Lissa Cristenn: The Redguard Archress Options

[Grits]

Sorry to hear it, Rihanae. You have my best wishes for a smooth recovery.

And thank you to your ghostwriter friend! I know how frustrating it is to not be able to communicate.

[Diamandis]

I really like this It's a shame Rihanae is so Ill... has anybody heard anything from Rihanae? It looks like it's been a while since the last update?

[mALX]

*

Yes, where are you Rihanae and Lissa?

[Diamandis]

Maybe Rihanae comes on silently... but once he sees we want more he will come back! Haha

[TrisRed]

Thanks for the PM Eva. With regards to the story, I will be returning! I very rarely get any internet time ATM but thats due to change very, very soon. Thank you for your interest in my little redguard archress

[Diamandis]

Thanks for the PM Eva. With regards to the story, I will be returning! I very rarely get any internet time ATM but thats due to change very, very soon. Thank you for your interest in my little redguard archress

I'm glad you got it! I'm glad you're doing better

There's honestly no rush, I was just wondering because I liked the story

[Acadian]

Gosh, we've missed you, Rihanae, and look forward to the return of both the wonderful Lissa and your warm cheer.

[Grits]

So glad to hear you'll soon be back, Rihanae!

[TrisRed]

WOO! My mum let me use her computer to upload the next chapter! WOuld have been tricky using my phone again haha. SO here it is, the next chapter!

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.

So without further ado...

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa, Jessie and Anyanka made it to the Imperial City for a quick break on their journey to Cheydinhal to see ANyankas parents. While Jessie and Anyanka head off to do their own chores in the city, Lissa sits and thinks about her life; mainly the situation with her mother. Not before long she is asked by a friendly Argonian to help him find his friend, Branwen. Lissa reluctantly obliges...

33. Chapter 9 ~ Detour ~ Part Two

As the Argonian, Saliith, and I walked through the city toward the arena district, I checked my nails for dirt. They were filthy. It was disgusting.

“She told me she would wait at our training spot, but when I returned from the market she had vanished.” Saliith informed me.

“MmHmm…” I mumbled, attempting to clean my fingernails with my teeth. Horrible and unhygienic, but totally necessary.

“Branwen has never disappeared for longer than five minutes… one hour is too long for her.” Saliith revealed.

I shot him a look, my eyebrow raised, “Wait up; she’s only been missing for an hour? As in sixty minutes?” I asked, and Saliith nodded. I creased my forehead, “What makes you absolutely sure she is missing?”

“She told me she would wait for me to return… then she was gone.” Saliith said, worry in his voice.

I chuckled to myself, “I don’t mean to sound super rude but did it occur to you that maybe she was lying to you?” I asked.

Saliith gave me a curious look, “Lied? What do you mean?”

“Maybe she wanted to go somewhere alone and didn’t want to hurt your feelings.” I said.

Saliith stopped for a second to think, then shook his head, “No, no; Branwen and I do everything together. Absolutely everything.”

I gave him a look that said, ‘that’s the point I’m trying to make.’

It was then that Saliith stopped again, this time giving me a heartbroken look. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. He was obviously incredibly close to this Branwen, and finding out that Branwen might have lied to him must have hurt.

It made me think about what I’d just come from.

I put my hands on my hips, the trotted over to the unhappy Argonian. I put my hand on his shoulder, then smiled at him. “Come on. I’m sure we’ll find her.”

Saliith gently grinned a toothy smile, before nodding. We then continued to the Arena district.

“Do you really think she’s okay, Lissa?”

How should I know.

“You were so certain with Saliith?”

I know… but whatchagunnado. People lie and people get hurt. Some people just obviously handle it better than others.

***

Saliith and I reached the arena district. The sounds of cheers from the arena filling the entire space. Simply staing outside the arena was giving me spirit. Crazy.

Saliith led me to an arched , stone section of the district where he and Branwen lived and trained. It was a hovel; simply two bed rolls, a couple of boxes and a rug. That was it.

However, our mission was soon complete as when we arrived to Saliiths home, a redguard woman was sat on one of the bedrolls. She looked miserable; like she’d lost something dear to her.

“BRANWEN!” Saliith shouted as he charged toward his friend. Branwen looked up at him and performed an unenthusiastic smile.

So that’s the illusive Branwen… creepy; she really does look like me. She’s BEAUTIFUL.

“Hey, Saliith.” She miserably greeted.

“Where have you been? I’ve been looking everywhere for you?” Saliith worried as he sat with Branwen.

She gave him a look, locking information tight behind her lips and not saying a word.

I approached Branwen, and decided to give my two pennies, “You should have said something to Saliith. He’s been really worried about you.”

Branwen then gave me be a surprising look of utter disgust, getting up onto her feet and confronting me face-to-face, “Who are you to tell me what to do? Who are you full stop?”

I put my hands up in surrender, “Woah, calm down chick fit, I’m not judging; I’m just saying.”

Branwen gave me a cold, angry stare before storming back over to Saliith, punching one of the archways pillars as she sat down.

“Branwen… what happened?” Saliith asked, perturbed by his friends behaviour.

Branwen remained quiet, her eyes tearing up ever so gently. Even I, a total stranger, started to worry. Only a bit, though.

“I wen’t to see Owyn.” Branwen admitted.

“Oh, Branwen…” Saliith said, consoling his friend.

“Who is Owyn?” Rihanae asked me.

Shh! N.O.Y.B.

“… Noyb?”

None of your business. Now Hush. I wanna get all the dirt.

“I went into the arena bloodworks and tried to explain to him that I was his daughter, but he wasn’t having any of it. I knew he believed me… I knew he knew I was telling the truth but he… he shut me out. He said he wanted nothing to do with me.” Branwen said.

“You shouldn’t have gone in there alone…” Saliith gently scolded.

Branwen smiled gently, “I know… and I’m sorry I disappeared. I just didn’t want you to stop me going to see him.”

Wow. Imagine that…

“What?” Rihanae asked.

Having a parent treat you like nothing more than rat dung. I couldn’t imagine having my mother shun me the way Owyn shunned Branwen.

It was true. Thinking about Branwen’s situation, seeing utter loneliness in her eyes… I couldn’t imagine being in her situation. I was lucky enough to have one parent that lived… and I’d treated her horribly—Nope. No, I’m not going to think about that now… I have way to much to do. Too much. Busy busy.

“If everything’s okay here, I’m going to go.” I said to Saliith.

“Lissa, I’m so sorry,” Saliith said, standing up and walking over to me, “Thank you for helping me look for Branwen.” He thanked, shaking my hand.

I smiled warmly, “No problem. Glad to help.”

Then Branwen stood up and walked over to me, “Sorry about just then… I’m kinda in a bad place right now.”

“That’s okay. I can only imagine what you’re going through…” I said, trying to sympathise with her as much as possible.

It was true; I could only imagine what she was going through. I had no idea what it felt like to be completely ignored by a parent. It must have been heart breaking…

It was then I remembered how truly lucky I was.

This post has been edited by Rihanae: Mar 9 2013, 09:59 PM

[Diamandis]

I really liked this.

I like how the chapter subtly focuses on Lissa finding it in her to forgive her mother. But I wonder... is it pure coincidence that Branwen and Lissa look so alike?

I really lile Lissa's coversations with Rihanae... always a highlight for me well done

P.S glad you're doing better

[Acadian]

Welcome back! Nice new avatar by the way.

Thanks for the little summary at the beginning here. It snapped me right back into place with Lissa’s story.

Our Redguard's lost none of her free-spirited irreverent nature, and Rihanae’s observations (and nagging) are always fun. You did a great job of tying Branwen’s plight back to Lissa’s situation with her mother.

[mALX]

I checked my nails for dirt. They were filthy. It was disgusting.

“MmHmm…” I mumbled, attempting to clean my fingernails with my teeth. Horrible and unhygienic, but totally necessary.

Urgh!

Wait up; she’s only been missing for an hour?

SPEW !!!!!

creepy; she really does look like me. She’s BEAUTIFUL

ROFL !!!

“Who is Owyn?” Rihanae asked me.

Shh! N.O.Y.B.

Can anyone hear Rihanae? ROFL !!!

You know I could have quoted this whole thing! Rihanae and Lissa's conversations between themselves are always hilarious, and Lissa's outlook on everything and especially her personality always come across - she is unique, and so extremely likable! Totally Awesome Write, and you have been so missed! So glad to see you back, we were ALL worried about you!


*

[Grits]

I'm glad you're back!

Lissa is so fun to read. The fingernails, gak!

My favorite line:

So that’s the illusive Branwen… creepy; she really does look like me. She’s BEAUTIFUL.

Love it!

I particularly enjoyed how Branwen's situation made Lissa think about her own mother.

[TrisRed]

Eva: Thank you Eva, Welcome to the story!

Acadian: I'm so glad to be back! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter!

mALX: Thank you! Hopefully Lissa and I will be around for a long time coming

Grits: Thank you It's good to be back!

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa helps the argonian, Saliith find his missing friend. Luckily, she didn't vanish for long. After over hearing Branwen's personal drama with her father, it made Lissa realize that maybe her mother lying about the past to protect her wasn't so bad...

___

34. Chapter 10 ~ Art Attack! ~ Part One

After our detour to the Imperial city, early the following morning the girls and I arrived in the city of Cheydinhal; Anyanka's home town.

The city was a pretty as a picture. Lush greenery surrounding large, white houses. The sunlight glistening off the large river that divided the city into two; it truly was a postcard for life in Cyrodiil. The only thing that bothered me was the gate guard. He forced us to open the city gate ourselves. Obviously one of those men who believe women are inferior. I'll remember that next time he wants a sandwich.

As we entered the city from the south gate, I turned to Anyanka, who looked around. "You okay, hon?" I asked her.

"I am fine, thank you. Your question was unnecessary... but yes, I am fine." Anyanka replied a more confusing response then usual. She was obviously nervous. She hadn't seen her parents for years, and just like me she left home without saying a single word.

"Right. Let's go." Anyanka ordered as she started walking; hopefully leading us to her house.

As we walked Jessie spotted something which caused her to unleash a large grin, "Ooh!" She squealed, "There's the mages guild!"

"Are you going to get your reccomendation?" I asked the excited bosmer.

She shook her head, "No, not yet. I want to meet The one and only RYTHE LYTHANDAS! Legendary painter!"

"I wouldn't go as far as saying he was 'legendary'-" I said.

"Don't ruin this moment for me." Jessie playfully interrupted.

I poked my tongue out at her before we erupted into a gentle fit of giggles.

As the girls and I continued to walk I smiled as I, like an old person past their ability to enjoy most things, started to gaze in awe and the landscape of Cheydinhal. There was a large, marble statue opposite the mages guild. I wasn't sure who it was supposed to be, but it was still beautiful. Not only that, but to my right I could see the Chapel; another sight for bored eyes.

"We appear to have arrived." Anyanka said as she stopped in front of a house. We waited for her to enter, but she didn't. She stood there staring at the door.

"Are you okay?" I asked Anyanka.

Anyanka remained silent, then started to slowly back away from the door.

"Whats wrong?" Jessie Queiried as we gave each other a look of mild confusion.

"I... I'm not certain I can do this..." Anyanka admitted; still fixed on the spot.

I smiled, then approached Anyanka, touching her shoulder, "You can TOTALLY do this. I'm sure they won't be angry with you... Much." I assured her.

"How can one be sure of that?" Anyanka asked, worry embedded in her quiet voice.

I Looked her in the eye, "Because," I started, "You, Anyanka Lythandas, Have achieved so much in your life. How can they not be proud of-"

Before I finished my sentence I sprinted to the front door of the Lythandas household and banged on it.

"LISSA!" Anyanka scolded.

"Meh." I shrugged, then ran back next to Jessie. Anyanka stood frozen as she anxiously waited for the front door to open. She was clearly terrified, which was a brand new flavor for her.

The front door then opened, revealing a red headed dunmer who was the spitting image of Anyanka.

"Mother..." Anyanka mumbled.

Anyanka's mother stared at Anyanka, confusion in her eyes. Then suddenly, as if she was finally convinced it was indeed Anyanka, she ran to her daughter holding her in an almighty embrace.

"Thank the gods you're home!" She cried. "I thought I'd never see you again..."

***

Tivela, the girls and I sat inside the house, drinking tea beside the roaring fireplace. Anyanka had spent the last hour telling Tivela of her studies at the university. Unlike my mother, there was no heartbreak in Tivela's eyes; only pride.

"I can understand why you left without saying a word," Tivela admitted, "Your father and I were always so adamant that you would follow in his footsteps," She then smiled, "Now after hearing about what you've been up to, I couldn't be more proud."

Anyaka smiled a tiny smile; barely noticible if it wasn't for the rarity of them.

"Um... Where is Mr Lythandas?" Jessie asked Tivela.

Tivela's eyes grew wide as if she had forgotten something. "Oh dear! I can't believe I haven't told him you're here!" She laughed.

She stood up from her seat and headed to a wooded door at the end of the lounge. She knocked on the door, "Rythe? Rythe, you'll never guess who's here!" She bellowed, then waited for a reply, "Rythe?"

The girls and I looked at each other. Anyanka looked at her mother, "Is everything okay?"

Tivela had a curious look in her eyes, then had an idea. She walked over and grabbed a key from a desk beside the front door. She then walked back over to the wooden door and unlocked it. She then entered the room... which was followed by a blood curdling scream.

We all shot up and entered the room, Rythe's studio, and looked around.

"What? What is it mother?" Anyanka asked.

"He's gone! He's gone! Where is he?" Tivela screeched.

"What do you mean 'He's gone?'" I asked, but before I could get a reply Tivela ran out of the studio and left the house.

Anyanka didn't follow. She had a heartbroken expression on her face... like she knew that her father meant more to Tivela than she ever did, hence how desperate Tivela seemed. Or at least that was the expression I got.

I looked around the studio, spotting nothing out of the ordinary for an artist. A few canvases and paintbrushes, including and unfinished work of art stood proudly near the end of the room. It appeared to be a forest.

"I don't get it... did your dad literally vanish?" Jessie asked Anyanka, mildly confused.

Anyanka sighed, "I don't know. Father used to lock himself in here for hours... it's rather odd that he should leave and not telling mother where he is. He never used to do that when I resided here."

I looked around, spotting a vial of liquid on the side. I picked it up and examined it, smelling it's contents. It was vile.

"Blegh." I coughed. I then caught a glimpse of the unfinished artwork at the end of the room, seeing something peculiar.

"Erm guys... is it me, or is there a man moving around in that painting?" I asked.

The girls looked over, examining the painting. We stared at the painting for a while before seeing a small man literally walk into view. We let out a synchronized 'Woah' before looking at each other.

"You guys saw that right? I'm not crazy?" I asked.

"I saw it!" Jessie proclaimed, freaked.

Anyanka walked closer to the painting, examining it closer, "That is peculiar..." She stated. She gently brushed her fingers against the painting... before literally getting sucked into it.

Anyanka had vanished into a whirlpool of bright energy, vanishing within seconds of touching the painting.

Shocked, stunned, and paralyzed with confusion, Jessie and I looked at each other.

I the looked at the painting, then back at her, unleashing a cunning smile, "Wanna try it?"

Jessie started to protest "LISSA! You have no idea what could happen! You can't just-"

"Too late!" I interrupted, placing my hand on the painting and getting sucked into the same bright light Anyanka did.

Within seconds I crash landed. Standing from my odd landing position I looked around. I was in some kind of strangely colored forest. The leaves were a strange mixture of different orangey shaded, as was the ground. I then looked at the sky. Everything was brushstrokes. Every detail, major ad minor in this forest was a brush stroke.

... Am I literally IN the painting?

This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jan 15 2014, 02:13 PM

[Grits]

What a wonderful description of the painting! So Lissa and Anyanka are in the painted world. I hope Lissa brought her bow! I’m looking forward to this!

[mALX]

She shook her head, "No, not yet. I want to meet The one and only RYTHE LYTHANDAS! Legendary painter!"

ROFL!! Loved this line!

"Erm guys... is it me, or is there a man moving around in that painting?" I asked.

The girls looked over, examining the painting. We started at the painting for a while before seeing a small man literally walk into view. We let out a synchronized 'Woah' before looking at each other.

I LOVED this! How awesome an idea to have him seen walking in there - and as always, Lissa's way of putting things adds the spice of humor to it !!!

Awesome update, and also having you back !!!!

[Acadian]

I’m pleased to see you continuing to provide us a tiny ‘Previously...’ summary in your opening comments. The technique provides a wonderful thread of continuity between episodes.

Oh noes, Lissa’s having an art attack! Love the title.

When Anyanka was sucked into the painting, my thoughts instantly turned to what would be the reaction of Lissa and Jesse. Courage to follow? Wisdom to notify Anyanka’s mother? Fear of being eaten by a painting? I was wrong on all counts but shouldn’t have been. Of course Lissa jumped in there, and her motivation was impetuousity!

[TrisRed]

Grr, my working week had been MANIC! 16 hours days are not good. Haven;t had a lot of spare time to do much reading, but I will get to it! Thought I'd update so you guys wouldn't have to suffer due to my schedule ;P Haha.

A short but sweet chapter for you guys

Grits: Thank you Grits! The painted world has always been one of my most favored locations. SO beautifully designed

mALX: I'm so glad you liked this and the little spin I put on the story I'd always wondered why characters automatically know that the painting can be entered Haha

Acadian: Haha you know Lissa so well! ;P

PREVIOUSLY: Lissa, Jessie and Anyanka make it to Cheydinhal to meet Anyanka's parents, Tivela and Rythe Lythandas. The girls meet Tivela, but soon discover that Rythe is missing from his art studio. Tivela runs to inform a guard whilst the girls explore the study. After seeing a man walking around in Rythe's latest work, Anyanka and Lissa get sucked into the painting...

___

35. Chapter 10 ~ Art Attack! ~ Part Two

As I brushed myself off I looked around, suddenly seeing Anyanka running toward me in a panic.

"Lissa! Are you okay?" She asked me.

I nodded, "Yeah... if you count 'okay' as being in a large amount of pain, then yeah; just peachy."

As Anyanka chuckled we saw a large bright light appear, then Jessie sprang from it, crashing onto the ground in a similar fashion to me; although luckily for her she managed to land on her bottom rather than her face.

"Ow..." She mumbled and Anyanka and I helped her onto her feet. She rubbed her bottom as she examined her surroundings, "Where the fudge are we?"

"We appear to be inside the painting. How we managed to come her I cannot say; nor can I offer any suggestion of how me may escape." Anyanka inquisited.

I smiled, "The first part of the sentance would have been enough, sweetie..." I then looked about, seeing nothing but endless, painted trees, "I guess our first bet is to look around?"

Anyanka sighed, "There is nothing else to do, so I agree." She then led Jessie and I as we began to trek through the forest.

Do you suppose you have any ideas on how to get out? No response, Rihanae?... Great. I guess GS's can't get through to this world... wherever this world may be. Guess it's just one way thoughts for a while. I smiled; I guess that’s good... now I can think about showering with Rhano. I chuckled to myself.

"STOP!" Anyanka ordered. Jessie and I obliged as Anyanka slowly started to approach a tree. "I see something..."

Jessie and I watched and Anyanka approached the tree with extreme caution.

"This is quite thrilling." I said to a terrified Jessie.

Anyanka finally approached the tree, jerking to the side of it and grabbing something and pulling it into view, "HALT! Who are-" Anyanka then let the person go, "Father?"

Jessie suddenly let out the loudest and girliest fan girl scream known to man. I glared at her and she stopped.

"Sorry," Jessie apologized, "It's just... it's Rythe Lythandas! Eeek!"

I laughed at Jessie's adorable dorkiness before walking over to Anyanka and her father.

"Anyanka..." Rythe smiled, hugging his daughter. "How did you girls know to find me here?"

"We haven't any time for this," Anyanka said, ripping Rythe from her. "We need to get out of here."

"Where is here, by the way?" I asked Rythe, catching a glimpse of a starry eyes Jessie gawping at him like a fish.

"We are in the painted world." Rythe informed me.

I waited for more information, "And the painted world came to be because..."

Rythe gave a look of disappointment, and then looked at Anyanka, "The brush of true paint."

Rythe said nothing else. What's with this guy? Exposition is clearly not his thing.

"The brush of true paint is a magical tool," He continued, Ahh, thank you. "It was handed down to me from my father-"

"We have no time for explanations; you must hurry and explain how we are to leave this place!" Anyanka demanded.

I glared at her; I wanted to hear the story. Fine, have it your way. Bossy.

"The brush of true paint allows the wielder to create a painting from inside the canvas. The artist can create life like images from the brush using his thoughts alone... but that's not always a good thing." Rythe explained.

"How do you mean?" I asked.

"When Tivela popped out for an hour a strange bosmer came into the house. He must have been a theif as he knocked me out and, when I came to, the brush of truepaint had vanished." Rythe explained further.

"And you think the thief is in the painting?" I asked.

Rythe nodded, "Yes. When I woke up I chased him here. I thought I could get the brush back... but the thief was one step ahead of me."

"What did he do?" Jessie asked, "By the way, BIG fan."

Rythe smiled at Jessie, then continued, "He painted trolls. Bodyguards. He knew I'd come after him and he needed protection. I haven't been able to find the thief as the trolls would kill me in seconds." Rythe sighed, "We can't leave without the brush as I need to paint us an exit. I'm afraid we're stuck here." Rythe said in a pitiful voice, grabbing Anyanka's hand for comfort, "But I'm so glad you're here Anyanka. At least I got to see you one last time-"

"Waaaaaaaaaaaait a second; we're not going to die, okay?" I interrupted with a figer gesture with my index finger. "Don't you know how awesome we are?" I grinned, "We'll take care of the trolls and find the thief. Don't you worry."

Rythe looked at Anyanka, then back at me. "You can’t be serious? You think you can take on trolls?"

"Sir, I do not appreciate your lack of trust." I argued, "I happen to be a master marksman, and my girls here are practically superelves; so don't go giving me any of that 'no don't go you're only poor defenceless women' garbage, okay?."

Rythe gave me a baffled look, "... okay."

"Okay? Good." I said, "Right come on girls. We're going troll hunting."

This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jan 15 2014, 02:13 PM

[Acadian]

What a neat episode as Lissa and Company romp through this very fun (and dangerous) game quest!

Jessie the fan girl.

"Don't you know how awesome we are?" I grinned, "We'll take care of the trolls and find the thief. Don't you worry."
Gosh, this is so Lissa! I’m sure she’s not underestimating those trolls. Nope, not one bit.

[TrisRed]

Wow, it's been a while! Sorry guys! I'll try to post more frequently! As always, should anyone require a complete 'Story so far' summery, I'll be more than happy to PM you one

Acadian: I love how you are not surprised by Lissa's choices I hope you enjoy this next chapter

NOTE: The next is a fairly short chapter. This and the next used to be one, but I found it flowed better narratively as two separate pieces. Also BIG thanks to the lovely Diamandis for directing me to the website where i created my new signature! It looks ace

PREVIOUSLY: After being sucked into Rythe's painting and into the painting world, Lissa, Jessie and Anyanka find the missing artist. LIssa also discovers that she can't speak to Rihanae in the painted world. Rythe explains that a bosmer thief broke into his studio and stole the brush of truepaint, a magical object with the capability of creating art from inside the painting itself. Rythe also explains that the bosmer painted himself troll bodyguards. Lissa and co go on a mission to find the bosmer and the brush of truepaint so they can return home.

36. Chapter 10 ~ Art Attack! ~ Part Three

"Are you sure this is safe?" Jessie asked as she, Anyanka and I walked gently through the forest. I wasn’t sure how to answer her question, so decided not to.

It wasn't long before we found what he were looking for; a large, hulking hairy troll. Its fur, like everything else in this world, was formed of brush strokes.

"Right..." I said, unsheathing my bow and notching an arrow.

"WAIT!" Jessie whispered, stopping me from firing my bow.

"WHAT?!" I groaned, frustrated; I had the perfect shot lined up.

Jessie folded her arms in thought, "I don't think a normal arrow will work..."

"Why not?" Anyanka asked her.

Before Jessie could reply I fired my arrow at the Troll, but like she predicted it didn't work. The arrow literally went through the troll without it barely noticing. I looked at Jessie with a guilty look on my face, "Okay, you were right; proceed with your theory."

"See? Think about it. The trolls are made of paint. They have no organs or anything that the arrow can penetrate." Jessie tried to explain.

"She has a valid point." Anyanka interjected. "Say she is right and the painted trolls are immune to normal damage: what next?"

"DEATH." Jessie boldly stated.

I had no argument, so I huffed and sighed, "Okay, so what do you suggest?"

"I think the only way to destroy the painted troll is to treat them like a painting. What do we know can wash away paint?" Jessie asked.

"Water?" I suggested.

Jessie shook her head, "No, the trolls are most likely dry; the water would only get them wet."

"If they're made of oil based paint maybe we could use fire? Boom trolls, no?" I suggested again.

Anyanka shook her head, "No, my father uses dye based paint."

"The only thing that can erase that kind of paint is-" Jessie started, and then looked at me, "TURPENTINE!"

"It's Lissa, actually." I joked, not sure what she was referring to. Jessie ducked and grabbed the bottle i took from Rythes studio out of my pocket.

Jessie examined the bottle carefully, and then squealed with delight. "Right, if anything should work, it's this."

I scrunched my face, curious to see if she was right. I dipped my arrow into the turpentine, and then lined up a shot. I fired it into the trolls head; killing it on impact. Strangely the arrow didn't go through the troll, as if it was suddenly solid. Jessie's genius had probably saved our lives.

***

After scouring the forest and killing multiple trolls with little to no trouble, the girls and I made it a rather peculiar landscape. The end of the forest seemed to, strangely, house what appeared to be a desert.

"Why would Rythe paint this in a forest?" I asked myself out loud, to which Anyanka replied.

"Perhaps this is the image of a blank part of the canvas, unpainted?" Anyanka pondered. It seemed plausible.

We walked to the desert, instantly spotting something; the dead body of a bosmer. We couldn’t be sure, but he was most likely the victim of his own bodyguards.

We approached him, and Anyanka began to search his corpse without an ounce of hesitation. Whilst Anyanka was doing that I decided to take a stroll to the edge of the desert, spotting that it spanned for what seemed like miles. I smiled to myself, amazed at the power of the brush of truepaint.

"I have found it!" Anyanka yelled to me. I averted my gaze from the endless dune and looked at her, smiling with a nod. We doubled back. Returning the brush of truepaint from his person then proceeded to travel back to Rythe.

"You found it?" Rythe screeched estatically as Anyanka handed him the brush. "Let's get out of here." He smiled, walking past us and brushing strokes into the air. Suddenly a large canvas like portal appeared, showing Rythes Studio. "Lets go!" He ordered.

The girls went before, but I remained for a moment, enjoying the beauty of the painted world for a final time.

"Minus the trolls... this is one great place you painted, Mr Lythandas." I smiled. "No wonder you're one famous guy."

Rythe smiled, them patted my arm. I turned to face the picture, touching it and seeing the bright light again.

Rythe and I were suddenly in his studio. We walked into the living room, seeing Anyanka and Jessie speaking with a relieved looking Tivela, who rushed over to embrace Rythe as soon as she saw him.

However, I didn't join the commotion. I stood at a distance, folding my arms as I witnessed a thrilled Tivela squeezing her husband and wailing with relief.

Are you okay, Lissa? Rihanae asked me. I was relieved to hear his annoying voice

"... Yeah." I smiled, "It's just nice seeing Anyanka's parents so happy together. She's lucky to have two parents in love like that."

This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jan 15 2014, 02:14 PM