Skyrim
Grim Tales - A Princely Favor - Champion of Fenrir Book IV - Chapter  6

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52 comments

  1. wolfgrimdark
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    Thanks for all the wonderful comments - I so enjoy reading them and talking to folks about my adventures with Grim. I want to read a couple of stories from friends tonight so some delay in my replies to comments below (always so much I want to do and never seems to be enough time) but I will reply soon as I can.
  2. AaronOfMpls
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    Mmm, nice to finally get to Losti's introduction! Nice touch with Wolf and Erik "tak[ing] one for the team" -- knowing them, I bet Losti fed well.

    Great installment all around, both pics and story -- and too much to comment on easily in one sitting!
    1. wolfgrimdark
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      No worries on comment ... although its making me job my own memory on my past stories lol. This storyline is one of my favorites though. It came out pretty epic and had a ton to it. Hope you enjoy reading them!
  3. Corfus
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    I had got a bit ahead of myself with later chapters and some things were flying way over my head, So I came back to here to read from this chapter.

    I sort of feel sorry for Serana surround by those big handsome men, Especially with Grims dislike of vampires, but Serana is a vampire so actually tough cookies

    Must have been a tough call to enter the soul cairn knowing Grims dislike of vampires, so that was never a option to become one. The soul gem option isn't much better but the lesser of two evils.

    hmm doesn't look great for any of them, i know what awaits in the souls cairn, but all those footsteps sounds ominous
    1. wolfgrimdark
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      hey Corfus thanks for stopping by. Yea my stories build a lot on past stuff so can be hard to follow sometimes. It is a downside of this medium (one of many actually). Anyone new coming in would be somewhat lost and yet no one has time to read 500+ pages of previous stuff. I think short story chains, that are self-contained, are best for Nexus.

      If you have ever read any of Jessb81's profile stories (not her Rathe saga) that is what I mean. She writes maybe 2-5 chapters on a character all self contained so no one needs to have any other background.

      I just don't like making characters that much. Not counting Grim only Erik, Hircine, and now Losti, have gotten any real detail from me - the rest are all by other people or defaults. Plus my goal is to practice writing more of a book.

      That all being said some of the stories can be followed easy enough I think. Since you read ahead you know what happens. Did Elvina enter the Cairn? I can't image if she did that she would have been a vampire. Did she get along with Serana at all? She hates vampires as much as Grim does I think - probably more.
    2. Corfus
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      Rathes story's I always found interesting and a great character. I hope I can stop off there along the way.

      Elvina quest wise, entered the cairn not as a vampire, mind I have took images of her as a vampire just to see what she looked like, but fiction wise, I try to keep her as a none hero so she is more a foot soldier, than some one off saving the world. As for Serana fiction wise depends on before or after Sorine's death.
      If Sorine is alive she has a calming influence on Evlina and would hear Serana out, post Sorines death, Elvina would want to kill her on sight, Isran is not overly fond to Serana and Elvina would encourage that she has to be killed and probably wouldn't wait for Isran to give the green light to kill her.

      I read a bit ahead but stopped, since some things needed a bit more attention, I see many photo's on flickr so i do get the general gist of things.
    3. wolfgrimdark
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      Okay that makes sense - thanks for the added clarification.
  4. Ash117
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    I was a bit behind in your recent work, very great and intriguing as always, amazing shots and a joy to read!
    Thank you for mentioning my work also, I was met with a little surprise when I reached the end
    1. wolfgrimdark
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      Well I don't normally highlight people in my posts (unless doing a cross over story) as then it becomes expected and I hate fiddling with all the thumbnails. That being said now and then if I come across someone who I think does exceptional work I like to mention them.

      Glad you stopped by and caught it :-)
  5. Neladrie
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    I really like the way you describe Seranas character. For me, she and her behavior are very believeable. Not always easy to handle, but that gives her substance and I would love to hear that little fightings between her and Grim. I´m curious how the relationship between those two will go on. In the end they are a really good team, apart from all the differences between them.

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful work with us
    1. wolfgrimdark
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      Thank you very much for the nice comment Neladrie, much appreciated! Aye Grim and Serana do have their differences but they have formed some respect for each other at least. I don't think Grim will ever be totally comfortable around her but he seems willing to trust her and be a team player with her.
  6. Farvat
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    A remarkable and very well done Chapter, I wanted to comment on it before but unfortunately serious health problems have kept me away from nexus. At least I managed to escape from the hospital and do the treatment at home.
    The story is very nice, though perhaps a little long, you should split it into two parts, but I understand your impulse to move forward continuously.
    Introducing Losti and well made, and it is a beautiful and original addition. But the incubi would be related more to Sanguine that Molag Bal, because their rule would not be so much rape but seduction and enchantment. But as with dreamora is possible that some are in the service of Molag and therefore more closely to its sphere of domination and also there is a real discussion about the lore, but various interpretations.
    The meaning of all this book looking for Aela kidnapped by vampires, has a definite sense on your part. Namely to save the animal from innocence to be bribed by human consciousness, that vampires are basically in their degenerate form. Vampires dream of putting the animal at their complete service, in the form of lycanthropy, which, following also the lore, have some kinship. Instead of facing the evil you achieve a surgical operation within the being, to cut like a good butcher, the healthy meat from that corrupt before corruption spill and send everything to degeneration.
    Save the animal from man, save the innocence, that after the wolf inhabiting the man is still bearer. This has, however, the cost of a waiver to the understanding of the human and then to address the issue of evil, to go down really Oblivion and its wilderness and contorted. Moreover, this was never the sense of your narrative, as you have repeatedly admitted.
    The price you pay is, however, that we remain prisoners in terms of Dawnguard as set by Bethesda, who does not speak of vampires, but meanders through the themes of a teenage girl struggling with her parents' divorce. Nataly develops the character, remaining in this vein, but in the background of a relationship with a daedra as Sanguine, that following the lore, is the mortal enemy of Mara and then of all stable relationships.
    The problem is always that, The oblivion is a very inaccessible place, where the temptation is to tame it. But if a Aedra, can be killed, the daedra can only be banned, then in fact always return as the repressed.
    This choice ends to flatten the personality of the characters, that facts can not really be "different", as indeed they should be. But Serana is different? As set by Bethesda, no. She dresses like a vampire, but the truth is the same to us. The message should be rather the opposite, namely that Serana is a vampire, and through the proximity of her, we discover ourselves that we are vampires. Molag bal lives always within us, but we do not know. The evil in all its forms is a part of us. There is no contagion in vampirism, we are always already infected. And so this makes it impossible to work, we can not separate the animal from us, because we are human, and we can not go back to an original innocence regressing from which we were expelled. As I wrote the werewolf is fierce as it is man, not because it is the wolf, but hides its ferocity behind the alibi of repressed animality.
    There's something rotten in the werewolf also, there is a certain good taste for the massacre and evil and vampires after all, they're not corrupting it, they are bringing it to light. Aela is a vampire, but she does not know. No one is innocent and it is not the Nature. Nature is simply ignorant of the evil that inhabits itself, but once it has acquired a conscience, the wound opens and begins to bleed. Vampires suck the blood of that wound, because they represent the inability of consciousness to close the two flaps, to find the cure then they become parasites of life.
    But also conquer awareness of sadism that man lives in the form of Molag Bal. Serana is very far from this awareness, and as such is the total removal of vampirism. But in truth, this would not be possible because her transformation into a vampire is the result of a cruel ancestral rape, that she could removed as the trauma, but that could not be removed in its effects. the Seed of Molag Bal free the evil that is latent in the consciousness, so the progenitor of vampirism Lamae, hated and cursed him, because the daedra had revealed the truth about herself.
    So Aela, can not really be saved, and could prove truly a journey to the "heart of darkness" that resists any explanation. My criticism may seem perhaps too strong, but if a story to rise to much thought, certemente, is a sign that has value and worth to read it. Bravo as always Jonathan.

    1. wolfgrimdark
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      Many thanks for this message and very sorry to hear about the health issues! I did almost split this into two parts but the reasons were purely selfish ones.I didn't really have a nice place I wanted to split the story up and prefer to keep things together unless there is a really good point, in my mind, to break them into chapters. Both in the plot line and the length (i.e. prefer to split evenly versus say 4 pages and 10 pages). Plus while it is more to read it lets people comment (including my own replies) just once versus twice - which to me is important.

      On Losti - I did point out in his monday post (think a comment though so you wouldn't have seen it) that most come from Sanguine (possible Mephala) but since Molag handles rape that a very sadistic/violent version might exist in Molags realm. Losti just ended up in the wrong place - he is much more of a Sanguine Incuibi.

      I loved your explanation of DG as the story of a depressed teenager upset over her parents divorce. I think Bethseda dropped the ball on the vampires. Serena comes off as this Caspar the friendly Ghost (vampire) type. She is friendly, pretty, and wants some sympathy. Yet vampires feed on humans like cattle and are evil. I always felt at odds with the whole thing. Even if you end up thinking Serena is "good" there is still her mother. Valerica did not help stop Harkon because she likes mortals. She did it because she hates her ex-husbands guts. She also did it to help Serana AND to help all vampires who she believes won't survive. For all we know Valerica is still killing and eating humans by the wagon full.

      If Grim was NOT with the Serana as Nataly made her then he would be very cool towards her at best if he didn't try to kill her. But at least Bethseda has another exception of a vampire that seems to be at least nuetral - Sybille Stentor (sp?). Even with all that Grim would most likely want to kill Valerica. Should he let a powerful monster free to hunt and kill humans just because she is the mother of a "friend"? I think Serana really needs to make a choice - vampire or human. That being said I think Nataly did a great job showing that struggle of the selfish more evil Serana slowly changing over time until she becomes more of a "good" vampire. So when Grim finally meets Serana things are not so black and white (vampire = evil) and have become more gray.

      The big questions I have are these: Does Serana feed? If not why does she look so human and pretty? Likewise for Valerica. Do True Daughters not need to feed and always look human unless they wish to take the vampire form? Even if Valerica does not need to feed would she? If you bring her back to the castle, after killing Harkon, does she stock up the pantry with human cattle and body parts for snacking? If so she also needs to be killed.

      The game states Full vampirism is made up of four distinct stages, starting at stage one and progressing to stage four. You advance one stage for every 24 hours you go without feeding on a sleeping NPC so in that theory Serana would be stage 4 if she is not feeding. I could not find anything that said True blooded are exempt but maybe they are. Of course you can add this to a story (I know I would) but I am taking more about the vanilla game here. Serana never asks your character to feed as far as I know.

      Anyhow have to assume the true blooded do not need to feed since they live of the divine blood of Molag Bal.

      I would disagree with some of the other points you made but I am not sure if that might be a language barrier. For instance it sounds like you think Nature is inherently evil but it doesn't show that evil until consciousness is added. I would disagree with this and say Nature is utterly amoral and neither good or evil - those are human constructs thrust upon nature.

      In regards to the characters I would suggest that perhaps it matters less what their origins are, should a writer be less concerned with that, and more who they are as a person. I think me, and Nataly, may enjoy including vampires, Daedra, werewolves, etc. but focus more on who they might be as far as personality. In other words the "person" is more important than their race. It influences things of course but I think you can still add depth to a character by focusing on their personality and history versus making it all about their race (Daedra, werewolf, vampire). Not that I do that - I am not that good with giving tons of depth to characters ... I leave that up to Nataly and Jess.

      I think the core differences in our approaches to writing is that for you your characters are simply tools to help shed light upon religion, philosophy, the nature of human existence, and a way to think about and discuss deep aspects the human psyche and reality. It is almost like a very fun textbook that seeks to explain very important truths and philosophies by using some characters in a story as a way to explain these ideas ... versus a college text book for example. It is like many books you read that try to tell a deeper truth beneath he story.

      I, on the other hand, am merely seeking to entertain for the most part and if I dig a little deeper into the human condition, philosophy, or meaning of life it is more accidental or because doing so serves a purpose for the story. I do not avoid doing it but I also don't make it the focus of the story.

      This is not mean to imply one is better or worse by any means. I think people need a little of both - people really do need to think more about life and existence ... but I think we also need to sometimes just take a break and relax and enjoy life for its own sake.

      I will say, however, that your style is by far the hardest to write and requires a lot of thought and a creative and intelligent mind.
  7. aok
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    So much happened here! I don't know where to start!
    First, thank you for sharing that Inn mod! Will download shortly!
    Second, thanks for calling attention to another great screen archer, Ash does some great work.
    I love the addition of Losti!!! Great addition to the Company if he survives this.
    I love the further development of your Akrioh character! For me he is becoming a rising star in your work. His comments and his attempts to "keep the peace" between Grim and Serana are priceless.
    Of course the further development in Grim and Serana's relationship is my favorite part.
    My favorite line in the whole set came from Serana however, "Grumbling softly to herself she decided it was better than hearing Dannee and Sam going at it all night long."
    I am very worried about them entering the Soul Cairn, poor Grim's soul has been bounced around more then a pinball! And what danger is approaching Erik and Akrioh? It's just the two of them against who knows what?
    Then there's the biggest question of all...Where is Despair?
    Your work has reached an amazing level. I can't wait to see what happens!!!!
    1. wolfgrimdark
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      Howdy Arnold - glad you enjoyed this new chapter! The mod is just one of those nice little mods, with good attention to detail, I like to just add some more content to the world. I don't really know Ash - I just think he does some great work that is often missed.

      Pleased you like Losti - I rather like him myself. If he survives he will most likely join Avrien at the Mages College or the BWC. I find I much prefer playing the game without a lot of followers. So Grim, Erik, and Wolfgar are pretty much my core party. Instead I prefer adding some other folks for a story line and then letting them continue on with their virtual life :-)

      Akrioh is another fun character to write about. Like most of the followers I use they tend to have a story focus and then, depending on their survival level, may show up in future stories if it makes sense to have them.

      Been having a lot of fun with Grim and Serana even if it is pushing my brain to write the dialogue with them as it is a bit harder for me. Good to know you, and others, are enjoying it. You are also correct that for someone who values his soul poor Grim's has been torn apart a few times lately!

      Thanks again for checking out the story and commenting!
  8. gakerty
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    Fantastic images, and a really fun read. Look forward to the Cairn!
    1. wolfgrimdark
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      Many thanks Gakerty! Glad you enjoyed the story - just finished the shots for the Cairn and now working on the next series - for when they return to find out Erik and Akrioh's situation.
  9. BlackMaid
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    Wow, this was a long chapter...a very well done chapter
    I like the way, you included Losti in your story and it feels really naturally. Since manly monday I included himin my heart and I`m happy to meet him now in your main story. It`s wonderful written.
    The pictures are very well choosed, I like the pic, where Serana is sitting in the room with many books around her und then the two very manly pics with Grim and the light of the window on his back and later on his front.
    The simple landscape one the sea side in very emotional
    Thank you for your work and sharing it with us I will go on reading your storys and so I restore my english -knowledge
    1. wolfgrimdark
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      Thanks so much for checking out this long chapter BlackMaid! So you saw Losti in his little Manly Monday with Grim and liked him Good to hear and glad you got a chance to see him in a more serious (okay semi-serious) situation. I also like Losti and had a lot of fun with him so far.

      Glad you enjoyed the shots. For story shots my favorite was Serana with the books. I felt that shot, in particular, was the most accurate and really showed what was happening at that time in the story.

    2. BlackMaid
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      Yes, she shot with Serana was the "Key-shot" for me too.
      And she is so deepened in the books .... (I can understand this, because I`m reading much to, and then I forget the world around me
  10. bits01
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    I was born by the sea and still live not that far from it - waht can I say: love that main picture. It also has the colours of the kind of seascape paintings I like. Thanks.
    1. wolfgrimdark
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      Thanks Bits! I love the sea/ocean although I was born more in the rural countryside. I have, however, lived the last 20 years about 30 minutes from the ocean so I get to see it whenever I want. Appreciate the feedback :-)
  11. Krysos1962
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    Och Menno, if I could only understand a little better English. But fantastic images, Grim!
    1. wolfgrimdark
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      Many thanks Krysos and no worries - I know not everyone is good at English here. Just enjoy the shots - there were a lot of them I know :-) I appreciate the comment very much.