral. Laprima Anne Donnaugh arrives to Skyrim from the Imperial City, and the city is where she grew up. Laprima's mother is related Lady Elisif of Skyrim in this story, making Elisif Laprima's aunt.

Laprima's brother disappeared at the age of 7, which screwed up Laprima's childhood, and caused her mother (Elisif's sister or half-sister) to become catatonic. Though Miss Donnaugh was ultimately able to do well in school, she eventually got into trouble, as her mind could not entirely forget the past. She and her 'gothic' friends began pilfering small items in various shops in the I.C. as an attempt to alleviate their "darkness".

But her juvenile crime spree did not end there. Laprima learned to pick locks in one of her classes, and one night was caught breaking into Red Diamond Jewelry. She got in trouble (probably a warning) for the first arrest. Pretty soon, she was caught again. After spending 5 days in jail, her wealthy father almost disowned her.

She eventually fell in love with one Chamany LaCroix, who is a foreigner (it seems), and also was one of her classmates in the city. They began planning on getting married. But Chamany soon left for Bravil, dropping school. He'd gotten a "job opportunity he could not pass up." He asked his fiancé to follow him to Skyrim (where his first job opportunity would take him), and eventually she did.

Laprima arrived to Solitude on a freight ship, which caused some consternation with the nobles of the Blue Palace, because everyone was expecting her to show up on the Katariah, or some other boat fit for a noble. So the big question was: why did she arrive on a barge?

The answer: Chamany LaCroix, who'd arrived to Skyrim first, had already been living in Skyrim for a month or two. Chamany convinced his fiancé to ride upon the ship while he made arrangements here in Skyrim for a gigantic skooma deal. Basically, he tricked his own fiancé into riding along with this shipment of illicit drugs, while he set things up with whomever he's dealing with. Laprima is not pleased about this, yet she's also been paid a huge amount of coin, over 7000 gp, for her unknowing efforts. From my perspective, she's my only Elder Scrolls character who's started off rich.

There's a couple twists in this story, both of them related to Sybille Stentor, the Blue Palace's court wizard. As a seer, Sybille already knew what was going on with Chamany from the moment he arrived. She also claims that Laprima's brother (Elijah) is alive, and is somewhere here in Skyrim.

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



It's really sort of difficult writing in the style her tale demands, I must admit! It's not like Joan, where half the tale is basically already written (just follow the quests) or Vicious, whose voice and story ideas I can draw from real-life co-workers and situations. Laprima's story demands something else.

I was sitting there last night in front of my laptop with "On her fourth day" for what seems like an hour. Finally, my housemate turned on the TV and began watching. Poltergeist was on one of our 800+ channels. 👻 "Oh, you're writing, should I turn it off?" she asked. Actually, no, don't do that. Sometimes random distractions from other media seem to do the trick. Pretty soon I was auto-writing the poetic stuff *schwoop...*

Went to bed around 10 and had a bunch of scattered Laprima dreams, which I barely remember. But a bunch of words kept floating into consciousness as I'd wake and fall back asleep. So here it is, 5:31 AM. Let's see what I got.

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The Forces which Beckon

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Middas, 27 Frostfall, 4E 201


On her fourth morn in Skyrim came the next dream. Droplets and snowflakes. Discs in the sky, obscured by cirrus and cumulus. A path which wandered and wound. Far away, distance high upon rockface. An opening, cluttered crates nearby. Inhabitation. Arrangements, portending, portending, becoming. Deep into caverns, inhabited by beings who dwell within darkness. Structural cruxes, cedars and pines. Fastened and sound. Yet copious darkness.

Dwelt within darkness, darkness yet brilliance. Darkness, portending. Darkness, arranging.

Flickers of light, laughter, crying. The shadows of friends. Past peoples, elated. Her folks all around, yet also not present, not here, not now. Calling, bellowing, deep into night. Malevolence and dignity. The beast, he's nearby. His figure, familiar. Somehow, familiar.

Asleep she was, and having a dream, yet how could this one be so real?

And there she heard him. "Laprima!" There he was. Avian cries, the sound of a dog. Was that really her brother? Really, was it Elijah?

Someone was coming. Airy contusions. The smell of damp, the chill of burrows. Threatened, he lingered. Someone, here, somebody coming.

And all along in the background was the incessant barking of dogs, the howling of hounds, the baying of wolves, the cries of canines, the --



Laprima Anne Donnaugh awoke from her nightmare, bolted upright in bed. Addressed the sudden uneasiness of combined worlds for a moment; that one slipping away into this. Her heart was racing. Her skin tingled. Her hair half-covered her face in a dark, sweaty mass. Shafts of sunlight illuminated the room, her room. And where in oblivion was she?

"Laprima, you are with us?" Her aunt before her, aunt Elisif the queen, peering, smiling, and radiant. "You are alright?"

Her fourth day in Skyrim, today it began. Her usual routine after having such a dream was to scribble all she could remember into a special journal designated for such things, which was an effort to document and arrange those night experiences into written thoughts, missives she could then study, and try to make sense of. But this was impossible now.

"We've got lots of lovely things planned for you today," aunt Elisif began, as she fussed about the room. "I have personally arranged a visit with one of the magistrates of Castle Dour once you have gathered yourself ready. My court shall soon be in session, which you are completely welcome to attend, if you'd like. Oh, and there is also a chaplain who'd like to meet you. Personal friend, he's in charge of our Temple of Eight. And once court attendance is over, we can perhaps place a visit to that facial specialist I was gabbing about the other day," Elisif winked. "See? Lots of lovelies planned for you today, my dear niece. When you feel ready, of course."

As she had no choice but to rise and begin her day, the forces which beckoned could only dwindle aside, powerless and impotent in the light.
.

What an ominous dream! I had a feeling already at the first mention of her missing brother, that he's going to play some role in her story to come, whether in dreams or in person.

I enjoyed this short but also ominous prelude to the coming Laprima's season.

Thanks for the nice recap of where we are now in Laprima’s story after her summer break.

Ominous is right, Lopov. Very unclear what it all means and by the time Laprima finishes executing Elisef’s plans for the day, she will likely have forgotten some of the detail of her dream.

That was a creepy dream, that seemed to combine Laprimma's chagrin at having been unwittingly used as a drug mule (the empty crates), combined with the sense of someone coming. I wonder if that is her long-lost brother, who might be a werewolf?

Good to hear from Laprima again!

Dreams usually feel impressionistic to me, and your description gets that across. Lots of elements, particular sensations, particular moods--but not necessarily gelling into anything specific. So that felt true to life.

Looks like Elisif is still unaware of the various issues Laprima's dealing with, which means Laprima has to put on a happy face while melting down from the anxiety. Not a fun situation to be in, and that happy face gets draining after a while.

January 21, 2023, here we are, folks.

Thanks for kind comments. Yes Lopov, the dream part, it's like I wrote that while subconsciously setting up some sort of rhythm. Like, poetry. 📕 I used to know how meter works in poetry, but that was last studied way back in English class in high school. I've forgotten how it works, but that's the feel I was going for.

It gets explained better here... as I explained to Lopov. A few months ago.



But I was watching Poltergeist with my housemate Karen (yes, she's a karen) as I wrote that. The weather was October-chilly, all this crazy stuff was happening on TV. "They're here," the little girl said when the aliens arrived. It kind of set up a bizarre writing state which will probably never get repeated.

Wow, ominous! What a great word, Acadian and SubRosa. Hmm, werewolf! Nice speculation there. 🐺 It's hard to say where all of this is going. I had a whole bunch of notes written up on my computer which died last year. Who knows what the heck was on there? I had all sorts of crazy ideas.

Truthfully, some of these ideas were probably bad, though. Like, I wanted her to have a pet spider and stuff. And everyone would get freaked out about this. Anyway...

Yes, Laprima is back, Clavier! - and yes, I am glad you have picked up on all her conflicting thoughts for sure. Laprima being new to this town, with so many emotions and worries and fears, but also moments of happiness, as we'll see.

Now, where did we stay?

.
________________________

Her Fourth Morn in Skyrim

________________________

Middas, 27 Frostfall, 4E 201

Her fourth day in Skyrim, today it began. Laprima spent an hour or so dawdling in bed before slipping off into that odd state which exists between sleep and dreaming for a few minutes. Finally she awoke, to the sight of her fiancé waving goodbye. "I am off," he called to her. He appeared to be happily rested, wearing a dark outfit which made him look as though he belonged. "I shall be done throughout the day," he said, getting his words confused once again.

"Much appreciated," Laprima answered quietly, smiling softly. "Although, I do believe you'd just been meaning to just say 'gone', not 'done'."

"Ah-ha ha," Chamany Lacroix chuckled a bit. "I try, I do try to say words in your language the way which is right. You know this, yes?"

"Yes, I know this."

"Well. I am off. And do pro-mise to, eh, to fetch for us a nightstand," he said, performing a little bow. "Perhaps...down by the docks there are some furnitures we can purchase."

"Ach! Well that would be lovely, Chamany! And such great recall you do have! I am gratified that you have made a priority to even make cite of this," she said, pleased. The pair of lovers gazed at one another for a moment, unable to stop grinning like madness. Because...the nightstand...

The nightstand was something she'd mentioned as they lay in bed the previous night, discussing their bedroom arrangements. Her new room had four dressers, which Laprima and Chamany decided they'd split: two for him and two for her. It also had a sturdy barrel for trash, three wooden tables (a round table for dining, and two smaller ones for small plants and decorations) and two chairs. But there was no place to contain the smaller items of life: the notes, the jewelry, the random knickknacks which get picked up or left behind day to day.

Really, it was the fact that he'd remembered such a thing, casually mentioned and without any sort of haste. This was one of the many small moments which caused small rushes to flourish within her. She supposed this was how it was supposed to be for any young couple; nothing unique going on here. But still.

Her man left in a hurry, like he really had to be somewhere. Other than finding that piece of furniture and arranging a few bureaucratic notions for himself, Laprima was not entirely sure what else his day would entail.

But she knew what her day would consist of.

An hour ago, Elisif had barged into their room, just after Laprima'd had that dream about the dogs. Elisif explained that she'd already seen fit to let a few citizens here in Solitude know that her niece was now living in town, and would be needing to find some sort of occupation to keep her busy. -- So today's agenda? It was certain. It was already planned. Never mind the fact that Lady Donnaugh would rather go back into some sort of schooling. Never mind the fact one of her dressers now contained a few burlap sacks filled with just over seven thousand gold; half the amount obtained through her fiancé's illegal smuggling of dozens of crates of skooma. Never mind the fact that because of this, technically she would not actually need to work, perhaps for several years.

Of course, Queen Elisif knew nothing about any of this. Nobody did, other than Sybille Stentor, Solitude's court wizard. And it was not as though Laprima was proud of her husband's efforts. Coming into Skyrim, she knew she'd be dwelling in a palace. She knew she'd not have to worry about scrambling some place to live. But other than this, she'd been looking forward to starting off poor.

...Hmm, well not exactly poor poor. Perhaps a better way of putting it: starting from nothing. Like most young folks her age, who find themselves moving off and away from their family. Her entire life so far had been coddled and comfortable. It would be nice to begin at the bottom. Or at least, as close to the bottom as somebody who'd inherited her own quarters in a stone palace could begin.

She gazed to one of her windows, studied the light which filtered through.

From her previous architecture classes, she remembered that the windows in her room (and probably within most of Solitude) would be made of all sorts of translucent materials: thin meshes of bone, quartzes and cheap crystals, hammered and melted and scythed out carefully into narrow sheets. Or clear minerals such as fengite. Most of Solitude's windows, she'd already noticed, were not made of clear glass, as had become the style down in Cyrodiil. Therefore, they could transmit light, but were not designed to actually see through. Glass was more expensive, which was no excuse for a palace, of course. In many cases, those other window materials made for better protection, but they could only diffuse naked sunlight.

Still, it seemed by now it was mid-morning, which was perfect.

She got up out of bed. Shivered a tad. Her room was cold. Not a frigid sort of cold, and perhaps the air in her quarters would not be so bad to somebody who'd grown up here in Skyrim. But to a warm-weather Heartlander like herself, clearly she was not used to this sort of atmosphere, yet.

"Perhaps I can arrange for my own personal hearth to be delivered at some point," she muttered.

She strode to one of her dressers. Selected a quilted outfit which looked as though it'd be warm enough. The outfit was not really her style, its top was a frightful bluish-gray, all bulked and puffed for climate reassurance. But it fit well. It also immediately staved off the draught.





As an added bonus, her nitpicking aunt would also probably approve.

"Oh, dreadful."

At the bottom of the dresser were three dull-reddish phials. Skooma. Were these phials supposed to be for her? Or had Chamany accidentally dropped them in here, despite the fact that she'd vocally disapproved of the mixture's use the day before? - She shook her head. "Absolutely not," she scoffed.

Laprima picked them up. Later on, while visiting the Bard's College, she would spontaneously decide to drop all three of them over the college's wall, which overlooked the Sea of Ghosts. But for now, she merely picked them up, just in case a servant (or even her nosy aunt) happened to glance inside.

She put her boots on. Grabbed an apple from the main table in her room, and spotted the note which had been left there.

Just the friendliest of reminders that today we are going to have a look at some jobs for you!

...her aunt's words read.

Don't delay, dear!

"Delay? I shall not," Laprima said absently, once again feeling that odd combination of dread and folly. She folded the note, looking for a better place to put it. Ah. Here's exactly why she needed a nightstand, or some other sort of compartmentelized space she could organize items like this.

Instead, she placed it into the trash barrel.

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

Elisif Reminder Note
.

A touching moment with Chamany as LPD enjoys that he remembered about the nightstand. I still can't trust him though - too many secrets, and his smuggling has already compromised LPD with Sybille. I hope her day with Elisef goes well.

The Prima Donna is back!

Elisef seems like quite a busy-body, sticking her nose into LaPrima's life as she does.

Well, here is hoping for the best, and maybe Laprimma will find something that interests her in her aunt's To Do list.

Boy, having a drug dealer husband does complicate matters.

I will say, it's a good sign that Laprima understands she isn't really starting from nothing. It's one of those fine distinctions that can get lost if you're privileged like she is, but she has enough awareness to avoid this. Her situation is less luxurious than it was back home, but it's still a good sight above what most people have.

Also, I like the details on the architecture. The weirdness of windows in TES always demands some explanation. Could you really get a translucent sheet from bone, quartz, and crystal? I'd also never heard of fengite before, so thanks for mentioning that!

Okay, so she's tossing the skooma into the sea. Pretty classic way of getting rid of contraband. But I have a feeling there'll be a lot more where that came from, and she won't always have such a convenient means of disposal.

From pictures I've seen, fengite or alabaster windows are beautiful.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alabaster#/me...:Orvieto083.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Window#/media...MariaWindow.jpg

https://www.tiliapublishinguk.co.uk/ourshop...-Capernaum.html

Hey amigos, I am posting this week's story a couple days early. Gonna have a busy weekend, and it's supposed to be sunny the whole time, anyway. 🌞 As you may know, I only game & write Elder Scrolls when it's dreadful and depressing outside.

@Acadian the Paladin: Yes, absolutely, I don't really trust the guy either. Thing is, in my original ideas for this story Chamany would've already been killed. He was supposed to get killed, and Laprima would've been accused for this. But then as the story unfolded last year I couldn't get the scripting to work right (quest stuff), so I had to come up with a workaround solution. Turns out, now I'm glad he's still with us. I enjoy his personality. And the new ideas I've got going on for him I think are much better, I think.

Seriously though, it would've been kinda lame, my original plans for him.


@Florens: Yes, she's back! And things are moving write along (ha ha c wut i did their?) I hope you find Laprima's adventures and story to be worthy of the Fan Fiction forum.


@Clavier: Mm hmm, you said it. In our terms here on Earth, Chamany wouldn't exactly be a bad boy. He's not a Matt Damon or a Charlie Sheen, you know, he doesn't go around doing devious things (well...) for the sake of showing off. But he's also nowhere near a choirboy. In his own mind, he thinks what he's doing is right. He's just trying to get ahead, like many of us. He doesn't see what he's doing as "wrong".

And Laprima herself doesn't really know the guy, yet. She just met him the previous summer (it's now fall in her world). They've known each other for just over a year now. It's her first real relationship.

The part when she'd been wanting to start at the bottom is interesting, yes. Though she's not exactly filled with guilt about growing up with money, she did have a desire to show up to Skyrim without any extra assistance. But no matter how she's tried, she cannot fight the fact that she's still rich. 💰 Wouldn't that be a nice "problem" to have.

Any architecture part of the story catches me off guard, by the way. As I'm writing this story I am dipping into her thoughts, like many of us do while roleplaying. Any architecture part is unplanned. Because me? I don't go around thinking like that at all in my daily life. But my noble gal does.

-- Probably the same for you, as you don't go around thinking about fashion tips, eh?


macole: thanks so much for providing those links! I was actually doing to do this myself, dig up the Wikipedia pages I found about the history of windows, so now I don't have to.

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___________________

Gainful Employment

___________________

"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?"

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

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.
.

Viarmo, how did he ever get to such a position as headmaster. Why he couldn’t even sway a young girl with his words.

Perhaps Headmaster Viarmo should have introduced the quest by making it sound a little more intriguing by dangling the forbidden fruit hook to it?

“So you want to be a bard, eh? A singer of songs or a teller of tales? Both hold magic.” Leaning in closer Viarmo whispers, “Or do you want to feel the real power when the two merge?”

Ah yes, a barmaid; an alchemist bard with practical experience.

Laprima is trying to avoid her aunt, without looking like she is avoiding her aunt.

I see Elisef is the sort to go on about the old days. And she is still young yet! It sort of reminds me of Lincoln, in the movie Lincoln. Except when he did not want to answer a question, he would go off on a long folksy story about someone he had once known. Except he was entertaining, because the actor playing him has charisma.

So Castle Dour it is then? I wonder if that means she will be working for the Imperial Legion? Or for the city guard?

Oohhh, Bard's College. That sounds fun. January joined that one. While she is not a performer, she loved the whole storytelling aspect to it all, as well as doing research that involved smiting draugr and the ghosts of dead kings.

Given how she notices these things, it sounds like Laprima might be suited to becoming an architect.

I guess she won't be joining Talsgar out on the roads, singing songs and living a life of adventure.

The Winking Skeever? Is she going to become a waitress? That would probably not be what her auntie was expecting!

"As long as you have a great attitude towards our patrons," says the screenshot. Does that involve wearing a tavern outfit? Definitely not what auntie had expected!

Well, the good news is that fair Elisef didn't accompany LPD's job hunting excursion. The bad news is that I can see an imminent Elisef diary entry along the lines of 'Don't let my niece out of the palace unaccompanied!'

I sympathize with LPD though and agree that the Winking Skeever trumps the other options on Elisef's list. I recall that Buffy learned as much or more about performing musically from Lysette as she did from the College of Bards.

Laprima's almost in an enviable position. Everything's being set up for her.

Except... she doesn't want this. And I get why. Independence must be a big draw, considering the life she's lived. Always playing to the beat of someone else's drum gets wearisome after a while.

Of course, it's not easy. Not only is the court happy to help (with all the attached strings that implies), they have so many different ways in which to help! All of which Laprima will have to dodge or avoid.

There is wisdom, I think, in finding her own path. Particularly regarding her husband's proclivities. If he gets caught, she'll likely face a lot of blame (or even be pinned as the scapegoat). As such, it makes sense for her to try and allies outside of the court so she at least has somewhere to run to if things go wrong. And improving speechcraft is never a bad idea.

So I know this tale seems a little stale, it seems like quite the medieval soap opera, right? But just wait... it gets more potent.



Nuh-uh, no way. Wouldn't matter how much fruit gets dangled, macole. 🍇🍒🍌 My gal's not an adventurer, at least not yet. Even if she turns into one, I doubt she'll want to go into that sort of dungeoneering. "Hey, why don't you head into this cave by yourself, a-ha-ha-ha!" ... No way she's going to do this.

I had the temptation to tear into Bethesda's quest and make it so all she has to do is speak to Elisif to finish the quest. But honestly, it's a bad idea to mess with Beth's quests. Bad things can happen, and once they do, you can never get rid of them! All my normal, non-story Skyrim games on PC so far have little stuff which doesn't work right, due to me screwing up in the Creation Kit.

So I'm going with Laprima's initial wish. The story won't need the visit to that silly cave visit, trust me.




Yes, Lincoln. I never saw the movie, but I know the guy really had an excellent soul. Was why he was one of our best presidents.



Problem is nobody in Solitude teaches architecture. And in a way this is good. The story might get realllll boring if all she does is go back to class.

She is going to continue training at Bards College though. That's going to be fun. In fact, her Speech training is (so far) the only skill-up she's had.



I love how you pick up on little clues and notions, 'Rosa.


OH yeah, you'll see!

Well, probably not the actual Innkeeper outfit.... this is a Renee story, after all. So that means: Laprima's going to be stylin' when she goes to work, methinks.


Wow, really? She was also at the Bards College? I wonder how many of ours have been there.

Such a shame there aren't more quests. It's the least-developed guild in the (vanilla) game.



Right. If we can go back to the Paris Hilton scenario again, it'd be like if Paris simply lived off her family money... and nothing else.

Laprima, Quinn, and Paris all have their own minds.



Very nice.

The story is at a weird sort of crossroads at the moment because of things to come, which none of you all can see, yet. But the neat thing is ALL of you have gleaned some of what will happen with Laprima herself. Call it intuition, call it foreshadowing. I love trying to figure out your all's stories, too.

Let's see what happens next.

.
___________________

Anonymous Woman

___________________


"Ah, so you're you looking for a job, eh?" Corpulus the innkeeper was sitting in front of his bar, as though he were a customer instead of the owner. He half-turned to get a better look at her, yet remained seated. "Lady, you are in luck. And so am I, ha! Have you ever worked in a tavern before?"

Here it was.

Thing is, Laprima had walked into the Skeever blindly. Hadn't prepared a resume, didn't have any references citing a list of past accomplishments, nor had she tried to think of anything witty to say in an attempt to impress. Not that it mattered much; so far in her twenty young years of existence she had never been employed anywhere. She had little idea how prospective citizens looking for work went about this sort of thing. Was it better to be truthful? Or was it better to bilk a standard of lies? - Laprima Donnaugh, a member of Cyrodiilic nobility since childhood, decided to be honest.

"Well, I am afraid I have never worked a day in my life. But I can learn quickly."

"Hey, that's not a problem, I could use a second barmaid around here. Had a gal who was working for me afternoons, but haven't seen her a few days..."

"I hope this shall not be a concern, ah, that I haven’t any knowledge. I am a student at the Bards College you see, and as you know, the loans for classes can rack upwards rather quickly."

"What say you start tomorrow?" asked Corpulus. "And don't worry, there ain't much to it! As long as you've got a great attitude toward our patrons, you'll be fine."

What a surprise. "Thank you, sire. So very much for your time." Was it always this easy to procure an occupation in the real world amongst commoners? An occupation which did not require long hours of schooling, that is?

"When you arrive, your immediate superior won't be me, by the way. It'll be that fellow over there."

He pointed toward a back room, where a man with dark hair and a yoke-like mustache was stocking supplies. The second bartender was standing several paces away in a darkened area. For a moment, Laprima did a double-take. The man looked a heck of a lot like Chamany.

"You can start tomorrow, as I said. Shift goes from late morning until the dawn. Any tips you earn, err, any extra money given to you by customers that is, you can keep for yourself. But you’ll be paid forty once your shift ends."

“Thank you.”

“And now that you work here, feel free to pick up any food or drink items lying about. You can keep those, too. Or throw ‘em away. You'd be surprised how often people leave their purchases behind, sometimes untouched, a-ha-ha-ha! … But, as you can see, normally I’d have another barmaid working these hours. Place is kind of a mess without her."

That was it. Now she would have something to do, and perhaps she wouldn't have to strut into that dreadful castle every day.

Regarding Castle Dour, Laprima realized she'd gone entirely on intuition, regarding her decision to avoid the place. She hadn't given the castle a try at all. And why not, young lady? she imagined her aunt asking. Lady Donnaugh wasn't sure. Something about the thought of walking in there with the full graces of the palace to prop her way. It'd just seemed sodden. Like sodden earth, tamped down and ready to be trampled. Why did I not even enter the place? She found she could not even give herself an honest, rational answer.

But, the question: Would aunt Elisif approve of her niece’s new vocation? Hard to say, but Laprima was thinking the immediate answer would be ‘no’.

For now, this potential problem did not matter. She would be doing something forthright with her time, and she’d be a member of ordinary society while doing it, working amongst Solitude's dock-workers, merchants, seafarers, and townsfolk. No more breaking into jewelry stores after hours, only to find herself in jail after getting caught. No more worries about being ousted from the Donnaugh heritage. No more unknowingly watching over gigantic shipments of illicit substances. So there it was. If her aunt had some concerns about the lowly status of her niece’s new position, that’d be a woe they’d both have to live with.

…And the best part? Nobody would know who Laprima is. Nobody here at the Skeever would know of her past troubles, or her current, lofty position as a member of Blue Palace royalty. She’d just be an anonymous young woman, trying to get by.






"So exciting when new folk come into town," said a dark-haired Imperial wearing cotton threads, with a ceramic stein in her hand. "I bet you've had plenty of adventures."

"Oh, well I'm afraid I've never had any adventures," Lady Donnaugh fumbled for words. "Well, except to come here," she finished lamely. Plenty of adventures. This was twice in one day she'd been mistaken for some sort of swashbuckling maven.

Laprima took in her surroundings. Warm lighting, candles all about. The heavenly smell of roasting food. Sour aromas of ale and mead. A bard with a lute was singing in a high, yet pleasant, soprano's voice, while several listeners clapped and hollered. Everyone was jubilant, everyone was in a good mood.

She had done the right thing, and felt as though she were in the right place. Laprima experienced a feeling she hadn't felt since leaving her classes a few weeks earlier: a feeling of accomplishment. Though she did not officially start working until the following morning, immediately she began busy-bodying about: clearing tables of empty bottles and flasks, and scoring a sweetroll for herself, which she began nibbling in a corner, while watching the bard play another song. She realized she was famished. Once again, she had gone through most of the day and the start of nightfall without eating.



She arrived back at the Blue Palace some time after midnight. Even at this late hour there were several palace workers milling about: mostly guards. Her aunt was not here; Jarl Elisif was probably asleep. As always, the palace’s music played pleasantly.

Laprima walked upstairs, and into Sybille's room. Sybille Stentor was awake and alert, sitting bolt upright upon one of her room’s benches, as though waiting. She turned to her neighbor. Laprima and the court wizard gazed frostily at each other a moment, yet had nothing to say. Eventually, Laprima slipped into her own quarters.

"Good to see you have returned," Chamany was here, still awake, in bed. "Ah, but you are coming late to home."

"Mm, yes. This is true." It had been a long day. Laprima by now was feeling very tired. "And how are things with you?"

"Have you seen Aunt Elisif this evening?" her man asked. "I believe she was for you, looking."

Laprima groaned. "What is it now? Does she wish for me to suss her latest assignments? Or perhaps change my ghastly appearance? You know, perhaps we should figure a way to change the lock upon our door."

Her husband-to-be laughed. "I know she does not always say the things you wish to hear. But ah, she has some ideas which can be of eh, benefit to you. We can use to her ideas, you know, to be for our gains."

Whatever that was supposed to mean, she was not sure. And she did not want to know. She was too tired.

"So, how was your day?" she asked. "I was quite busy myself, and I'll tell you all that occurred in a moment. But you first. Tell me your day?"

"Oh, there are many things I must, eh, keep eh, running about, you know?" he grinned. "Arrange-ments, dates, and so forth. These people of the Solitude, they keep me busy. You under-stand, no?"

Turns out, she did not under-stand. "What sort of things? Might you find fit to tell me? To give your lady some sort of clue, at the very least?"

"It is ... very, eh, how you say? Très compliqué," he said. "I must come. I must go. I must arrange, and meet with others. Is very hush-hush. No much talk. You under-stand, yes?"

Turns out, she did not. "So, this is to say, you will not answer my query with a full reply of your own?" She smirked. "Yes?"

"Oh come now, Laprima. Do not be like that. There are certain things, mmm, arrangements, one must keep to oneself. These need for me to arrange, you see. And when I have arrange these things, then I can move on. And I shall. Move on, that is."

Laprima shook her head. This was not going anywhere. And did it need to, at this very moment?

"Well. I have trekked the unimaginable," she said slowly. "And attained what was thought to be unattainable. I have also arranged something, Chamany, I arranged myself employment here in Solitude."

"Lovely, bravo! Bravo to my dearest!" Her man was clapping. "And where have you found yourself this job?"

"I am working at the Winking Skeever, amant," Laprima answered proudly. "Serving drinks, and cleaning up the place. Yes, that is right. You are looking straight at the Skeever's newest barmaid."

"Well, this is eh, wonderful? Yes. Very wonderful, indeed..."

Other than wondering why she'd need to be working when they'd just gained their huge windfall of coin, Chamany LaCroix had no questions. And Laprima didn't feel like telling him about the constant diatribe of Aunt Elisif, and how she hoped they could somehow compromise on the issue of occupations. She was too tired.

The pair of lovers spent the night doing things which this writer won't mention, other than to say she is proud her creation has become more content. After a bit of time, Laprima and her 'amant' fell fast asleep. Just before doing so, Laprima wondered how her aunt would take the news of her new job.



The next morning Laprima made sure to get up early, at first light, in fact. She'd be expected at her new job by late morning, and she was eager to make it there on time. Or better yet, make it there early.

Chamany was already gone, doing the things (arrangements) he needed to do, for whatever reasons he needed to (arrange) do them. A man of mystery. Laprima remembered some words said to her by Siouxsie Ballion, her best ladyfriend back in Cyrodiil, who'd by then already gone running with a couple boys. Keeping some mystery in a relationship was healthy, Siouxsie once told her, as though Siouxsie herself was herself a longtime master of relations. It keeps things interesting.

Ach. But now was not the time to wonder about her man. She had somewhere to be, clear on the other side of town.

Laprima got out of bed, bracing herself for those few moments of chill as she swapped her nightgown for a dress. She selected the black maiden's outfit she'd first bought at the clothing shop, before remembering her aunt would disapprove. So she chose the one of the other dresses she'd found, instead. The blue one. She put her boots on, and was ready to go. Walked into the room next door, in which Sybille Stentor was arranging her blankets and pillows for another long morning of rest.

Laprima nodded as she crossed through, before bracing herself for the wrath of aunt Elisif.

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

Sweetroll
.

I am sure Laprima has been in plenty of taverns before, does that count as work?

Ugh, student loans, I feel you Laprima.

Is her real boss going to be her Chamany? Is he moonlighting from drug-dealing, I mean keeping up an honest front working at the Skeever? Is that where he sells the skooma?

Chamany sounds very, how you say, French, in the way he speaks, eh?

Well good on LPD! She opted for getting a job with no stringpulling or external influence. A good chance to see a side of life it sounds like she is not that familiar with.

Gosh, every encounter with Chamany sets off red flags in my head. While LPD's new job may be a good one for her, I can’t help but feeling the opposite about her man of mystery. The same man who provided Sybille some potent extortion ammo.

Can’t wait to see how Elisef deals with her neice’s chosen employment. I like Elisef so I’m hoping she’ll be supportive. . . but we shall see.

Oops, meant for this to say "dusk", not dawn. Not that it matters much. Corpulus is the one who says this, his mistake, not mine.

Because what he's saying is that she's going to work seventeen hours in a row. So yeah, that's incorrect.

Ahh, thanks for the correction. I noticed that hers seemed like quite a long shift.

@SubRosa--She definitely has been in a few bars and taverns back home, that is true. I'd imagine she's been in at least some of the places in the Imperial City. They probably have different names now, of course, since it's been 200 years.

Student Loans. Yep. And no, Cham is not her boss. Just a guy who looks pretty much like him. ... Oooh the urge to post spoilers....

@Acadian-- Thanks much! You and Rosa really pay attention!

I love what you said there, the part about everything about her faux-French boyfriend setting off red flags. 🇮🇩 OooooOOOO the urge to post spoilers!!!!

.
__________________

'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.
.

Well, that could have gone better. . . or worse for that matter. Perhaps Elisef will wrap her head around LPD’s ability to make her own choices.

Comestibles and libations! How wonderfully medieval! I chuckled over Falk Firebrand’s extolling of the Skeever to the point of earning a ‘Silence!’ from Elisef.

LPD’s first day on the job was fun. I love how you incorporated so much of the game’s existing banter into it.

I buy discounted clothing all the time. And discount spells from Edgar Vautrine. I want cheap.

Maybe Laprima will bump into January at the Bard's College one day.

I love how as Elisef is deflating like a Betty Netch over how Laprima has lowered herself by working in a place like the Skeever, everyone else in the court is extolling the virtues of its food and drinks. They got wicked lobstah, amirite?

Barre Bakkh!

But it seems that trouble is lurking in Solitude's shadows. Is Chammy following her? Or an enemy smuggler?

All right, let's see how Laprima's venture into normal-ish life goes...

I've always hated it when someone just asks me to start talking like that. I'd imagine it's only more difficult for Laprima because she can't safely talk about a lot of what's on her mind.

Ah, but at least her attendance at the Bards College makes for a good cover.

Oh wow! I wasn't expecting her to admit her barmaid gig. Might be a bit scandalous for the rarified court...

I'm enjoying Elisif's shock. Nice of Falk to provide some support. Or maybe he just likes the Winking Skeever that much and can't stop talking about it.



Oof, now that can't be fun to hear from a patron. Does the Winking Skeever have a bouncer? Hopefully a well-armed and well-trained one? This guy might be trouble.

Heh! I love how coolly Laprima brings him back down to reality.

Hm, I can't help wondering if coffee's pricey up in Skyrim. Figure they'd have to ship it in from the Gold Coast or from around Leyawiin or something. A posh lady is ordering it...

Looks like they still want her to do their work. Hopefully it's a bit humbling to Viarmo to be reminded that most folks have to actually work and can't go off being sketchy adventurer types.

There's usually a strong sense of satisfaction after the first paycheck. It fades in the future, but that first one is always nice. You incorporating that makes the story feel very grounded.

I fell behind but I'm catching up!

Today I read Her Fourth Morn in Skyrim and afterwards almost all her stories from the previous season. I did read the "fourth Morn first" and I appreciate the short summary of events that occurred in the previous season. I chuckled at the fact that the story was in fact dedicated to a the nightstand. Lots of septims can sure make the life boring if there's nothing else to do. Let's see what's next for Laprima.

Not to clutter up the thread, I'll be editing this post and adding my comments, as I catch up with other stories.

Ah, you haven't played Skyrim then? This is Belrand, a war veteran and a mercenary. That line is meant for him to pick up customers. He's a darling really, was always my favourite companion there, to the point that I brought him over to my Skyrim for Oblivion, although admittedly I made him drop that line. (It went slightly differently in the original.)

Great story, Renee!

Phew, here we go. I apologize that these last few chapters were pretty long. Maybe I could've trimmed a bit of fat away. On the other hand, it's those little details (which seen inconsequential to the actual story) which (sometimes) flesh the story more. 📘

But I wanted to get the story to a certain point, and we're pretty much at the start of that point! Hee hee! NOW the fun stuff begins, folks.

And I had something else I've been meaning to say all week, but now I'm forgetting it. Ah, it'll come to me later.

I agree, Acadian, yes it could've gone better. With Laprima it's sort of like with Taneesha (Vicious). Both of them are young, both of them are in a phase of life in which they're trying to figure things out. Sometimes they make good choices, sometimes bad.

I will say this though: From now on, Elisif will play less of a role in the story than she has been. 👑 Bet you didn't see that coming, eh?



I've probably known about this chapter for about a year, so yeah, I've been looking forward to actually writing it. The quest which guides all the Skeever dialog took me a LONG time to write. I spent all of December trying to get it to work. It's a simple quest, yet working in the CK is not always so simple.

That would be awesome if January and Laprima'd meet, SubRosa. I don't know enough about Jan's activities to make a real attempt at dialog or anything like that, but perhaps there will be a moment when they pass by. Sort of like when one of my OB characters would pass by a "platinum-haired Dunmer" on their way to Bruma.



Ha ha you're probably right! 🦞 Funny thing is: in the game Elisif has actually stopped showing up for "work". Ever since the last chapter when they had that near-argument, Elisif hasn't been on the throne as Laprima's passed by. This has been going on for two days now. And it has nothing to do with any quests or scripts or AI.

Oh yeah Clavier, well Laprima's definitely a student at heart, for sure. School gave her focus during her younger years, it's the one thing which added structure into her life, while her childhood crumbled. So as you will see, she often jumps at the chance to engage in learning. Not for the sake of being smarter, but because she likes the "safety" that surrounds intellectual pursuits.



That's one of the in-game followers who says this, as Lena Wolf points out. He always sits at this one table until someone hires him. When Laprima walked up, he was hoping she'd pay his fee so he could escort her somewhere, perhaps.

Good point. Prices in Skyrim do seem pretty pricey, even comparing to modern-day earth. Then again, maybe it's because of some mods I've got in my gameworld. I can't remember how vanilla prices compare. But for instance, in my game (with mods) a bowl of soup is about 14 gold. Which is pretty darn high compared to Earth.

Thanks so much!

Lopov, glad to have you back. Good thing you showed up now, and not April. By April/May, there'll definitely be a LOT to catch up to.

Ah, the nightstand. I was actually experimenting with the Creation Kit's Enable() function, which I totally figured out how to work. Later on in this story when Chamany says a certain bit of dialog, it actually causes her nightstand to appear in her room (along with a bowl of moon sugar, but we won't mention that). And this is a feature I'm going to use several times in this story.

Thank you Lena, you're awesome. Have some cake.

Dang. I still can't remember what I've been wanting to mention all week....