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Posted by: Rihanae Apr 20 2011, 05:35 PM

Hello everyone!

Welcome to the tale of Lissa Cristenn! We shall start with Volume One of her fabulously, as Lissa would say 'awesome-sauce' tale!

But first, a quick introduction to my Redguard Archress.

For reference, a biography of Lissa is on my profile, but here is a quick intro for new readers

Lissa is a 19 year old Redguard Archress born and raised in the city of Anvil, Cyrodiil.
She is a thrill seeking, tenacious girl with a heart of gold.
She loves her friends and family and adores travelling.

I hope you enjoy reading of her adventures as I have enjoyed writing about them



CONTENTS

NOTE: The prologue starts beneath the table of contents. Quick links to the chapters are provided in the contents.

Volume One - Family

Prologue
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Lissa. Get up.

Lissa, You need to get up now!

“LISSA!”

My eyes pried themselves open. The sun was shining through the window. Another sunny day in Anvil. Maelona was standing by my bed, her hands on her hips.

“Do you realise how long I’ve been calling you for?” Maelona moaned.

She hovered over me, grabbed my duvet and pulled it off the bed, leaving my body vulnerable to the cold air.

“You have to get up. Mother wants you to meet her at the Mages Guild before you go and help Dad with the horses.”

“But I had a lesson yesterday. Come on…” I complained, "one lesson a week is bad enough!"

Maelona looked at me, sincerity in her eyes. She sat on my bed, looking me straight in the eyes.

Ooh, she’s serious now…

“Look, Liss, You know what Mother’s like. You know what you want to do in life and that’s good. But Mother wants you to be safe.”

I groaned before making a suggestion to my stubborn older sister.

“Well, you go and I’ll just copy your notes.” I smiled at her, who, after a short space of time had passed, smiled back.

“Come on Sis, the sooner you get it done the sooner you can go and help dad,” she reminded me.

Hmm… suddenly my lessons look all shiny and new!

Even though tending to the horses was not the most thrilling activity, I got to spend some personal time with my dad, which hardly ever happens due to him being away a lot.

Lesson time, go go go!

I rose out of my bed and put on some clothes. All I could find was a blue shirt and a pair of breeches. Not very complimentary, but it was better than going in my pyjamas; even if my pyjamas were ridiculously cute!

“There’s a good girl,” praised Maelona, “now hurry to the Guild because I’ve got to meet Gogan.”

Ooooh, Gogan eh?

“Maelona has a boyfriend!” I teased, puckering my lips to mimic kissing.

She playfully shoved my shoulder to cease my teasing, laughing as she did so,

“Don’t be mean!” she said, “and he’s NOT my boyfriend!”

“Yet…” I replied under my breath, but purposefully loud enough for Maelona to hear it.

Maelona looked at me, hands on her hips, trying to think of a clever comeback.

“Well what about you and Rhano?” she said, “I’ve seen the way you look at him.”

“Ewww… Rhano?” I said, not disgusted; merely disgraced that she didn’t think of anyone better. “Not in a million years!”

“Oh, really? Shame, because I see sparks there!” Maelona joked, at least, I hoped she was joking.

“Seriously Mae, he’s, like, 16!”

“And?”

“HE’S TWO YEARS OLDER THAN ME!” I informed her. “He’s practically ancient!”

“Lissa, I’m only teasing!” Maelona reassured me, “just relax.”

I kinda felt a bit angry at Maelona’s teasing; mainly because I actually did like Rhano. I just got defensive to hide my embarrassment.

“Sorry Mae, I didn’t meant to shout at you.” I apologized.

Maelona looked confused; probably because she didn’t understand why I was apologizing. To be honest, I didn’t either; she was only teasing.

“That’s okay honey,” she said, hugging me. I think she thought she genuinely upset me. “But jokes aside, you need to go.”

“I know,” I told her. We released ourselves from each other's embrace. I kissed Maelona on the cheek. “Meet up after I help Dad with the horses?”

Maelona nodded, whilst smiling.

“Sure thing.”



“Now, what do we know about draining health?”

I was sat at a desk in the Guild, tears of tiredness streaming down my face. Mother’s lessons were boring. That’s the only word to describe it. She was adamant that I become at least an apprentice in Restoration before I set out on my adventures, But I was only 14. I wasn’t going anywhere just yet.

“Mother, I know all this. To drain health you have to get up real close to the enemy then BAM, health draining goodness.”

“Well, no, you have to touch the enemy to drain its health. Have you even been listening Lissa?”

There was an awkward silence, but I spoke up.

“No.”

“Lissa!”

“I’m sorry Mother, but I just don’t understand why I have to learn so much RIGHT now. I’m not leaving until I’m 21”

“But what about if you run into something before you leave? An ogre? A TROLL! What will you do then?”

“Run like M’aiq I guess…”

“This isn’t a laughing matter, Lissa! You need to know how to take care of yourself!”

I was shocked. I’d never seen mother this angry before.

“Sorry mother, I just…”

“You just what, Lissa? I’m not asking a lot from you, am I?”

“Mother, I-“

She interrupted me before I could finish.

“No more excuses Lissa.” She had tears forming in her delicate eyes. “Why can’t you understand how important this is?”

“I do, Mother, I really do. It’s just… You’re putting too much pressure on me. My little brain can’t handle it. I want to learn, I really, really do but, I just feel like my brains about to go all ka-blooey.”

Mothers eyes slowly turned from angry, to sympathetic. She walked over from the bookshelf and perched next to me. Her hand touched mine.

“I know honey, I’m sorry. It’s just that I worry. I just want you to be completely safe for when you venture out into the world. If I know that I’ve contributed to your safety, I won’t worry as much.”

I felt incredibly guilty after Mother told me this.

Dang, now I feel super bad…

“Oh… sorry Mother. I didn’t know you felt like that. Ok… I wanna keep going.”

“No, Lissa, You’re right. I’m pushing too much on you.” She stood up, walked over to the coat rack and grabbed my coat. “That’s enough for today. Go and see your Father.”

Mother smiled at me. I ran up to her and kissed her on the cheek, grabbed the coat from her hand and headed to the door. Before I had a chance to leave I was grounded to a halt at somebody saying my name.

“Lissa. Are you all done for today?”

It was Carahil, head of the Anvil mages guild; and the nicest Altmer you could ever meet.

“Yeah, mother let me go early!” I said, slightly exited.

“Ah, well it’s about time! To be honest she gets too passionate about her lessons sometimes. I’m glad Oleta has gone easy on you today.”

“Yeah.” I said, I tried to rush away, “see you later!”

“She only wants you to be safe Lissa, do you understand?”

I spoke up, getting more agitated.

I just wanna go!

“Yeah…” I replied. “BYE!”

I headed towards the door, but yet again Carahil had something to say.

“If you ever feel like you need a breather, just come and see me. I’m sure I’ll have something for you to do.” Said Carahil, smiling that kind smile she has.

“Thank you.” I said, sincerely. “I’ve got to go and meet dad now, so…”

A spark of realisation appeared on Carahil’s face.

“OH! I’m terribly sorry! I sometimes do not know when to be quiet. You go! Have fun!”

I nodded, smiled at Carahil and finally left the guild.

Carahil, sometimes I wish you were my… hmm, bad thought.

I tried not to think about what I just thought as I headed to the main gate to Anvil, which led straight to the stables. Dad owned the stables, and the horses we looked after were beautiful.

But I could never afford one of my own...

“LISSA!”

I turned to see Maelona running towards me. “You left this at home.”

She was holding the jade necklace she bought me for my sixth birthday. My most treasured possession.

“Oh, thanks, where’d you find it?”

“Under your pillow. You need to take care of it. It’s magic, you know.” She smiled and handed me the necklace.

“It sure is Mae. I gotta go see Dad. See you later.”

We exchanged hugs and Maelona ran back towards Gogan. They were sitting by the big oak tree opposite the Mages Guild. Maelona spent all her time there. It seemed a bit boring to me. I headed to the main gate to get to the stables when I was stopped yet again by somebody touching my shoulder. I turned to see Rhano behind me, that cute grin on his face.

“Lissa, are you busy?” he asked.

I stared at him. His gorgeous face, his beautiful eyes, his soothing voice, his slim, yet, muscular body…

“…No.” I replied.

“Good, because I need a favour.”

“Yes!” I agreed.

“You don’t even know what it is yet.” Rhano said, smiling.

“Oh… um n-no I don’t do I? Um… haha- what is it?” I asked, nervously.

Brilliant Lissa, made a fool of yourself!

“Well my dad wants me to go to that old abandoned manor by the chapel and pick up some… stuff. Wanna come with?”

Do I want to go to an old, freaky, smelly, scary, haunted, abandoned manor with you?

“…Okay!” I replied.



“Here it is!” said Rhano, holding a strange looking dagger.

We managed to climb into the manor through an old window. The manor was dark and dingy… and smelly. Cobwebs covered the dank walls of the shabby house. We walked through the sitting area, through the dining room (which reeked of rotten food), and into a small foyer where there was a door leading to, what I can only assume was, the basement, and a large staircase leading to the second floor. Laying on a table at the foot of the stairs was the dagger.

“What is that?” I asked.

“It’s my mother's enchanted dagger.” He answered.

“Oh. Why did she leave it here?”

His face turned solemn once I asked that question.

Did I say something wrong?

“Are you ok?” a asked, concerned.

Rhano sat down on the staircase and I perched next to him.

“My mother came into this house to rid it of the ‘ghosts’. She was on a contract for the guild and she… she came here and… she…”

I could see that he was getting upset, but being as macho as he was he didn’t allow himself to cry.

“Did she die here?”

Rhano turned to look at me. He slowly nodded his head with tear filled eyes.

"How?" I stupidly asked. I was met with no response from Rhano; much expected due to the inappropriate nature of the question.

Suddenly I had a realisation.

“Why would your dad send you in here knowing she was… killed, here?”

Rhano said nothing.

“He didn’t send you in here, did he?” I asked.

Rhano shook his head. He turned to look at me.

“I’m sorry for lying. I just wanted something to remember her by, you know? Dad told me that her dagger was lost and I just…. I’m so sorry.”

He began to cry. I respected him for crying, letting his feelings out like that. I hugged him, to comfort him.

“It’s okay…” I said to him.



“Sorry honey but the horses are all sorted.”

After Rhano let out his grief, we left the manor. He headed back to the fighters guild to see his father, Azzan, and I headed to the stables.

“Oh… That’s ok. I’ll go back and see Mother, then.”

“Actually, I had something else planned.”

My eyes lit up.

“Ooh, what is it?”

Dad laughed.

“Now if I told you that, it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?”

I was incredibly exited. Not only was I spending quality time with my Dad, but he had an amazing day planned. Things were looking perfect.



Dad and I went on a little journey along the Gold Coast. It was about as exciting as getting pinched by a mudcrab, but I loved it. I was with my dad. We were walking along the coast, the sun burning its gaze into our skin when Dad suddenly stopped in his tracks. My attention met with what caught his; a young Bosmer girl being chased by what I could only assume were bandits. Dad unsheathed his mighty war hammer.

"Honey, go back home. Daddy's gotta take care of somethin'." His tone was serious. Mine was not.

"But Daddy, I wanna go with you. I'm not scared."

He knelt down to my level. His eyes met mine.

"I know you're not, honey, but do this for me. Ok?"

After a pause I nodded, my eyes obviously showed my disappointment. Dad kissed my forehead, rose to his feet and chased the Bandits.

After Dad was out of sight I headed back to Anvil. But then I stopped. I needed to know that Dad was ok, so I turned back around and ran in the direction my Dad had gone. I was disobeying his orders, and I didn't care.

The fresh footprints in the sand led to a solitary cave, which I entered without fear. All I could see was black. All I could hear was the lonely sound of water dripping from above. All I could feel was suppressed fear.

I grabbed a torch that hung loosely from the cave wall. Luckily, I knew a minor flare spell, courtesy of my overprotective mother, so lighting the torch was no big deal. It was big, though. I looked like an idiot holding it. The moment the heavy torch was lit, horror filled my body and caused my skin to freeze.

Bodies. Lots of bodies.

The bodies of the bandits, bodies of villagers... and the body of the Bosmer girl. The fear on her face terrified me. She looked so scared. Her eyes were haunting. The smell was horrible. Some of the bodies could have been there for days, or weeks, or months! That was a horrible thought.

What kind of monster could have done this?

But then I noticed something. Dad was nowhere to be seen.

And the dead had large bruises planted on their bodies. The weapon Dad took into the cave with him could easily have made them.

Only one question filled my head.

Did Dad do this?


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Posted by: King Coin Apr 20 2011, 05:55 PM

Better than the original but a question just occurred to me: Why is spending time with her dad so special? Is he gone most of the time?

Great job! I like the new details!

Posted by: Lady Syl Apr 21 2011, 01:08 AM

I loved the new scene with Rhano, and the sisterly teasing between her and Maelona. Those were great additions. And I like her spunky personality, which seemed much more apparent this time around. Also, I like the details you added--it was good before, but I have to agree that this version is better than the original.

Posted by: Acadian Apr 21 2011, 03:53 AM

A wonderful introduction. You avoided a data dump. What you revealed, you did so almost exclusively via action and dialogue. Well done!

Lissa's personality comes across beautifully, and you did much of it while introducing us to her and several of the important people in her life.

Posted by: SubRosa Apr 21 2011, 04:19 PM

I loved Lissa's horror at the thought of the suggestion of Rhano being her b/f. Because he's old! Then her reaction to meeting him was just priceless. Now that is a teenage girl with a crush alright!

“Run like M’aiq I guess…”
This was a wonderful reference to the Khajiit of blinding speed.


nits:
“Come on Sis, the sooner you get it done the sooner you can go and help dad.” she reminded me.
Rather than a period, that ought to be a comma at the end of the dialogue, as it is followed by a speech tag.

We released ourselves for each others embrace
You missed the possessive apostrophe in other's.

I was stopped yet again bye someone
That is by someone.

Led on a table at the foot of the stairs was the dagger.
I think you meant Left, or Laying?

It’s my mothers enchanted dagger
That is mother's.

Luckily, i knew a minor flare spell
That is I.

Posted by: Petra Arkanian Apr 22 2011, 04:47 AM

Hmm, maybe I'm missing something, but it seems to me that she is a lot of different ages!

Before the prologue, it says she's 19. And then it says that Rhano is 16, but two years older than her. And then it says she's twelve... is she having flashbacks or some such?

Other than that, it's good! You did a nice job of showing what was happening, which is good, because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to suffer through this much ( I can't even read stories if they are all words and no talk).

I also like how you ended the story, it was a cliffhanger, and now I want to read more ( ). Keep it up!

Posted by: Count Lauriel Apr 22 2011, 07:56 PM

This is my favourite line in the entire thing, Rihanae. Certainly made me chuckle. Not to mention earning a few weird looks from my friends when I accidentally said it in conversation earlier.

Keep it up Rihanae! I'm certainly reading, if a little behind everyone else.

Posted by: Rihanae Apr 26 2011, 02:31 PM

King Coin: Thank you for your compliment. In answer to your question, yes, Lissa's father is rarely around, as stated early in the chapter.

Lady Syl: Hey! welcome to the journal! Thank you for your kind words, i'm glad that you enjoy Lissa's personality! Sometimes she can be seen to come across in a bad light, but hopefully she doesn't all the time

Acadian: Thank you for the compliments! I think i have gotten the hang of avoiding the data dump!
I'm glad that you also like Lissa's personality. She's my little diva

SubRosa: Haha yes, I agree, she is very girly when it comes to the thought of someone finding out who she fancies, so her defences went into overdrive! haha.
Lissa is very worldley, she knows everyone and everyone knows her, even the legendary M'aiq! haha.
Thank you for the nits. Edited.

Petra Arkanian: In answer to your question, Lissa is indeed 19, but the story starts from when she was 14 (I accidently made a typo by reffering to her as 12 at one point.) i apologize if this caused any confusion. Also, thank you for the kind words.

Count Lauriel: Why, hello! What a pleasure it is for you to join us!
I enjoy the fact that you enjoyed the M'aiq quote, and i also enjoyed that you used it in everyday life! Lissa does love to inspire

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa was just living a normal life in a normal town. arguing with her sister, being taught restoration spells by her overprotective mother and going to a haunted mansion with the object of her affection. However, when an afternoon with her father led to him following bandits into a cave after telling Lissa to go home, what could she do but follow. What she found in the cave was a mountain of bodies. and her dad was nowhere to be seen...

I walked slowly through the damp cave, the light from my torch bouncing off the grimy walls. The smell of death was overpowering me. But I wasn’t scared. I wouldn’t allow myself to be scared, because then I would be vulnerable, and I couldn’t let that happen.

As I journeyed I could feel something. Something strange and unsettling. I stopped to examine my surroundings more closely, but there was nothing. Zilch. But I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I was in danger. But if Dad did that he wouldn’t hurt me, would he?

I tried to drop that thought immediately. Just because Dad couldn’t be found, and he went in the cave, and there are dead bodies everywhere doesn’t mean he killed them. Did it?

I continued exploring, and before long I heard voices. Male voices, but they weren’t clear. I followed the sound of the voices, carefully sneaking to avoid detection, just in case. The voices began to increase in volume, and eventually I saw the source. Two figures stood in the darkness. I perched myself behind a large rock, listening carefully to the conversation between the two figures.

“You told me that you wouldn’t harm any humans! That was the deal!”

“But she wasn’t human, was she? She was a Bosmer. The lowest of the low. That’s my opinion anyway”

“You told me that if I brought you blood, any blood. Even animal blood, you would leave my family alone! That was the deal!”

The talk of blood sparked a thought.

A vampire? Oh my-

“Khajiit are animals now?”

“The criminals are, yes.”

“So it’s ok to lead the Khajitt into my home, but you just ‘forgot’ to rescue the Bosmer first?”

“You didn’t give me a chance to do anything about her! You beat them to death to make it look like i killed her!“

“It can’t be helped if you’re carelessness caused her to die like she did.”

“She wasn’t an offering! No humans! REMEMBER!”

“I’m so sorry, my dear Nathaniel, but blood is blood.”

“But it wasn’t part of the –“

“Wait! Something is here.” The vampire interrupted.

I froze.

The vampire began to smell the air, and his eyes pointed to the space I was hidden.

“Come out little Lissa!” Taunted the vampire. I remained in my space.

“Lissa? What are you doing here?” I stood up cautiously from behind the rock and saw the other figure as clear as day come towards me.

Dad...

“Dad, did you kill those people? I can’t believe-“

“No... I didn’t. I just... go home. Now. We will talk when we get back.”

"Oh no my dear fellow, first you will-" said the Imperial vampire. I didn’t even let him finish. Anger overcame me.

“YOU! Stop talking! What have you got my dad involved in?”

My dad looked at me with a slight look of anger; perhaps talking back to a vampire wasn’t the best idea.

“Lissa, honey. Don’t worry.” Dad turned to the vampire. “Our deal is done. You broke the agreement.”

The vampire simply stood there. His grin made the skin on his pale face crease with delight. “It doesn’t work like that, I’m afraid.”

Suddenly the vampire pulled out a long, blood soaked blade and stuck it through my dad’s abdomen. It was so quick. I screamed, in fear and in anger. Adrenaline filled my body. I bolted towards the vampire. I attacked him with my torch. I used all my strength and beat him. He was engulfed in flames. He didn’t even try to fight back, and even if he did I wouldn’t have known. I was too enraged to care about his retaliations. I didn’t even notice that I had achieved victory over the vampire. I continued attacking him. I couldn’t stop. Even though he was dead I couldn’t stop.

“Liss- Lissa, s-s-stop.” The frail, dying voice of my dad. I dropped the torch and ran to him, kneeling by his side.

“Dad! You’re ok-“Blood spurted from his mouth. “Oh, Dad, we have to get you home. Come on.”

“Lissa, it’s too late. It’s too late for me. You need to go home. Forget what you saw. I don’t want Oleta and Maelona’s final memories of me as being a coward.”

"You are not a coward! Don't ever think that! You did what was good for our family."

“I fed living creatures to a vampire. I’m just as soulless as him…” Dad struggled to say.

“You stopped him from hurting us daddy! You’re a hero!” I assured him.

I began to feel tears softly well up behind my eyes.

Please daddy! PLEASE!

"Come on, we need to get home now, Dad!" I tried to lift Dad, to no avail. He spoke again. His voice began to fade. He didn’t have long.

“Promise me something. Never give up on y-your dreams. You discover the world. Promise me you will d-do that for me.”

I hesitated to answer, my tears wouldn’t let me. But I spoke.

“I promise, Daddy”

Dad smiled. His breath faded. Then he was gone. I looked into his eyes, blankly staring at the ceiling.

“Daddy?” I said. “Dad… come on, you can’t give up now!”

I tried gently shaking him to see if I could get a reaction.

Nothing.

“Daddy! Please daddy NO!” I cried. I grabbed dad, holding him tightly.

Our final embrace.



I walked up to the Anvil gate. My arms and chest were covered in dad’s blood. The guard standing at the gate noticed me stumbling towards him; immediately rushing to my aid.
“Lissa, what on earth happened?!” Asked the worried guard.

I collapsed; in shock more than exhaustion.

“Please… I need to get back home... can you help me?” I pleaded.

Without hesitation the guard lifted me into his arms, carrying my back to my house. As he walked I could see people looking at me with shock and even horror at the state I was in; it’s not everyday you see a young girl blood soaked. Quill-weave stood outside the mages guild with her hands covering her mouth, teary eyed. Pinarus and his wife stood outside their house gossiping with each other. Finally, away from the stares and the eyes looming on me we reached my house. The guard knocked on the door, which was answered my Maelona.

“LISSA!” She screamed. She looked at the guard, “what have you done to her?!”

The guard looked at her with arrest in his eyes.

“You better change your tone before speaking to me in that tone!” He warned. “now where should I put her?”

“Follow me.” Maelona beckoned, leading the guard to my bed, of which he gently placed me. “What on earth happened?”

The guard shook his head.

“I do not know. You are better off asking her. I need to head back to my post.” The guard said, heading out of the door.

Maelona sat on my bed, holding my hand, looking horrified at the state I was in.

“Lissa… what happened?” she asked. I couldn’t answer her. It was to horrible and painful to say. Before long, mother entered the room.

“I just saw a guard leave the house. What on Nirn is-“mother noticed the blood stains, “Lissa what happened!”

She ran towards me in a panicked state.

“I don’t know.” Maelona answered, even though the question was directed at me.

Mother stared at me with horror, before a look of realisation stuck on her face.

“Lissa… where is you’re father?” she asked.

I looked at her with tear filled eyes. I could see by the look in her eyes that she knew what I didn’t tell her. she knew something had happened to dad.

Her crying was one of the most painful things I had seen in my life.



I sat, alone, by the oak tree between the guilds. I had all these thought rushing through my head; how I could have stopped dad’s death, how I could have done more, how I could have told him how much I really loved him.

“Lissa?” It was Rhano. He sat next to me on the bench. “How are you doing?”

“I’m not exactly spinning and singing through the Heartlands but… I’m coping.”

“You sure?” he asked.

Again my eyes began to well up with tears.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I assured him. “It’s just, you know, hard.”

“I get that. When my mother was killed by… whatever it was, I pretended I was okay for, oh, weeks.” He said, smiling.

“Really? You? Pretending?” I asked.

“Yeah.” He laughed.

“But you’re a boy! Boy’s never lie!” I teased. Something about Rhano raised my spirits.

“Hey, don’t be rude now!” he said, smiling THAT smile.

“Sorry… humour is a form of defence I guess…”

“It’s ok, Lissa. You are allowed to be upset. You’re allowed to cry. You’re human, after all.”

His words moved me, to the point where I lust let the tears flow. I gave up trying to hold them back, so I let them loose. Rhano held me in his arms, comforting me.

“It’s okay Lissa. You don’t have to pretend you’re okay, not whe you’re with me.”

I looked up at him. Our eyes met. He slowly leaned in for a kiss. It felt like everything was in slow motion. It was beautiful. His lips were as soft as the inside of a perfect rose. I didn’t want that moment to end.

Oh my…

When the kissing finally did stop he looked at me, smiling.

“If you ever need anything. Whether it’s a shoulder or… anything, I’m you’re man.”

You most certainly are…

“Okay.” I said, smiling for the fist time in forever…



“Are you sure you’re ready, Liss?” Maelona’s voice was reeking of concern.

“Yes! I’m sure! Stop worrying. You’ll get wrinkles!” I laughed. Maelona continued her frantic rant.

“It’s just you said you’d go when you were 21 and you’ve only just turned 16!”

“I know, but when Dad died I decided not to waste any of my life, you know?”

Maelona frowned. She held my shoulders gently, almost comforting me.

“I understand that you’ve been going through some things since Dad died. We all have. But, Liss, that was 2 years ago. You need to have a serious think about what you’re doing.”

I put my hands on Maelona's, “I have thought about it. Don’t try and stop me. Please Sis.”

Maelona just looked at me. She had a sympathetic look in her eye. She soon smiled,

“Well, if it’s what you want to do all I can do is support you. Have you told mother?”

“Yeah... she’s ok with it.”

"Well have you said goodbye to everyone at the guild?"

"Yes Maelona, I have." I answered, exhausted of the questioning.

"Good. I'm certain that everyone wishes you well. What about Rhano?"

I glared. Maelona laughed.

“Sorry, Lissa. I’ll stop.”

After she laughed, silence engulfed us.

“So when are you leaving?” Maelona asked. She looked upset, it was heartbreaking.

“Now, I guess. No time like the present, eh?”

The revelation shocked Maelona, I could see it in her eyes, but she recovered from the state and hugged me. “Please promise me you will keep in touch. Promise me.”

I tried to get away. I hated long goodbyes.

“Yeah, I promise.” I assured her.

She let go of me, but we embraced in a hug one last time. When she let go I could see tears streaming down her face while I forced mine back. I began to walk towards the main gate. I tried not to look back. My adventure was about to begin. Maelona would be fine. I knew that. Maelona shouted after me.

"DON'T FORGET TO WASH YOUR UNDER GARMENTS TWICE A WEEK!"

I turned, flabbergasted. "Maelona! Don't tell everyone what I wear under my clothes! Or I'll tell Gogan what you wear under your clothes!"

I gave Maelona a cheeky gesture, suggesting what I meant, but Maelona turned all serious again.

"Just... just be safe, ok?"

"I will. Love you Sis." I could feel myself welling up, so I turned back towards the gate.

But I couldn’t get over the lie I told her.

It hurt too much to even think about it.

I didn’t tell Mother I was leaving...

Posted by: King Coin Apr 26 2011, 03:05 PM

I must have missed that sentence...

I really like the changes you made to the chapter.

I was listening to music while reading and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExUosomc8Uc just so happened to come on when Lissa's dad died

Posted by: Lady Syl Apr 27 2011, 12:35 AM

:'( I almost cried when her dad died. I'm glad he wasn't a serial killer, though. And when Rhano came to talk to her afterward, it was sweet and uplifting. Aww, and the first kiss...

Very good!

Posted by: Acadian Apr 27 2011, 12:56 AM

A very emotional episode for Lissa as she learns some of an unresolved mystery regarding her father, then loses him. You fully displayed the impact on Lissa, Maelona and their mother. Then some comforting words born of experience, and a first kiss from Rhano! Finally, unable to tell her mother, she leaves Anvil to seek her dreams at the young age of 16.

You continue to write Lissa with a young voice that suits her well.

Posted by: Rihanae Apr 27 2011, 04:03 PM

Sorry if my readers thought this reply was an update but i just couldnt wait to comment on the link to the song KC posted. It actually is beautiful and it suits the situation perfectly. It made me cry a tiny bit.

so if i could suggest that readers listen to the music posted on the link in the quote box whilst reading the segment from Lissa's dads demise onward, it truley adds to the scene

Posted by: SubRosa Apr 27 2011, 07:09 PM

Once again, I loved the plotting you have done here. Lissa's father providing the vampire with fresh blood in return for the safety of his family is both original, and entirely logical.

Quill-weave stood outside the mages guild with her hands covering her mouth, teary eyed.
And not to mention her mind awhirl with how she might use that scene in her next book!

The new scene with Rhano adds more depth to their relationship. Not to mention the first kiss. Now I expect to see more of Rhano when Lissa returns from her adventures outside of Cyrodiil.

Finally, Maelona's admonition to wash her underwear was perfect!

Posted by: Rihanae Apr 28 2011, 03:04 PM

King Coin: Thank you for kind words AND introducing me to that beautiful piece of music! I re-read my piece whilst listening to it and it added so much to the atmosphere

Lady Syl: I'm very glad that you are happy that Nathaniel isn't, or wasn't, a killer. I am also happy that the chapter had the effect it did with it's most royal reader

Acadian: Hehe, i'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! It can be difficult trying to put the right amount of emotion across through words, but i hope it came across

SubRosa: Haha, you never know! Quill-Weaves next book may be 'Lissa: WTF happened to her?'... though i highly doubt it i'm glad you enjoyed the little undergarment segment!

PREVIOUSLY: Whilst travelling through the cave Lissa discovered that her father had been offering animals and criminal to a vampire to protect his family. After the vampire killed a Bosmer, Nathaniel cancelled the deal, resulting in the vampire killing him and Lissa killing the vampire.
Also, Lissa and Rhano share their first kiss whilst taling about their losses, and Lissa decideds to leave on her journey early and says a teary farewell to Maelona... but not her mother...

“Welcome to Dragonstar, fellow Redguard! Been in Hammerfell long?”

I was quite overwhelmingly greeted by a friendly man, quite old but still nice. He was also a Redguard and by his attire I could only assume he was a mage of some sort, which was strange… for a Redguard anyway. He wore a blue robe, which was very well made, and he carried a large staff. It was almost as big as me.

“Erm… No, not really. I’ve only just arrived.” I told him. I’d already been travelling for two years, receiving the same greeting everywhere I went. All I wanted was a nice hot bath, and maybe to visit a salon. My hair was awful; it was ratty and greasy, it was just awful.

“Well, I’m suspecting that you are in dire need of some relaxation. Please, come with me. I’ll get you sorted.” The old mage said, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and guiding me through the town. I could see the faces of other members of the town had a hint of disgust towards the mage, which I could understand but didn’t agree with. Everyone is allowed to make their own choices in life and if he chooses to use magic, who cares.

“Thanks, I could use a sit down I guess, you know, treat myself.” I joked. I needed to keep him talking about anything, before he asked me about my travels. They always do. They always ask every little detail. They obviously didn’t realise the amount of effort it took trying to remember-

“So tell me about your travels, young... oh, I don’t know your name, do I? My name is Jakkel Smithin, but please, call me Jak. And yours?

“My name is Maelissa Cristenn, but just call me Lissa. I don’t suppose you have a spring heel or a candlestick, do you?” I said, slightly mocking him, a little joke to myself I hoped he wouldn’t understand.

“Unfortunatley, no.” Jak replied; whether he got the joke or not I didn’t know. “Well, Lissa, let's get you inside and you can tell me all about your travels!” Jak said with delight. He looked at me, smiling, so I forced a smile right back.

Yay…

* * *

We sat in Jak’s cottage. It was very homey, I felt very safe. Apart from the stuffed bear head on the wall that stared directly at me, bearing its bloodstained teeth, I felt very at ease.

“So after I left Skyrim I made my way to High Rock, then here. But if I’m honest, Hammerfell has always been my main destination, I wanted to get in touch with my roots, you know?” I told Jak, I had been stuck telling the story of my travels for an hour at least. I was beginning to bore myself.

“Well, you certainly have been around haven’t you?” He said, he looked almost proud of me, for some strange reason. “So, how long are you planning of gracing Hammerfell with your presence?”

“I don’t know. Maybe a couple of months or so, I don’t know. I was hoping to find a mentor for using the bow, but I don’t know whether Hammerfell would have any. Valenwood would be the best bet, wouldn’t it?”

“Hmm… it would be a wise move. The Bosmers are the most skilled in that particular area.”

“Oh, but that means either going back through Cyrodiil…”

A look of confusion appeared on Jak’s face. “But surely that is a good thing? You will get to see your family?”

“True… but I kinda left with a small lie…” I confessed to the old man.

“May I ask what the lie was?” Asked Jak, intrigued.

I didn’t want to tell him; it was too horrible. I just looked at him, praying he would change the subject.

“Well do not panic, you needn’t travel so far to find a teacher,” Jak had a smile spread across his face. “It just so happens that I’m a master of marksman. I could be your mentor if you would like?”

The coincidental revelation stunned me. It has always been very unlikely for a Redguard to be such an expert in marksman, but who was I to turn down his offer? Assuming he was telling me the truth, that is.

“Yeah, that sound great, Jak, thanks. But do me a quick favour first, yeah?”

“Of course I can. What is it?”

“Prove it?” I said, as nicely as I possibly could. If he was telling the truth, I wouldn’t want to anger him. “Please.”

Jak rose up from his seat. He walked over to a cupboard and grabbed a golden bow and a quiver of arrows. He stood by the open window, readied his shot and fired. I jumped from my seat and ran to the window. A perfect hit of a very thin tree, almost 60 feet away. I turned to Jak, with a smile on my face.

“So… When can we start?”

* * *

Another day, another lesson, but I couldn’t complain. I was pretty handy with a bow, I usually managed to hit a tree after a dozen arrows from 50 feet away, and that was pretty good.

“The problem is, Lissa, you don’t seem to have a connection with your bow.” Jak told me

“How do you mean? The bow is in my hands and my hands are connected to my arms which are connected to me!” I joked.

“I like your enthusiasm, but what I mean is you should’t have to concentrate so hard. It should come naturally to you.”

“It’s hard you know, Jak! My brain can’t handle the pressure of ‘arrow, string, pull, release’.” I protested.

“It will get easier in time, I promise-“ Jak was interrupted as a rock flew past his face, a deliberate attack. I turned my head to see a man staring angrily at Jak.

“YOU’RE NOT WELCOME HERE!” shouted the angry guy.

I turned to Jak, confused as to why he just took the abuse.

“Arne’t you gonna say something?”

Jak tried to change the subject.

“Now, if you line up your-“

I didn’t let him finish. I dropped my bow and walked over to the angry guy, slightly enraged.

“That was big of you wasn’t it. Eh? Throwing rocks at an old man! I bet it makes you feel really big doesn’t it. Hm?”

Jak walked over to me, trying to get me to go back to the training ground by putting his hands on my shoulders. “Lissa, lets-“

“No, Jak, this is unacceptable!” I turned back to the angry guy. He was laughing, whether it was at me or Jak I didn’t know, or care. “Oh, go on, laugh it up! What you need to get into your thick, prejudiced head is that Jak isn’t going anywhere, and neither am I.”

I walked closer to the angry guy, even though I was shorter than him I was still pretty intimidating; at least I liked to think I was.

“The next time you decide to throw things at my friend there will be a LOT of trouble, and if you HIT him… you don’t wanna know!” I stared into his eyes. “Now I suggest you run along.”

He did so. If I’m completely honest I was terrified, but the fact that I actually scared him off? Priceless. I turned to Jak, who had a disappointed look on his face.

“There could have been a better way to deal with that situation, Lissa.”
I looked into his eyes. I actually felt some kind of remorse for my actions.

“Sorry”

*

“Time for dinner Lissa!” Jak shouted to me from downstairs. He was having a fancy dinner party with his friends; he thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me to get to know some people.
I rushed downstairs and some people sat round the large dining table. On the table was, pretty much, a feast. Vegetables, sweetrolls, wine, meat; it’s a shame I was a vegetarian. Jak noticed me and beckoned me to sit down next to him. As I did so he began to speak.

“Everyone, this is my young protégée, Maelissa…”

“JUST Lissa…” I corrected him.

I’ve been here for months and you still can’t get it right! Haha

A friendly looking Breton woman looked at me, smiling. She began to speak to me, her voice quite soothing.

“My name is Aliss,” she aimed her eyes towards a Breton man sat on her left, “and this is my husband, Kollin.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both!” I told them, politely of course.

“Well it’s a pleasure to meet you to. Jak has told us a lot about you.” Kollin told me.

I turned to Jak, “Oh he has, has he.”

Jak winked at me and I laughed.

“You are very beautiful, dear.” said Aliss. “… So I hear you haven’t seen your family in a couple of years?”

Hold up, what is this?

It was a rather odd thing for her to say as it wasn’t any of her business, but before I had a chance to answer a middle age female Redguard spoke to me.

“Don’t worry about her. She is one of those types who is more interested in the lives of others than her own.”

I laughed; this woman seemed pretty cool; I liked people who were to the point.

“I’ll bear that in mind!” I said. The woman reached her hand for mine.

“I’m Tristen.”

“Hi Tristen, I’m humiliated! How do you do!”

Tristen laughed at me, or with me.

Time passed, food was eaten and wine was drunk; by Aliss, mainly.

Tristan turned her attention towards Jak.

“No Falvor today?”

“No,” Jak replied, “he is busy with… a client.”

Oooh, dramatic pause. Someone’s hiding something!

“Falvor always seems to be busy,” said a miserable looking Nord man sat between Kollin and Tristen.

“That’s because he always is, Gord.”

Haha- Gord the Nord.

“Well he should be here!” Gord protested.

“I’ve saved him a seat next to Aliss and me. If he arrives he arrives.”

Gord the Nord snubbed Jak’s comment. Aliss turned to speak to me again.

“So all the females of your family begin their names with ‘Mae’?”

“Only the girls on my dad’s side.” I answered politely.

Aliss didn’t say anything; she gave me a sarcastic looking smile and went back to her food. But, me being me, I couldn’t ignore it.

“What is you prob-” I didn’t finish what I was saying, as I was interrupted by Jak.

“Are you not eating anything Lissa?” he asked, aiming his attention towards the venison.

“Jak, I’m vegetarian, remember?”

Jak had a slight look of panic on his face, as if he made some grave mistake.

“I’m so sorry, Lissa! I completely forgot! I’m so used to you fending for yourself.”

“Jak its fine! There is still stuff I can eat, don’t go all crazy on me!” I joked.

“Jak’s always been like that, Lissa.” Tristen informed me, “It’s best to just reassure him of how useful he
actually is!”

I laughed, “I’ll keep that in mind!” But the laughter was soon gone due to, yet, another question from Aliss.

“So what do you think of Jak’s choice in occupation?”

“I really don’t care. Jak is Jak.” I told her; firmly, but nicely. As nice as I could be anyway.

“But, he is a disgrace to your people?” Aliss replied; strangely calm.

“Aliss, please. Do be quiet.” Tristan warned her.

Silence took over.

Awkward…

More time passed, though the peace was soon ruined by Aliss. Again.

“But what about you Lissa? You are an apprentice in Restoration, correct?”

I answered her, even though I knew where this was going.

Seriously, if she even starts on me…

“I am. Yes.”

“But that too is unacceptable within the Redguard community I would imagine? Did your parents raise you wrong?”

I looked at her, fire in my eyes.

Nobody talks about my family with that level of disrespect.

“Aliss, you are drunk.” Kollin told her; she had had a few glasses of wine, but that was no excuse.

“Hush down, Kollin, Let the woman have her say!” Bellowed Gord the Nord.

“I’m just trying to understand! Why are you around here when you’re parents have raised such an
abomination!”

“Aliss that is enough!” Jak warned her. Warnings weren’t enough.

“Aliss, please. Kollin take her home.” Begged Tristan. She could see the hate milled anger spewing in my
eyes; although I tried not to show it in my body language. Aliss was showing no sign of stopping.

“The fire is burning in you’re eyes, I can see it. Oleta and Nathaniel made a huge mistake giving you life!”

Before anybody had a chance to speak up I rose to my feet,

“You need to be quiet. Now. Or I WILL NOT be responsible for my actions!”

Aliss just smiled at me, the guest’s looked at her. She also rose to her feet.

“You are a very rude young girl. You shall not get away with talking to me that way.”

I noticed something; Aliss’s hand was glowing. A reddish glow engulfed her palm. She through her hand in my direction and before I could react a small fireball was heading straight for me. Tristan managed to push me out of the way in time, and as I crashed to the floor Kollin pushed Aliss to the floor.

“The fire! IT BURNS! SHE CANNOT LIVE!” Aliss screamed.

Jak cast what I can only assume was a paralyze spell on the insane Breton, silencing her; for now anyway.

“Lissa, are you okay?” Tristan asked. Jak turned to me with a shocked expression on his face. Gord the Nord looked entertained and-

Wait, how did she know my parents name? Not even Jak knew…

How did she?

Posted by: Lady Syl Apr 28 2011, 05:05 PM

I had been stuck telling the story of my travels for an hour at least. I was beginning to bore myself.
Lol, this was excellent! I know the feeling somewhat—when people ask me questions of a similar nature, I get pretty bored with myself, too, lol.

…even though I was shorter than him I was still pretty intimidating; at least I liked to think I was.


I LOVED that she stood up for Jak to that prejudiced man. That takes a lot of courage. Way to go, Lissa!

“You are very beautiful, dear.” said Aliss. “… So I hear you haven’t seen your family in a couple of years?”

Hold up, what is this?
Her reaction here is priceless!

Lissa’s commentary during the whole party scene was great!

Ooh, that Aliss woman was horrible! Reading that part, I could just feel Lissa’s anger welling with each comment Aliss made! That should be testament to your skill here—the ability to make the reader feel what the characters are feeling is a talent that only a truly skilled writer can boast!

And that little mystery there—I wondered when Aliss used her parent’s names…and then you confirmed at the end that she hadn’t been told by Jak, so…hmm… food for thought. Excellent chapter!

Nit: I’ve been here for moths and you still can’t get it right! Haha

Posted by: King Coin Apr 28 2011, 08:01 PM

I love the conflict towards the end. I literally said "Tha F***" when that Brenton started tossing fire around.

I really like how you expanded this instead of just skipping over the whole thing.

I gotta say, I don't like Jak's friends much.

Great chapter!

Posted by: SubRosa Apr 28 2011, 09:31 PM

The extra little bits you added to this second version really elevate it. The disdain that Lissa notes the crowd has for Jak, her question about his springheel, etc... All of the add up to give the entire thing more depth.

Well, that was a nice dinner, for about ten seconds. I am not sure what to make of Aliss. A hypocrite looking for a fight? Or someone in touch with powers that she would be better off without?

Posted by: Acadian Apr 29 2011, 12:53 AM

You did a good job here of creatively displaying the passage of two years since the previous episode. Wonderful hints of Lissa's past couple years to show that time has passed without feeling obliged to dump out a history. Well done!

So Jak is a mage with a bow! He seems both interesting and likable.

And Lissa is beginning to get her 'archress' on.

Well done with the dinner party. You painted a full course scene here. We knew what the menu was and got a nice feel for those in attendance.

“Hi Tristen, I’m humiliated! How do you do!”

And Alyss. A mysterious Breton that one can't help but dislike. You have certainly piqued curiosity about how Alyss knows what she seems to know.

Posted by: Rihanae May 10 2011, 02:05 PM

Acadian: I'm so glad that you find Jak likeable, everybody in dragonstar appears to detest the Redguard mage (Apart from his friends, of course)! Aliss is incredibly mysterious, but what are the lengths she will go to rid the 'abobination' from the world?

SubRosa: I'm so thrilled that you enjoyed the re-write. I enjoyed writing about the new aspects of Lissa and Jak's relationship, as i hope you enjoyed reading it

King Coin: I am glad that Aliss's fireball antics caused that reaction for you as, i'm sure, everyone at the party felt exactly the same Lissa also doesn't like Jak's friends very much; apart from Tristen.

Lady Syl: I'm so glad that you enjoy Lissa's little comment's on the situation, although she rarely finds herself actually saying how she feels out loud. Her mouth may get her in trouble one day if she decideds to do so thank you for the nit. edited

PREVIOUSLY: After travelling Tamriel for two years, Lissa finds herself in Hammerfell, where she is greeting by a Redguard mage called Jak; who she discovers is also a markman trainer. During her time living with him he organises a dinner party with a few of his friends. however, during the party Lissa is verbally and physically attacked by one of the guessed who shouted cryptic messages.
But nobody understood why...

I sat in the living room; shaken by the events that took place not ten minutes before.

What on Nirn was up with her?

I sat alone, just me and my thought contemplating how serious the situation could be. If Aliss woke up she could attack me again, maybe even kill me. What ever she was on, I didn’t want any.

I continued to sit in the darkened room in a daze; the candlelight which flickered the only source of light there was in the darkened room, which wasn’t very comforting at all.

“Lissa, are you okay?”

I turned to see Jak behind me; a concerned smile on his face.

“Yeah, I’m holding up I guess.” I told him. “It’s not everyday you get attacked by a crazy fireball throwing psycho.”

He looked at me then walked over to sit next to me on the less than comfortable sofa.

“This is new for us to, Lissa. Aliss has always had a tendency to… speak her mind. But I can assure you she has NEVER attacked anyone before. Never.”

“So I’m the first then, eh? Good golly you Hammerfell-ians know how to make a girl feel welcome.” I joked; Jak didn’t look impressed.

“Lissa there is absolutely no need for any attitude. We are all shaken up, maybe even more so that you.”

I looked at Jak, confused.

“How?” I asked.

“We’ve known Aliss for almost 30 years and not once has she gotten that aggressive. She’s never been aggressive at all.”

Then why now?

I looked at Jak; confusion in his eyes. Silence engulfed us for a mere moment. Eventually, Tristen came in.

“Jak, she’s awake.” She informed him.

“Okay well I’ll just-“

Before Jak had a chance to rise from his seat Tristen spoke again.

“She’s asked to see Lissa, too.”

Um… gulp…

*

We all sat in the dining room; everyone sat at the table, apart from Aliss who sat in the corner. She looked insane. Rocking back and forth whilst mumbling to herself. We all looked her with mostly pity, with a sprinkle of confusion. Something seriously messed up had happened to turn Aliss into this mumbling mess; albeit she wasn’t sweetcakes and flowers before, but it was still worrying.

“Aliss, what happened?” asked Jak.

No response; just more crazy rambling.

“She only seems to talk to herself.” Kollin informed him. Jal looked at me, and then Kollin.

“Did she not ask for Lissa?” He asked. Kollin nodded.

“Maybe you should let Lissa try talking to her?” Tristen proposed to Jak. Jak responded with a look of uncertainty.

“I’m not to sure about that…”

“Jak, she tried to kill me. The least she owes me is an explanation.” I told him. Jak continued to look at me with that reluctant look in his wise eyes, before nodding in agreement. I smiled at him as a thank you, then turned my attention towards Aliss.

“Hi there. Um… I’m not to sure what to ask… I don’t want another fireball almost connecting with my face!” I joked, nervously. Silence; followed by Aliss looking at me directly in the eyes.

“I’m… sorry.” She said. Everyone appeared shocked that she spoke actual words. They all looked at me as if to tell me to keep on talking to her.

“That’s… that’s ok Aliss. We know you weren’t you. But we need to understand why?” I asked. I didn’t get a reply, only a solid stare from Aliss before she spoke again.

“I do not know the cause for my actions…” she said. She sounded genine, but I wasn’t entirely sure.”

Gord the nord decided to speak; or rather, shout.

“Aliss, that was amazing! I didn’t know you had that amount of rage in you!”

Everyone apart from Aliss glared at him. It was highly inappropriate and, well, mean.

“Gord, please.” Jak said, obviously used to his outbursts.

“All I know is… something took over.” Aliss told us.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

Aliss looked at me; tears in her delicate eyes.

“Leinahtan is the name. Don’t trust what you know, Lissa. It’ll kill you.”

“What does that mean?” I asked.

Who is Lay-nah-tan?

“She’s mentioned that name before.” Kollin informed us.

“But who is he?” asked Tristen.

“He is the one that is key to Your destiny.” Aliss said, pointing directly at me.

Tristen rose from her seat and walked cautiously over toward the crazy Breton, kneeling beside her.

“Aliss. We are all here for you, but you NEED to talk to us.” Tristen told her. She reached out her hand to touch Aliss’s shoulder in sympathy. Once her hand made contact with Aliss’s skin she pulled away in shock.

“Tristan, what’s wrong?” Jak asked, extremely worried.

We all saw it. Tristens hand slowly charring away like a burning piece of paper. The skin slowly peeling away revealing bone. The burning spreading up her arms and down her body in a precise fashion, until their was nothing left of Tristen but a pile of mulch on the floor. I screamed in horror.

“What have you done!” I screamed, running over to Tristen’s remains whilst everyone else sat in shock. Aliss slowly stood up. I could ony assume she was possessed by Leinahtan again, and this time I wasn’t going to live through it.

“You can’t be allowed to walk this planet. It’s an abononation to Nirn.” She said before throwing a fireball at me. I was pushed to the ground by Kollin, the fireball hitting him instead; engulfing him in flames before he suffered Tristen’s fate.

“ALISS! What are you doing?” Gord bellowed.

“Aliss… isn’t… home!” she said with an eerie smile. She walked over to Gord; her eyes white. I witnessed Aliss touching Gord, slowly turning him into ice before smashing him into a million pieces as if he were a fragile piece of glass.
Aliss turned her head to look at me; preparing herself for another fireball, before becoming engulfed in flames herself. She collapsed on the floor; a charred mess.
I turned to see Jak stood behind me offering me a hand, which I took. He lifted me up and held me in his arms. I could hear him crying, only slightly. Whatever just happened wasn’t just chance. Someone was out to get me.

But… why?

* * *

“I have a gift for you Lissa. Happy 19th birthday!”

Jak was standing by where I was sat, holding a small package wrapped in silver paper. It was so beautiful I almost didn’t want to open it. But hey, what was I supposed to do?

“Thank you, Jak. You shouldn’t have!” I said, taking the parcel from Jak and opening it carefully, yet hastily. A Sapphire. “Oh… you shouldn’t have.”

Jak laughed; a laugh I rarely heard since Aliss’s massacre. We never really spoke about it, and when we did the subject was always changed.

“No, Lissa this is a Guardian stone.”

“A what what?” I replied, confused.

“This is a stone which enables the holder to speak with their Guardian Spirit. In your case, a young archer named Rihanae.”

“Really?” My voice suddenly turned quite shrill. “THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!”

I jumped out of my seat and grabbed Jak for a hug.

“But that isn’t all.”

A smile covered my face as I wondered what more he could possibly have.

“You have been doing so well with the art of marksman that I have arranged for my friend, Falvor, to come over and give you a reading. He can tell you things about your future.”

My smile grew bigger.

Oh my gosh. Best. Birthday. EVER!

* * *

I sat in my room, waiting for Falvor to arrive, trying to pick out my best clothes.

“Is that really important? He won’t care what you look like.”

I turned around rapidly, scanning the room for the speaker. Nobody was there.

“You won’t find me. I don’t have physical form, well, not anymore.”

I remained on alert mode.

“Are you really this air headed? It’s me, Rihanae, your Guardian.”

I suddenly relaxed, feeling kind of stupid that I didn’t work it out straight away.

“Oh, okay. I really should have guessed that, shouldn’t I?”

It was strange. It was like someone was speaking into my ear as clear as day, but no one was there.

“Anyway like I said, he won’t care what you look like.”

“You don’t know that. He could be a young, handsome Breton for all you know.”

“I doubt that… pick the blue dress.”

“Ooh, good choice!”

I couldn’t resist the urge to ask him about the massacre. If he had been with me my whole life, he must have known something about it.

“What happened with Aliss?”

“I can’t answer that.”

Useful…

“So… you don’t know anything?” I asked, disappointed.

“I didn’t say that; I’m just not obliged to say anything without true evidence.”

Great. An unhelpful sprit guide. Lucky me.

* * *

“So, are you ready for this?” said Falvor, yet another old Redguard mage. I love Hammerfell. So many young men.

“Yes. I most certainly am!”

Falvor took my hand. He pressed his thumbs gently across it. His face looked so serious. It was kind of funny. He seemed to have been mumbling something under his breath. I looked at Jak, who gave me a reassuring nod.

After 5 minutes Falvor’s grip of my hand began to tighten, to the point of causing me pain. He started to speak.

“You have to go back, you must go back. Things will get bad. Very bad. Only you can stop what is coming. Only you can. Go back. You must go back to Cyrodill. NOW! They need you. GO NOW!”

I released my hand from Falvor’s grip. I was slightly unnerved. Jak held onto Falvar and guided him outside.

What the-

“Rihanae, what happened now?”

He stayed silent. For a guardian he was pretty lame.

After a short while he came back in. I stood up and walked over to him, confronting him.

“What just happened, Jak? Is he insane?” I asked, slightly angry.

“He may be a bit intense, but he is never wrong.”

We stood in silence. If he was never wrong, that meant that I was to be some kind of hero or something. But also that meant that people were in danger and if that included mother and Maelona, I had no time for thinking, only doing.

“Right, I’m going back to Cyrodiil.” I informed Jak. He didn’t seem surprised, nor did he try to stop me.

“How will you get there? You can’t walk, not if you want to get there as soon as possible”

“Then I’ll take a carriage.”

“Do you realise how much money you would need for that journey?”

“Then I’ll stowaway. I don’t care; I need to get to Cyrodiil now!”

Jak just looked at me, and then he walked over to me and hugged me.

“You’ve been here a year and you’ve already grown up so much, Lissa.” He let go and held my arms. “You must do what you have to do. But you must know that I will always be here for you, okay? And if you ever need me… well, I’ll just know.”

I stood in silence. I felt emotional, but I hugged him and unintentionally spoke,

“Thanks Daddy.”

I didn’t even notice what I called him…

Posted by: King Coin May 10 2011, 03:10 PM

What the hell just happened??? I was not expecting that at all.
And she receives her guardian stone and reading.

Holy crap that got exciting. Better than the original chapter. Good Job!

Posted by: Acadian May 11 2011, 12:36 AM

Some very effective imagery with Alyss and the fire and skin etc.

Take a look at this:
“What have you done!” I screamed, running over to Tristen’s remains whilst everyone else sat in shock. Tristen stood up slowly. She was possessed by Leinahtan again, and this time I wasn’t going to live through it.'
Tell me that you meant Alyss here instead of Tristen?

And welcome to Rihanae, the quiet and underappreciated spirit guardian. Only been on the job a short time and already being called lame by his young charge.

Looks like a return to Cyrodiil!

Posted by: SubRosa May 11 2011, 05:57 PM

Well that was certainly a surprising scene with Aliss! Now who could this Leinahtan is? And why does s/he or it want to kill our Redguard Archress? However, after that, I can see why Redguard's do not like magic!

“Thanks Daddy.”
Oh my! I am not surprised that Lissa might start to see Jak as a surrogate father. This was an excellent touch.

Posted by: Rihanae May 12 2011, 02:11 PM

SubRosa: Thank you for the comments! Yes, the Aliss scene was a bit of a spanner in the works! First everyone is enjoying a meal; then Aliss massacres them all ;P

Acadian: Like always, thank you for the comments! and yes, Rihanae and Lissa relationship is, to say the least, rocky to start with, but i'm sure it will improve Thank you for the nit with the names. there's so many characters i get confused! haha

King Coin: haha, i'm glad you enjoyed the spontenaity of Aliss's massaacre!

PREVIOUSLY: After Aliss's attack, they decide that it is safe to talk to her again, but they are wrong as she brutally murders everyone bar Lissa and Jak, who manages to kill her in time. However, before she died she mentioned the name Leinahtan. What could that mean?

For her 19th birthday Lissa was given a stone whihc enables her to talk to her guardian spirit, Rihanae, and a reading by Jak's friend Falvor, who tells Lissa that she muct go back to Cyrodiil or people will die. Lissa decides that she will go back and leaves Jak, accidently calling him daddy...

I woke up; my head was pounding. I stood up off the dirty, concrete floor and took in my surroundings.

Prison.

Darn. I thought it was just a dream.

Apart from my Guardian Stone, which I smuggled in my hair, I had nothing to my name. No money, no weapons, no lipstick. It was awful.

I noticed a small table with a single stool in the corner of the clammy cell, a single ray of light beaming across from a sorry excuse for a window. I sat on the stool, thinking about why I was in this mess.

That’s the last time I stowaway in a first class carriage. It’s a bit of a severe punishment though…

Reality didn’t even hit me. I just sat on the stool, thinking about how awful my clothes were. A cloth shirt
with disgusting trousers.

And the colour! Eurgh...

It was not the best outfit in the world, but it was better than nothing.

Actually no, I would rather wear nothing. I guess I’m l lucky that no-one is around to see me wearing-

“Why, hello there pretty Redguard! Aren’t you a fine example of the female form!” There was male Dunmer stood in the cell opposite mine.

Eww…

“One of the guards owes me a favour. I could have you moved into my cell in minutes… if you like.” The sleaziness in his voice was more of a turn off than a turn on. I tried to ignore him, but the persistent Dunmer just carried on with the flirting; if that’s how he spoke to women, I’m not surprised he ended up in prison.

“It’s not often you see a Redguard with a figure like yours. Your beauty oozes, little one.” He continued. The fact he called me ‘little one’ creeped me out even more. I continued my thrilling action of sitting on the stool, only for my personal time to be interrupted by a certain spirit.

“I told you that you shouldn’t have stowed away. Look what has happened now.” Rihanae said.

“Well if you gave me some helpful advice rather that keep quiet, I wouldn’t be in this mess; would I?” I replied, frustrated.

“But even if I did give you some advice, would you listen to it?”He had a point.
I probably wouldn’t have taken his advice; I would have thought it was a stupid suggestion. If I was completely honest with myself I would say that I was a bit freaked out about the whole guardian spirit thing. I didn’t mean to push Rihanae away, but I just wasn’t used to having a pushy Bosmer in my ear all the time. It wasn’t my idea of a party.

“Now, what are you going to do about him?” Rihanae said about who I can only assume was the Dunmer.

“Hmm… wait till his back is turned and throw this cup at him?”

“I doubt it will go through the gates.”

“Why? The gaps are big enough?”

“I know, but I have it’ll just bounce right back off and collide with your face, and we don’t want that now!”

It was nice to see Rihanae joking for a change; at least I thought he was joking.

“But you do need to do SOMETHING about him.” Rihanae insisted.

I thought about what Rihanae said and I stood up from the stool and walked over to the cell door, staring the Dunmer in the eye.

“Oh, I do hope you’re not talking to me, because if you are, when I’m released, I’ll have you singing the falsetto quicker than you can protect yourself. Do you understand me?”

“Oh, the Redguard has fire in her. I like that.” Suddenly the Dunmer stopped speaking. His attention turned to the sound of soldier walking down the prison steps. “Oh here they come! To take you away!”

I panicked, slightly. These soldiers sounded quite terrifying. I heard the voice of a female, who sounded very uptight. I knew before I saw her that I wasn’t going to like her. Before long the soldiers, three of them, were standing by my cell door. There was a man standing behind them. He wore very royal looking robes. His hair was white and his face was old.

“What are they doing?” I whispered to Rihanae.

“I don’t know. Just do as they say and… try NOT to do anything too… Lissa.”

I froze in the spot where i stood, not knowing what I was going to do from that point onward.

“WHAT!? What is this prisoner doing here! This cell was supposed to be off limits!” shouted the female soldier. She may have been very forthright, but at least I was prettier than her.

“You. Stand by the window. Now.” said another soldier. A male Redguard. A young male Redguard. I did what he said and walked over to the window. I tried to look as attractive as I could, but that was a challenge when you were wearing an empty potato sack. The soldiers walked over to a wall in the far right corner of the cell.

“Now the passage should be over here. There is a loose brick which is a secret switch. Ah, here it is.” The female soldier said, pushing a brick, causing the wall to open. As this was happening, the old mane turned his attention towards me.

“You. I’ve seen you before. In my dreams…”

“…Thanks?” I replied, slightly confused. Was he flirting? Or was he senile?

He turned back towards the soldiers, “She comes with us. No questions.”

“I think you need to ask him some more question’s before you go with him. You don’t know what you’re letting yourself in for.” Said Rihanae.

“Like what? Asking him why I’m in jail to, you know, pass the time?” I whispered back sarcastically.

I looked at the guards, who looked as if they were ready to protest, but they resisted.

“Yes, Emperor.”

Emperor!?

“Wow, plot twist!” I whispered to Rihanae.

“Okay, you can trust him!” Rihanae, informed me.

The Emperor, again, turned towards me.

“Come with us.”

An early release AND the Emperor is speaking to me? Wow…

* * *

I followed the party through the ruins of what appeared to be some sort of tomb, I wasn’t to sure. The architecture was like nothing I had seen before. It was quite large, and I was tempted to shout just to see if it echoed, but I thought that wouldn’t go down well with the soldiers.

“What’s going to happen now?” I asked Rihanae.

“I don’t know. They’ll either let you go free as soon as you leave this ruin…”

“Oh!” I smiled.

“… or they’ll kill you.”

“Oh…” I frowned.

We continued walking. I began to whistle a delightful tune to amuse my self, but i was met by the glare of the female guard.

“Soo… why are we escaping? Is there trouble brewing?” I asked, not to anyone in particular.

“Do NOT ask questions, prisoner!” Warned the Redguard guard. I kept my mouth closed.

We continued walking. It was rather boring, but I couldn’t complain; literally. They’d kill me if I did.

“Rihanae, what is going on? Do you know why we are escaping?” I asked the surprisingly silent spirit.

“Unfortunately I do not have a clue.” He told me. I didn’t know whether he was lying to protect me from the truth, or he genuinely had no idea what was going on.

“I notice you appear to be talking to yourself?” said the emperor, who was walking in front of me. I was slightly shocked… and embarrassed.

“Yes, I… um. I’m slightly insane.” I tried to convince him. “Woo! I’m crazy, like… real crazy!”

Probably not a great idea trying to tell the emperor you’re insane in his bodyguard’s earshot, Lissa.

“Do not worry; I also noticed the gem you clutch in your hand. A guardian stone, is it not?”

I was surprised; mainly that he knew about guardian stone. I thought they were a one off thing.

“Yes, it is. I’m sorry that I… well, lied about my mentality.” I said. The Emperor laughed, and the Redguard guard turned around, scowling at me slightly.

“Emperor…” he said. The Emperor made a hand gesture which must have meant ‘keep walking’, as the guard did so.

“Why don’t you tell me about you Guardian spirit?”

The emperor is interested in ME? Wow…

“Well… he’s a bosmer. Was a bosmer I mean. He’s called Rihanae.”

The Emperor looked interested in what I was saying; I began to wonder whether he had a GS himself.

“Trust him, Lissa. Believe me when I say this.”

I looked at him, slightly confused.

“Um… okay.” I replied.

We walked into a large space, the sound of our footsteps bouncing against the echoing walls.

“Wow…” I said to myself.

Suddenly we were attacked from all around us. There were men in red and black armour trying to attack the Emperor. The soldiers readied themselves for a fight, while I tried to keep the Emperor safe, http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/IMGA0577.jpg

The battle was intense. Blood splattered the walls of the ancient building, but soon enough all the bad guys were dead… but so was the female soldier.

“Captain Renault…” grieved the Emperor. She may have been a stuck up idiot, but she fought well.

“Emperor, we have to keep going.” said the Redguard soldier, and then he turned to me. “You stay here.”

"Oh, but…"

The emperor looked at me and smiled. “Do not worry, this is not the last we will see of each other. We will me again… before the end.”

Morbid much. And I’m going to be all alone in a ruin crawling with assassins. What an excellent way to spend the day.

I looked at the smiling emperor and nodded. The party walked through a gate at the far end of the room, leaving me on my own.

I sat in the large room for a while, before walking over to the body of Captain Renault. I wasn’t that horrified at the fact I was sat right next to a dead body.

After what happened with Aliss, this is nothing.

I thought the decent thing to do would be to close her eyes to make her look more at peace. After I did so I noticed her Blade in her hand. It had her name inscribed on it.

I’d better keep hold of this. They may want it back.

Suddenly Rihanae spoke, he sounded quite excited.

“Lissa, Look over there. That wall is weak. You can knock it down.” said Rihanae.

I noticed the wall of which he spoke and, as he said, it was weak. I readied myself and shoulder rammed the wall. I could feel if moving, but I needed more power. After repeating my actions a few times the wall crumbled, to reveal a dank and stench ridden cavern.

“Good job my spirit friend!” I congratulated him for noticing the walls flaw.

I looked back toward Captain Renault. I was upset about the fact that she would be left here all alone. She could have had a family, kids and friends; but now she will just be left to rot in the ruin.
I couldn’t let my feeling get the better of me so I continued through to the cavern.

I strolled cautiously through the cavern, spotting something that peaked my interest. A skeleton wielding single bow and a quiver of about two dozen arrows attached to its back, which also wore a full set of what appeared to be leather armour. I wasn’t even remotely bothered about touching, and breaking, the skeleton, I was just happy that I was finally armed.

Now to get out of this hole!

Posted by: King Coin May 12 2011, 06:47 PM

Alright! Nice of the Emperor to advise her to LISTEN to her guardian.
Good writing and good chapter.

Posted by: SubRosa May 12 2011, 10:43 PM

So Rihane is doing hard time for stowing away on a carriage. I wonder where she tried to hide? Hopefully not in a trunk! At least she got to Cyrodiil free, and even had room and board arranged for her when she arrived!

So her guardian spirit is a Bosmer? That is a neat touch. Now Rihane's voice has that distinctive Bosmer sound in my ear. One thing I have noticed in version 2.0 is that you are doing much more with him. That is good to see. In this episode at least Rihane is a true companion of Lissa's.

She may have been very forthright, but at least I was prettier than her.
Well, good to know we have our priorities straight!

I began to wonder whether he had a GS himself.
I believe that would be Akatosh...

I tried to keep the Emperor safe, mainly by hiding with him in a dark corner.

Posted by: Acadian May 13 2011, 12:57 AM

'A male Redguard. A young male Redguard. I did what he said and walked over to the window. I tried to look as attractive as I could, but that was a challenge when you were wearing an empty potato sack'
Not a single young Redguard back in Jaktown, but here she finally finds one when she's dressed like a potato!

“…Thanks?” I replied, slightly confused. Was he flirting? Or was he senile?
No worries, Lissa. That is as long as he doesn't try that old line, 'What's your sign?' Then you can worry. Oh, wait. . . .

'They’ll either let you go free as soon as you leave this ruin…”
“Oh!” I smiled.
“… or they’ll kill you.”
“Oh…” I frowned.'
Nicely done!

Lissa is managing to make escaping from prison almost fun!

Posted by: Rihanae May 14 2011, 04:07 PM

Acadian: Hehe I'm glad you understand Lissa unfortunate scenario when it comes to prison wear and handome young men! It really was a joy travelling through tutorial dungeon with her, and im glad you've enjoyed reading about it

SubRosa: Thank you for the comment about Lissa's relationship with Rihanae. I feel it is important to develop Rihanae as much as it is Lissa, so using him more has been fun, as quite revealing to Lissa's character also!

King Coin: Well, if the Emperor can't get her to listen to Rihanae, who can?

IMPORTANT NOTE: All chapters from this point onward will include screenshots, highlighted by a bold font on a sentance/word. There is also a screenshot added to the previous chapter. I hope you enjoy

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa found herself in prison after stowing away in a carriage. She was eventually met by The emperor and his guards, who were trying to escape and lead the Emperor to safety for a reason unknown to Lissa or Rihanae. After they were attacked by assassins, the Emperor and his remaining guards left Lissa on her own; but Lissa eventually found a way into a secret cavern. what's a girl to do but explore?

I decided to spend a short space of time honing my skills with the bow before I ventured further.

Who knows what I’ll find! Probably more rats.

I studied my surrounding, which, even with the torch I found attached to one of the walls, due to the darkness were barely visible as it was, to see if I could find anything I could use as target practice.

“Lissa, is this really necessary?” Rihanae asked me.

“Why yes, it is. For all I know being locked up for so long could have messed my concentration up to the point where every shot I fire somehow end’s up being fired at me!” I joked.

“Hmm… I understand. Please, continue your search for a target.” He sounded quite sarcastic with that reply, but I decided to ignore him. I continued to scan the area; and I saw a barrel in the distance.

Perfect!

I put the guardian stone in the pocket of my leather greaves and took my bow from my back into my hands. I slid an arrow from the quiver and lined up a shot, pulling the string delicately. I released the string from my grip and watched as the arrow fired perfectly at the middle part of the barrel, which was easily about 50 feet away.

Not THAT impressive but, hey, it is dark.

“Okay, now that you have assured yourself that you are not useless, should we proceed?” Rihanae asked impatiently.

“We shall.” I answered.

I continued to walk through the part of the cavern I was in until I came across a wooden door; and a dead goblin.

“Wow, that’s gross.” I said, surprised.

“Search him.” Rihanae insisted.

“Sure; then how about after that I throw my guardian stone down that mucky well, yeah?” I threatened. There was no way that I was going to touch that thing.

“You managed to search that skeleton without a problem.” Rihanae reminded me.

“Yes, but he had something I needed. This charming fellow doesn’t.” I told Rihanae. But the more I resisted, the more her persisted.

“Just do it.” He said, rather bluntly.

After a few seconds of thinking about how disgusting it would be, I searched him; and found a key.

“Hah.” Said Rihanae, quite patronisingly as it goes.

“All right, so he has a key. And?” I said.

“Try it in that door.” Rihanae instructed.

I did so; only because Rihanae’s behaviour was REALLY getting to me and, like a charm, the door unlocked.

“How did you know that the door was even locked?” I asked, impressed; but also confused.

“I have my ways.” Rihanae Joked.

I proceeded through the wooden door and ended up in, yet, another part of the cavern.

Come on Lissa, did you really think that door would have led to the exit?

I walked through the cavern, dark and dank just like the other one. I followed the cavern until I came across a downwards slope; where 3 rats were sprinting towards me.
I took an arrow from the quiver and readied a shot; noticing something peculiar as the rats ran toward me.

“They’re not running at me… they’re running away from something.”

I kept my arrow notched as the rats ran past me. I walked slowly down the slope, readying myself for an attack; when I saw the silhouette of a man in the distance.

“Another escapee?” Rihanae asked. I didn’t have a clue.

“I don’t know…”

I walked cautiously toward the man, each step being trodden carefully to avoid drawing attention to myself. As I stepped closer I began to see the figure more clearly; it was defiantly a man.

“Are you okay?” I asked him, his head spinning to face me as soon as I spoke. He began to stumble towards me.

“He must be injured. Help him.” Rihanae told me.

It was too dark to see who the man was. I stepped even closer as the man shuffled toward me. Eventually I could see the man as clear as day as he stood in the light reflected from the ruins s above.

A… zombie. Oh no.

The zombie began to charge at me, so I fired my arrow; barely wounding him.

“This isn’t working!” I said to Rihanae.

“He is evidently very slow. Find the right moment and run past him.”

Despite the fact that the zombie was all man-size, he seemed to take up the whole space, in my eyes anyway. I hadn’t seen a zombie before, so I was slightly nervous to say the least. As the zombie stumbled forward I thought about what Rihanae had said.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/IMGA0585.jpg; his odour puke worthy. He lunged for me. An attack at which I ducked and slipped past him; running away from him continuing down the cavern as fast as my little leg’s could carry me.

* * *

My journey led me to a wide open space. A huge circular cave, which had a large dip in the centre which housed some caged rats.

Well, this is rather peculiar…

Then I saw something, something quite nasty.

GOBLINS! Okay, now not so peculiar.

I had no idea what I was going to do from there, so I tried to sneak past them. I wanted to save my arrows, so avoiding detection seemed like the best answer. I could see the exit, which I slowly headed for. Everywhere I turned there seemed to be a goblin. There was even a goblin mage, which I’d never seen before, but was careful not to attract.

I remained in the shadows, creeping past the intellectually challenged creatures, eventually making it to the exit. As I began to head out, something brittle snapped loudly beneath my foot. I jerked my head up and round, to be met by the stares of every Goblin in the cavern. I didn't think, I spun and sprinted towards what I thought was the way out. I ducked under a stalagmite, but not low enough. It clipped my shoulder and sent me spinning. I scrambled to my feet and tried to re-orient myself. The goblins were still on my tail, so I continued to sprint for my life.

I didn't think it would end well.

Notgonnamakeitgonnadie!

* * *

I managed to lose the goblins, and I found an entrance back into the tomb. At the end of the cavern there was a large hole gouged through the wall. I jumped through the hole and into the tomb. I could hear the voice of the Emperor, and relief overcame me. I followed the voice and found the party, all still intact. They were by a gate; the Redguard was trying, yet failing, to unlock it.

“It’s no use, it won’t budge. We’ll have to find another way.” said the Redguard.

I noticed there was another room on the left hand side of the locked gate, so I spoke up.

“What about this room here?”

The party all turned to look at me. The Emperor looked pleased to see me. The soldiers did not.

“What are you doing here?” said the other soldier. He unsheathed his sword and came towards me. “Careful, she might be working with the assassins!”

“No, she’s not. This girl is innocent." the Emperor turned to face me. "Please, accompany me to this room of which you speak. We must talk.” said the Emperor. I obeyed his orders and entered the room with him, with the soldiers remaining outside, keeping guard. The Emperor began to speak again; I could feel a lecture coming on.

“Now we are free from my guards I must inform you that you are key to the survival of Cyrodiil’s people…”
He went on about oblivion, saving the world, his assassinated sons. I spaced out, to be honest.

After his speech he took his amulet off from around his neck and handed it to me. “You must take this Amulet to a man named Jauffre. He resides in the Weynon Priory just outside of Chorrol. Speak to him. Tell him that there is another heir-“

I heard fighting outside. The sound of blades clanging made me nervous, but I knew we were safe. Well, until an assassin came out of nowhere and within milliseconds he killed the Emperor before my eyes. I was shocked as I had no clue as to where he came from. Startled, I fell to the floor. The assassin began to slowly walk towards me. I froze in fear as he lifted his sword ready to plunge it into me.

“You’re going to regret helping the Emperor, Redguard.” threatened the assassin. I closed my eyes, sure of death, when I heard the assassin collapse with a crash to the floor. I opened my eyes. The Redguard soldier stood before me, offering a hand. He killed the assassin. The other soldier was nowhere to be seen.

“Are you ok?” he asked

I brushed myself off before I answered. “Yeah, I’m okay. Thanks.”

“The Emperor. I can’t believe he’s gone. I’ve failed him… did he say anything before he passed?”

“Apart from a gasp of surprise, nothing really. Not anything interesting anyway, but he did give me this amulet.”

“By the Nine! He trusted you with this?”

“I guess. I’ve got to give it to some guy called Jeffrey.”

“Jauffre.”

“Jafferey?”

“Jauffre.”

“Jauffre?”

“Yeah. He’s the head of my order, the Blades. If the Emperor said you have to go to him, then you have to.” He fumbled around in his pocket for a bit, before unveiling a key. “Here, take this. This’ll get you to the sewers, which if you follow will get you out of here.” He handed me the key, then smiled at me. “I’m guessing you’re an Archer. Am I right?”

“Nope. I’m an Archress.”

“An Archress?”

“Yes.”

“So… an Archer?”

“No, an ArchRESS.”

“Okay.” He looked slightly puzzled, but he turned serious again. “You have to go. Now. And please, Be careful.”

* * *

After trekking through dirty water in the rancid sewer I eventually made it to the exit, a single beam of light revealing daylight from the outside. The sewer wasn’t to difficult to navigate through. A few mudcrabs and goblins, but other than that it was a piece of sweetcake.

“Mmm… sweetcake.”

“Lissa!” Rihanae said.

“Sorry.” I apologized.

I opened the exit gate and ran towards my freedom.

Fresh air! Sun! FLOWERS!

I danced beautifully with glee at the beauty of my daring escape, of which the end result was to say the least, beautiful.

But before I caused my self an injury from my, frankly, brilliant moves, I stopped to think.

I’ve got to get to Jeffrey immediately… then to Anvil.
This was only the beginning of what was to come, and I knew it. Just because I was free didn’t mean I actually was free; free from Leinahtan.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/IMGA0563.jpg. A vast acre of lake spread across the stunning the land. The tweeting of unseen birds that brought sweet music to the land. A ruin across the other side of the lake adding history to the already perfect province that was Cyrodiil; and a mudcrab clawing at me from my far left.

“I have no time for you’re antic’s Mr. mudcrab.” I told it as I walked to my right. I thought about bathing, but i just wanted to get into some real clothes as quick as I could.

“How do I get to the Imperial City from here?” I asked Rihanae.

“It’s quite a challenge I assure you, are you ready for the strain and effort you will have to endure to get there?” He replied.

“Sure.” I said. I wasn’t fussed. The best clothes were in the Imperial City, so I didn’t care how long it would take to get there.

“Turn around.” Rihanae told me; so I did so.

I could see it; the beautiful Whitegold tower that signified the location of the city.

“You weren’t very good at the sarcasm by the way. Most people would find you’re teasing about its location quite humorous but I do not.” I joked. At least Rihanae was Lightening up. For a change.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/IMGA0564.jpg

How exiting! The big city!

I smiled to myself.

My journey was about to begin...

Posted by: King Coin May 14 2011, 05:38 PM

My favorite part of the whole chapter!

I sure hope there's more sarcasm from Rihanae in the future.

Posted by: SubRosa May 14 2011, 09:42 PM

Lissa and Rihane originally mistaking the zombie for another escaped prisoner was a good touch, as was the natural thought that he was wounded. Talk about surprises!

Once again the Jafferey/Jauffre part was great fun!

Posted by: Acadian May 15 2011, 12:12 AM

Whew! Lissa and Rihanae made it out of the sewers!

“So… an Archer?”
“No, an ArchRESS.”
“Okay.” He looked slightly puzzled, but he turned serious again.'
Not to worry, Lissa. Poor Baurus had trouble with the concept of 'bowgirl' as well.

“How do I get to the Imperial City from here?” I asked Rihanae.
“It’s quite a challenge I assure you, are you ready for the strain and effort you will have to endure to get there?” He replied. '
This segment and the revelation that followed was wonderful!

Posted by: Rihanae May 16 2011, 01:14 PM

Acadian: Thank you for the kind words haha, it seem's Buarus doesn't know what to do when confronted with whimsical females such as Buffy and Lissa!

SubRosa: Hehe, i'm still glad that Jeffrey/Jauffre is still an entertaining segment! Tbh in my first playthrough ever i thought that the zombie was a human; so i thought that Lissa would to. I'm glad it worked

King Coin: I'm glad you enjoyed Rihanae's moment of humour, i'm sure there will be plenty more moments like that!

NOTE: The following chapter is versian 1.0 parts 1 & 2 of chapter 3 combined, since there wasn't an awful lot of editing i felt that needed doing. Alos, i am still open to nits, should you need to offer some

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa traveled through the cavers and met up with the emperors party, only to be in charge of loking after the emperor again when the assassins attack. Unfortunately the emperor is killed by an assassin that appeared out of a secret passage, a passage that she is later instructed to follow to make a daring escape. Lissa now has to travel to Chorrol to deliver an amulet to a man named Jauffre that she was given to by the emperor; but not before a quick pit stop to the Imperial City.

The Imperial City was, to say the least, enormous. All I noticed whilst entering the capital was the titanic tower in the middle of the city. As I walked through he busy streets I thought to myself about what my plan of action was for that particular moment.

So I can either stay in town for the night or head to Chorrol now…

I couldn’t decide, it was too hard. I wanted to give the amulet to Jeffery so it was out of the way, but I also wanted to explore the city a bit more, maybe get a bite to eat.

I have to find somewhere to buy some decent clothes, anyway.

Seeing as I found at least fifty septims in the dungeon, I thought I may as well do a bit of retail therapy after my ordeal, but I doubted that I would find anything even remotely affordable.

“I suggest you stay in town for the night, at least. Rest up a bit. Jauffre isn’t going anywhere.” Rihanae suggested, and he was right, as always.

I thought about what I would do, where I would go. So many shops, so little time.

“I think your main priority should be getting your bow repaired. It’s in bad shape.”

“Oh hush, you!” I replied, slightly annoyed. Rihanae was getting on my nerves. “My main priority should be having a bath!”

I decided to ask around to find a source of water large enough to bathe in. I thought about the beautiful stretch of water outside the sewer exit, mentally kicking myself for not bathing while I had the chance. I saw and asked a beggar, I thought about giving her money for helping me, if I felt like it. Maybe. I barely had enough money for me.

“Um, excuse me, I’m looking for a public bathing spot. Or a shower. Do you know of any near here?”

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/IMGA0567.jpg

“Yes, please, follow me… for a piece of gold.”

Without protest, I reached into the bag Baurus gave me and took out a single septim. She took it gently from my fingers and thanked me, then beckoned me to follow her.

“So what is your name, Redguard?” she asked.

“Lissa- Lissa Cristenn. I’m an archress from Anvil.”

“How wonderful. My name is Simplicia.” She told me.

“Good to meet you Simplicia. So... where are we going?”

“There is a small stream of water within the city, near the door to the palace. It’s not exactly fresh, but it should do the job.”

So using dirty water to get clean? Genius.

“Is there nowhere... um... more hygienic?” I asked the kind beggar.

She laughed at me, as if I told a really bad joke. Either that or I just have one of those faces you can't help but laugh at.

“I can honestly say, no. The only way you can have a clean bath here is to break into the palace!” we stopped walking as we reached the door she spoke of and, as she said, there was a stream by the door. It smelled.

I slowly began to walk down a ramp leading into the murky water, reluctantly removing my leather armour to ‘bathe’ in the water. Once I was pretty much naked, I put a single toe in the water.

HOLY MOLY that’s cold!

“Are you sure that there is nowhere else in the city I can bathe?”

“I’m certain.” said simplicia.

I decided to grit my teeth and bear with the water, plunging my whole body inside. http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/IMGA0568.jpg, but it wasn’t long until I felt something brush against my foot.

“WHAT WAS THAT!” I screamed to Simplicia.

“What was what, dear?” Simplicia wondered.

“Something brushed against my foot!” I panicked.

Simplicia looked at me and chuckled.

“Oh, don’t worry Lissa. It’s nothing to worry about. More than likely just a dead rat.” She said quite calmly.

Dead… rat?

“All clean!” I said, rushing out of the disgusting water. I walked up the ramp and put my clothes back on is ship shape fashion.

“Well, that was pleasant.” I said, putting on my boots. Simplicia smiled at me.

“Imagine bathing in there everyday, child!” Her smile quickly turned into an expectant gaze. “Is there anything else I can help you with?"

“Your repairs, Lissa! It’s important! Get her to take you to a weapon shop, or armourer!” demanded Rihanae.

“You’re boring me now.” I replied. Simplicia looked at me, confused. She must have thought I was talking to her. “No, not you. Um... I need to find a weapon shop. Could you take me to one? For this?”

I reached into my bag and pulled out another gold coin. Simplicia had a grateful look on her frail face. She took the coin from my hand.

“Thank you, Lissa. I’ll take you to ‘A Fighting Chance', it’s the best, I’ve heard.”

Simplicia began to walk and i followed, looking at each person I walked past to see if they had a ‘By the Nine what is that SMELL!” look on their face.

* * *

We didn’t have to walk far to get to ‘A Fighting Chance’, hardly worth the gold to be honest, but if it helped out Simplicia I didn’t mind.

I stood outside the shop door with Simplicia, thanked her and she wondered off, no doubt to do more begging, as beggars do. I opened the doors to the shop, and was met by a room full of weaponry. Swords, daggers, bows and other dangerous things. I walked over to the counter where an old-ish woman was writing on some paper. I coughed to hint at my presence, catching her attention. She looked at me.

I don’t believe it!

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/IMGA0566.jpg I screamed with glee in my voice.

“Lissa? what brings you here?” Rohssan replied. She walked around the counter and embraced me; it was wonderful seeing a familial face again.

“You know, got arrested, escaped from prison. The usual!”

“Wait, What?” Rohssan said, slightly confused.

“Its a long story.” I told her.

“I’ve got time.” Rohssan informed me, leading me to a seat.

* * *

“And now I’ve got to give this to some guy called Jeffrey.” I showed her the amulet.

Rohssan smiled, she seemed quite entertained by my story, strangely.

“Well, you Cristenn women certainly know how to cause trouble!”

“Don’t I know it!” I replied. I went to ask her a question before we were interrupted by the sound of the shop door opening, http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/IMGA0574.jpg. She noticed we were talking and walked sheepishly towards us, holding a fur cuirass in her hands.

“Sorry, Rohssan, but I’m in a bit of a predicament..."

“Did you break your bow again, Jessie?"

“No, not this time. I’ve ripped my cuirass.”

I looked and saw, like she said, a large rip on her cuirass. It looked more like a claw mark, though.

“Oh, I see.” said Rohssan. She stood and took the cuirass from Jessie then walked over to her counter and took out a sewing kit, starting work.

Jessie came over and sat in Rohssan’s seat. She smiled at me, as if she was expecting me to initiate a conversation. She was pretty, but that wouldn’t mean we’d be friends. Suddenly Rohssan spoke.

“Jessie, this is my niece, Lissa. Lissa, this is my favourite customer, Jessie."

Great, Thanks auntie-

“Pleased to meet you!” Jessie said, rather excitedly. She held out her hand which I took, shaking it.

“Ditto.”

The silence was awkward. I prayed for Rohssan to finish up so the atmosphere would loosen up.

“So... what brings you to the city?” Jessie asked.

“Just a pit stop, really. I’m headed to Chorrol.”

“Oh. Any particular reason?”

“Yes, actually. Thank you for asking.” I said sarcastically.

I didn’t mean to be, well, mean, but I couldn’t stand small talk. Jessie was nice enough yes, but I wasn’t in the mood to chat about nothing.

Rohssan walked over, holding the cuirass, now repaired.

“Here we go Jessie.” She handed Jessie the cuirass. Jessie had a pleased look on her face and took the cuiress, standing as she did so.

“Thanks Rohssan, it’s perfect!” She turned to me. “Nice to meet you, Lissa.”

I smiled at her and she left. I was now free to continue my conversation with auntie Rohssan. I had lots of questions to ask.

About Maelona, about the latest happenings.

About mother...

“You’ll have to excuse Jessie, by the way,” Rohssan said. “She could talk for Cyrodiil!”

“It’s okay aunt Rohssan, she wasn’t bothering me.”

Much.

“So anything big happen while I was away?” I continued, changing the subject. There was so much I needed to know.

“Well, Maelona got married and-“

“Wait a minute, hold up. What? And she didn’t let me know?” I was slightly aggravated that Rohssan said this as if I already knew about it. How could I?

“Her and Gogan last year. It was a beautiful ceremony. She did say she tried to contact you via a private investigator.” She could clearly the how angry I looked as her expression turned stern. “You need to realise that you were away for a LONG time. She had no idea where you were. Wipe that look off your face. You can’t blame Maelona when she had no possible way of letting you know about it.”

Rohssan was right and, yeah, I may have been a little bit selfish being a bit annoyed by her revelation, but I put on a smile and acted as if I was ok with it. It wasn’t that Maelona didn’t let me know about it, it was more that fact that I wasn’t there on her big day. I was angrier at myself than anything.

“Lissa, this is wasting time. Forget renting a room for the night, you need to get to Jauffre NOW!” Rihanae ordered. I couldn’t exactly answer him in front or Rohssan, so I tried to excuse myself.

“Um… I need to go outside for a bit of fresh air. I feel really stuffy. Is that okay?” I asked Rohssan.
“Of course, but please come back. We have more to talk about!” She replied with a smile on her face.

I rose from my seat and headed toward the shop door, opened it and left the shop. To the right had side of the shop there was a small arch; perfect for talking to Rihanae without people thinking I’m a lunatic. Once I was under the arch I spoke to Rihanae.

“You could of at least waiting until I’d stopped talking to Rohssan. Rude much,”

“We have no time for family reunions. Not right now anyway.”

His comment made me slightly livid, but again I didn’t want to draw attention to myself by raising my voice to no-one because that’s just weird.

“I don’t understand exactly why it should be me who has to deliver it.”

“Because the emperor entrusted you with a task. A task which you should complete.”

“But WHY! How is me giving an amulet to Jeffrey going to save the world exactly?”

“No, I don’t think Jauffre is the key. But I DO think he is a link. A link to your true destiny”

“Oh, okay, my DESTINY! Right.” I replied, sarcastically of course.

Destiny shmestiny.

“So you’re really going to be this stubborn?”

“Stubborn? Stubborn? I’ll give you-“

Suddenly I heard a voice next to me. A familiar voice.

“Who’s being stubborn?

Jessie was stood next to me, a big grin on her face.

“Erm… no-one, it doesn’t matter,” I replied with a smile and asked her a question, “so you got attacked?”

My eyes pointed in the direction of her cuirass. She went all sheepish on me.

“Um, yeah. Something I tried to do went a bit wrong…” she told me.

A BIT wrong?

Her eyes suddenly turned hopeful.

“I need to ask you something.”

“Okay, shoot.” I said.

As long as it’s not a question about her hair, because I would have to be brutally honest.

“You’re heading to Chorrol, aren’t you?” she asked; a hopeful look in her eyes.

“Um…”

“Yes, you are.” Rihanae said.

“Maybe. Why?” I said.

“Well, I’m trying to get into the Arcane University and I need to get my recommendation from
Chorrol.”

“And that involves me because…” I asked.

“Because I would really like some company if I’m honest. I’ve been travelling alone and I get bored.”

Her face looked quite sad, I wanted to say yes, but I didn’t know if I was even going to Chorrol. While I was thinking, something suddenly registered in my head.

“Wait a minute, you’re a mage?” I asked Jessie.

“No, I’m a conjurer. I’m an apprentice.”

That is seriously cool.

“Can you… show me something?”

Jessie looked around, registering the people walking by.

“Here? Now?” She asked.

“Pretty pretty pretty please! PLEASE!” I begged.

“I don’t know. I’m not very good. What about if what I summon attacks someone? It was something I summoned that attacked me. I can’t risk it hurting someone else.”

“Life is for risks Jessie and I can easily take it down if something gets out of hand,” I informed her. “how about this; you summon something, ANYTHING, and I accompany you to Chorrol.”

Jessie thought about it. She looked around a bit more, then smiled at me.

“Okay.”

YES! This’ll be fun!

Jessie had a look of deep concentration on her face. She raised her right arm and an intense purple glow engulfed her hand. A small portal appeared in front of her and http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/IMGA0573.jpg.

Okay. Wow.

I stood in awe of what Jessie had just done. I was the least to say, impressed.

“That is incredible Jessie, seriously. You should be so proud of yourself!”

I was genuinely happy for her. It was amazing.

“Thank you, that means a lot to me. Not a lot of people think I’m very good at what I do.”

“Don’t let what people say bother you, Jess; can I call you Jess?”

“Yeah, sure!” Jessie smiled.

“Look at me! I’m a redguard archress. That’s not very common.”

“I guess! I’m a bit of an archer myself on the side. I don’t suppose you could give me some pointers?”

I smiled at her and held her shoulders.

“How about when we get to Chorrol? Is that okay?”

Jessie’s face lit up.

“Really? You’ll come? Thanks!” Her happiness was obvious, and a bit overwhelming.

“Well, I have to speak to my aunt first but how about I meet you in the inn next door in, let’s say, an hour?”

“Yeah, sure!” I was slightly confused about why Jessie was so exited about me accompanying her to Chorrol.

I must just have that effect on people.

“So what do you have to do in Chorrol?” Jessie asked me. For some reason I didn’t feel reluction to tell a complete stranger my private plans.

“I have to go to Weynon priory and deliver… something to a guy called Jeffrey.”

“OH! I know Jauffre-”

Oh, it IS Jauffre. Now I feel stupid.

“He’s friends with my dad. I know how to sweet talk him!” she said, proudly.

“Do you live in Chorrol, then?”

“No, I live in Bravil, but I used to visit Chorrol a lot since the guild there specializes in conjuration. My dad works there.”

I wasn’t in the mood for an info dump from Jessie right now, so I changed the subject. There would be plenty of time to talk on the way to Chorrol.

“So is there anything about conjuration you can teach me?”

“Are you any good with magic?”

“Basic spells, really. It’s enough to get me by.”

Jessie looked deep in thought. She did that a lot.

“Well, I can’t teach you anything personally, but I’m sure my dad can teach you something basic.”

Major awesomeness right there!

“Well then, it’s a deal. I take you to Chorrol and teach you a bit about archery and YOU get your dad to teach me something in conjuration. Deal?”

“Deal!” replied Jessie.

I’m not sure what it was but there was something about Jessie that I trusted. She was totally insecure and hardly self sufficient, the opposite of me; but despite all this I just knew, there and then, that we were going to be great friends. Even though her hair looked like she’d just been attacked by a bush. But I was willing to let that slide… for now

Posted by: King Coin May 16 2011, 04:15 PM

We're almost caught up now where the other story left off now. You've made some great improvements to the story with this little reboot. I'm really enjoying Lissa's story!

How did Buffy get over here? She's supposed to be in Bravil!

Posted by: SubRosa May 16 2011, 04:39 PM

I thought I may as well do a bit of retail therapy


Yay for Simplicia! Methinks that she was playing a little joke on Lissa. I hope so! Otherwise I'm never going to the Imperial City again!

More than likely just a dead rat.”
Yikes! It sounds like Lissa needs to go to the BF or TF if she wants a good bath!

Destiny shmestiny.
I love seeing this again. It reminds me of something Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck would say.

Posted by: Acadian May 17 2011, 12:41 AM

Lovely to see dear Simplicia again. And how exciting that Rohsann is Lissa's aunt!

Looks like Lissa has a new friend -
'“Yeah, sure!” I was slightly confused about why Jessie was so exited about me accompanying her to Chorrol.
I must just have that effect on people. '

Lissa continues to have a very young and appropriate (for her) voice that is fun to hear. Her interaction with Rihanae is also neat.

*
'Alos, i am still open to nits, should you need to offer some '
Since you are soliciting nits, let me mention that a fair number are still slipping through your editing. What I will do moving forward is simply point out the first one I come to as I read. My hope is this will assist by giving you a feel for the types of errors you are making without overly dwelling on editing details.

' As I walked through he busy streets I thought to myself about what my plan of action was for that particular moment. '
You want 'the' of course.

Posted by: Lady Syl May 20 2011, 03:40 AM

Sorry, I got behind a little...

Just read Chapter 1.2 and...wow. What a crazy, unexpected turn of events. I am left speechless about Aliss' massacre... And so, Rihanae is Lissa's guardian spirit, eh? I like this, and also I love how Lissa finds him so...helpful! Don't you just wish they would tell you everything you want to know?

All of the chapter was excellent. I enjoyed it, and I'll try to catch up over the weekend, so I'm not leaving comments that are so out of sync with the others!

Posted by: Rihanae May 24 2011, 01:38 PM

Lady Syl: I'm so thrilled that you are reading the journal! Thank you for your comments on 1.2, I'm glad you enjoyed it

Acadian: I'm very happy that you enjoy Lissa mannerism's with her speech and communication with Rihanae! Their relationship is a struggled one, but i'm sure it will get better in time haha

SubRosa: Hehe, i'm glad you enjoy Lissa little 'Lissa-ism's' and i hope they are enjoyable to everyone else aswell

King Coin: haha! thanks for noticing that! I'm not sure how Buffy popped in their... must just be more of a fan than i thought!

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa bathed, she shopped and she met a beggar, Simplicia, who led her to the direction of A Fighting Chance so Lissa could get her stuff repaired. Lissa discovers that the proprietor of said shop is her Aunt Rohssan, who tells her a lot about whats been happening whilst Lissa was away. Also, Lissa met Jessie, a Bosmer Conjurer who she managed to persuade to summon something in return for Jessie to have Lissa's companionship to Chorrol, where Jessie need's her latest Arcane University recommendation...

“AH! You’re back!” Said Rohssan as I walked through the shop door, back into her presence.

“Yeah, sorry I took so long. I saw Jessie and-“

“Say no more, that explains it. Like I said; she can talk for Cyrodiil!” Rohssan joked.

“I can’t stay long, Auntie Rohssan. I told Jessie I’d go with her to Chorrol. Poor chick was desperate for company!”

A little white lie. Rohssan’ll never find out about mine and Jessie’s deal. I do do things out of the kindness of my heart though...

Rohssan’s face suddenly turned disappointed.

“Oh, that’s okay. There was a lot I needed to talk to you about, but it can wait.”

She beckoned me over to sit with her, so I did. I sat next to her on the wooden bench, a grin spread across her face.

“I have something for you,” she said with such glee, “Wait here.”

Rohssan rose from her seat and headed toward the basement door at the far end of the shop, opened it and dissapeared.

I wonder what she has for me! Oooh…

I got up from my seat and walked over to the counter. I hoisted myself up onto it, sitting with my legs dangling off the side.

“Lissa, please get of the counter.” Rihanae nagged.

“Why?” I asked.

“Because it won’t look good on Rohssan if a customer walks in and the first thing they see will be you sitting on the counter like a child!”

“So?” I replied. I enjoyed winding him up.

“Lissa, Please.”

“Please what?”

“Please get off the counter!”

He was getting agitated now. I would have gotten off eventually, I just wanted to see how far I could push him. For a dead guy he was rather bossy.

“NO! You’re not the boss of me!

“Get off!”

“NO.”

“Lissa, get off the counter please.”

I turned to see Rohssan, back from the basement. Without hesitation I gently hopped
off the counter. I noticed something in Rohssan’s hand. A large warhammer.

“Cool hammer, Auntie Rohssan.” I said enthusiastically. It was pretty awesome.

“I’m glad you like it Lissa. It’s your fathers.”

My-

“My… fathers?”

“Yes. Please come and sit down. I’ll explain.”

We walked back over to the bench and sat down. She began to explain about the hammer.

“About a year after your dad died, Oleta came into the shop, dragging this hammer with her. She wanted me to sell it.”

“Even though it was dads?”

“She said she wanted to lose a painful memory.”

My eyes began to water.

Why would she try to sell something so precious? How could she?

“Anyway, I gave her my word that I would do what I could. But I decided to wait.”

“Wait for me?” I asked.

“Yes. I thought it would be better off with a Cristenn than a stranger.”

“You’re letting me have it?”

“Yes,” Rohssan smiled, “I am, it should belong to you.”

I reached for the hammer, but before I could touch it Rohssan pulled it away from my grasp.

Um, okay.

“First of all, I need to give you this.” Rohssan said, pulling a bronze ring off her finger, handing it to me. “This ring I hand enchanted with strength. Without it this hammer would be near impossible to wield. For you, especially.”

Thanks, Rohssan. Great pep talk.

I put the ring on my index finger. I felt a little bit different, but not a whole lot.

Time to test it!

I stood up from my seat and grabbed the hammer, which Rohssan and placed on the table before She took the ring off. It would have been quite funny if she took the ring off before dropping the hammer.

Ha-ha.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/IMGA0590.jpg

Holy moly this ring is amazing!

“Do you like it?” Rohssan asked.

I looked thoughtfully at the hammer, noticing a small inscription on the mighty weapon.

Shatterheart. Cool name.

I raised my head to make eye contact with Rohssan.

“Yeah, I love it!”

*

“Promise me you will visit me soon, okay?” said Rohssan. We were stood outside her shop.

“Yeah, I promise.”

“Good. Now give your old auntie a hug!” she said, her arms outstretched.

I grabbed her for a hug, her armour hardened the blow. We stayed embraced for a little while before we let go of each other. Rohssan gave me a thoughtful nod and headed back inside her shop.

I wondered about what I was going to do now. I had to meet Jessie at some point but first, there was something else I needed to do.

*

I stood inside ‘Red Diamond Jewellery’, a shop just opposite Rohssan’s. I was greeted by a Nord; a rather loud Nord.

“WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU TODAY?” he said. Actually, he belted it.

“Um, I was wondering how long it took you to fashion a piece of jewellery out of-” I pulled out my guardian stone, “This?”

“Lissa, what are you doing?!” Rihanae asked. I ignored him.

“WELL, IT DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE.” He informed me.

Hm… what would I like…?

I thought for a little while; before a minor rush of excitement took over.

I know…

*

“Oh my gosh, Jessie I have so much I need to tell you!”

I saw Jessie sat at the bar as I entered the ‘Merchant’s Inn’, so I ran up to her to show off everything I had gotten.

“First of all, how do you like this?!” I said, showing her my strength ring.

“Wow! That is pretty cool!” She said, exited.

“And… THIS!” I said, showing her Shatterheart.

“AMAZING! It’s so beautiful, Lissa!”

“And… this!” I said, showing her the silver bracelet I had made from my Guardian Stone, and the stone worked just as well even with it’s new look. “I had it made from my sapphire. The guy at the shop cut the sapphire into little bits and forged the pieces onto this bracelet. Pretty, no?”

“No.” Rihanae interrupted. I ignored him, again.

“That is amazing Lissa, I love it!” Jessie exclaimed. A bit over the top, but I appreciated her enthusiasm.

I turned my tone serious. Well, more serious than it was, anyway

“Now, have you done everything you needed to do here?

“Yeah, I have.” Jessie replied.

“Then shall we head to Chorrol?” I asked.

“We shall!”

***

“LISSA!” I heard as I spun to see Simplicia running toward me- well, staggering. Running wasn’t a strong point at her age.

“Hey Simplicia, I’m glad I caught you. Me and my friend are off to Chorrol.” I told her, patting Jessie on the back.

“Oh, well that is a shame. I was hoping you’d be in the city longer.”

“Well will be if she doesn’t stop yapping. We must go now, Lissa!”

I ignored Rihanae’s sudden rudeness.

“Yeah sorry, but I’ve got things to do. Take care of yourself.” I said, edging in for a goodbye hug.

“Don’t leave just yet, I have something for you.”

Jessie and I looked at each other.

“Ooh, what?” I asked.

Simplicia pulled out an envelope from the seam of her skirt and handed it to me. I opened it and looked at the contents. A letter; and a key.

“What does it say?” Jessie asked me.

I took the letter out and read it aloud.

“Lissa, I couldn’t help but notice that you were back in Cyrodiil. Take this key. When the time comes, you’ll know what it is for. From… a friend.”

I looked at Jessie; who took the letter from my hand.

“Who gave this to you?” I asked Simplicia.

“One of the Kajiit from the Courier. He said that the woman who gave it to him told him to give it to me to give to you.”

Woman?

"Who could it be Lissa? Maelona?" Rihanae asked; he sounded as confused as I was.

“Well why not just give it to me first instead of the crazy mind games?” I asked. Simplicia simply shook her head.”

Ahh… the plot thickens...

***

Jessie and I took a gentle stroll through the city as we headed towards the main exit at the Talos Plaza District. The city was absolutely gorgeous. The architecture was exquisite… and it was so CLEAN!

“How long till we get to Chorrol?” I asked Jessie.

She thought before she answered.

“Maybe about half a day?” she replied.

“This’ll be fun Jessie. A journey with just us girls! It’ll be-“

Before I had a chance to finish I was grabbed from behind. I spun around to see http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/IMGA0592.jpg staring at me with terror in his eyes.

“Can I help you?” I asked.

“You! It’s you” you’re the person who saves the world! You must go now. Go go go go… now. Go. You have to.”

“Okay, you’re crazy.” I informed him.

“The fire surrounding you, it burn’s so bright. THE DRAGON FIRES! Help them, they must cleanse the city of Dagon…” He continued.

I vaguely recognised the random dribble the old guy was saying. It sounded an awful lot like what Aliss was saying that day.

Leinahtan.

“Are you okay, sir?” Jessie asked him.

The crazy guy turned to Jessie and looked her up and down before speaking to her.

“You’re going to do a good thing. The loss of one life to save many. A valuable asset to the party you are dearest Jessie. When the time comes, you must listen to your head. Do not resist the call of Oblivion.”

Jessie had a strange look on her face. She looked scared. I walked up toe the old guy and gently shoved him.

“Don’t you DARE talk to her like that! You could really scare someone, you know?!”

I walked closer to him: my face edging closer to his.

“I know who you are.” I told him, with a slightly threatening edge to my voice.

“Amuse me, child.” He said, smirking. His breath was nasty.

“Your Leinahtan… and I’m NOT afraid of you.” I said; gritting my teeth.

“Lissa, you need to stay calm; we don’t know what we are dealing with here.” Rihanae said. He was right.

Leinahtan laughed at me.

“You have no idea who I am child.” His laughing came to a halt. “You wouldn’t talk to me with that much disrespect if you did.”

His eyes gradually began to change to hatred, anger, rage. His expression began to boil and before I could even scream for help I was on the floor, the man on top of me tightening his grip around my throat. Jessie tried to help but the crazy guy used some sort of paralysis spell on her.

“Ge-get o-o-off. Get OFF!” I croaked. I could feel my life slowly slipping away. Even with my ring of strength

I was no match for him. I could barely hear Rihanae’s cries of desperation.

I'm gonna die...

The guards seemed to just ignore what was happening. Whoever this guy was, he has some immense power. It’s like he hypnotised the guards into ignoring the attack.

Just as everything was turning black, my life slipping away beneath the crazy guy’s fingers, I heard the release of a drawn bowstring followed by an arrow shooting inside the crazy guys head. The guy released his grip and fell on top of me. I pushed him off and staggered to my feet. Jessie stood, mobile, with her bow in her hand. The look of shock and horror was on her face. She saved my life, yet ruined her own. She killed someone. And she knew it.

The first is always the worst…

I gently walked over to her and put my arm around her.

“Come on. Let’s get to Chorrol.” I said gently to her.

We began to walk away from the scene with the guards still in a mystical trance and the crazy guy led on the floor, blood oozing from the arrow wound in his head. Jessie turned to me, tears in her eyes and shock in her face.

“What was he talking about, Lissa?” she asked.

I turned my head away from her.

Was nowhere safe from him? What am I going to do now…

Posted by: King Coin May 24 2011, 07:37 PM

It was very thoughtful of Rohssan to give the hammer to Lissa when she unexpectedly wandered into her shop. You'd think she'd be more hesitant to give Lissa something when she just up and left for over a year for parts unknown.

I loved that line.


Someone didn't like being cut up and made into a bracelet lol

A mysterious envelope, interesting!

Dire prediction of Jessie's fate. I can't help but worry some.

I hope we find out more about this Leinahtan person.

Posted by: SubRosa May 25 2011, 12:37 AM

The plot does thicken. Where did that mysterious letter and key originate from? It does not sound like her sister, as Lissa thought, why would she not just deliver it personally? I wonder if it might have been Leinahtan perhaps?

Speaking of whom, I see the mystery being reared his mysterious head again. Who or whatever he is, he sure likes using others as a mouthpiece. Good thing for Lissa that Jessie was around, else it looks like she would not have survived!

Posted by: Acadian May 25 2011, 02:17 AM

“Lissa, please get of the counter.” Rihanae nagged.
“Why?” I asked.'
This, and the rest of this delightful exchange was very fun!

So Leinahtan didn't get left back there in Hammerfell? Uh oh.

Off to Chorrol I'm guessing!

Posted by: Rihanae May 26 2011, 04:27 PM

Acadian: Hehe, i'm glad you enjoyed the counter exchange! Lissa is such a tease!

SubRosa: I think that Lissa will value Jessie's frindship a whole lot more now that she saved Lissa's life! That Leinahtan just doesn't give up! haha

King Coin: It is worrying about Jessie's fortune telling. what a omnious message! And i think Rihanae detests being made into a bracelet... it's not very manly now! haha

PREVIOUSLY: After chatting with Jessie Lissa said goodbye to Rohssan, but not before receiving a ring of strength and her fathers war hammer from her. Then she went to Red Diamond Jewelry and had her Guardian Stone made into a bracelet. once she met up with Jessie they were stopped by Simplicia, who gave Lissa a mysterious letter which contained a key from a 'friend'. whilst leaving the city they were attacked by Leinahtan using the form of an old Breton man, but after killing him the pondered about what happened...

Jessie and I sat in the Wawnet Inn; a pretty little inn just outside the imperial city. We sat at the bar with a drink of Surille Brothers wine in our glasses. Jessie still looked disorientated about what happened; and I couldn’t blame her. I’d told her about Aliss’s massacre on the may to the Inn; explaining about Leinahtan on the way.

She was quiet, really quiet. It was worrying; especially from someone as outspokenly annoying as Jessie.

“Are you okay?” asked the barmaid, directed at Jessie. Jessie didn’t reply.

“She’s just a bit shaken up.” I informed the barmaid; a puzzled look appearing on her face.

“Oh… it’s not the wine I hope?” she laughed. It was a bit inappropriate to joke about Jessie’s state of mind, but it was kinda funny.

“No, it’s not the wine. The wine is delicious.” I assured her.

“I’m glad you think so!” she replied, “I’m a bit of a collector you see. All the fine wines in Cyrodiil can be found here!”

I smiled at her then looked at Jessie, still concerned.

“Talk to her, Lissa.” Rihanae instructed.

“Jessie, what’s on your mind?” I asked her. I could see a tear slowly fall from her eye. I took the opportunity to give her a sympathetic hug.

It must be the whole ‘first kill’ thing. Bless…

“I-I just don’t understand what happened!” She wept.

“I don’t either Jessie, really.” I said; genuinely. This Leinahtan guy wanted something; mainly for me to turn all corpsey, I thought.

“Might I be able to help?” asked the barmaid.

We looked at her.

“How?” I asked her; a little bit confused.

“Well there is a. Imperial Legion soldier who pop’s by sometimes, maybe he can help with whatever happened?”

I smiled in thanks of her offer, but it really wasn’t necessary. This wasn’t anything to do with the guards; it was something to do with me.

“We need to figure out what we are dealing with, Lissa.” Jessie said.

“I couldn’t agree more.” Rihanae interrupted.

“Okay then Jessie. Theories?” I asked her, trying to pep up the conversation a little bit.

“Well what about his origins? This Leinahtan?” she said; her tears slowly drying.

“I have no idea. All I know is that her has the power to posses people and give them a stupid amount of power.”

Jessie thought for a little bit.

“Maybe it has something to do with your family? Your dad, Nathan?”

“Nathaniel and no, I doubt it. Leinahtan would have turned up sooner if it was.”

Jessie pondered some more.

“Well what about that vampire you killed? Maybe when you killed him he figured out a way to stay on Nirn, waiting for his revenge?”

“No, that vampire was too cocky to hide who he was. If it was him he would have told me straight away.”

“You don’t know that for sure.” Jessie told me; she was good at this theory thing.

“It’s possible but I still don’t know.”

“Well what about Rihanae?” She asked.

“What about Rihanae?” Rihanae asked.

“What about him?” I said, intrigued yet confused.

“Well maybe he is a bad guy? Or Jak! It could be Jak!” She said; she was getting way to ahead of herself at this point.

“No it’s not Rihanae OR Jak. Jak was with me when Aliss attacked and Rihanae was with me when crazy dragonfire guy attacked.”

“Well maybe they can control their victim’s using mind control? OOH maybe it’s…”

I stopped her before she could suggest anything else that was stupidly ridiculous. All these accusations sounded even far from plausible. I didn’t know who or what Leinahtan was but I was sure that I was going to find out eventually; and that I was going to kill him… or her.

“What do you think miss…” Jessie asked the barmaid.

“Nerussa and I haven’t a single clue what you girls are talking about; despite my eavesdropping.”

“Well basically some crazy guy tried killing Lissa and I killed him but turns out he was possessed by some guy called Leinahtan and now he wants Lissa dead but it turns out that a year before this woman called Aliss…”

“Are you going to pause for breath at some point?” I asked her, jokingly.

Nerussa had a look on her face like she knew something, but didn’t know what.

“How do you spell Leinahtan? I have some books out the back; I could do a bit of research?” Nerussa suggested.

“I think it’s L-E-I-N-A-H-T-A-N, but I’m not sure.” I said as she jotted down the name. She then disappeared out the back and brought out a book about the Daedric princes.

“You really think its one of these guys?” I asked her.

“I don’t know, but it’s worth a look.” She said.

At that point an Imperial Legion officer wandered into the inn; he looked worn out.

“Ale please, Nerussa.” He asked, sitting down next to Jessie. Nerussa reached under the bar and produced a bottle; giving it to the officer.

“There we go. Busy day?” She asked him.

“Quite. An old man was killed in the Talos plaza district.”

“Oh how horrible!” Nerussa gasped; Jessie and I looked at each other in a panic.

“Oh no, but it was in self defence. The guards saw the whole thing.”

“But why didn’t they do anything about it?” I asked, Jessie trying to shut me up with a look

“Don’t make anything to obvious, Lissa!” Rihanae demanded.

“They were the victims of a strong spell which left them completely immobile, yet still aware. The guards saw two young women get attacked, but it was unclear as to who the women were. The probably fled from the scene thinking they would get arrested.”

“Well would they?” I asked him; Jessie giving me yet another ‘shut up!' face.

“Of course not, they were the victims of an assault!”

A sigh of relief filled my body.

“Well that’s lucky!” Rihanae said, overjoyed.

“Now if you’ll excuse me I’m retreating to my usual seat.” Said the officer, moving out of his seat and onto another right by the main entrance; pretty pointless to be honest.

“Whew!” Said Jessie; a smile on her face. “Now, back to Leinahtan.”

She was interrupted by a look of realisation on Nerussa’s face.

“What’s wrong?” I asked her.

Nerussa looked at me; concerned.

“I’ve just realised something quite… queer.”

Me and Jessie Looked at each other.

“…Well?” I asked.

“I’m not sure if you want to know.” She said; more concern.

“Just tell us!” Jessie begged. “Please…”

Nerussa looked at me with a worried expression on her face.

“Ok, well I just remembered Jessie mention your father, Nathaniel, correct?”

“… Yes…” I said. I really wanted to know where she was going with this.

“Well the usual way Nathaniel is spelt is N-A-T-H-A-N-I-E-L.” She wrote it down on a piece of paper and handed it to me. “Look.”

She then handed me the piece of paper of which she wrote Leinahtan’s name. I examined both pieces of paper carefully; the horror consumed me. My blood ran cold.

“What? What is it?” Jessie asked.

“Look. L-E-I-N-A-H-T-A-N/N-A-T-H-A-N-I-E-L. Leinahtan is my fathers name spelled in reverse…”

“What?” Jessie said, grabbing the paper from my hand.

“Rihanae?” I said; hoping he had an answer.

“This is strange. But it could be nothing.”

“What do you mean?” I belted at him.

I saw Jessie say ‘She talks to herself all the time’ to Nerussa, who had a perturbed look on her face.

“This is more than just a coincidence, Rihanae!”

“Yes I know. All I’m thinking is that Leinahtan isn’t his real name. He devised it to weaken your spirits when you discovered its origin.”

“You think?” I asked him.

“I’m certain.” Rihanae assured me and, to be honest, I did feel assured.

“Are you okay?” Nerussa asked me.

I looked at her then stood out of my seat, grabbing Jessie.

“We really have to go. Thank you so much for your help. We’ll visit soon.” I said, rushing Jessie out of the Inn without giving Nerussa or the officer a decent goodbye. I just wanted to get out of there.

“Lissa, wait!” Jessie shouted as I began walking away from the Inn. “We need to talk about this.”

“No we don’t.” I said; I could feel the tears welling up behind my eyes.

“Lissa, yes we do, just…”

I continued to walk at a fast pace. Jessie ran up to me and grabbed my arm.

“Lissa, we will get to the bottom of this. I promise.”

I turned to look at her; my tears falling.

“W-Wha- What about if it is him?” I cried. “What if it is my Dad?”

“I don’t know, Liss.”

I bawled some more; barely able to control my emotional state. Jessie grabbed me for a hug.

“It’s okay, Lissa. We’ll solve this. I promise.” She whispered.

What’s going on?

Posted by: King Coin May 26 2011, 05:12 PM

We start the chapter with Lissa supporting Jessie and by the end of the chapter their roles are reversed! Poor Lissa, I hope it isn't her father haunting her and trying to kill her (I sincerely doubt it though).

Lol I really enjoyed the part where Jessie and Rihanae were trying to shut Lissa up while she asks a whole bunch of questions about the death of an old man in the Imperial City.

I think it is a bit strange that the guard called it a murder though.

Posted by: Acadian May 28 2011, 01:00 AM

How clever! As soon as Jesse spelled the name to Nerussa the first time, I figured out what it spelled backwards. As I said, how clever!

That's about the only real clue they have. Very fun episode!

Posted by: mALX May 29 2011, 07:12 AM

I finally got a little free time to read some of these stories I've been missing !! Great Write !!

Posted by: Rihanae Jun 1 2011, 02:03 PM

mALX: I'm so happy you are reading the journal! hope you are enjoying it!

Acadian: Hehe, I'm glad the revelation of his name wasn't too easy to spot! I also like how the revelation of his name surrounds Leinahtan in even more mystery! thank you for reading .

King Coin: I loved the role reversal to Lissa and Jessie's friendship is interesting. I made an edit to the murder comment as i understand what you ment. thank you.

PREVIOUSLY: during a spot of breakfast in the Wawnet Inn, Lissa and Jessie talk about where Leinahtan could have come from. After a long discussion the barmaid, Nerussa, discoveres something odd about Leinahtan's name; which deeply distresses Lissa.

10. Chapter 4 ~ Journey To Chorrol ~ Part 2

Jessie and I walked to Chorrol in silence. The air was dense due to the negative atmosphere I was giving off. The darkening sky suited my mood completely. I couldn’t help how I was feeling; I’d just discovered that my dad had been trying to kill me.

We don’t know it’s him…

If it was him… why? What have I done to make him want to rid me of my life? I thought he loved me. It was him who told me to explore the world and now he was trying to kill me?

It just doesn’t make a bit of sense.

I walked; confused. I could see Jessie turning her head, trying to start a conversation. She never did try to speak to me. She was smart. I only would have snapped at her if she even try to say one word of encouragement toward me.

I just felt completely miserable. Even the sunset didn’t lift my mood; it was a beautiful thing to look at but I felt nothing. Nothing at all.

And if it wasn’t him, why would my nemesis come up with a clever ruse by using dad’s name backwards? Maybe Rihanae was right; he wanted to break me down when I discovered the origins of ‘Leinahtan’. But that just seemed like so much effort to go to just to wear my spirits thin.

It just doesn’t make SENSE!

I quickened my pace without realising; Jessie struggling to catch up with me. It was all just too much to handle. I didn’t understand what was going on; why anyone would even want to kill me.

It didn’t make sense. Nothing made sense.

I carried on walking; Jessie desperately trying to keep up. I could feel tears forming behind my eyes again; but this time I resisted the urge to have a good cry. I didn’t want sympathy; that would mean that the whole ‘Leinahtan’ thing was really bothering me. I had convinced Jessie that I believed that it wasn’t really my dad and I didn’t want her to think I was lying to her. If I was completely honest I didn’t know what to think. Not any more.

Everything I knew was gone; shattered by a single name. Life was confusing and aggravating enough as it was, now I just didn’t have the strength to carry on pretending that my life was perfect.

Everything had changed.

“Lissa, are you okay?” Jessie asked me; finally catching up.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?”

Jessie looked at me with a worried expression on her face.

“Okay. But you can talk to me; you do know that?”

I nodded and smiled; a forced smile. We continued to walk and before long we ended up at a fort. The first ancient building I had seen in Cyrodiil; well that I had close contact with, anyway.

“Jessie, what is this place?” I asked her, slightly baffled.

“Um… Fort Ash I think.” She replied; sounding less impressed about the structure than myself.

We walked through the walls of the fort where the footpath continued. I slowed my pace to have a really good look at my surroundings. It was absolutely beautiful; amazing, even. I’d seen a lot of things on my travels but forts and castles were my absolute favourite. There was just something about them which made my heart flutter; a true romance. But my mood was soon worried when a khajiit decided to block our path.

“Uh oh…” said Jessie.

I looked at the khajiit; unthreatened. His mouth grew into a freaky, toothy smile; if he was supposed to be scary I wasn’t getting that vibe. I walked towards him; Jessie remaining on the spot.

“You’re money or your life!” The khajiit threatened. I wasn’t intimidated at all; but I decided to play him.

“Please, I have no money…” I told him.

“Well then I’ll just have to take your life instead. Actually, I prefer it that way-“

“Wait! I haven’t finished.” I said. “Rude.”

I reached into my bag a pulled out my purse.

“I haven’t got any money… APART from this.” I said, opening the purse and taking out a few coins. “You want it; don’t you?”

“Lissa, what are you doing?” Jessie said; worried.

“Oh, Lissa. You show him!” Rihanae cheered.

The khajiit highwayman came walking slowly toward me; he looked angry.

“Nobody plays me, little redguard.” He snarled; removing his battleaxe from his backstrap and wielding it ready for attack. I smiled; removing Shatterheart from my back strap.

“You want to fight a lady? Shame on you.” I said.

He ran toward me, yelling at me; swing his battleaxe. I ducked to avoid decapitation and performed a back flip to avoid damage.

“JESSIE! SUMMON!” I commanded; Jessie did, without hesitation.

I ran toward the highwayman and jumped over his head, quickly spinning onced I’d landed and swung Shatterheart, hitting his back. He swung his axe again, and I ducked; kicking his legs in the process. The highwayman stumbled in surprise.

“You are a worthy opponent.” He said, before running toward me again. I could see Jessie behind him trying to control her skeleton summon; to no avail.

“JESSIE! JUST USE YOUR BOW!” I shouted at her.

Before I had a chance to see whether or not she heard me the khajiit was too close for comfort. I unequipped Shatterheart and performed 4 backwards somersaults to avoid him, moving further away from him with each one; which I thought was quite impressive.

He was father away from me now, so I took the opportunity to equip my bow, line up a shot and fire. Perfect headshot.

“Woo!” I screamed in delight. One of my first fights with a person and I won. I did feel remorse that I killed a living being but I had to defend myself. If I regretted every kill I performed I would never go out.

“Well done, Lissa. That was quite impressive!” Rihanae congratulated me.

“Thanks.” I replied; exhausted, but pleased. I saw Jessie run towards me, the skeleton following her. A smile was on her face.

“You were amazing! Sorry I wasn’t any help…” She said.

“It’s fine. He’s been dealt with now.” I said; trying to reassure her. “Let’s go.”

Jessie nodded in agreement as we carried on heading toward Chorrol.

***

We stood outside Weynon Priory; the place where I would find Jeffery. I removed the amulet the Emperor gave me and looked at it.

“Wow, that’s pretty!” Jessie said before looking back at me. “Shall we go in?”

I nodded as I put the amulet back in my bag. The area was beautiful. The greenery was lush and the buildings were quite the eye candy. There was a chapel as well. If I’m honest I didn’t really understand what I priory was exactly; but I knew for a fact that I liked what I saw.
We entered the building which I could only assume was some sort of living area house place. As soon as we entered the building we were approached by a monk; a miserable looking monk.

“I am Prior Maborel. Can I help you with something?” He asked me; before noticing Jessie. “Ah, well if it didn’t little Jessie. How are you doing?”

“I’m good, thank you. This is my friend, Lissa.”

“Ah, a pleasure to meet you.” He said, reaching his hand for mine for a handshake; which I accepted.

“Likewise.” I said.

“So what is your business here?” He asked me; releasing his grip.

“Well I need to talk to Jeffery-“

“Jauffre-” Jessie corrected me.

“Jauffre. Is he here?” I asked.

“Why yes. He is in his office. Up those stairs and to the right hand side.” Maborel smiled.

“Thanks.” I said; smiling back at him. Jessie and I walked up the stairs and to the right; Maborel’s directions were tricky to follow.

Haha, I’m so funny…

“At least you make someone laugh.” Rihanae said.

I ignored his comment and walked towards a desk at the end of the room where an old-ish man sat reading a book. He noticed us stood in front of him and raised his head.

“May I help you?” He asked me.

“Hi Jauffre!” Jessie greeted; excited.

“Well if it isn’t my favourite conjurer. How are you? How nice of you to visit.”

“Actually, we are here on business.” I said before Jessie had a chance to talk. I really didn’t have time for idle chatter.

“And what business could this be?” Jauffre asked me.

I took out the amulet and placed it on Jauffre’s desk; he looked pretty baffled.

“How on Nirn did you get this?” He asked me; slightly bewildered.

“Well…”

***

I managed to tell him everything about the emperor and I; and I was met with an earnest look on his face.

“As unbelievable as your story sounds, I believe you.”

“Really?” I said; slightly baffled that he believed me, a perfect stranger.

“You must now do something for me. You…”

“Waiiiit a second. I was just told to deliver the amulet, and I’ve done that; now I must be off.” I said, turning to leave.

“Okay, but if you do decide to help, you know where I am. The emperor trusted you; that mean’s something Lissa. I trust you’ll make the right decision… in time.”

His attempts at trying to make me feel guilty almost worked; almost. I nodded at him and turned to leave; Jessie hugged Jauffre goodbye then followed.

Me? Why am I so important?

***

We left the residential building and headed toward Chorrol; until I heard something that stopped me in my tracks.

“Can you hear that?” I said to Jessie; rather thrilled

“No, what?” she replied.

I could hear the whinnying of horses.

“THAT!” I shouted; running toward the sound. Next to the building there was a large archway which led to a stable; a stable filled with horses.

“AHHH!” I screamed. I loved horses. When I was younger I could remember my dad and cousin Clesa running the stables. Horses were my passion. I remember playing with Clesa and her friend Tandilwen when I was younger in the stables. I loved horses. I LOVED them!

“Can I ride one?” I asked Jessie.

“Well Maborel lets me ride his paint horse some-”

I didn’t let her finish as I leapt on the only paint horse in the stable; which made it panic. It whinnied quite loudly and tried to knock me off by sudden jolts of it’s back legs.

“Easy…” I said, trying to calm the horse down. It didn’t work. The horse was out of control; running and jolting its limbs everywhere. I was slightly scared; but I couldn’t show the horse that I was panicking. Jessie was shouting after me and the horse ran around the priory; she tried chasing the horse but was highly unsuccessful in catching up.

The horse ran two laps around the priory before ending back up in the stables; http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/IMGA0628.jpg Strangely, the sheep seemed to cal the horse down. I saw Jessie run into the pen; she looked very out of breath.

“Are you ok?” she asked me. I looked at her, shock spread across my face.

“Can we go to Chorrol now? Please?”

“Oh Lissa…”

Posted by: King Coin Jun 1 2011, 03:45 PM

Not quite!

More stupid highway men. Why are they always Khajiit?


Hey, that wasn't even sarcasm!

And it's Jauffre lol

Good job scaring the crap out of that poor horse

Posted by: Grits Jun 1 2011, 10:51 PM

I love how having a Guardian Spirit gives Lissa someone to talk to in a potentially lonely world. Although it seems Jessie doesn’t leave too many breaks in the conversation! I’m interested to see where Lissa’s journey takes her next.

Posted by: Acadian Jun 2 2011, 12:36 AM

I see Lissa's been practicing her Khajiit-dazzling Kung Fu leaps and flips!

Good thinking, Lissa! You agreed to drop the amulet off with Jeffrey and you did so. I think you are wise to avoid mission creep here. He can just send his Blades to go do whatever he has in mind.

And so, after giving Jesse a demonstration in dressage, it's finally to Chorrol methinks.

Posted by: Lady Syl Jun 2 2011, 03:16 PM

Chapter 2 review

First of all--WOOT!! Rihanae is Bosmer!!!! Wood elves rule the day!

Anyway, back to the story... I like Rihanae--not just because he's Bosmer... His conversations with Lissa are amusing and it looks like she will definitely have to grow into her spirit guide!

And high five to Lissa for her words to the Dunmer in prison--"Oh, I do hope you're not talking to me..." I was thinking, you tell him, girl! I especially loved the phrase, "I'll have you singing the falsetto..." That one made me lmao...

Lissa is such a great character! Whistling during the escape with the Emperor... Telling him she's crazy... lol--this all seems classic Lissa and it is very fitting.

On a more serious note, I like how at the end of chapter two, Lissa was able to feel something for Captain Renault, and to feel empathy for any family she might have... She may be young and crazy (I'm thinking she wasn't entirely lying to the Emperor... ), she still has the capacity to empathize with other people--this is a wonderful characteristic, and it makes me love Lissa all the more.

Posted by: Rihanae Jun 3 2011, 03:51 PM

Lady Syl: Your comments genuinly warm my heart! I'm so pleased that you are enjoying the journal

Acadian: Lissa is very spry, why not show off her dazzling acrobatics during combat ;P I could just picture Lissa doing it. Haha.

Grits: i'm so pleased that you are reading! Yes, having a GS does have it's upsides, but the no privicy part will get to Lissa eventually, i'm sure

King Coin: i'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! lol, it seem's that just because Lissa likes horses doesn't mean they like her! haha.

PREVIOULSY: Lissa and Jessie make it to Weynon Priory and deliever tha Amulet of Kings; but Lissa leaves before Jauffre can make a proposal. Lissa sees a horse and takes the oportunity to have a good old ride; scaring it half to death in the process.

11. Chapter 4 ~ Journey to Chorrol ~ Part 3

After the drama involving Maborel’s horse, Jessie and I headed toward Chorrol; of which the journey took no more than half an hour. We walked toward the city; surrounded by large walls and lush greenery. We walked past a stable where chestnut horses were sold.

I think after what happened I should stay away from horses… for now anyway.

We continued to walk until we reached the large door leading into the city.

“Why, hello Jessie!” greeted one of the guards stood upright by the large door. “Welcome home.”

Jessie smiled at him and the two guards at each end of the door pushed it open; revealing the most beautiful sight I had ever had the privilege of witnessing.

“Wow.” I said in amazement. I had never been to Chorrol before; and the first impression I got was bewildering. Opposite the entrance doors stood a large statue of a man holding an injured man who was lying on the floor; or he was dead, I wasn’t to sure. To the left was, what I could only assume, was the main residential area as old looking houses stood erect in a large cluster. To the right was a path leading to the castle; which I knew I had to visit at some point.

“So, where to now?” I asked Jessie.

“Follow me; we’re going to the mages guild.” She replied. It was about time we got here as I wanted to learn a conjuration spell.

I can’t wait to summon something! I wonder if it’s possible to summon a handsome redguard…

I pondered that thought as Jessie led me to the guild. Walking up the path behind the statue we ended up at a large oak tree; houses and the two guilds stood in a circular fashion around the oaken landmark. I continued to stand looking amazed. It was incredible how a town so unimpressive could be so gorgeous.

“This truly is a beautiful town” Rihanae said.

“It really is…” I said; before changing the subject. “Hey, earlier you replied to something I was thinking about. You can hear my thought’s now?”

“I could always hear your thoughts; I just thought it would be better not to tell you. The things I have heard are not for the ears of others.”

I stood embarrassed at Rihanae’s revelation; but eventually I shook it off. It’s only me that can hear anything he had to say so I wasn’t to bothered by it.

Not long after mine and Rihanae’s conversation, Jessie and I were approached by a friendly looking argonian; well as friendly as an argonian can look anyway.

“Hello you must be new in town. How are you?” she asked me; at least I think she was a she. Argonian’s confused me.

“I’m very well, thank you.” I replied; very politely

“Hey Dar-Ma, how are you? Hows your mother?” Jessie asked her.

“We are very well that you Jessie. It’s nice to see you home.” She said with a smile.

She then turned back to me and reached for my hand, which I took.

“Well I just wanted to introduce myself. I love meeting new people!” she smiled.

“Haha, I can tell! Well it was a pleasure to meet you Darla.”

“Dar-Ma.” She said kindly.

“Oh… is that how you say thank you or something?” I asked.

"Oh, Lissa..."

“No, her name is Dar-Ma.” Jessie whispered to me.

“OH! I’m really sorry! Me and names don’t get on very well!” I apologized; highly embarrassed.

“It’s fine…” Dar-Ma said; clearly waiting for me to reveal my name.

“Oh sorry! I’m Lissa. Cristenn.”

“Well it was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Cristenn!” she said. She nodded at me; then Jessie, before heading off down the path. I turned to Jessie.

“I feel so embarrassed!”

“Don’t. It was a simple mistake.” She laughed. I could feel myself blushing as we continued to the guild. I looked at the floor to hide my shame; resulting in me crashing into someone; or something.

“I’m so sorry.” I said, looking at who I bumped into. A female altmer. An angry looking female altmer.

“Why don’t you look where you are going!” she said, bitterly.

Just as I was about to say something to her Jessie pulled me away from confrontation.

“Don’t dignify her with a response. Earana is a nasty piece of work.” She said, dragging me into the mages guild.

We entered the door to be greeted by another argonian.

“Ah, Jessie, I thought you’d be back eventually.” He said. He turned to me. “And you brought a friend?”

“Yes Teekneeus, this is Lissa. She wants to learn something in conjuration.”

“Then you have come to the right place!” He told me. He stood at my side and put his hand on my back, guiding me and Jessie to a desk at the end of the hall.

“So what are you wanting to learn, little Lissa?” he asked me.

“Anything really.” I said.

“You two talk; I’m going to find my dad.” Said Jessie, heading towards a staircase leading to the second floor.

“Now Lissa you do understand the anything you learn will be minor? Am I correct in assuming magic isn’t your main field?”

“Yeah. I mean no, it’s not. I’m an apprentice in Restoration but that’s it.”

Teekneeus looked at me with a sigh.

“Well your best bet it to seek out Alberic Litte. He may be able to teach you something suitable for your current level.”

“Um, okay.” I said. I felt awkward after Jessie left me alone in a place where I didn’t know anyone.

“Wait here, I shall see if I can find him for you.” Teekneeus said, patting me on the shoulder before leaving me stood like a loser while he searched.

“I hope your expectations aren’t too high, Lissa.” Said Rihanae. For the first time I was truly glad for his company.

What do you mean?

“What I mean is that you are barely even a novice in the form of conjuration. You won’t be able to summon anything until you are at least at apprentice level.”

Ahh, that sucks!

I was slightly disappointed as I was really excited about summoning a hunky hunk; but it seems that wasn’t likely to happen.

Well what will I be able to do then?

“I’m not sure. You may possibly learn a binding armour spell, but I’m not to sure.”

That’s helpful!

I was sarcastic, of course. Eventually Teekneeus came back to me with a Breton man; who had this creepy smile on his face.

“Lissa, this is Alberic Litte.” Teekneeus said; I was quite amazed that I could remember his name to be honest.

“Hello Alby! I hear you can teach me something!” I said to him.

“I sure can!” He said, excited. “I’ve thought of something perfect for you!”

***

“BOOTS!” I said to the barmaid of the Grey Mare.

“That sounds disappointing.” She said, laughing.

“I don’t need to summon boot when mine are perfectly fine.”

“Well look on the bright side; you learnt something in conjuration!” She said. I looked at her and grinned. I liked this girl.

“Yeah you’re right. I sound like an ungrateful child, don’t I?”

“No, you were disappointed. It’s acceptable.” She said, smiling a dazzling set of perfect teeth. I was jealous.

“I’m Lissa.” I said.

“Emfrid.” She replied.

“Might I just say that you are insanely beautiful!” I informed her. “What is your secret?”

“Haha, mainly water and lot’s of vegetables!” she joked.

We laughed together for a little while, but I began to notice a slight hint of sadness in Emfrid’s eyes.

“Hey. You okay?” I asked her; slightly concerned.

“Yes, it’s nothing.” She said.

“Come on, tell me.” I persisted, “us girls have gotta stick together!”

She looked at me and smiled that beautiful smile again. I was envious of her beauty; only slightly.

“Well there is this man and I quite like him but he is hardly ever in here.”

“Does this man have a name?”

“Well, yes, but I’m not sure I should say anything…”

“Look, I’m new in town. Don’t know a soul. You can tell me. I won’t know the guy.”

She smiled at me again and then she leaned over the bar slightly to whisper in my ear.

“His name is…”

Suddenly the door to the Grey Mare burst open to reveal Jessie.

“Where have you been?” she asked me; she sounded a bit angry.

“To Morrowind, why?” I replied sarcastically. Jessie didn’t look impressed.

“That’s not funny, I’ve been really worried!” she panicked.

I looked at her, confused. I had no idea why she would be worried.

“Why were you worried?”

“Because Earana is after you!”

“WHAT?” Said Rihanae.

“What? Why?” I said; slightly surprised.

“She is paranoid that you want to kill her. She heard a rumour that someone is hunting her down and she assumes it is you because you’re new in town.”

“That’s rubbish.” I said. I looked at Emfrid who had the same look of worry on her face that Jessie did.

“I would leave, Lissa. Really. Earana is slightly on the… crazy side.”

“Wait this is all too much. What is going on?”

“She will have the whole city believing that you are an assassin.”

“WAIT A MINUTE! I haven’t done anything and now I’m being accused of being an assassin?”

Jessie sat down on the stool next to me.

“No, all I’m saying is that you should leave before she starts talking. That’s all.”

“But I’ve only been here five minutes…”

I gave up. Jessie wasn’t going to give up until I had accepted her pleas for my exit.

“Fine. I need to make a start on going to Anvil anyway.”

A smile spread across Jessie’s face. She grabbed me for an embrace.
“YAY! Goodness knows what I would do if something had happened to you!” she said. I stood up. “What you need to do is just slip out quietly. Don’t draw attention to yourself and DON’T talk to Earana.”

I wasn’t happy.

“Fine.” I turned to Emfrid. “It was nice meeting you.”

She smiled and nodded. I gave Jessie a hug goodbye. I didn’t want to leave on a bad note; even if I was still confused about what was going on.

“I’ll come back.” I said to her.

“You’d better!” She replied.

***

I left the Grey Mare and walked toward the main gate, thinking about that was happening. I couldn’t get my head around what was going on.

“Earana is more than likely just paranoid. It’ll all blow over in a couple of days.” Rihanae told me.

But I just don’t understand. Why me? AGAIN!

“I don’t know. Just keep walking.”

I did as Rihanae told me and whilst I was walking I saw something. Earana. She was sat by the statue.

All she did was look at me; smiling.

I walked over to her.

“What is your problem!” I asked her.

“You are, my dear.” She told me; a creepy glee to her voice.

“Why, what have I ever done to you?”

A pause. She stood up and towered over me.

“It’s not what you’ve done; it’s who you are.” She said. She then walked past me and headed toward the Grey Mare.

“What do you mean?” I shouted after her. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN!”

“Lissa you need to leave. I don’t like this.”

Me neither.

“I suggest taking a carriage and getting to Anvil as soon as possible.”

I nodded in agreement before heading toward the gates.

“And Lissa?” Rihanae said.

Yeah?

“…make sure you pay for it this time; okay?” He said. I didn’t know whether he was just giving me banter or actually being serious.

But I laughed anyway.

Posted by: King Coin Jun 3 2011, 04:37 PM

Interesting end to the chapter. I was expecting Earana to attack not just walk away. Now I think she is another victim of possession. The name Leinahtan didn't come up at least. She doesn't need that right now.

Posted by: Grits Jun 3 2011, 09:56 PM

“BOOTS!” I said to the barmaid of the Grey Mare.

That’s funny, normally Lissa would be excited about getting new shoes. But I guess if she was expecting to learn “Summon Rhano,” that would be disappointing.

I’m glad she made some friends in Chorrol, even though she has to leave already. Good idea to pay for the carriage this time.

Posted by: Acadian Jun 4 2011, 01:26 AM

“Don’t dignify her with a response. Earana is a nasty piece of work.” She said, dragging me into the mages guild.'
Uh oh. She is trouble.

“Fine. I need to make a start on going to Anvil anyway.”
Superb use of the 'F' word, Lissa!

This was fun! A trip all the way to Chorrol to learn how to conjure some boots. Lol.

Sounds like we haven't heard the last of Earana? And back to Anvil now it seems?

Posted by: Rihanae Jun 6 2011, 04:16 PM

Acadian: haha, I too felt Lissa's frustration when she was unable to learn anything to ACTUALLY summon. and yes, her use of the 'F' word was very well said by her

Grits: haha! I think she would enjoy a 'summon Rhano' spell more than anything

King Coin: yes, poor Lissa. Her journey hasn't been filled with peace; and now the mystery with Earana only thickens the lack of peace.

PREVIOUSLY: After making it to Chorrol Jessie and Lissa headed to the mages guild where Lissa met Dar-Ma and bumped into Earana. once inside the building, Jessie left Lissa to learn a spell in conjuration. The only spell Lissa could learn was 'Bound Boots'; of which she later vented her rage to such a lame spell to Emfrid in the grey mare. Later, Lissa is warned by Jessie to leave Chorrol as Earana is looking to kill her, believeing Lissa to be an assasin. When Lissa goes to leave she see's Earana; who does not attack but merely warns Lissa that her presence isnt welcome because of 'who she is'.

12. Chapter 5 ~ Reunions ~ Part 1

Sitting on the carriage to Anvil was tiresome to say the least. We had just ridden past Skingrad and were closing in ever closer to my hometown. The carriage was surprisingly fast; four black mares can do that.

I sat pondering about the whole situation with Earana. I wasn’t sure whether she was possessed or knew something about Leinahtan or whether she knew something else. Either way I knew that she was hiding something. Something that she wasn’t about to share any day now.

“But what did she mean by ‘it’s not what you’ve done, it’s who you are’?” I asked Rihanae.

“I am not too sure. Maybe it has something to do with your family?” he replied.

His theory seemed plausible, but I didn’t even think that she would know anybody from my family.

“I’m not sure. I have no family around that area. And besides, how would she know who my family are? It’s not like a walk around with a big sign saying ‘I'M LISSA CRISTENN, ASK ME HOW!”

I could hear Rihanae laughing.

“Don’t laugh. I’m being serious.” I said to him. It was highly inappropriate.

“I’m sorry.” He apologized, trying to calm his laughing down. I couldn’t help but giggle; it was infectious.

“Why are we laughing?” I giggled.

“I’m not… too… sure.” He laughed; he sounded as if he was struggling for breath; which seemed odd for a spirit.

The laughter really caught on now; to a point where the driver took notice.

“Are you okay?” said the dunmer driver. He looked confused.

“Yeah… I’m… haha… I’m fine. Thanks.” I said; trying to end my laughing fit. The driver turned his head back toward the road and continued his duties. My laughter slowly began to cease, but then I felt some sort of shadow loom over me. Reality suddenly came back to me at full force.

“Why is everyone trying to kill me?” I asked Rihanae.

“I don’t know. But it seems to have ceased.”

“Yeah. For a day. Woohoo.” I replied sarcastically.

“Thing’s will turn around soon. I’m certain.”

I smiled; whether he could see it or not I wasn’t sure. I decided to take the opportunity of his silence to take a quick nap.

“I’m gonna sleep for a bit, okay?”

“Sure, that’s fine. You deserve it.” said Rihanae. I put my legs on the seat and laid down on the carriage seat; with barely enough room to cause any comfort. After a couple of minutes I could feel my eyes slowly drifting of to slumber…

Leinahtan…

***

“Why if it isn’t my dear cousin Maelissa. I thought you’d gone to travel Tamriel!”

I was awoken by a familiar voice. I sat up and looked around; only to see my dearest cousin Clesa. I jumped off the carriage and hugged her.

“Clesa, It’s so good to see you!”

“Well, it’s good to see you too!” she said. We jumped on the spot whilst hugging in exciment; then realised what we were doing and stopped immediately.

“How is everyone? Mother? Maelona?”

“Well I haven’t seen your mother in a few weeks now, but maelona should be at home.”

I reacted to what she said about mother.

“What do you mean you haven’t seen mother? Where is she?”

Clesa laughed; she must have sensed the tone of panic in my voice.

“Don’t worry, she’s fine. She moved to Kvatch a while back, that’s all.”

A sigh of relief filled by shaky body.

I guess it’s a good thing. Still haven’t plucked up the courage to see her after leaving without a word…

“Oh, thank Dibella! You really had me panicking there!”

“Sorry. Yeah Oleta’s in Kvatch. Has been for a while.”

“And what about Tandilwen? Is she around? I promised I’d tell her of my travels.”

Clesa shook her head.

“No, she went to study at the university a while back.”

I felt slightly disappointed. Tandilwen was the only one of Clesa’s very few friends that I liked. She was so lovely. I can remember the first time we had a conversation which was just us two…

Five Years Ago…

I sat by the pond by the statue of Dibella. It wasn’t long after my fathers death. I sat on the pier just… thinking. I was a lot better than I had been before; but that didn’t seem to stop the tears.

I sat there throwing small rocks into the ponds when I heard a voice behind me.

“You know you might cause damage to the water if you keep throwing rocks at it.”

I turned to see the beautiful, raven haired bosmer; Tandilwen.

I laughed at her comment. He bright personality cherring me up ever so slightly.

“I’ll be sure to apologize later.” I joked. Tandilwen laughed and moved closer to me, sitting down beside me on the pier’s edge.

“How are you doing, little Lissa?” she asked. The sincerity in her voice was calming.

“I’m holding up.” I said; I turned my head to face her and smiled. “I’ve just gotta hold it together, you know?”

Tandilwen nodded. I could see in her eyes that she wanted to say something.

“What?” I said. I was worried that I sounded rude; but I didn’t get the offended vibe from Tandi.

“I know you must be feeling a lot of pain right now. Truly. If I lost my father I do not know how I would cope,” she grabbed my hand in comfort, “but you are ever so strong, Lissa, you must know that. You witnessed something no girl of your age should have to witness and your headstrong attitude is what is going to get you through this.”

She used her other hand to rotate my chin so I was looking directly at her.

“You’re a good girl, Lissa. You have friends and family who love you. It’s okay to feel like you want to be on your own sometimes.”

I nodded slightly; I could feel tears welling behind my eyes.

“It’s just…” I said; I wasn’t sure how to finish.

“Yes?” Tandi said, wiping away a tear.

“It’s just… I don’t know how to talk to mother about it; or Maelona. It’s like they blame ME for what happened…”

“You get that thought out of your head this instant. Please, do not think that. They are grieving; just like you. Everyone mourns a loss in different ways, Lissa, but I can guarantee that they do NOT blame you. Okay?”

I nodded my head and began to cry; properly cry. She pulled my head to her chest in comfort, shuching me as she stroked my hair.

“It’s okay. It’s okay…” I could hear her say. She treated me like I was her little sister or something. I guess that was just her personality; her heart warmer than a Bravillian sunset.

After a little while I began to calm down.

“Are you okay?” Tandi asked me. I nodded in reply, wiping away the rest of my tears.

“Lissa, if you ever find that you can’t talk to anybody else, I will be here for you, okay?”

I nodded my head. Tandi then suddenly rose to her feet and brushed herself off.

“You’re leaving?” I asked her.

“Yes, I have arranged to meet aunt Carahil and Traven at the Mages Guild to help file some spell scrolls.”

“Oh, I’m really sorry! I didn’t mean to hold you up.” I apologized; I felt selfish for some reason.

“Oh no, you didn’t. Really. But I do have to go now. I can’t be late!” she laughed. She knelt down beside me and put her hands on my shoulders.

“Seriously though, if you do need to speak with anyone who you feel won’t judge, I will always be here, okay?” she said, giving me a hug before standing up again and heading toward the harbour.

I smiled.

Thanks Tandilwen…

Present time…

“…You okay?” Clesa asked me. Thinking about my encounter with Tandi must have left me staring blankly at her.

“Yes, I’m fine! Sorry.” I replied embarrassed.

“Come with me.” Clesa said before walking toward her house; I followed her.

***

“So, tell me all about your travels!” Said Clesa, gently sipping her tea.

Oh no, not again.

“You know, did some exploring, dungeon diving, ate some food, slept, did some more exploring.” I said.

“Ah, the usual then?” she joked.

I laughed at sipped my tea. Clesa’s house was lovely and very homey; But it smelt a bit; horses wernt the freshest of animals.

“So… is Rhano still in town?” I said; I had to touch on that subject sooner or later.

“Yeah, he is a full time member of the Fighters Guild. I think he is second in command after his dad.”

I was glad that he was still in town; at least the butterflies in my stomach seemed to suggest I was. I decided to change the subject by changing the topic to Rhano’s dad.

“And how is Azzan?”

“He’s okay, I think. Him and Ernest go for the odd drink at the inn every now and then.”

“And how is Ernest?” I asked her, taking another sip of tea.

“He’s… got his health.”

I noticed the slight look of despair in her eyes.

“Whats wrong?” I asked her.

Clesa shook of what she was thinking about; or rather she tried to.

“It’s nothing.”

“Look, I’m 19; not 9. Are you having fights?”

“No, no, no. Nothing like that. It’s just…” she said. I could see in her eyes that she was trying to resist telling me. I gave her a very demanding look and it wasn’t long before she caved in. “…okay. It’s just we haven’t made love in over months and I feel it’s beginning to affect our relationship in a dire way.”

“Yeowch, that’s a long time. But hey, be lucky. I haven’t even done it yet.”

We laughed. It was true; I was waiting till marriage, just like daddy raised me.

“Well two years ago we started trying for a baby with no success and Ernest assumed their was something wrong with him, so…”

“He’s lost the urge?”

Clesa spit out a bit of tea after my unexpected and blunt remark.

“I guess! But…”

Before she could finish Ernest walked into the room; the silence was awkward, although I don’t think he picked up on it.

“Why hello Lissa!” He said. I stood up from my seat and wen’t over and hugged him.

“Hello Ernest! You’re lucky you caught me; I was just heading off.”

“Oh Lissa you don’t have to…” said Clesa; probably thinking I’d driven her away with the intercourse talk.

“No it’s fine. I need to show my face around town anyway.”

“Aw, okay; but pop by again soon okay?” said Ernest.

“I will, don’t worry.” I said, hugging him again; then whispering in his ear. “Don’t make her feel unloved just because you think you are a failure; okay? Show her how much you love her.”

I patted him on the chest and walked over to Clesa and gave her a hug.

“It was great seeing you, Lissa.”

“You to, Clesa. I hope thing’s get better for you.” I replied. I released her from my hug and winked at her then headed to the door and left.

Time to show my face I guess…

***

I walked through the gate; the fresh Anvil air filling my lungs. Nothing had changed; the buildings were still there, the tree in the centre was still standing tall and the chapel was as beautiful as ever. I just stood there for a few minutes relishing in the fact that I was finally home.

Suddenly I heard a very faint but familiar voice.

“How would you like to help get my husband out of hot water? No? I don't blame you.”

I followed the voice slowly; listening to it become louder and more clear as I headed in its direction.

Eventually I found the source sitting by the old tree; as beautiful as the she where she sat.

“MAELONA!”

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

NOTE: Tandilwen is the creation of Lady Syl, who is featured in Journey of Truth.

Posted by: mALX Jun 6 2011, 04:44 PM

Oooh, a crossover !!! I love crossovers !!! Great Write !!!

Posted by: King Coin Jun 6 2011, 11:44 PM

Oh, Shi-!

The flashback was well done. I like Tandi.


umm great pep talk

MAELONA!

Posted by: Acadian Jun 7 2011, 12:25 AM

Great fun to read! Several things I like here.

Your idea of preceding your episodes with a 'Previously. . . ' brief review is most welcome.

'The carriage was surprisingly fast; four black mares can do that.'
Oh, indeed they can!

Good review of her situation, and banter with Rihanae during her ride home to Anvil. Nice job with the flashback of Tandilwen. I thought the scene you did with Lissa and Clessa, then Earnest was well done.

And it looks like a foreshadowey segue into a Siren's quest?

Posted by: Ceidwad Jun 7 2011, 12:37 AM

Still working on this, but it seems to have improved a great deal from the first few episodes in your first draft. You have a nice talent for illustration and a good sense of humour. I liked the episode with Lissa doing the rodeo on Prior Maborel's horse and getting thrown off. That made me laugh out loud! Also, the dialogue between Lissa and her guardian spirit is handled well.

If I can be nitpicky on my first post in this thread, there are some areas of grammar you could work on, for example its and it's here:

I didn’t let her finish as I leapt on the only paint horse in the stable; which made it panic. It whinnied quite loudly and tried to knock me off by sudden jolts of it’s back legs.

Remember, we use "it's" when describing something: the apostrophe replaces the letter 'i' in the longer it is.

Examples: It's beautiful out today.
It's too hot.

We use "its" when "it" 'owns' something.

For example: Its long, thick fur ('it' being maybe an animal which 'owns' the fur)
Its back legs (the horse 'owns' the legs)

Posted by: Grits Jun 7 2011, 02:58 PM

“Don’t worry, she’s fine. She moved to Kvatch a while back, that’s all.”

Uh oh.

How nice to see the lovely Tandilwen in Lissa’s story!

“I will, don’t worry.” I said, hugging him again; then whispering in his ear. “Don’t make her feel unloved just because you think you are a failure; okay? Show her how much you love her.”

Well, I guess now he knows that she knows! I wonder how Ernest reacted to marital advice from a nineteen year old! Lissa’s heart is in the right place!

Posted by: Rihanae Jun 8 2011, 01:18 PM

Grits: i'm glad you enjoyed the crossover! and i'm also glad that you enjoyed Lissa's 'sensitive' apprach to marriage counselling.

Ceidwed: Thank you for your notes; they were very helpful

Acadian: thank you for your comments i'm glad you find the 'Previously' sections useful

King Coin: I'm pleased you enjoyed the flashback; Lady Syl has done a very good job with Tandilwen's character and it was a a privilage to be allowed to use her

Malx: haha, i agree; crossovers are a joy to read AND write

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa made it to Anvil and bumped into her cousin, Clesa, who told her about problem's she was having with her husband; which resulted in Lissa trying to help in a very 'Lissa' way. She then goes into the actual town a spots a familiar face...

Maelona sat on the bench looking at me after I called her name; greeting me with a great smile.

“LISSA!” she screamed with joy before standing and sprinting towards me; leaping on my tired body with a hug.

“When did you get back? Why are you back?” she asked.

“Bored of me already are you?” I joked; she laughed.

“Of course not, come here!” she said; hugging me again. We remained hugging for a good few seconds. It was so good seeing her again. She released her grip slowly and looked at my neck where the necklace she bought me hung loosely.

“You still wear it?” she asked me; she sounded happy.

“Of course I do! I never took it off. Not once.” I informed her. “Not even to bathe. Now that’s commitment.”

Maelona laughed; I saw tears fall from her eyes. I hoped they were happy tears.

“Oh, I’ve missed you so much! You always know how to make me laugh!” she said and then she grabbed my hand. “Please come with me. I’ll make us something to eat!”

She began to lead me up the road toward our house; at least I assumed that was where she was taking me. I didn’t know whether Maelona even lived in the hose where we grew up.

“Do you live in the family house or…”

“Yes, Gogan and I live there. I had the opportunity to sell it but I just couldn’t break apart from it.”

Something inside me felt lighter; I couldn’t imagine the house I grew up in belonging to someone else. We continued to walk before ending up inside said house. Maelona sat me down at the kitchen table whilst she fussed about the room looking for something in the cupboards.

“I wish you had let me know somehow that you were coming. I haven’t got anything in.” she complained; light heartedly of course.

“Sorry. It wasn’t really planned.” I said; my mood began to darken slowly.

“Oh really? Care to share?” she asked; still fussing about with the cupboards. I really didn’t feel like telling her; not at that point anyway, so I changed the subject.

“What was all that about outside?” I asked.

“What do you mean?” she replied.

“Outside. Just now. You asked that woman to help you get Gogan out of trouble or something?”

Her facial expression changed; as if I had discovered a dire secret about her.

“Oh, that was nothing. Really.” She said; I wasn’t convinced.

“it didn’t sound like nothing. It sounded like Gogan is in a real heap of trouble.”

“Lissa, really. It’s nothing.”

“If you don’t tell me I’m only going to ask around town.”

“Is that a threat I hear coming from your lips, Lissa?” she joked.

“No; it’s blackmail.” I replied.

Maelona laughed; ceasing her cupboard rummaging. She turned too me; her eyes unsure.

“It’s Gogan. Okay? He was mugged by a gang of thieves.”

Okay. Shocked.

“What? That’s serious Maelona.” I told her. “Why haven’t the guards done anything?”

She had that look again; the look as if I’d found something out.

“Be-be… because they… because they don’t, um… they don’t believe it.”

He stuttering was suspicious, but I put it all down to nerves. It’s not everyday that you admit to your little sister that you feel your pride is melting away.

“Well that’s stupid. The guards are idiots. Can I help?”

She looked at me with a serious look.

“Look, I understand that you want to help but Gogan and I need to deal with this on our own.”

“But you asked a-”

“Lissa! No more questions. Leave it alone. Please.” She yelled. I was surprised to say the least. There was something she wasn’t telling me; but I did as she asked and let it go.

“Sorry.” I said. She looked at me and after a couple of seconds her facial expression turned apologetic. She walked over from the cupboards and hugged me.

“No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled like that. I’m just… embarrassed.”

“You don’t need to be. It’s not your fault he was mugged.”

She ceased the hugging and walked back over to the cupboards. I wanted to ask her about mother but something inside me urged me not to; and for a change it wasn’t Rihanae.

Speaking of. You’re awfully quiet.

“It’s your time to reunite with your loved ones. It would be rude to intrude.”

I could feel my heart melt slowly. That was the kindest thing he’d done for me.

Thank you.

I fought the urge and just asked Maelona a question I hoped she could answer.

“How’s mother?”

“She’s okay. She moved to Kvatch a while back…”

“Yeah I know. Clesa told me.”

“That Maeclesa sometimes doesn’t know when to stop…”

“No, I asked her.” I said. Maelona and Clesa were always complaining about each other; but deep down they were more like sisters.

“Oh. Well after you left; here,” she handed me a mug of tea, “anyway, after you left she quit the guild.”

“What? Why?”

“She felt useless. She thought she had driven you away and she felt she didn’t belong.”

“That’s garbage.”

“Well, that’s how she felt. She quit the guild, sold everything belonging to dad…”

Not everything…

“… and joined the chapel as chapel healer in Kvatch.”

I can't believe I did that to her...

“Well should I go up and…”

Maelona interrupted me.

“Not right now. I advise you to stay in town for a while. I’ll go up with you in a few weeks.”

“Why?” I asked her; confused.

“Because she was extremely distraught when you left; I mean really. Word will get to her that you're back and it’ll be better for her to wait for your arrival rather than surprise her with it.”

I didn’t really understand what she meant but I pretended to. I decided that I’d wait until Maelona thought it appropriate.

Until then I’ll just sit and wait.

She took a few things out of the cupboard and placed them on the counter.

“Now, why don’t you go and see some people in town whilst I cook this? I need concentration.”

“You want to get rid of me? I love you to!” I joked.

“No of course not, it’s just I’m an awful cook and an excellent talker, and I can’t seem to do them together.”

I laughed; rising from my seat.

“Okay, fair enough. I have a friend I want to see anyway.”

“Ahh. A certain Redguard?”

I looked at her; playfully showing hatred towards her.

“I’m a lady. I don’t chase after men. They do the chasing!” I stated.

“I’m sure they do!” she laughed before asking me a question. “Do you still have your house key?”

Key…?

Suddenly I remembered the letter I had received in the Imperial City; the letter that was included with a key. I pulled the key from the letter out of my pocket and showed it to Maelona.

“Speaking of keys; do you recognise this?”

Maelona took the key from my hand before examining it.

“I can’t say that I do. Why?” she said. I took the key from her fingers and put it back in my pocket.

“Nothing. I’m off.” I said; disappointed for some reason.

“Okay, well be back in two hours, okay?” she said. I nodded and kissed her on the cheek before heading to the door. Suddenly she spoke again. “And Lissa?”

“Yeah, sis?”

“… I’m glad you’re back. I really did miss you.”

I felt my heart flutter a little. I was still so happy to see Maelona; but I replied with witty banter.

“Oh be quiet you soppy woman and make my food!”

Maelona laughed; I left the house as she did.

***

There he was; Rhano. He was sat by the statue of Dibella washing some clothes. He was topless, his muscles were gleaming in the sunlight; reflecting off the beads of water slipping down his physique.

I stood by Hasathil’s house whilst she was doing a spot of gardening. Hasathil was Tandilwen's sister; and was equally beautiful.

“Spying on Rhano I see?” she said.

“Not spying exactly more… observing.”

Hasathill laughed, “Well I don’t blame you; he is a very good looking man.”

“Yeah he is…”

I could see Rhano getting out of the water and putting on his ‘laundry day’ clothes which consists of a brown shirt and nasty looking bottom wear. Once he had dressed he turned and stared at the statue; and I took the opportunity to surprise him.

"Go get him." Hasathil urged me, winking at me. I smiled at her.

"Oh; I will!" I replied with a cheeky smile.

I got into sneak mode and slowly crept up behind him; tapping him on the shoulder. He turned to look at me, grinning as he saw me.

“LISSA!” I said with delight, hugging me with his strong, manly arms. I got a good look at his face. He looked a lot older than his 21 years, but I assumed that was down to stress; Fighters Guild style.

“How are you?” I asked him.

“I’m good, how are you?”

“I’m good also…”

Did that make sense?

He released me from his grip; still holding my shoulders with his hands. Still smiling. Still looking beautiful.

“When did you get back?” he asked me.

“Well I’ve been in Cyrodiil for a couple of weeks but I’ve only been in Anvil for an hour or so.”

“Good.” He said, smiling.

We both began to say something at the same time then fussed about who should speak first; but being a gentleman he allowed me to speak first.

“How’s your dad?” I asked.

“He’s great. He’s been promoted to head of the guild; the Anvil guild I mean, not the whole guild.”

“Yes, I know what you mean.” I laughed. He was so adorable.

He gestured toward the end of the pier. “Shall we sit?”

I nodded. We walked over to the end of the pier and sat on the end; looking intently into each others eyes.

“I’m glad you’re back.” He said. “I’ve missed you.”

He slowly held my hand; still smiling.

“I’ve missed you too.” I said.

“Did you ever get lonely?” He asked me; he sounded sympathetic.

“No, not really.” I tapped my necklace. “I had Mae with me the whole time.”

He smiled again; more eye contact ensued. The whole situation was so romantic.

“Do you want to go for a drink? Later I mean?”

Oh my god he is asking me out on a date! I’m so excited! Does this mean he wants to possible start a relationship or something with me? I hope he just doesn’t want to use me because I actually really like him, more than I’ve ever liked anyone before! But I don’t want to seem too eager. What should I say, how should I say it, how should my facial expression be! Okay. Here goes…

“Sure.” I replied.

“Great.” He said. I could tell that he wanted to stand up; he probably got all embarrassed about asking me out and wanted to leave.

“Could we just sit here for a while?”

He looked at me.

“Yeah, sure.”

He looked into my eyes again. The spark between us was slowly igniting. I could feel my body edging slowly towards his. Slowly our heads began to connect.

Our lips met for a kiss.

Posted by: King Coin Jun 9 2011, 12:16 AM

Maelona's trying to take down that gang of females. She wasn't at all prepared for her sister to come along. I was about to call Lissa nosy (and she is) but in this situation anyone would be.

Oh boy Lissa you do not comprehend what you did to your mother just disappearing like that on her.

Well, I'm quite surprised that Rhano is still available after all this time... maybe he isn't really...

Posted by: Acadian Jun 9 2011, 12:33 AM

So nice to be home in Anvil again!

Its rather scary knowing that Lissa's mother is in Kvatch. I wonder how that'll turn out?

'Oh my god he is asking me out on a date! I’m so excited! Does this mean he wants to possible start a relationship or something with me? I hope he just doesn’t want to use me because I actually really like him, more than I’ve ever liked anyone before! But I don’t want to seem too eager. What should I say, how should I say it, how should my facial expression be! Okay. Here goes…
“Sure.” I replied.'
This was priceless, how carefully and masterfully Lissa crafted her brilliant reply!

Posted by: Rihanae Jun 18 2011, 12:02 PM

Acadian: Lissa thinks to much and says very little half the time. She would rather seem like she doesn't think rather than make a fool of herself

King Coin: Lissa does enjoy poking her nose in other people's business, and seeing as Maelona is her sister Lissa feels she has the right to... how wrong was she!

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa caught up with Maelona, who appeared to be having trouble with Gogan, her husband. After a good conversation Lissa went out to see who else she could find and saw Rhano. After a brief conversation she agreed to go out on a date with him... and they shared a kiss.

I stood in Maelona’s bedroom as she threw dresses from her wardrobe onto her bed, rifling through them. She was helping me prepare for my date with Rhano.

“Which of these do you prefer?” she asked me.

“I’m not to sure. They’re all lovely,” I lied, “how about the green?”

She picked the green dress up off the bed and held it against me; her facial expression suggested she thought differently to me.

“No, it doesn’t match your eyes.” She said, throwing it back on the bed, “Ah!”

She picked up a light brown one and held it against me.

“That is definitley in the maybe pile!” she said, throwing it over the chair. I was to say in the least suspicious about Maelona’s sudden determination to find me the perfect dress; so I decided to question her about her enthusiasm.

“Is there a particular reason you’re throwing all these dresses in my direction?”

She had a glint in her eye. “Well in, oh, a few months I won’t be able to fit into them so I need to put them to good use in the mean time.”

She gave me a cheeky smile.

SHES PREGNANT!

“Oh my gods, you’re pregnant? Why didn’t you say anything before!” I screamed; excited.

“Because you had just got back and I wanted it to be a surprise for later.”

I smiled and hugged her, squeezing her so tight I was worried I’d hurt my little niece or nephew.

“But I’m still not 100 percent sure yet, so don’t say anything to anyone. Please?”

I gestured my hand across my mouth in a zipping motion.

This is so exciting! AHHH!



“… and she told me not to tell anyone so you have to promise you won’t say anything!”

I sat with Rhano in the Counts Arms. We were sat at a table near the roaring fireplace drinking from a bottle of Surilie Brothers wine; my absolute favourite.

“Well I can promise you I won’t tell anyone.” Rhano said, smiling.

“Not even your dad?”

“Not even my dad.” He said, still smiling that ridiculously gorgeous smile he had. I leaned on the table seductively.

“So why exactly don’t you have a girlfriend?”

He suddenly became all shy and avoidy, but with an adorable edge.

“I don’t know really, I never thought about it.”

“Oh, come on! A good looking guy like you! I bet they’re all queuing round the city for you!”

“Who’s queuing? Arvena and Quill-weave? Have you noticed the lack of young women around town?”

We laughed. It was true; apart from Arquen who was long gone, I was the only young-ish woman in town.

“Why haven’t you left town, anyway? I thought someone as driven as you would have been out of here ages ago.”

He sighed, “Because I knew… no, nothing.”

“Go on, tell me!” I said. Playfully punching his arm. He gave me a reluctant look before eventually caving in.

“… because I knew that if you came back you wouldn’t find me if I was anywhere but here.”

I felt my whole body light up.

That is so romantic…

“Do you really mean that?” I asked him, a grin spread across my face. He reached for my hands stroked them whilst looking deep into my eyes; so deep I could see my reflection in them; my hair looked awful.

“I do. You mean the world to me, Lissa, ever since that day at the manor. I know we haven’t spent that much time together recently but I really do believe that… that you are the one.”

I could feel my heart flutter. I didn’t know what to say to that. I felt exactly the same but the words wouldn’t come. So instead of speaking I leaned in for a kiss. The most beautiful kiss we had ever had.

I was in love.



“Hey Carahil!” I said as I entered the mages guild. She stood at the counter opposite the main door reading a book.

Nothing changes then!

She reacted to my greeting and a smile spread across her face.

“Lissa, how wonderful to see you back!” she said, placing the book on the counter and coming over to embrace me in her arms. “How long have you been back for?”

“Only for a day. I came back yesterday morning.”

She was still smiling as she released me from her embrace.

“So how has everything been for you here?” I asked her.

“Things could be better. We are dealing with a rogue mage at the moment. It is very troubling.”

“Oh dear, well anything I can help with?”

“No, Lissa don’t worry, we have somebody on it.” She said before walking back over to the counter. I followed her and began to examine the books laying in small piles on the counter.

“How’s Orintur doing?” I asked. Orintur was Carahil's son. He was based in the Cheydinhal Guild.

“He is splendid, thank you for asking.” She said with a pleasing glee.

“And Arquen?”

That question was met only with an essence of unease.

“I haven’t seen her since around the time Ulfgar Fog-Eye’s daughter was murdered.”

Awkward silence. But of course, me being me, I couldn’t understand when the right time was to shut up.

“I still remember the day we all met up after she was killed…”



I was walking from my house to the mages guild. Mother has ordered me to help Carahil file some scrolls. it was utterly the most boring job anyone could ever have the non-pleasure of doing.

As I walked to the guild, moaning ad cussing under my breath, I heard the voice of my cousin, Clesa, calling after me.

“LISSA! I’m glad I caught you,” she said, running toward me from the main gate. “I was wondering if you wanted to go to the Arms with me for a spot of lunch?”

“I can’t,” I said with a miserable tone, “I have to go and file some scrolls.”

“Oh… well that’s okay, I’ll go with you. I’ve got nothing better to do!” she said as we walked toward the guild. I opened the guild door and I headed to the second floor library. When we made it to the library, we saw Carahil, Tandilwen and Hasathil conversing

“Hey, you all!” I greeted them. They all turned to look at me. I noticed a look on their face which suggested dark times were brewing.

“Oh, hello, Lissa,” said Carahil, “I assume you are here because your mother asked you to help file the new scrolls?”

“Well, it’s more like she told me to help,” I replied. “I ran into Clesa along the way, and she offered to join me.”

“The more the better,” said Carahil. “There is much to be done.”

“So, what were you talking about before we got here?” I asked “You all look so grim and serious!”

“We were talking about the murder outside the cathedral last night,” Hasathil replied, she looked quite nervous.

“Oh, you mean what happened to Ulfgar Fog-Eye’s daughter?” I said; I remembered Maelona being distressed about it. “It’s sad, isn’t it? She was always so kind, helping the beggars and stuff.”

“Poor Ulfgar… he’s had so much tragedy in such a short amount of time—first with his wife drowning, and now this… I’m not sure he’ll ever recover. I stopped by the lighthouse on my way to town this morning, to offer my condolences and give him a basket of baked goods. He looked so miserable. Now all he has left is that lighthouse to look after, and nothing more. It’s a shame to see such a brilliant man lose so much--all in one year, no less.” Said Carahil.

“I heard it was some kind of argument that led to the murder,” said Clesa. “But I find it hard to believe, because I just can’t see anyone arguing with Linnea. She was always so easy-going and gentle-natured—she never argued with anyone about anything.”

“It had to have been random,” said Tandilwen. “Which means anyone in Anvil could be in danger of being the killer’s next victim.”

“Oh, I hope they catch him soon,” said Hasathil, still rather nervous. “This is all so frightening!”

“Ha, I’m not afraid!” I lied “My dad will take care of that murderer, if he ever comes near my family. No one messes with the Cristenn’s and their kin!”

Whenever I was in doubt I always knew that my dad would protect me. I knew he would.

“Anyway, I’ll just…” I said; gesturing to the scrolls I was sent to file. Clesa walked over with me. The others continued to talk amongst themselves as I turned to whisper to Clesa.

“They will catch the killer, won’t they?” I asked; a slightly worried tone in my voice.

Clesa said nothing; the only thing she did was give me a reassuring smile. I wasn’t convinced.



“Yes, that was a dreadful time.” Carahil said before changing the subject. “Lissa, I have a lot I need to be getting on with.”

I took the hint. My prying had annoyed her and I wasn’t surprised.

“Okay, I’ll… I’ll be off then.” I said with a smile. Carahil looked a little bit upset; I must have brought up a memory she wanted to forget.



“Lissa you need to go to Bravil. Now”

What? I asked Rihanae. Why didn’t you say anything before?

“Because you haven’t had your Guardian stone on your possession since your date with Rhano last week!”

Oh yeah…

I’d forgotten that I had taken my bracelet off, but I really didn’t want Rihanae prying over our lip locking.

You’re lucky Maelona didn’t find the bracelet! She probably would have sold it! I teased.

“That isn’t funny.”

I laughed as I sat by the fire in Maelona’s kitchen.

What’s the big emergency then?

“A descendant of mine in Bravil is in a spot of bother and I need you to help her.” Rihanae demanded; I resisted.

Forget it! I’ve only just got back!

“I understand that but I need you to do this for me. Please.”

No.

“Please.”

N-O spells ‘leave me alone’!

I thought it was completely unfair for Rihanae to be asking this of me. I had only just got back to anvil and wanted to spend some time with my family and friends. Was that too much to ask?

“Hey, sweetie!” Maelona said as she entered the house. I turned to see her.

“Hey, how was your day? Found anybody to help Gogan yet?”

She looked as if she didn’t hear me; ignoring me no doubt.

“So how’s the whole ‘are you or are you not pregnant’ thing going on.” I asked; changing the subject. She walked over and joined me sitting by the fire.

“I’m not too sure. I have a doctor coming over tomorrow to check me over; then I should know!”

I squealed with delight. It was very exciting.

“Lissa, you have to help out my descendant! NOW!”

NO!

Maelona must of noticed the look of distress that suddenly appeared on my face.

“Are you okay?”

“No, Rihanae is trying to get me to go to Bravil.”

“Who is Rihanae?” she asked, confused.

“I told you about my guardian spirit, remember?”

A look of realisation dawned on her face, “Oh yes, I remember. Well, why does he want you to go?”

“He says his descendant is in trouble and he wants me to help her.”

“Then you must!” Maelona insisted.

“I can’t leave! I’ve only just got here!”

“It’s okay, once it’s done you can come straight back; I’m not going anywhere.”

“But…” I protested before Maelona interrupted.

“Look, it is amazing that you are back, really, and I would like nothing more but for you to stay longer; but if someone desperately need’s your help you can’t just ignore it. You’re a Cristenn. Helping people out what we do!”

I looked at her; she had a sincere look in her delicate eyes. That was the thing about my sister; she always put other people’s needs before her own.

“Are you sure? I’ll be straight back!” I informed her.

“I know you will. Go, please.” She said as I stood up, “I’ll bake a few sweetcakes for when you get back.”



I entered the fighters guild; looking around frantically. Eventually I saw what I was looking for sat in the corner of the large room.

“Rhano, I need to speak to you!”

“What’s up?” He asked me, standing up.

“I have to go away for a couple of days.”

He looked confused, “Why?”

“It’s personal, but I just wanted you to know that I’ll be back in a couple of days. No more than a week.”

He came up close to me, “You’d better be.”

I smiled as we embraced in a kiss. I could feel the eyes of the guild members boring into us; so I pulled away.

“Um, yeah. So I’ll see you in a few days?”

Rhano smiled, “sure.”

I tried to part from him but I was too lost in his eyes.

“Right! I’ve got to go!” I said; tearing myself away from him. As I walked away I heard him shout after me.

“I love you.” He said. I stopped in my tracks and turned my head.

The words came naturally.

“I love you, too.”

Posted by: Grits Jun 18 2011, 03:33 PM

I stood in Maelona’s bedroom as she threw dresses from her wardrobe onto her bed, rifling through them. She was helping me prepare for my date with Rhano.

I love this! I’m sure many females have a memory just like it, filling the air with a friend’s/cousin’s/sister’s clothes looking for the one thing that will make that important date perfect.

“But I’m still not 100 percent sure yet, so don’t say anything to anyone. Please?”

I gestured my hand across my mouth in a zipping motion.

Yeah, right! And we didn’t have to wait long to see Lissa telling just one friend…

How fun to see the scene with Tandilwen from Lissa’s perspective!

Whoa, if Rhano shouts that he loves you in front of his fellow fighters guild members, he must really mean it! It cracked me up when Lissa evaluated her hairdo while she gazed lovingly into her man’s eyes. So, to Bravil!

Posted by: Acadian Jun 19 2011, 12:49 AM

This was fun! You did a great job in the first scene with Rhano in the tavern. You very gently let us know that Lissa had spilled her guts to Rhano about Maelona being pregnant and I enjoyed both the actual dialogue and Lissa's internal dialogue.

Yup. I'll just slip this guardian stone off before Rhano and I start smooching. . . . Lol. And so Lissa and Rhano are in love!

And it's off to Bravil.

Posted by: King Coin Jun 19 2011, 03:49 AM

Great, now the whole town knows.


Rihanae thanks you Maelona. Lissa is so stubborn!

Rhano just seems too good to be true for Lissa.

Posted by: mALX Jun 23 2011, 03:54 PM

Sorry it took so long to get over here and read, this month has been unbearably hectic so far. Lissa's personality shines through everything she does, I get a huge kick out of how much personality she shows simply with her gestures - very easy to visualize her. You have a real knack for showing that in your writing! And Rhano ... WOO HOO !!! Awesome Write !!

Posted by: Rihanae Jul 1 2011, 11:25 AM

mALX: I'm so thrilled that you are enjoying the journal! Your comments always brighten my day

King Coin: Ahh, i think maybe Rhano is just what Lissa needs; but you never know

Acadian: I am overjoyed that you enjoyed the scene in the tavern; i too thik it is sweet that Rhano and Lissa are in love.

Grits: i'm glad you enjoyed the opening segment in the chapter with Maelona and the dresses! it's only fair she passes them on seeing as she may not fit in them soon

PREVIOUSLY: A week after her first date with Rhano and finding out Maelona is pregnant, Lissa is sent to Bravil by Rihanae to help one of his descendant's in trouble. After convincing from maelona she decideds to go; but not before stopping by the fighters guild to tell Rhano she loves him.

EDIT NOTE: After a couple of comments about the length I apologize to any new readers.

After an uneventful two day hike I made it to the front gate of Bravil, the hovel of Cyrodiil, according to some folk. During my travels I made a brief stop in Skingrad and stayed the night in the Two Sister's Lodge; where I was certain the Orc innkeeper spat in my food. It is pretty unusual for salad to have a gooey texture. But that wasn't all. I also got cornered by an insane Bosmer who begged me to meet him behind the chapel at midnight; but I firmly told him I wasn't that kind of girl and walked away from him. I didn't know who he thought I was but I certainly wasn't the kind of girl who would be up for secret one on one sessions behind a holy temple. Other than that my very short stay in Skingrad was uneventful.

Looking back now I wish I went to see the Surile Brothers. Their wine is amazing.

When I left Skingrad in the morning I continued to Bravil. It took a while but apart from a few unchallenging wolf encounters I made it their without any hassle.

I myself quite liked Bravil. It had a lot of personality and didn't pretend it was something it wasn't. I used to come here with my mother to visit her friend, Kud-Ei, from the mages guild. But I wasn’t here to admire my surroundings; i was here to complete a personal mission for Rihanae.

"So you are definitely sure that she is here?"

"Yes, positive."

"And what's her name again?" I asked him. I remember it being more than three syllables; therefore I had no luck remembering it.

"Her name is Ardaline. She is the alchemist at the guild so she won't be hard to find."

"Ahh, well that's good then."

I spotted a guard and approached him for directions; my memory of the guild's location had vanished.

"Excuse me could you direct me to the mages guild."

"Certainly, now listen close. Wander through this gate and continue forward until you reach a point where turning right is the only option left. Then you must proceed onward and turn left, then another right until you see a building which is not the building you seek. And until you until you see the destination sought. Do you understand?"

No.

"...yes?"

"I'm glad to be of service. Have a wonderful day."

I nodded and went to open the gate.

Rihanae, did you understand any of that? I panicked

"I don't think so. Don’t worry, we shall find direction's elsewhere."

Sweet. If Rihanae didn't understand either I knew my lack of concentration wasn’t to blame.

I walked through the gates and into the city; welcomed by a foul smell, which was most likely the open sewer systems. I wasn't bothered by it though; I had met quite a lot of nasty smells on my travels. I looked around to see where my destination was. I spotted a woman walking around as if she had lost a Septim and found a paintbrush; or something a lot more clever then that.

I walked up to her and tapped her on the shoulder.

"Um, excuse me..."

She turned to face me; she had the most miserable looking expression on her face.

"I don't suppose you have seen my husband, have you?"

I was caught quite off guard by her question; I didn't even know who she was let alone her missing husband.

"Sorry, no, I don't."

Her face drooped into an even more miserable expression; which I didn't think was even possible.

"Oh, okay. Can I help you with something?" she asked her tone no brighter than her face.

"Yes I’m looking for the mages guild; I can't seem to remember where it is."

"I shall show you where it is. I have nothing better to do."

I didn't take offence, I only thanked her. It must have been rough on her having a missing husband, not knowing where he is. I tried to be polite by introducing myself, but the only conversation she had for me was simply her name 'Ursanne." She began to walk; leading me to the guild as I followed. We walked through the centre of the city; spotting the beautiful statue of a lady; I couldn't remember what it was called. All I could remember was that if you kissed her cheek you would have good luck granted upon you; which was pretty cool. Beyond the statue was the Chapel of Mara; which stood proudly, towering the slums. To the left of the Chapel was a large-ish building which I recognised straight away. The mages guild.

I walked in front of Ursanne to halt her as I knew where I was going from that point.

"Thank you so much for your help." i said as i closed in for a handshake of gratitude. "I hope your husband turned up."

She forced of a weak smile and nodded as a thank you before heading back to her original spot. I looked after her; I genuinely felt for her, but it wasn't any of my business. I was in Bravil to do a job.

I faced the guild, and headed toward the door.

Oh Rihanae, you'd better be grateful.



"Well if it isn't little Lissa Cristenn!"

Kud-Ei spotted me as I entered the guild. I smiled as the friendly Argonian approached me.

"Hello, Kud-Ei; how are you?"

"Oh, you know how it is!"

I nodded in agreement, despite the fact I knew nothing of what she was talking about. She continued speaking.

"So I hear you have been travelling? How has that been?"

"It was okay I guess..." I said; I could feel a story session coming on.

"Your mother seemed distressed after you left, though. But I suppose she has never been quite the same since dear Nathaniel passed away."

I nodded in agreement;

"It was a terrible loss for you and your kin. It reminds me of a time a good friend of mine lost his daughter to a freak storm. It was shocking..."

I giggled in my head; I’m not sure if the pun was intentional, but due to the sadness to her tone I was sure it wasn't.

"But my friend is doing better for himself now; he owns his own house in the imperial city..."

I smiled to keep pretence of interest. As much as I loved Kud-Ei; she could chew the ear off anybody.

"I'm actually here on business..." I eventually told her.

Kud-Ei laughed. "Ah, and there is me nattering on. What is it you seek?"

"It's more a question of who..."

Or is it whom? Hmm…

"It doesn’t matter. Ask about Ardaline."

Hush. I’m getting there.

"I'm looking for somebody called Ardaline, is she here?"

The Argonian shook her head.

"Not at this current moment. She has popped out for supplies; but if you care to wait she should be back shortly."

Great. All this way and she isn’t even here.

"But as Kud-Ei said, she should be back soon. Just stay here until she returns."

"Sure, I'll wait."

"Wonderful, do you care to join me for a spot of lunch while you wait?"

I was pretty hungry; but I didn't want to intrude.

"Are you sure? I don't want to be any trouble."

"Nonsense! You would be most welcome to join us."

Then how can I refuse?

"In that case I would be glad to join you." I smiled.

"Splendid. Follow me and we will find you something nice to eat." she smiled. She then led me to a large dining table in the bottom right corner of the guild. The table was covered in food; sweetcakes, vegetables, wine. Everything i loved was on there.

Okay, now I DEFINATLEY cant refuse!



Sat at the table were a female Breton and a male Altmer. As we approached the woman greeted me.

"Why, hello there! I haven’t seen you here before! My name is Delphine."

"Hey, I’m Lissa."

"Lissa here is Oleta's daughter." Kud-Ei said quite proudly. The Altmer looked up at me once he heard this.

"Ah, the one who abandoned her family to go gallivanting across Tamriel." He stood up and shook my hand. "Carandial. It is an honour."

He sounded genuine; but he was obviously being sarcastic. I looked at Kud-Ei and she shook her head as if to suggest I ignore him.

"Please, sit with me." Delphine demanded; and I did so. As I sat down Kud-Ei sat next to Carandial. We all began to put food on our plates. Kud-Ei and Carandial were talking amongst themselves. Delphine picked up a bowl of tomatoes.

"You simply must try one of these! They are beautiful!"

"Thanks." I said; smiling as I put one on my plate. Once our plates were full and we had started eating Kud-Ei turned her attention to general conversation.

"So, what do we have to share today?" Kud-Ei asked us.

"Well i think i have perfected the improved 'Enemies Explode' spell. It is marvellous!" Delphine said proudly as she ate the vegetables on her plate.

"Enemies explode?" I asked her; she nodded.

"Yes, it is a wonderful spell if I say so myself."

"It truly is." Kud-Ei added. "it is incredible how powerful a destruction spell one of my girls has created."

I giggled to myself in my head; the open talk of exploding people over lunch was hilarious.

"What level is your spell at?" I asked Delphine.

"It is strictly for higher levels. There would be trouble if it was left in the hands of a simple novice." Kud-Ei interrupted. It seemed like Kud-Ei was the tamer to Delphine’s wild side.

"And what is your personal achievement, Lissa?" Carandial asked; he had a belittling tone to his voice.

"Well I survived an avalanche in Skyrim if that counts? I almost drowned in the black marsh AND I have a psychopathic killer after me. Is that good?" I replied sarcastically; I could give it as well as I could take it.

I heard Rihanae laugh, "Oh, Lissa..."

"You got caught in an avalanche?" Delphine asked me with curiosity.

"Yeah; I’ve had this phobia of snow ever since. It was awful."

"Well it sounds terrible. Tell me, what do you do during the snowy months?" Kud-Ei asked me.

"Usually I just stay indoors."

"Ah, that is such a shame for such a... carefree adventurer as yourself..." Carandial commented. He was starting to annoy me; but I resisted to temptation to batter his pride with my cunning wit.

"Kud-Ei, tell Lissa about that time we went to Bruma; you'll find this funny!" Delphine insisted.

"Delphine, Lissa does not want to hear about that. It isn't at all interesting..."

Before we had a chance to begin that particular part of the conversation I heard the main door open followed by the voices of two women.

"Ah, it appears Ardaline has returned." Kud-Ei informed me. "Feel free to leave the table at any time, Lissa."

"It was wonderful to have you eat with us!" said Delphine rather enthusiastically.

I stood up and brushed myself off and smiled.

"Thank you. Everything was so delicious," i said to Kud-Ei, "But I can’t help feeling rude leaving when you haven’t finished eating..."

"Please, you came here to speak to Ardaline; if you were one of my girls it would be a different matter."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, now go before I change my mind!" she joked. I smiled at her and the others before walking to the alchemy section of the guild hall. Whilst walking there I could hear Ardaline speaking to another elf; even thought I wasn't certain which was which.

"Are you certain we have enough mandrake root?" asked one elf.

"Yes, I am. Anymore and it would only be a waste." Replied the other.

When I was at my destination I saw an Altmer speaking to a young female Dunmer. I made my presence known.

"Um, excuse me... Ardaline?" I said to the beautiful Altmer. She was tall. I felt teeny weeny.

"Yes, I am she; and you are?" she smiled.

"Oh, sorry!" I said, reaching out to her inviting a handshake, which she accepted. "I'm Lissa; Lissa Cristenn..."

What do I tell her?

"The truth."

NO! She’ll think I’m crazy.

"Then you won't be in any new situation will you?" he joked.

In my head I laughed. I looked at Ardaline.

"I was sent by... by your ancestor. To help you."

As predicted, she looked at me as if I was crazy.

"You seem as if you speak some form of truth; however i do not trust your intentions." said the Dunmer.

"Anyanka!" scolded Ardaline before looking at me, "What do you mean, exactly?"

I knew what time it was.

Time to explain everything. No day would be complete without it.



"...and that's why I’m here."

They looked at me as I was insane; and I couldn't blame her.

"That is highly unbelievable, I must say-" said Anyanka.

"Actually, I believe her." Ardaline told her, to my surprise.

"You do?" I asked, confused.

"Yes; I’ve read about the guardian stones you speak of. I used to love things like that; the history and their origins." she returned to her potion making. "But unfortunately I’m afraid yours has let you down and you've had a wasted journey, as it appears that I am in no trouble."

"...Really?" I asked her; her sudden subject change proved otherwise.

"Yes, I am certain. Offer my thanks to Rihanae but truthfully, I do not require any form of assistance."

"But... Rihanae was sure that-" I began to say before getting interrupted.

"She has kindly told you that she has no need for your assistance. Now please, leave us alone." Anyanka said pretty bluntly. I did as she asked and began to walk away.

"Okay, sorry to bother you." I said to Ardaline; who replied with a smile. I turned and headed toward the main door.

"Lissa, where do you think you're going?"

You heard her; she's not in trouble. I think your spirit sixth sense mumbo jumbo failed you on this one.

"No, I sense anguish in her heart. You have to help her." Rihanae persisted.

But she doesn’t want my help.

"Just because she doesn’t want it doesn’t mean she doesn’t need it."

I stopped walking. If Rihanae was right and Ardaline was faking a calm exterior then i was at a loss for what to do.

"Your best bet would be to ask around. Maybe Kud-Ei knows something?"

Well what am I supposed to ask her? 'hey, i have a strange yet accurate feeling that Ardaline needs some form of desperate assistance... but do you know why?"

I heard Rihanae laugh before he spoke again, "No, just say you noticed something odd about Adeline’s behaviour and you want to know if something is wrong."

For a dead guy he was a genius. My next stop would be the dining area; assuming that’s where Kud-Ei would be. I walked over to the dining area and spotted a male Dunmer checking out Ardaline; but I thought nothing of it and continued; eventually seeing Kud-Ei and the others still sat in their seats.

"I'm sorry to interrupt but could I speak to you?" i asked Kud-Ei. She nodded and stood up from her seat.

"Of course," she looked at the others, "Excuse us."

Kud-Ei led me to the bottom of the staircase that ascended to the second floor.

"What is on your mind?" she asked me.

"Well... I noticed some strange behaviour from Ardaline and I was just wondering whether she was ok?" I asked. She had a look on her face which suggested that she was resisting telling me something.

"I'm sure she is fine..." she replied; she wasn't convincing at all.

"Please, I’m not stupid; I know something is up."

There was a silence where Kud-Ei contemplating whether to say anything or not, but eventually she did.

"Well... what I’m about to tell you you mustn’t share with anyone." she told me.

"Of course not." I assured her; I was an amazing secret keeper... apart from that ONE time i told Mother about what I caught Maelona and Gogan up to.

"Okay," she looked around to see if anyone was listening, "she has had her staff stolen."

Silence.

"Is that it?"

"No, it is a bit more complex then that, but I fear embarrassing the poor girl..."

"Oh come on, I won't tell anybody."

Kud-Ei looked at me with reluctance in her eyes; but eventually she gave in.

"Well, do you see that man stood watching her?" she said, pointing in the direction of the Dunmer i noticed looking at Ardaline. "His name is Varon Vamori. He has an... Infatuation with the poor girl; he wont leave her alone."

"Then why did he steal her staff?"

Kud-Ei shook her head, "I am unsure; probably just to get her attention."

"Well I’ll talk to him and get the staff back." i said to her.

"That is unnecessary; it is guild business."

Guild business? Whatever.

"Look, I’m going to talk to him about it whether I have your permission or not; even though having your permission would make the whole thing less complicated."

I looked into her eyes; i could tell that she could see the sincerity in mine.

"Okay, Lissa, do what you must. But I can't be a part of it; Ardaline put her trust in me." she said with an uncertain smile. I didn't want to have to put Kud-Ei in that position; but i had to help Ardaline.

I had Vallum in my sights and marched towards him; tapping him on the shoulder. He was still peering over at Ardaline.

"May I speak to you over here please, thanks." I said; grabbing his arm and dragging him to where Kud-Ei and I just spoke.

"What is this? Don’t touch me!" Vallum said, pulling his arm away from my grip. "What do you want?"

"I want Ardaline's staff back, thank you."

He performed a guilty laugh, "What, i don't have Ardaline's staff! How dare you, a perfect stranger, accuse me of such things?"

"Look, I’m being nice to you here; but i can get nasty. I can guarantee you won’t like me when I’m nasty." I said getting closer to him.

"You won’t get anything out of me, Redguard."

I wasn't getting anywhere, and i knew it. it was obvious that he wasn't going to tell me anything.

"Speak to him like a friend. act as if you care about him. That might work."

"... Ardaline is a fool not to find you remotely attractive. You’re gorgeous! It’s her loss."

"You- you think I’m attractive?" he said; his face lightening up slightly.

"... Sure."

"Oh, but why can't she see it then?" he moaned, turning his head to look at Ardaline again.

Ah! Now were getting somewhere!

"Because she can't see what i see; and I'm sure that taking her staff won’t make matters any better."

"No, it didn't..." He suddenly realised what he said, retracting back on his words. "Um, especially as people think I’m the culprit, when i of course didn't, um..."

"Please, I'm not trying to beguile you into a confession; i just want what’s best for both of you. I know you took it, you know you took it. What’s the point of trying to cover it up?"

He looked at me with a worn down look on his face.

"I was angry, do you understand? She wouldn't pay any attention to me and i snapped by taking her staff. You do not understand how deeply i regret my actions..."

Finally! It’s about time.

"Well done, Lissa! Now get the staff back."

Patience, please.

"It's all good. Just give me the staff and we will say no more about it; in fact, I’ll tell Ardaline that you found it. I’m sure she'll be appreciative then!"

Vallum scratched the back of his head; a tell-tale sign of a guilty conscience.

"See, the thing is... i... might have sold it."

"WHAT?" i said slightly enraged; all that effort and he didn’t even have the staff.

"I sold it a while back to a man called Soris Arenim."

I tried to exterior calm. All I wanted was to end this and keep Rihanae happy; but now it was turning into a full on nightmare.

"Well where does this man live?"

"He lives in the Imperial City. The Talos Plaza district."

Now I have to head all the way up to the city just to get a staff? Grr...

I looked at him; he could see in my eyes that i wasn't happy.

"Right, I’m going to go to the city to get the staff. You stay here."

"I can go with you if you like; i feel rather bad about what happened."

Out of everyone at that particular moment he was the one person i didn't want with me. He was a creep.

"No, i don't need assistance. I just need to leave. Now."

I headed to the guild door to begin my journey to the city. I really wasn't happy; i just wanted to get it over with so i could head back to anvil. Now I had involved my self in a wild goose chase. I didn't even stop to bid farewell to Kud-Ei, i was that irritated. I wasn't even sure why i had gotten involved; it's not like Rihanae could physically make me do anything for him. I left the guild hall and began to walk to the city gate before feeling somebody tapping my back. I turned to see Anyanka stood behind me with her hands on her hips. She looked angry.

"Why did i see you speaking with Varon? Are you plotting something against Ardaline? Confess!"

"Woah, calm down i wasn't doing anything of the sort. I was just trying to get her staff back."

She looked at me as if i had done something truly awful.

"How do you know about that? What had been said that is not of your business? Confess!"

I looked at her; she was pretty intimidating for such a small lady.

"Calm down, okay? Kud-Ei told me about it once i told her of my concerns about Ardaline."

I saw Anyanka raise an eyebrow, "How did you get Kud-Ei to reveal that information to you? Confess!"

"Stop saying confess, it's irritating."

"Hmm, i appear to have reached something deep inside you; a guilty soul perhaps?"

"No; an annoyed one."

We had a 'stare-off'; Our hands on our hips.

"What are you doing at this current moment?" Anyanka asked me.

"Speaking to you, i think." I replied sarcastically. Anyanka wasn't impressed.

"It appears that i do not find your form of wit at all humorous. Desist immediately."

I looked at her. For some reason i liked her. She was brave, confrontational and head strong; my kinda girl.

"You talk really strangely."

"I have had many people say that exact thing to me; and as a result i am unphased."

I laughed; she was funny to, even if she didn't mean to be.

"I'm going to the Imperial City, would you like to come?"

Anyanka looked at me with a look of suspicion. She was confused as to why i was offering some sort of friendship toward her.

"Why are you going there? What business do you have?"

"...I'll explain on the way. Are you coming?"

She thought for a minute before smiling, giving me an agreeing nod.

"I shall accompany you, only to keep an eye on you however."

I laughed again before walking toward the gate; with Anyanka following me with a hint of caution in her footing.

The journey was going to be interesting...


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Posted by: Acadian Jul 2 2011, 12:15 AM

A lengthy episode that spanned much of Cyrodiil.

Prudent thinking on Lissa's part to pass up Glarthir's offer of a midnight rendezvous while in Skingrad.

"Of course not." I assured her; I was an amazing secret keeper... '
Oh Kud-Ei, if you only knew!

Lissa did a great job of handling Valium Vemereal .

Anyanka was fun and interesting. She should make for an entertaining trip to the IC.

Posted by: King Coin Jul 2 2011, 02:06 AM

I love the guard! He must get sick of giving directions so he made sure he gave them in the most complex manner he could think of.

You know, with how insistent Rihanae was about getting down to Bravil I thought it would be more important than getting a staff back... And now it's all the way back up to the Imperial City. Lissa is going to be vastly irritated.

Anyanka? This should be interesting.

Posted by: mALX Jul 2 2011, 04:21 PM

I have to agree with Acadian - a huge wall of text can sometimes be off-putting to readers with little time on their hands. Maybe if you broke it into sections to give the appearance of a break between text.

All that said, the write is fantastic! I was roaring laughing at Lissa's interpretation of Glathir's plans for her - you owe me a monitor and keyboard for that paragraph! ROFL !!!

Just so you know - if you break into the Surile Brothers house and sneak through, the only wine you will find them drinking is Tamika's, ROFL !!! They won't even drink their own product!

Lissa's inner dialogue is always my favorite parts of your story - her impressions of everything she comes in contact with are ALWAYS unique, interesting outlooks - and nearly 100% of the time hilariously worded !!! Loving this story, PLEASE keep it up !!!

Posted by: Rihanae Jul 6 2011, 02:57 PM

First of all i would like to apologize for the length of the previous chapter; it was a one off, i promise

Acadian: Lissa has never been good at remembering names; just ask Jeffery

King Coin: I do feel sorry for the guards a lot of the time; all those directions that they manage to get perfect every time they are asked! it's only fair that once in a while they get to have some fun

mALX: I'm glad that you love Lissa so much! she does have a way with words; usually the wrong ones

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa made it to Bravil and confronted Rihanae's descendant, Ardaline, about her situation; which she refused any knowledge of. Lissa eventually learnt that Ardaline had her staff stolen by Varon Vamori; a dunmer infatuated with her. Unfortunatly Varon sold the staff to a man in the Imperial City. Lissa heads to the city to fetch it back; but she is ambushed by Ardaline's very brash friend Anyanka, a dunmer. After a conversation about Lissa intentions, Anyank agrees to accompany Lissa in getting Ardaline's staff back.

Anyanka and I walked up the Green Road. It was going to be a long journey to the Imperial City; but it most certainly wasn’t boring. I wasn't sure why I was so fond on Anyanka. She was rude, inconsiderate and as cold as ice; but that’s what made me so intrigued about her. Her no-nonsense attitude was a refreshing welcome for my tastes. It was nice to have a companion that wasn't sycophantic towards you; not like Jessie when we first met. Don't get me wrong, I adore Jessie now, but at first I found her highly irritating.

As we walked I turned to Anyanka to initiate a conversation.

"So... what's your story?" I asked her.

"I am unsure of what you mean." she said.

"I mean, like, your past? Anything interesting?"

She looked at me with a look of suspicion in her eyes.

"Why do you want to know? What business is it of yours?"

"It's not really, i just want to know. I’m just trying to get a conversation going, here."

Anyanka looked at me; still looking at me like I was up to something. Eventually she softened her expression and spoke to me.

"My parents reside in Cheydinhal. My father is the most famous artist in Cyrodiil."

"Wow, that's pretty cool." i said; pleased that she was speaking to me.

"I suppose it is, as you say, 'cool'. But when I was a child he used to lock himself in his study for hours on end. I hardly saw him."

"Well that sucks. What about your mother?"

"My mother is just your average housewife. We do not get on."

"Why's that?" I asked, a concerned frown on my face.

"She does not seem to appreciate my way of conversing. She thinks of me as rude and arrogant."

"I wouldn't say you were arrogant. You can't help it; you are who you are." I told her. I saw a little hint of a smile on her lips.

"But I am rude; at least that is how I come across. If I have a thought on my mind I like to share it. it isn’t nice keeping opinions to yourself."

"It is sometimes. Sometimes opinions should be kept on your mind. Feelings could get hurt."

"That isn't viable to me. If somebody tells me something I don’t like or acts in a particular way that i am not fond of, i will tell them."

I giggled, "I guess that is fair enough."

There was a small silence, before i raised another topic to keep the conversation flowing.

"So why did you leave home?"

She looked at me as if I had asked an unacceptable question; but again she softened her expression. I assumed she was naturally defensive; and I was eager to learn why.

"When I was 15 I decided that the life as an artist's daughter wasn't for me. Everyone expected me to follow in his footsteps; but I refused."

"Why?"

"Because artistry may have been in my blood, but it wasn't me. I wanted to proceed in life by accomplishing something I was in love with."

"And what was that? Alchemy?"

"Not only that; I had always been fascinated by the art of destruction."

I was slightly surprised, "Really?"

"Yes, why? Does that shock you?"

"A little bit. I thought you were just an eager alchemist."

"I am an eager alchemist, yes," she assured me, "but destruction magic has always been my passion. i love the feeling a shock spell brings to your fingertips as you ready to fire. It is incredible."

I was really interested to listen to Anyanka about her family and her past; which surprised me. Usually I would indivertibly switch off.

"So how did you get into the art of destruction, then?"

"It is fairly simple really. I took a pilgrimage to the imperial city to try to get a place in the university; only to learn that I had to obtain recommendations from Cyrodiil guild halls to earn a place."

"And how long did it take you to do that?"

"Almost half a year. I did a lot of tedious tasks; such as collecting an amulet and obliterating goblins. That was 5 years ago so I expect the recommendation tasks have changed now; become more rewarding."

"Probably." I shrugged; I had no clue, "what did you do once you got a place?"

"I studied for a number of years; learning a variety of spells in various fields. I am not yet a mater of destruction though; I plan to achieve that alone."

"Fair enough." I said and then changed the subject slightly. "What did you're parents say when you up and left?"

"I didn't tell them. I felt like they wouldn’t miss me."

"You should always tell them. I regret not telling my mother of my leaving."

A look of realisation sparked in her eyes; she the changed the subject.

"Speaking of your mother; I couldn't help but notice that you share the same last name as a teacher at the university?"

"Oleta?"

"That is her. She is a master and teacher of..."

I interrupted, "restoration, yeah. that's her."

"Well she is a very lovely lady. She taught me some minor restoration spells. She was not always around thought."

"Yeah, she didn't formally teach at the University. She was more of an honorary member of the place."

"But she still taught there?"

"Occasionally, yes, but it wasn't her official post."

"Where did she usually reside?"

"Well now she is in Kvatch-"

Anyanka interrupted me, "Kvatch is a wonderful city. The guild hall there is divine."

"Really? I've never been."

"Not even to visit your mother?"

I shook my head.

"Well, like i said, Kvatch is beautiful. The guild all is one of the best in Cyrodiil. The head of the guild hall is my uncle."

That explains the magicka in her blood.

"That's quite exciting."

She nodded and smiled.

"So is your mother teaching at the Kvatch guild hall?"

"I don't think so. I heard that she is the chapel healer there."

Anyanka once again turned the topic into a 'we love Kvatch!' session.

"The chapel is beautiful, I must say. Brother Martin is... he is simply amazing..."

I noticed her blushing.

"Oooh, I think somebody has a crush on somebody!"

"Don't be ridiculous!" she said, laughing nervously.

"You've gone all blushy!"

"This is most certainly embarrassing."

I laughed, "It's okay. You're allowed to find someone cute."

"I know, but not when he is older than you. I'll be a disgrace if anybody finds out!"

"Calm yourself, woman! My boyfriend is a bit older than me." I said; it was strange calling Rhano my boyfriend.

but i guess he is though...

"You have a boyfriend? Tell me about him!" Anyanka demanded with a girlish grace.

"Well he is amazing. He is the best kisser on Nirn, well I like to think he is even though he is the only person I have ever kissed."

Anyanka looked genuinely shocked. "YOU have only kissed one person?"

"Thanks. Are you trying to say something?" I joked. Anyanka laughed.

"Of course not! I’m only commenting on the fact that you are a beautiful girl and i thought you may have interacted with more than one boy in your past."

I didn't know how take that remark, but i thought it might have been a compliment.

"Thanks, I guess."

Anyanka’s face suddenly turned all panicky again.

"I don't know how my parents would react if they found out I had kissed somebody, that’s why I have not kissed anybody! i am terrified of the consequences I would no doubt endure!"

"Stop stressing out! Lets change the subject before your head explodes."

A pause and a serious look from Anyanka.

"Do you think it might?"

I laughed and hooked my arm onto hers, "Don't be stupid! I was only joking."

"Well you cannot be certain of these things! It is plausible."

"Known many people who have spontaneously combusted in the head compartment?"

"No," she laughed and then changed the subject, "tell me about your family? Where do you live?"

"Well I don't really live anywhere; I travel a lot, but my hometown is Anvil."

"Ah, such a wonderful place. The sunrise there is a treat for the eyes."

I nodded in agreement before continuing, "My sister, Maelona, lives in our old family house with her husband and my cousin..."

"Clesa?" she asked; remembering her from earlier.

"Yes."

"And what about your father?"

AH, the subject I like to talk about the least.

"Um, he died."

Her face turned quite solemn.

"Oh, I am sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"No, its okay, you were bound to ask."

There was another awkward silence before she, once again, changed the subject. "Are you planning on seeing your mother soon?"

I didn't know how to answer that question. I hadn't thought about it since Maelona and I talked about it when I first arrived.

"I don't know. I will do eventually, but at the moment i really don't know."

"I am the same. I have not seen my parents since my departure."

I looked at her, "Have you ever thought about going back?"

"No, not at this point in time."

"Why?" I asked her.

"Because I am a coward. I cannot bear to face them alone."

I understood what she meant. I too was too afraid to visit my mother due to the fear of her reaction to my presence.

I thought for a minute, before coming up with a compromise.

"Tell you what; after we get the staff and do everything wise we have to do how about we meet in Skingrad and we visit our parent together?"

"How do you mean?"

"I mean first we go to Kvatch together and see my mother, then we go to Cheydinhal together and see your parents together."

She looked at me and smiled, "Are you certain?"

"Yeah, of course I am! That’s what friends are for!"

A short pause for thought occurred and then Anyanka turned to me with an almighty grin.

"Then I am on board. It sounds like a marvellous idea."

"Great! Then it's settled. We will take the staff back to Ardaline, I’ll go to back to Anvil and tell Maelona where we are going then we meet in Skingrad and meet the parents!"

We smiled together. I could feel a positive vibe coming from Anyanka as we walked along the Green Road arm in arm.


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Posted by: Acadian Jul 7 2011, 01:14 AM

It was fun to read the interaction between Lissa and Anyanka. I found it neat how Lissa mentioned that Jesse had at first irritated her, then proceeded to act just like Jesse with Anyanka! Often, friendships start out with a few bumps.

So, it looks like the girls already have an expedition planned after taking care of business with Ardaline and Vamorial. Sniff, sniff. . . do I smell turpentine? The long range scent perhaps of a missing artist?

Posted by: King Coin Jul 7 2011, 02:18 AM

Well Jessi sure got Anyanka to open up. I think they will be great friends, especially if they are going to go through what I think they will together.

Posted by: Grits Jul 8 2011, 02:12 AM

I like how Anyanka has a more formal way of speaking. It’s a nice contrast to Lissa. I love that Anyanka is a character that you created.

Kvatch then Cheydinhal, sounds like a plan!

Posted by: mALX Jul 12 2011, 12:31 AM

All your characters are realistic and interesting - and like KC, I loved how you changed the dialogue up between Lissa and Anyanka so that each had their own distinct personality! Great Write !!

Posted by: Rihanae Sep 14 2011, 02:37 PM

HELLO!

I deeply apologize for my sudden absence, but i assure you that Lissa and I are back and ready to continue the journal. Thank you all for being patient

Acadian: I'm glad that you noticed the role reverals with Lissa and Anyanka's friendship to Jessie and Lissa's. It was interesting to see a side of Lissa that was desperate to be liked

King Coin: I'm glad that you like Lissa's skills to get Anyanka to open up. I'm sure that they will be great friends, too! (If Lissa doesn't irritate Anyanka too much!)

Grits: I'm glad that you enjoy Anyanka as an origional character. I hope you enjoy the contrast between her and Lissa!

mALX: Thank you for your comments! I'm so glad that you enjoy the characters personalities as much as i enjoy writing them

PREVIOUSLY: On the journey to the IC Lissa and Anyanka get to know each other a little better. After bonding they decided that after their current mission at getting Ardaline's staff back they would endure their toughest mission yet... visiting their parents! Lissa in Kvatch and Anyanka in Cheydinhal.

It had taken almost half a day for Anyanka and me to travel to the Imperial City; but I can guarantee you that the journey wasn’t dull. Anyanka made what would have possibly been a tedious journey for a tedious reason a LOT more enjoyable.

On the way to the city we stopped off at the Wawnet Inn, but only for a minute to say a quick hello to Nerussa as Anyanka made it quite clear that we had more important matters to attend to and socialising would have to wait.

[i]Rude, but true.

I’d almost forgotten how amazing the view across the bridge to the Imperial City was whilst walking along it, even though this time I was walking to the Imperial City rather than away from it. The feeling you got when the city got closer with each step, the sounds of the city becoming louder and clearer with each stride, was incredibly immense.

I never thought I would be going back to the city as soon as I did due to the fact that I was worried that the guards would find out that Jessie and I had killed the Breton man, even though we had been assured that whoever did it was in the clear. Even still I couldn’t help but shake the feeling that my actions would have consequences, despite the fact that I didn’t make the killing blow. I hated the fact that Leinahtan would selfishly take over the bodies and souls of innocent people to do his bidding. These people could have had lives, family; and he was just more than willing to end that almost instantaneously.

The moment Anyanka and I had entered the Imperial City by the Talos Plaza district I stopped in my tracks. I had always loved the feeling of returning to a place I loved after being away for so long. I took the opportunity to take in my surroundings, looking around to see the people of the city wandering around with their everyday lives. The city air quite dank and musty as I inhaled it deeply into my lungs. I closed my eyes to focus on the sounds of the city; concentrating hard to listen to the-

“Lissa? What you are doing is highly unusual and obscure. I ask that you stop before some one begins to notice.”

I opened my eyes and turned my head to look at Anyanka. She had a slightly disturbed look on her face. I couldn’t for the life of me imagine why.

“Sorry, kind of a habit of mine.” I said with a smile. Anyanka looked at me, a confused look in her eye.

“Strange.” Anyanka replied. She began to walk toward the door to the Elven Garden District. I enjoyed one last moment of reminiscence before following her.

As we walked toward the door to the Elven Gardens we stopped. In the distance I noticed something. Someone was looking directly at me, waving frantically to catch my attention. When my attention was caught the person began to walk closer towards us. It was a Redguard, a female Redguard. Her hair was short and red.

Probably dyed.

As she approached us Anyanka turned to me.

“Who is this person? I am unsettled by her cheeriness. Tell her to go away.”

I shushed her and put on a fake smile as the Redguard finally reached us. She looked familiar, but I couldn’t quite work out who she was; but it was obvious that she knew me.

“Well if it isn’t little Lissa Cristenn!”

I looked at the woman; still oblivious to who she was. Stupidly I opened my mouth to say something in response…

“By the nine! I can’t believe it’s… you?” I replied. The woman laughed.

“Don’t worry; I’m not surprised you don’t recognise me. You haven’t seen me in years,” She assured me. “But it’s me, Angelie? Rohssan’s daughter?”

Suddenly I was filled with excitement.

Oh dear, how could I have forgotten Angelie?

Angelie spoke again.

“The last time I saw you, you were only small! Look how you’ve grown!”

I smiled. Angelie had always been one of my favourite cousin’s growing up. She was a lot older than me, twenty years at least, but she always treated me like an adult. I was horrified that I didn’t recognise her sooner.



Angelie had invited Anyanka and I into her home for some tea. We sat on the couch, Anyanka looking disgruntled and unimpressed. All she wanted to do was complete the mission; all I wasted to do was have a catch up and a gossip.

Angelie came out if the kitchen with a pot of water ready to put on the fire to boil.

“So how have things been with you?” She asked me. I hoped she hadn’t heard that I went away for a couple of years. I was too tired for story time.

Well she has been living in Hammerfell for the past ten years. Chances are she wouldn’t have heard…

“I hear you went exploring for a while? How was that? Tell me everything!” She continued.

Great.

“Maybe you should write the tales of your journey and hand them out to everyone that ask’s? You’d be a millionare.” Rihanae said, attempting sarcasm, but failing miserably.

Hush, you!

I looked at Angelie, ready to tell her the story of my travels; before Anyanka stepped in instead.

“Lissa doesn’t have time to waste talking about her travels. Wait until a less busy time for her.”

“Good old Anyanka. Straight to the point.” Rihanae said. He was right, but for the wrong reasons. Anyanka could be incredibly rude sometimes, but I guess that was her charm.

“I see,” Angelie said, putting the pot on the fire and sitting down. “So Lissa… did you get my present?”

I looked at her, then Anyanka, then back at Angelie.

“Present?” I said, confused.

Angelie nodded her head, “Yes, I had it delivered to you last time you were in the city.”

“The key?” Rihanae pointed out.

Yes, I got that.

I pulled the key from my pocket and showed it to Angelie. She smiled.

“Yes! So you did get it! I’m relieved; I thought that delivery man would have lost it!”

But Simplicia gave it to me?

“Mail… man?” I asked. I was worried that Angelie got confused. She didn't seem all together there.

“Well I instructed the mailman to give it to someone else to deliver it to you.”

I was confused, the whole thing made absolutely no sense. Why didn’t she just give it to me herself? And why the cryptic messages? I decided to hold back asking those questions to ask the most important one.

“Erm… what is the key for?”

Angelie had a look on her face as if she was searching her brain for the answer, but she shook her head.

“I don’t know, all I know is that it belongs to your mother.”

Another twist. Hoorah.

“My mother’s key? Why do you have it?”

“She gave it to my mother when you were away. She said it was important.”

“So then why was it in your possession?” Anyanka asked her.

“I happened to stumble across it in Mothers bedroom the last time you came to the city. I felt like I was drawn to it. And for some reason I knew I had to give it to you.”

“But why all the mysterious letter mumbo jumbo? Why not just simply give it to me?”

“… Hm… I don’t know.” Angelie shrugged.

I was slightly angered and Angelie’s lack of assistance. I decided to ask her something that she had a better chance of knowing the answer to.

“So… how do you know it was my mothers?”

Angelie had that look on her face again, the look that suggested she was trying to remember something, but again she shook her head.

“I don’t know. I just …do.”

Angelie looked dead certain that she was telling the truth, which was even MORE confusing. I looked at Anyanka; she was as confused as I was. So many question’s filled my head, and those piled on top of all the other questions caused my head to be just about ready to explode.

Rihanae, explain?

“I have no answers, Lissa. All I can say is that you trust her.”

Whilst I was pondering answers in my confuzzled little brain, Angelie had gone to check on the tea and Anyanka took the key out of my hand. She examined it closely, before a spark of realisation appeared on her face.

“Lissa, do you see this?”

I leaned over to look at what Anyanka was pointing at. A small emblem on the base of the key. I recognised it, but I was unsure of what it represented.

“What is it?” I asked her. I could tell by her expression, a sort of exited look with a hint of utter glee, that she knew what the emblem was.

“It is the emblem of the Arcane University.”

FINALLY! An answer!

I was thrilled that after all this mystery and craziness, we were finally going somewhere. But I still had a question on my mind.

“But what kind of key is it? A door key?”

Anyanka thought intensly, but came up with nothing.

“I don’t know… but I suggest we go and find out.”

I was surprised that Anyanka had suggested this. All day long Anyanka had been all ‘HURRY UP, MISSION TIME! GO, GO, GO!’.

Maybe she was intrigued by the mystery surrounding the key and wanted answers just for the thrill of it.

Or maybe, JUST maybe… she actually cares.


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Posted by: Acadian Sep 15 2011, 12:16 AM

Nice job managing the four way conversation among Lissa, Anyanka, Angelie and Rihanae.

So, a diversion to the Arcane University?

Posted by: Rihanae Sep 17 2011, 01:25 PM

Acadian: I'm glad you enjoyed the four way conversation between the characters, i'm so pleased that you're still reading!

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa and Anyanka make it to the IC and bump into Lissa's cousin, Angelie. Whilst chatting Lissa learns that is was Angelie who sent Lissa the key and the letter the last time she was in the city; and she also discovers the key belongs to her mother and that it's an Arcane University key.

"Reminus, we need your assistance." Anyanka ordered.

Anyanka and I entered the university after bidding an unfortunately premature farewell to Angelie; and the last minute decision to put our current mission on hold.

I didn’t even get to finish my tea...

"Yes Anyanka, what can I help you with?" Reminus looked at me and smiled. "I do not believe we have met."

"No, you have not, but that is unimportant. Look, this is Oleta Cristenn's daughter and we were wondering if you recognised this..." Anyanka said as i pulled the key out of my pocket. Reminus took it from my hand and examined it and handed it back to me.

"Yes, this is a key we use for personal storage chests."

"Is my mothers still here?" I asked him.

"I am most certain; but you may need to ask around to find it's location for I am unsure."

Rats

"That is no good, we must be told now for we have to go back to bravil as soon as possible."

Reminus laughed.

"Same old Anyanka. Okay, I’ll do something for you. You two wait here for a few minutes and i will ask Traven if he knows of it's whereabouts, okay?"

I smiled in thanks; but Anyanka seemed less than appreciative.

"Why must you waste time? Do hurry."

Reminus was still laughing as he walked to a sort of teleport pad at the edge of the room, disappearing in a colourful light. I turned to Anyanka.

"Why was he laughing when you were so rude to him?"

"I wasn't being rude, I assure you. I was being friendly."

"Who was being friendly?"

I heard a familiar voice pipe up from the entrance where Anyanka and I arrived from.

"JESSIE!" i screamed in delight as i ran towards her for a hug.

"It's good to see you, Lissa!" she replied as we bounced around during our embrace; much like I did with Maelona during our reunion.

"What are you doing here? Did you get into the university already?" I asked her as we stopped hugging but still smiled.

"No, not yet. I just stopped in the city on my way to Skingrad and I spotted you in the Talos Plaza heading this way so I thought I’d surprise you!"

"Well you succeeded!" I said as I grabbed her for a hug again. We both laughed with happiness before Jessie ceased to look at Anyanka.

"Who's your friend?"

"OH! Sorry. Jessie; Anyanka. Anyanka;jessie." i introduced them as they shook hands. "Anyanka is a graduate here."

"Really? How is it?" Jessie asked Anyanka.

"I shall not lie to you it is a truly amazing experience. You will enjoy it very much when you finalise your verification."

Jessie looked at me as if to say 'what?', but I replied by shaking my head slightly. After an awkward moment Jessie changed the subject.

"Anyway, why are you two here?"

"Well we are in the city to get a stolen staff..."

"Lissa; that is none of her concern!" Anyanka hissed.

"Oh, lighten up frosty." i joked before returning to what I was saying. "But we're in the university because I found out what that key was for!"

"Oh really?" Jessie said, intrigued.

"Yes, it appears it belonged to her mother. We are in the process of locating the chest where it fits." Anyanka informed her.

"Intriguing; mind if i find out with you? I've got nothing on."

"SURE!" I said.



After about half an hour of pointless gossip and boy talk Reminus finally came back; and with good news.

"It appears the chest is in the basement of the mages quarters. I will retrieve it for you in a moment."

"Can’t we just go ourselves?" I asked. He laughed as if I had told a really funny joke. Us girls just looked at each other; confused.

"You cannot just go wandering into the university; you are not a student here!"

Jessie and I looked at Anyanka expectantly.

"I see that you expect me to go and get the chest. But I refuse. Reminus is sending people on it and as I simply do not want to, I won’t be offering my assistance."

I looked at Jessie, "at least she was honest."

Reminus walked through a door into the university grounds; presumably to get the chest.

"What do you expect to find, Lissa?" Rihanae asked me.

I don't know. It had to be something worth saving if mother practically gave the key a personal bodyguard.

"Could it be dangerous? You must be cautious."

Knowing mother it would be the scroll for a spell she is working on. stop worrying.

"I can't help it."

Well, try.

I sat with the girls anxiously awaiting Reminus's return. Rihanae had made a good point. I had no idea what this chest would contain; but it had to be something important. I was scared to find out; but excited at the same time.

"I notice a look of concern on your face, Lissa. Do not worry. I value you as a friend and i am certain that you are strong enough to face anything to come out of the chest; should it be negative."

"You think of me as a friend?" I said; the sentiment was wonderful.

"Correct."

"What about me?" Jessie asked; hope in her smile.

Anyanka looked at her with an examining look before answering, "I hardly know you; so know. But that doesn't mean you mean nothing to me."

I looked at Jessie, "That's as good as you're going to get for now."

I continued to talk to the girls when in mid conversation I heard a voice.

"Excuse me, I was wondering if you knew where I could find a rambunctious adventurer?"

I turned my head to see a very familiar face stood before me; it was Tandilwen.

"Tandi? Is that you?" i asked; i stood up and hugged her, excited. She didn’t look any different; still as beautiful as ever.

"It most certainly is! how have you been?" she asked me; we ceased the hugging and we sat down; Jessie budging up slightly to give Tandilwen room.

"I've been great! How are you? How are things here?" I asked.

"It's very fulfilling to be here; if not hard work." she said with a smile.

"I bet," I suddenly remembered about the girls, "Oh, I’m sorry introductions. Tandilwen, this is Jessie and Anyanka, my friends."

"Pleased to meet you!" Tandi said, shaking their hands before turning back to me, "So how was your adventure? Saved the world yet?"

I laughed, "No, I haven’t, hopefully soon though!" We both laughed together. Jessie stood up and took Anyanka into a corner with her; no doubt to give Tandilwen and I some privacy, which I appreciated.

"So what happened? have you gotten tired of Tamriel's beauty already?"

"No, nothing like that..."

I explained about Falvor’s premonition and about Leinahtan.

"That is horrible! Why would somebody be after you?" she said, shocked. I didn't know how to answer her question, so I closed and changed the subject.

"I dont know really, and right now i don't care. All i want is to get that chest."

"Chest?" Tandi asked; i remembered that I didn’t tell her about it; all these reunions and i had forgotten who I had told who what.

"OH! Well my cousin found this key from my mother and gave it to me. Apparently it opens a chest mother left here. Reminus is off to get it now."

"Oh, Lissa; every the detective."

I laughed; I’d forgotten how funny Tandilwen was.

"So what are you doing right now?" I asked her.

"Actually, i came here to find Reminus but he is obviously not here."

"Ah; his lack of attendance must have given it away."

"Indeed."

We laughed together. Anyanka looked over at us.

"I expect to learn of what it is you find so funny!" She shouted over to us.

"But telling someone what we are gossiping about them is no fun!" I teased. Anyanka jokingly scowled, then continued talking to Jessie; I could see from there smiles that they were getting along. Tandi and I continued our conversation.

"How is Clesa? and Maelona?" she asked me.

"Well Clesa is involuntarily abstinent and Maelona is pregnant."

A mixture of shock and happiness covered her face; hopefully about Maelona and not Clesa, as that would we strange.

"Really?"

I nodded, "Yup, once isn't getting any and the other is getting too much!"

She playfully slapped my hand, "Don't be so vulgar!"

We laughed together; but the laughter was halted when Reminus re-entered the room. He was followed by two apprentices holding a fairly large, brown chest. They walked over and placed it by my feet before scurrying out of the room and back to the courtyard.

"I think you will find that this is the chest you seek. Now please excuse me, for I have business to attend to."

He turned to leave but Tandilwen spoke up to stop him.

"Actually i needed to speak with you!" Tandilwen said; rising to her feet and then turning to me. "Wait here, I’ll be back once I’ve spoken with him."

"Okay; speak soon." Tandi smiled and walked over to Reminus; they then left through the main door.

"Thank you!" I shouted after him.

Jessie and Anyanka then came back over and sat with me.

"Did you have a good catch up?" Jessie asked me.

I nodded; looking at the chest. I knew what i next move had to be; but i wasn't sure whether or not to make it.

"Are you going to open it?" Jessie asked me. I just sat there, frozen with worry.

"Are you okay?" Anyanka asked me.

I didn't know what had happened. I was so scared about what could be in the box that I was in a very, very, very minor catatonic state. Jessie put her hand on my knee.

"Would you like me to open it?" she asked me. Some form of relief filled my body and i nodded; handing her the key.

She cautiously put the key in the lock and turned it. She opened the chest and we were met by the smell of musky old papers.

Is that it?

"Well even I find that disappointing!"

I began to rummage through the papers; the girls helping me. There was nothing of interest in their at all; a few spells, notes from mothers research but nothing worthwhile."

"Why did mother make such a big deal over this junk?" I asked Jessie.

"Well maybe it wasn't junk to her. Maybe it was important."

Even still, I felt a huge rush of disappointment and even anger fuel my body.

Such a waste of time. I wish I didn't even-

"Lissa..."

I turned to see Anyanka holding a piece of paper. She had a deeply concerned look on her face.

"What is that?" I asked her. She handed me the piece of paper and all three of us looked at it.

It was a small drawing of Mother and father. They looked very smart and confidant, but then I noticed something; something horrifying.

"Who is that boy?" Jessie asked me. in the drawing dad was carrying a boy, a redguard who looked a lot like him. He must have been about 4 years old. I turned the picture around to see writing.

It said 'The Cristenn family: Oleta Cristenn, Nathaniel Cristenn...'

Then I read the last part out loud.

"... and Leinahtan Cristenn..."


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

Posted by: Grits Sep 17 2011, 04:41 PM

17. Chapter 6 ~ GOC: Origins ~ Part 3

One thing about her rude friend is that when she says something nice, Lissa will be able to believe it.

More mysteries surround the key. Good thing Anyanka could come up with a place to start unraveling them. To the University!


18. Chapter 6 ~ The GOC: Origins ~ Part 4

"Reminus, we need your assistance." Anyanka ordered.

Is this Raminus Polus, Master-Wizard of the Mages Guild and possibly the most hilariously named Oblivion NPC? Wow, Anyanka is bold! If not, never mind.


It said 'The Cristenn family: Oleta Cristenn, Nathaniel Cristenn...'

Then I read the last part out loud.

"... and Leinahtan Cristenn..."

Lissa’s brother?!

Posted by: Acadian Sep 18 2011, 12:46 AM

What a chilling twist at the end that leads to more questions for Lissa.

Posted by: Rihanae Oct 8 2011, 12:56 PM

Acadian: Poor Lissa has more question's thrown at her than most. She should really note them down to keep track

Grits: Haha, yes I meant Raminus, I always write Reminus for some reason. haha. But back to Anyanka, she is extremly bold and confident; maybe that will be her downfall one day. Though i hope not. Editing Reminus to Raminus

PREVIOUSLY: Once in the university and a reuinin with Jessie, Lissa and Anyanka learn that Oleta's key opens her private storag hest from the university, ad inside the chest Lissa finds a picture that reveals that she has a long lost brother; Leinahtan Cristenn.

After retrieving Ardaline's staff from Soris Aluminum, Jessie, Anyanka and I went back to Bravil almost as soon as I made the discovery.

I honestly did'nt know what to think, or do. So many questions filled my confused little head; Why didn't they tell me why had a brother? Did Maelona know about him? Why was he trying to kill me?

What did I do? Nothing! I think...

I was ready to confront mother about Leinahtan; but for some reason I felt hesitant to do so. It was strange.

Part of me wanted to storm over to Kvatch to have it out woth the woman who had lied to me my whole life; but another part of me was too scared to learn the truth.

So i decided to focus on the current task at hand; returning the staff we spent so long to retrieve to it's rightful owner.



The girls and I walked through Bravil, heding towards the guild hall. I knew that the girls were walking on egg shells around me... well not so much Anyanka, who kept slapping me harshly on the cheek me to get me out of my non-existant hysteria. Apparently a moment of silence means an emotional breakdown.

I don't think she's ever been around people much. Either that or I've just found the reason she has hardly any friends.

We entered the guild hall and immediatly headed towards Ardaline. Anyanka, who had the staff, ran over to her friend and greeted her with a hug. Jessie walked over to speak with Anyanka and Ardaline. I sat on the bench on the other side of the wall where Kud-Ei could usually be found. She wasn't there. The one time really needed an older figure to talk to and no-one was there. No-one was anywhere. It was almost midnight, after all.

I hated feeling miserable; not only miserable but so confused that not even the Arch-Mage would be able to know what to.

Great. Now I can't even make witty puns. Hoorah.

Then I felt it; a tear, not just my eyes welling up but an ACTUAL tear. I hadn't cried since my dad's death; not properly anyway. It was weird

"You okay, Liss?"

I turned my head and saw Jessie stood in the archway by the bench. I smiled and nodded, then cried hysterically again. Immediatly Jessie sat beside me on the bench, putting her arm around me in comfort.

"It's just all so screwed up!" I wailed.

"I know, Lissa. I'm confused, too."

I looked at her, an untintentional atmosphere of anger emerging from me.

"What on Nirn do YOU have to be confused about? You don't know ANYTHING Jessie! ANYTHING!"

I wailed again. I knew that Jessie thought nothing of my outburst and she didn't stop her embrace. I was grateful.

"I'm sorry, Jessie. It's just-"

"Really, don't explain. you don't have to. The only thing I ask is that you let out all the pain, okay? Crying is good! It gets the negative vibes out, so it's a definate must, okay?"

I looked at Jessie and laughed a little. She was right.

Good old Jessie...



You've been awfully quiet? Got anything for me? I asked Rihanae, with no reply.

The one time I really needed answers from him and he bails.

Despite my bitter rage and my GS's absence, I'd managed to calm myself down, with Jessie's help, from my little episode earlier. I was now stood with the girls and Ardaline in the potion making alchemy room, or whatever it's called; a forced smile on my face.

"... also Lissa i'd like to thank you. I apoligize for being so resistant to talk about my situation with Varon, but i am eternally grateful that you retrieved my staff. Anyanka told me the exciting, yet highy unacceptable story of it's retrieval." Ardaline said.

I looked at Anyanka, confused; she had a large grin spread on her face.

Confused. Anyanka told us she simply asked for the staff back. What for the love of mudcrabs did she do?

I decided not to ask, I really didn't want to know; despite the fact that I really did.

"Ardaline, where I am thrilled to see you smile again, I'm afraid that Lissa and I must be off, so this visit will have to be put on hod untill a later date." Anyanka bluntly informed her.

I looked at her. She was confusing me even more than I was already confused, and now I was really confused.

"Anyanka, honey, umm... what?" I said to her. She looked at me with a dissapointed expression on her face.

"We are going on a journey to see our parents, remember?" Her tone suddenly turned dissapointed. "However, I fear you have forgotten. Is this true?"

Of course it is! I don't want to see my mother! Hello? Emotional wreck here!

"Of course I haven't forgotten. I just had a blank moment is all. you know me! haha." I backtracked. Jessie looked at me.

"You're... going on a journey?" She asked, a slightly sad tone to her voice.

I looked into her eyes. She'd already missed so much. I wasn't prepared to leave her out again; she was my rock.

"... Would you like to come?" I asked

Jessie's face lit up.

"YES! Maybe I can get some reccomendations done at the same time. Although it depends where we're going. Two birds, and that!"

"Two birds? What?"

"It's an expression."

"I don't understand."

"Two birds with one stone?"

"... What?"

A moment of complete silence befell us. A silence which got me thinking. Maybe Anyanka reminding me of the journey was the god's way of literally forcing me to confront my mother.

It was terrifying to think that she had answers; which made no sense as answers are usually my favorite thing to look for. But I knew that it was now or never; and with the girls with me, I knew i'd be okay, and if ever I wasn't okay, it didn't matter. I had their suport, and that makes everything worthwhile.

At least, that's what I hoped.

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Posted by: Grits Oct 10 2011, 01:08 AM

I knew that the girls we're walking on egg around me... well not so much Anyanka, who kept slapping me harshly on the cheek me to get me out of my non-existant hysteria.

Anyanka can be a difficult friend.

"I know, Lissa. I'm confused, too."

This made me smile. As Lissa says, good old Jessie. I’m glad she’s going along, I think Lissa will need the support of her friends.

Posted by: Rihanae Oct 10 2011, 02:33 PM

AUTHOR NOTE:

Hello all! I'm taking some time off writing to concentrate on getting up to date with the other amazing stories on this site, so i thought i'd share a few screenshots with you now i've managed to get screenies from my computor. More will be added over time.

I'll be back with the journal once i've gotten up to date with everything

I'm also working on a mod to incorporate Anyanka and Jessie into my game, that way not only will Lissa's world be more fun for her, but the screenies of the girls together should be amazing

I want to thank my readers for their patience

SCREENSHOTS

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/Lissa%20Screenshots/AnyankaandArdaline.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/Lissa%20Screenshots/Oblivion2011-10-0910-27-04-86.jpg

12/10/11 SCREENSHOTS

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/Lissa%20Screenshots/screensaver.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/Lissa%20Screenshots/DRESSESSSSSSSSSSS.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/Lissa%20Screenshots/MaelonaandLissaI.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/Lissa%20Screenshots/MaelonaandLissaII.jpg

BELOW ARE SCREENSHOTS WHICH COULD BE SEEN AS SPOILERS FOR THE JOURNAL:

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/Lissa%20Screenshots/Lissaandthescamp.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/Lissa%20Screenshots/TheWreckage.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/Lissa%20Screenshots/Youproundofme-1.jpg

Posted by: Acadian Oct 11 2011, 01:24 AM

What a fun and light tone you give to this! So the staff is returned, Rihanae is of no real help here, Lissa is scared and very confused. And it’s off to see her mother. Lissa is right - it’s good that her two friends are going with her! I love how you so effectively paint the stark differences among the three amigas.

Can’t wait to see if Lissa’s mother can shed any light on the mystery of Leinahtan.

Thank you for the wonderful screenshots! Lissa is so pretty!

Oh, I think your plans to do some catching up are great. Reading other stories can help us all learn to enrichen our own stories by seeing fine examples of varying styles. It can also help to garner and maintain support for your own fine story.

Posted by: Rihanae Dec 7 2011, 07:00 PM

Acadian: Thank you for your patience! I am still working through catching up, but I thought I would give everyone an update on Lissa's journal for being so patient

Grits: Haha, yes, I don't think Annie QUITE understands correct social mannerisms yet

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa and the gang return the staff to Ardaline. After a minor reunion they decide to start their personal mission to visit the parents; with Jessie tagging along for the journey.

After spending the night at the Guild hall, Anyanka, Jessie and I said our goodbyes to our Bravilian buddies the next morning and headed for our first destination; Kvatch.

We knew that we wouldn't be back in Bravil for quite some time, which was a shame as I was only just getting used to the smell. The city may have been charming, but when a girls got a mission to complete, priorities must be made.

"Do we not have to travel to Anvil first to inform your sister of our plans?" Anyanka asked me as we headed across the bridge leading from Bravil's north gate. I pondered for a moment.

"She IS expecting me back home," I replied, a spark of relisation hit me. "That said she doesn't know that I've completed Rihanae's mission. For all she knows I'm still working on that."

"You're going to lie? To your own sister?" Jessie said, shocked.

"Not lie... just not tell her the whole truth. Anyway I'm not even going back to Anvil TO lie to her, am I?"

Jessie looked at me; she clearly hadn't thought about that.

"Lissa, I have some information you might find useful" Rihanae popped into conversation; much to my delight; not that i'd let hi know it, of course.

Where have YOU been then? Vacation with your spirit buddies?

"Lissa, please, this is serious."

Is it as serious as getting into wrestling match with a storm atronach? If not, my attention span may be a little less than none.

The silence suggested he clearly didn't understand my example; but if i'm honest, neither did I, but at least
I sounded mildly intellegent.

"Lissa, it's about your brother."

My heart stopped.

Don't call him that. Don't you EVER call him that.

"Listen to me, Lissa-" He tried to continue, but I intterupted him.

No, YOU listen. The only person I wan't answers from right now is Mother; no-one else. I don't need my head more confused and achey, okay? Whatever you have to say is really not important; not right now anyway.

My mental outburst was met with a silence, followed by a reluctant submission from my spirit guide.

"Okay..."

Okay?

"Okay."

Good.

"Don't you find it strange how the orange road isn't even orange?" Jessie said, changing my mindset completley. I was highly grateful.

"Very interesting observation, Jessie." Anyanka replied. I couln't tell whether she was being sarcastic or not.

"But the green road is green, isn't it? bizarre."

I looked at Jessie and spoke to her; a slightly mocking tone to my voice.

"And did you notice that the city of Anvil Isn't actually an 'Anvil'? Talk about weird!"

Jessie looked at me and smiled, scowling at me for making fun of her, before Anyanka spoke up.

"Jessie, I noticed something odd about your question. You question why the Orange Road isn't orange; but what about the Black Road? Or the Gold Road?"

"Annie, we don't need to confuse her anymore, do we?" I told her.

Indeed, judging by her face, Annie had almost certainly confused her; which I thought was rather hilarious.

“I’ve never been to Kvatch before.” Jessie confessed.

“Me either. I’ve always wondered what it’s…” I replied.

“I have!” Anyanka interrupted.

"Yes, darling. We know." I looked at her and patted her on the shoulder; her excitement was unnessecary, and strangely out of character.

We continued to walk, talking and gossiping about mindless dribble. Anyanka felt the need to tell us about her love for yarn, which was odd.



After about half a days travelling we made it to an inn called: ‘The Inn of Ill Omen.”

“Sounds inviting.” I remarked as we apprached to door.

“Don’t let the name put you off. The inn is more than comfortable, I assure you.” Anyanka told us. I don’t think she realised I was being sarcastic.

We entered the Inn. The words dark and slightly unnerving came to mind; but again that was probably due to my opinion on the name of the delightful place. Anyanka and Jessie went to sit at a table, leaving me to order the food and drinks.

“Well hello there young lady!” greeted the Nord innkeeper. “My name is Manheim Maulhound. What can I get for you? It’s nice to see a new customer for a change!”

“Well that was a cheerful introduction!” I smiled as I sat down. “My name is Lissa and I would like some bread, some cheese, some wine and direction to more cheery innkeepers like your fine self!”

Manheim laughed as he explored his cupboards, producing the things I had ordered.

“Don’t let the name of this place fool you! I can be a delightful person!”

“I noticed.” I replied; now getting slightly creeped out. “So I take it business is bad? Or do you get that excited over everyone who walks in.”

“Well yes, business could be better, but my day has been made all the more better for seeing such a beautiful Redguard as yourself!”

I smiled awkwardly as I saw his eyes examine my body. I paid the innkeeper and placed the food and drinks onto a tray, carrying them VERY carefully over to our table, constantly aware that Manheim was staring at me. I placed the tray on our table and sat down.

“Okay, is that innkeeper staring at me?” I asked the girls.

“It’s more of a gawp.” Jessie replied. I looked at her.

“Thanks. I feel better now.” I said, sarcastically.

Whilst we were tucking into our stale and less than fresh dinner, we were aproached by an old Redguard woman.

“You’re new. What brings you girls here?” She asked us. Anyanka was the one to reply.

“That is no business of yours. Please leave us to our food.”

“ANNIE!” I scolded. I turned to the Redguard with a smile. “Sorry about her. This is the first time she’s been out of her cage in a long time!”

I felt Anyanka kicking my shin from under the table.

“That’s quite alright. My name is Minerva. What’s yours?”

“Well I’m Lissa.” I replied.

“I’m Jessie,” Jessie started, then begain to introduce Anyanka. “And this is…”

“Annie, I know.” Minerva interrupted.

Jessie looked at me, amazed. She’d obviously forgotten that I’d said Annie’s name not a minute earlier.

Oh Jessie. Just a few arrows short of a quiver, arne’t you?

“Well put.”

Thank you. I try.

“I noticed that Manheim seem’s to be transfixed by you?” Minerva informed me. I smiled awkwardly.

“Oh… really I hadn’t noticed…”

“But you asked us if he was…” Anyanka started. Now it was my turn to kick her in the shin.

“Don’t be threatened by him. We don’t get a lot of customers, let alone beautiful women, come here.”

“Really? Then why wasn’t he staring at me?” Jessie asked.

“Because, like I said, we don’t get a lot of beautiful women come in here.”

I saw Jessie’s face drop. I went to say something to Minerva about hurting poor Jessie’s feelings, but she started speaking first.

“Well it was nice to meet you girls, but I must be off. I have important work to do.”

“Oh really, what is it that you do?” I asked.

“Nothing. Why do you ask?” She replied.

“Oh… it’s just. Never mind.”

Minerva walked away and stood by the entrance. As soon as she left I turned to the girls.

“Okay, can we go now? This place is freaking me out.”

Anyanka nodded and stood with me.

“Aww, but I havent finished my cheese wheel…HEY!” Jessie protested as Anyanka grabbed her arm and forced her out of her seat. We walked as fast as we could to the entrance; Jessie still munching on her cheese wheel.

“Just keep smiling and pretend to be in deep conversation.” I instructed.

“Conversation about what?” Anyanka asked.

“I don’t know… just laugh.”

We did so. All three of us laughed uncontrollably as we reached the final few steps to the front door; our pace quickening as we reached the exit. I opened the wooden door and we scurried out; lauging genuinly this time at what we had done.

It’s always a good thing having a laugh with your girlfriends; however creepy the situation you’re in may be.


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Posted by: mALX Dec 7 2011, 07:31 PM

The whole section with Manheim and Minerva had me in hysterics, lol. Great Write !!

Posted by: Tábrasa Dec 12 2011, 12:01 AM

Hello Rihanae!

I've only managed to catch the last few posts of Lissa's journal so far (I will be sure to catch up soon!) but all I can say is well done!

You write Lissa with such a precise lingo that it makes it very easy for me as a reader to connect with her. Your chapters always leave me wanting more. Also, I have to compliment your ability to draw emotion through what you write. There are some part which felt like crying when Lissa was crying, feeling anger when Lissa felt angry etc.

All I can say is well done and I can't wait to read more!

Amazing!

Posted by: Rihanae Feb 8 2012, 01:54 AM

Hey there everyone.

I just thought I'd say hello and tell everyone that I'm back.

I had fallen pretty seriously ill over the past couple of months and have been bed ridden for a long time, but I'm back now and will be returning to Lissa's story, as well as reading all of yours!

I hope you are all well!

P.S I also wrote this message in the coffee shop... before realising it would have made sense to write it here. Haha

Posted by: mALX Feb 8 2012, 02:00 AM

Bless your heart! I hope you are feeling better now, and Welcome Back !!

Posted by: Rihanae Feb 8 2012, 02:03 AM

Thank you mALX; I've missed you!

Yes, I am on the mend, but I am doing alot better. I've missed everyone on her just as much as I've missed my dear Lissa!

At the moment I am reading through all of your stories and editing Lissa's, then I will start on writing the next part of her story

Posted by: Grits Feb 8 2012, 02:09 AM

I'm glad you're back, Rihanae! Looking forward to more Lissa.

Posted by: Rihanae Feb 8 2012, 02:11 AM

Thank you Grits!

I can't wait to read what Jerric has been up to recently

Posted by: Acadian Feb 8 2012, 03:22 AM

I’m so glad you are doing better, Rihanae. Warmest wishes as you continue to mend.

I’m also very excited that you plan on bringing Lissa, our dear Redguard Achress, back to us. Can’t wait!

Posted by: Rihanae May 30 2012, 04:01 PM

Hello everyone!

After my last update regarding the story I had another attack with my illness. I have a mild heart contition which unfortunatly gave me a stroke, and I had another attack in feburary.

BUT I'm am all better now and better than ever!

Now I'm not ready to post again at the moment, but I have finished writing Lissa's first journal on a internet-less computer so once I manage to transfer it, hopefully by the end of the week, there will be more Lissa

Thank you all so much for your patience and I'm so excited to be back! This time for good

Posted by: Darkness Eternal May 30 2012, 04:09 PM

I did not see this story before! Wow! And I am so sorry to hear about the heart condition, I truly am. I am glad to see that you are well and doing just fine. I hope everything continues to go well with you in the coming times! Good to know you are better than before.

Oh and nice to meet you, sort of.

Posted by: Rihanae May 30 2012, 04:15 PM

Thank you DE!

My story kinda got buried over the months. I managed to find it on page three of the Fan Fiction section

Yeah, I won't worry anyone but I'm absoloutly fine, just had a bit of a touch-and-go moment, but I'm super now

DE if you would like me to PM you a summary of Lissa's story so far I don't mind, unless you wan't to read it all?

And nice to meet you to

Can't wait to read your stories

Posted by: Darkness Eternal May 30 2012, 05:21 PM

No problem. I would rather read it all. If you want to send me a summary, you may. But it sort of takes away the true feel of the story and Lissa's personality. I'll read it.

Posted by: mALX May 30 2012, 06:13 PM

GAAAAH! I'm so sorry to hear you were so ill !!!! URK! What a relief that you came out of all that well, bless your heart !!!

Posted by: Acadian May 31 2012, 12:13 AM

Aww, bless your heart, Rihanae. I'm so glad you are doing better now and very much look forward to more Lissa!

Posted by: Grits May 31 2012, 03:00 AM

I'm glad you're back, Rihanae!

Posted by: Rihanae May 31 2012, 12:25 PM

Thank you all so much! Yeah I was pretty ill, but people seem to think that the fact I'm only 20 helped me recover as I'm so young! Haha

Good news! I managed to invest in a portable hardrive so I'm able to transefer Lissa's story to my friends computer which has internet, so you can expect the update on friday!!

I can't wait for you all to read it! It's my favourite chapter yet

Posted by: Rihanae Jun 1 2012, 01:05 PM

Here it is guys! The next part in the Lissa Show. I want to thank each and every one of my readers for their patience, I promise you it is greatly appreciated.

A few notes before I get started:

I understand it has been a while so if any reader would like me to PM them a brief 'Story so far...' summary I would be more than happy to, but most of the tale can be gathered through the 'PREVIOUSLY' sections before the chapters.

Also, this chapter is a little long. I did split it into two parts but the first part I thought was to boring and not a viable return for Lissa so I combined them, HOWEVER I have split where the chapter would have been split, so you can keep track should you want to return to it

Anywho enough dribble. Enjoy! This is my favourite chapter yet

It took the girls and I about a day to reach the city of Kvatch, where my mother was. However what we found was less than inviting. As we approached the road leading to the city we saw a man running full speed towards us. However as he was sprinting he went past us.

"It seems the Altmer is running from something..." Anyanka pointed out.

I shouted after the Altmer.

"EXCUSE ME! WHY ARE YOU RUNNING!"

He ignored me, which I thought was rude. I brushed it off and turned to the girls.

"So... what are we expecting when we get to Kvatch?"

"Whaddya mean?" Jessie asked me, slightly confused.

"Well that dude was clearly running away from something."

Anyanka shook her head. "That doesn't mean we are to expect danger. The Altmer could have possibly running from the guards for committing a crime."

"... I guess." I said, slightly disappointed that Anyanka had more common sense than I did. Jessie looked at me, worried.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah..." I lied, terribly. My voice gave it away too obviously. "Do I really have to go and speak to my Mother? Can't I just leave her a note?"

I heard Rihanae laugh. I don't think he realised that I was being serious.

"You have a lot on your mind, Lissa, It'll be good for you to get it out and speak to your mother about your queries."

I looked at Anyanka and smiled sheepishly.

"Why do you have to be so right about everything?" I joked.

"Of that I am unsure. I seem to just be a natural when it comes to common knowledge."

I laughed, then Rihanae prompted conversation.

"Why are you so afraid to speak with your mother? I thought you wanted to get answers from her?"

I do, more than anything. I just suck at confrontation, not to mention she'll probably go troll-ish at me for skipping out on her.

"I'm sure she has had time to get over it. If not, then you will have to just bear the consequences. You have a job to do, don't be afraid."

Well it's alright for you; you're already dead so she can't kill you!

Rihanae laughed, which caused me to laugh, which caused the girls to look at me. I looked at them, coughed and spoke.

"Shall we proceed?"

I started to walk, the girls trailing behind me.

Every step I took make my heart beat just that little bit faster. I was terrified. I had no idea how my mother would react to my being there and I had no idea how she would react to the question I travelled miles to ask her. She had a lot of explaining to do, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to hear it. I knew there was a reason that she forgot to inform me that I had a brother, let alone one that tried to kill me at every turn.

Did she know that Leinahtan was evil? Is that why she didn't tell us about him? Or did he turn evil because of how mother and father treated him?

Those were questions that flowed through my mind like clockwork. But questions were meaningless without answers, and I knew that the only way I could get answers was to speak with to the source.

Just as I finished thinking those thoughts I noticed something. At the end of the road there was something that looked like a campsite. Anyanka mentioned nothing of what looked like a refugee camp outside the city, and judging by the look on her face she knew nothing of it either.

Suddenly I saw Anyanka jolt past me and head toward the camp.

"Annie!" I yelled after her. I turned to Jessie. "What was all that about?"

Jessie shrugged her shoulders. We then began to jog after Anyanka. When we reached her she had already stopped speaking with the person she was talking to and began to run up the steep hill leading to the city. Jessie and I didn’t follow her, but instead decided to speak with the woman Anyaka had just finished conversing with.

"What's going on here?" I asked the Redguard woman.

"Oh it's terrible! They came in the middle of the night! They've taken over the city!" She panicked.

"Who's taken over the city?" Jessie asked her.

The woman looked at her, a haunting look in her eyes.

"The Daedra."

My heart stopped for a beat.

"...Daedra?"

The woman nodded before collapsing in a fit of tears. Jessie kneeled down to comfort her, but I did no such thing. Instead I followed Anyanka's steps and sprinted toward the city. The Hill was steep but i didn't care. If Daedra had taken over the city, the city that my mother was in, then I had to do something, Anything. I wasn't about to leave her there.



The trek up the hill was hard, and what was terrifying was that as I ran closer to the summit the sky began to turn blood red. A storm began to roar, the air turning dense and evil.

Once I reached the summit I saw something incredible. Something I had never seen In my entire life.

A large gate stood in front of the city gate. The gate was producing what appeared to be large thorns which looked like they were dipped in blood as they ripped through the ground. The gate itself emitted a horrifying fiery glow, screaming loud and proud. I stood in awe. Forgetting for a moment that this thing was obviously dangerous. It was beautiful in a petrifying kind of way.

I snapped back into reality when I heard Anyanka call my name. I looked at her and she beckoned me over. She was stood with a soldier. They were stood behind a wooden barricade with other soldier that all looked like they were preparing themselves for combat.

"This is Savlian; he is captain of the guard here in Kvatch."

"What in oblivion is going on here Savvy?" I asked, terror and anger erupting from my voice.

"The gate came in the middle of the night..."

"Yeah and the Daedra have taken over the city, I know this."

"LISSA!" Anyanka scolded me. "Do not speak to the captain like that. It is very disrespectful."

I looked at Savvy, my eyes apologetic.

"I'm sorry, sir. It's just... my mother is in Kvatch and I just need to know she is safe."

"Apparently each and every person who didn't make it out of the city is dead," Anyanka said to me in that blunt, cold tone of hers. I wasn't appreciative of it. Before I could reply, Savvy did instead.

"That isn't strictly true. We have reports that there are a few survivors located in the chapel..."

My heart fluttered and I began to giggle with excitement.

"My mother lives in the chapel! Does that mean she is okay?"

"You're mother is in the chapel?" Savvy asked me, pondering a thought. "Could your mother be Oleta Cristenn?"

"YES! Yes that's her, that's my mother!"

"As I haven't heard back from anybody in the chapel for quite some time I can't promise you she is safe, but knowing your mother I am almost certain she is. She is a strong and determined lady."

I screamed with elation as I grabbed Savvy for a hug. Once I realised I was making a fool of myself I let go. I think he appreciated that I did.

"So, how do we destroy the gate? What is the plan?" Anyanka asked Savvy. He shook his head.

"I do not know. I have sent men in to investigate but so far we have come up with nothing as none of my men have returned."

"So we have no idea how to get rid of this thing?" I asked, worried.

"No, we do have something. According to some old books that we managed to salvage from the mages guild these are gates to Mehrunes Dagon's realm of oblivion. It seems that if we extract a sigil stone from its pedestal in the highest room in the tallest tower then the realm should destroy itself."

"So basically this sigil stone thingy-ma-bob is, like, the self destruct button?"

"Exactly." Savvy said. I looked at the gate. I wasn't sure if any of us would be able to get the sigil stone with our lives in tact. If what Savvy said was true, the realm may destroy itself with us in it. I wasn't going to take that risk.

"What is that?"

I spun my head and saw Jessie staring in awe at the gate,

"Is that an Oblivon gate?" She asked me.

"Yeah, and it's annoying." I said, turning back to Savvy. "Is there any way I can get into the city without disrupting the gate?"

"Well it appears that the gate formed about 30 feet from the front gate. If someone should get behind it they could enter the city with ease."

"Great, thanks."

I didn't need to hear anymore as I leapt over the barricade and headed to the city gate. However I was stopped in my tracks as Anyanka screamed at me.

"MAELISSA CRISTENN YOU GET BACK HERE IMMEDIATLY!"

I turned and looked at her.

"Annie my mother is in there and I'm going to rescue her, okay?"

My reply was met with a look of anxious disproval from Anyanka. Suddenly her expression changed from that look to a look of panic, a look which Savvy and Jessie also shared.

"LISSA, LOOK OUT!" Jessie screamed.

I turned my head toward the gate to see a fireball heading directly at me with incredible speed.

Before thinking I ducked to the ground, performing a split technique with my legs. I saw the fireball fly over my head as I unsheathed my bow and notched an arrow. Everything felt as if it were slow motion as I took aim at my attacker. It was a scamp. I'd seen them in some Aylied ruins on my travels and knew that they weren’t that tough an opponent. I pulled the string back and fired, still in the split position, and watched as the arrow hit the scamp perfectly. It was a headshot, killing it instantly.

Once it was dead Savvy and the girls ran toward me.

"Lissa, are you okay?" Jessie asked me, a panicked tone to her voice.

"Yeah…" I assured her, out of breath from the adrenaline. "Could you help me up?"

Jessie obliged and gave me her hand, hoisting me up back onto my feet. I brushed myself off.

"That was a reckless thing you did then, Lissa. You could have gotten killed!"

I ignored Rihanae's nagging, but I wasn't prepared for Anyanka to say the exact same thing.

"That was a reckless thing you did Lissa-"

"Yes, I know," I said, interrupting her. "I already got the memo."

I turned to Jessie, who had a more positive look about her.

"That was so awesome how you took care of that scamp!" She smiled. I smiled back.

"What can I say, acrobatics are just my thing I guess," I turned to Savvy. "So it seems the gate produced the Daedra?"

"Yes, we have been lucky to only get a few come out after they took over the city. We've only had possibly five appear each hour-"

"Don't count your chickens before they hatch..." Jessie said, looking at the gate in horror. We all joined her to see what she was looking at.

Dozens of scamps were strolling out of gate. I looked around at everyone. Everyone looked terrified, apart from Savvy and Anyanka, who both looked prepared for confrontation.

"Lissa..." Jessie said, slowly grabbing my hand.

Before we knew it there was at least sixty Scamp stood in front of the gate. They stood staring, waiting to attack.

They didn’t wait for long.

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Posted by: mALX Jun 1 2012, 02:19 PM

First, Welcome Back Rihanae !!! I hope you are feeling much better and are OVER IT !!!

Second, None of this was boring! You have always had a knack for bringing out personality in your characters !!

I roared at this line, lol.

LOVED the chapter and having you back !!! Awesome Write !!

Posted by: Acadian Jun 2 2012, 12:07 AM

So nice to have Lissa and company back! Darn that Rihanae – his silent conversations at the most inopportune of times have a knack of making Lissa look silly to those around her.

I thought for a moment that Minerva was going to dress Lissa down and tell her to keep her pretty little Redguard mitts off Manheim! In the game at least, Minerva tells us she thinks the big Nord is sweet on her.

’I stood in awe. Forgetting for a moment that this thing was obviously dangerous. It was beautiful in a petrifying kind of way.’
What an effective description!

I agree with Lissa’s concern that pulling the sigil stone and destroying the gate from inside sounds sort of like suicide. I therefore like her plan of just slipping behind it, going into the city and sneaking back out with her mother – and then be on their way! Oops. . . not so fast. Three score of scamps seem not to have gotten the memo about Lissa’s plan. Gulp.

Posted by: Rihanae Jun 7 2012, 09:19 AM

mALX: Thank you so much for the compliments! It is wonderful to be back and I hope you enjoy what is to come

Acadian: I'm so thrilled that you are so correct with Lissa's way of thinking! However, her plans never seem as simple as they do in her head thank you so much for the compliments

Again another slightly overlong chapter, but it is my favourite so far. I hope you enjoy

PREVIOUSLY: As Lissa and the girls reach Kvatch they discover that overnight it has been ovverrun and practically destroyed by Daedra that spawned from what Savlian, captain of the Kvatch guard, called an 'Oblivion gate'. When Lissa plans to avoid the gate and go directly into the city to rescue her mother her plans are scuppered by an army of Scamps that block her path.

"BACK! Everyone spread out!" Savvy ordered to his men. The soldiers all took their positions, the swordsmen charging at the scamps and the rangers taking shield behind the barricade.

Before even having a chance to think, the girls and I readied for attack. Jessie and I unsheathed our bows and fired at the incoming Scamp. They shot fireballs at us but, luckily, they were slow enough for us to dodge.

We continued to fire as Anyanka took her blade and charged at the scamp, casting a shield spell as she ran. I watched as she stabbed, slashed and sliced a bunch of Scamp before I had time to even blink.

I looked over at Jessie who was preparing a summon. I looked back over at the Scamp. One of them was glaring at me. I smiled as it charged for me. I notched an arrow as I ran towards it, leapt over its head, spun to face it once I hit the ground and fired, killing the scamp.

Before I had time to appreciate my victory I heard Anyanka scream that something was behind me so I spun again, performing a roundhouse kick and knocking down many of the Scamp with a domino affect. I backed away as the scamp began to approach me, but just as they got closer I felt a chill of cold breeze past me and hit one of the Scamps. I turned my head and saw Jessie stood with what looked like a frost atronach. I smiled and looked back.

I stared as the Scamp in the distance began to scurry towards us. For a moment it felt as if time stood still as I took a moment to observe my surroundings for some form of assistance in battle. The sound of the battlefield was terrifyingly real. From the sound of the Scamp screeching at us to the sound of Savvy's men shouting across to each other some form of soldier lingo I didn't understand. The thunder from the blood red sky still roared, it almost felt as if it was cheering the our enemy onto victory.

I looked to my left and noticed what looked like a collapsed guard tower near the city wall. It was high enough for me to climb, but not high enough to avoid one of the scamps fireballs, but at least they can't physically reach me up there. Maybe if i get up there I have a good position to use my bow...

I ran and jumped over the incoming Scamp toward the tower, dodging many a fireball as I did so. I reached the rock and scaled it with a run and jump technique between it and the city wall. I took a breath and turned back to look at the battle ground. More scamps had appeared out of the gate, more than I could count. What had been sixty had soon turned into over a hundred.

I looked in horror as everyone struggled to fight the massing army. Luckily the scamps did not seem that tough to begin with, but saying that I've never had to fight tonnes of them at one time.

Savvy and his men took down the scamps with ease, decreasing the numbers but not by a lot. Jessie and Frosty double teamed the scamps from a distance, which was impressive. Then there was Anyanka. She was like a machine who couldn't be stopped. She killed two of the Scamp per second and was basically a blur. No one had any difficulty, but that didn't mean the fight wasn't hard.

I considered using this opportunity to enter the city seeing as everyone managed to be holding their own.

"Lissa what are you doing? Help them!" Rihanae ordered.

They're doing fine! This could be my only chance to find mother!

"That doesn’t matter! If your mother is safe then you don't need to worry! You need to concentrate on ridding the battleground of those Daedra!"

Once he said this I noticed something. Jessie seemed to have ran out of Magicka as Frosty had disappeared. She struggled to use her bow in time as the Scamp approached her. I also saw Anyanka was being dragged to the ground by a Scamp. One of them had caught her off guard and had her pinned to the ground. Savvy and his men seemed to be doing fine, but none of them were noticing my friends predicament.

I took a breath and aimed an arrow, firing at the scamp that had Anyanka pinned to the ground. Once the Scamp was dead she stood up and nodded at me in gratitude. I looked at Jessie as the Scamp began to approach her. I leapt from the rock, sheathed my bow and unsheathed Shatterheart.

I took out many Scamp en-route to saving Jessie. I ran to Jessie and yelled for her to duck. She did so and I threw Shatterheart, knocking the head clean off the Scamp that was close to her from many feet away.

I looked in surprise as Shatterheart, which was still midair, flew back to me like a boomerang. I smiled thinking that the ring Rohssan had given me must of had some sort of homing enchantment linked to Shatterheart, but I didn't smile for long as I saw another scamp approach Jessie. I leapt off of my feet and landed on the Scamp's head, crushing it with Shatterheart.

I stood up, removed Shatterheart from the Scamps skull with a tug and approached Jessie.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" I asked her. She shook her head.

"No, I'm fine. I just need a moment to give my Magicka a chance to refuel itself."

I smiled, nodded and turned my back to her. "You do what you gotta to; I'll watch your back."

I stood guarding Jessie as more Scamp began to emerge from the gate. When is this going to end? As the Scamp began to approach me I managed to take them out with my bow one by one before they could cause any real damage. Luckily, their numbers were less than earlier and Anyanka was making sure that their numbers would deplete as quickly as possible.

"I'm ready!" Jessie shouted. I turned to look at her as I saw her summon a Flame Atronach.

"When did you get so good at that?" I asked her, smiling. Before she had a chance to show any kind of response I heard Savvy shouting at us.

"Girls! Watch yourselves!"

I looked at the battle field to see that in the short moment I was distracted the number of Scamp had grown again, back into the hundreds.

What?

I looked at Jessie. "There's too many of them. I can't even see Anyanka anymore..." Suddenly the realisation of what I said had dawned on me. "Wait! Where's Anyanka?"

Without hesitation I sprinted toward the battlefield, sheathing my bow and arming myself with Shatterheart again. As I ran I could hear Jessie screaming at me to stop. It was me versus a hundred Scamp, but I wasn't about to let Anyanka die. As I charged through the Scamp I swung Shatterheart, Killing some; sending most soaring through the battlefield. I was like an untameable wild animal. I could feel the blood splashing on my face as I crushed the Daedra with daddy's hammer, but I didn't care enough to wipe it off.

I continued forward, and just as I was getting ever so closer to the Oblivion gate, killing as many Scamp as humanly possible, I saw a sight that made my worry feel lighter. I saw Anyanka knelt on the ground. She had cast some form of fire force field spell on herself. I looked at the Scamp that set themselves ablaze as they tried to break through the force field. It appeared that Anyanka was tying her shoelace.

"ANNIE!" I bellowed, still taking down the Scamp. She looked up at me, lowering her force field and going back into attack mode. We spoke as we fought the Scamp.

"What are you doing here? You were supposed to take rangers position?" She asked me, slicing the head off a scamp.

"I was, but then you disappeared so I came to find you!" I replied, crushing the head of another.

"That is foolish! I am able to handle myself."

"I know that, but I wasn't about to leave my friend to be killed!"

I saw her scowl turn into a half smile. We stood and looked at each other for a moment before returning to battle.

*

Many kills and minor injuries later, the battle was over. All of the Scamp were dead, their corpses forming a Daedric carpet over what was the battlefield. We all gathered behind the barricade.

"You fought well, girls. Any injuries?" Savvy asked us. We all shook our heads. He then looked over at the battlefield to the bodies of his fallen comrades.

"The battle was tough, but we were successful... but I think it is important that we find a way to close that gate sooner rather than later." Anyanka informed him. He sighed.

"I know, but with our sudden shortage of men it seems like it would be impossible. Now it seems it is unlikely we will find any help, what with there being so few of my men left."

Savvy's reply was met with a mourning silence as he headed over to his remaining men, most likely to check it they were okay. I eventually broke the silence.

"Right, now that's done and dusted I'm going to the Chapel."

"What?" Jessie said, staring at me with wide eyes.

"I have to go and see if my mother is okay."

"You saw how many of the Daedra came out of the gate just now. What would happen should you come across the same amount ALONE in the city?" Anyanka said, her eyes disproving.

"Then I'll double back." I replied, to which she had no comeback. "Guys, I'll be fine. If I run into trouble I PROMISE I’ll head back, but other than that I'm going. You're more than welcome to come with me."

I looked at them a while as they both had a look of concern in their eyes.

"Well there you go then..." I said. Before either of them had a chance to say anything else I left their company and headed for the city gate.

"We will keep an eye on things out here! We'll come get you if there's trouble!" Jessie shouted to me. I turned and saluted her as a thank you. I was grateful that she knew that what I had to do was not a choice or an option, it was a necessity. I had to make sure my mother was safe; but at the same time I was terrified about what would await me in the city.


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Posted by: Acadian Jun 8 2012, 12:08 AM

I really appreciate the ‘Previously. . . ‘ summary you provided to snap us right back into where you left us last time. Well done!

’For a moment it felt as if time stood still as I took a moment to observe my surroundings for some form of assistance in battle. The sound of the battlefield was terrifyingly real. From the sound of the Scamp screeching at us to the sound of Savvy's men shouting across to each other some form of soldier lingo I didn't understand. The thunder from the blood red sky still roared, it almost felt as if it was cheering the our enemy onto victory.’
What a great pause to render the sights and sounds of your battlefield!

"Lissa what are you doing? Help them!" Rihanae ordered.’
Listen to him, Lissa!

’All of the Scamp were dead, their corpses forming a Daedric carpet over what was the battlefield. ‘
A wonderful description of the morbid aftermath.

Overall, this battle really showed what everyone is made of. Plenty of courage all around for sure. And in Lissa's case, even some acrobatics!

I’m really enjoying that Lissa is taking things at Kvatch based purely on her perceptions and priorities. You are doing a great job of making this ‘Lissa’s quest’.

Posted by: Rihanae Jun 9 2012, 12:54 PM

Acadian: Thank you so much for your comments! I'm glad you appreciated the description of the battlefield, It was truly terrifying for poor Lissa. Yes, this very much is Lissa's quest, she has no intrest in anything other than rescuing her mother, much to the dismay of the other girls!

I would like to share something with you guys. Whilst I was sick my little brother decided to use my XBOX and play some of my Oblivion characters. LUCKILY he didn't delete anything. However on my computer I discovered http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i431/Rihanae/GOC2.jpg. It's a picture that I can only assume my brother made. He is only 12 and I think it is amazing. Bless him

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa and the gang engaged in an epic battle against an army of scamps. After Lissa, the girls and Savlian defeated the army of Scamps, Lissa decided it was now time to enter the city and attemp to rescue her mother.

I entered the city and it looked a lot worse than I could have ever imagined. Rubble from burnt, destroyed buildings surrounded the area leaving most of the city inaccessible with fire roaring from every crevasse. The Oblivion gate has really done a number on the place.

Directly in front of me I could see the bell tower from the chapel collapsed onto the ground, blocking another path. Whatever had the power to do that, I didn’t want to meet it.

I observed my surrounding for a clear route the Chapel entrance, and by that I mean I had a look to see if there were any Scamp about. There weren’t. Not that I could see anyway.

"Okay Lissa, what's the plan?" RIhanae asked me.

"Well luckily for me it seems that the Chapel is a lot closer than I originally thought so a danger filled trek through the city is off my to-do list..."

"But?"

I thought a moment.

"But, even though I would be able to take down any Scamp I see, I don't know whether that would be the best thing to do..."

"Interesting, explain."

"Well think about it, Say, hypothetically, those Scamp were placed there by, like, a commander Scamp."

"Commander Scamp?"

"I'm not saying anything like that exists, but IF they do, think about it. I kill the Scamp, commander Scamp dude notices his Scamp are dead and he sends more Scamp to search the area for me, then they enter the Chapel and go all trigger happy on us."

"... That's very clever indeed." Rihanae said, genuinely. "So what do you suggest we do?"

"The simple thing; sneak. We see a Scamp, I go into crouch mode and make my way over to the Chapel."

"Good plan!" Rihanae said, "Good luck."

I smiled to myself; I always liked it when Rihanae praised me.

After our conversation I continued forward, looking around as I walked. Everything seemed fairly normal encounter-wise.

However, pretty much as I thought that I heard the familiar cry of a scamp.

Dagnamit! I've been spotted!

I dived behind some rubble and looked around. I hadn't been spotted, but i did see three Scamp hanging out in a house opposite the front entrance of the chapel.

I looked for a way to sneak into the chapel without them seeing me, but it seemed impossible. One of the scamps had his eye on the chapel; which was super annoying.

I thought about what to do, but before I could think of anything good Rihanae came up with a plan.

"Lissa, cause a distraction!"

Like how? Strip naked and do a little chicken dance by the chapel door? I somehow don't think that will end well...

"No, I mean cast a fireball near the front entrance of the chapel and if the scamp go to investigate, sneak in through the side entrance.

Okaay...

Although highly sceptical of his idea I thought I’d at least give it a go. I cast a fireball and sent it to a small area near the front chapel entrance. Nothing happened.

Like they're going to notice a small ball of flame amongst this chaos. Points for effort, Rihan-

However, before I could finish I noticed one of the scamps heading toward where the fireball had landed, shortly followed by the other two. Once they were there I laughed to myself in excitement as I watched the three scamps stare at the floor in confusion.

I took the opportunity to sneak to the side entrance. I watched closely as I crawled toward the door. I didn't get too close as I noticed one of the scamps turn his head to look at the chapel’s front entrance. Even though he couldn't see me my body went into panic mode and I scrambled into the burnt down house they were originally in.

Oh great. Thanks, Rihanae.

"What did I do?"

ZIP. Don’t talk to me.

Silence.

...So what now?

"You need to try the same thing again but this time, aim the fireball near the chapel door you were aiming for."

"How am I supposed to do that without being spotted?"

"Look to your left."

Disgruntled and frustrated i did what he said and noticed that there was a small room to the far left of the house. I smiled to myself, looked at the scamp, who hadn't budged, and headed to the hidey-hole.

"This is so cool..." I said to myself once I was inside. I looked around and then screamed.

"AHHHHH!!!! That is so gross!" I had spotted a severed human head with his head caved in placed on a stool. It was disgusting.

However, once I screamed I looked through the small window in the hidey hole at the scamps. They had heard me. I looked at them wide eyed as they headed in my direction; luckily they couldn’t see me. Yet.

Oh dear... this ain't good...

I started to freak out and didn't know what to do. Performed a strange panic-stricken-body-jig-type-dance as I flustered about trying to figure out some form of plan, watching as the scamp slowly approached my hiding place.

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Posted by: mALX Jun 9 2012, 05:23 PM

*

Your brother did an Awesome job on that screen!

ROFL on all three of these !!!




My exact reaction the first time I saw that head!


I am going to love going through Kvatch with Lissa and Rihanae, the inner dialogue between them keeps me roaring.

You have a real talent for developing endearing personalities in your characters, Lissa has been a gem since the first chapter and continues to charm !! Loved these two chapters, this last one especially. It is so great to have you back and well !! <3


*

Posted by: Acadian Jun 10 2012, 12:19 AM

What an adorable shot of the GOC! Methinks your little brother’s a keeper!

Nice description of the burning city and great interaction between Lissa and Rihanae here. It was a sound plan till the severed head and subsequent scream kind of nixed it. I could so envision Lissa doing the chicken dance trying to figure out what to do as those scamps approached her hiding place!

I hope Lissa finds that Oleta is safe inside the chapel (once she gets past the commander’s scamps).

As dear mALX said, it is so nice to have you and Lissa back with us.

Posted by: Rihanae Jun 11 2012, 04:03 PM

mALX: Hehe I'm so glad that you enjoy Rihanae and Lissa's interactions so much! they are a joy to write. Although most of the time their dialogue is based on conversations I myself have had with Lissa, so not alot of imagination was needed I'm also glad that Lissa wasn't the only one to react like she did with the head! it was gross. And thank you so much for your kind words regarding Lissa in general, it really means alot

Acadian: Hehe in a way I think Lissa was hoping that Rihanae would aprove of the chicken dance. I'm sure Lissa would have loved it Thank you so much for your kind words :0 I am so pleased to be back!

In regards to both of your comments about my brothers artwork, when I asked him about it he said that he wanted to make it for me, then print it out then put it in a frame to put by my hospital bed. Unfortunatly for him I got healthier before he had a chance. But the thought was so sweet

PREVIOUSLY: Once Lissa makes it into the city she spots three scamps near the chapel entrance, and as she is unwilling to kill them due to the possibility of a 'Commander scamp that placed them there' she distracts them with a fireball. Once they are distracted she hides in the house they were origionally in, but a severed head casually lying about casuses her to scream, alerting the scamp of her hiding place...

I looked back out at the scamp, still in a panic.

Rihanae, what am I going to do?

“The plan, Lissa! Shoot the fireball at the side entrance! Maybe it’ll draw their attention!”

I thought about it for a moment. Whilst it worked the first time, this time it was too risky. There was every chance that they would see the fireball being shot from the hidey-hole, so that was out of the question-

“Lissa, look!”

I looked out at the scamp and noticed that they had stopped in their tracks, and soon enough started to head back to the chapel door.

YEAH! That’s more like it, now I can-

Then I felt it. A feeling I recognised but really didn’t want at this particular moment.

“Heeeeh….Heeeeh…”

“Lissa, what are you doing?”

“Rih… Rih… Reh….RaaaaTCHOOO.”

I sneezed. Of all the appropriate moment I could have sneezed, but body decided to sneeze now.

I covered my nose to prevent anymore nose burps and looked at the scamps again, and as I feared they had heard the sneeze and were heading back in my direction to investigate the delightful sound.

GREAT! Now what?

I began to panic again, but this time during my panic I looked to my left, noticing a small crawlspace which would get me out of the hidey-hole.

How did I not see that before?

“Maybe because-“

Hush you. It was rhetorical.

I looked back at the scamps to check that they wouldn’t see me escape before ducking down to crawl to the crawlspace. Unfortunately the sheer size of Shatterheart and my bow almost left me unable to get through, so I was forced to leave them behind.

Unarmed in the city of death. Marvellous.

I just about managed to squeeze through, although my breasts didn’t help make things easier.

I took in my new surroundings; I was now on the other side of the large wall of rubble that blocked most of the city. In the distance I could see the Castle, as well as a large statue of a man with a sword. I had no clue who he was, but he looked cool.

Well that was easy. Now we can just walk to the chapel.

"I don't think it will be that easy..."

Why, guy?

I looked toward the chapel to see a group of scamps hanging out near the entrance. I looked that them, my jaw hitting the ground at the unbelievable-ness of the situation. After everything I went through to get to a safer part of town, I ended up having to deal with more scamps WHILST being completely unarmed

SERIOUSLY! Urgh, that’s annoying. I'm annoyed.

"Lissa, maybe you should just take them out."

Um, no? One, I have no weapons and two, Commander scamp, hello?

"There IS no commander scamp, Lissa!"

I'm not prepared to take that chance.

"Lissa stop being so ridiculous!"

Rihanae, stop being so sensible! You're giving me a migraine.

I stood in silence, angry at Rihanae. It was easy for him to brush off the commander scamp; HE wouldn’t be the one to deal with him. I decided that I had had enough of the endless scamp that seemed to appear around every corner, so I decided to do something about it.

“Lissa, what are you thinking?”

You’re the spirit who can hear my innermost thoughts. You tell me.

I began to head to the group of scamp, my hands on my hips. Once I was meters away from them I shouted to me.

"You know, hanging outside that chapel is not cool. You're disrupting my pray time."

The scamps looked at me.

"Oh, sorry. Was I interrupting something?"

The scamps began to edge slowly towards me.

“You know, as much as you guys seem super cool, you ARE in my way, so why don’t we all be grown ups here and all be on our way? Whaddaya say?

The scamps began to give chase.

“See, that’s not very mature now, is it?”

After letting them get closer to me I ran toward them. Once they were merely feet away from me I leapt over them, but my landing wasn’t as successful.

Once I touched the ground I collapsed onto my front. I struggled to get up in time as the scamps started to chase me again.

Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no...

"Lissa get up!"

It's easy for you to say! You have no feet!

Once I managed to scramble to my feet I realised that it was to risky to run straight into the chapel, so I took a detour. I ran to my left, the scamps close behind me, and headed to the castle.

I sprinted as fast as I could, reaching the castle as quickly as possible. I kept looking behind me to see the scamps; luckily they were so far behind me i could hardly see them AND they weren’t firing any fireballs at me, which was a delightful bonus.

It shouldn't be long before I lose them-

As I continued to run I looked forward again before instantly colliding with something and fell to the floor. Something large. Something living. I recognised it almost instantly. It was a Xivilai. I'd seen only one before on my travels as it had been conjured by a mage, but that didn't make it look any less terrifying.

I kept my eyes closed in horror as I heard it growl ferociously. I wanted to scream but I couldn’t. The fear had left me cemented to the ground.

"Lissa, get up!"

Maybe this is the commander? Is it going to kill me? I hope not. But what if it does! I'm going to die I know it!

I waited for it to attack, but it didn't. I opened my eye ever so slightly and saw it run past me.

Eh? What? Huh?

For some reason it didn't notice me lying before it and instead of attacking me it went to attack the incoming scamp instead.

It must have assumed that it was the scamps that hit it just now. Haha, Idiot.

I looked at the mighty Xivilai as it attacked the scamps and I took the opportunity to run into the castle. I ran across the drawbridge and into the castle gate. I ran into the small space just to the left of the gate and saw something which made me grin with relief.

THE GATE SWITCH THING! COOL!

I ran up the stairs to the switch and pulled the lever, listening as I heard the castle gate slam down. I turned and approached the gate, looking out at the city I was now protected from.

It still looked as terrifyingly real as ever, but for now I felt just that little bit safer. As far as I was aware the Daedra wouldn’t be able to break through this gate; but I soon remembered not to underestimate them.

I simply smiled to myself, grateful that I was out of danger for the time being.

I then turned and looked at the castle.

"You're not out of the woods yet, Lissa."

I sighed as I thought about what he said. He was right. If things were bad in the city, what would they be like in the castle?

Posted by: mALX Jun 11 2012, 09:43 PM

*

Not just the inopportune sneeze, but these (quotes below) had me in hysterics !!

You make a perfect blend between terror and humor in this chapter. Lissa's fear can be felt readily, but her arguing with Rihanae makes even the tension have moments of hilarity that I'm sure THEY didn't feel, lol. But I did. AWESOME WRITE !!!


*

Posted by: Acadian Jun 12 2012, 12:41 AM

mALX nailed it with her comments! What frightening fun!

Rihanatchoooo!!! Talk about bad timing.

And she finally met Commander Scamp. Clearly he was unhappy with the performance of his minions and charged out to punish them!

Out of the frying pan with weapons into the fire without them? Yikes!

Posted by: Rihanae Jun 12 2012, 03:26 PM

mALX: I'm so happy that you understand Lissa so well! Yes, her sneeze was unfortunate, but it was certainly not as unfortunate as meeting the commander ;P Thank you for your kind words

Acadian: Hehe thank you! As with mALX I am so thirilled that you understand Lissa so well! Well even if the Xivilai isn't the commander, it was still wrong of the scamps to anger him, but at least it created a great distraction for Lissa

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa managed to escape the hideyhole by squeezing through a small opening, but having to leave her weapons behind, to the other side of the wall of rubble. She fopund herself on the chase by more scamps bloking the chapel door and whilst running accidently bumped into a Xivilai, who attacked the chasing scamp as it was unaware of her presence. She took the opportunity to run inside the castle a close the gates behind her. Now she is heading to see what the castle has in store for her...

I walked forward slowly, approaching the castle's main door. I kept my eyes peeled for scamps but there were none to be seen. Yet.

What are we going to do now, Rihanae?

"In my honest opinion I think you need to find some form of weapon and fight your way out. There should be an armoury somewhere with blades-"

NO!, I thought, stopping him from speaking.

"No, what?"

NO blades. I don't use them.

"Lissa this isn't the time for snobbery,"

It isn't snobbery. I HATE blades and I won't use them. Comprande?

I hated blades. I hated the feeling of sticking a sword through flesh, that’s why I preferred to use blunt weapons.

It wasn't just that though.

Ever since I watched my dad die I’ve had this hatred toward any form of blade. Even knives.

"I understand that Lissa, but in a matter of urgency you must-"

"Rihanae, no. I'm not going to use a sword and I’m never gonna change that okay?"

"But-"

RIHANAE! Leave it alone! Even if I'm stuck in a room of monsters and the only weapon available is a sword I’d very much rather use my hands and do a good job on them with my fists, okay?

Silence. What I thought totally came out in a different way than I intended, but I got my point across and that's all that mattered.

I approached the castles main door and slowly opened it, peeking my head around the corner as it was ajar.

Well apart from the fact that the place is in ruins it looks safe enough.

"Be wary Lissa. You don't know what you'll find inside."

Yeah, yeah, granddad. I will.

I carefully entered the hall, closing the door behind me. The excessively large room was in ruins. All i could see was destruction and decay.

I casually moved forward, eventually reaching the Count's throne.

I looked around to see if there was anyone around, and when it was confirmed that it was just me, myself and I, I slowly sat in the Throne. I smiled to myself.

"Lissa."

Yes.

"What are you up to?"

Nothing.

I looked around whilst sat down. I made by posture upright and royal.

"You there! Peasant! Countess Lissa doesn't approve of what you are wearing! One should never combine a brown shirt with those shoes!"

I laughed to myself. The troubles of my life melting away with my moment of silliness.

"Are you quite done?"

That was fun. I'd be a great Countess.

"Yes, of course you would, but is this really the time?

Alright yappy doo, It was only a bit of fun-

I was interrupted by the sound of a scream behind me. Well not a scream, more of a battle cry.

What was that?

"Lissa, you have to investigate."

Yes! No. I'm not investigating a scary noise, guy, what are you talking about?

Stop calling me that.

Stop calling you what?

"Stop calling me 'guy'."

I don't understand what you mean. Why on Nirn would I stop when I am now aware that it annoys you so much-

Again, I was interrupted by the screamer. I stood up from the throne and looked behind me. Behind the Throne was a staircase which led to another hallway.

After a moment of hesitance I decided to investigate the noise. I slowly headed to and climbed up the stairs. Once I reached the top and walked through the small hallway towards the door.

If I get murdered I will not be happy with you, dude.

I put my hand on the door knob, contemplating whether or not opening the door was the best idea. I had no idea what could have been on the other side. It could have been thousands of Daedra, or zombies, or RATS! It could have been anything.

Rihanae, do I have to? Really? Is it necessary that I investigate? Can't someone else do it for-

"OW!" screamed as I collapsed to the floor. Something had opened the door i had my hand on with such force it cause me to land painfully on my rear. I was annoyed.

"Why does that keep happening to me today-"

I looked up and saw a man in the doorway. He was tall, blonde and manly, most likely an imperial. He was dressed in a Kvatch cuirass, so I assumed he was a soldier. As I looked at him I saw him stare at me with a smile on his face; it looked like a smile of relief.

Suddenly I heard the familiar cry of scamps, and the roar of something I hadn't encountered in Kvatch, yet. The soldier looked behind him then back at me, dragging me to my feet as we ran back to the courtyard. As we ran I looked behind me seeing dozens of scamp and what I assumed was a Daedroth on our tail.

Once we were outside the Soldier turned and locked the door with a key. He then turned to look at the castle gate.

'NO!' he shouted as he saw the gate was closed. I looked at him sheepishly, not ready to admit that it was because of me that the gate was closed. He then looked at me and grabbed my arm, a look of distress on his face.

We ran to the gate and he told me to stand by it. I did so, keeping an eye on the castle door as the soldier ran to the gate switch i had used earlier. I watched as he struggled to lift the lever, but he wasn't having any form of success whatsoever. I then looked back to the castle door. I looked wide eyed as I saw the Daedroth burst through the door like it was made of webbing.

"SOLIDER DUDE!" I screamed to him. He quickly stopped what he was doing and ran to my aid, standing next to me, the same horror filling his eyes as we watched the Daedra approach us. We were cornered.

Posted by: Grits Jun 12 2012, 10:29 PM

What a sweet picture from your brother!

Cute Kvatch guard, yay! Cornered by a daedroth, oh no! Lissa’s ups and downs are so fun to read. I love that she sat on the throne.

Posted by: Acadian Jun 13 2012, 12:14 AM

I’m with Grits in chuckling over Lissa sitting on the throne.

’RIHANAE! Leave it alone! Even if I'm stuck in a room of monsters and the only weapon available is a sword I’d very much rather use my hands and do a good job on them with my fists, okay?
Silence. What I thought totally came out in a different way than I intended, but I got my point across and that's all that mattered.’
I’m glad to see that dear Rihanae was gentleman enough not to rib Lissa’s unintentional reference to doing hand jobs on monsters.

’I don't understand what you mean. Why on Nirn would I stop when I am now aware that it annoys you so much-‘
As a Marine aviator, this was our basic response to young pilots who didn’t like the call signs we gave them.

What delightful twisting, to do the Kvatch quests almost backwards. I really had to laugh at the thought of Lissa and Soldier Dude being trapped inside the castle by the stubborn gatehouse controls.

This is great fun, Rihanae!

Posted by: mALX Jun 13 2012, 12:41 AM

*

First the funny lines that had me rolling :

Loved the entrance of the guard, finally someone to protect Lissa !!! (and got a kick out of him dropping her on her butt right away, lol)

Awesome Write !!


*

Posted by: Rihanae Jun 14 2012, 09:04 AM

Grits: GRITS! How wonderful to see you reading! Thank you so much for your kind words

Acadian: Hehe I think Rihanae is to simple minded to even contemplate the raunchey nature of her harmless comment Hehe I liked the idea of, as you said earlier, Lissa making the journey in Kvatch purely her own. It was fun to explore the castle with her without following the main quests storyline, although this is purely imagination as in game it is impossible to explore the castle without doing the quest, which annoys me! Haha. Thank you for your kind words

mALX: Haha you're comment on your favourite lines always make my day Haha Lissa has a habit of fallin on her butt at innapropriate times, but at least now she has a companion!

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa explores the castle only to find it in ruins. Whilst exploring she abrubtly stumbles upon a Kvatch soldier who is being chased by scamps and a Deadroth. Together they try to escape the castle through the main gate, the gate which Lissa closed earlier. As the guard struggles to open the gate again, they find themselves corned by the horde of approaching Daedra...

"Quickly! In there!" The soldier bellowed as he aimed my attention to a metal door in the ground to the right of the gate.

We ran to the gate as he bent down to unlock it. I kept watch as I could see the Daedra getting closer.

"Hurry up..." I said to him. Luckily for me the soldier managed to open the trapdoor before the Daedra got to close. He beckoned for me to climb down the ladder first before he followed. Once I was off the ladder I watched as he locked the door after him and jumped off the ladder.

We were now in some sort of escape hatch; although the hallway of which we would use to escape was engulfed in flames, and I didn't feel like getting extra crispy.

I turned to look at the soldier, and smiled softly.

"Well this is fun."

"Indeed." He replied. "I thought I was the only survivor..."

"Oh no, I'm not a survivor, just a tourist. Although I wished I'd picked a better time to take a vacation."

The soldier laughed. He looked around, but gave an expression of defeat.

"Well it seems that we could be stuck here for a while."

"Yeah..." I replied.

Soldier boy sat down against a wall, one leg arched and one leg stretched out. He was so casual for a soldier. It was weird.

"So... you're one of Savvy's men?"

"If you mean Savlian, yes. I volunteered to watch the Count when the first signs of trouble started, but eventually things got worse and I managed to find myself trapped."

"Oh... that sucks. What about the count?"

Soldier boy remained silent, a look of disappointment on his face.

"Oh... he's dead?"

After a moment of mourning silence, soldier boy looked at me, a smile forced on his face.

"What is your name?" He asked me.

"I'm Lissa. Lissa Cristenn..." I replied, sitting down next to him.

"Simon Flynn."

"Hello mister Flynn."

We shook hands, and I laughed a little.

"So what are you doing in Kvatch?"

"Well I came to see my mother in the chapel, but now it seems I’m testing my survival skills; extreme style."

"How ironic. This escape hatch leads to the chapel. If it wasn’t for the fire we would make it there in no time."

"Oh, great. That's wonderful to know." I replied sarcastically.

I was slightly angry at Simon for being a bit TOO casual at that point.

"Who are you visiting?" He asked me.

"My mother. Oleta."

"Of course! Cristenn! I should have guessed."

I smiled, "Golly, it seems everyone knows my mother, doesn’t it?"

"She is highly respected within the chapel and the castle. Your mother is a remarkable woman."

I smiled again, but this time it was more of a grateful grin. I laughed to myself. I felt embarrassed for some reason.

Once I looked at him again I noticed something above the right of his deep, blue eyes.

"You've got one heck of a scar, there mister."

"Oh, yes, I got it when I was a child."

"Oh yeah?" I said, interested.

"Yes. When my parents died I used to get into lots of fights. It was a form of coping; avenging those that didn't need to be avenged. That's why I became a soldier."

"To start fights?"

"To help people." He smiled. I smiled back and then looked at the floor. His smile was so cute I was too embarrassed to look at it.

This isn't bad is it? I am allowed to find someone cute even though I have a boyfriend, right?

I looked back up at Simon, brushing a stray hair behind my ear and then looking away again. A moment of silence followed, the roar of the fire before us filling the quiet space.

"Sooo... how long do you think we will be down here for?"

"Until someone rescues us I imagine, or until that fire goes down."

I sighed to myself. I was beginning to regret my whole 'Commander scamp idea'. If I’d just killed those scamps by the chapel mother and I could be out by now and Simon would have been able to escape the castle.

But he also could have bumped into that Xivilai, and goodness knows how dangerous those puppies are.

I decided not to regret any of my decisions and focus on the task at hand; thinking of a plan to escape.

"Right, where do you store your weapons?" I asked Simon.

"Back in the castle."

"Oh turkey giblets. Is there nowhere else I could get any form of weapon?"

He thought for a moment, but eventually shook his head.

"Not outside the castle, no; not unless you loot a fallen soldier."

"Well I'm not about to do that any time soon."

I thought for a moment, before deciding to ask Rihanae for his advice.

Rihanae, what do you suggest, guy?

He didn't reply, which I thought was rude. I understood that he was probably angry with me for something because, well, it's Rihanae, but he didn't have to ignore me.

Rihanae? Talk to me.

Still nothing. I knew that an empty threat would be the only thing to get him speaking again.

Rihanae if you don't talk to me I'm going to throw my bracelet into that fire and-

I looked down at my wrist; the bracelet was gone. I shot up, spinning in circles as I searched the floor frantically.

"Oh no!"

Simon stood up and walked to me.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm okay; that’s why I’m clearly NOT!"

I grabbed my hair trying to rack my brains as to where I had it last. I definitely remembered having it in the castle, and I remember having it in the courtyard when Simon and I were escaping.

It must have broken off when Simon grabbed my arm.

"Have you seen my Sapphire bracelet?" I asked Simon with a look of hope in my eyes.

"No I haven’t..."

"NO!" I screamed. I looked at Simon, grabbed the key to the trapdoor from his hand and began to climb the ladder to the courtyard.

"What are you doing?" Simon panicked.

"I'm getting my bracelet back!" I replied, unlocking the trapdoor.

"Why? It's stupid to risk your life for a bracelet!"

"It's not just a bracelet! He's my best friend."

Simon looked at me with confusion on his face. Eventually he looked defeated.

"Well I’m not going to let you go out there alone." He told me.

"I should hope not, sir!"



Once we had both climbed the ladder we edged toward the wall and slowly moved across it with our backs against it. Simon put his finger to his mouth in a 'Shushing' motion and looked around the corner. He then quickly sprinted the other side of the wall and signalled for me to stay put.

We were both now on each side of the opening, looking into the courtyard.

I couldn't see any of the scamps, but the Daedroth was still stood proudly in the courtyard.

I guess it could have been worse...

I looked on the ground of the courtyard; trying to find my bracelet, until eventually I saw it shining at me like a beacon of hope. Unfortunately it was right at the Daedroth's feet. The Daedroth had its back to the gate and was facing the castle door; the bracelet was placed just behind it.

I looked at Simon, pointed at him and then to the gate switch, then I put my finger on me, then pointed to the bracelet.

He knew exactly what my orders were, but despite a look of reluctance on my part he obliged.

As he ran up the stairs to try the lever again I got into crouch mode and slowly began to approach the bracelet. I kept my eyes on the Daedroth the whole time, occasionally glancing at the bracelet. As I got closer to it my heart began to beat faster and faster. Every sound I made sounded nuclear, a simple gulp sounding like a thunderstorm.

Eventually I managed to get to the bracelet and slowly reached to grab it.

Once I had it in my hand I felt a sigh of relief.

"It's about time! I thought you'd forgotten about me!"

I laughed in my head. It felt good having Rihanae around again. Those last five minutes felt like a lifetime.

However, it seemed Simon had managed to work the switch as I heard the loud rumble of the castle gate opening behind me. I panicked as the Daedroth obviously heard it too, turning to look at the source of the noise, but seeing me instead. He glared at me, and I smiled awkwardly.

"Excuse me... you wouldn't know where I can find the nearest inn, do you?"

My quick wit wasn't appreciated as the Daedroth swiped its claw at me


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