A New Adventure - Part 1 - Elegance On Sunday
About this image
This was supposed to be the first part of a two part series... But I went nuts, and as often happens for me, the game, characters, and the story itself shape what images I take - and the story takes unexpected turns. I am just the reporter... kind of. Anyway, this will now be a three part story... probably! While it is an important story, this first part may only be important to me. I blame AJ, because I wanted to do something for his "Elegance on Sunday" theme too, and that turned a 3-4 image intro scene into an entire separate image set. And most of Saturday just... disappeared! Haha, thanks a lot, AJ!! Apologies for my warped humor, veiled paraphrased lines from movies, and general weirdness... Haha, most of you should be used to me by now... so here we go!
Our story starts with a (hopefully) elegant dinner, before the new adventure begins... but it is a working dinner...
Images taken with Rudy ENBA New Adventure - Part 1 - Scene 1 - The Dinner
Me: Lady Kathryn - we want to thank you for this time with you - we needed the break... before the next mission.
Lady Kathryn: You are very welcome, my friend. You have served me well - only the best for you! 
Alex: What we really appreciate is this giant pitcher of wine on the table! Plus, Mavis really was looking for an excuse to get all dressed up...
Mavis: What? This was your idea! Sigh, just because I put on a dress, added matching earrings and necklace, and put some flowers in my hair...
Lady Kathryn: Well, I think she looks very nice! And I appreciate the effort - Mavis is a beautiful young lady.
Alex: I don't disagree at all... but... ask her if she has her daggers under that dress! (laughing) 
Me: (thinking to myself... Man, what does the Dragonborn need to do to get a REAL steak these days - I hate fish!)
Alex: (whispering...) Haha, I put mine on the plate that Mavis has... hope she is hungry!
Me: (whispering...) Wait, what? Did I say that out loud?
Alex (whispering...) No - but I know you well, my friend, so I know what you were thinking... Hmm... I wonder why Lady Kathryn served you fish? 
Lady Kathryn: What is it? You look troubled.
Me: Hmm? Oh, just thinking about this next mission...
Alex: And will it be a stand up fight, or another bug hunt?
Lady Kathryn: No, there should not be any bugs... but.. let's get to that later. So Alex, what's your story?
Alex: Well, I come from another place. I came to Cyrodiil to learn a new kind of magic... umm... to settle a family matter. I ended up in Bravil, of all places! 
Lady Kathryn: Bravil? How would you learn anything about magic in Bravil?
Alex: (muttering... Stupid portal...)
Me: That's actually where we met, at The Lonely Suitor Lodge - believe it or not, she was stranded there. So, of course... I saved her!
Alex: (laughing) He did! Where I come from, we use a style of magic using wands. So I came here to learn how magic works in Tamriel. But I was not ready for how wild things get here - with bandits, wild animals, and worse! My magic did not include combat magic, so I needed someone to protect me on the way out of Bravil. I ended up going to the Arcane University in Imperial City, under the protection of this big lug.
Mavis: Really? You went to Arcane University? But... that's expensive, and...
Alex: It was a very long time ago. A very, VERY long time ago.
Me: (whispering...) sometimes it seems like several centuries
Alex: (Kicks me under the table)
Lady Kathryn: That's fascinating! Well, we are certainly glad you came to Skyrim. What a coincidence you both ended up here...
Alex: (laughs) 
Mavis: So, what's our next mission?
Lady Kathryn: We have a vampire problem in Skyrim these days, and it seems to be getting much worse!
Alex: So it IS a bug hunt, after a fashion. Well, I have some lightning I can zap them with - that's how you deal with blood suckers! At least where I am from (laughs)
Lady Kathryn: Perhaps, but they are very dangerous... and some can drain the life right out of you - without biting you or drinking your blood! So be on your guard! 
Me: We need a plan if we are going to be effective at finding them and getting rid of them!
Alex: I agree! Let's move this discussion across the hall, where we can do some proper planning! 
A New Adventure - Part 1 - Scene 2 - The Planning Session
Lady Kathryn: Before we get started, have you finished those reports you owe me? 
Me: I think we have more pressing matters than those reports! 
Mavis: Sorry! We have been a bit busy... and he has not been getting enough sleep.
Alex: (whispering... Or eating properly... Hahaha - So that's why we got fish!!)
Me: (Shhh...) My apologies, my Lady... please forgive me! I forget my manners when... I am tired. 
Me: Alex, see if there are any potions to help us against the vampires, while Mavis and I finish the reports. 
Me: There, finished! Lady Kathryn, please accept my apologies for not getting these done earlier!
Lady Kathryn: Don't worry, I understand. But they are important to me, so I know what you are going through. They make me more effective in my strategies and planning.
Mavis: I'll be done shortly too! Just a few more minutes! 
Alex: I think I might have found something!
Me: Let me see what you have found! Something that will help fight them? 
Alex: No, the only potions I found are to help vampires. There are also rumors of a cure here. But I am pretty sure I know where we can find them... 
A New Adventure - Part 1 - Scene 3 - In the Throne Room 
Lady Kathryn: You know what you must do - you must find and clean out any nests of vampires that you can. 
Lady Kathryn: I have full confidence in you, my friend. You have done amazing things. But vampires have no soul. 
Lady Kathryn: So be aware of their treachery. And watch over Mavis and Alex, while letting them watch over you! 
Me: Of course, my lady. It will be as you command. 
Lady Kathryn: Ladies, you looked amazing tonight, each of you elegant in your way. And I thank you. But now, it is time to prepare...A New Adventure - Part 1 - Scene 4 - The Changing of the Clothes
Me: My companions and friends, tonight you both looked exceptionally beautiful! But now it is time to change to something... more appropriate. 
Mavis: Thank the divines! I love Lady Kathryn, and it was fun to dress up for an evening - but that is long enough! 
Me: My lady once again has allowed you to change in her private quarters. I will wait out in the throne room. 
Note... for some extra... silly... images - click the spoiler button. The story continues afterwards.Spoiler: Show
These are just for fun, but I added them as a spoiler because they were not exactly intended... plus while I like this location, the closed door doesn't look up to the same level as the rest of the location. But the closed door has window for some unusual image effects. 
Mavis: No peeking!!
Me: I'm shocked you would think I would do that!
Alex: (giggles) I don't mind if you look! 
Mavis: Hey! Are your eyes open?
Me: Umm... yes, but my back is turned. 
Mavis: Close them!!
Me: Sigh... Okay - they are closed!
Alex: (laughing) 
Me: Okay, you both look great - let's go! 
Mavis: Wait! I changed my mind. I have heard stories of lusty vampires... I want something a bit... less revealing.
Me: Okay... 
Me: Well, that Yennefer outfit is your favorite, ready to go? 
Mavis: I am! Thanks, I feel much more comfortable in this! 
Me: Alex, you look totally amazing! Are you ready to go!
Alex: I picked this out just for you! I knew you would like it! 
Mavis: Umm... Alex... you have some issues around the top of your boots...
Alex: What?!?! Oh no! I can't go out like this! 
Mavis: Back outside... Now! 
Me: (sigh) Fine! 
Me: Okay, you both look amazing - and covered - and Alex... Umm... is it getting hot in here?
Mavis: (Giggles) See Alex, I told you he would love that on you! 
Mavis: Thank you for waiting and letting us find the correct outfits that we can feel comfortable in! You're the best! 
Me: Sure thing, ladies! Anything for you. Wait for me at the bottom of the stairs - it is time to depart. 
A New Adventure - Part 1 - Scene 5
The Parting of the Knights, and the Blessing of the Lady 
Lady Kathryn: It is time for you to depart. Mavis, always a pleasure to see you. Take care of him! 
Lady Kathryn: Alex, I am so glad you are part of the team. Take care of him! 
Lady Kathryn: May the Nine watch over and protect you! 
Lady Kathryn: And you, my most trusted Knight and beloved friend. Do my bidding! Keep Mavis and Alex safe, and let them keep you safe as well. Find and destroy the vampires! 
Lady Kathryn: (whispering...) Is she the one? She is special, and she clearly cares for you!
Me: (whispering...) She may be... We have a long history, and she is very special to me. But... I am not sure yet... 
Lady Kathryn: (whispering...) Mavis has told me that Alex is much more powerful than she appears, and she admires Alex very much... and she would be happy for you. 
Me: Sigh (whispering...) Mavis is sweet, and we have an intense bond of friendship. I am glad she admires Alex. And I can tell you that goes both ways. Alex may be the one for me... but I have hard choices to make in the future. And forgive me for my boldness, but none can compare to you, my Lady!
Lady Kathryn: (smiling, whispering...) I love you too, my friend. But you know that can never be. But I have a glimmer of the future, and the woman you choose, she shall make you happier than you can imagine. I know of your love for Jordis. And I can see now your love for Alex. Indeed, you have a most difficult choice to make - but at least there are only two to choose from. 
Me: (whispering...) No... there is... another... A beautiful breathtaking redhead - her hair is almost as red as mine. She is often on long journeys researching the Dwemer - and where they went. But that's another story. But when she is near... well... If she returns to me, I will have to choose between the 3 of them. All of them are better than me - and I don't deserve any of them...
Lady Kathryn: (whispering...) Don't sell yourself short, my friend... If only you had been noble born... 
To be continued in...
A New Adventure - Part 2
Hope you enjoyed some of these images! Thanks for looking!!
46 comments
I will be responding to all of your awesome comments soon. For anyone viewing this for the first time, view the entire set before clicking on the spoiler button below. I have included some thoughts about this set. For those of you that do things like this, you might already have experienced some of the things I will mention. Haha, there are also two more image outtakes that were too cheesy to use in the set - even for me.
As I mentioned in the expanded area, and often in the past, when I start doing an image set, it often turns into a story - leading to things that I did not originally intend. But in this case, I had a basic outline for a few things I wanted to accomplish. But this image set was funny to make in so many ways. I shot most of the images together (around 150 images before editing), but stopped between scenes to check what I had so far. But I did not notice several things until I was a few hours into the process - and had released things to the next. So when I came back to add the "story" to the images... I noticed things I had not... and rather than start over, I simply worked those things into the story - while poking fun at my "mistakes"
When doing sets, especially for AJ's themed event, I often try to select new outfits and experiment. So I decided to do a few images of that. But when I left the room, I noticed the door - and closed it for privacy sake. Then, I noticed the translucent or semi-transparent glass. Then when I went back in - I decided Mavis would really want her normal clothes - for the next part of the series. So back out I went. Then, when I came back in, I noticed some severe clipping problems in the outfit Alex was wearing. I use a custom bodyslided body of my own design. So all of my outfits have to be converted through Bodyslide - and some bodyslided conversions are simply better than others. And sometimes, mixing parts from different outfits doesn't work. But also, because of the way zzJay had to build some of her W2 and W3 outfits from original models, problems can occur when trying to use the outfits on a CBBE body - or at least with mine. Please note - zzJay did a fantastic job bringing these outfits to Skyrim - and I praise her for that!
So there you have it - my story about the story... so far. Haha, if anyone is still reading this... well... you need to get a life as much as I do!
My Skyrim - My Way!!
Haha, almost forgot the extra images. These were taken during the final scene, but even I could not include them!
Be strong!
Fight hard!
Thanks to those that support me - I could not get motivated to do sets like this... or other things... without your kind words and support!
Apoligies yet again for the delay in looking at your stories here, but as I have said before and as you know very well, summer's gardens are very demanding and must have attention before the winter returns.
This was a very intriguing story and it was very good in that it has what I will take to be the opening refeerences as to how you and Alex first met and the starting point of your long term partnership.
I was itrigued and yet mildly confused by Lady Kathryn and would know more of her position and role in the fight against the vampires...she seems to be in a position of some authority given the degree of respect given to her by yourself and Mavis, as well as Alex and she seems to be a a position to affect the planning of your mission, but from where does that authority derive?
Mavis is rather a good looking girl, in my estimation, as indeed are all of the girls present (especially Alex!), although I began to get a little bit worried about the additional images in the spoiler in which took place the two girls changing into their campaigning outfits...I don't mean worried in terms of the images themselves, but as to your character's possible reactions to the fact that the intervening door did not guarantee the modesty of the ladies within, although your actions were those of a perfect gentleman, which were as I expected them to be, although I must mentionAlex's comment about not minding if you took a peek at her! That was definitely rather wonderfully flirty and a nice piece of comedy (although one wonders what her reaction would have been had you done so!) Additionally, it reminded me of a similar incident which occurred to me when I was in Italy as a mature student with my University...if you are interested in what occurred please let me know in the PM and I'll relate it to you (and I guarantee every word will be the truth!).
As to your notes on the creation of the set, I fully understand how some unintentional occurrences absolutely beg to be added into the story especially when they only present themselves when the images are surveyed after "shooting" the scene. It has happened in some of my stories too and quite often Ihave found that some of them can suddenly "humanise" the events that they have accidentally recorded. I think the art world (or the film world) tend to name these as "happy accidents".
In conclusion, I have to say that in my opinion, this opening part of the story is nicely balanced between the urgency of the mission and the friendship, or in some cases the shared love, of the participants and I'm looking forward to reading the next chapter.
With your permission, I will also make my comments in the...erm...comments sedction of those sets, unless you would prefer me to do so in the PM?
All the best, old mate!
As for Lady Kathryn, keep in mind this took place before my full playthrough started. Which as I think I have mentioned, also accounts for the appearance of my PC. He really needed to get more sleep, as his face is rather... well... you know what I look like now. Same basic face, but a lot less old looking these days. Part of that is because I play first person I didn't care as much what I looked like, part of that was as we have discussed... especially back then... I simply had not used RaceMenu much. So his/my face was set back from my xbox 360 days, using an imported save file from my Level 100 character on the 360. Before I started my playthrough, I did improve his looks a bit. So in this story, all I had really done was upgrade his hair and hair color from what they were on the 360. There really wasn't red hair in vanilla Skyrim... at least on the 360, and certainly not better looking hair meshes. Sorry, rambling...
Lady Kathryn is a Lady, meaning someone in the upper levels of society. She was originally placed in Solitude, in the Blue Palace, so her associations would be with Solitude and Elisif. There is more to her story and how we met, but I am going to stop there for now. Remind me later and I will explain more, if interested.
One thing I will mention about that location, is that Lady Kathryn's bedroom (without that door) was what I used when building the private quarters for Alex. In fact, part of the reason I built the private quarters for Alex is because we love that room and wanted it for date nights, but didn't want to kick Lady Kathryn out of it! Anyway, I have added things for Alex inside the room like some treats and wine, but they are basically the same. The pool (not shown in this set) on the other side of what I called the Throne Room in this story, also is in the private quarters for Alex, connected by a long hallway instead of the Throne Room. Off of that hallway is where the long walkin closet is for Alex, and across the hall from her closet is where Alex has her Chocolate collection display. The hallway, closet with mannequins, and Chocolate display were all built from scratch... mostly.
Glad you like the story so far, and I hope you like it as it proceeds.
Well, your character has definitely a hard choice to make sometime, looking forward how this story develops
You can really breathe live into those shots by the way you staged them attentively and your narrative, which is maybe so strong because we already have a good impression of your characters temper.
It remains to be seen if I can pull off this much smaller story line... but I might just have a trick or two up my sleeve!
I really liked the work you put into this chapter. It's always satisfying when you get something in your head and you manage to put it together in the screenshots. For me, any success causes more extravagant and difficult things to come to mind
Very nice overall and the effort is appreciated. Looking forward to the next
Thanks so much for your kind words. I am going somewhere with this story - but even I don't know the path it will take, exactly. Most of this set was not planned when I started it - which is how my best image sets always seem to happen.
I can't stop saying how much I love your funny narration
Also the scenes are well crafted and the characters' personalities and interactions make the story feel alive and extremely fun to read ^^!