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

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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

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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: Thank you for your patience! I am still working through catching up, but I thought I would give everyone an update on Lissa's journal for being so patient

Grits: Haha, yes, I don't think Annie QUITE understands correct social mannerisms yet

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa and the gang return the staff to Ardaline. After a minor reunion they decide to start their personal mission to visit the parents; with Jessie tagging along for the journey.

20. Chapter 7 ~ We're off to see Oleta! ~ Part 1

After spending the night at the Guild hall, Anyanka, Jessie and I said our goodbyes to our Bravilian buddies the next morning and headed for our first destination; Kvatch.

We knew that we wouldn't be back in Bravil for quite some time, which was a shame as I was only just getting used to the smell. The city may have been charming, but when a girls got a mission to complete, priorities must be made.

"Do we not have to travel to Anvil first to inform your sister of our plans?" Anyanka asked me as we headed across the bridge leading from Bravil's north gate. I pondered for a moment.

"She IS expecting me back home," I replied, a spark of relisation hit me. "That said she doesn't know that I've completed Rihanae's mission. For all she knows I'm still working on that."

"You're going to lie? To your own sister?" Jessie said, shocked.

"Not lie... just not tell her the whole truth. Anyway I'm not even going back to Anvil TO lie to her, am I?"

Jessie looked at me; she clearly hadn't thought about that.

"Lissa, I have some information you might find useful" Rihanae popped into conversation; much to my delight; not that i'd let hi know it, of course.

Where have YOU been then? Vacation with your spirit buddies?

"Lissa, please, this is serious."

Is it as serious as getting into wrestling match with a storm atronach? If not, my attention span may be a little less than none.

The silence suggested he clearly didn't understand my example; but if i'm honest, neither did I, but at least
I sounded mildly intellegent.

"Lissa, it's about your brother."

My heart stopped.

Don't call him that. Don't you EVER call him that.

"Listen to me, Lissa-" He tried to continue, but I intterupted him.

No, YOU listen. The only person I wan't answers from right now is Mother; no-one else. I don't need my head more confused and achey, okay? Whatever you have to say is really not important; not right now anyway.

My mental outburst was met with a silence, followed by a reluctant submission from my spirit guide.

"Okay..."

Okay?

"Okay."

Good.

"Don't you find it strange how the orange road isn't even orange?" Jessie said, changing my mindset completley. I was highly grateful.

"Very interesting observation, Jessie." Anyanka replied. I couln't tell whether she was being sarcastic or not.

"But the green road is green, isn't it? bizarre."

I looked at Jessie and spoke to her; a slightly mocking tone to my voice.

"And did you notice that the city of Anvil Isn't actually an 'Anvil'? Talk about weird!"

Jessie looked at me and smiled, scowling at me for making fun of her, before Anyanka spoke up.

"Jessie, I noticed something odd about your question. You question why the Orange Road isn't orange; but what about the Black Road? Or the Gold Road?"

"Annie, we don't need to confuse her anymore, do we?" I told her.

Indeed, judging by her face, Annie had almost certainly confused her; which I thought was rather hilarious.

“I’ve never been to Kvatch before.” Jessie confessed.

“Me either. I’ve always wondered what it’s…” I replied.

“I have!” Anyanka interrupted.

"Yes, darling. We know." I looked at her and patted her on the shoulder; her excitement was unnessecary, and strangely out of character.

We continued to walk, talking and gossiping about mindless dribble. Anyanka felt the need to tell us about her love for yarn, which was odd.

***

After about half a days travelling we made it to an inn called: ‘The Inn of Ill Omen.”

“Sounds inviting.” I remarked as we apprached to door.

“Don’t let the name put you off. The inn is more than comfortable, I assure you.” Anyanka told us. I don’t think she realised I was being sarcastic.

We entered the Inn. The words dark and slightly unnerving came to mind; but again that was probably due to my opinion on the name of the delightful place. Anyanka and Jessie went to sit at a table, leaving me to order the food and drinks.

“Well hello there young lady!” greeted the Nord innkeeper. “My name is Manheim Maulhound. What can I get for you? It’s nice to see a new customer for a change!”

“Well that was a cheerful introduction!” I smiled as I sat down. “My name is Lissa and I would like some bread, some cheese, some wine and direction to more cheery innkeepers like your fine self!”

Manheim laughed as he explored his cupboards, producing the things I had ordered.

“Don’t let the name of this place fool you! I can be a delightful person!”

“I noticed.” I replied; now getting slightly creeped out. “So I take it business is bad? Or do you get that excited over everyone who walks in.”

“Well yes, business could be better, but my day has been made all the more better for seeing such a beautiful Redguard as yourself!”

I smiled awkwardly as I saw his eyes examine my body. I paid the innkeeper and placed the food and drinks onto a tray, carrying them VERY carefully over to our table, constantly aware that Manheim was staring at me. I placed the tray on our table and sat down.

“Okay, is that innkeeper staring at me?” I asked the girls.

“It’s more of a gawp.” Jessie replied. I looked at her.

“Thanks. I feel better now.” I said, sarcastically.

Whilst we were tucking into our stale and less than fresh dinner, we were aproached by an old Redguard woman.

“You’re new. What brings you girls here?” She asked us. Anyanka was the one to reply.

“That is no business of yours. Please leave us to our food.”

“ANNIE!” I scolded. I turned to the Redguard with a smile. “Sorry about her. This is the first time she’s been out of her cage in a long time!”

I felt Anyanka kicking my shin from under the table.

“That’s quite alright. My name is Minerva. What’s yours?”

“Well I’m Lissa.” I replied.

“I’m Jessie,” Jessie started, then begain to introduce Anyanka. “And this is…”

“Annie, I know.” Minerva interrupted.

Jessie looked at me, amazed. She’d obviously forgotten that I’d said Annie’s name not a minute earlier.

Oh Jessie. Just a few arrows short of a quiver, arne’t you?

“Well put.”

Thank you. I try.

“I noticed that Manheim seem’s to be transfixed by you?” Minerva informed me. I smiled awkwardly.

“Oh… really I hadn’t noticed…”

“But you asked us if he was…” Anyanka started. Now it was my turn to kick her in the shin.

“Don’t be threatened by him. We don’t get a lot of customers, let alone beautiful women, come here.”

“Really? Then why wasn’t he staring at me?” Jessie asked.

“Because, like I said, we don’t get a lot of beautiful women come in here.”

I saw Jessie’s face drop. I went to say something to Minerva about hurting poor Jessie’s feelings, but she started speaking first.

“Well it was nice to meet you girls, but I must be off. I have important work to do.”

“Oh really, what is it that you do?” I asked.

“Nothing. Why do you ask?” She replied.

“Oh… it’s just. Never mind.”

Minerva walked away and stood by the entrance. As soon as she left I turned to the girls.

“Okay, can we go now? This place is freaking me out.”

Anyanka nodded and stood with me.

“Aww, but I havent finished my cheese wheel…HEY!” Jessie protested as Anyanka grabbed her arm and forced her out of her seat. We walked as fast as we could to the entrance; Jessie still munching on her cheese wheel.

“Just keep smiling and pretend to be in deep conversation.” I instructed.

“Conversation about what?” Anyanka asked.

“I don’t know… just laugh.”

We did so. All three of us laughed uncontrollably as we reached the final few steps to the front door; our pace quickening as we reached the exit. I opened the wooden door and we scurried out; lauging genuinly this time at what we had done.

It’s always a good thing having a laugh with your girlfriends; however creepy the situation you’re in may be.


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This post has been edited by Rihanae: Feb 8 2012, 02:16 AM