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> Lissa Cristenn: The Redguard Archress
Rihanae
post Apr 20 2011, 05:35 PM
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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 smile.gif

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 smile.gif

___


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
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Replies(140 - 159)
Grits
post Sep 8 2012, 02:16 PM
Post #141


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Joined: 6-November 10
From: The Gold Coast



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

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


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Diamandis
post Mar 8 2013, 09:27 PM
Post #142


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From: England



I really like this sad.gif 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?


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mALX
post Mar 9 2013, 03:09 AM
Post #143


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From: Cyrodiil, the Wastelands, and BFE TN



*

Yes, where are you Rihanae and Lissa?


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Diamandis
post Mar 9 2013, 05:45 PM
Post #144


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


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Rihanae
post Mar 9 2013, 05:50 PM
Post #145


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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 smile.gif
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Diamandis
post Mar 9 2013, 05:51 PM
Post #146


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QUOTE(Rihanae @ Mar 9 2013, 04:50 PM) *

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 smile.gif


I'm glad you got it! I'm glad you're doing better smile.gif

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


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Acadian
post Mar 9 2013, 06:22 PM
Post #147


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


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Grits
post Mar 9 2013, 07:29 PM
Post #148


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From: The Gold Coast



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


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Rihanae
post Mar 9 2013, 09:58 PM
Post #149


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WOO! My mum let me use her computer to upload the next chapter! WOuld have been tricky using my phone again tongue.gif 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
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Diamandis
post Mar 9 2013, 10:15 PM
Post #150


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From: England



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 smile.gif well done smile.gif

P.S glad you're doing better smile.gif


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Acadian
post Mar 10 2013, 05:15 PM
Post #151


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From: Las Vegas



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.


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mALX
post Mar 10 2013, 11:01 PM
Post #152


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QUOTE

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!

QUOTE

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


SPEW !!!!!

QUOTE

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


ROFL !!!

QUOTE

“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!


*


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Grits
post Mar 11 2013, 11:32 AM
Post #153


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From: The Gold Coast



I'm glad you're back! smile.gif

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

My favorite line:
QUOTE
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.


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Rihanae
post Mar 12 2013, 08:49 PM
Post #154


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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 smile.gif

Grits: Thank you smile.gif 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
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Grits
post Mar 13 2013, 02:03 AM
Post #155


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


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mALX
post Mar 13 2013, 06:31 AM
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From: Cyrodiil, the Wastelands, and BFE TN




QUOTE

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


ROFL!! Loved this line!

QUOTE

"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 !!!!




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Acadian
post Mar 13 2013, 04:12 PM
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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! tongue.gif


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Rihanae
post Mar 17 2013, 11:15 PM
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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 smile.gif

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

mALX: I'm so glad you liked this and the little spin I put on the story tongue.gif I'd always wondered why characters automatically know that the painting can be entered tongue.gif 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
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Acadian
post Mar 18 2013, 01:20 PM
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What a neat episode as Lissa and Company romp through this very fun (and dangerous) game quest!

Jessie the fan girl. tongue.gif

"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. wink.gif


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Rihanae
post Aug 6 2013, 01:20 PM
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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 smile.gif

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

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 smile.gif

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
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