Lissa Cristenn: The Redguard Archress Options

[TrisRed]

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
Chapter One - Hammerfell
Chapter Two - Prison Break
Chapter Three - The Imperial City
Chapter Four - Road to Chorrol
Chapter Five - Reunions
Chapter Six - GOC: Origins
Chapter Seven - We're off to see Oleta!
Chapter Eight - Kvatch
Chapter Nine - Detour
Chapter Ten - Art Attack!
Chapter Eleven - The Tale of Sir Mazoga

____

VOLUME ONE - FAMILY

1. Prologue ~ Part 1

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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This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jan 17 2014, 04:08 PM

[TrisRed]

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.

This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jun 4 2011, 11:48 AM