Layla and Lucien: A Chance For Love?
Chapter 1:

Layla Damas has been very busy with Lucien LaChance. She currently feels there even may be a chance she will someday become Layla LaChance! She loves his Light side, his looks, and the sound of that name! Here is Layla very early on with Lucien:

Layla listens intently to Lucien's Dark and very well-known side in her first dream-vision from him. She is NOT interested in his cruel offer nor this bleak and boring vision of him!    [DialUp #1]

However later, Layla listens even more intently to Lucien's relatively unknown romantic Light side in her next dream-visitation from him. Now THIS is a very interesting offer indeed!    [DialUp #2]

Layla is swept off her feet by this next dream-visit from Lucien Light!

A very lucid dream of her and Lucien connecting.   [DialUp #3]

Layla's dreaming starts fast-forwarding to a potential future time, but is interrupted by the re-appearance Lucien's Dark side!   [DialUp #4]

Is Lucien just shape-shifting to trick Layla into joining the Dark Brotherhood against her will? Or does Lucien really have a romantic side that Layla is going for? Whatever will become of her? And him? Layla, having mentioned her dream-visits to a few people, results in greatfool1 (gf1) receiving a threat on her life from the supposed wife of Lucien LaChance!
" Greatfool1, I think I had better warn Layla, that the beastly little Emilie, my main character, is already Mrs Lachance and that therefore Layla is in acute danger of becoming wolf chow if she persists in her advances. Just remember, Emilie did not get to be Listener by being nice. And she has a typical redhead temper..."

Unaware of any marriage vows her presumed-to-be true love, Lucien LaChance, may or may not have taken - Layla is busy preparing for his arrival. Earlier Lucien had given Layla a large purse of gold to buy him a beautiful and remote place for their rendezvous. "Lucien is a man of such class and style, and I am glad he said to spare no expense," thinks Layla. "Kumiko Manor was very beautiful, but Lucien wanted something even more removed from city life."

Having just concluded the details of the purchase in Bruma, Layla stops at Cloud Ruler Temple to pray for Lucien's safe journey - and that they have both found true love with one another.    [DialUp #5]

Layla is very happy with the location, architecture, and decor of the new house. She feels that Lucien will also find it most pleasing. She is very touched that he completely trusted her to choose the house by herself so early on in their relationship. However, Layla is required to handle some unexpected housecleaning chores:

A rude "resident" attacks Layla!   [DialUp #6]

You spill MY blood on THIS dress that MY Lucien just gifted me with? It is time for you to check out of here!   [DialUp #7]

Although it is quite cold outside, Layla is completely hot - flushed like a school girl in love for the first time. Her whole body is over-flowing with feelings of love-desire for Lucien - she cannot contain herself! She feels weightless in this ecstacy of love and self-forgetting. For the first time in Layla's life, she has come to rest in her search for that "special one" - she senses that her true love is ever so near!

Layla, now all cleaned up, excitedly awaits Lucien outside their newest place of rendezvous.    [DialUp #8]

But unbeknownst to her, a threat to Layla's very life is enroute from apparently Lucien's wife, Emilie... along with some shaky "evidence" that Lucien is married to Emilie. While waiting for her beloved Lucien to arrive, Layla reminisces about a very happy day they shared:

Layla and Lucien watch a sunset after sneaking in some skinny-dipping. Lucien, the sun is over there!   [DialUp #9]

They are trying to be more discreet, though they are head-over-heels for one another. They have kind of lost it during these earlier days. :blush: (Editor's Note: The water they just skinny-dipped in was clean. They made me check it myself before they would go in. :( gf1 thinks to himself: Hmmm, I wonder what the Courier would give me for this shot? Let's see, to have both Layla and Lucien, and even that Emilie, coming after me - I would have to get enough to disappear forever. I can't add that high - I don't have enough fingers and toes. Plus if they caught me, my built in 20 digit adding machine would be cut off. Not worth it!)
While waiting for her Lucien, Layla continues to remember the happy times they have shared together so far:

Layla and Lucien think this painting should have been finished long ago - so they help out.    [DialUp #10]

They work late into the night. So many details!    [DialUp #11]

Final review. It is done! Let's go celebrate!   [DialUp #12]

That artist was never going to finish it! A toast!    [DialUp #13]

Big laughs as the happy pair continue drinking and recalling the very first time they noticed one other in real life - yes, this is a flashback within a flashback:

Lucien wondering who this young damsel attracting all the men in the bar is, and Layla trying to remain calm - even as her heart fills with joyous light. [DialUp #14]

Layla now feeling completely overwhelmed.    [DialUp #15]

Lucien trying to look cool and ignore Layla. Layla tries the same, but they are both feeling each other all the while...   [DialUp #16]

Returning from that second flashback: Lucien and Layla have several more mugs to toast their growing relationship, followed by multiple chugging contests, leading to a very loud BELCH by Layla - at the exact moment that Brother Martin's very strong voice calls her name!

Layla! Layla Damas!!! Layla, although very tipsy, strongly senses she has just been busted bigtime!   [DialUp #17]

Editor's Note: Even now, Layla still does not have any idea that Lucien is purportedly married. Is he really married to this Emilie? Is there a marriage certificate on file somewhere? Maybe some wedding pictures at least, of Lucien and this hot-headed Emilie? Should we just accept her word? I think not. We want proof!

Layla, now very tipsy from her day of unreserved feeling and drinking with her presumed-to-be-true-love Lucien LaChance, has just been called by Brother Martin. (See Post #4 on prior page.)

Lucien, look! It's... Damn! Don't tell me - it's on the tip of my tongue... I got it! Bro Martin! Sorry... Brother Martin!   [DialUp #18]

Layla very quickly shifts gears and bows most respectfully.   [DialUp #19]

But her mind starts racing wildly: Did my skirt just ride up in the back? My boob is going to pop out of this top, I just know it! I am too drunk for this right now... Don't fall on him, he's royalty! Wonder what he wants with me? I guess royalty don't have to make appointments... Ok, get a grip! Get up now, you can do this!    [DialUp #20]

Martin reminds Layla of what she must do next, and Layla heartily acknowledges her allegiance to Martin.   [DialUp #21]

She politely asks Martin if Lucien can come too - as they still have so much to consider. Martin reluctantly agrees. Upon arriving at Weynon Priory, Layla is provided a bed and Lucien makes a move, but a brother arrives.

Lucien: She just dropped the Amulet of Kings under the bed, and we were looking for it! I swear!   [DialUp #22a]

Layla then sleeps, and has a very intense dream of her and Lucien's final resting place after a very long evening together...   [DialUp #22b]

Editor's note: Emilie, your maybe-he-is--but-if-he-is--he-is-up-to-no-good husband is really pouring it on with Layla! I will look for a means to inform her of your marriage claims shortly, as she should know everything about her "I-really-think-he-is-Mr.-Right Lucien! Hopefully Layla finds out about Lucien possibly being married to Emilie - before the above dream becomes an actual reality!!! They are very close to this!

We left Layla in Weynon Priory, asleep and dreaming of Lucien about the way things may turn out between them. Two monks have been assigned by Jauffre to keep an eye on Layla, especially since she was still quite inebriated from her days in Anvil with Lucien, and even while travelling back to Weynon Priory. The monks are only too happy to serve.

The Blade Brothers are very vigilant in their new assignment. Many volunteered for the all-night shift.   [DialUp #23]

Brother Piner: Since we are all going to be entering our blades in the upcoming Best of the Blades' Blades Tournament, why don't we use this time to be polishing them?
Prior Maborel: That's an excellent idea, Brother. Let's get them out now.
Brother Piner: By the way, how rigid are these vows of celibacy we took?
Prior Maborel: How rigid are you?
Brother Piner: Sometimes I waver in my thoughts - you know, impure ones come up.
Prior Maborel: I know what you mean. I am getting some right now.
Brother Piner: How about this - I will hear your confession, if you will hear mine. OK?
Prior Maborel: That works!

As the monks continue with their shining vigilance, Layla drifts deeper and deeper in the red dream world of delights with her Lucien. The pleasures they enjoy are unimaginable, but Layla can't help but notice how the pleasures always end, followed by her desire for more. Finally she rests in the deep of Lucien's lap, exhausted but happy to have experienced so much. But now she just wishes to sleep beyond all dreaming... As she is about to enter very deep sleep, Layla hears a most sorrowful sound - a woman crying and causing great waves of emotion throughout the dream world. Who is this woman? What happened to her to cause such great sadness? As this mysterious woman draws nearer, the sobbing and felt betrayal pervades everywhere. Layla also senses violent anger, but still tries to reach out to her, but cannot move - Layla is immobilized in Lucien's lap. The mysterious woman shoots a penetrating and very angry glance at Layla, but quickly returns to her tearful gazing of Lucien. She comes directly up to him, crying out very loudly.

Lucien! Why have you betrayed me and our marriage??!! On this very night of our 102nd honeymoon!    [DialUp #24]

Layla wakes up with a jolt! What was THAT all about?! She feels very sorry for the woman, and immediately begins her morning meditation and prayers. But Layla cannot release the sorrow she feels for this woman, and now has questions she very much wants to ask Lucien.

Layla prays a long time for this woman to resolve her troubles. She also prays for all creatures, and finally, that she and Lucien enjoy ever-lasting love together.   [DialUp #25]

Layla is at first startled to see the two brothers hovering over her. They quickly hide their blades to avoid really frightening her. She greets them as cheerfully as she can, being very hung-over. Good morning, Brothers! You are up bright and early! Ooooh, my head is killing me! (gf1: Damnit Layla! You were supposed to say, "Is that a blade in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?")   [DialUp #26]

The brothers offer to massage her head, which she graciously declines. She is a bit embarassed to be wearing so little in front of them, but she assumes they have transcended all their carnal desires and have taken a life-long vow of celibacy. She feels a kind of freedom around them as a result, and praises them for their long night of service. She asks them where Lucien is, but they do not know.

I have to get dressed now. So please no peeking, OK? I know you are celibate so it doesn't really matter to you, but I still feel a little shy.   [DialUp #27]

Layla, upon noticing Jauffre, asks him about Lucien. He tells her that Lucien left earlier this morning for undisclosed reasons. Layla wonders about this, but then asks the monks: I have a favor to ask you. Would you mind telling me what you think of this new outfit that I am going to surprise my Lucien with? It is for the upcoming holiday festivities!

Do you think Lucien is going to like this? I love it! It was just given to me by someone named Ceedee for this Holiday Season! So very nice of him, yes?   [DialUp #28]

And what about the back? Do you like it on me? Please be honest! Hehe, of course you will be honest.   [DialUp #29]

You all are really going to love this one! I think you will feel very uplifted by it! I know I do!   [DialUp #30]

Layla: So what do you think? Jauffre: Very nice outfit Layla! Brothers, you two had better go and finish polishing your blades for the upcoming contest - and don't over-polish them again! We Blades must reveal to everyone our very best. I need to speak with you, Layla - about most urgent matters!

Yes Sir! But can I first go outside and try that very chic jump shot that super-models do? Hmmm, that is harder than it looks! I have to go now...    [DialUp #31]

Editor (gf1): So now Layla suspects there is something more going on than meets the eye with Lucien, and will be asking him some serious questions at their next rendezvous! She is now very glad they waited before just jumping into bed - though it certainly was very tempting!!! After receiving some correspondence from Emilie, the editor continues: Now Emilie, you are not being very nice to Layla!

Layla is wondering if Lucien has returned to Weynon Priory, so she enters his bedroom. What she finds astounds her! The woman who cried so desperately in Layla's dream last night is flying around Lucien's bed! Layla tries to speak with her, but she keeps biting her! Layla is forced to restrain her - by using a holiday gift she specially purchased for her beloved Lucien.

I hope Lucien gets here soon so all three of us can talk!   [DialUp #32]

to be continued...

Credits:
Layla is based on a Jerros downloadable character.
Lucien is from a Companion mod by MystykStar.
The source of the house cannot currently be disclosed due to Lucien's desire for absolute secrecy!
Other Beauty, Cosmetic, Clothing, and Animation mods are also in use here. PM me if you want details.
Thanks to all you great modders out there for everything you do to expand this great game by Bethesda!