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]

Thank you all so much! Yeah I was pretty ill, but people seem to think that the fact I'm only 20 helped me recover as I'm so young! Haha

Good news! I managed to invest in a portable hardrive so I'm able to transefer Lissa's story to my friends computer which has internet, so you can expect the update on friday!!

I can't wait for you all to read it! It's my favourite chapter yet

[TrisRed]

Here it is guys! The next part in the Lissa Show. I want to thank each and every one of my readers for their patience, I promise you it is greatly appreciated.

A few notes before I get started:

I understand it has been a while so if any reader would like me to PM them a brief 'Story so far...' summary I would be more than happy to, but most of the tale can be gathered through the 'PREVIOUSLY' sections before the chapters.

Also, this chapter is a little long. I did split it into two parts but the first part I thought was to boring and not a viable return for Lissa so I combined them, HOWEVER I have split where the chapter would have been split, so you can keep track should you want to return to it

Anywho enough dribble. Enjoy! This is my favourite chapter yet

21. Chapter 8 ~ Kvatch ~ Part 1

It took the girls and I about a day to reach the city of Kvatch, where my mother was. However what we found was less than inviting. As we approached the road leading to the city we saw a man running full speed towards us. However as he was sprinting he went past us.

"It seems the Altmer is running from something..." Anyanka pointed out.

I shouted after the Altmer.

"EXCUSE ME! WHY ARE YOU RUNNING!"

He ignored me, which I thought was rude. I brushed it off and turned to the girls.

"So... what are we expecting when we get to Kvatch?"

"Whaddya mean?" Jessie asked me, slightly confused.

"Well that dude was clearly running away from something."

Anyanka shook her head. "That doesn't mean we are to expect danger. The Altmer could have possibly running from the guards for committing a crime."

"... I guess." I said, slightly disappointed that Anyanka had more common sense than I did. Jessie looked at me, worried.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah..." I lied, terribly. My voice gave it away too obviously. "Do I really have to go and speak to my Mother? Can't I just leave her a note?"

I heard Rihanae laugh. I don't think he realised that I was being serious.

"You have a lot on your mind, Lissa, It'll be good for you to get it out and speak to your mother about your queries."

I looked at Anyanka and smiled sheepishly.

"Why do you have to be so right about everything?" I joked.

"Of that I am unsure. I seem to just be a natural when it comes to common knowledge."

I laughed, then Rihanae prompted conversation.

"Why are you so afraid to speak with your mother? I thought you wanted to get answers from her?"

I do, more than anything. I just suck at confrontation, not to mention she'll probably go troll-ish at me for skipping out on her.

"I'm sure she has had time to get over it. If not, then you will have to just bear the consequences. You have a job to do, don't be afraid."

Well it's alright for you; you're already dead so she can't kill you!

Rihanae laughed, which caused me to laugh, which caused the girls to look at me. I looked at them, coughed and spoke.

"Shall we proceed?"

I started to walk, the girls trailing behind me.

Every step I took make my heart beat just that little bit faster. I was terrified. I had no idea how my mother would react to my being there and I had no idea how she would react to the question I travelled miles to ask her. She had a lot of explaining to do, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to hear it. I knew there was a reason that she forgot to inform me that I had a brother, let alone one that tried to kill me at every turn.

Did she know that Leinahtan was evil? Is that why she didn't tell us about him? Or did he turn evil because of how mother and father treated him?

Those were questions that flowed through my mind like clockwork. But questions were meaningless without answers, and I knew that the only way I could get answers was to speak with to the source.

Just as I finished thinking those thoughts I noticed something. At the end of the road there was something that looked like a campsite. Anyanka mentioned nothing of what looked like a refugee camp outside the city, and judging by the look on her face she knew nothing of it either.

Suddenly I saw Anyanka jolt past me and head toward the camp.

"Annie!" I yelled after her. I turned to Jessie. "What was all that about?"

Jessie shrugged her shoulders. We then began to jog after Anyanka. When we reached her she had already stopped speaking with the person she was talking to and began to run up the steep hill leading to the city. Jessie and I didn’t follow her, but instead decided to speak with the woman Anyaka had just finished conversing with.

"What's going on here?" I asked the Redguard woman.

"Oh it's terrible! They came in the middle of the night! They've taken over the city!" She panicked.

"Who's taken over the city?" Jessie asked her.

The woman looked at her, a haunting look in her eyes.

"The Daedra."

My heart stopped for a beat.

"...Daedra?"

The woman nodded before collapsing in a fit of tears. Jessie kneeled down to comfort her, but I did no such thing. Instead I followed Anyanka's steps and sprinted toward the city. The Hill was steep but i didn't care. If Daedra had taken over the city, the city that my mother was in, then I had to do something, Anything. I wasn't about to leave her there.

***

The trek up the hill was hard, and what was terrifying was that as I ran closer to the summit the sky began to turn blood red. A storm began to roar, the air turning dense and evil.

Once I reached the summit I saw something incredible. Something I had never seen In my entire life.

A large gate stood in front of the city gate. The gate was producing what appeared to be large thorns which looked like they were dipped in blood as they ripped through the ground. The gate itself emitted a horrifying fiery glow, screaming loud and proud. I stood in awe. Forgetting for a moment that this thing was obviously dangerous. It was beautiful in a petrifying kind of way.

I snapped back into reality when I heard Anyanka call my name. I looked at her and she beckoned me over. She was stood with a soldier. They were stood behind a wooden barricade with other soldier that all looked like they were preparing themselves for combat.

"This is Savlian; he is captain of the guard here in Kvatch."

"What in oblivion is going on here Savvy?" I asked, terror and anger erupting from my voice.

"The gate came in the middle of the night..."

"Yeah and the Daedra have taken over the city, I know this."

"LISSA!" Anyanka scolded me. "Do not speak to the captain like that. It is very disrespectful."

I looked at Savvy, my eyes apologetic.

"I'm sorry, sir. It's just... my mother is in Kvatch and I just need to know she is safe."

"Apparently each and every person who didn't make it out of the city is dead," Anyanka said to me in that blunt, cold tone of hers. I wasn't appreciative of it. Before I could reply, Savvy did instead.

"That isn't strictly true. We have reports that there are a few survivors located in the chapel..."

My heart fluttered and I began to giggle with excitement.

"My mother lives in the chapel! Does that mean she is okay?"

"You're mother is in the chapel?" Savvy asked me, pondering a thought. "Could your mother be Oleta Cristenn?"

"YES! Yes that's her, that's my mother!"

"As I haven't heard back from anybody in the chapel for quite some time I can't promise you she is safe, but knowing your mother I am almost certain she is. She is a strong and determined lady."

I screamed with elation as I grabbed Savvy for a hug. Once I realised I was making a fool of myself I let go. I think he appreciated that I did.

"So, how do we destroy the gate? What is the plan?" Anyanka asked Savvy. He shook his head.

"I do not know. I have sent men in to investigate but so far we have come up with nothing as none of my men have returned."

"So we have no idea how to get rid of this thing?" I asked, worried.

"No, we do have something. According to some old books that we managed to salvage from the mages guild these are gates to Mehrunes Dagon's realm of oblivion. It seems that if we extract a sigil stone from its pedestal in the highest room in the tallest tower then the realm should destroy itself."

"So basically this sigil stone thingy-ma-bob is, like, the self destruct button?"

"Exactly." Savvy said. I looked at the gate. I wasn't sure if any of us would be able to get the sigil stone with our lives in tact. If what Savvy said was true, the realm may destroy itself with us in it. I wasn't going to take that risk.

"What is that?"

I spun my head and saw Jessie staring in awe at the gate,

"Is that an Oblivon gate?" She asked me.

"Yeah, and it's annoying." I said, turning back to Savvy. "Is there any way I can get into the city without disrupting the gate?"

"Well it appears that the gate formed about 30 feet from the front gate. If someone should get behind it they could enter the city with ease."

"Great, thanks."

I didn't need to hear anymore as I leapt over the barricade and headed to the city gate. However I was stopped in my tracks as Anyanka screamed at me.

"MAELISSA CRISTENN YOU GET BACK HERE IMMEDIATLY!"

I turned and looked at her.

"Annie my mother is in there and I'm going to rescue her, okay?"

My reply was met with a look of anxious disproval from Anyanka. Suddenly her expression changed from that look to a look of panic, a look which Savvy and Jessie also shared.

"LISSA, LOOK OUT!" Jessie screamed.

I turned my head toward the gate to see a fireball heading directly at me with incredible speed.

Before thinking I ducked to the ground, performing a split technique with my legs. I saw the fireball fly over my head as I unsheathed my bow and notched an arrow. Everything felt as if it were slow motion as I took aim at my attacker. It was a scamp. I'd seen them in some Aylied ruins on my travels and knew that they weren’t that tough an opponent. I pulled the string back and fired, still in the split position, and watched as the arrow hit the scamp perfectly. It was a headshot, killing it instantly.

Once it was dead Savvy and the girls ran toward me.

"Lissa, are you okay?" Jessie asked me, a panicked tone to her voice.

"Yeah…" I assured her, out of breath from the adrenaline. "Could you help me up?"

Jessie obliged and gave me her hand, hoisting me up back onto my feet. I brushed myself off.

"That was a reckless thing you did then, Lissa. You could have gotten killed!"

I ignored Rihanae's nagging, but I wasn't prepared for Anyanka to say the exact same thing.

"That was a reckless thing you did Lissa-"

"Yes, I know," I said, interrupting her. "I already got the memo."

I turned to Jessie, who had a more positive look about her.

"That was so awesome how you took care of that scamp!" She smiled. I smiled back.

"What can I say, acrobatics are just my thing I guess," I turned to Savvy. "So it seems the gate produced the Daedra?"

"Yes, we have been lucky to only get a few come out after they took over the city. We've only had possibly five appear each hour-"

"Don't count your chickens before they hatch..." Jessie said, looking at the gate in horror. We all joined her to see what she was looking at.

Dozens of scamps were strolling out of gate. I looked around at everyone. Everyone looked terrified, apart from Savvy and Anyanka, who both looked prepared for confrontation.

"Lissa..." Jessie said, slowly grabbing my hand.

Before we knew it there was at least sixty Scamp stood in front of the gate. They stood staring, waiting to attack.

They didn’t wait for long.

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This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jun 7 2012, 03:24 PM

[mALX]

First, Welcome Back Rihanae !!! I hope you are feeling much better and are OVER IT !!!

Second, None of this was boring! You have always had a knack for bringing out personality in your characters !!

So basically this sigil stone thingy-ma-bob is, like, the self destruct button?"

I roared at this line, lol.

LOVED the chapter and having you back !!! Awesome Write !!

[Acadian]

So nice to have Lissa and company back! Darn that Rihanae – his silent conversations at the most inopportune of times have a knack of making Lissa look silly to those around her.

I thought for a moment that Minerva was going to dress Lissa down and tell her to keep her pretty little Redguard mitts off Manheim! In the game at least, Minerva tells us she thinks the big Nord is sweet on her.

’I stood in awe. Forgetting for a moment that this thing was obviously dangerous. It was beautiful in a petrifying kind of way.’
What an effective description!

I agree with Lissa’s concern that pulling the sigil stone and destroying the gate from inside sounds sort of like suicide. I therefore like her plan of just slipping behind it, going into the city and sneaking back out with her mother – and then be on their way! Oops. . . not so fast. Three score of scamps seem not to have gotten the memo about Lissa’s plan. Gulp.

[TrisRed]

mALX: Thank you so much for the compliments! It is wonderful to be back and I hope you enjoy what is to come

Acadian: I'm so thrilled that you are so correct with Lissa's way of thinking! However, her plans never seem as simple as they do in her head thank you so much for the compliments

Again another slightly overlong chapter, but it is my favourite so far. I hope you enjoy

PREVIOUSLY: As Lissa and the girls reach Kvatch they discover that overnight it has been ovverrun and practically destroyed by Daedra that spawned from what Savlian, captain of the Kvatch guard, called an 'Oblivion gate'. When Lissa plans to avoid the gate and go directly into the city to rescue her mother her plans are scuppered by an army of Scamps that block her path.

22. Chapter 8 ~ Kvatch ~ Part Two

"BACK! Everyone spread out!" Savvy ordered to his men. The soldiers all took their positions, the swordsmen charging at the scamps and the rangers taking shield behind the barricade.

Before even having a chance to think, the girls and I readied for attack. Jessie and I unsheathed our bows and fired at the incoming Scamp. They shot fireballs at us but, luckily, they were slow enough for us to dodge.

We continued to fire as Anyanka took her blade and charged at the scamp, casting a shield spell as she ran. I watched as she stabbed, slashed and sliced a bunch of Scamp before I had time to even blink.

I looked over at Jessie who was preparing a summon. I looked back over at the Scamp. One of them was glaring at me. I smiled as it charged for me. I notched an arrow as I ran towards it, leapt over its head, spun to face it once I hit the ground and fired, killing the scamp.

Before I had time to appreciate my victory I heard Anyanka scream that something was behind me so I spun again, performing a roundhouse kick and knocking down many of the Scamp with a domino affect. I backed away as the scamp began to approach me, but just as they got closer I felt a chill of cold breeze past me and hit one of the Scamps. I turned my head and saw Jessie stood with what looked like a frost atronach. I smiled and looked back.

I stared as the Scamp in the distance began to scurry towards us. For a moment it felt as if time stood still as I took a moment to observe my surroundings for some form of assistance in battle. The sound of the battlefield was terrifyingly real. From the sound of the Scamp screeching at us to the sound of Savvy's men shouting across to each other some form of soldier lingo I didn't understand. The thunder from the blood red sky still roared, it almost felt as if it was cheering the our enemy onto victory.

I looked to my left and noticed what looked like a collapsed guard tower near the city wall. It was high enough for me to climb, but not high enough to avoid one of the scamps fireballs, but at least they can't physically reach me up there. Maybe if i get up there I have a good position to use my bow...

I ran and jumped over the incoming Scamp toward the tower, dodging many a fireball as I did so. I reached the rock and scaled it with a run and jump technique between it and the city wall. I took a breath and turned back to look at the battle ground. More scamps had appeared out of the gate, more than I could count. What had been sixty had soon turned into over a hundred.

I looked in horror as everyone struggled to fight the massing army. Luckily the scamps did not seem that tough to begin with, but saying that I've never had to fight tonnes of them at one time.

Savvy and his men took down the scamps with ease, decreasing the numbers but not by a lot. Jessie and Frosty double teamed the scamps from a distance, which was impressive. Then there was Anyanka. She was like a machine who couldn't be stopped. She killed two of the Scamp per second and was basically a blur. No one had any difficulty, but that didn't mean the fight wasn't hard.

I considered using this opportunity to enter the city seeing as everyone managed to be holding their own.

"Lissa what are you doing? Help them!" Rihanae ordered.

They're doing fine! This could be my only chance to find mother!

"That doesn’t matter! If your mother is safe then you don't need to worry! You need to concentrate on ridding the battleground of those Daedra!"

Once he said this I noticed something. Jessie seemed to have ran out of Magicka as Frosty had disappeared. She struggled to use her bow in time as the Scamp approached her. I also saw Anyanka was being dragged to the ground by a Scamp. One of them had caught her off guard and had her pinned to the ground. Savvy and his men seemed to be doing fine, but none of them were noticing my friends predicament.

I took a breath and aimed an arrow, firing at the scamp that had Anyanka pinned to the ground. Once the Scamp was dead she stood up and nodded at me in gratitude. I looked at Jessie as the Scamp began to approach her. I leapt from the rock, sheathed my bow and unsheathed Shatterheart.

I took out many Scamp en-route to saving Jessie. I ran to Jessie and yelled for her to duck. She did so and I threw Shatterheart, knocking the head clean off the Scamp that was close to her from many feet away.

I looked in surprise as Shatterheart, which was still midair, flew back to me like a boomerang. I smiled thinking that the ring Rohssan had given me must of had some sort of homing enchantment linked to Shatterheart, but I didn't smile for long as I saw another scamp approach Jessie. I leapt off of my feet and landed on the Scamp's head, crushing it with Shatterheart.

I stood up, removed Shatterheart from the Scamps skull with a tug and approached Jessie.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" I asked her. She shook her head.

"No, I'm fine. I just need a moment to give my Magicka a chance to refuel itself."

I smiled, nodded and turned my back to her. "You do what you gotta to; I'll watch your back."

I stood guarding Jessie as more Scamp began to emerge from the gate. When is this going to end? As the Scamp began to approach me I managed to take them out with my bow one by one before they could cause any real damage. Luckily, their numbers were less than earlier and Anyanka was making sure that their numbers would deplete as quickly as possible.

"I'm ready!" Jessie shouted. I turned to look at her as I saw her summon a Flame Atronach.

"When did you get so good at that?" I asked her, smiling. Before she had a chance to show any kind of response I heard Savvy shouting at us.

"Girls! Watch yourselves!"

I looked at the battle field to see that in the short moment I was distracted the number of Scamp had grown again, back into the hundreds.

What?

I looked at Jessie. "There's too many of them. I can't even see Anyanka anymore..." Suddenly the realisation of what I said had dawned on me. "Wait! Where's Anyanka?"

Without hesitation I sprinted toward the battlefield, sheathing my bow and arming myself with Shatterheart again. As I ran I could hear Jessie screaming at me to stop. It was me versus a hundred Scamp, but I wasn't about to let Anyanka die. As I charged through the Scamp I swung Shatterheart, Killing some; sending most soaring through the battlefield. I was like an untameable wild animal. I could feel the blood splashing on my face as I crushed the Daedra with daddy's hammer, but I didn't care enough to wipe it off.

I continued forward, and just as I was getting ever so closer to the Oblivion gate, killing as many Scamp as humanly possible, I saw a sight that made my worry feel lighter. I saw Anyanka knelt on the ground. She had cast some form of fire force field spell on herself. I looked at the Scamp that set themselves ablaze as they tried to break through the force field. It appeared that Anyanka was tying her shoelace.

"ANNIE!" I bellowed, still taking down the Scamp. She looked up at me, lowering her force field and going back into attack mode. We spoke as we fought the Scamp.

"What are you doing here? You were supposed to take rangers position?" She asked me, slicing the head off a scamp.

"I was, but then you disappeared so I came to find you!" I replied, crushing the head of another.

"That is foolish! I am able to handle myself."

"I know that, but I wasn't about to leave my friend to be killed!"

I saw her scowl turn into a half smile. We stood and looked at each other for a moment before returning to battle.

*

Many kills and minor injuries later, the battle was over. All of the Scamp were dead, their corpses forming a Daedric carpet over what was the battlefield. We all gathered behind the barricade.

"You fought well, girls. Any injuries?" Savvy asked us. We all shook our heads. He then looked over at the battlefield to the bodies of his fallen comrades.

"The battle was tough, but we were successful... but I think it is important that we find a way to close that gate sooner rather than later." Anyanka informed him. He sighed.

"I know, but with our sudden shortage of men it seems like it would be impossible. Now it seems it is unlikely we will find any help, what with there being so few of my men left."

Savvy's reply was met with a mourning silence as he headed over to his remaining men, most likely to check it they were okay. I eventually broke the silence.

"Right, now that's done and dusted I'm going to the Chapel."

"What?" Jessie said, staring at me with wide eyes.

"I have to go and see if my mother is okay."

"You saw how many of the Daedra came out of the gate just now. What would happen should you come across the same amount ALONE in the city?" Anyanka said, her eyes disproving.

"Then I'll double back." I replied, to which she had no comeback. "Guys, I'll be fine. If I run into trouble I PROMISE I’ll head back, but other than that I'm going. You're more than welcome to come with me."

I looked at them a while as they both had a look of concern in their eyes.

"Well there you go then..." I said. Before either of them had a chance to say anything else I left their company and headed for the city gate.

"We will keep an eye on things out here! We'll come get you if there's trouble!" Jessie shouted to me. I turned and saluted her as a thank you. I was grateful that she knew that what I had to do was not a choice or an option, it was a necessity. I had to make sure my mother was safe; but at the same time I was terrified about what would await me in the city.


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This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jun 7 2012, 03:24 PM

[Acadian]

I really appreciate the ‘Previously. . . ‘ summary you provided to snap us right back into where you left us last time. Well done!

’For a moment it felt as if time stood still as I took a moment to observe my surroundings for some form of assistance in battle. The sound of the battlefield was terrifyingly real. From the sound of the Scamp screeching at us to the sound of Savvy's men shouting across to each other some form of soldier lingo I didn't understand. The thunder from the blood red sky still roared, it almost felt as if it was cheering the our enemy onto victory.’
What a great pause to render the sights and sounds of your battlefield!

"Lissa what are you doing? Help them!" Rihanae ordered.’
Listen to him, Lissa!

’All of the Scamp were dead, their corpses forming a Daedric carpet over what was the battlefield. ‘
A wonderful description of the morbid aftermath.

Overall, this battle really showed what everyone is made of. Plenty of courage all around for sure. And in Lissa's case, even some acrobatics!

I’m really enjoying that Lissa is taking things at Kvatch based purely on her perceptions and priorities. You are doing a great job of making this ‘Lissa’s quest’.

[TrisRed]

Acadian: Thank you so much for your comments! I'm glad you appreciated the description of the battlefield, It was truly terrifying for poor Lissa. Yes, this very much is Lissa's quest, she has no intrest in anything other than rescuing her mother, much to the dismay of the other girls!

I would like to share something with you guys. Whilst I was sick my little brother decided to use my XBOX and play some of my Oblivion characters. LUCKILY he didn't delete anything. However on my computer I discovered this. It's a picture that I can only assume my brother made. He is only 12 and I think it is amazing. Bless him

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa and the gang engaged in an epic battle against an army of scamps. After Lissa, the girls and Savlian defeated the army of Scamps, Lissa decided it was now time to enter the city and attemp to rescue her mother.

23. Chapter 8 ~ Kvatch ~ Part 3

I entered the city and it looked a lot worse than I could have ever imagined. Rubble from burnt, destroyed buildings surrounded the area leaving most of the city inaccessible with fire roaring from every crevasse. The Oblivion gate has really done a number on the place.

Directly in front of me I could see the bell tower from the chapel collapsed onto the ground, blocking another path. Whatever had the power to do that, I didn’t want to meet it.

I observed my surrounding for a clear route the Chapel entrance, and by that I mean I had a look to see if there were any Scamp about. There weren’t. Not that I could see anyway.

"Okay Lissa, what's the plan?" RIhanae asked me.

"Well luckily for me it seems that the Chapel is a lot closer than I originally thought so a danger filled trek through the city is off my to-do list..."

"But?"

I thought a moment.

"But, even though I would be able to take down any Scamp I see, I don't know whether that would be the best thing to do..."

"Interesting, explain."

"Well think about it, Say, hypothetically, those Scamp were placed there by, like, a commander Scamp."

"Commander Scamp?"

"I'm not saying anything like that exists, but IF they do, think about it. I kill the Scamp, commander Scamp dude notices his Scamp are dead and he sends more Scamp to search the area for me, then they enter the Chapel and go all trigger happy on us."

"... That's very clever indeed." Rihanae said, genuinely. "So what do you suggest we do?"

"The simple thing; sneak. We see a Scamp, I go into crouch mode and make my way over to the Chapel."

"Good plan!" Rihanae said, "Good luck."

I smiled to myself; I always liked it when Rihanae praised me.

After our conversation I continued forward, looking around as I walked. Everything seemed fairly normal encounter-wise.

However, pretty much as I thought that I heard the familiar cry of a scamp.

Dagnamit! I've been spotted!

I dived behind some rubble and looked around. I hadn't been spotted, but i did see three Scamp hanging out in a house opposite the front entrance of the chapel.

I looked for a way to sneak into the chapel without them seeing me, but it seemed impossible. One of the scamps had his eye on the chapel; which was super annoying.

I thought about what to do, but before I could think of anything good Rihanae came up with a plan.

"Lissa, cause a distraction!"

Like how? Strip naked and do a little chicken dance by the chapel door? I somehow don't think that will end well...

"No, I mean cast a fireball near the front entrance of the chapel and if the scamp go to investigate, sneak in through the side entrance.

Okaay...

Although highly sceptical of his idea I thought I’d at least give it a go. I cast a fireball and sent it to a small area near the front chapel entrance. Nothing happened.

Like they're going to notice a small ball of flame amongst this chaos. Points for effort, Rihan-

However, before I could finish I noticed one of the scamps heading toward where the fireball had landed, shortly followed by the other two. Once they were there I laughed to myself in excitement as I watched the three scamps stare at the floor in confusion.

I took the opportunity to sneak to the side entrance. I watched closely as I crawled toward the door. I didn't get too close as I noticed one of the scamps turn his head to look at the chapel’s front entrance. Even though he couldn't see me my body went into panic mode and I scrambled into the burnt down house they were originally in.

Oh great. Thanks, Rihanae.

"What did I do?"

ZIP. Don’t talk to me.

Silence.

...So what now?

"You need to try the same thing again but this time, aim the fireball near the chapel door you were aiming for."

"How am I supposed to do that without being spotted?"

"Look to your left."

Disgruntled and frustrated i did what he said and noticed that there was a small room to the far left of the house. I smiled to myself, looked at the scamp, who hadn't budged, and headed to the hidey-hole.

"This is so cool..." I said to myself once I was inside. I looked around and then screamed.

"AHHHHH!!!! That is so gross!" I had spotted a severed human head with his head caved in placed on a stool. It was disgusting.

However, once I screamed I looked through the small window in the hidey hole at the scamps. They had heard me. I looked at them wide eyed as they headed in my direction; luckily they couldn’t see me. Yet.

Oh dear... this ain't good...

I started to freak out and didn't know what to do. Performed a strange panic-stricken-body-jig-type-dance as I flustered about trying to figure out some form of plan, watching as the scamp slowly approached my hiding place.

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This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jun 9 2012, 02:17 PM

[mALX]

*

Your brother did an Awesome job on that screen!

"Well think about it, Say, hypothetically, those Scamp were placed there by, like, a commander Scamp."

"Commander Scamp?"



"Lissa, cause a distraction!"

Like how? Strip naked and do a little chicken dance by the chapel door? I somehow don't think that will end well...


I started to freak out and didn't know what to do. Performed a strange panic-stricken-body-jig-type-dance as I flustered about trying to figure out some form of plan, watching as the scamp slowly approached my hiding place.

ROFL on all three of these !!!

AHHHHH!!!! That is so gross!" I had spotted a severed human head with his head caved in placed on a stool. It was disgusting.

My exact reaction the first time I saw that head!


I am going to love going through Kvatch with Lissa and Rihanae, the inner dialogue between them keeps me roaring.

You have a real talent for developing endearing personalities in your characters, Lissa has been a gem since the first chapter and continues to charm !! Loved these two chapters, this last one especially. It is so great to have you back and well !! <3


*

[Acadian]

What an adorable shot of the GOC! Methinks your little brother’s a keeper!

Nice description of the burning city and great interaction between Lissa and Rihanae here. It was a sound plan till the severed head and subsequent scream kind of nixed it. I could so envision Lissa doing the chicken dance trying to figure out what to do as those scamps approached her hiding place!

I hope Lissa finds that Oleta is safe inside the chapel (once she gets past the commander’s scamps).

As dear mALX said, it is so nice to have you and Lissa back with us.

[TrisRed]

mALX: Hehe I'm so glad that you enjoy Rihanae and Lissa's interactions so much! they are a joy to write. Although most of the time their dialogue is based on conversations I myself have had with Lissa, so not alot of imagination was needed I'm also glad that Lissa wasn't the only one to react like she did with the head! it was gross. And thank you so much for your kind words regarding Lissa in general, it really means alot

Acadian: Hehe in a way I think Lissa was hoping that Rihanae would aprove of the chicken dance. I'm sure Lissa would have loved it Thank you so much for your kind words :0 I am so pleased to be back!

In regards to both of your comments about my brothers artwork, when I asked him about it he said that he wanted to make it for me, then print it out then put it in a frame to put by my hospital bed. Unfortunatly for him I got healthier before he had a chance. But the thought was so sweet

PREVIOUSLY: Once Lissa makes it into the city she spots three scamps near the chapel entrance, and as she is unwilling to kill them due to the possibility of a 'Commander scamp that placed them there' she distracts them with a fireball. Once they are distracted she hides in the house they were origionally in, but a severed head casually lying about casuses her to scream, alerting the scamp of her hiding place...

25. Chapter 8 ~ Kvatch ~ Part Four

I looked back out at the scamp, still in a panic.

Rihanae, what am I going to do?

“The plan, Lissa! Shoot the fireball at the side entrance! Maybe it’ll draw their attention!”

I thought about it for a moment. Whilst it worked the first time, this time it was too risky. There was every chance that they would see the fireball being shot from the hidey-hole, so that was out of the question-

“Lissa, look!”

I looked out at the scamp and noticed that they had stopped in their tracks, and soon enough started to head back to the chapel door.

YEAH! That’s more like it, now I can-

Then I felt it. A feeling I recognised but really didn’t want at this particular moment.

“Heeeeh….Heeeeh…”

“Lissa, what are you doing?”

“Rih… Rih… Reh….RaaaaTCHOOO.”

I sneezed. Of all the appropriate moment I could have sneezed, but body decided to sneeze now.

I covered my nose to prevent anymore nose burps and looked at the scamps again, and as I feared they had heard the sneeze and were heading back in my direction to investigate the delightful sound.

GREAT! Now what?

I began to panic again, but this time during my panic I looked to my left, noticing a small crawlspace which would get me out of the hidey-hole.

How did I not see that before?

“Maybe because-“

Hush you. It was rhetorical.

I looked back at the scamps to check that they wouldn’t see me escape before ducking down to crawl to the crawlspace. Unfortunately the sheer size of Shatterheart and my bow almost left me unable to get through, so I was forced to leave them behind.

Unarmed in the city of death. Marvellous.

I just about managed to squeeze through, although my breasts didn’t help make things easier.

I took in my new surroundings; I was now on the other side of the large wall of rubble that blocked most of the city. In the distance I could see the Castle, as well as a large statue of a man with a sword. I had no clue who he was, but he looked cool.

Well that was easy. Now we can just walk to the chapel.

"I don't think it will be that easy..."

Why, guy?

I looked toward the chapel to see a group of scamps hanging out near the entrance. I looked that them, my jaw hitting the ground at the unbelievable-ness of the situation. After everything I went through to get to a safer part of town, I ended up having to deal with more scamps WHILST being completely unarmed

SERIOUSLY! Urgh, that’s annoying. I'm annoyed.

"Lissa, maybe you should just take them out."

Um, no? One, I have no weapons and two, Commander scamp, hello?

"There IS no commander scamp, Lissa!"

I'm not prepared to take that chance.

"Lissa stop being so ridiculous!"

Rihanae, stop being so sensible! You're giving me a migraine.

I stood in silence, angry at Rihanae. It was easy for him to brush off the commander scamp; HE wouldn’t be the one to deal with him. I decided that I had had enough of the endless scamp that seemed to appear around every corner, so I decided to do something about it.

“Lissa, what are you thinking?”

You’re the spirit who can hear my innermost thoughts. You tell me.

I began to head to the group of scamp, my hands on my hips. Once I was meters away from them I shouted to me.

"You know, hanging outside that chapel is not cool. You're disrupting my pray time."

The scamps looked at me.

"Oh, sorry. Was I interrupting something?"

The scamps began to edge slowly towards me.

“You know, as much as you guys seem super cool, you ARE in my way, so why don’t we all be grown ups here and all be on our way? Whaddaya say?

The scamps began to give chase.

“See, that’s not very mature now, is it?”

After letting them get closer to me I ran toward them. Once they were merely feet away from me I leapt over them, but my landing wasn’t as successful.

Once I touched the ground I collapsed onto my front. I struggled to get up in time as the scamps started to chase me again.

Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no...

"Lissa get up!"

It's easy for you to say! You have no feet!

Once I managed to scramble to my feet I realised that it was to risky to run straight into the chapel, so I took a detour. I ran to my left, the scamps close behind me, and headed to the castle.

I sprinted as fast as I could, reaching the castle as quickly as possible. I kept looking behind me to see the scamps; luckily they were so far behind me i could hardly see them AND they weren’t firing any fireballs at me, which was a delightful bonus.

It shouldn't be long before I lose them-

As I continued to run I looked forward again before instantly colliding with something and fell to the floor. Something large. Something living. I recognised it almost instantly. It was a Xivilai. I'd seen only one before on my travels as it had been conjured by a mage, but that didn't make it look any less terrifying.

I kept my eyes closed in horror as I heard it growl ferociously. I wanted to scream but I couldn’t. The fear had left me cemented to the ground.

"Lissa, get up!"

Maybe this is the commander? Is it going to kill me? I hope not. But what if it does! I'm going to die I know it!

I waited for it to attack, but it didn't. I opened my eye ever so slightly and saw it run past me.

Eh? What? Huh?

For some reason it didn't notice me lying before it and instead of attacking me it went to attack the incoming scamp instead.

It must have assumed that it was the scamps that hit it just now. Haha, Idiot.

I looked at the mighty Xivilai as it attacked the scamps and I took the opportunity to run into the castle. I ran across the drawbridge and into the castle gate. I ran into the small space just to the left of the gate and saw something which made me grin with relief.

THE GATE SWITCH THING! COOL!

I ran up the stairs to the switch and pulled the lever, listening as I heard the castle gate slam down. I turned and approached the gate, looking out at the city I was now protected from.

It still looked as terrifyingly real as ever, but for now I felt just that little bit safer. As far as I was aware the Daedra wouldn’t be able to break through this gate; but I soon remembered not to underestimate them.

I simply smiled to myself, grateful that I was out of danger for the time being.

I then turned and looked at the castle.

"You're not out of the woods yet, Lissa."

I sighed as I thought about what he said. He was right. If things were bad in the city, what would they be like in the castle?

[mALX]

*

Not just the inopportune sneeze, but these (quotes below) had me in hysterics !!

How did I not see that before?

“Maybe because-“

Hush you. It was rhetorical.


Commander scamp

"There IS no commander scamp, Lissa!"

I'm not prepared to take that chance.

You make a perfect blend between terror and humor in this chapter. Lissa's fear can be felt readily, but her arguing with Rihanae makes even the tension have moments of hilarity that I'm sure THEY didn't feel, lol. But I did. AWESOME WRITE !!!


*

[Acadian]

mALX nailed it with her comments! What frightening fun!

Rihanatchoooo!!! Talk about bad timing.

And she finally met Commander Scamp. Clearly he was unhappy with the performance of his minions and charged out to punish them!

Out of the frying pan with weapons into the fire without them? Yikes!

[TrisRed]

mALX: I'm so happy that you understand Lissa so well! Yes, her sneeze was unfortunate, but it was certainly not as unfortunate as meeting the commander ;P Thank you for your kind words

Acadian: Hehe thank you! As with mALX I am so thirilled that you understand Lissa so well! Well even if the Xivilai isn't the commander, it was still wrong of the scamps to anger him, but at least it created a great distraction for Lissa

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa managed to escape the hideyhole by squeezing through a small opening, but having to leave her weapons behind, to the other side of the wall of rubble. She fopund herself on the chase by more scamps bloking the chapel door and whilst running accidently bumped into a Xivilai, who attacked the chasing scamp as it was unaware of her presence. She took the opportunity to run inside the castle a close the gates behind her. Now she is heading to see what the castle has in store for her...

26. Chapter 8 ~ Kvatch ~ Part five

I walked forward slowly, approaching the castle's main door. I kept my eyes peeled for scamps but there were none to be seen. Yet.

What are we going to do now, Rihanae?

"In my honest opinion I think you need to find some form of weapon and fight your way out. There should be an armoury somewhere with blades-"

NO!, I thought, stopping him from speaking.

"No, what?"

NO blades. I don't use them.

"Lissa this isn't the time for snobbery,"

It isn't snobbery. I HATE blades and I won't use them. Comprande?

I hated blades. I hated the feeling of sticking a sword through flesh, that’s why I preferred to use blunt weapons.

It wasn't just that though.

Ever since I watched my dad die I’ve had this hatred toward any form of blade. Even knives.

"I understand that Lissa, but in a matter of urgency you must-"

"Rihanae, no. I'm not going to use a sword and I’m never gonna change that okay?"

"But-"

RIHANAE! Leave it alone! Even if I'm stuck in a room of monsters and the only weapon available is a sword I’d very much rather use my hands and do a good job on them with my fists, okay?

Silence. What I thought totally came out in a different way than I intended, but I got my point across and that's all that mattered.

I approached the castles main door and slowly opened it, peeking my head around the corner as it was ajar.

Well apart from the fact that the place is in ruins it looks safe enough.

"Be wary Lissa. You don't know what you'll find inside."

Yeah, yeah, granddad. I will.

I carefully entered the hall, closing the door behind me. The excessively large room was in ruins. All i could see was destruction and decay.

I casually moved forward, eventually reaching the Count's throne.

I looked around to see if there was anyone around, and when it was confirmed that it was just me, myself and I, I slowly sat in the Throne. I smiled to myself.

"Lissa."

Yes.

"What are you up to?"

Nothing.

I looked around whilst sat down. I made by posture upright and royal.

"You there! Peasant! Countess Lissa doesn't approve of what you are wearing! One should never combine a brown shirt with those shoes!"

I laughed to myself. The troubles of my life melting away with my moment of silliness.

"Are you quite done?"

That was fun. I'd be a great Countess.

"Yes, of course you would, but is this really the time?

Alright yappy doo, It was only a bit of fun-

I was interrupted by the sound of a scream behind me. Well not a scream, more of a battle cry.

What was that?

"Lissa, you have to investigate."

Yes! No. I'm not investigating a scary noise, guy, what are you talking about?

Stop calling me that.

Stop calling you what?

"Stop calling me 'guy'."

I don't understand what you mean. Why on Nirn would I stop when I am now aware that it annoys you so much-

Again, I was interrupted by the screamer. I stood up from the throne and looked behind me. Behind the Throne was a staircase which led to another hallway.

After a moment of hesitance I decided to investigate the noise. I slowly headed to and climbed up the stairs. Once I reached the top and walked through the small hallway towards the door.

If I get murdered I will not be happy with you, dude.

I put my hand on the door knob, contemplating whether or not opening the door was the best idea. I had no idea what could have been on the other side. It could have been thousands of Daedra, or zombies, or RATS! It could have been anything.

Rihanae, do I have to? Really? Is it necessary that I investigate? Can't someone else do it for-

"OW!" screamed as I collapsed to the floor. Something had opened the door i had my hand on with such force it cause me to land painfully on my rear. I was annoyed.

"Why does that keep happening to me today-"

I looked up and saw a man in the doorway. He was tall, blonde and manly, most likely an imperial. He was dressed in a Kvatch cuirass, so I assumed he was a soldier. As I looked at him I saw him stare at me with a smile on his face; it looked like a smile of relief.

Suddenly I heard the familiar cry of scamps, and the roar of something I hadn't encountered in Kvatch, yet. The soldier looked behind him then back at me, dragging me to my feet as we ran back to the courtyard. As we ran I looked behind me seeing dozens of scamp and what I assumed was a Daedroth on our tail.

Once we were outside the Soldier turned and locked the door with a key. He then turned to look at the castle gate.

'NO!' he shouted as he saw the gate was closed. I looked at him sheepishly, not ready to admit that it was because of me that the gate was closed. He then looked at me and grabbed my arm, a look of distress on his face.

We ran to the gate and he told me to stand by it. I did so, keeping an eye on the castle door as the soldier ran to the gate switch i had used earlier. I watched as he struggled to lift the lever, but he wasn't having any form of success whatsoever. I then looked back to the castle door. I looked wide eyed as I saw the Daedroth burst through the door like it was made of webbing.

"SOLIDER DUDE!" I screamed to him. He quickly stopped what he was doing and ran to my aid, standing next to me, the same horror filling his eyes as we watched the Daedra approach us. We were cornered.

[Grits]

What a sweet picture from your brother!

Cute Kvatch guard, yay! Cornered by a daedroth, oh no! Lissa’s ups and downs are so fun to read. I love that she sat on the throne.

[Acadian]

I’m with Grits in chuckling over Lissa sitting on the throne.

’RIHANAE! Leave it alone! Even if I'm stuck in a room of monsters and the only weapon available is a sword I’d very much rather use my hands and do a good job on them with my fists, okay?
Silence. What I thought totally came out in a different way than I intended, but I got my point across and that's all that mattered.’
I’m glad to see that dear Rihanae was gentleman enough not to rib Lissa’s unintentional reference to doing hand jobs on monsters.

’I don't understand what you mean. Why on Nirn would I stop when I am now aware that it annoys you so much-‘
As a Marine aviator, this was our basic response to young pilots who didn’t like the call signs we gave them.

What delightful twisting, to do the Kvatch quests almost backwards. I really had to laugh at the thought of Lissa and Soldier Dude being trapped inside the castle by the stubborn gatehouse controls.

This is great fun, Rihanae!

[mALX]

*

First the funny lines that had me rolling :

I’d very much rather use my hands and do a good job on them


I looked around whilst sat down. I made by posture upright and royal.

"You there! Peasant! Countess Lissa doesn't approve of what you are wearing! One should never combine a brown shirt with those shoes!"


Alright yappy doo

Loved the entrance of the guard, finally someone to protect Lissa !!! (and got a kick out of him dropping her on her butt right away, lol)

Awesome Write !!


*

[TrisRed]

Grits: GRITS! How wonderful to see you reading! Thank you so much for your kind words

Acadian: Hehe I think Rihanae is to simple minded to even contemplate the raunchey nature of her harmless comment Hehe I liked the idea of, as you said earlier, Lissa making the journey in Kvatch purely her own. It was fun to explore the castle with her without following the main quests storyline, although this is purely imagination as in game it is impossible to explore the castle without doing the quest, which annoys me! Haha. Thank you for your kind words

mALX: Haha you're comment on your favourite lines always make my day Haha Lissa has a habit of fallin on her butt at innapropriate times, but at least now she has a companion!

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa explores the castle only to find it in ruins. Whilst exploring she abrubtly stumbles upon a Kvatch soldier who is being chased by scamps and a Deadroth. Together they try to escape the castle through the main gate, the gate which Lissa closed earlier. As the guard struggles to open the gate again, they find themselves corned by the horde of approaching Daedra...

27. Chapter 8 ~ Kvatch ~ Part 6

"Quickly! In there!" The soldier bellowed as he aimed my attention to a metal door in the ground to the right of the gate.

We ran to the gate as he bent down to unlock it. I kept watch as I could see the Daedra getting closer.

"Hurry up..." I said to him. Luckily for me the soldier managed to open the trapdoor before the Daedra got to close. He beckoned for me to climb down the ladder first before he followed. Once I was off the ladder I watched as he locked the door after him and jumped off the ladder.

We were now in some sort of escape hatch; although the hallway of which we would use to escape was engulfed in flames, and I didn't feel like getting extra crispy.

I turned to look at the soldier, and smiled softly.

"Well this is fun."

"Indeed." He replied. "I thought I was the only survivor..."

"Oh no, I'm not a survivor, just a tourist. Although I wished I'd picked a better time to take a vacation."

The soldier laughed. He looked around, but gave an expression of defeat.

"Well it seems that we could be stuck here for a while."

"Yeah..." I replied.

Soldier boy sat down against a wall, one leg arched and one leg stretched out. He was so casual for a soldier. It was weird.

"So... you're one of Savvy's men?"

"If you mean Savlian, yes. I volunteered to watch the Count when the first signs of trouble started, but eventually things got worse and I managed to find myself trapped."

"Oh... that sucks. What about the count?"

Soldier boy remained silent, a look of disappointment on his face.

"Oh... he's dead?"

After a moment of mourning silence, soldier boy looked at me, a smile forced on his face.

"What is your name?" He asked me.

"I'm Lissa. Lissa Cristenn..." I replied, sitting down next to him.

"Simon Flynn."

"Hello mister Flynn."

We shook hands, and I laughed a little.

"So what are you doing in Kvatch?"

"Well I came to see my mother in the chapel, but now it seems I’m testing my survival skills; extreme style."

"How ironic. This escape hatch leads to the chapel. If it wasn’t for the fire we would make it there in no time."

"Oh, great. That's wonderful to know." I replied sarcastically.

I was slightly angry at Simon for being a bit TOO casual at that point.

"Who are you visiting?" He asked me.

"My mother. Oleta."

"Of course! Cristenn! I should have guessed."

I smiled, "Golly, it seems everyone knows my mother, doesn’t it?"

"She is highly respected within the chapel and the castle. Your mother is a remarkable woman."

I smiled again, but this time it was more of a grateful grin. I laughed to myself. I felt embarrassed for some reason.

Once I looked at him again I noticed something above the right of his deep, blue eyes.

"You've got one heck of a scar, there mister."

"Oh, yes, I got it when I was a child."

"Oh yeah?" I said, interested.

"Yes. When my parents died I used to get into lots of fights. It was a form of coping; avenging those that didn't need to be avenged. That's why I became a soldier."

"To start fights?"

"To help people." He smiled. I smiled back and then looked at the floor. His smile was so cute I was too embarrassed to look at it.

This isn't bad is it? I am allowed to find someone cute even though I have a boyfriend, right?

I looked back up at Simon, brushing a stray hair behind my ear and then looking away again. A moment of silence followed, the roar of the fire before us filling the quiet space.

"Sooo... how long do you think we will be down here for?"

"Until someone rescues us I imagine, or until that fire goes down."

I sighed to myself. I was beginning to regret my whole 'Commander scamp idea'. If I’d just killed those scamps by the chapel mother and I could be out by now and Simon would have been able to escape the castle.

But he also could have bumped into that Xivilai, and goodness knows how dangerous those puppies are.

I decided not to regret any of my decisions and focus on the task at hand; thinking of a plan to escape.

"Right, where do you store your weapons?" I asked Simon.

"Back in the castle."

"Oh turkey giblets. Is there nowhere else I could get any form of weapon?"

He thought for a moment, but eventually shook his head.

"Not outside the castle, no; not unless you loot a fallen soldier."

"Well I'm not about to do that any time soon."

I thought for a moment, before deciding to ask Rihanae for his advice.

Rihanae, what do you suggest, guy?

He didn't reply, which I thought was rude. I understood that he was probably angry with me for something because, well, it's Rihanae, but he didn't have to ignore me.

Rihanae? Talk to me.

Still nothing. I knew that an empty threat would be the only thing to get him speaking again.

Rihanae if you don't talk to me I'm going to throw my bracelet into that fire and-

I looked down at my wrist; the bracelet was gone. I shot up, spinning in circles as I searched the floor frantically.

"Oh no!"

Simon stood up and walked to me.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm okay; that’s why I’m clearly NOT!"

I grabbed my hair trying to rack my brains as to where I had it last. I definitely remembered having it in the castle, and I remember having it in the courtyard when Simon and I were escaping.

It must have broken off when Simon grabbed my arm.

"Have you seen my Sapphire bracelet?" I asked Simon with a look of hope in my eyes.

"No I haven’t..."

"NO!" I screamed. I looked at Simon, grabbed the key to the trapdoor from his hand and began to climb the ladder to the courtyard.

"What are you doing?" Simon panicked.

"I'm getting my bracelet back!" I replied, unlocking the trapdoor.

"Why? It's stupid to risk your life for a bracelet!"

"It's not just a bracelet! He's my best friend."

Simon looked at me with confusion on his face. Eventually he looked defeated.

"Well I’m not going to let you go out there alone." He told me.

"I should hope not, sir!"

***

Once we had both climbed the ladder we edged toward the wall and slowly moved across it with our backs against it. Simon put his finger to his mouth in a 'Shushing' motion and looked around the corner. He then quickly sprinted the other side of the wall and signalled for me to stay put.

We were both now on each side of the opening, looking into the courtyard.

I couldn't see any of the scamps, but the Daedroth was still stood proudly in the courtyard.

I guess it could have been worse...

I looked on the ground of the courtyard; trying to find my bracelet, until eventually I saw it shining at me like a beacon of hope. Unfortunately it was right at the Daedroth's feet. The Daedroth had its back to the gate and was facing the castle door; the bracelet was placed just behind it.

I looked at Simon, pointed at him and then to the gate switch, then I put my finger on me, then pointed to the bracelet.

He knew exactly what my orders were, but despite a look of reluctance on my part he obliged.

As he ran up the stairs to try the lever again I got into crouch mode and slowly began to approach the bracelet. I kept my eyes on the Daedroth the whole time, occasionally glancing at the bracelet. As I got closer to it my heart began to beat faster and faster. Every sound I made sounded nuclear, a simple gulp sounding like a thunderstorm.

Eventually I managed to get to the bracelet and slowly reached to grab it.

Once I had it in my hand I felt a sigh of relief.

"It's about time! I thought you'd forgotten about me!"

I laughed in my head. It felt good having Rihanae around again. Those last five minutes felt like a lifetime.

However, it seemed Simon had managed to work the switch as I heard the loud rumble of the castle gate opening behind me. I panicked as the Daedroth obviously heard it too, turning to look at the source of the noise, but seeing me instead. He glared at me, and I smiled awkwardly.

"Excuse me... you wouldn't know where I can find the nearest inn, do you?"

My quick wit wasn't appreciated as the Daedroth swiped its claw at me


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This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jun 14 2012, 09:05 AM

[mALX]

*

This had me roaring:

I didn't feel like getting extra crispy.

I don't know why this (below) hit me as funny, but it did - maybe because Lissa and Rihanae snipe at each other constantly:

He didn't reply, which I thought was rude. I understood that he was probably angry with me for something because, well, it's Rihanae, but he didn't have to ignore me.

And Rihanae's response had me rolling, especially after she risked Simon's and her own life to rescue him!

It's about time! I thought you'd forgotten about me!"

And here I lost my monitor to a spray of coffee:

"Excuse me... you wouldn't know where I can find the nearest inn, do you?"

Lissa is her most endearing self in this chapter, Awesome write !!!!


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Jun 14 2012, 06:34 PM

[Acadian]

This truly is going back to front. I love it – using the gatehouse tunnel to escape from the castle!

‘I decided not to regret any of my decisions and focus on the task at hand; thinking of a plan to escape.’
Wise words from our young archress.

"Well I’m not going to let you go out there alone." He told me.’
Simon sounds 100% Kvatch born and bred and undoubtedly trained by Savlian Matius!

Whew! A close call almost losing Rihanae. I thought he was ignoring her at first because she called him 'guy' and we know he doesn't like that.

‘I panicked as the Daedroth obviously heard it too, turning to look at the source of the noise, but seeing me instead. He glared at me, and I smiled awkwardly.
"Excuse me... you wouldn't know where I can find the nearest inn, do you?"
My quick wit wasn't appreciated as the Daedroth swiped its claw at me.'
What a perfect cliff to hang the end of this delightful episode on!

[TrisRed]

mALX: I'm so glad that Lissa comments tickle your funny bone She is a witty one our Lissa

Acadian: Yes, Lissa does have moments when she really focuses on the now rather than the past, but those moments are usually when she is faced with a dire situation! I like your comment about Simon being possibly trained my Savlian, it is interesting to see how their (Savvy and Simon's) interation is, should Lissa and Simon escape!

NOTE: You may be wondering why I'm posting updates so frequently. As you all know I have a heart condition which led to me having two minor strokes. My doctor last week informed me that as my attacks are random there is no telling when the next one, if there is a next one, will be. Seeing as i've written and finished the first book I'm updating every day (with breaks at the weekend). In my eyes I can't waste anytime as who knows what will happen tommorow

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa and the soldier, revealed to be called Simon, escape the Daedra through an escape hatch near the gate. Unfortunatly most of the escape hatch is blocked by fire, leaving them stuck. The two spend time conversing and getting t know each other. However, Lissa finds that she has lost her bracelt, so she drags Simon back to the courtyars to find it. Once she finds the bracelt, Simon opens the castle gate and attracts the atention of a Daedroth, which attacks Lissa...

28. Chapter 8 ~ Kvatch ~ Part 7

I bent over backwards to avoid the Daedroth’s attack, then performed a backward flip as it tried to attack me again.

From behind me I heard Simon scream at me to hurry up, so I quickly turned and ran to the gate. Once we were on the other side of the gate, the Daedroth still after me, Simon threw his sword at the gate switch, breaking it and causing the gate to come crashing down again. We were safe from the Daedroth as it pounded at the gate.

"Not so tough now are you?" I said to the Daedra before turning to Simon. "See, that wasn't that bad, was it-"

"LISSA!" Simon bellowed as I turned to look at what he saw. The Xivilai from earlier was stood glaring at us from the end of the bridge.

"SERIOUSLY? Not even five minutes?"

Simon looked around; noticing that behind the Xivilai there was a fallen soldier.

"Lissa, you stay here. I'm going to collect a sword from my fallen comrade and defeat the beast."

"Pfft, you think you can take that on alone?" I said, looking at the Xivilai. "No, no I’m not going to leave you to fight it alone. I'll distract him and you collect your weapon. Kapeesch?"

Simon smiled; a worried smile, however.

"Are you sure?"

"As sure as chickens are birds."

"Make sure you use this on it. I salvaged it from the court mages quarters earlier."

He handed me a potion. I looked at it, then at him.

"What is it?"

"It's a potion of Silence. It will leave him unable to cast any spells."

I smiled at him, then looked at the potion thoughtfully.

"Will you be okay Lissa?"

Yeah, I'll be fine. He doesn't look that... tough.

I looked at Simon.

"Are you ready?"

He nodded as he charged toward the Xivilai. I followed him. Once her rached the beast he slid under the beast's legs; which I thought was impressive. Before the beast could react, I threw the potion at it, which smashed purple liquid over it that quickly absorbed into his body, then I shouted to gain it's attention.

"HEY! Mister! That's MY cookie."

It tried casting a spell at me, but once it realised it couldn’t it angrily glared at me.

"Sorry about that, buddy. Looks like we're gunna have to have a bit of fisticuffs doesn’t it?"

Then charged at me. I ran toward it.

Once it was established that this was going to be a Hand-to-Hand battle, the Xivilai went to swing for me, but I ducked and then punched it in the face. I watched as Simon picked up a sword and charged for the Xivilai. The Xivilai turned and grabbed Simon by the neck and squeezed it tightly.

"NOO!" I screamed. The Xivilai looked at me, then threw Simon's lifeless body to the ground. I stared at Simon, he wasn't moving.

I was angry. I stormed over to the Xivilai and slapped its face. It stared at me and I stared back, hatred fuelling my body.

It punched forward, which I avoided by moving swiftly to the left.

It went to grab me and I grabbed its arm with both of my hands, then I ran up its body, kicked it in the face, flipped backwards and landed on the floor. I then performed a sweep kick on its legs. Causing it to collapse on the floor.

It swiftly got back onto its feet though and punched me in the stomach. I recoiled from the attack. I quickly recovered, though, and ran toward it, performing a cartwheel which connected with its torso. Once I was back on my feet I span and kicked it in the torso again.

This time the beast recoiled in pain and then looked at me with a toothy grin. I grinned back. I ran towards it. It tried grabbing me but I slid under its legs, much like Simon did earlier. I jumped to my feet and grabbed the Xivilai's shoulders as it had its back to me. I jumped off the ground and balanced on the beast's shoulders perfuming a handstand. I quickly grabbed its head and forced my body back onto the ground performing a backwards roll and taking the beast with me as it jolted backward.

I span and jumped back to my feet, looking as the Xivilai led on the ground. I walked over to it, leaned over it, ducked down and repeatedly punched it in the face.

"THIS. IS. WHAT. YOU. GET. FOR. BEING. A. TOTAL. MOTHER-"

It grabbed by hand, pulled me towards it and head butted me. In all the concussion it grabbed my neck and lifted me as it rose onto its feet.

I struggled for a moment, panicking about what my next move would be; then I remembered all my play fights with Maelona and the simple, yet effective move it took to get her to surrender.

I grabbed the Xivilai's hair and yanked it back. It roared in pain as it let me go. I fell to the ground, landing on my knees. I coughed as I tried to regain control of my breathing.

"Are you okay, Lissa?"

I'm fine, I just don't know how I'm gunna kill this thing without any weapons.

Then I remembered something from earlier. During the scamp battle with the girls I had thrown Shatterheart and it returned to me. The ring I wore had some form of homing device. I prayed that it would work,

I lifted my hand and thought about Shatterheart... but nothing. I didn't have time to try again as the Xivilai approached me again.

"Can't we just have a breather?"

The Xivilai continued to approach.

"No? Okay..."

As it approached I ran past it, barely dodging its attack. I made it off the bridge and looked around. I decided that the best thing to do was to get on high ground and plan my next move.

I ran forward and climbed onto the statue I admired earlier.

I watched as I realised I wouldn't have enough time as i thought as the Xivilai prepared a spell. The potion was wearing off. It stood at the bottom of the statue, preparing a spell. On instinct I leapt off the statue and onto the Xivilai, wrapping my legs around its head, twisting my body and dragging it to the ground.

It was in pain and struggling to move as I got up onto my feet. I ran over to Simon, who was still pretty much dead and examined his fanny pack. He had another potion, luckily undamaged, and it looked like the potion he had earlier.

I took the potion, the continued to look at Simon. I felt a tear well up as I observed his corpse. Anger fuelled me again as I turned to see the Xivilai was directly behind my.

It put its hands together and slammed onto the ground as I dodged its attack by rolling to my left. I shot up and ran back to the bridge, dodging it's spells.

Once on the bridge I quickly span and threw the potion at it.

Luckily for me it was another silence spell. Frustrated the Xivilai charged for me, arms raised. Once it approached me I punched it three times, each punched blocked by the beast. On the fourth punch it grabbed by arm, then lifted me up above its head and slammed me to the floor.

"... good.... move."

I edged backwards as it approached me, I was in too much pain for any kind of quick retaliation. I was done for.