Day 36 – Trip to Folgunthur

I'm in big trouble.  Big big BIG trouble.  So big I fear that they're going to toss me out of the Bards College.

Let me start at the beginning…

I snuck out of the college early in the morning before anyone woke up and made my way down to the docks.  There were a few workers milling around but none paid heed to me as I walked to the end of the pier and slipped into the water, my Pa's bag carefully balanced on the top of my head.

When I reached the other side, I carefully picked my through weeds and brush until I came upon the Folgunthur ruins located just below the Blue Palace.  It seems that I wasn't the only person interested in the old place as there was a temporary camp set up near the entrance.

I crept closer, careful not to alert anyone just in case they left a guard, but saw no one.  That was when I realized that the camp seemed to be an old one, so old that sand and snow where beginning to collect in some of the tents.

After a quick search of the camp, I found a few supplies and a journal.  The journal's owner, Daynas Valen, seems to be absolutely enthralled by the Gauldur Legend.  He was so taken by the legend that he even killed a man in Bravil for something he calls an "Ivory Claw".  After procuring the claw, he travelled for quite a ways to get to Solitude, picking up some adventurers to use as "fodder" for the traps that he expected to find inside.  His last entry details how, the night before they entered the tomb, he compiled all of his notes, his lifetime of work, into a much smaller collection of notes that he could use while in the tomb and then burned the rest.

There were no more entries in the journal.  From what I can see by the dates, the journal's last entry was made just two weeks before, around the time I first read the book.  From what I could see, the men never returned.  Were the men still in there?  Were they all dead?

I had many questions running through my head, so I decided to poke my head into the ruins.  I stopped just long enough to don my armor and take my war hammer in hand before stepping inside.

And of course, what is the first thing I see?  Dead bodies.  Lots and lots of dead bodies, thanks to the nasty spike trap not more than 10 feet inside the door.  Thankfully, I had been sneaking or I would have been caught in that trap myself.  After that, I found an open doorway with a strange pedestal next to it.

Beyond that doorway, I found a room with more dead bodies.  It looked as though the last of Daynas' adventurers bought their end right there.  From the footprints in the dust, I could see only one person continued on.  That had to be Daynas.  Boy, his journal was right – he was determined.

As I was studying the footprints, I heard a noise – a very familiar noise that sent a shiver down my back.  I turned in time to see two very undead Draugr's running at me, swords in hand.  I raised my war hammer to block the first slams and then returned them with as much strength as I could, sending both undead back into their graves, very much dead this time.

As I continued through the ruins, I kept finding Draugrs, all dead set on killing me and defending whatever it was they were guarding.  I bested them all, thanks to the Captain's training, and continues on without even a scratch on me.

It wasn't long before I discovered the body of Daynas.  He looked to be dead for quite a while.  After a quick search of the remains, I found the ivory claw he spoke of in his journal, along with the stack of notes he thought he would need to find his goal.

It was at this point that I thought about turning around and returning to the city.  I didn't need to finish this crazy man's quest.  And then I sat down and began to read his collection of notes.

To summarize, it seemed that the Archmage Gauldur was a powerful and well loved mage, looked up to by all…except his sons.  They resented their father's prestige and lusted after his power.  It wasn't long before his oldest son discovered the secret to his power – an amulet which he always kept on his person.  The three boys conspired to murder their father and take the amulet.

Once their father was dead, the boys then began a long rampage through the countryside, burning villages and torturing people.  The carnage got so bad that the king finally had to take things into hand, sending a pack of archmages after them.  By some miracle, the boys escaped the battle and ran for their lives.

The youngest, Mikrul, was killed in these ruins and his crypt sealed with the ivory claw.  Another, Jyrik, was killed in Saarthal, bear Winterhold.   The last, Sigdis, was killed on an island east of Ivarstead.  A tomb was erected to hold his body, now called Geirmund's Hall, after the archmage who fell in the great duel / battle against him.

Once the three brothers were dead, the King then made a decree – all mention of Gauldur and his three sons were to be stricken from the records and no mention of them were to ever be made, for fear that someone would figure out where the pieces of the amulet were and begin another reign of terror in his lands or any others.

After reading all of this, I realized what Daynas was after – the amulet.  It was good that he died where he was.  From what I could figure out, he was not right in the head and giving that sort of power to a crazy man would have been a very very bad idea.

Determined to keep the King's decree intact, I gathered his notes and the claw and headed out, locking any of the doors that I could to ensure that the amulet would be safe.  As I exited the ruins, I was surprised to see someone waiting for me – Professor Germane – and he didn't look happy.

"How did I know you would be here," he mumbled, his face filled with a mix of anger and sadness, "Get in the wagon.  We're going home."

I didn't put up a fight, I didn't try to reason with him.  I just climbed into the back of the wagon and let him take me back to Solitude.

Now, here I sit in my cubicle, awaiting to speak to the headmaster.  Even from this far away, I can hear Germane ranting and raving in his office on the first floor.  I have a feeling my curiosity is about to get me expelled and possibly thrown into jail.  I can only pray that I don't….

Day 35 - Solitude - A plan....

Tomorrow is the first day we’ve had off in a long while, or at least since the day I read the old book.  Ataf and a couple of the other students invited me to an outing to Dragon Bridge but I begged out of going, saying that I had an errand to run.

I didn't lie - it is an errand of sorts.  This will be my only chance to look into the old ruins at Folgunthur before things get crazy.  The first big class recital is in two weeks and Headmaster Viarmo warned us that we wouldn't see a day off until then.  So this is my chance – this is the day I will head off into the wilderness to hopefully get some answers.

From what I can tell from my hasty look of the map in the castle, the ruins are on the other side of the river, opposite from where the docks are located.  From what I can see, if I took the road it would take me all day just to get there and back, which wouldn't give me any time to explore what is there.  Never mind that if I pass through Dragon Bridge, I could possibly raise the suspicions of my classmates.  So, I guess my morning is going to start with a little bath.  Ugh.  That water doesn't look so clean.

I'm planning to take my war hammer and pack my armor into Pa's bag, just in case things don't go well.  I've had three workouts with the captain and his men now and I'm beginning to feel confident about being able to defend myself against whatever I might find there.

Talking about my extracurricular training, I know some of the students are talking about where I go every night.  Ataf asked me once and I flat out told him that it was none of his business.  And really, it isn't.  What I do on my time is my business and my business only.  No one needs to know that I'm taking fighting lessons from the local soldiers.

Day 29 - Solitude - First day of training

I am so sore and tired I can barely move tonight.  Captain Aldis wanted to test my skills so he ran me through the "gauntlet", which was pretty much five men walloping me with practice swords.  The captain said I did well, even though they got more hits on me than I did on them.  He told me to take a day off before returning to start the real training.

Of course, I followed through with my side of the bargain.  When 8 PM came around, I followed the men inside their barracks and took my place at the front of the room, near where the Captain sat, and began to sing.  There were a few requests but most of the men silently hunched over their meals, wolfing down their food as fast as possible.

When the room began to empty out barely 45 minutes after the meal began, the Captain said I could go home.  I thanked him and started for the door.  I barely made it three steps before stumbling and almost falling to the floor.

"Garrison, Valen," the captain said, calling to two of his men, "Please make sure our guest makes it home safely."

I tried to tell him that it was okay, that I could walk home okay, but he insisted that his men walk me home.  We walked through the courtyard and down the street in silence, the two men stone face and walking in step with one another.  When we reached the door to the Bards College, the two men tipped their heads slightly, turned as one, and hurried back towards the Dour.

Once the men were out of sight, I slipped inside and headed straight to bed.  That's where I lay now, writing this and listening to Jorn snore in the cubicle next door.  Though I'm very sore from the workout, it is a good sore.  I look forward to the next training session in a couple days.  Maybe someday I'll be able to knock all of those men down.

Day 28 - Solitude - A deal is made...

I was rash and did something stupid tonight.  Thankfully, it all ended out well but I really have to learn to reel myself and my impulse ideas in sometimes.

It all started around 8 PM.  I was sitting in my usual spot on the wall above the Doer courtyard reading a book on history.  The book was so interesting, that I completely lost track of time.  The next time I looked up, the lamp lighter was walking by, lighting the lamps on the top of the old stone walls, and the soldiers were gone – probably inside their barracks getting their own nightly meal.

With no one – not even the city guards around – I thought it best for me to head back to the college and begin my nightly studies.  I rose to my feet and carefully made my way down the ramps and stairs to the courtyard below.

I was about to leave the courtyard when something caught my eye.  One of the soldiers had left a wooden practice sword sitting on a table.  "Go ahead," A little voice inside of me whispered, "No one is around.  Pick it up and take a couple swings with it."

I took a quick glance around.  The voice was right – no one was here to witness me making a fool of myself.  I tiptoed over to where the sword laid and carefully picked it up.

Though it was made of wood, the practice sword felt just like the real sword I had stored away at the college.  I gave it a couple swings, listening to his swish through the air just like a real sword.

As if on automatic, I dropped into ready position and began to run through the exercises and drills that my father taught me years before.  He had made me practice them so often that now, even years later, my muscles seemed to automatically know what to do.  It was as though the years disappeared and I was standing in our front yard, doing the drills, my father yelling tips and feedback to me on my stance and swing.

It wasn't until I reached the end of the routine that I realized I wasn't alone in the courtyard.  I swung around to face the unexpected company.  What I saw shocked me to my core – Captain Aldis was not more than five feet away from me, leaning against the table, his arms crossed.

I instantly dropped the wooden sword and backed away, stammering, "I…I'm sorry.  I…I didn't…"

"You're pretty good," he commented, "for a girl, that is."

The smile on his face didn't make me feel any more comfortable.  I quickly gathered my wits and began to apologize, "I'm sorry, sir.  I didn't mean to….  I mean, I know I shouldn't have touched the sword but I couldn't resist.  Please don't call the city guard."

The captain waved away my words, "Calm down, my child.  See?"  He picked up the wooden sword and placed it back on the table, "No harm done.  Believe me, those old practice sticks have had a lost worst stuff done to them than being dropped.  Who taught you how to fight?"

"My…my father," I replied.

"Was he a military man?"

"No, sir.  He is a traveling merchant.  He travels all over Skyrim."

"I'm surprised.  By the routine you ran, I would have expected him to be ex-military."

I shrugged.

"You were taught well.  So well that if you were a boy, I would sign you up to the war effort this instant."

"Thank…thank you, sir," I said, suddenly very thankful that I was a girl.

"You come here often," he commented, "I see you every night sitting up on the ramparts reading a book and watching us.  You're a student at the Bard's College, aren't you?"

Viarmo's warning suddenly echoed in my head and I couldn't help but wonder if the captain was going to get me kicked out of the college.

He didn't wait for an answer before he continued on, "They don't teach you how to defend yourself down there, do they?"

"N…No, sir," I stumbled.

"Are you interested in honing your skills?" he asked.

I stared at him, not sure if I should feel relieved or excited.  Was he offering to train me?

"Don't get me wrong," he added. "Your skills are good but they are very rudimentary.  But I know with a few tips and practice against some skilled opponents, you would be pretty good."

I wasn't quite sure how to answer that.  Did I really want to be some sort of great warrior?  And then I remembered the horrible battle through the Respite.  I barely survived that trip by the skin of my teeth.  If only I had had a little more training and a lot more practice, that trip would have gone a lot easier and I wouldn't have spent five days nursing those sore ribs.

"I…I would like that, sir," I replied.

"And in return, every night that you train with us, I would like you to come into our dining hall and sing for my boys while they eat their dinner."

My brow wrinkled with surprise, "Sing?  For your boys?"

He shrugged, "It's the simple things - a good meal and a beautiful woman singing to them would help then unwind after a long day of patrols and training."

I stared at him for a moment, surprised at his request, not to mention him calling be 'beautiful'.

He went on, "I can understand if you're wary about this.  I promise you that you will be safe.  Any man who lays a hand on your will have to answer to me and the city guards."

I thought about it for a moment.  I could get some practice with a sword AND practice my bardic talents all in the night.  What could be wrong with that?

"Fine," I finally said, "It's a deal, Captain."

"Excellent.  Come tomorrow at 6 PM and we will start your training."

And with that, Captain Aldis turned and disappeared into the night, leaving me standing there, surprise running through my veins.

Day 24 - Solitude - A secret that must stay a secret

I was finally able to sneak away to the Dour after dinner and read the old book.  What I read was amazing.  It tells a few stories that I had never heard before.  One was of the Pale Lady, a ghost who wanders the northern marshes looking for her lost daughter – poor soul.  Another was of the "Red Eagle", who was an ancient king who drove back the armies of Cyrodiil with a flaming sword.

But the one that was the most intriguing was of the 'Forbidden Legend' of the Archmage Gauldur.  It seems that in the First Era there lived a wizard that was so powerful and knowledgeable that all of the Jarls and kings of the time would seek his counsel and aid.

So, when he was murdered, there were many upset people.  Some blamed the murder on
one of his sons while others said that King Harald, jealous of his power, gave the order. It wasn't long before the pressure became too much and Gauldur's three sons fled into the night, pursued by a company of King Harald's best warriors and his personal battlemage.

The chase went on for days, reaching from the wilds of the Reach to the glacial ice of the north.   Once all three were killed, the king demanded that all records of their murders and their father's good deeds destroyed.

After I finished the book, I returned to the college and sought out the counsel of Giraud Germane, who was reading in the library.  The moment he saw the book he demanded that I tell him where I got it.  After I explained where I found it, he instructed me to I forget everything I read inside of it.

"Why?" I asked, confused.

"It is not your place to ask," he snapped at me, "but rather to do as you are told.  The story you read is a forbidden story – we bards are not allowed to even whispers rumors about what happened that day."

"But it was so long ago-" I began.

"You are not allowed to speak of this.  Do you understand?"

From the look on his face, I knew better than to go against him, "Yes, sir."

"Now, go to bed and forget you ever read this book."

As I turned towards the door, I saw him rise and toss the book into the fire.  The old pages caught right away and I knew the book was gone forever.

But as I lie here in bed, that story is still haunting me.  I want to know why they struck all mention of the brothers' murders or their father's good deeds from the records.  Then I remembered something – one of the brothers had died in the ruins of Folgunthur which sit at the foot of Solitude. I wonder if there was anything left there to see even now….

Day 21 - Solitude - Forgotten Book

I was cleaning out Pa's knapsack this morning, getting ready for an overnight field trip to Morthal when I stumbled across a book I hadn't noticed before.  It was dusty and filled with cobwebs so I knew it had to have come from the old abandoned wing of the Blue Palace that I explored just a few weeks before.

The title on the spine was barely readable – " Lost Legends of Skyrim" – and when I opened it, I noticed that the text on the first page was beginning to fade.  This was a very, very old book filled with old stories that not many knew of.

"The history of Skyrim is vast," the first page read, "predating even the most ancient records of man and mer. Much has been lost, fallen to the ravages of war or the turning of the ages. But nothing is ever truly forgotten. Where no records exist, legends and folk tales offer us a key to the past, a way to piece together truths half-remembered in the minds of men."

The moment I read that paragraph, I knew that I had to read this book.  Such old stories, mostly unknown to the general public, would be just the thing to help raise my grade and standing with Mr. Germane.

It was then that I heard Ataf calling my name from the floor above.  The group was about to leave and I was nowhere ready to go.  I quickly emptied the rest of the stuff out of my bag, replacing it all with a change of clothes, tucked the book under my mattress, and hurried on to meet up with the rest of my class, with plans to read the book later.

I can't wait to sink my teeth into that book and see what kind of mysteries could me awaiting me….

Day 18 - Solitude - In trouble for just looking...

I'm no longer spending my evenings at the tavern.  I can't stand to be around Aia Arria any longer than I have to be and since she likes to go to the tavern and torture people with her off-key singing, I've decided to spend my evenings elsewhere, even if it means eating the cook's horrible food.

So, instead of spending the evening with friends and good food, I usually spend it sit upon one of the many walls overlooking the Castle Dour, reading and watching the Imperial soldiers train in the courtyard below.  Sometimes I get caught in in their actions, watching their fluid movements as sword meets straw dummy.  I could remember doing similar moves when Pa taught me how to use a sword at the young age of 12 but theirs are much more fluid and practiced.  I couldn't help but wonder how I looked swinging my sword or hammer.  Did I look that good?

I didn't think that my evening adventures bothered anyone until this morning, when Headmaster Viarmo pulled me aside between classes.  "The soldiers do not like to have an audience.  Stay away from the Dour."

His comment surprised me.  No one seemed to care that I was there.

"Did someone complain?" I asked.

"No, child.  No one has said anything….yet.  But still, the Dour is not the place for a young woman, especially a young woman who is a Bard-in-training."

I don't care what he says.  No one there has complained of me sitting there nor are there any "Keep Out" signs posted.  So I'll keep returning to the Dour until someone in charge says something to me.  I could care less what the headmaster thinks is right or wrong.

Day 14 - Solitude - My fellow students

Aia Arria is one of the most conceded people in the world.  How do I know this?  Well, I guess I wasn't the only one who overheard Instructor Ateia's comment about her "talent".  It only took a day for Aia to begin sauntering around the college, repeating the statement to anyone that would listen.

"I am the best singer here," she states so nonchalantly. "It won't be long before I'm performing in the Blue Palace, just like Ms. Ateia did."

I try to ignore her but her words still made my blood boil.  She's not the best singer in the class.  She just knows how to suck up to the instructor, paying her compliments and begging her to tell us the same old stories over and over.

On the other hand, Ataf is one of my favorite fellow students to hang out with.  Being a year younger than me, he's much closer to my age than the rest of the students, so we have a lot more to talk about.

The other two students in my class, Illdi and Jorn, are a little more difficult to get close to.  Illdi is very insecure about her talents, even though she's one of the best orators I've ever heard.    She mainly keeps to herself, studying and eating in the corner of the dining room, far away from everyone else.

Jorn, on the other hand, is very robust and driven.  His heart is set on joining the legion and nothing will stand in his way.  I hear him practicing the drums late into the night, the steady thump-thump-thump almost lulling me to sleep at my study desk.

Day 10 – Solitude - Fear of Failing History

Instructor Germane pulled me aside after class today and told me that I must spend more time in the library and not wandering the town.  "We study the heroes of the past so we can have better understanding of the heroes of today... and tomorrow," he lectured me, "And to study those heroes, you must read, read, read."

I thought I was reading enough.  I mean, I spend an hour after dinner each night with my nose in a book but I guess my studies are not reflecting in my classwork.  At each meeting of the class, he barrages us with question after question about dates and names and events.  It is all starting to run together in my head.

The good news is that my extra lute lessons are starting to pay off.  After five intense lessons, Inge says that performance is much better and that I could reduce my extra lessons to one or two a week.  She looked surprised when I asked if we could continue with daily lessons for at least one more week.  I may sound better to her but I still don't feel comfortable with that infernal instrument in my arms.  I feel like I'm hugging an octopus to my chest and fight to get every song out.   Her reply was, "Only reason I'm so good with a lute is because I'm old. It takes a lifetime to master." I still feel uncomfortable.

Flute and song class is still my strongest class even those it seems that Antea Ateia hates everyone.  Well, not everyone – she's absolutely in LOVE with Aia Arria, a student who can barely sing well but does now how to kiss up to the instructor.  I overheard Ateia telling the headmaster one evening as I studied in the library, "To be honest, I can't stand some of my students. Only Aia shows potential for greatness. The rest are just wasting my time."  Her comment angered me.  Wasting your time, huh?  We'll see about that….

Viarmo doesn't seem to do much around the college during the day, except for sitting in on various classes and giving an occasional drum lesson.  I have a feeling he does much of his administrating in the evenings, once classes have ended.  I've seen him countless nights sitting behind his desk, writing letters or working on agreements with various taverns and holds who are asking for new talent.

When he is with the students, he likes to tell us "We bards record history - we do not make it. You'd do well to remember that." and "Never forget, the most important job of any bard is to entertain. The day you lose your audience is the day you cut your lute strings."  Interesting thoughts from a man that spends most of his day wandering lost in his own Bards College….

Day 5 – Letter home

Dear Ma:

I'm sorry that I haven't written sooner but I've been very busy settling into my new home at the Bard's College.  The teachers are treating me well and are very nice even when I ask the most inane questions, but the students…well, they're a mixed bag.  But as you've always said, "You must deal with what you are given" so I smile and move on.

I've been given one of the small cubicles in the basement to live and study in.  The four other people in my class sleep in similar cubicles placed all in a row.  They say that it's so we can become friends and help one another.  I say it's so we can torture one another.  One of the students, Jorn, snores worse than Pa.

Classes start very early around here – 4 AM to be exact.  My fellow students and I rise a good hour before so we can dress and have breakfast before the day of learning begins.

Our first class of the day is with Inge "Six Fingers" (don't worry…she doesn't have six fingers) who teaches us how to play the lute.  I'm the only student in the class who hasn't had some sort of instrument training, so a lot of what she says goes over my head.  Thankfully, she's taken a liking to me and offered to give me extra help if I rise an hour earlier each morning.

Around 8 AM, we move on to Pantea Atei's flute and song class.  I excel at this class to much of the chagrin of my fellow students.  Ms. Atie says that I have perfect pitch, something that is hard to find in an untrained person.  Inge sits in on our flute lessons many times to provide extra help to those that need it.

We take a 2 hour break at noon for lunch.  Some students eat quickly so they can take a nap before the afternoon class.  I like to take a walk around town instead, taking in the sights and talking to people around town.  One of the other students, Ataf, likes to join me sometimes.  When he does, we walk down to the docks and watch the ships come in and talk about our home lives.

We reconvene at 2 PM for history and speech with Giraud Germane – the same bard that discovered me back at home just a month ago.  Though history can be dry, he tries to make it interesting for us by telling the stories in entertaining ways.  Many of our speeches are just retelling of stories that we read in the many books stored in the library or heard from him.  His critiques of our recitations are ruthless but very helpful.  I know I'll learn a lot from him.

The headmaster, Viarmo, not only runs the school, but also provides drum lessons to those that are interested.  Jorn is the only one in my class who is taking advantage of these lessons.  When he graduates from the college, he plans to join the legion and use his drumming skills to help win wars, though I can't quite figure out how drums and wars go together.

When classes end around 6 in the evening, we're free to do whatever we want.  Many head for the town's tavern for good food and entertainment.  Our flute instructor, Pantea, plays there often and we enjoy critiquing her skills in private.  Every once in a while the innkeeper allows one of us to sing a song or recite something that we've recently learned and the patrons tip us well.  It's not a lot of money but it's usually enough to pay for our food and drink.

I shall end this letter here.  It's getting late and I can already hear Jorn snoring in the dorms.  All my love to you, Pa, and Stevie.

Patrycia

Notes from the Author - Creative License

It wasn't until AFTER I started this series that I realized that the Bards College doesn't have a long quest line.  So, to make up for this, I'm taking a little creative license to fill in the time where Patrycia is attending the Bards College.  She's going to talk a lot about her fellow students and the teachers and start a few side things that are NOT in the game, all the while trying to toss in a few quests that are in the game to keep things moving along.

This is a HUGE challenge for me, since this is an area of Skyrim I've never played before. (Thank God for the wikis or I'd be so screwed!)  So, after a lot of research and planning, I now have an idea of what she is going to be doing...and yes, there will be a catch at the end to "end" her Bards College career early.  (Oooo...a little spoiler there!)

I'm going to sit down and try to pound all of this "passing time" story out this week but plan to post them every other day, so I don't flood the blog and to give you a reason to keep coming back!  Yes, I'm sneaky!

So, even though I am taking a bit (well, a lot) or creative license here, I hope that you will enjoy it and keep coming back for more.

Thanks!
Anne

Day 3 - 10:03 PM - Solitude

It's finally official!  I am a student at the Bard's College!  I am so thrilled at having this chance to make something of myself.  It sure beats sitting in that cold cabin, scrubbing potatoes, spinning yarn, and making sure Little Stevie didn't set the house on fire.

Let me start from the beginning...

I arrived back in Solitude around noon and went straight to the Bard's College to hand in the song.  I found the headmaster, Viarmo, in the library, reading a book.  He seemed surprised that I had survived the ordeal and had the song in hand.

Headmaster Viarmo reading a good book.

He began to read the poem the moment it was in his hands.  It was only then that we both realized that the song was incomplete.  Much of the writing was illegible because of age.  My heart sunk - gy trip into the Respite was for naught.

"Can't...can't we try to rebuild it?" I suggested, "Can't we make up the missing parts?"

He thought about it for a moment before agreeing to try.  We spent the next hour working on the poem.  It's still hard to believe but Viarmo even asked me for my input!  My ideas are now part of a legend that will forever be passed on to new generations!

After the song was complete, Viarmo asked me to accompany him to the Blue Palace to witness the first reading of the poem before the Jarl.  Of course, I agreed.  I wasn't about to pass up a chance to see the headmaster of my soon-to-be school doing what he does best.

As we entered the throne room, Elisif the Fair was sitting upon her throne, looking bored.  Her eyes lit up when she noticed Viarmo striding towards her.

"Yes, Viarmo?" she asked as he approached her chair, "What do you have for me?"

Viarmo's recital before the Jarl

The headmaster explained why he was there before he began to recite the poem.  All eyes were on him as he spoke of King Olaf's deceit against the people of Solitude.  My heart swelled as I heard him talk - this was history in the making!

At the end, the Jarl commended Viarmo for the poem and agreed that the festival, and the burning of King Olaf, could continue.  She also promised a large reward to the college, some of which I hoped would be passed on to me.

As we left the palace, Viarmo thanked me again for my help and told me that I would be officially admitted into the Bard's College at a ceremony during the festival that would be held that night!  Then he told me that he had some other business to do but if I hurried over to the college and spoke to a student by the name of Jorn, I could help them get ready for the festival.

Jorn, enjoying a drink before the festival

The festival began at 9 PM promptly that night.  There were tables filled overflowing with ale and sweets for everyone to enjoy and many of the students were walking through the crowd, singing and reciting poems.

Just a sample of the treats available at the festival

When Viarmo saw me enter the courtyard, he waved and called me over.  "Since you were the one that made all of this possible, you get to light the effigy."  He handed me a lit torch. "At my signal, light the hay at the bottom and stand back."

I nodded in agreement.  He quickly gathered the others around us and gave a speech, telling about the poem and how it came to be that the festival could be held once again.  He also added that since the Jarl was so happy with the poem, she is allowing the burning festival to become a weekly occurrence!

"And now, our newest student shall light the effigy.  Patrycia, if you would please do the honors...."

I stepped forward and held the flame to the dry straw.  It caught in an instant and before I knew it, the whole straw man was on fire, the flames licking high into the night air.

As the crowd cheered, the headmaster leaned towards me and said, "Welcome to the college, Ms.  Willowbranch.  Your first day will be tomorrow.  Arrive bright and early and be ready to learn..."

Day 2 - 4:34 PM - Dead Men's Respite

It took 6 hours, 4 healing potions. and a lot of food but I made it out of Dead Men's Respite alive somehow.  I'm glad that I upgraded my weapon when I did.  I have a feeling that I wouldn't have survived that mess without my trusty war hammer.

The beginning of five hours of undead hell....

I have a few things I want to get off of my chest before I put on a smiley face, head back to the Bard's College, and hand the song over to the headmaster:

First of all, I hate ghosts.  Especially ghosts that are meant to lead you somewhere but decide to walk through walls, leaving you wandering around, lost.  Thankfully he came through in the end, helping to fight the risen King.  He can really fight when he wants to.

Me and my Ghostly Friend

Secondly, traps suck.  And Dead Men's Respite was FULL of them.  Spike traps.  Fire traps. Poison dart traps.  Dropping log traps.  Swinging axe trap.  If they've made it, it was in there.  I couldn't help but wonder if when they were building the tomb, King Olaf's men didn't have a little run in with a traveling trap salesman who really took then for a ride.

Fire trap that almost got me...

Oh, and thirdly, the dead need to stay UNDEAD, thank you very much.  Restless Draugr were literally popping out of the woodwork down there.  What I wouldn't have given for a priest and a lot of holy water....

But really, I can't complain.  Not only do I have King Olaf's Verse but I made out like a bandit in the tomb, walking away with a very full bag of goodies to sell for some well-earned gold.

I think I finally figured out what Pa was talking about when he told me that his old knapsack would come in handy during my travels.  I kept dumping things into it and the old bag held it all and never once felt heavy on my shoulders or impeded my fighting skills.  Magic?  I don't know but I won't ask....

I should go.  It will be dark soon and I don't want to be caught out here unprepared.  From the top of the hill where I sit, I can see smoke rising from a nearby settlement.  If I hurry, I can reach there before nightfall and get a good meal and a decent night's sleep before I return to Solitude in the morning.

Day 2 - 6:03 AM - Dragon Bridge

I had my first run in with the darker side of this land this morning.  It ended in a death - not mine, thankfully, but it was close.

Let me start at the beginning....

After finishing last night's journal entry, I headed back out into Solitude in search of the blacksmith.  The innkeeper's directions were good and I arrived just before he closed.

The owner of the blacksmith shop was Beirand, a nice man with enough muscles to lift the forge over his head, if he wanted to.  I introduced myself and said that I needed some armor and weaponry.  After much discussion about how much septums I could afford and where I was going, I finally decided on some simple leather goods.   Beirand advised that these would be good until I "stumbled" across something better, whatever that meant.

Of course, if my mother ever saw me in this outfit, she'd KILL me!

I couldn't find any weapons that I really liked so I decided to stay with the old sword Pa sent with me.  It wasn't much but it would be good in protecting me for now.

As I settled into my bed at the inn, I wondered what sort of interesting adventures I would get into on Day 2 of my new life.

------

I was up and out of the inn by 5:30 the next morning.  The innkeeper waved as I passed by, "Have a good trip, miss.  Should we expect you back tonight?"

"Probably not," I replied.

"Well, just remembered - you're always welcomed back at the Winking Skreever."

As I walked towards the city gate, I couldn't help but marvel at the number of people up at such an early hour.  What do all of these people do this early in the morning?

The city guard tipped his hat as I approached his spot next to the gate, "Morning, ma'am.  Heading out?"

"Yes, I am."

"Stay safe," he said as he opened the gate for me, "There are all sorts of dangerous people out there."

His words would weigh heavily on my mind for the rest of the day.

As I exited the gate, I noticed a traveling caravan sitting just outside.  Three Khajiit stood around the fire, discussing sales and soldiers.  At first I was going to walk on by, but then I decided to stop and see what they had in the way of weaponry.  The blacksmith had had a horrible inventory.  I could only home that the traders had something better.

They went silent as I approached.  After the usual greetings, we got down to business, discussing their wares.  After a few minutes of thought, I finally decided on a two-handed warhammer that I could pick up and swing easily.  Though my father taught me how to use a sword, it was the neighbor's boy, Huey, that taught me how to swing a large hammer so hard, it would make even the largest elm tree shudder.  I paid for the hammer and headed off, following the signs towards Dragon Bridge.

Ten minutes later, just as I was beginning to see the rooftops of the town peeking up through the greenery, a bosmer stepped out of the trees.

"Good morning," he greeted me, "You look weary. I have something to help you relax, if you're interested."

I took a step back, not sure what was going on, "What?"

He glanced around to make sure we were alone and then pulled a handful of bags out of his pocket, "The finest skooma, the sweetest moon sugar. At a fair price, of course."

I stared at his hands and then back at his face.  I had heard of skooma before but had never been approached by anyone selling it.  I was surprised he was so brazen.

"This doesn't sound so legal...." I started to reply.

"Ah, a snitch, eh? Can't have you running to any guards now, can I?"

And then he attacked me!  

This guy had to be higher than a kite because he dropped everything in his hands and started waling on me with his fist, and let me tell you, he could hit hard.  I had no other choice than to defend myself.  I pulled my warhammer off of my back and swung at him.

It took a couple good hits before he slumped to the ground.  I checked his pulse - he was dead.

I hadn't been off of the boat for even 24 hours and I had already killed something!  But he attacked me!  I had no choice...it was either him or me...right?

I quickly stripped his body of anything useful, tossed his supply of skooma into the forest, and rolled his body off into the bushes.  I could only hope that a bear or another scavenger would come along and "take care" of him.  Once things were taken care of, I turned and ran down the road towards Dragon Bridge, hoping to leave that mess far far behind.

So, here I sit in Dragon Bridge's one tavern, Four Shields Tavern, drinking a glass of ale and trying to get my hands to stop shaking.  Breath, Patrycia, breath....it's going to be okay.  It was self defense.  Anyway - no one was around.  You'll be fine.

And still, I can't help but wonder what in the hell am I doing?  Is becoming a bard so important that I forget who I really am?!!??!

Day 3 - 6:30 AM - Morthal

Me standing outside of Morthal

As I'm writing this, I'm sitting in the inn in Morthal, eating a meager breakfast of cheese and apple slices that the innkeeper had laid out for me.   It doesn't come close to Ma's hot porridge and honey that she used to feed us on cold mornings but at least it is something to fill my empty stomach before I begin the long walk back to Solitude.

I plan to take my time this morning.  I'm still pretty stiff from all of the work I did yesterday, exploring the respite and retrieving the song from the grasps of those undead, not to mention the huge bruise on my ribs that the dead king left on me before finally dying...again.  That's going to sting for a while.

Before I fell asleep last night, I wrote down a full page of details and notes about my adventure into the crypt.  I know somewhere in all of those notes there is a good ballad in there.  I'm hoping the teachers at the Bard's College will be able to find the diamond in the rough and help me polish it up.

That is, if they're actually going to make me a student of the Bard's College.  They better, after all of this hard work, but I've heard from Pa that sometimes people go against the words.  I really home they're going to follow through.

I should go.  It's a long walk home and I want to turn in the song as soon as possible.

Day 2 - 10:30 AM - Dead Men's Respite

Here I sit, on the steps leading up to Dead Men's Respite, trying to find the courage to step inside.  Though I know I have to go in, I find it hard to open the door and take that first big step across the threshold.

Come on, Patrycia.  We can do this.  We killed that mighty grizzly bear that took out two necromacers on the path here.  I know we can take on a full crypt of dead bodies....I hope.

That was one biiiiig bear.

Day 1 - Solitude

My first day in Solitude and I've already seen an execution, asked to wear someone's "fine garments" in front of the Jarl, tried to enroll in the Bard's College (who then asked me to retrieve some sort of song from a crypt), propositioned to take out the lighthouse light so a ship runs a ground, and asked to travel inside the mind of a mad man.  All in one day!  Can you believe it!?!?

Of course, I didn't dare tell Ma any of this in my letter home.  The moment she read about the execution, she'd send for me and lock me in a closet until I was an old, old woman.

So, to begin with, I arrived at the Solitude docks in the early morning.

It was so early, I could still smell the guard's breakfast of eggs and bacon on his breath as he told me to move on.  I guess they don't like people standing on the docks and staring about in wonderment.  But really, who couldn't stare in amazement at that scenery!

I later came to discover that that building on the right is the Blue Palace, where High King Torygg lives,...or at least used to live.  He's dead now.  The story is still a little sketchy but it seems that Ulfric Stormcloak rushed into the throne room and either assassinated him on the spot or challenged him to a duel for the throne, as per the old traditions.  Either way, the king ended up dead and Stormcloak rode out of town like a madman.

Now, I mentioned that there was an execution.  It seems that as Stormcloak was leaving the city, only one gate stood between him and freedom.  As he approached the gate, a city guard named Roggvir opened the gate for him as he'd done for any other person coming and going from the city.

I guess it wasn't until later that the townsfolk discovered what had happened and held Roggvir responsible for the escape of the king's murderer.  And that is why I witnessed an execution today...

I turned away at the last moment but the sound of the axe falling and the head hitting the ground will stay in my head forever.  Poor guy - he was killed for just doing his job.

As the crowd broke up, I headed for the inn where I got a room for the night.  The Winking Skeever is a warm, homely place that reminds me a lot of the old pub at home where I used to sing for tips...but at least here, the beds are clean and the drunks aren't as grabby.  The innkeeper, Corpulus Vinius, is a nice man who seemed to know a lot about the city and all that is going on.

After securing lodging for the night, I headed for the Bard's College to meet up with Giraud Gemane, who promised to introduce me to the headmaster and gain me admission to the college.  As I passed by a clothing store, a woman standing in the doorway called out to me,  "If you're heading to the Blue Palace, you might want to rethink that outfit."

Now, I know I come from the back waters of Skyrim but I was dressed nicely, even for a hick.  I started to turn away in disgust and then I realized something - she was right!  I was dressed differently than the others around me.  Did I really want to wander around my new home dressed so differently?

The woman introduced herself as Taarie, owner of the Radiant Raiment.  She offered to give me some of her finer garments if I would be willing to step into the palace and show off the clothes to the king's widow (now Jarl), Elisif the Fair.  I agreed, even though I had no previous intentions of going to the palace, and she beckoned me into her store.

When I stepped outside again, I couldn't help but feel like a different person.  Maybe people will treat me differently now that I fit in.

Now dressed right, I headed towards the Bard's College.  I found Giraud Gemane in the dining area downstairs, enjoying a late breakfast (or maybe it was an early lunch).  When he saw me standing in the doorway, he smile and rushed forward to shake my hand.  "Ah,yes!  My little prodigy is here!"  Prodigy?  Me? Really?

He hurried me upstairs to meet the headmaster, Viarmo.

"This is the girl I was telling you about," he told the headmaster.

Viarmo eyed me with a wary look.  I had a feeling he had heard such stories of great singers before from Giraud.

"Really?" he said, "Well, do your thing then."

I wasn't sure what he meant but then Giraud whispered, "Sing something!"

And so, I did.  I stood tall and proud, just as Ma taught me, and sang my favorite song, a haunting sea ballad that my father taught me the year before.

By the time the song was over, both men were smiling.  "You caught yourself a winner this time, Giraud," the headmaster said.

"Does this mean I'm in?" I asked.

"It depends.  Can you play an instrument?"

The question stopped  in my tracks, "No."

"Do you know how to write songs?"

"No," I replied, my heart sinking.  I didn't want to think about not being admitted to the college.  The trip home would kill me.

Giraud jumped in, "But those can be taught, Viarmo.  She has the talent.  We just need to mold it into the perfect bard."

The headmaster stared at me with unreadable eyes and though my heart thumped wildly with fear, I bolstered my confidence and met his stare head on.

After a moment, he spoke, "Fine, but under one condition.  She must travel to Dead Man's Respite and retrieve King Olaf's Verse for us."

Giraud's face paled, "You must be joking, sir."

The headmaster raised his hand and Giraud fell silent.  "If joining the Bard's College is so important to the young woman, she will be willing to do this simple task for us.  Do you agree?"

I nodded, not sure if I spoke, my tongue would agree with me.

The headmaster went on to explain that the college's annual ritual of "The Burning of King Olaf" is in risk of being canceled, thanks to the assassination of High King Torygg.  Those in charge fear that the king's widow and the newly-promoted Jarl of Solitude, Elisif the Fair, would find the burning a King in effigy as distasteful during this time of mourning.

They did not understand that the centuries old festival celebrated Solitude and the heroic acts of the mythical King Olaf who killed Numinex, a fearsome dragon who terrorized Skyrim during the First Era.  He is hoping that if he recites King Olaf’s Verse, which questioned the heroic acts of King Olaf, he can prove that the College had a legitimate claim to have the festival no matter the recent turmoil.

"The cave is to the south of Solitude.  I should warn you though, there is no guarantee that this will be safe journey for you considering your youth.  I would suggest that you visit a few of our local stores for supplies and at least one weapon that you can handle.  Do you have any money?"

"A...a little," I stuttered, my head spinning at the task before.

"Since you are not an official student as of yet, I cannot fund this expedition but I'm sure if you look around town, you will find some locals who would be willing to hired such a young, healthy girl to do work for them.  Good day."

And with that, I was ushered from the headmaster's office.

Giraud followed me out. "Do not worry, young one.  You will persevere, I'm sure.  Do you have any practice with a sword?"

"A little," I replied, "My father taught me and my brother how to defend ourselves in case raiders gave us any trouble.  My father sent one of his older swords with me just in case."

"Good, good.  That should be all you need.  The blacksmith should be able to provide you with decent armor and Sayma at Bits and Pieces should be able to outfit you with food and camping gear.  Be safe, young one.  I'm sure I will see you soon..."

As he walked away, I couldn't help but feel I was being sent to my doom....

I spent the rest of the day running around town, groveling for any septum I could find so I could buy decent weapon and armor.  Many of the people had tasks that needed to be completed outside of town, which I couldn't do considering I didn't have armor or a weapon as of yet, but there were a few I could do in town.

And that is how I ended up in the head of a mad man....

As I was leaving the Hall of the Dead, I literally ran into a poorly dressed man who was ranting to himself.  I apologized for running him over but he waved away my words.

He introduced himself as Dervenin and told me that his master was in the Pelagius Wing of the Blue Palace having tea with an old friend and was neglecting his duties.  He feared that chaos would ensue if he didn't not return soon.  He begged me to go retrieve his master from the palace.

His ramblings were so crazy that I wasn't sure if what he was saying was true or just a figment of his imagination.  Either way, I agreed.  I mean, I was going to the palace anyway to show off my new dress to the Jarl, as I promised the storekeeper earlier that day.

So, off I went to the palace.

After I showed off my dress to the Jarl, which she loved, I left the throne room and went in search of someone who could get me into the Pelagius Wing of the palace.  The housekeeper, Una, was wary about letting me into the old wing but finally relented when I told her why I had to go into there.

The Pelagius Wing had certainly been deserted for quite a while.  There were spiderwebs everywhere and a musty smell of disuse in the air.  It was hard to believe that someone was having tea somewhere in this old, dusty place.  As I searched the downstairs, looking for any signs of the beggar's master, I couldn't help but wonder if I had been sent of a fool's errand.  He was rambling like a mad man...

It wasn't until I reached the top of the stairs and started down the hallway that I realized something wasn't right....and then the world disappeared in a flash of light.

At first I thought maybe the ceiling had collapsed and I was dead....but then my vision cleared and I found myself in a clearing.

I woke up to find myself lying on the ground, surrounded by grey weeds.  The air smell of decay.  As I sat up, I realized something that made my blood run cold - my Pa's bag was gone!  My money was gone!  My new clothes were gone!   All I wore were some simple garbs and no supplies to my name.

'Pa is going to kill me!' I thought as I stood.

I looked around, trying to figure out where in the world I had ended up at.  I was standing on the edge of a clearing surrounded by grey weeds and rocks.  In the center of the clearing sat a large table filled with food. Two men sat at the table - one in a throne-like seat and the other sitting in a regular chair.

As I slowly approached the table, the man sitting in the throne introduces himself as Sheogorath.  I told him that Dervenin wanted his master to come back from vacation.

"I will leave only if you can make it out of Pelagius' mind."

Wait...I'm in someone's MIND!?!?!?  As I'm trying to get over this fact, he hands me a weapon, a Wabbajack, and tells me that I must pass three different trials to finally leave this man's mind.

Let me tell you, those three trials were scary and confusing all at the same time.  Somehow, I survived all three, and Sheogorath did as he promised, leaving for the Shivering Isle and returning me to the deserted wing.

As I picked myself up from the ground and dusted myself off, I was relieved to see that even though I was still dressed in those simple clothes and had the Wabbajack in my hand, Pa's backpack was on my back once again.  I swear, Pa would kill me if I lost his old bag.

As I left the palace, covered in dust and other ickiness, I realized it was late in the afternoon and I had been so busy I hadn't had a chance to eat lunch.  I hurried to the inn and ordered an early dinner.  As I sat and ate, I couldn't help but overheard people talking about the execution that had happened that morning.  It seems that the town is divided.  Some believe that Roggvir was wrongly executed while others thought justice had been done.  I can't help but side with the former opinion.  The man was just doing his job, right?

Once I was done eating and my plates were cleared, I wrote a letter to Ma, telling her that everything was okay....but is it really?

If I want to follow my dream and be part of the Bard's College, I will have to retrieve that verse.  To do that, I will have to get some armor and weaponry and other supplies.  After running around town all afternoon being everyone's little errand girl, I do have the gold to get myself outfitted but the thought of wandering off into a country I know nothing about to find a verse that may or may not be there, I can't help but wonder if the Bard's life really the life for me....