Lissa Cristenn: The Redguard Archress Options

[Darkness Eternal]

Prologue I:Good way to start the story off! I enjoyed reading every bit. Very humorous and it showed us how Lissa was when she was younger. The troubles of getting up in the morning to the boring lessons of the arcane. I laughed when Lissa showed her spontaneous moment when talking to her mother. "Bam! Health drain goodiness!" I loved her response to her mother's questioning of running into ogres and trolls. When you run like Maiq, you can outrun anything . The chapter got a bit more serious when Lissa and her father went to the fishing trip. The horror of seeing the dead bodies must of been overwhelmingly frightening. Her shocking suspicion that her father was involved must of been truly horrible, and it would set our Lissa into a world of adventure.

Prologue II:The death of Lissa's father came as a surprise, considering he was killed so soon! I expected him to be in the story for awhile, not perish at the vampire's blade. She's a tough lass, taking out the creature, even after it was dead. Though it got better with her father's words of comfort and a reconciliation with the family. And the first kiss! Seemed it is the same way even in the ES universe . The end where she decides to leave to Hammerfell brings us some curiosity and concern...considering she is going a bit earlier.

Chapter 1:Her warm welcome was good to read, and I enjoyed how you showed us the old man's reputation by revealing that he was a mage and that everyone looked upon him with hostility. With Jak being in and Lissa mentioning a "Springheel", I thought we were seeing Springheel Jak here!

The Breton girl, Aliss, is a *insert vulgar word here*. Don't like her one bit, reminds me of this girl I once knew.

Chapter I, part II: Unexpected murders! E-gad! Poor Kolling being scorched and Gord being shattered into frozen pieces. Should of never trusted that girl to begin with! Things did indeed get better with Jak giving her the stone with you() being as her guardian!

Chapter II, part I: Oh oh oh! We got a Bosmer guardian over here. For sometime, when I read your actual avatar name, I related it to your picture. But when I read this I came to know Lissa is the Redguard in the avatar, and Rihanae is the Bosmer! And which better teacher to teach Lissa than a Wood Elf?

I have to catch up to the others! But I will post soon!

[Acadian]

Regarding your health, we wish only the best for you. Know that what counts when it comes to your story is Lissa’s journey, not her destination or whether she even reaches it. The best journeys are those that are not rushed, but savored.

"As sure as chickens are birds."
Or imps got wings!

Lissa shows her bravery by refusing to let Simon take on the Xivilai by himself. I loved her idea of a distraction: "HEY! Mister! That's MY cookie."

Fun way of using a potion. You explained and demonstrated so skillfully that it seemed as natural as a cliffracer flying.

What a fight! I bet Lissa’s acrobatics skill shot up during that!

Clever thinking as she tried to recall Shatterheart.

Poor Simon.

And the acrobatic archress is still in trouble herself as, once again, we’re hung on a cliff.

Tiny tip that I hope will serve you well: Make yourself a note and post it by where you write that says, It's = it is // Its = possessive.

[mALX]

*

As for why you are updating every day, I kind of thought that may be what you were doing and why. Don't worry, just do your posting however you want to. There may be times when some of us have to catch up read if we have a horrendous day (like I had today, lol), but we'll get to it when we can.

I really hope the doctors can do whatever necessary so you can live without that kind of worry over you, that has to be very stressful.


Now for the chapter: GAAAAH !!! A cliffhanger !!!! Is Lissa okay? Is Simon dead? GAAAAH !!!!!! Great Chapter !!!!


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Jun 16 2012, 06:20 AM

[TrisRed]

Darkness Eternal: Thank you so much for reading! I understand there is quite a bit to get through, but I'm thrilled to have you join us

Acadian: Hehe, Xivilai's have always troubled me with their magic, so a good old hand to hand match seemed perfect. Lissa is quite the fighter. I imagine she learnt to fight like that during her travels Thank you for the tip

mALX: Thank you for understanding, but I'm going to refrain from my previous statement and update every couple of days rather than everyday now

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa and Simon managed to escape the Daedroth and leave the castle, with Simon closing the gate shut. However as they go to leave the Xivilai blocks their path. During an attack the Xivilai kills Simon. Lissa uses a Silence potion and fights the Daedra but it isn't long before it overwhelms her and has her cornered...

29. Chapter 8 ~ Kvatch ~ Part 8

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

I tried to stand, but I was in so much pain. It got closer to me. I prepared for another attack, but before It could land a punch I saw a blade slice through it's head from behind.

I watched as the Xivilai collapsed onto the ground, blood dribbling from the head wound. Simon was stood proudly behind it. He was alive.

I stood up and limped toward him, hugging him out of pure happiness, wincing in pain from my wounds as I wrapped my arms around him. I felt him go to hug me back, but he immediately stopped and politely pushed me away.

"Are you okay?" He asked me.

I nodded my head then cast a healing spell. I watched as the cuts and bruises on my arm slowly disappeared and healed themselves. I looked at Simon.

"Let's just get to the chapel."

***

Once we were inside the chapel Simon headed over to speak to one of the soldiers. I stood. Brushing myself off, and I was approached by a Kvatch soldier, a female redguard who was probably one of the soldiers Savvy had sent earlier.

"How did you get here?” She asked me, worried and excited at the same time.

"The miracle of walking." I said to her. I don't think she got my sarcastic sense of humour.

"How are things looking out there? are there any other survivors." She asked me.

"I don't know. I came from the city entrance and decided to take the scenic route to the chapel. It's quite beautiful." I replied, again sarcastically.

"Is the gate gone?"

"Gate? What gate? The city gate?"

"The oblivion gate?"

"Oh, right, THAT gate," I said, face palming myself mentally. "Yes, it's still there."

"Right... Is Savilian sending anymore-"

Before she could finish somebody interrupted her. Somebody whose voice I recognised immediately.

"Lissa?"

I turned and looked to my left, seeing mother stood in the distance.

"Hey mother..."

She looked at me in disbelief. She scanned me slowly before carefully approaching me. When she was directly in front of me she looked me up and down again. She then looked right into my eyes and slowly touched my face. Once she was convinced I was real she burst into tears and hugged me. Then I started to cry.

***

"So is that why you came here?" Mother asked me as I sat on the alter.

After telling mother all about my travels, I was reluctant to tell her the true purpose of my visit out of pure cowardice, so I told the secondary reason.

"Yeah,I came to rescue you."

"You came all the way here simply to rescue me?"

I nodded, a lying nod. A nod full of lies and deceit!

She smiled at me as she grabbed my hand.

"I'm very glad you did, despite my disproval of how risky it could have been for you. I'm glad you're back, I've been ever so worried about you."

I smiled back at her.

"Although, I wish we could have met under better circumstances..." she continued.

I laughed. "Yeah, hardly reunion of the era is it?"

There was a brief silence as I noticed mother simply staring at me, the biggest grin spread on her face.

"I'm sorry for disappearing."

"I know you are honey. I won't lie to you I was pretty upset. I wasn’t that angry though. It took a while but I realised you chose the best course of action for yourself, I just wish you trusted me enough to tell me."

"It's not that at all honestly-" I started. She interrupted me, still smiling.

"I understand Lissa, truly. When your father died I wasn't there for you. I was selfish. I was an awful mother..."

"MOTHER! No. You were NOT awful, okay? Don't even think that!"

"... I still could have been better..."

"Mother, you were grieving. Grief affects us all in different ways. Heck, I dealt with my grief by skipping out on everyone and exploring Tamriel."

She smiled again and put her hand on my face.

"You're so grown up..."

I put my hand on hers and smiled. Our eyes locked for a short moment, before I sparked conversation again.

"Well now I'm gunna repent for my actions."

"What do you mean?" Mother asked me, curious. I smiled. I jumped off the alter and stood with my hands on my hips.

"I'm going to get you guys out of here!"

Mother didn't reply.

"Didn't you hear me? I said I'm going to save you..."

"Oh, I heard you. But... you can't."

"What? Why?"

"Because of the Gate that destroyed the city."

"You don't have to worry about that mother, it's easy to slip around."

"I don't think Martin is willing to take that chance."

I stood looking at her, my arms folded.

"Martin? What's Martin got to do with anything. He's not the emperor, he can't tell you what to do."

She laughed at my comment. She clearly found my stubborness hilarious. I didn't.

"He is the one who saved us. I trust his judgement and I refuse to do anything without his word."

"But... mother, don't you trust me? I mean, if you ignore the whole running away thing."

She chuckled to herself.

"Of course I do! Don't you ever think I don't. And you didn't lose my trust, Lissa. You earned my respect if anything."

"Then why won't you come with me?"

She looked behind me.

"I answer to a higher power now. I am a servant of the Nine!"

I turned to see what she was looking at, seeing a window with Akatosh on it. I looked at her, my lip curled.

"And I am a servant of 'Whatever'."

She suddenly looked at me very sternly."

"Do not be rude to me Maelissa."

"Then YOU stop being so stubborn!"

She laughed again.

"Haha... you remind me so much of your father..."

She stopped laughing and sighed to herself. She put her hand on my chin ad looked me in the eye. Her tone was sweet and assuring.

"Go, Lissa. I will be fine. The church is protected by Akatosh's blessing and as soon as the gate is destroyed, I will leave. I promise you I will be safe."

"But-"

"Do as I tell you. You owe me that."

A part of me couldn't believe what she said to me, but I knew she was right. She was protected here and if she believed it to be the best course of action, no matter how hard I refused to accept it. She had a look in her eyes which convinced me that her way was the right way, not matter how much I hated the thought. It was at that point I knew I had to do what she wished, but not without revealing my true intentions first.

"Mother... I know."

"You know what?"

"What you've been hiding from me all these years. I know."

She looked horrified, but tried to hide it with a smile. She didn't try to deny it however.

"...how did you find out?"

"I found the picture in your chest at the university."

She looked confused.

"What? What is it you know, exactly?"

I looked at her. It was almost as if she had completely forgotten that she had practically admitted it to me. I decided it was best to refresh her memory without any cryptic riddles.

"Mother... why didn't you tell me I had a brother?"

[Grits]

Simon’s alive, woo hoo!

"Martin? What's Martin got to do with anything. He's not the emperor, he can't tell you what to do."

Oh, I hope Oleta dishes out some good information! Lissa has gone through so much to reach her!

[mALX]

*

Yeah! Lissa made it, and Simon is alive too!

Very touching scene when her mother saw her alive! These lines had me rolling:

"Martin? What's Martin got to do with anything. He's not the emperor, he can't tell you what to do."

"But... mother, don't you trust me? I mean, if you ignore the whole running away thing."

GAAAAH !!! A brother? Holy Cow! You are cliffhanging me again !!


*

[Acadian]

Not only is Simon alive, but he bravely saved Lissa!

"The miracle of walking." I said to her. I don't think she got my sarcastic sense of humour.’
This is very ‘Lissa’.

And Oleta is safe! Whew!

"Martin? What's Martin got to do with anything. He's not the emperor, he can't tell you what to do."
Like Grits and mALX, I found the clever irony dripping from this to be priceless!

"Do not be rude to me Maelissa."
Uh oh! Using Lissa’s full name means Oleta’s serious!

A cliff hangar indeed! I can’t wait to see what Oleta has to say about Leinahtan/Nathaniel after all the trouble her brother has caused Lissa!

[TrisRed]

Grits: Thank you for reading! Thank you for your kind words

mALX: Yes, it was revealed earlier that the mysterious Leinahtan is, in fact, Lissa long lost brother. As always, thank you for reading

Acadian: Hehe thank you for your comments! Yes, the full name trick parents use so well! Haha. Thank you for reading

PREVIOUSLY: Just as things look dire with the Xivilai Lissa was fighting, she is bravely saved my the alive Simon who kills the monster. They go into the Chapel and Lissa reunites with her mother. After a rebonding session Oleta reveals that she will not leave the chapel until the city is saved and asks Lissa to leave, promising that she will be okay. Before she leaves Lissa asks her mother why she didn't tell her she had a brother, Leinahtan.

30. Chapter 8 ~ Kvatch ~ Part Nine

Mother looked at me, shocked by my question.

"What? You don't have a brother-"

I interrupted her. It was pointless for her to even try lying to me.

"Don't play dumb, I found the picture." I started. There was moment of silence as she looked at me reluctantly. "Are you going to tell me?"

She gave a sigh. I could see that she wanted to say something but she struggled to find the words.

Eventually, she did.

"I knew this day would come sooner or later. I just hoped it would be later. Yes, you have a brother."

***

Mother and I sat on one of the chapel benches. She held my hand as she began to tell me the story of Leinahtan Cristenn

"Your brother, Leinahtan, was a gifted child. He was born with an immense amount of natural magicka flowing within him. Your father and I didn't know how that came to be, but all we knew was that he was a special child. When we lived in Hammerfell lots of people wanted to use Leinahtan for their own selfish deeds. Some thought his presence would enhance their own Magicka, and some sick individual wanted to sacrifice him to raise a Daedric lord. We refused every offer, we didn’t even think about any of them. However one day when Leinahtan was four we were approached by an Altmer named Reina, She said that she would teach Leinahtan the correct way of using his powers and turn him into a powerful sorcerer, possibly the most powerful Nirn had ever seen."

She took a a brief pause, recollecting the painful memory before continuing.

"We didn't trust her. There was something sinister about her, So we rebuffed her offer. We thought she went away, but she didn’t. That same day Nathaniel and I left Leinahtan unattended for mere minutes inside the house so we could de-moss the outside window pane. When we came back, Leinahtan was gone."

After saying this she began to cry.

"Oh, mother..."

I tried supporting her by squeezing her hand tighter. She regained her speech and continued.

"Somehow Reina had come into the house and stolen our baby. We knew it was her because she left a note saying 'you should of accepted my offer." and the piece of paper smelled like her. We searched far and wide for over five months but no one knew anything. We accepted we would never see him again and moved to Cyrodiil for a fresh start."

I looked at her, shocked. What she had just said, about accepting something so horrible made no sense to me.

"Why would you just... accept something like that?" I asked her.

Mother looked at me.

"It wasn't easy. Believe me. Your father was worried I would go mad if we kept searching, so we stopped. I regret it heavily but what's done is done. It wasn't all horrible. A year after we moved to Anvil Maelona was born, and twenty years after that you were born. We had our family, and although we missed Leinahtan very deeply every single day, and even though we never forgot him, we couldn't let what happened affect you girls."

There was another moment of silence.

"I guess I understand..." I lied.

I tried to calculate my thoughts into a plausible one, but everything just seemed to overwhelming. Her revelation horrified me. The fact that she and dad so willingly gave up on their son was to much to handle. My idea of the perfect, loving parents had been shattered in an instant. I almost wished I hadn't even asked.

I let go of mothers hand and stood up. She remained seated.

"What are you doing?" She asked me.

"I... I need to go. I have people waiting for me." I said.

I needed to go. I couldn't bear to be in the same space as her. I needed a moment to collect myself, and I couldn't do that with her around. She didn't argue my decision, however, only stood up and hugged me. She must have understood how I was feeling. She probably knew that any pleading she would have to do would lead me to resent her more.

"Okay, honey. You do what you need to do." She said, releasing me from the embrace.

"... will you be okay?" i asked her, my tone slightly cold. She nodded, kissing me on the cheek.

"Thank you for coming, Lissa. Never forget that I will always love you, no matter what happens. I PROMISE you that I will leave the chapel soon. Somebody is sure to close the gate."

"Okay..." I said quietly as I slowly walked away from her. I didn't look back at her. I didn't want to see her expression. Would she be crying? Would she be guilty? I didn't know. I didn't want to know. All I knew is that I wanted to leave. Now.

So you got your answer Lissa..."

I guess so...

"Are you okay?" Rihanae asked me, genuine concern in his voice.

Let's just get out of here...

Before I could reach the chapel door I was stopped by Simon.

"Lissa, You're going?"

"Yeah, I need to."

He looked at me, then at my mother, then back at me.

"Is everything okay?"

I looked at him, tears slowly welling up behind my eyes. I shook my head mouthing 'no', unable to get the words out.

I turned my head to the left so my mother wouldn't see me crying. After a short moment hiding my tears from everyone I spoke again.

"Can you take me to my friends, please?"

"Of course, where are they?"

"They're waiting for me by the oblivion gate."

Simon had no hesitation with his answer, he simply smiled.

"Of course."

[mALX]

For all Lissa went through to find her mother, I doubt very much she is the type that would have just stood by and let someone kidnap her family member (like her mother and father did). Now that she knows of the brother, I'll bet Lissa will be seeking him.

The battle for Kvatch was sandwiched into Lissa's personal quest for her mother and (and if I'm not mistaken, her brother next) - that was Awesome !! Very well done !!! Great Write !!!!

[Acadian]

I suspect there is more pain to Oleta’s story than she is telling. I would not be surprised to learn that she is somehow still shielding Lissa. Oleta readily forgave Lissa for running away from home; I hope our Redguard archress learns from that example. Her youthful inability to understand parental motivation shines through here.

Simon continues to impress here in the last scene, just when Lissa needed his heroism in a different form.

You continue to do a wonderful job with this story!

[TrisRed]

Another short chapter. Looking back I should have put this and the previous chapter together, but what's done is done. Plus the number makes it nice and even.

mALX: I'm sure it won't be too long before Leinahtan manages to find Lissa! He's very stalking with his murder attempts

Acadian: For the short amount of time Simon has been a part of Lissa's life, he has most certainly made an impact.

mALX & Acadian: I'm intrigued about the fact that both of you seem to think that Oleta is holding onto more information than she is giving. It's interesting

31. Chapter 8 ~ Kvatch ~ Part Ten

Simon and I left the chapel he defeated the scamps as I collected my weapons from the hidey-hole. The destruction of the city suddenly seemed less scary. They seemed minor. I didn't think about them.

Once we got past the oblivion gate we headed over to Savvy and the girls. They were still waiting by the barricade.

Once they saw us Jessie came running over to me.

"Are you okay?" She asked me. I didn't say anything; my watery eyes did all the talking for me.

Jessie walked with Simon and I back over to Savvy and Anyanka. Once we were all one Savvy began to speak.

"Simon! What news do you bring from the castle? I assume that as you are here you managed to get the count to safety?"

Simon took Savvy off down to the refugee camp for a private conversation after giving me a look asking me if I would be okay, to which I nodded in reply.

Once the soldier walked away the girls and I spoke to each other.

"What did you manage to get your mother to reveal?" Anyanka asked me.

"Um..." I felt like crying again, but I was strong enough not to. "She told me he was stolen as a baby because
he had strong magicka or something."

"OH no! That's horrible!" Jessie stated.

"And your parents knew nothing of his whereabouts?" Anyanka asked me.

I shook my head. Jessie noticed my lack of clear responses.

“Are you okay, Liss?”

I looked at her.

“I just… I don’t understand why they just let him get kidnapped, or why they didn’t try harder to find him! They just forgot about him. They abandoned him! And mother acted as if she couldn’t care less.”

Anyanka looked at me, a supportive look on her face.

“I’m sure that was not the case. Your mother is a warm and caring woman. I highy doubt she would just forget about a child.”

I looked at her, taking in what she said. She continued.

“You must understand that I know Oleta from the perspective of that not of a child, but a friend. She is a very proud woman.”

“What do you mean, Annie?” I asked her. She was beginning to confuse me.

“I won’t confirm nor deny anything of your mothers motives, but from experience I understand that there are just some things a mother honestly cannot admit to a their child.”

I continued to look at her, then looked at the floor. What she was suggesting that mother wasn’t telling me everything I wanted to know. She must have been protecting me from something more horrible that happened around the time Leinahtan was kidnapped.

Maybe it was something to do with the actual kidnapping, or possibly something to do with the aftermath.

I still wasn’t entirely convinced. Either way mother lied to me and that was all I needed to know.

I kept face and looked back up at the girls, smiling.

“So, where to next?”

The girls looked at each other, a concerned look in their eyes.

“Lissa…” Jessie started. I interrupted her before she could continue.

“OH! Yeah, Cheydinhal! Right. It’s time to vistit the rest of the Lythandas clan, right? LET’S GO!”

I began to walk off, the girls didn’t budge for a short while, but eventually the began to trundle behind me.

“Is it wise to just ignore this Lissa?” Rihanae asked me.

I’m not ignoring it. I’m just locking my doubts in a imaginary box which I don’t plan to open again for a while.

“And is that healthy?”

Yes. Yes it is. Are you done with the questions? You’re spoiling my mood.

“Lissa…”

Rihanae… I mocked.

Rihanae remained silent after that. He knew he wasn’t going to win. I mean sure, he was right about one thing. Ignoring what I’d learned and the pain it caused me maybe wasn’t the best way to go but hey, I was a big girl.

As we walked I saw Simon in the distance coming back up the hill. I approached him.

“Right, we’re off now.”

“So soon?” He asked me. “I was hoping we could have a conversation. There was something I’d been meaning to ask you.”

“Sorry! No time. Busy busy.”

I began to walk past him, but he grabbed my arm, slowly pulling me toward him.

“What are you doing?” Simon quietly asked me, his tone compassionate and concerned.

I looked into his eyes. I wasn't sure what to say to him. He was the only person who I felt I could trust with everything, considering he save my life in'all

“Please don’t make this any harder than it has to be. I need to get out of this place.”

He continued to look at me. We held a look for what felt like hours. After a moment I broke away from him.

I started to walk away from him, but I couldn’t. There was still something I had to say.

“Thank you.”

“What for?” He asked me. I smiled.

“Just… thank you.”

He smiled at me, and nodded. I smiled back. I watched as he turned to head back up the hill. The girls walked past him, looking at him then approaching me.

“Everything okay with Soldier man-“ Jessie started

“Simon,” I corrected her. “His name is Simon.”

I continued to watch Simon as he walked up the hill.

I looked back to the girls. I clapped my hands together and smiled.

“Right, let’s go, shall we?”

The girls nodded as we continued down the path and out of Kvatch. The city that changed everything.

This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jun 22 2012, 04:51 PM

[mALX]

Either way mother lied to me and that was all I needed to know.

Very powerful insight into Lissa here! Awesome line !!! Lissa has put up a wall to protect herself, good move for the short term !!! You are doing a great character with Simon too! Awesome Write !!!

[Acadian]

At around 940 words, this was not an overly short episode at all. In fact, it was both powerful and satisfying – fully deserving to stand alone. I have posted several in the 800 word range. I consider 1300 to be about perfect. My average is 1600. I cringe when I very rarely drift slightly about 2000 words.

You gently displayed Lissa’s personality wonderfully here via her words and actions. The interactions she had with Rihanae, the girls and Simon were very well done.

She knows she should probably listen to Rihanae and Anyanka. . . but we know her well enough to realize that she won’t – at least not yet.

“Everything okay with Soldier man-“ Jessie started
“Simon,” I corrected her. “His name is Simon.”
Given Lissa’s own name-irreverent habits, this can only mean one thing. Lissa’s more than a tad smitten!

[Grits]

“Everything okay with Soldier man-“ Jessie started

“Simon,” I corrected her. “His name is Simon.”

That says a lot! I love how Lissa's friends show their concern for her.

[TrisRed]

mALX: Thank you for your comments! I'm glad you like Simon. Hopefully this will not be the last time we see him

Acadian: I'm so glad that you've picked up on Lissa's personal traits when it comes to dealing with things. I'm also glad you noticed some for of significance when it came to Lissa correcting Jessie

Grits: Hehe thank you!

PREVIOUSLY: After Lissa tells the girls what she found out about Leinahtan, she decides it is time for them to continue on to Cheydinhal, with her friends worried about the sudden emotional wall shes built around herself regarding her horrible discovery...

32. Chapter 9 ~ Detour ~ Part One

Our next destination was the city of Cheydinhal. The girls and I walked up the road toward the imperial city. We still had a long way to go, but it was fine. A long journey with my best friends was tonnes better than being given a chance to think about stuff.

"Oh, Anyanka! I'm so excited to meet your father!" Jessie proclaimed.

"Why is that?" Anyanka asked her, slightly confused.

"Your father is the most famous painter in Cyrodiil!" Jessie replied quite excitedly.

"Yes, I am aware of this, but you have not answered my question."

I looked at Anyanka and laughed.

"Well... uh... well he's, like, a celebrity!" Jessie responded. She acted as if she was being questioned.

"That is a reasonable response. I appreciate your excitement regarding meeting my father. I, however, do not share your joy."

"Aww, Annie!" I started, putting my arm around her. "You don't have to worry! I met my mother, didn't I? That turned out fine."

"Well yes, I suppose, if you ignore that fact that you reacted to her revelation inappropriately and rather selfishly, causing you to draw a rift between you two when there isn't need for one; yes, it turned out as you would say, 'fine'."

I smiled to myself and removed my arm from around Anyanka.

That was like taking an arrow.

"I'm sure she didn't mean it quite like she said."

Rihanae, this is Annie. She could find a way to make a Dremora cry using words alone.

We continued to walk. I could tell that this journey was now going to be a bundle of laughs.

***

After spending the night in the Wawnett Inn We decided to take a pit stop in the Imperial City. Anyanka wanted to check a few things with Raminus and Jessie wanted to shop for a new bow. We stood outside the city's main entrance.

"Right, what time are we meeting back up?" I asked Anyanka.

"It appears to be nine AM, so how does Midday sound to you?" Anyanka suggested. I nodded.

"Sounds great."

Before I had a chance to say anything else Anyanka had already wandered off in the direction of the university. I laughed to myself and looked at Jessie.

"Are you sure you don't want to join me?" She asked me.

I shook my head.

"Nah." I think I'm just gunna hang about here for a while. Maybe go and see the horses."

Jessie smiled.

"Okay, but I’ll be in the market district if you need me, okay?"

"Okay, Hon."

We hugged and Jessie wandered into the city gate. I turned around and looked at the city bridge. I sighed to myself.

Everything was starting to get to me. There was so much going on in my life at the moment that it felt like I was emotionally drowning. But despite everything there was literally only one thought that crossed my mind. My brother.

Where is he...

***

I spent my time sat by a large tree near the main gate. I was thinking about a lot of stuff. Mother, Rhano, Leinahtan, Simon, whether I should get a new haircut. All these things were important, and they were all driving me insane.

I just don't understand why Leinahtan doesn't just reveal himself in person. It's not like he has anything to be afraid of.

"He must be biding his time. Or maybe, just possibly, he has lost his little need to kill you."

I laughed at Rihanae's abruptness.

Let's hope so!

I continued to gaze out into the view, but my smile suddenly turned into a frown again. I drastically turned the subject to a new one.

I think... I think Simon means more to me than he should.

"What do you mean?"

I don't know. I really don't, but every time I think about him I feel... guilty.

"Because of Rhano?"

Well, duh, guy. The award for smarty pants of the year goes too-

"Okay, sorry."

No. No, don't be sorry. I'm sorry. It's just... ARGH! Why is it SO hard to be-

"Branwen!"

I looked to see an Argonian guy running towards me from the main gate.

Me...

"BRAAAANWEN!"

He was looking directly at me. I turned around to see if there was someone to my left, but there wasn't. It appeared the dude was talking to me. He approached me.

"Where have you been? I was worried!"

I looked at him, confused.

"Um... What? Do I know you?"

The Argonian laughed. Once he realised I was serious he changed his tone.

"Oh, you're not Branwen?"

"Not even the slightest little bit. I have no idea who this 'Branwen' is."

"Oh, I apologize, it's just... my, the likeness is uncanny."

"What?"

He was confusing me more than ever now.

"My friend, Branwen. You look so much like her... only your skin is a bit darker and you smell better."

"Um... thanks? I'll take that as a compliment!" I laughed.

"We usually train outside the arena. We are aiming to be combatants you see."

"Wow. Fascinating. So, you're trying to find your friend?"

The Argonian nodded.

"Yes. I am, and it would be most helpful if I had some assistance." He hinted to me.

I thought for a moment. All I wanted to do was chill out for a couple of hours with my thoughts, but obviously, because I was such a charitable person, I had to help.

I sighed with annoyance and dragged myself back onto my feet.

"Okay. I guess I'll help you. I've got nothing else on."

"Oh, thank you! I am so worried about my dear Branwen!"

"Uh, huh." I replied. I didn't mean to sound cold and uncaring, but I really was.

"This is a wonderful and noble thing you're doing, Lissa. Helping this poor man in his time of need."

Meh, I guess. My bottom was getting damp from the wet grass anyway.

"Oh, Lissa..."

[Acadian]

Three amigas in the big city!

'I was thinking about a lot of stuff. Mother, Rhano, Leinahtan, Simon, whether I should get a new haircut.'
Knowing that she was a bit smitten by Simon, I was just waiting for Rhano-guilt to hit – nice job with that. A new doo would be just the thing to cheer Lissa up!

"This is a wonderful and noble thing you're doing, Lissa. Helping this poor man in his time of need."
Meh, I guess. My bottom was getting damp from the wet grass anyway.
"Oh, Lissa..."
This is sooo Lissa and Rihanae.

Now I’m really curious about your plans for Branwen!

[mALX]

*

"Well yes, I suppose, if you ignore that fact that you reacted to her revelation inappropriately and rather selfishly, causing you to draw a rift between you two when there isn't need for one; yes, it turned out as you would say, 'fine'."

That was like taking an arrow.

"I'm sure she didn't mean it quite like she said."

Rihanae, this is Annie. She could find a way to make a Dremora cry using words alone.

I loved this little interchange between the girls! Lissa isn't always right, and Annie is the conscience for the group - Loved that !!! Like taking an arrow in the knee? Lol.

"BRAAAANWEN!"

He was looking directly at me. I turned around to see if there was someone to my left, but there wasn't. It appeared the dude was talking to me. He approached me.

SPEW !!! Do all Redguards look alike to Argonians? ROFL !!!! SPEW !!! LOVED this !!! And I know whose daughter Branwen is, lol

I understand Lissa's guilt feelings over Rhano, time apart leaves the heart open for another to move in. Rhano better get on the ball and hunt down Lissa before Simon steals her away, lol.

And then this:

All I wanted to do was chill out for a couple of hours with my thoughts, but obviously, because I was such a charitable person, I had to help.

I sighed with annoyance and dragged myself back onto my feet.

Had me in hysterics !!! Nothing like making sure he realizes it is an imposition by sighing loudly while patting yourself on the back for being so charitable - you had me rolling on the floor with that line !!!

Gotta love Lissa, AWESOME Write !!!!!


*

[TrisRed]

Hey guys. A bit of bad news I'm afraid. I recently fell ill again. It was inevitable but I didn't think it would be quite as soon. Haha.

Chances are, I wont be posting any more on 'Valentine', but as I've already finished book one of this story I will continue to post as often as humanly possible.

I won't be able to read or comment as much as I like because I'm unable to use the computer very well (I'm currently writing this through my friend, somewhat of a 'ghostwriter' haha)

So not worry! I WILL be absoloutly fine, it'll just take a couple of months to fully recoupurate, I just hated Lissa being on my computer and not shared with you guys

Thank you

[Heather V]

Oh no babe! That's sad I hope you're okay!

Although I was getting into Valentine, you getting better is the key thing

love&hugs

x

[mALX]

Hey guys. A bit of bad news I'm afraid. I recently fell ill again. It was inevitable but I didn't think it would be quite as soon. Haha.

Chances are, I wont be posting any more on 'Valentine', but as I've already finished book one of this story I will continue to post as often as humanly possible.

I won't be able to read or comment as much as I like because I'm unable to use the computer very well (I'm currently writing this through my friend, somewhat of a 'ghostwriter' haha)

So not worry! I WILL be absoloutly fine, it'll just take a couple of months to fully recoupurate, I just hated Lissa being on my computer and not shared with you guys

Thank you

I was worried it might be your health when you disappeared! Just get better, that is the main thing!