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]

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!”

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NOTE: Tandilwen is the creation of Lady Syl, who is featured in Journey of Truth.

This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jun 8 2011, 11:51 AM