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.
Full Version: Lissa Cristenn: The Redguard Archress
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!
*
I'm glad you're back! 
Lissa is so fun to read. The fingernails, gak!
My favorite line:
Love it!
I particularly enjoyed how Branwen's situation made Lissa think about her own mother.
Lissa is so fun to read. The fingernails, gak!
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.
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...
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?
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?
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!
I hope Lissa brought her bow! I’m looking forward to this!
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 !!!!
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!
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!
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...
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."
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 HahaAcadian: 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."
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.
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.
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.
"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."
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."
Welcome back to you! Thanks for the little ‘Previously...’ paragraph to get us right back into Lissa’s Art Attack (still loving that title!).
Turpentine made all the diff!
Whew, back to the studio, safe and sound.
I had to smile at the end. Lissa’s relieved that Rihanae can talk with her again. And it was bittersweet for Lissa to see Anyanka’s parents in love – given her own family perils.
Turpentine made all the diff!
Whew, back to the studio, safe and sound.
I had to smile at the end. Lissa’s relieved that Rihanae can talk with her again. And it was bittersweet for Lissa to see Anyanka’s parents in love – given her own family perils.
QUOTE
"Perhaps this is the image of a blank part of the canvas, unpainted?" Anyanka pondered. It seemed plausible
What a great explanation! I never thought of that.
HELLO! I have returned, this time for good! I know I always say that, then disappear again, but I this time I mean it! My health is in tip-top condition, work has been less demanding and my life is in order... so let's return to Lissa!
I want to apologize to and thank my readers for their patience and well wishes!
As always, A quick, accessible re-cap of the story so far is available on request, but I will most likely create a separate thread with a constantly updated summary.
Now, this next chapter is very, very short, BUT on Friday I will post the next chapter. From then on every Wednesday will be update day!
SO without further ado...
P.S my spell check isn't working! I've been careful with spelling and proofreading... so, please, nits are very, very welcome in case I've missed anything.
**
PREVIOUSLY: After navigating through the painted world, taking out trolls, Lissa and the girls found the brush of truepaint on the deceased body of the thief who stole it. Returning it to Rythe, he and the girls promptly returned home to the Lythandas household. The Lythandas' happy reunion left Lissa with longing for her own family troubles...
As Jessie was off getting her recommendation from the guild hall and Anyanka was busy catching up with her parents, I sat beside the great Cheydinhal river. I'd taken my boots off and dipped my exhausted feet into the warm water.
From behind me I could hear a man singing a song about flying. I looked at him; he was clearly intoxicated. I couldn't help but smile.
I tilted my head back as I listened to the river rush past. I wondered if I'd ever have a perfectly peaceful life again. No saving of lives, no psycho killers; just peace and quiet.
"Of course you will... give it time." Rihanae insisted.
"I hope so because as much as I like risking my hide for strangers... I don't appreciate the stress lines."
"You're young Lissa. There's plenty of time for a simple life."
"I know... I just don't want to end up dead before I get a chance to have one."
"Oh, I'm sure that won't happen."
I shot up and spun, seeing and elderly breton woman stood behind me.
"Who are you?" I asked, keeping my body ready for confrontation.
"Sorry, I guess I must confuse you with my many guises, little sister. I apologize." She replied.
Leinahtan.
"What do you want?" I asked.
"To let you know that I'm still around." Leinahtan revealed. "I don't want you getting too comfortable with my absence."
I glared at him, then remembered that he'd called me 'sister', "How did you know I found out you were my brother?"
"I know everything. At least I like to think I do." He smirked.
I continued to glare, keeping my body tense in preparation for an attack. However, I couldn't help but wonder why he was so determined to play these games with me. I needed to know why he had become this way.
"What did Reina do to you?" I asked, a surprising calm to my voice.
Leinathan performed a patronising grin. "She showed me my true potential. She told me I could take over the world if I so desired... then I killed her; mainly to prove to myself that her theory was correct." He bragged. "But enough chatter. It's not time to fight just yet."
"Why?" I asked curiously, But not wanting to provoke him.
He smirked a creepy, certain smile, "Because you don't hate me enough yet*.. and it's no fun killing you if you don't truly want me dead."
"You're twisted!" I spat, "What did I ever do to you? It's not my fault you were taken from Mother and father!"
Did I regret my outburst toward my psychopathic brother? Of course. Luckily It didn't matter, as all he did was chuckle at me.
"Wait and see, little sister. That rage will boil over in time," He then narrowed his eyes, menace in his voice," And I, for one, cannot wait."
Suddenly, before I had a chance to respond Leinahtan, or rather the woman he had possessed, burst into a raging ball of flame, crisping into a pile of rotten smelling ash.
I stared silently, watching as the charcoal snowflakes fell to the ground...
"Lissa?" Rihanae asked, his voice quiet and subtle worry in his voice.
I didn't respond. I didn't know how to respond.
Leinahtan really did have some kind of vendetta against me... and he wasn't going to stop until I was dead.
But I'm not going to give him that satisfaction... I cant.
I want to apologize to and thank my readers for their patience and well wishes!
As always, A quick, accessible re-cap of the story so far is available on request, but I will most likely create a separate thread with a constantly updated summary.
Now, this next chapter is very, very short, BUT on Friday I will post the next chapter. From then on every Wednesday will be update day!
SO without further ado...
P.S my spell check isn't working! I've been careful with spelling and proofreading... so, please, nits are very, very welcome in case I've missed anything.
**
PREVIOUSLY: After navigating through the painted world, taking out trolls, Lissa and the girls found the brush of truepaint on the deceased body of the thief who stole it. Returning it to Rythe, he and the girls promptly returned home to the Lythandas household. The Lythandas' happy reunion left Lissa with longing for her own family troubles...
37. Chapter 10 ~ Art Attack! ~ Part Four
As Jessie was off getting her recommendation from the guild hall and Anyanka was busy catching up with her parents, I sat beside the great Cheydinhal river. I'd taken my boots off and dipped my exhausted feet into the warm water.
From behind me I could hear a man singing a song about flying. I looked at him; he was clearly intoxicated. I couldn't help but smile.
I tilted my head back as I listened to the river rush past. I wondered if I'd ever have a perfectly peaceful life again. No saving of lives, no psycho killers; just peace and quiet.
"Of course you will... give it time." Rihanae insisted.
"I hope so because as much as I like risking my hide for strangers... I don't appreciate the stress lines."
"You're young Lissa. There's plenty of time for a simple life."
"I know... I just don't want to end up dead before I get a chance to have one."
"Oh, I'm sure that won't happen."
I shot up and spun, seeing and elderly breton woman stood behind me.
"Who are you?" I asked, keeping my body ready for confrontation.
"Sorry, I guess I must confuse you with my many guises, little sister. I apologize." She replied.
Leinahtan.
"What do you want?" I asked.
"To let you know that I'm still around." Leinahtan revealed. "I don't want you getting too comfortable with my absence."
I glared at him, then remembered that he'd called me 'sister', "How did you know I found out you were my brother?"
"I know everything. At least I like to think I do." He smirked.
I continued to glare, keeping my body tense in preparation for an attack. However, I couldn't help but wonder why he was so determined to play these games with me. I needed to know why he had become this way.
"What did Reina do to you?" I asked, a surprising calm to my voice.
Leinathan performed a patronising grin. "She showed me my true potential. She told me I could take over the world if I so desired... then I killed her; mainly to prove to myself that her theory was correct." He bragged. "But enough chatter. It's not time to fight just yet."
"Why?" I asked curiously, But not wanting to provoke him.
He smirked a creepy, certain smile, "Because you don't hate me enough yet*.. and it's no fun killing you if you don't truly want me dead."
"You're twisted!" I spat, "What did I ever do to you? It's not my fault you were taken from Mother and father!"
Did I regret my outburst toward my psychopathic brother? Of course. Luckily It didn't matter, as all he did was chuckle at me.
"Wait and see, little sister. That rage will boil over in time," He then narrowed his eyes, menace in his voice," And I, for one, cannot wait."
Suddenly, before I had a chance to respond Leinahtan, or rather the woman he had possessed, burst into a raging ball of flame, crisping into a pile of rotten smelling ash.
I stared silently, watching as the charcoal snowflakes fell to the ground...
"Lissa?" Rihanae asked, his voice quiet and subtle worry in his voice.
I didn't respond. I didn't know how to respond.
Leinahtan really did have some kind of vendetta against me... and he wasn't going to stop until I was dead.
But I'm not going to give him that satisfaction... I cant.
So glad to see you back and continuing the adventures of Lissa and crew. Even better news that you’re feeling well. 
And just as Lissa’s enjoying a quiet time byt the river. . . Eeep! NathanielLeinahtan’s back! And using a shapeshifting ability? Or perhaps some form of possessing another, as Lissa surmises. Regardless, he is one scarily creepy individual. It seems he does have a weakness though - the desire to draw hatred from Lissa. The young Redguard is wise to deny him that.
And just as Lissa’s enjoying a quiet time byt the river. . . Eeep! NathanielLeinahtan’s back! And using a shapeshifting ability? Or perhaps some form of possessing another, as Lissa surmises. Regardless, he is one scarily creepy individual. It seems he does have a weakness though - the desire to draw hatred from Lissa. The young Redguard is wise to deny him that.
Acadian: Thank you for a warm welcome! I'm so glad to be back... I have lot's planned for my little redguard so getting back to posting her story is so exciting!
PREVIOUSLY: After taking a moment to herself in Cheydinhal after Lythe's rescue, Lissa finds herself confronted by Leinahtan in the guise of a woman he is possessing. He threatens that he isn't finished with Lissa and the only reason he doesn't attack is because she doesn't hate him, claiming it's not fun killing her if she doesn't truly want to fight back. The encounter leaves her shaken and terrified.
I don't know why, but I decided not to tell the girls about my encounter with Leinahtan in Cheydinhal. Maybe it was because everyone was in such a great mood because of the other events that occurred there... maybe I just didn't want to admit that he had left me terrified. I know it was potentially dangerous not to have them aware that he was still keeping tabs on me...
So with a smile on my face the girls and I headed to our next destination, the southern city of Leyawiin. It was time for Jessie to collect another recommendation for her entry into the Arcane University, and, surprisingly,
Anyanka held no hesitation into joining us.
"So, after Leyawiin how many have you got left?" I asked Jessie.
Almost instantaneously Jessie replied, "Only the one. Anvil." She grinned, obviously excited that her journey was almost over and excited for the thought of success. "I've managed to get the others with flying colours... which is a relief."
"Why?" I asked.
"Well you need recommendations from every guild hall in Cyrodiil. One refusal and that's it. No entry." She told me.
"Well what about Kvatch? That's bound to be pretty hard, what with it being up in flames in'all." I said sincerely.
"LISSA!" Anyanka scolded.
"ANYANKA!" I mocked.
"I got to talking with a couple of the surviving guild mages... They wrote me one which I have to deliver by hand." Jessie said with remorse in her voice, "I felt kinda bad asking, considering everything that happened there."
"Do not feel bad, Jessie. You asked with consideration and a warm heart; they understood your plight." Anyanka consoled.
"I guess so-"
"STOP!" Screamed a leather-clad Khajiit who appeared as if from no where. He glared at us with a vicious, toothy grin; his sword pointed toward us menacingly.
Unthreatened, I replied, "... Why? Are you going to tell us a joke? I love jokes!"
Unnecessarily terrified, Jessie looked at me, "Don't provoke him Lissa!"
I laughed at her response, "What is there to provoke! Look at him! He's about as terrifying as a sheep," I said, then turned to the Khajiit, "No offence."
"ENOUGH! I was going to let you live and simply take your gold... but now I think taking it from your corpses would be much more fun!" He unthreateningly threatened.
"This is growing tiresome." Anyanka sighed, unsheathing her sword. "I shall handle this."
She then proceeded to chase the suddenly terrified Khajiit, giving him chase down the road we were walking down. She didn't chase him very far though, stopping and returning to us. The Khajiit continued to run away.
"Why do they always underestimate us?" Anyanka asked me.
"Why didn't you take him out?" I asked.
"He barks louder than he bites. I doubt he would have actually tried to hurt us." Ankaynka informed me very matter of fact-ly.
"But... but what about if he attacks another innocent passer-by!" She panicked, "We have to do something about him--"
However, as she said this I caught a glimpse of the Khajiit in the distance getting jumped by a rather large wolf. The wolf instantly won.
"I don't think that we need to worry about him anymore." I chuckled to myself.
"Ohh... poor man." Jessie said, suddenly changing her tune. "Nobody shoud go by wolf gutting."
I laughed, "But getting stabbed by a robber is perfectly fine."
"Well no, of course not..." Jessie moped.
"... You are very confusing. You know that right?" I joked. You couldn't help but love her sweet nature... but that same aspect of her could put her in danger with regards to Leinahtan.
I go to thinking about whether Leinahtan would target my friends, which he most likely would. I then got to thinking whether my friends could fight back. Maybe if they knew the truth about my encounter with him I could warn them to stay away from me for their own safety.
But I couldn't...
We entered Leyawiin, and words cannot describe how the city appeared. It wasn't as visually nasty as Bravil, but at least Bravil had character. Leyawiin seem damp and dismal. Although the architecture was quite impressive to an extent, The business buildings were nothing more than small, stone shacks, but the rest of the buildings that I could still were tall, colourful and elegant. It was quite a strange contrast; there was clearly a wealth divide in this place.
"Right, I'm going to find the mages guild and see about my recommendation. Will you guys be okay?" Jessie asked me.
I nodded, "Yeah, we'll be fine. We will catch you later."
Jessie wandered off, leaving Anyanka and I alone.
"What is the matter?" Anyanka asked me.
I looked at her, I was obviously giving off an expression I didn't notice I was wearing, "Nothing... it's just not what I was expecting." I then smiled and put my hands on my hips, "So... what do you wanna do first? I'm DYING for a glass of Surille Brothers."
"No," Anyanka said rather bluntly, "As we have never been here before we must have you introduce yourself to
the count."
I turned my nose up in disproval, "Aww... but I want a drink."
"After. But the count is first. You're a stranger in this city; it's always best to make sure the Count knows of you in case there is any trouble. outsiders are always the first to blame" Anyanka told me.
"Okay..." I said, not really sure Anyanka's order was entirely necessary... but saying that it couldn't hurt to get myself in the Count's good books.
So as Anyanka and I were walking through the city on our way t the castle I sparked conversation, "So... does the Count know who you are?"
"He does," She replied, "He is a fine gentleman... but his wife is far from that."
"Oh really? Is she boar-face? I hear the plain girls sometimes get nasty because of their looks." I teased.
Anyanka didn't care for my joke, "No. Countess Alessia is a true beauty; she is just an incredible racist."
I suddenly got very nervous, "Racist?"
"Yes. It means when a person harbour unnecessary hatred toward another race simply due to the fact that they're different." Anyanka explained, although I knew what the word meant.
"No... I know what racist means. I just meant who is she racist toward?" I asked, "Can I note that my skin only gets this dark after too much exposure to the sun."
"You can relax. It seems her problems only lie with Argonians. Possibly Khajiiti, too." She explained.
"Ahh... good," I relieved, "Well, not for the Argonian folk. Poor guys."
Following this we finally made it to the Castle. Anyanka stormed ahead whilst I slowly walked toward the door, admiring the beauty of the large structure. It was enticing... the castle's of Cyrodiil truly were magnificent. I wish I had a castle.
So we headed inside, immediately greeted by a large, open space that was the greeting hall. Dark reds and dim lighting filled the space. It felt a lot more welcoming than other castle's I'd visited.
Anyanka responded with a nod, "Yes... it does have a certain charm to it-"
"WOOAAHH!!"
Suddenly into our eye line we saw a man fly across the room, landing on a pillar with a painful sounding thud.
"What the..." I said to myself with an impressed and surprised chuckle.
As I wondered on nirn was going on, an orc, presumably female, clad in iron armour came into view, "YOU ARE NOT THE COUNT! I WISH TO SPEAK TO THE COUNT!"
PREVIOUSLY: After taking a moment to herself in Cheydinhal after Lythe's rescue, Lissa finds herself confronted by Leinahtan in the guise of a woman he is possessing. He threatens that he isn't finished with Lissa and the only reason he doesn't attack is because she doesn't hate him, claiming it's not fun killing her if she doesn't truly want to fight back. The encounter leaves her shaken and terrified.
38. Chapter 11 ~ The Tale of Sir Mazoga ~Part One
I don't know why, but I decided not to tell the girls about my encounter with Leinahtan in Cheydinhal. Maybe it was because everyone was in such a great mood because of the other events that occurred there... maybe I just didn't want to admit that he had left me terrified. I know it was potentially dangerous not to have them aware that he was still keeping tabs on me...
So with a smile on my face the girls and I headed to our next destination, the southern city of Leyawiin. It was time for Jessie to collect another recommendation for her entry into the Arcane University, and, surprisingly,
Anyanka held no hesitation into joining us.
"So, after Leyawiin how many have you got left?" I asked Jessie.
Almost instantaneously Jessie replied, "Only the one. Anvil." She grinned, obviously excited that her journey was almost over and excited for the thought of success. "I've managed to get the others with flying colours... which is a relief."
"Why?" I asked.
"Well you need recommendations from every guild hall in Cyrodiil. One refusal and that's it. No entry." She told me.
"Well what about Kvatch? That's bound to be pretty hard, what with it being up in flames in'all." I said sincerely.
"LISSA!" Anyanka scolded.
"ANYANKA!" I mocked.
"I got to talking with a couple of the surviving guild mages... They wrote me one which I have to deliver by hand." Jessie said with remorse in her voice, "I felt kinda bad asking, considering everything that happened there."
"Do not feel bad, Jessie. You asked with consideration and a warm heart; they understood your plight." Anyanka consoled.
"I guess so-"
"STOP!" Screamed a leather-clad Khajiit who appeared as if from no where. He glared at us with a vicious, toothy grin; his sword pointed toward us menacingly.
Unthreatened, I replied, "... Why? Are you going to tell us a joke? I love jokes!"
Unnecessarily terrified, Jessie looked at me, "Don't provoke him Lissa!"
I laughed at her response, "What is there to provoke! Look at him! He's about as terrifying as a sheep," I said, then turned to the Khajiit, "No offence."
"ENOUGH! I was going to let you live and simply take your gold... but now I think taking it from your corpses would be much more fun!" He unthreateningly threatened.
"This is growing tiresome." Anyanka sighed, unsheathing her sword. "I shall handle this."
She then proceeded to chase the suddenly terrified Khajiit, giving him chase down the road we were walking down. She didn't chase him very far though, stopping and returning to us. The Khajiit continued to run away.
"Why do they always underestimate us?" Anyanka asked me.
"Why didn't you take him out?" I asked.
"He barks louder than he bites. I doubt he would have actually tried to hurt us." Ankaynka informed me very matter of fact-ly.
"But... but what about if he attacks another innocent passer-by!" She panicked, "We have to do something about him--"
However, as she said this I caught a glimpse of the Khajiit in the distance getting jumped by a rather large wolf. The wolf instantly won.
"I don't think that we need to worry about him anymore." I chuckled to myself.
"Ohh... poor man." Jessie said, suddenly changing her tune. "Nobody shoud go by wolf gutting."
I laughed, "But getting stabbed by a robber is perfectly fine."
"Well no, of course not..." Jessie moped.
"... You are very confusing. You know that right?" I joked. You couldn't help but love her sweet nature... but that same aspect of her could put her in danger with regards to Leinahtan.
I go to thinking about whether Leinahtan would target my friends, which he most likely would. I then got to thinking whether my friends could fight back. Maybe if they knew the truth about my encounter with him I could warn them to stay away from me for their own safety.
But I couldn't...
***
We entered Leyawiin, and words cannot describe how the city appeared. It wasn't as visually nasty as Bravil, but at least Bravil had character. Leyawiin seem damp and dismal. Although the architecture was quite impressive to an extent, The business buildings were nothing more than small, stone shacks, but the rest of the buildings that I could still were tall, colourful and elegant. It was quite a strange contrast; there was clearly a wealth divide in this place.
"Right, I'm going to find the mages guild and see about my recommendation. Will you guys be okay?" Jessie asked me.
I nodded, "Yeah, we'll be fine. We will catch you later."
Jessie wandered off, leaving Anyanka and I alone.
"What is the matter?" Anyanka asked me.
I looked at her, I was obviously giving off an expression I didn't notice I was wearing, "Nothing... it's just not what I was expecting." I then smiled and put my hands on my hips, "So... what do you wanna do first? I'm DYING for a glass of Surille Brothers."
"No," Anyanka said rather bluntly, "As we have never been here before we must have you introduce yourself to
the count."
I turned my nose up in disproval, "Aww... but I want a drink."
"After. But the count is first. You're a stranger in this city; it's always best to make sure the Count knows of you in case there is any trouble. outsiders are always the first to blame" Anyanka told me.
"Okay..." I said, not really sure Anyanka's order was entirely necessary... but saying that it couldn't hurt to get myself in the Count's good books.
So as Anyanka and I were walking through the city on our way t the castle I sparked conversation, "So... does the Count know who you are?"
"He does," She replied, "He is a fine gentleman... but his wife is far from that."
"Oh really? Is she boar-face? I hear the plain girls sometimes get nasty because of their looks." I teased.
Anyanka didn't care for my joke, "No. Countess Alessia is a true beauty; she is just an incredible racist."
I suddenly got very nervous, "Racist?"
"Yes. It means when a person harbour unnecessary hatred toward another race simply due to the fact that they're different." Anyanka explained, although I knew what the word meant.
"No... I know what racist means. I just meant who is she racist toward?" I asked, "Can I note that my skin only gets this dark after too much exposure to the sun."
"You can relax. It seems her problems only lie with Argonians. Possibly Khajiiti, too." She explained.
"Ahh... good," I relieved, "Well, not for the Argonian folk. Poor guys."
Following this we finally made it to the Castle. Anyanka stormed ahead whilst I slowly walked toward the door, admiring the beauty of the large structure. It was enticing... the castle's of Cyrodiil truly were magnificent. I wish I had a castle.
So we headed inside, immediately greeted by a large, open space that was the greeting hall. Dark reds and dim lighting filled the space. It felt a lot more welcoming than other castle's I'd visited.
Anyanka responded with a nod, "Yes... it does have a certain charm to it-"
"WOOAAHH!!"
Suddenly into our eye line we saw a man fly across the room, landing on a pillar with a painful sounding thud.
"What the..." I said to myself with an impressed and surprised chuckle.
As I wondered on nirn was going on, an orc, presumably female, clad in iron armour came into view, "YOU ARE NOT THE COUNT! I WISH TO SPEAK TO THE COUNT!"
And on to Leyawiin for a recommendation. I really like that you gave acknowledgement to Kvatch in the recommendation process.
Oh, and a highwayman. I honestly think those guys are the ones that washed out of bandit school. If you pay their toll, they walk away and turn their back on you – displaying a big sign that says ‘Shoot me here if you want your gold back.’
Countess Caro a boar face? As Anyanka explains, she is pretty ugly on the inside.
Woot! Sir Mazoga! Luvs Sir Mazoga.
Oh, and a highwayman. I honestly think those guys are the ones that washed out of bandit school. If you pay their toll, they walk away and turn their back on you – displaying a big sign that says ‘Shoot me here if you want your gold back.’
Countess Caro a boar face?
As Anyanka explains, she is pretty ugly on the inside. Woot! Sir Mazoga! Luvs Sir Mazoga.
It’s great to have you back, Rihanae.
Yikes, that poor Breton woman!
That was a humorous meeting with a highwayman. Wolf-gutted, ugh.
Sir Mazoga, yay!
Yikes, that poor Breton woman!
That was a humorous meeting with a highwayman. Wolf-gutted, ugh.
Sir Mazoga, yay!
Fun tale, Rihanae! Welcome back! Glad you've returned to it. A pity you don't have more readers. This is a great story.
Acadian: I had a feeling you'd enjoy this chapter Mazoga is very fun to write IMO. A very complex character!
Grits: Haha believe it or not, the highwayman incident it vaguely similar to an actual in game experience! Glad you're enjoying the chapter!
DE: Awh thank you! What a compliment
NOTE: Screenshots are shown by BOLD LETTERING.
PREVIOUSLY: After another encounter with Leinahtan in Cheydinhal, Lissa decides not to tell the girls, thinking they'd be safer not knowing.
Once in Leyawiin Jessie heads to the mages guild for her recommendation.
Lissa and Anyanka head to the castle to introduce Lissa to the Count, but once their they find themselves in the middle of an orc's rampage...
"ASSAULT!" Cried a castle guard as he witnessed his comrade fly across the room. He unsheathed his sword and walked menacingly toward the Orc.
"Do you want a piece of me? I'm not afraid of you!" The orc, a female orc, bellowed. She had balls.
I turned to Anyanka, a tiny bit worried, "Shouldn't we do something?" I asked.
Anyanka seemed to find my question amusing, "Are you serious? Let her pay for her crime."
I knew Anyanka was right... but I didn't know the whole story. Just because you look guilty, doesn't mean you always are. So I decided to step in, placing myself between the orc and the guard before any damage could be done.
"Wooahh, there guys. I know you're both itching for some violence and that's grand; but maybe we should talk this out, yeah?" I suggested.
Both the orc and the guard glared at me, but only the orc spoke up, "Step away from us, tiny redguard, this is not your fight."
I nodded, "Correct... but who's fight is it?"
"I didn't come here to fight!" She protested. "I came to see the Count!"
The guard laughed patronisingly, "HA! You think I will allow that? You're out of your mind!"
I turned to him, "What harm could it do?"
The guard looked outstanded by my suggestion. "Are you SERIOUS?"
The orc the turned to me, a large grin spread on her face, "Can you bring me the count? It seems you are the only reasonable person in this place. It's a disgrace."
I then turned to the guard, "I promise if she causes more trouble you can lock me away along with her. Agreed?" I said, wishing I hadn't made a mistake. I'm not sure why I was so eager to help the orc, something about her seemed so... earnest. Desperate. I just felt like I had to help her. I was also a little bored, and she seemed like a big ball of fun.. but mainly the helpful, desperate thing.
The guard glared at me, deciding my fate, then put his sword away, "I hope, for your sake, you know what you are doing, Redguard." he warned, then turned to help his fallen colleague.
Well that was easy, I thought.
"What on Nirn are you doing Lissa?" Rihanae asked me, confusion in his voice. "You do not know this orc... and you put your trust in her?"
I know... I know. But I've done crazier things, right?
"... I suppose." Rihanae answered with minimal hesitation. I wasn't sure how to take it.
"Why did you do that? You don't know me." The orc asked accusingly. Her presence alone felt very aggressive.
"Good question," Anyanka pitched in, looking at me with her eyes narrowed and steely.
"Can't I just do something nice without being accused of an ulterior motive?" I asked.
"No." Anyanka said, rather bluntly.
I shook my head and rolled my eyes, then set my attention to the orc, "Okay, what's the problem?"
"That is none of your concern!" She said, throwing her voice in an intimidating way.
I wasn't phased, "... Well I just saved you a night or two in jail... I could just call the guard back if you'd prefer?" I softly blackmailed. I was bluffing, of course.
The orc gave me an unimpressed look, itching to find an argument. She couldn't, "I need to know where I can find Weebam-Na."
I felt confused, "Weedum what?"
"She's looking for Weebam-Na; a local hunter," Anyanka said, then looked at the orc, "Why is it you seek him?" She asked with dangerous concern.
"I wish only to discuss my business with him. Either find him for me or leave me to talk to the count!" The orc demanded.
"I don't like the sound of this..." Rihanae told me.
And I don't like the sound of your nags, but hey-ho, the show must go on, I 'tsked' in thought.
"Okay... So if we find this Weedum-Rah and bring him to you... then what?" I asked.
"Then I will consider not ending your life for your intolerable interference!" She threatened.
"Bit of an overreaction." I muttered to Anyanka. "Okay, Anyanka knows where he is I assume, so we will bring him here."
"I will do no such thing! I do not know this orc, nor do I trust her!" Anyanka protested. I gave her a puppy dog eyed look. She couldn't resist. "All right then. But if this end's badly..."
"RIGHT!" I said." We will find Weedum-Rah and bring him here. Then you can do whatever it is you need to do." I then remembered something. "Oh... who do I say you are?"
"My name is Sir Mazoga. You'd do well to remember that." She bellowed.
"... Sir?" I asked, a little bit baffled.
"Yes." She replied.
"But you're female?"
"I am." She growled.
"But you're a sir?"
"Aren't you listening?!" She said.
I decided to brush off the utterly confusing nature of her name. I didn't quite fancy being decapitated. Mazoga looked the sort to strike before she thought.
Mazoga is very fun to write IMO. A very complex character!Grits: Haha believe it or not, the highwayman incident it vaguely similar to an actual in game experience! Glad you're enjoying the chapter!
DE: Awh thank you! What a compliment
NOTE: Screenshots are shown by BOLD LETTERING.
PREVIOUSLY: After another encounter with Leinahtan in Cheydinhal, Lissa decides not to tell the girls, thinking they'd be safer not knowing.
Once in Leyawiin Jessie heads to the mages guild for her recommendation.
Lissa and Anyanka head to the castle to introduce Lissa to the Count, but once their they find themselves in the middle of an orc's rampage...
39. Chapter 11 ~ The Tale of Sir Mazoga ~ Part Two
"ASSAULT!" Cried a castle guard as he witnessed his comrade fly across the room. He unsheathed his sword and walked menacingly toward the Orc.
"Do you want a piece of me? I'm not afraid of you!" The orc, a female orc, bellowed. She had balls.
I turned to Anyanka, a tiny bit worried, "Shouldn't we do something?" I asked.
Anyanka seemed to find my question amusing, "Are you serious? Let her pay for her crime."
I knew Anyanka was right... but I didn't know the whole story. Just because you look guilty, doesn't mean you always are. So I decided to step in, placing myself between the orc and the guard before any damage could be done.
"Wooahh, there guys. I know you're both itching for some violence and that's grand; but maybe we should talk this out, yeah?" I suggested.
Both the orc and the guard glared at me, but only the orc spoke up, "Step away from us, tiny redguard, this is not your fight."
I nodded, "Correct... but who's fight is it?"
"I didn't come here to fight!" She protested. "I came to see the Count!"
The guard laughed patronisingly, "HA! You think I will allow that? You're out of your mind!"
I turned to him, "What harm could it do?"
The guard looked outstanded by my suggestion. "Are you SERIOUS?"
The orc the turned to me, a large grin spread on her face, "Can you bring me the count? It seems you are the only reasonable person in this place. It's a disgrace."
I then turned to the guard, "I promise if she causes more trouble you can lock me away along with her. Agreed?" I said, wishing I hadn't made a mistake. I'm not sure why I was so eager to help the orc, something about her seemed so... earnest. Desperate. I just felt like I had to help her. I was also a little bored, and she seemed like a big ball of fun.. but mainly the helpful, desperate thing.
The guard glared at me, deciding my fate, then put his sword away, "I hope, for your sake, you know what you are doing, Redguard." he warned, then turned to help his fallen colleague.
Well that was easy, I thought.
"What on Nirn are you doing Lissa?" Rihanae asked me, confusion in his voice. "You do not know this orc... and you put your trust in her?"
I know... I know. But I've done crazier things, right?
"... I suppose." Rihanae answered with minimal hesitation. I wasn't sure how to take it.
"Why did you do that? You don't know me." The orc asked accusingly. Her presence alone felt very aggressive.
"Good question," Anyanka pitched in, looking at me with her eyes narrowed and steely.
"Can't I just do something nice without being accused of an ulterior motive?" I asked.
"No." Anyanka said, rather bluntly.
I shook my head and rolled my eyes, then set my attention to the orc, "Okay, what's the problem?"
"That is none of your concern!" She said, throwing her voice in an intimidating way.
I wasn't phased, "... Well I just saved you a night or two in jail... I could just call the guard back if you'd prefer?" I softly blackmailed. I was bluffing, of course.
The orc gave me an unimpressed look, itching to find an argument. She couldn't, "I need to know where I can find Weebam-Na."
I felt confused, "Weedum what?"
"She's looking for Weebam-Na; a local hunter," Anyanka said, then looked at the orc, "Why is it you seek him?" She asked with dangerous concern.
"I wish only to discuss my business with him. Either find him for me or leave me to talk to the count!" The orc demanded.
"I don't like the sound of this..." Rihanae told me.
And I don't like the sound of your nags, but hey-ho, the show must go on, I 'tsked' in thought.
"Okay... So if we find this Weedum-Rah and bring him to you... then what?" I asked.
"Then I will consider not ending your life for your intolerable interference!" She threatened.
"Bit of an overreaction." I muttered to Anyanka. "Okay, Anyanka knows where he is I assume, so we will bring him here."
"I will do no such thing! I do not know this orc, nor do I trust her!" Anyanka protested. I gave her a puppy dog eyed look. She couldn't resist. "All right then. But if this end's badly..."
"RIGHT!" I said." We will find Weedum-Rah and bring him here. Then you can do whatever it is you need to do." I then remembered something. "Oh... who do I say you are?"
"My name is Sir Mazoga. You'd do well to remember that." She bellowed.
"... Sir?" I asked, a little bit baffled.
"Yes." She replied.
"But you're female?"
"I am." She growled.
"But you're a sir?"
"Aren't you listening?!" She said.
I decided to brush off the utterly confusing nature of her name. I didn't quite fancy being decapitated. Mazoga looked the sort to strike before she thought.
How very ‘Lissa’ to insert herself between the blade of a guard and an angry orc without really thinking things through. No wonder Rihanae and Anyanka were a bit concerned.
You did a great job of showing us the familiar Mazoga that we all know and some love. I see Lissa picked right up on the fact that SIR Mazoga is tad sensitive about her name.
Off to find Weebum-NaRah.
Nit: ’The orc the turned to me, a large grin spread on her face,’ - - You want ‘then’ instead of ‘the’ of course.
You did a great job of showing us the familiar Mazoga that we all know and some love. I see Lissa picked right up on the fact that SIR Mazoga is tad sensitive about her name.
Off to find Weebum-NaRah.
Nit: ’The orc the turned to me, a large grin spread on her face,’ - - You want ‘then’ instead of ‘the’ of course.
Uh, wow! What a scene! When Sir Mazoga(or just Mazoga) is involved, you know stuff is about to go down. Orcs have quiete the temper, but Mazoga takes the cake. Fun chapter with some new things surely to come, knowing about Mazoga and the backround of this chapter. Great!
Sir Mazoga.
QUOTE
The orc, a female orc, bellowed. She had balls.
Sir Mazoga.
Of course Lissa the Archress would scratch her head over Sir Mazoga’s masculine title. That’s the Sir Mazoga we know, all right! Lissa is a friend even to folks she’s just met. 
That’s the Sir Mazoga we know, all right! Lissa is a friend even to folks she’s just met.
Hey guys!
As most of you know I have been working on my novel for a while now which has taken up a lot of my free time... then I got to reading this.
DARN. The inspiration is back! MUST GET TO EDITING AND CONTINUING THIS STORY!
So, yeah. This is my odd way of announcing I will be continuing this
I will probably update once a week as, like I said, my novel comes first
But yeah... UPDATE SOON GUYS! WATCH THIS SPACE!
As most of you know I have been working on my novel for a while now which has taken up a lot of my free time... then I got to reading this.
DARN. The inspiration is back! MUST GET TO EDITING AND CONTINUING THIS STORY!
So, yeah. This is my odd way of announcing I will be continuing this
I will probably update once a week as, like I said, my novel comes first
But yeah... UPDATE SOON GUYS! WATCH THIS SPACE!
I'm really eager to get back to this... but I'm not sure. As much as I love it I'm working on so many projects right now I don't have time for it.
Unless readers of the story wish and want me to continue... what do you guys think?
I was thinking of doing a thread of short stories based in Lissa's world, too. Less chronological but still the Lissa we know and love.
Unless readers of the story wish and want me to continue... what do you guys think?
I was thinking of doing a thread of short stories based in Lissa's world, too. Less chronological but still the Lissa we know and love.
I do love Lissa, but am unable to read more than short sentenced posts anymore; so - can't vote on this.
I think you should work on whatever projects inspire you the most. If you might want to get back to writing for Lissa, why not try a few short pieces from Lissa’s world and see how it goes? How you feel about the time spent might help you decide.
Grits' advice above is wonderfully insightful. I'm just pleased that we may be hearing more from Lissa, in one venue or another.
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