The Peasant Princess is a one-Act mummers play written in the Summerset Archipelago, presumably by a native Altmer. Both the author and the time of writing are unknown. The play is a moral lesson meant to remind one of their place in society, and by extension, their duty.
Synopsis[]
A commoner girl by the name of Virenire dreams of a life full of wonder and love. Virenire convinced her mistress, the noblewoman Teryldil to allow her to attend a royal ball in Eldarhall, and as a reward for her loyal service she was granted this wish. The young Virenire had hoped to catch the eye of a dashing young noble, but she instead caught the attention of the crown prince himself. As they danced together the Prince discovered that Virenire was a mere commoner, promptly parting from her to find a woman of noble birth.
Virenire was reminded that day of her place as a commoner. While she had climbed high, being in service to a noble lady of all people, she was still a commoner, and climbing any higher than that would not be a possibility for a lowborn such as herself[N 1].
Dramatis Personae[]
NARRATOR — High elf man, deep-voiced
VIRENIRE — High elf woman, young
TERYLDIL — High elf woman, middle-aged, noble lady
PRINCE — High elf man, young, prince of Alinor
Script[]
NARRATOR
Once in the heart of Alinor there lived a young Mer by the name of Virenire. Though she was quite a beauty and admired by many, her family had always been poor. And so she worked as a serving maid.
VIRENIRE
Dearest me, how I long to be out of these rags.
NARRATOR
Virenire cleaned diligently and was often praised by her mistress Teryldil, but still she dreamed of a grand life full of wonder. When she heard of a coming ball in Eldarhall, she knew she had to attend.
VIRENIRE
Oh, a royal ball! I just know the prince will be there! But how can I go in such a dress?
NARRATOR
Virenire was determined. She saved and pleaded and begged, and finally was able to afford a beautiful dress. She even convinced her wealthy mistress to bring her along as an attendant.
TERYLDIL
Oh, you've been so diligent for so long. How could I possibly say no?
NARRATOR
But still, Teryldil was a smart mistress, and gave her servant a warning.
TERYLDIL
Now, you may come to this ball, but always remember your place Verenire. No matter how beautiful you are or how well you dress, you shall always be a servant.
NARRATOR
This made Virenire very sad, for she had hoped to catch the eye of a wealthy noble. But still she stayed silent, as a good servant should. The very next night mistress and servant attended the ball.
VIRENIRE
What wondrous clothes! What delicious food! Why, if only every day was filled with such elegance, I shall be the happiest Mer in Summerset.
NARRATOR
So great was Virenire's beauty, she caught the eye of the young Prince. Forgetting all decorum, he went over to her and asked for a dance. And so the prince and the servant girl danced for a good portion of the night.
PRINCE
I've never seen such a beautiful Mer. Tell me, who are your parents?
VIRENIRE
Oh, dear Prince, I feel I must be honest. My parents are poor peasants, and I but a serving girl to a wealthy mistress.
NARRATOR
Gazing upon the beautiful eyes of such an entrancing Mer, the good Prince came to a startling realisation.
PRINCE
Why, I've been tricked! Here I thought you were a noble Mer of good standing, who I might court and one day wed. But you are a mere servant girl.
NARRATOR
And though the words stung her heart, Virenire knew them to be true. For only a noble Mer would be able to marry someone such as a prince. So Virenire resolved to find herself a suitable husband among those of her status. The Prince, of course, married a noble lady of suitable reputation and never spoke to the servant girl again. And so we should all remember, no matter our looks or possessions, we shall always be beholden to our family's name.
THE END.
Quotes[]
Notes[]
- ↑ This is despite the fact that commoners have wed high nobles before, most notably in the case of Prince Maeron Araenyon marrying Farilwe of Russafeld.
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