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: 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.

14. Chapter 5 ~ Reunions ~ Part 3

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…”

Five Years Ago

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.

Present Day

“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.”

This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jun 7 2012, 09:38 AM