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?


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[TrisRed]

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.

15. Chapter 6 ~ GOC: Origins ~ Part 1

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...


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jun 7 2012, 03:40 PM